The promise of clean floors without even lifting a finger (except perhaps to cue your machine) is hard to ignore. Since 2022, we’ve tested over 40 robot vacuums in The Lab and at home—including multiple vacuum and mop combo machines, and even a mop-only machine (more on the Bissell ReadyClean A3 Robotic Mop below).
Our robust testing process shows that we're not strangers to assessing cleaning robots and their and overall value. Robot mops are an investment, with the full prices of our recommendations ranging from $600 to $1,600. The model you land on might still have some quirks (there's a lot of parts that need to work together to make them perform), but it’ll make your life easier and give you the clean floors you dreamed of.
Editor's Note: This review was revised in November 2024 with updated buying considerations for our four favorite robot mops.
Best Overall
Narwal Freo Robot Vacuum and Mop
-
Cleans debris of varying sizes
-
Quiet operation
Drying feature works quickly on floors
Some confusion during app setup
Doesn't self-empty
After testing the Narwal Freo and seeing how precisely it navigates around obstacles, and how efficiently it mops and vacuums, we’re sold. It easily handles small dust and debris, and never tried to pick up anything that led to damage in our testing. It's subtle while operating and is among the quietest robot vacuums we've tried.
After it’s done mopping, floors dry quickly thanks to its drying feature. It’s cleverly programmed to work inward from the perimeter of the room, so by the time it reaches the middle, the outer edges are already dry.
When testing, we tried it in a home with dark wood floors, which are not forgiving when it comes to hiding dirt and grime. It made a noticeable difference in how clean and shiny the floors looked, and the battery had no trouble managing the entire main floor of the house on a regular basis.
As impressive as the Narwal Freo is, it's worth noting that the setup process wasn't entirely intuitive, and getting the robot to connect to the app wasn't easy. We discovered the app has to be on the entire time during the setup. Once we worked through the issue and connected with customer service, the mapping and scheduling turned out to be smooth.
Other potential hiccups for buyers might include the lack of self-emptying (there's a one-touch button process instead) and the ongoing cost of refill solutions. Still, this machine's impressive performance and effective features don’t disappoint.
We’re pleased with its performance after six months of testing, too. The cleaning power remains great, and the only areas of maintenance are small and expected, like refilling the tank and washing the mop pads.
Battery Life: 210 minutes | Mapping: Yes | Smart Capabilities: Automatic mapping, DirtSense technology, low noise, smart dry, mop self-cleaning
Best Self-Emptying
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum
Variety of self-directed functions
Versatile cleaning modes
Voice control
Can map up to four levels
Some connectivity issues during app setup
Bumped into glass furniture
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is a high-performing, smart appliance with lots of bells and whistles. Not only does it self-empty, but it’s programmed to manage a number of maintenance tasks that other machines require users to handle manually, including self-drying, self-emptying, self-refilling, self-cleaning, and even auto mop-washing (if you’ve ever dreaded rinsing off a traditional mop, you’re off the hook with this machine).
On top of these programmed functions, it’s great with regular cleaning and expertly handles light food messes, daily dust, and more.
The S8 Pro Ultra has a variety of cleaning modes, from quiet and light settings to more powerful deep clean options, and it easily maneuvers between hard flooring and carpet alike. You can even control it with voice controls, speaking your commands and sending it to work if you have a smart home hub such as Amazon Alexa.
The setup process wasn’t entirely flawless since we did have a few issues with getting the S8 Pro Ultra connected to Wi-Fi. Thankfully, once we were online, the instructions were smooth and easy to follow.
The other small quirks are that it did, on occasion, bump into furniture, but not hard enough for damage. We did find that some hair got caught in the rollers, but we would equate fixing it to clearing a paper jam in a printer. Otherwise, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is a high-end cleaning machine with a ton of hands-off features compared to its competition.
