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5 Best Robot Vacuums for a Complete Clean in 2025

Savvy customers are praising the affordable cleaner for its premium features and cleaning power, rivalling competitors costing double the price. 

Budget vac wows with 'serious suction'. Picture: Eufy, Roborock and Ecovacs.
Budget vac wows with 'serious suction'. Picture: Eufy, Roborock and Ecovacs.

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While we may not be driving hover cars just yet, The Jetsons got one thing right: Rosie, their robotic maid. These days, robot vacuums have become household staples, so much so that many owners give theirs a name to make it feel like part of the family.

According to Colin Jones, Category Expert at Appliances Online, robot vacs offer a whole new level of hands-free convenience by working to a specific schedule and automatically returning to the charging dock before going back to clean. Some models can also empty the dirt into a bin that’s attached to its base station, helping reduce common allergy triggers like dust and pet hair.

“A robot vacuum is great for those that may be time poor as you can simply switch it on and it will do all the work for you,” he said.

The self emptying feature makes the affordable robot vacuum and mop combo
The self emptying feature makes the affordable robot vacuum and mop combo "a dream". Picture: TikTok/@eufyclean, @andrewcomanche.

While most robot cleaners now sit above the $1000 mark, wallet friendly options like the Eufy Clean L60 still deliver an impressive performance that make cleaning "a breeze". It even features a self emptying station, a perk usually reserved for high-end models. Happy customers say it has "serious suction" and always leaves the floor "feel very clean" after every session.

If you’re looking to splurge on a top-tier vacuum and mop combo, Roborock's QRevo Edge C stands out with a self-cleaning dock that uses rotating scrapers and hot water to make sure the actual base is left just as clean as the mop pads.

OUR TOP PICKS


BEST BUDGET & AFFORDABLE ROBOT VACUUM

eufy Clean Robovac L60 Robot Vacuum with Self Emptying Station, $497 (down from $799) at The Good Guys

What You Need To Know

Eufy may have stolen the show in the budget and mid-range robot vacuum arena with the G30 Verge, but it looks like the brand’s newer Eufy Clean L60 is making waves for its hair detangling abilities, accurate room mapping and two-hour runtime.

Its standout feature is the hair detangling technology, which uses a cutter wheel to slice through through hair on the the roller brush without hurting the brush itself. You can expect many of the same features in its pricier competitors, including a two-in-one vacuum and mop design, voice control compatibility and a self-emptying station that can hold up to a month’s worth of debris. Plus, unlike most robot vacuum cleaners, this actually comes with a remote control which is a pretty rare godsend for those who hate fiddling with buggy (or simply confusing) apps.

“We have dogs and can never keep up, but this vacuum has turned maintenance cleaning into a breeze... And unlike other vacuums where you have to empty the chamber constantly with all this dog hair, this one is a dream with its self emptying station,” a fan raved.

“This guy has some serious suction... We get a lot of dirt brought in by our five dogs, and this helps keep the floors from feeling slick and sandy. It can’t get bigger items like little sticks or pieces of toy fluff that they’ve shredded, but it does get most of the hair tumbleweeds, dirt, and bits of grass and leaves they bring in. The floor always feels very clean after it’s run through a room.”

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BEST PREMIUM ROBOT VACUUM

Roborock QRevo Edge C Robotic Vacuum, $2199 at The Good Guys

Roborock QRevo Edge C Robotic Vacuum

Roborock QRevo Edge C Robotic Vacuum. Picture: Roborock.

What You Need To Know

While many robot vacuum cleaners have an option to narrow the size of the a particular area, they're still generally slower at handling sudden spills. But certain Roborock models like the QRevo Edge C have a Temporary Cleaning function which lets the robot clean up the mess without forcing you to reprogram all the tasks. Otherwise, the vacuum can simply avoid it so you can deal with it yourself.

When it comes to maintenance, this QRevo series doesn't just have the usual hot mop washing and drying function. It stands out with a self-cleaning dock which uses rotating scrapers and hot water to clean the actual base, so you're not left with a fresh mop and a grimey tray.

"This is my first time using a robot vacuum, and I’m genuinely impressed... One feature I really appreciate is its ability to cross small steps, like the one at my bathroom entrance, without getting stuck. The noise level is also quite acceptable, and the controls are very beginner-friendly. I had no trouble setting it up or operating it," praised a shopper.

"The only minor downside is that it sometimes struggles to detect transparent glass obstacles, which I hope can be improved in future updates."

"I am loving my new little helper, excellent at what it does. Cannot imagine living without one now," another reviewer posted.

