The 3 Best Mop-Vacuum Combos of 2025

We surveyed the most popular mop-vacuum combos from a number of brands and tested 11 models. Here are the factors we prioritized:

Cleaning ability: Given enough passes, all the models we tested were able to tackle a gauntlet of annoying-to-clean messes — milk and cereal, pasta and sauce, dried egg yolk, spilled coffee, mud. We looked for machines that cleaned these substances efficiently, without missing debris, spreading it around, or dumping it back on the floor; made quick work of dried-on stains; and, most importantly, left our test floors looking bright and fresh. We also took note of how wet the floor remained after cleaning.

We used each model’s manufacturer-recommended cleaning solution. Most come with a bottle of it, but if you don’t like the smell of a certain formulation, you can likely switch to another without issue (just check the manual). None of these formulas performed appreciably better than another.

Ease of use: Since mop-vacuum combos are meant to speed up the process of vacuuming and mopping, we evaluated how quickly we were able to set them up, and how long it took to clean them after. We appreciated those with large water tanks that were easily detachable and fillable, as well as models that had easy-to-swap mop rollers and cleaning modes that were intuitive to toggle through.

We had paid testers vet our picks as well, to get a sense for how well they worked for people with limited mobility and dexterity, differing grip strengths, and varied heights and body types. None of the mop-vac combos we tested were especially elegant or light, but we favored those that maneuvered with ease and didn’t strain our arms and wrists after prolonged use. A number of the machines (including all of our picks) had motorized wheels to help propel them across the floor; when the force didn’t overwhelm, it was a nice feature.

Unlike standard vacuums, there isn’t a huge performance difference between corded and cordless mop-vac combos, but we took note of how long a machine could operate before needing to recharge its battery.

Water tanks: All mop-vacuum combos collect the water used to wet the mop rolls and clean the floors in a tank. If the machine slurps up a puddle of liquid, that goes in too; add solids and you’ve really got a stew. A couple of the models we tested filter out solids into a separate tray that can be emptied over a garbage can and then washed off. (Unless used in a vacuum-only mode, these pieces of debris will be wet.)

All non-tray models put solid and liquid waste in the same tank, and each has its own mechanism for separating the two within that tank. Nearly all of them fail to some degree. Absent a sink with a food-grinder, emptying these dirty water tanks involves filtering out the solids yourself, as you might after handwashing dishes. (Keep that sink strainer handy!) After that, you’ve got to clean the dirty water tank itself, making sure it air-dries completely so as not to form mold. We found both the separate tray and the unified dirty water tank a bit gross to empty and clean, so we generally prioritized models that made the process as quick and clean as possible.

Vacuum-only ability: Some models can operate as a standalone vacuum (like our top pick), either with a special mode or when their clean water tank is empty. We made sure that mop-vac combos with this function could handle basic cleaning on hard floors and carpets (though none of them are strong enough to replace a full-time vacuum cleaner).

Effective mop-brush cleaning: A mop-vacuum combo’s mop brushes need to be cleaned occasionally, especially after picking up anything beyond regular floor grime. All the models we tested featured swappable, hand-washable mop rolls, but we preferred models that also had easy-to-use self-cleaning features that wash and dry the mop brushes hands-free. This typically involves a tray or charging dock that allows the brush roll to spin in place and be washed with water and solution from the clean water tank (runoff is sucked back into the dirty water tank).

Build quality: We looked for models that felt sturdy and had easily replaceable parts. We also kept our eye on mechanisms that seemed especially prone to leakage or failure.

Price: Using a mop-vacuum combo might be more convenient than dragging out a vacuum and a mop, but not so much so that it justifies paying more than you would for a reasonably priced cordless stick vacuum and a good mop. Our picks range from around $230 to $500 and are often on sale for less.

Longevity: We looked for models with good warranties — two years is standard — and valued brands with good service reputations. We logged performance issues we encountered in testing and scanned user reviews to note any recurring problems. We think a corded model, despite being a little less convenient, has a better chance of lasting longer than one equipped with a rechargeable battery.