Battery Life: 180 minutes | Mapping: Yes | Smart Capabilities: Selective room cleaning, high precision mapping, obstacle recognition, voice control, app control, self-washing, self-drying, self-refilling
Best for Pet Owners
Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop
Spot clean mode
Reusable mop pads
HEPA filter
Could reach corners better
Mop mode does not self-empty
Because messes are common for pet owners, we wanted to be sure to recommend a versatile robot mop that's up for the challenge. Enter the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop, which is reliable and efficient, and great for both daily maintenance and touch-ups.
We especially love the spot clean mode, which allows you to use the app to identify a 3-foot by 3-foot box in need of extra cleaning. It’s ideal for high-traffic areas (like where your pet runs in from outside, or right next to the food bowl) and for spills and other areas that need extra attention. The vacuum function of this combo machine also has a HEPA filter, which captures fur, dander, and other small allergens down to 0.3 microns.
The mopping results from the Shark AI Ultra rival a steam mop, only with far less hands-on effort required. This robot mop also boasts other features that elevate the overall user experience, like CleanEdge Technology which is a combination of air and corner recognition that blasts away debris in tight areas. The technology does still leave some debris behind, but corners are a notorious challenge for robot vacuums and mops, so we’re not expecting total perfection.
We also like that this pick includes reusable mop pads, a perk for anyone who likes to be mindful of waste (and who doesn’t like running out). One area of note is that we would prefer to see a self-empty feature with the mop setting, too. Still, the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop is a thoughtful machine with reliable, user-friendly programming, convenient scheduling, and overall impressive cleaning abilities. We give it two thumbs (and paws!) up.
Battery Life: 120 minutes | Mapping: Yes | Smart Capabilities: Programmable schedule, object avoidance, Matrix Clean Navigation, CleanEdge Technology, Sonic Mopping
Best Basic
Bissell ReadyClean A3 Robotic Mop
D-shaped design reaches into corners
Quiet operation
Automatically changes mop pads
Struggles going over ledges between rooms
Minor streaks noticeable in bright light
The Bissell ReadyClean A3 Robotic Mop is just what the name entails—a robotic mop and dry sweeper, without vacuuming capabilities. If that's what you're looking for, it's a robust model that performs really well.
All of the important functions are intuitive to find in the app, and no more than two menu levels deep. Once the machine was running (it takes about four hours to charge), it impressed us with its cleaning capabilities, and its quiet and smooth operation, too. We also see the unique D-shaped design as an advantage, because it reaches spaces that can be tougher for traditional round machines, including corners and along baseboards.
The first time we ran this robot mop in a new apartment, it went through four of its included reusable mop pads, a testament to its efficiency (and the cleaning of the previous tenants, but that’s a different story). Conveniently, up to 10 pads can be stored in the docking station, so the robot will dock itself, swap them out, and continue cleaning in one fell swoop (the ability to change pads is an impressive feature not offered by any of our other picks).
After use, floors look clean and shiny, although sunlight did reveal a few streaks on ours. One small issue during testing was that this robot didn't make it over ledges that separated rooms. Still, if you're seeking a robot mop and a robot mop only, this one is hard to beat.
This robot mop spends roughly four hours cleaning a 1,200-square foot apartment, which shows both how thorough it is and how strong the battery life is. We have found a groove with vacuuming up larger debris prior to using this mop, leaving it to tackle the remaining dirt, dust, and even winter slush.
While you’ll still want to keep a vacuum cleaner (or separate robot vacuum) on hand for dry messes, the Bissell ReadyClean A3 Robotic Mop is a great partner to have for hands-off scrubbing and scouring.
Battery Life: 200 minutes | Mapping: Yes | Smart Capabilities: Automatic mop change and mop pad lift, auto-resumes cleaning after replacements or charge, water level control
Final Verdict
The best overall robot mop is the Narwal Freo Robot Vacuum and Mop, because it's a powerfu machine that cleans up messes smoothly and quietly, and that also helps to dry your floors. If you're looking for a robot mop without a vacuuming feature, we suggest the Bissell ReadyClean A3 Robotic Mop, our best value pick. This basic robot mop uses a jet spray to target spills and leaves your floors spotless.