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Ecovacs DEEBOT T50 Max Pro Omni, $1499 at Amazon Australia

Ecovacs DEEBOT T50 Max Pro Omni

Ecovacs DEEBOT T50 Max Pro Omni. Picture: Ecovacs.
Other ways to buy:

What You Need To Know

You know when you're vacuuming carpet or rugs and the cleaner head just sucks up the floor instead of actual dirt? Having a vacuum with serious grunt doesn't always mean it will be great at cleaning everything, which is why Ecovacs launched its most powerful vacuum — DEEBOT T50 Max Pro Omni — with a feature called BLAST. It's essentially designed to avoid this sucky problem by creating a nice balance between suction power and airflow, making it easier for the robot cleaner to pick up debris. 

This two-in-one robot cleaner also boasts upgrades to the Omni Station, including Fast and Off-Peak Charging, Auto Cleaning Solution, Hot Air Drying and Mop Washing. You can also store up to 90 days' worth of debris in the auto-empty dustbin. 

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BEST SELF-EMPTYING ROBOT VACUUM

Dreame L10s Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop, $1199 at Amazon Australia

What You Need To Know

The Dreame L10s Ultra packs a beastly 5300Pa suction power, making it handy for getting deep into the carpet fibres, plus an auto-lift mop and hefty 2.5L water tank that can cover up to 200 sqm of wood, tile, vinyl and other hard floors.

It offers self-refilling (water and cleaning solution) and an automatic washing and drying docking station. Best of all, it comes with a high-speed self-emptying function with minimal noise and virtually no clogging. This gives you 60 days of automatic hands-free cleaning. Then all you have to do is dump the bag.

"I love this little robot!" wrote one five-star reviewer. "Very easy to map and program. Does an excellent job both in vacuuming and in mopping; my floors have never been so clean! With 3 dogs in the house we run it every day at least once if not twice."

"The cleaning power of this robot is top-notch. Its advanced features, like intelligent mapping and navigation, allow it to efficiently manoeuvre around furniture and tricky spaces, ensuring that every nook and cranny is thoroughly cleaned. Plus the customisable cleaning schedules make it incredibly convenient – I can set it and forget it, knowing that it will maintain my floors and rugs without any hassle," agreed another, rating it five stars.

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Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni

Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni. Picture: Ecovacs.

BEST ROBOT VACUUM FOR MULTI-SURFACE CLEANING

Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni, $2499 at Amazon Australia

Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni

Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni. Picture: Ecovacs.

What You Need To Know

Sometimes having a robot cleaner mop the floors isn't all it's cracked up to be, especially when you realise mop pads need to be cleaned regularly to prevent mould growth and bad odours. Thankfully, more premium models like this Ecovacs Deebot robot vacuum contain hot mop washing and air drying to help avoid bacteria growth and minimise the need to clean the pads as frequently.

This unit is also made to be fairly low effort in terms of maintenance, boasting a convenient auto dispenser for cleaning solution and a mop washing tray that's designed to be taken apart for a deep clean once or twice a year. (If you've ever freshened up an auto empty dock before, you would know the process can get tiring and get pretty grim if you don't stay on top of it all.)

Unlike some other robot vacuums, Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni has a Carpet First mode which vacuums before mopping to make sure the mop doesn't cause any loose dry debris to stick into the ground.

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On the edge of buying a robot vac? We've got the dirt on whether it's worth the money. Picture: iRobot.
On the edge of buying a robot vac? We've got the dirt on whether it's worth the money. Picture: iRobot.

OTHER ROBOT VACUUMS TO SHOP

With so many robot vacuum manufacturers pushing boundaries of home cleaning, the market is becoming increasingly saturated, and it can be hard to know which brands to shop. Here are some of the best robot vacuum cleaner brands to consider for your cleaning solutions:

Other Roborock Robot Vacuums

Other eufy Robovacs

eufy Robot Vacuum 3-in-1 E20, $999 at eufy: If you're short on space, this versatile eufy combo comes with a robot vacuum, cordless stick vacuum and handheld cleaner. It also packs an auto empty station, plus storage space for accessories.

Other Ecovacs Deebot Robot Vacuums

Other Dreame Robot Vacuums

  • Dreame L10s Pro Ultra Heat Robot Vacuum and Mop, $1199 at Amazon Australia: For those who like the Dreame L10s Ultra but need something more heavy duty, this model is still lightweight but packs an epic 7000Pa worth of suction power and larger dust bag and water tank capacities. The mop also lifts higher, which is handy for surviving high-pile carpets and rugs.
  • Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop, $2799 at Amazon Australia: Flex with a powerful 12,000Pa Vormax Suction, and tackle corners, edges and low-lying furniture with the extendable and liftable side brush as well as the Mop Extend function and RoboSwing Technology. And don't forget about the auto mop washing and hot air drying, plus the auto washboard, to get stains and odours.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A ROBOT VACUUM

How do you choose between the no-frills models and the ingenious mopping, auto-emptying and voice-activated robot vacuums? Here are the factors we took into consideration when choosing what vacuums to include on this list. 

