Robot vacuums have evolved. In 2025, the best models come with AI navigation, self-emptying bins, and mop integration—giving you a truly hands-off cleaning experience. Whether you live in a city flat or a large family home, there’s a robot vacuum to match your space, lifestyle, and budget. Here are the top picks for the year.
iRobot Roomba j7+
Price: ~£600 / ~$649
Why We Love It:
The j7+ combines intelligent obstacle avoidance with a self-emptying dock, making it perfect for busy households. It even recognises pet waste and power cables to avoid messes.
- PrecisionVision navigation with AI object detection
- Clean Base auto-empty dock holds up to 60 days of debris
- Voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant
- Learns your cleaning schedule and habits
Drawbacks:
No mopping feature.
Who It’s For:
Pet owners and families who want hassle-free vacuuming with minimal upkeep.
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
Price: ~£1,199 / ~$1,299
Why We Love It:
This is Roborock’s most advanced model yet. It vacuums and mops simultaneously, then returns to its dock to auto-clean and dry the mop, empty the dustbin, and refill the water tank. It’s about as hands-free as it gets.
- Dual roller brushes for better debris pickup
- ReactiveAI 2.0 obstacle avoidance
- Mop self-washing and drying
- Auto tank refilling and self-emptying bin
Drawbacks:
Very expensive.
Who It’s For:
Premium smart home users who want a fully automated vacuum and mop system.
Eufy RoboVac X8 Hybrid
Price: ~£450 / ~$499
Why We Love It:
The X8 Hybrid delivers impressive suction power with twin turbines, plus a built-in mopping function. It’s one of the most powerful robot vacuums in its price range and offers great value for mixed surfaces.
- Twin-turbine suction (up to 4,000Pa)
- Vacuum and mop combo
- Laser navigation with real-time mapping
- App control and voice assistant compatibility
Drawbacks:
No self-emptying dock.
Who It’s For:
People with pets, rugs, and hard floors who want strong suction and hybrid cleaning without breaking the bank.
Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum
Price: ~£550 / ~$599
Why We Love It:
The Shark AI Ultra combines LiDAR navigation with a self-emptying base, offering a premium cleaning experience at a more accessible price point. It also includes Matrix Clean for deep multi-pass cleaning.
- LiDAR navigation with room mapping
- Self-emptying base holds 60 days of dirt
- Matrix Clean system for multiple passes
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
Drawbacks:
Bulkier than other models.
Who It’s For:
Busy households that want reliable hands-free cleaning without paying flagship prices.
Yeedi Vac 2 Pro
Price: ~£300 / ~$349
Why We Love It:
The Yeedi Vac 2 Pro offers impressive features at an entry-level price. It includes a vibrating mop, 3D obstacle avoidance, and solid suction power — a great value pick for smaller homes or flats.
- 3,000Pa suction power
- Oscillating mop with water tank
- Visual SLAM navigation with 3D obstacle avoidance
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
Drawbacks:
No self-emptying base
Mapping can take longer than laser-guided models.
Who It’s For:
First-time robot vacuum buyers who want mopping and smart features without spending a fortune.
| Model | Suction Power | Mopping | Self-Emptying | Smart Navigation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iRobot Roomba j7+ | 2,200Pa (est.) | No | Yes | Camera + AI |
| Roborock S8 Pro Ultra | 6,000Pa | Yes (Auto-Cleaning) | Yes | LiDAR + AI |
| Eufy RoboVac X8 Hybrid | 4,000Pa | Yes | No | Laser Mapping |
| Shark AI Ultra | 2,000Pa (est.) | No | Yes | LiDAR + Multi-Pass |
| Yeedi Vac 2 Pro | 3,000Pa | Yes | No | Visual SLAM + 3D Avoidance |
FAQs
Which robot vacuum has the best suction power?
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra leads the pack with a powerful 6,000Pa suction rating, making it ideal for deep cleaning carpets and hard floors.
Do robot vacuums work on all floor types?
Yes, most robot vacuums work on hardwood, tile, and low- to medium-pile carpets. Some models, like the Eufy X8 Hybrid, are better suited for mixed surfaces.
Are self-emptying robot vacuums worth it?
Yes, especially for busy households. Models like the Roomba j7+ and Shark AI Ultra can hold weeks of debris, reducing manual maintenance significantly.
Can robot vacuums replace regular vacuuming?
In many homes, yes. High-end models like the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra or Roomba j7+ can handle daily cleaning, though occasional deep cleaning may still be needed.
Do robot vacuums also mop?
Some models do. The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra and Yeedi Vac 2 Pro include mopping features, with the S8 even cleaning and drying its own mop automatically.
Are robot vacuums safe around pets?
Yes. Models like the Roomba j7+ use AI to avoid pet waste and cables, making them safe for homes with cats or dogs.