The 4 Best Robot Mop-Vac Combos of 2025
The vast majority of new robot vacuums now feature some kind of mopping component, but many are little more than glorified Swiffer pads. For this guide, we focused on models that came with pre-installed mopping components and/or a dock that houses a water tank. Here’s how we evaluated the contenders:
Vacuum performance: To see how thoroughly each model could vacuum, we spread dust, Cheerios, birdseed, and pet fur across various open surfaces in our test space, as well as under and around chairs, tables, desks, and fixtures (including sinks and toilets). We also tested the robots in real homes, and we noted how thoroughly and efficiently each vacuum emptied debris into the dock or on-board bin.
Mop performance: We tested each robot’s mop feature on fresh puddles of soda, coffee, and milk, as well as on dried, set-in stains of mud, tomato sauce, jam, and egg on a tile floor. We evaluated how well each robot removed visible stains and odors, whether each mop had trouble reaching edges or corners, and whether the machine had spread a mess. We also mopped fairly clean tile and wooden floors, in order to see how much grime each combo typically picked up and how wet the floors remained.
Obstacle navigation and carpet detection: We looked for robots that were able to recognize and avoid common obstacles (toys, socks, and cords), climb thresholds of up to an inch, and map spaces quickly and accurately. Many combos claim to be able to differentiate between hard flooring and carpet, so they can switch between mop and vacuum modes (and not start mopping your rug).
Smart cleaning features: We appreciated robots that could recognize challenging messes (a puddle of milk and cereal, for instance, or a pet accident) and adjust their routing, cleaning power, and thoroughness accordingly (or skip a mess altogether, rather than spread it around).
Dock and water-tank design: We evaluated the size, weight, design, and functionality of each robot’s dock. It’s nice to have an automatic cleaning-and-drying station for mop pads, but not if the dock takes up an entire corner of your living room. We also checked whether a dock’s included water tanks were easy to carry, empty, and refill.
App and voice controls: There’s a pervading sameness to robot vacuum apps, so we looked for those that were easy to set up and offered helpful usage tips and quickly adjustable customization. We preferred apps that helped diagnose problems with either an alert or in-app guidance. And we tested voice controls and smart-home integration (Alexa, Google Home, and Matter), when available.
Reliability and repairability: Most robot mop-vacuum combos have a one-year warranty, which is disappointing for such pricey machines. We took note of any companies that offered longer warranties or at least the option to purchase an extended warranty for a reasonable price. We checked whether replacement parts were readily available. And we tried to get a general sense of each company’s customer service department, either by contacting it ourselves or surveying customer reviews.
