If you’re weary of the strenuous task of mopping your floors — and even vacuuming seems like a chore — it may be time to look into a robot vacuum that includes mopping functionality. These hybrid devices have significantly progressed in recent years, providing an effortless, hands-free solution to maintain clean floors without any physical effort.

Are Robot Vacuums Effective at Mopping?

While a robot vacuum won’t scrub your kitchen grout with the vigor of a toothbrush, modern models are much more capable than their predecessors. Since about 2020, leading brands have expanded their selections to feature hybrid units that both vacuum and mop, with prices varying from affordable options under $200 to high-end models exceeding $1,000.

As expected, the more you invest, the more sophisticated and effective the mopping features become. If your primary concern is tidying up minor spills, a basic model may be adequate. However, for tougher, dried-on messes, investing in a higher-end unit with advanced scrubbing functionalities will be worthwhile.

In the initial stages, hybrid vacuums could barely do more than glide a damp cloth across the surface. Yet by 2025, even mid-range variants deliver significantly enhanced mopping results. Premium versions now boast pressurized, vibrating, or spinning mop pads that imitate the scrubbing action of traditional mopping. Many also allow for the use of actual cleaning solutions, not merely water — a significant advantage for those who prefer to walk barefoot on spotless floors.

A Revolutionary Development: Self-Cleaning Docks

A notable breakthrough in contemporary 2-in-1 robot vacuums is the advancement of their docking stations. Beyond merely emptying the dustbin, today’s elite models can also automatically clean and dry their mop pads and replenish their water tanks. Some can even dispense cleaning solution autonomously.

This degree of automation ensures your robot vacuum is always prepared for duty, eliminating the need for you to manually wash dirty mop pads or refill water tanks daily. If the maintenance of mop pads is too cumbersome, you may find yourself skipping mop mode entirely — undermining the purpose of purchasing a hybrid in the first place.

Is a Robot Vacuum That Mops a Good Investment?

After evaluating over 15 hybrid models in my apartment — from entry-level to the most advanced options available — I’ve compiled a list of the best robot vacuums that also mop as of spring 2025. Here are the top four models I recommend at this moment.

Additional Robot Vacuums Under Review

I’m currently testing the Roborock Saros 10. This model is related to the Saros 10R, and while they share a $1,599 price and many features, there are some significant differences.

To begin with, the Saros 10 is better suited for larger homes. Unlike the 10R, which restricts the number of rooms you can map in the app, the Saros 10 accommodates twice as many — a vital feature for multi-room apartments or houses.

In terms of suction power, the Saros 10 provides slightly greater suction (22,000 Pa compared to the 10R’s 20,000 Pa), though this difference is minimal in practical use. It also replaces the 10R’s dual spinning mop pads with a single D-shaped mop pad that vibrates and delivers downward pressure. While this design covers a broader area, I’ve observed that spinning pads still outperform for tough stains.

Navigation is another area where the two models diverge. The Saros 10 features a retractable LiDAR tower and utilizes Roborock’s Reactive AI obstacle avoidance, whereas the 10R relies on StarSight navigation. Both systems are highly accurate, but in my experience, the 10R has performed slightly better in avoiding smaller obstacles such as cords and pet toys.

From an aesthetic standpoint, the Saros 10 comes in white, which fits more harmoniously into various home settings. Personally, I find the white variant more visually appealing than the darker finish of the 10R.

I also recently tested the Dreame X50 Ultra, which garnered attention at CES 2025 for its “climbing” capability. However, its threshold-climbing limit is only 6 millimeters (approximately 2.36 inches), and it did not surpass the Saros models in this regard. Although the X50 Ultra provides decent cleaning performance, it didn’t impress enough to secure a place on my top recommendations list.

Looking Forward

iRobot introduced a series of new mopping Roombas in March 2025. I’m in the process of evaluating them and will update my recommendations after assessing their performance.

In conclusion, robot vacuums with mopping capabilities are no longer merely a novelty. With the right model, you can look forward to cleaner floors with minimal effort.