There are a lot of great things about using a robot vacuum at home. It’s incredibly handy, for instance, to have a vacuum that’ll get your cleaning done on a specific schedule. It’s equally nice that your vacuum can fit underneath furniture and clean in spaces where you can’t. The best robot vacuum feature, however, is the fact that they give you back your time—so you have more of it to spend with your friends and family.
With so many different robot vacuums on the market, it can be hard to find the right one for your lifestyle. Here’s how to choose the best robot vacuum in 2025, factoring each model’s performance, features, and price point. (And don’t worry: This best-of list will hone in on some top specialized robots, too. It’ll also cover robot vacuums for pet hair cleaning, large spaces, and smart homes!)
How we decide what’s best
At Best Buy Canada, curating a “Best of” or “Top X” list is a thoughtful and transparent process. We evaluate products based on brand reputation, popularity, customer interest, and relevance within their category. Our bloggers then bring deep product knowledge and hands-on experience to help identify the best options for you.
Testing goes far beyond unboxing—products are used in real-world scenarios, with our bloggers putting themselves in your shoes to better understand how a device or accessory performs day to day and whether it meets expectations. Where possible, they compare similar models and assess key factors such as design, performance, and category-specific features to offer well-rounded, informed recommendations. For niche or new product categories where broader hands-on testing might not be possible within that category as a whole, our skilled bloggers evaluate the products using every objective method they can.
In some cases, a blogger may not have direct experience with a specific product. When that happens, they draw on broader expertise, such as time spent with comparable items, an understanding of the brand’s current lineup, and its overall reputation. We also draw on insights from Best Buy’s in-house category experts and aggregate feedback from both trusted reviewers and customer ratings to make the best selections.
We’ll always be clear about the basis of our recommendations—whether they stem from first-hand testing or extensive research. Authenticity matters to us. Every “Best of” guide is built on objective insights, product knowledge, and a commitment to helping you make confident buying decisions.
Why a robot vacuum is a modern must-have
Robot vacuums are a great way to save time that you’d normally spend on chores. They’re a handy, effective tool that gets your vacuuming done for you. Plus, with such a wide range of vacuums available, you can find a great one at every price point. With features like object avoidance, scheduled cleanings, mopping functions, and object sorting for small messes left on the ground (like socks and toys), there’s simply no reason not to have one in your household.
Let’s be honest: I think we could all use a break when it comes to cleaning. There’s always something to catch up on, whether it’s weekly vacuuming or deep-cleaning your oven. So, when there’s an easy way to make sure your floors get cleaned on a regular basis… Why not take advantage of that?
Do homes still need a manual vacuum cleaner?
For deeper cleaning sessions, many homes still rely on a manual vacuum cleaner. These are great for deep cleaning carpets, getting into narrow crevices, and cleaning spaces that are higher up, like your drapes or windowsills. As a robot vacuum enthusiast, I use my robot vacuum 3-4 times a week to clean different areas in my home (especially the kitchen and my cat’s litter room), but only reach for my manual vacuum once every 1-2 months. For my lifestyle, a manual vacuum feels like a nice-to-have, not a must-have.
A popular choice for a standalone vacuum to enhance your cleaning routine is the Dyson stick vacuum line: These cordless, lightweight vacuums are a great option for versatile cleaning. Make sure to check out Best Buy’s Dyson vacuum guide and this list of the best vacuums for deep cleaning to learn if a manual home vacuum would be a good choice in addition to your robot vacuum, too.
Key technological advancements and trends in robotic vacuums
The one category of people I see without a robot vacuum is those who tried a robot vacuum early on and didn’t like it. Thankfully, robot vacuums have come a long way. If you’ve tried a robot vacuum in the past and thought they weren’t for you, it’s time to try one again!
Not only have robotic companies added new features to robot vacuums (like wet mopping, self-emptying, and voice control), but they’ve also improved the products’ base functionality. Now, robot vacuums do a great job of mapping out your home and memorizing its layout. Depending on the model you purchase, your vacuum may be able to quick-map your entire home, remember maps on multiple floors, and clean by room. For instance, running a scheduled quiet clean only on Sunday nights and a high-powered boot room clean every single day. They’re more directed than before, and better at both cleaning and navigation.
Every single model of today’s robot vacuums is faster and more efficient than those from the first generation of robot vacuums. The industry has changed from bump-avoiding navigation to LiDAR mapping and AI-led cameras, making robotic cleaning more seamless than every before. Even base models of robot vacuums today can avoid stairs, vacuum at different intensity levels, and connect to your smartphone—all features roboticists could only dream of in the early 2000s.
How to choose the best robot vacuum
When selecting the best robot vacuum, remember that it’s all about the product’s fit in your home. There’s no one “best” robot vacuum, though I’ll make a strong argument for my all-over favourite in a minute! Instead, there’s just what works best for your needs.
I recommend considering a list of a vacuum’s possible features and figuring out what you can’t live without. Then, narrow down your options. Consider factors like design, review, and price point.
Top robot vacuum features to consider
- Smart home/smartphone integration: All robot vacuums connect to your smartphone nowadays, but how easily can you control each one on your phone? Do you need something with voice-activated Alexa or Google Home control, too?
- Smart mapping functions: Can this vacuum remember the layout of your home? Do you need it to be able to vacuum only certain areas, or schedule cleanings for only certain rooms?