Price

The cost of a robot vacuum can vary from the lower hundreds to the lower thousands. Keep in mind you don’t need to spend big to get a decent clean, according to Colin. “If your home has all tiles and timber flooring then dirt on your floor will be collected by even the most basic robotic vacuum cleaner,” he said.

Battery life

Remember, the stronger the setting, the faster the battery will run out. Having a long battery life is especially useful for larger homes or if you prefer more Max or Turbo modes over Quiet or Standard.

Brands often promote the maximum battery life, which is based on how long it takes to complete a cleaning cycle on the lowest setting (and typically on vacuum-only mode). This is why most robot vacuums tend to be recommended for small to medium homes, particularly if you want to deep clean without having to recharge mid-way. Although there are plenty of models available that are great for more than just a light upkeep for big homes.

Dustbin capacity

Debris can be emptied via the onboard dustbin or the dust bag in a self-emptying station, depending on which model you have.

Smart features

Most robot vacuums offer object avoidance technology and many customisable functions like scheduling, no-go zones, spot clean and more.

Obstacle detection

It’s a good idea to read online reviews on how well a robot vac identifies objects, such as rugs, tables, stairs, and even pet waste, so you can prevent any potential damage to your furniture and vacuum. Having a model that works well on low-pile or high-pile rugs and carpet will also ensure the unit cleans the surface well and won’t get snag.

“Some models have laser auto mapping capabilities that will allow the unit to scan and analyse your home and automatically adjust to any avoidances in the room, however you can also let the unit know of these avoidances beforehand through app-generated robotic vacuums,” Colin said.

Self-emptying station

These can be convenient since the dustbin can automatically collect the dirt from the clean store it in a dust bag for several weeks, before it needs to be emptied. The dust bag is also often sealed to minimise any contact with the debris. The downside is that models with a self-emptying station are often pricier. The downside is that self emptying robot vacuums are often pricier.

Size of area to be cleaned

“For medium to larger households, you may want to consider purchasing a robotic vacuum that has more features such as sweeping, vacuuming and mopping capabilities. These units with dual functionality are great for those families that have a larger space and perhaps young kids. There are always spills, so having the mopping functionality takes the pain away from having to bring out a large mop and bucket,” Colin recommended.

Expert says obstacle detection is one of the key features to look out for in a robot vacuum. Picture: Appliances Online.
Expert says obstacle detection is one of the key features to look out for in a robot vacuum. Picture: Appliances Online.

HOW WE TEST ROBOT VACUUMS

To help you find the best robot vacuums for your needs and budget, we asked Category Expert at Appliances Online, Colin Jones for their expert advice and recommendations on what to look for when buying a robot vacuum cleaner. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best [product name] from premium to budget to help you find the right one.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW DO ROBOT VACUUMS WORK?

Robot vacuums aren't necessarily meant to replace your stick vacuum – while they have great suction power, they are on the smaller side – but are great to keep on top of dust in between those more thorough cleans. They uses sensors to navigate around your home, avoiding your furniture to make sure your home gets a good clean.

Some models come with docking stations and a self-emptying bin, which transfers the dirt from the onboard dustbin to the dust bag after each cleaning cycle (or when needed), so you don't need to worry about having to manually empty the debris mid-clean.

ARE ROBOT VACUUMS WORTH BUYING?

The hype around robot vacuums is certainly justified, especially if you’re planning on using the unit for daily cleans or want to give your stick vacuum a sibling to help with small tasks. They’re handy for busy households and ageing parents, as well as anyone who wants to make cleaning a little more convenient in a novel way. And while many robot vacuums have similar features, each model has a different ‘specialty’ (e.g. strong suction power or mopping functionality) to suit a range of needs.

“The benefits of a robotic vacuum are that they require very minimal effort from the user. Simply switch on the unit and let the vacuum do the rest,” he said.

“However, it will not completely eliminate the need for a regular vacuum as it cannot reach areas such as behind appliances, vacuuming furniture or your curtains but for an everyday clean it is great.”

He also noted that robot vacuums take longer to clean an area compared to stick vacs and other types of vacuum cleaners.

HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU PAY FOR A ROBOT VACUUM?

The robot vacuum space can be pretty expensive. They can cost anywhere between $500 and $3000, but usually retail between the $1500 and $2300 mark. You can expect to fork out more for models with advanced features, including an auto-empty station, mopping functionality and hot water washing.

Robot vacuum cleaners typically work best for daily cleans. Picture: Appliances Online.
Robot vacuum cleaners typically work best for daily cleans. Picture: Appliances Online.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A ROBOT VACUUM?

The best part of having a robot vac is that they’re designed to be left unattended, which is why most models can be controlled remotely and scheduled to clean at your set times. But while smart robot vacuums are intended to be hands free, there are a few things you can do to extend its lifespan and ensure the unit continues to clean efficiently.

  • Check the brushes for hair and anything else lodged inside. You would be surprised by what (and how much) can actually be sucked up.
  • Regularly empty the robot vacuum to prevent any clogging – if you have an self-emptying model, the unit will automatically transfer the dust and debris into the dust bag.
  • Clean the main brush, side brushes and filters. Some of these are washable, while most can be dusted off with an old toothbrush.
  • Keep an eye on the wear and tear on your motor – some apps like the Ecovacs app display the health of different parts, so you can keep track of what needs to be replaced and when.
  • Carefully wipe the sensors with a dry cloth or cotton bud.
  • Make sure the software on your robot vac is updated. You can double check via the app settings.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU RUN A ROBOT VACUUM?

Colin says this is totally a matter of personal preference, especially since robot vacuum cleaners work autonomously and most come with smart scheduling and auto clean functions. More models also now contain an extendable mop arm, or at least a side brush, which jut out for better accuracy when working with edges and corners.

“These vacuums use AI technology and are able to map out the floor plan of your home and clean without any interruptions and when they are finished, the units will automatically return back to their charging port," he said. 

However online reviews (and our team’s own experiences) suggest robot vacuums generally work better when they’re used daily or every couple of days, or occasionally for smaller sweeps. This prevents big chunks of hair or dust getting tangled inside the brushes, which will likely require you to scoop the dirt out manually more frequently – and no one likes getting their hands dirty, especially when robot vacuums are designed to make the chore (mostly) hands-free.

DO ROBOT VACUUMS CLEAN CORNERS?

Robot vacuums can target edges and corners surprisingly well, considering majority of the models have a round build. Some brands pay extra attention with specially designed bristles, like iRobot’s Edge-Sweeping Brush. Other manufacturers alter the shape of the robot vac itself.

CAN A ROBOT VACUUM REPLACE A STICK VACUUM?

Don't throw away your stick vacuum just yet. Robot vacuums typically don't clean as well as stick vacs and don't come with the interchangeable attachments needed for crevices.

In saying that, some robot vacuums can target edges and corners surprisingly well despite majority of the models having a round build. More brands also now pay extra attention with specially designed bristles, like iRobot’s Edge-Sweeping Brush. Other manufacturers alter the shape of the unit itself.

WHAT IS A ROBOT VACUUM MOP?

A robot vacuum and mop comes with mop pads and a built-in removable water tank in addition to the usual the dust bag and brushes. This lets you wash floors as well as sweep up dirt in one cleaning job. These are usually ideal for homes with mostly hardwood floors and tiles, although most models will have a mop pad that automatically lifts whenever it detects carpets or rugs.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DRY AND A WET/DRY ROBOTIC VACUUM?

Regular dry robot cleaners are only designed to pick up dry debris such as dirt, dust and hair from hard floors and carpet. Wet-dry models can do all of this plus mop up wet messes and spills. These come with a mop pads and water tank, with some all-in-one base stations also offering separate dirty and clean reservoirs to prevent cross contamination.


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Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito
Tahnee-Jae Lopez-VitoSenior Shopping Writer

Tahnee-Jae has years of reviewing experience, specialising in all the appliances and products that can help improve your home and life. From finding the best budget sheets to the mattresses that can help you get a better night’s sleep, she does all of the research to save you time and money.She previously worked as a content producer for one of Australia’s top comparison sites Canstar Blue, where she spent her days learning what Australian shoppers really think by translating detailed national survey data into hundreds of highly respected consumer ratings – helping shed light on how well brands offer value for money and more.Armed with a Bachelor of Journalism and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the Queensland University of Technology, she knows that detail matters and is dedicated to creating in-depth shopping guides to help you find the right product.

Read related topics:Best Of: Cleaning

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/checkout/home-and-garden/appliances/best-robot-vacuum/news-story/20250dff99e702cf51266a8ee90f2857