There’s a lot to appreciate about the sharp handheld control that a robust cordless Dyson offers. However, if you don’t derive satisfaction from cleaning, why not delegate that job? The finest robot vacuums roam through your house to eliminate dust, crumbs, pet hair, and even occasional spills or stains on hard surfaces—requiring no physical effort.

Having tested over 20 robot vacuums on my own floors (my apartment is quite tidy), I can assertively identify the leading robotic vacuum cleaners that will simplify your life.

Are Roombas the premier robot vacuums?

While some Roombas are indeed exemplary robot vacuums, they are not the sole contenders. iRobot ruled the robot vacuum industry from the early 2000s until a few years back, which explains why many people perceive “Roomba” as a generic name for any robotic vacuum.

However, Roombas no longer stand alone in their category. You can hardly search “Roomba” online without encountering comparisons to Shark robot vacuums. I am also eager to spotlight brands like Roborock and Eufy—they are unveiling new rivals that frequently provide superior value compared to Roombas within the same price bracket.

I consistently assess leading robot vacuums across various price ranges and juxtapose them with top contenders from previous years, conducting all evaluations in my home on different rugs, tile, and hardwood floors. As I examine each robot vacuum, I keep track of their suction capacity, scrubbing performance (if equipped with mopping functions), pet hair collection, self-emptying stations and self-cleaning mopping pads, smart mapping and navigation features, obstacle detection, and the overall user experience. All of this is examined through the perspective of cost-effectiveness. I will indicate when a budget-friendly vacuum cleaner offers great bang for the buck or when a high-end robot vacuum justifies the extra cost—or not, as is the case with Roborock’s $2,599.99 robot vacuum featuring an arm.

After all that evaluation, I’ve compiled a shortlist of six options. Here are the best robot vacuums catering to every household and budget thus far in 2025.

Other robot vacuums I’ve assessed recently

I’ve evaluated several other noteworthy robot vacuums in the past that did not make the latest version of this list. Some, like the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, Roborock Qrevo Master, and Narwal Freo X Ultra, were my top picks at one time but have now been eclipsed by newer, more efficient models that deliver better value.

I’ve also examined some 2025 robot vacuum launches that were acceptable but ultimately don’t make my list of top selections. The Dreame X50 Ultra garnered interest during its CES 2025 introduction for its capability to “climb,” although it can’t navigate thresholds higher than 6 millimeters (approximately 2.36 inches). The Roborock Saros 10 and 10R handled the thick doorway thresholds in my apartment just as effectively as the X50 Ultra. Its mopping and vacuuming performance surpasses that of many mid-range robot vacuums, but it wasn’t compelling enough for me to recommend the X50 Ultra over either Saros 10 model.

I’m also in the midst of testing the new Roombas for 2025 and am currently evaluating the Roomba 105. The first model I examined was the Roomba Combo 205 DustCompactor, which wouldn’t be a poor choice if you lack space for a self-empty dock. However, it exhibited too many navigation issues to outperform other vacuums in its price tier. I will compare it to my experience with the 3i G10+: another newly launched robot vacuum utilizing debris compression instead of a self-empty station.