My top three robot vacuum picks for 2025
Best overall robot vacuum
Roborock Saros 10R
$1,599.99 at Amazon
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Best economical robot vacuum
3i G10+
$349.99 at Amazon
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Robot vacuum that converts to a stick vacuum
Eufy E20 3-in-1
$349.99 at Amazon
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Opting for a robot vacuum over a stick vacuum today poses less of a gamble than it did five years ago. Knowing which robot vacuum features to seek is essential. In the past, weak suction and docking failures left many robot vacuums idle, causing owners to revert to traditional vacuuming. In 2025, leading brands such as iRobot, Roborock, Shark, and Eufy provide robot vacuums that enhance everyday life. As customer expectations change, high-end features are becoming increasingly accessible.
SEE ALSO: Robot vacuum brands are missing the mark with the newest ‘innovations’
Although prices are less intimidating, there’s still a chance of either underpaying or overpaying for a robot vacuum. The real consideration isn’t if a robot vacuum is valuable, but which features are beneficial for your household. With numerous brands now offering reasonably priced premium features, selecting the right robot vacuum can prove to be difficult. Here’s a clear buyer’s guide on key elements to evaluate before acquiring a robot vacuum.
Do I require a self-emptying robot vacuum?
The Roborock Saros 10R’s self-empty dock is incredibly stylish.
Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable
When this robot vacuum’s dust bag reaches capacity, I can easily dispose of it and put in a new one.
Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable
Self-emptying robot vacuums offer convenience, regardless of the size of your space. If you’re trying to lessen your vacuuming tasks, handling the dust bin often might not be appealing. Automated cleaning leads to more frequent floor maintenance, which fills the dustbin rapidly. Larger homes and those with pets will fill the dustbin more quickly. A self-emptying robot vacuum transfers debris into its docking station, relieving you from emptying the dustbin for a month or two.
SEE ALSO: Roborock Saros 10 vs. 10R: I almost declared a winner following direct comparisons in my home
Automatic emptying docks necessitate more floor area compared to standalone versions. Nevertheless, compact self-emptying robot vacuums can accommodate small spaces.
What is a smart mapping robot vacuum?
Credit: Screenshot: Roborock
Credit: Screenshot: iRobot
Smart mapping is vital. It enables a robot vacuum to chart and remember the layout of your home. The initial mapping session generates a map in the corresponding smartphone application, where you can modify boundaries, combine or divide rooms, and add designations. The robot vacuum can then clean distinct rooms or the entire living area.
Robot vacuums equipped with smart mapping maneuver around furniture more effectively. Earlier models’ bump-and-go method struggles with intricate layouts. Smart mapping is crucial for any competent robot vacuum. Cleaning capabilities are irrelevant if a vacuum is unable to access dirty spots.
Fortunately, smart mapping is now reasonably priced. A budget of $200 can acquire room-to-room mapping from brands like Shark or Roborock.
Spot cleaning and virtual no-go areas
It’s essential to be able to direct a robot vacuum directly to the mess.
Credit: Eufy
Robot vacuums that recall your home’s rooms can also follow app-drawn boundaries around smaller areas, such as Lego stacks or pet feeding spots. This feature is vital if your robot vacuum mops but cannot distinguish between tile and a bath mat.
Small obstacle navigation
An older robot vacuum would undoubtedly get snagged on this sock.
Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable
Small obstacle navigation means you won’t need to set up keep-out zones in the app. Robot vacuums with this capability avoid cords, laundry, and pet waste, making it easier to skip pre-cleaning.
Some robot vacuums come with live-streaming cameras, offering a floor-level view of your space. This benefits pet owners. Certain cameras feature two-way audio for communication.
Which robot vacuum is best for hardwood floors?
Robot vacuums efficiently collect debris from hardwood or tile. However, debris often gets pushed into corners. Seek out a robot vacuum with an extendable edge-sweeping brush. These brushes extend beyond the vacuum’s shape to clean corners and edges effectively. Roborock’s FlexiArm on the Saros 10 and Saros 10R is an excellent example.
Can robot vacuums transition from hardwood to carpet?
Yes, contemporary robot vacuums can easily switch between different floor types. For households with numerous rugs, opt for a vacuum with larger wheels to manage thresholds and carpet heights.
The Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 robot vacuum excels at navigating rugs of various heights.
Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable
Floor type sensors simplify life in homes with mixed flooring. These sensors adjust suction and height according to the type of flooring.