How we test
Since 2020, Mashable product reviewers (especially our vacuum expert, senior shopping reporter Leah Stodart) have been testing popular robot vacuums in their homes. Models that cover just the basics all the way up to $1,500 premium models that are very advanced in terms of cleaning, navigation and regular maintenance. So far in 2024, Stodart has tested the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, Eufy X10 Pro Omni, Roomba Combo j5+ and Narwal Freo X Ultra, and most recently reviewed the Yeedi M12 Pro+.
Stodart says: For now, I’m choosing to leave the Yeedi M12 Pro+ off my recommendation list. On paper, it checks a lot of quality boxes at a really digestible price point – most notably its self-washing and drying mop pad and 11,000 Pa suction power, (if it did in testing If it performs that well), it will be the most powerful suction on the market, beating out the 10,000 Pa of the $1,799.99 Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra. Given that the Yeedi M12 Pro+ sells for less than $1,000 (with prices as low as under $700), it’s an affordable up-and-comer that I had to get my hands on ASAP.
While its dry vacuuming performance on rice, cat litter, and long hair on multiple carpet piles was generally in line with other vacuums I’ve tried, I didn’t necessarily get the “most powerful suction money can buy.” Feel. Then the plastic construction started to show up at a surprisingly low price point, often getting stuck every time it had trouble hoisting itself from tile or hardwood to bathroom mats and my living room rug. One mop pad even came off completely at one point. As far as the mopping itself goes, again wonderfulbut nothing spectacular. With satisfying cleaning results, overall crispness, and obstacle-avoidance technology that keeps working on my phone charger, I definitely recommend the $799.99 Eufy X10 Pro Omni as a budget option.
The next vacuum on the test list is the new Roomba Combo 10 Max Robot + AutoWash Dock.
How we evaluate robot vacuum performance
Ranking 2-in-1 robot vacuums requires testing all the factors we consider for regular robot vacuums, as well as some additional points specific to mopping floors. For this list, we tested the robot’s ability to clean and mop on hardwood, carpet, and tile surfaces. When cleaning up dry trash, we scattered debris (read: cocoa pebbles, intentionally smashed potato chips) around the floor and along the edges of the walls to test suction and edge cleaning. When the process is complete, we stain the floor with something more stubborn, like a small dollop of molasses or a dry drip of soy sauce. If these vacuums simply sweep over the stain without wiping it clean, what’s the point of a hybrid vacuum compared to a regular vacuum?
We’ve found that the best hybrid models need to do more than gently drag a wet mop pad across the floor in order to effectively mop. Ideally, a mop pad would vibrate or wipe back and forth, rather than stand still, and scrub with downward pressure to mimic human elbow grease. Compatibility with cleaning solutions is always preferred over just mopping with water.
However, to earn a spot in our guide to the best robot vacuum/mop hybrids, these cleaning machines have to do more than satisfying vacuuming and mopping. We also tested their navigation capabilities around furniture and walls and the accuracy of their smart maps, and considered whether they could self-empty and detect and avoid small obstacles such as charging cords or pet waste. Because what good is a mopping robot if it can never reliably get where it needs to be mopped?
