Roborock Qrevo S

Roborock offers a wide selection of vacuums at various price points, and fortunately, they all perform well and hold up over time. The Qrevo S is the latest model in their midrange line. It’s a bit smaller than last year’s version and offers 7,000 Pa of suction—less than some of the more high-powered options in Roborock’s lineup. However, extreme suction isn’t always necessary for daily cleaning, and excessive power can even be tough on your carpets. What makes the Qrevo S stand out is its balance of essential features: vacuuming, mopping, automatic bin emptying, and mop washing—all at a reasonable price.

The Qrevo S uses lidar (laser navigation) to map and avoid obstacles, which adds a layer of privacy compared to camera-based systems. Its new AI-driven SmartPlan feature automatically selects the appropriate cleaning mode for each area of your home, and surprisingly, it works well—tackling carpets first before mopping hardwood and tiled areas. You can also save up to four different maps, so it’s convenient for cleaning multiple floors. Overall, the Qrevo S is a solid choice for a reliable, midrange robotic vacuum.

Roborock Qrevo Curv

Though I previously downplayed the importance of suction power, the Qrevo Curv is an exception, especially when you’re dealing with challenging messes like baking soda sprinkled all over your carpet. This upcoming model, set to debut in Western Europe, boasts an impressive 18,500 Pa of suction. It handles tough debris on thick carpets and has a unique roller brush that splits into two parts, minimizing tangling—particularly helpful for homes with long-haired residents.

While it does use an RGB camera for navigation and takes obstacle-avoidance photos (which are temporarily stored on the device), you can disable this in the app. Additionally, the Qrevo Curv comes packed with features: a flexible arm for corners, hot water mop cleaning, and a lifting mechanism to overcome high thresholds (although this function isn’t always perfect). Despite a few quirks, it’s a game-changer in home cleaning technology and should be available in the U.S. later this year.

Eufy X10 Pro Omni

At $800, the Eufy X10 Pro may seem expensive, but in the world of multifunctional robot vacuums, it’s actually a bargain—many similar models cost upwards of $1,400 to $2,000. The X10 Pro uses advanced AI visual recognition for seamless navigation and multiple floor mapping, which works exceptionally well.

It offers decent battery life, cleaning 800 square feet of mixed flooring in under 90 minutes with power to spare. The mop applies 2 pounds of pressure, which quickly wipes away even the stickiest spills. While its suction power can go up to 8,000 Pa, I didn’t notice much difference in heavily-trafficked areas. Its edge-cleaning performance isn’t stellar, likely due to the sensitive AI, which tends to avoid obstacles more than necessary. Nonetheless, it’s a good option if you want a feature-packed, reasonably priced robot vacuum with mopping functionality.

Dreame X30 Ultra

One common drawback of vacuum-mop hybrids is the inability to clean carpets effectively, as the mop pads often drag over them. The Dreame X30 Ultra solves this issue by detaching its mop pads when it detects carpeted areas. Although you need to adjust this feature in the settings, it’s a useful option for keeping your carpets clean and dry.

The X30 Ultra has decent battery life and does a good job mapping and cleaning, though mirrored surfaces can confuse it. In testing, it struggled with certain types of debris, such as Cheerios and cat litter, which is disappointing given its premium price. Still, if your home has a variety of surfaces, this vacuum-mop hybrid could be worth considering.

TP-Link Tapo RV30C Plus

An upgrade from last year’s RV10 Plus, the TP-Link Tapo RV30C Plus uses lidar for accurate navigation, providing a much better cleaning experience. It can handle 500-600 square feet in one go, returning to the dock for automatic bin emptying. Since using it, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in pet hair and dust between manual cleanings.

The Tapo RV30C integrates with the Tapo app, allowing for remote control, scheduling, and customized room cleaning. While it’s attractive and efficient, one downside is its dust bags, which need replacing about every 70 days. Replacement bags are somewhat hard to find, which can be frustrating.

Dyson 360 Vis Nav

Dyson’s latest robot vacuum offers some serious suction power and a sleek design, but it may not be for everyone. The 360 Vis Nav boasts a spin speed of 110,000 rpm and an improved dustbin system. It also features a triple-action brush bar for handling different surfaces, from hardwood to carpet.

However, its navigation leaves much to be desired. While it performs well in open spaces, it struggles with obstacles like chair legs and rugs. Given its high price, the 360 Vis Nav may only be a good option for homes with open floor plans and minimal furniture.

iRobot Roomba 694

For those on a budget, the iRobot Roomba 694 is a solid pick. Priced under $200, it’s great for basic cleaning tasks like post-dinner kitchen messes. While its suction power isn’t on par with higher-end models, it’s still effective, especially with features like Dirt Detect for spot cleaning. If you’re looking for a simple, reliable robot vacuum without breaking the bank, this is a safe bet.

iRobot Roomba j7+

iRobot continues to shine with the Roomba j7+, which offers top-notch suction and advanced navigation tools. The Genius feature allows the vacuum to learn your preferences and schedules over time, streamlining the cleaning process. It’s also one of the few brands with bin sensors that enable automatic emptying when full, making it an excellent choice for hands-off cleaning.

Ecovacs Deebot T9+

The Ecovacs Deebot T9+ impresses with its camera-free navigation and disposable mopping pads. One unique feature is its built-in air freshener, which adds a pleasant aroma while cleaning. Although it requires swapping the vacuum base for the mopping base, this ensures the mop won’t drag across carpeted areas, making it a handy feature for homes with mixed flooring.

Honorable Mentions

  • Yeedi C12 Pro+ ($499): While Yeedi has come a long way, this model still struggles with navigation issues.
  • Yeedi M12 Pro+ ($899): This model adds mopping capabilities and features a flexible arm for tight spaces, but the Eufy X10 Pro offers better navigation.
  • Dreame L40 Ultra ($1,499): A more affordable alternative to the X30 Ultra, though it occasionally bumps into obstacles.

Vacuums to Avoid

  • Eureka J20: Despite its sleek design, it struggles with transitions between floor types and frequently loses its map.
  • Proscenic M9: Known for clogging and missed spots, this vacuum is best left off your list.
  • Narwal Freo X Ultra: Unable to connect to the app, making it unusable.
  • Switchbot K10+: Cute but inefficient, with frequent docking and navigation issues.
  • Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1: Decent cleaning performance but lacks key features like auto-emptying and accurate mapping.