How we tested
I have been testing popular hybrid robot vacuums in the various apartments I’ve lived in since 2020. My hands-on analyses have included everything from budget models under $200 that just cover just the basics to $1,500 premium models that are highly advanced in the way they clean, navigate my home, and take care of their own recurring maintenance.
In 2024, I’ve gone hands-on with mopping robots including the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, Eufy X10 Pro Omni, Roomba Combo j9+, Roomba Combo j5+, Narwal Freo X Ultra, and Yeedi M12 Pro+. I am also currently working with the Roborock Qrevo Master.
A quick note about a recent experience: At this time, I’m choosing to leave the Yeedi M12 Pro+ off of the recommendation list. On paper, it checks a ton of premium boxes at a really digestible price point — most notably its self-washing and drying mopping pads and 11,000 Pa in suction power, which (if it actually worked that well in testing), would be some of the most powerful suction power on the market, beating the 10,000 Pa of the $1,799.99 Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra. Given the Yeedi M12 Pro+’s sub-$1,000 price point (as low as sub-$700 on sale), it was a budget-friendly rising star that I had to get my hands on ASAP.
While its dry vacuuming performance on rice, kitty litter, and long hair on multiple carpet piles is in line with most other vacuums I’ve tried, I wasn’t necessarily getting “the most powerful suction money can buy” vibes. Then, the eerily low price point started showing itself in how the plastic-y build struggled to hoist itself over bath mats and rugs, often getting stuck in the process. A mopping pad even popped completely off at one point. In terms of mopping itself, again, it was fine, but nothing amazing. Between merely satisfactory cleaning, overall flimsiness, and obstacle avoidance technology that sent it running right over my phone charger, I’m definitely recommending the $799.99 Eufy X10 Pro Omni as the budget pick.
The next vac on the testing docket is the new Roomba Combo 10 Max Robot + AutoWash Dock.
How we assess a robot vacuum’s performance
Ranking 2-in-1 robot vacuums requires testing of all of the factors we consider for regular robot vacuums, plus a few additional points specific to mopping. So, on top of regular vacuuming tests, including the sweeping of dry messes like intentionally smashed chips, intentionally spilled rice, soil from a house plant, and hair (cat and human), all 2-in-1 robot vacuums that come through my doors are faced with a variety of stains and messes that require a mop. I like to splatter some sort of sauce or dressing on the floor, sending the bots over wet and dried versions of those stains.
In my eyes, the only good robot vacuum and mop combos are the ones that do more than drag a wet mop pad lightly across your floor. Ideally, the mopping pad won’t be stationary, either vibrating, wiping back and forth, or exerting downward pressure to mimic human elbow grease. If the robot vacuum’s water tank is also compatible with some sort of cleaning solution mixture rather than just water, that’s even better.
However, to earn a spot in this guide, I have some expectations for these vacuum cleaners past their physical cleaning capabilities. I also consider their navigational abilities — you know, whether they can actually make it to the room that needs to be cleaned in the first place — as well as how well they avoid furniture and, when applicable, smaller obstacles like cords and pet toys.
Most of the big name robot vacuums up for consideration in 2024 can also wash and dry their own mopping pads. While this is absolutely a clutch feature that’s hard to give up once you’ve tried it, these vacuums can sometimes be so overpriced that many people will still opt to wash the mopping pads by hand. The convenience versus value factor is always top of mind for me, and as of Sept. 2024, only five hybrids earned a spot in this guide.
