The best vacuums weve tested at home, from robots to Dyson stick vacs
When it comes to selecting the ideal vacuum cleaner, the decision is highly personal and depends on individual preferences regarding maintenance and cleaning efficiency. For some, the convenience of a robot vacuum that autonomously handles the chore is a game-changer, while others may prefer the thoroughness of an upright vacuum that requires more hands-on effort. The article emphasizes that the effectiveness and satisfaction derived from a vacuum cleaner can vary significantly based on its design and functionality. A vacuum that is cumbersome or prone to issues can deter users from cleaning, regardless of whether it’s a traditional model or a modern robot.
As November approaches, savvy shoppers can look forward to significant discounts during the Black Friday sales, making it an excellent time to invest in a quality vacuum. The article notes that many high-end models, including Dyson vacuums and robot vacuum and mop combos, will likely see price reductions. This is particularly beneficial for those considering upgrading to a more advanced model that may have previously seemed out of reach financially. The author draws on personal experience, having tested various vacuum types in their home, to curate a list of top-performing models for 2025, offering readers insights into what to consider when shopping.
Ultimately, the choice between an upright vacuum and a robot vacuum boils down to individual needs and lifestyle. For those who prioritize automation and minimal effort, a robot vacuum with advanced features such as smart mapping and obstacle avoidance may be ideal. However, it’s crucial to recognize that even the best robots can be temperamental and may not always meet expectations. Conversely, upright vacuums, particularly cordless models, can deliver superior cleaning performance but require a willingness to engage in the task. The article encourages readers to evaluate their cleaning habits and preferences carefully, suggesting that a balanced approach—considering both types of vacuums—might be the best strategy for maintaining a clean home. As the author prepares to test new models like the Shark Stratos 2-in-1 and the Roborock H60 Hub Ultra, they promise to keep their audience updated on the best options for pet owners and beyond.
The best vacuum cleaner setup is subjective, heavily hinging on how badly you want to do the vacuuming yourself or if you’d rather have a
reliable robot vacuum cleaner
vacuum for you.
SEE ALSO:
As an anxious cat mom, I love my robot vacuum with a livestream camera
If your vacuum is a pain to clean with, you won’t feel like using it at all — whether it’s an upright vacuum that’s too clunky to get out of the closet or a robot vacuum that gets stuck more often than not. Regardless of the type of vacuum you choose, there’s still a ton of nuance between brands and models in both of those categories. Your best bet is to get some recommendations from someone who uses both every day (like me).
Black Friday vacuum deals are going to pop off
You’re lucky to be doing your vacuum shopping in November — vacuum cleaner deals are a pillar of Black Friday. If you were previously ruling out a
more premium Dyson vacuum
or a
robot vacuum and mop combo
with self-washing mopping pads, this might be your chance to grab one at a less scary price. In fact, every single robot and cordless vacuum in this guide has already been on sale at some point in 2025. They’re bound to beat their own sale prices this month.
After several years of pitting the
top robot and stick vacuums against each other
in my own home, I’ve pulled a few of each to create Mashable’s ultimate mashup of all of the best vacuum cleaners of 2025.
Should I get an upright or robot vacuum?
I could argue for both sides. Ideally, I’d recommend shopping strategically and splitting your budget between one of each type of vacuum. But if you’re only choosing one,
consider what your main priority for this new vacuum is
. Is your ideal vacuum cleaner one that automates the most steps to give you as little work as possible, or is it one that does the absolute most meticulous job, even if you still have to do the work?
Trusting a robot vacuum to do this chore comes with the fine print that the robot vacuum is probably going to piss you off sometimes. Autonomy-related features like smart mapping, small obstacle avoidance, automatic floor type recognition, and debris level sensors have gotten quite perceptive over the past few years. But even the
smartest robot vacuums I’ve tested
are still inanimate objects, not humans with real brains.
The obvious downside of an upright vacuum is that you have to have enough free time to use it, and be OK with spending some of that free time off the couch. Granted, the
better the cordless vacuum is at cleaning
, the less you’ll have to get it out, and the less of a pain it’ll be to whip around. But at the end of the day, if you detest getting your vacuum out, you probably won’t vacuum too often — and that defeats the purpose of spending your money on a nice, new vacuum in the first place.
Vacuums I’m testing soon
The next vacuums slated for at-home testing are the
Shark Stratos 2-in-1 NeverTouch
, the
Roborock H60 Hub Ultra
, and eventually, the
Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai
. I’ll be getting my hands on these as soon as possible and updating my top picks for pet owners accordingly.
