Ive tested 20+ robot vacuums. These are the only ones Id tell you to buy in 2025.

There's definitely something to be said for the crisp handheld control of a powerful cordless Dyson. But if you're not one to classify cleaning as cathartic, why not outsource that tedious task? The best robot vacuums patrol your home to clear away dust, crumbs, pet hair, and sometimes even spills or stains on hard floors — no elbow grease required.

And after testing 20+ robot vacuums on my own personal floors (my apartment is very clean), I can confidently call out the top robotic vacuum cleaners that'll make your life easier.

Are Roombas the best robot vacuums?

Though some Roombas are really good robot vacuums, they're far from the only good robot vacuums.

iRobot dominated the robot vacuum realm from the early 2000s up until a few years ago, so it's no surprise that much of the general public forgets that "Roomba" isn't simply a generic term for any robotic vacuum.

But Roombas just aren't in a league of their own anymore. I mean, you can't even Google "Roomba" without a question comparing Roombas to Shark robot vacuums popping up. I'm also here to put some respect on names like Roborock and Eufy — they're continuously releasing new contenders that are often a better value than Roombas in the same price range.

I'm regularly testing the top robot vacuums at multiple price points and comparing them to top performers from previous years, with all my evaluations taking place in my own home on various rugs, tile, and hardwood floors. As I test each robot vacuum, I keep notes on their overall suction power, scrubbing efficacy (if it's a robot vacuum that mops), pet hair pickup, self-emptying docks and self-washing mopping pads, smart mapping and navigation, obstacle avoidance, and the overall user experience. All of that is considered through the lens of cost efficiency. I'll be the first one to point out when a budget vacuum cleaner is solid for the price, or when a premium robot vacuum is actually worth the splurge — or not worth the splurge, in the case of Roborock's $2,599.99 robot vacuum with an arm.

After all that testing, I've narrowed down your shopping list to six options. Here are the best robot vacuums for every home and budget so far in 2025.

Other robot vacuums I've tested recently

I tested several other top robot vacuums in the past that didn't make the most recent cut for this list. Some, like the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, Roborock Qrevo Master, Narwal Freo X Ultra were my top recommendations at one point, but have since been overshadowed by newer, more powerful models that are a better bang for your buck.

I've also tested some 2025 robot vacuum releases that were OK, but ultimately aren't a top pick for me. The Dreame X50 Ultra grabbed attention during its CES 2025 debut for its ability to "climb," though the fine print is that it can't scale thresholds taller than 6 millimeters (about 2.36 inches). The Roborock Saros 10 and 10R were able to hoist over the few thick doorway thresholds in my apartment just as well as the X50 Ultra. Its mopping and vacuuming capabilities are better than most mid-range robot vacuums, of course, but they weren't impressive enough for me to suggest the X50 Ultra in this list over either Saros 10 model.

I'm also in the process of getting my hands on the new Roombas for 2025 and am currently working with the Roomba 105. The first model I tested was the Roomba Combo 205 DustCompactor, which wouldn't be a bad pick if you absolutely can't spare floor space for a self-empty dock. But it was too much of a bumbling navigator to beat out other vacuums in its price range. I'll see how it compares to my experience with the 3i G10+: another newly-released robot vacuum with debris compression instead of a self-empty dock.