- Multi-mapping functions: Do you live in a multi-floor home? Does your vacuum need to be able to remember and recognize multiple maps?
- Vacuuming vs vacuuming and mopping: Do you need something that does both?
- Self-emptying and self-cleaning: Is a budget-friendly product more important to you, or a product that empties itself after a clean?
- Home size: How large is your home? Will any vacuum do, or do you need one that can self-empty and then continue its clean?
- Privacy: Do you want a product with a camera and microphone, or would you prefer one without? If you do, what kind of track record does each company have with keeping your data securely stored?
Still not sure which robot vacuum to pick? Make sure you check out Best Buy’s Robot Vacuum Buying Guide, too. It’s full of helpful facts and pointers to help you figure out exactly which vacuum will be best in your home.
Best robotic vacuums of 2025
To select the best robot vacuums of 2025, I looked at multiple factors including suction power, battery life, smart features, and the ability to wet mop. Then, I considered the performance of the models and brands themselves. Finally, I made sure to select products that fit a wide range of lifestyles and budgets—from budget buys to mid-range finds and premium models.
The one thing that I’m happiest to report in this best-of list is that these products naturally dispersed themselves throughout my budget categories. There were great options with a ton of features at every price point, even before I went back to take price into consideration. No matter what your budget is for a great robot vacuum, there’s something out there for you.
Best overall & best for homes with pets
As a product reviewer who has reviewed dozens of different robot vacuums, the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop with FlexiArm Design Side Brush is my pick for the best overall robot vacuum cleaner. This is a product that does it all, and does it all very well. (It also happens to be this year’s version of the Roborock that I choose to keep in my own home!)
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is great for hard floors and carpet. It cleans well in homes with pets, pairs well with its app, and features a HEPA filter in its self-emptying charging dock. The Roborock app lets users control the S8 with a smart map, scheduled cleanings, and voice-activated features.
I particularly like that the S8 can double as a remote controlled camera while you’re away, but it does so while still prioritizing your privacy. Roborock vacuums announce their recording features loudly, feature two-way audio, and never store or sell your video feed. They’re my top choice overall, as well as my top choice for homes with kids and pets.
Best on a budget
Being on a budget does not mean that you can’t have every feature you want. Shark proves that. The Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Wi-Fi Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Sonic Mop is a great choice for busy people on a budget. It vacuums, mops, and self-empties with storage in the charging base for up to 60 days worth of dust and debris. Plus, despite its small price point, the Shark Matrix Plus features HEPA filtration and smart mapping technology.
One thing that’s great about Shark vacuums is their thin-profile self-emptying docks. They’re a great option for smaller spaces.
Best on a shoestring budget
If your budget is tight (or you’re buying a robot vacuum as a gift for a new grad), the iRobot Roomba 105 is a fantastic option. This ultra-low-budget product is still packed with features, like LiDAR mapping and smartphone integration. As a Best Buy Top Deal, it’s a product that goes on sale a few times a year for those who still need a bit extra savings, and the 105 comes in two different models: one with and one without robotic mopping functionality.
Best mid-range, best smart home-compatible, and best vacuum for large homes
All modern robot vacuums integrate with your smartphone and smart home. However, there are still models that stand out from the rest of the crowd, often due to how great their apps are.
The Roborock Q8 Max+ Robotic Vacuum and Mop is my top choice for a mid-range, smart home-compatible vacuum. It’s a fantastic buy, going on sale often and offering robust smart features. It can be used for room-by-room cleaning, scheduled vacuuming and mopping, and it offers smart suggestions for No-Go Zones as it gets to know your home. With the Q8, you get many of the same features that you would from a premium vacuum—but you get them at a smaller price point.
Additionally, the Q8 is self-emptying with a four hour battery life on a single charge, making it a great choice for large homes.
Best for hard floors
In homes with hard floors, there’s nothing better than a floor cleaner that both vacuums and mops. Vacuuming is an everyday essential for any home, but mopping takes things up a notch. Freshly-mopped floors reach a new level of clean every time. They deliver a brand-new feeling that both looks and feels great.
The Dreame L10s Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo is my top choice for homes with hard floors. Dreame products feature thicker mopping pads than most other robotics companies, which is what delivers those great results.
Most high-tech
An honourary mention has to be made for the Roborock Saros Z70. This unique vacuum (which I reviewed here on the Best Buy Blog) is a cutting-edge tool when it comes to home cleaning. Like other great robot vacuums, it vacuums, mops, schedules, and syncs easily with your smart home. Unlike other vacuums, however, the Saros Z70 has an arm.
You read that right: It has a mechanical arm that comes out of the top of the vacuum. It picks up and sorts tissues, socks, and other small items. For homes with floors that are just a little bit messier than you’d like, Roborock’s new robot arm is a top-of-the-line innovation that takes robot home cleaning one step further.
Final Thoughts: Which Robotic Vacuum is Right for You?
There’s a lot to consider when you’re trying to find the best robot vacuum for your home. From battery life to smart features and filtration systems, what makes a vacuum perfect for you may not make it perfect for the next person.
To find your best robotic vacuum cleaner, figure out which features you can’t live without and which ones you can. Then, refine your search by looking at each product’s price point, design, and additional features. With so many fantastic robot vacuums available, you’re sure to end up with something great no matter what product you go with.
Explore robotic vacuums online at Best Buy Canada today to find your perfect match.