How We Tested the Robot Mops
We've purchased and tested over 40 robot vacuums and vacuum-mop hybrids in The Lab and at home. Our process has evolved over time, but usually includes assessment of these attributes:
- Ease of setup: We assemble each appliance and rate the process. If an app is required for programming, we install that, and take into account how user-friendly the process is.
- Effectiveness: We test the mopping effectiveness by spilling syrup and coffee on our testing floors, setting a two-minute timer, and letting the robot mop clean. Afterward, we evaluate if any sticky residue was left behind.
- Noise level: As the machine operates, we use a decibel reader to assess the noise.
- Maneuverability: We score each model as it navigates around couches and coffee tables. If object avoidance is an advertised feature, we test it by putting a USB cord, sock, and chocolate pudding on the floor, and we note of whether it successfully avoids those obstacles.
- Ease of emptying: We note how smoothly each device's dust bin and reservoir can be emptied. When the robot mop has a self-empty feature, we test that out too, and record additional observations.
- Overall value: We also look at the overall value of the robot mop, based on the price, our experience, and its features. We compare it to the other models tested, and ask whether we'd spend our own money on it.
What to Look for in a Robot Mop
Object Avoidance
In the off-chance that your cat left a toy behind on the floor, or a guest bumped a pillow off the couch, a robot mop with object or obstacle avoidance will be able to navigate around it (as opposed to bumping into it). This feature requires some pretty sleek programming, and you'll see it on newer models. You can find it all of our current robot mop picks.
Smart Mapping
Multi-room smart mapping helps you create a floor plan for each of your rooms. All of our robot mop and hybrid vacuum recommendations incorporate this technology. This mapping feature is important because it provides a consistently efficient blueprint for the robot.
For instance, if your kitchen has laminate flooring, but your living room is fully carpeted, the robot mop knows to travel to your kitchen to begin its cleaning while avoiding the living room. If you choose a robot mop without this function, it may take longer to clean every room as it zig-zags its way around the floor.
Battery Life
A long-lasting battery will ensure your robot can get cleaning jobs done in a reasonable time frame (otherwise, it'll need to stop to recharge, which can add hours to its task). Though, consider your space before springing for the largest battery on the market.
If you have a larger home, you may want to ensure that you’re selecting a model with a lengthy battery life, but if your home is smaller, or you only have a few rooms with hard floors, then something with a shorter battery life may still suit you. Among our recommendations, battery life ranges from 110 minutes (our best value pick) up to 210 minutes (our best overall).
One More Thing
As much as we love our robotic cleaning companions, we want to give our readers clear expectations about them. So, don't toss your other floor cleaners just yet. In our experience, robot mops are great for regular cleaning and maintenance, occasional spot cleans, and for extending the time in between those deep cleans. Depending on your home and cleaning habits, they can give you back hours in your week.
But, we've yet to meet one that can navigate behind a toilet, or conquer stairs. In other words, they can definitely make your life easier and cut down on the amount of floor scrubbing you do, but you will still need to do some manual touch-ups around your home. They don't do everything, but they definitely do enough that we still think they're a great option for many households.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This piece was written by Dena Ogden, associate editor at The Spruce, specializing in technology, appliances, cleaning, and organization. Ogden has firsthand experience with products from top vacuum and cleaning tool brands, such as Shark, Bissell, Hoover, Tineco, Ecovacs, and more.
For this story, she utilized extensive data from The Lab and from our home-testing experience, where we take products home after formal testing to see how they hold up in real life. Ogden was also the tester for a robot vacuum and mop that didn't make our current list.
Our Experts:
- Michelle Lau, editor at The Spruce
- Marisa Viglione, senior editor at The Spruce