At a Glance
- Mova Z60 Ultra tops our 2025 lab test as the best overall robot vacuum
- Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo offers the best value under $500
- Yeedi S16 Plus excels at pet-hair pickup
- Why it matters: These picks show how robot vacuums are getting smarter, cheaper, and better for pet owners, making holiday gifting easier.
The 2025 robot vacuum landscape is richer than ever, with models that map rooms, dodge obstacles, mop, and even climb thresholds. Holiday sales and new features make it an ideal time to upgrade or gift a cleaner home.
Best Overall: Mova Z60 Ultra
The Mova Z60 Ultra Roller Complete earned the Editors’ Choice for overall performance, scoring the highest average sand pickup across surfaces. It also delivers strong coverage and decent obstacle avoidance, though firmware updates can be slow. Its price remains competitive compared to higher-end rivals.
- Sand pickup: 65.14% on mixed surfaces, 47.54% on mid-pile carpet
- Coverage: 80.78% of test room
- Obstacle avoidance: 3 of 6 objects hit
- Special feature: pop-out arm and roller brush for edge cleaning
Budget Favorite: Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo
The Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo stands out for its exceptional hardwood performance and self-emptying dock, all under $500. It performs well on low-pile carpet and offers a surprisingly large dust bin. However, its obstacle avoidance is limited.
- Sand pickup: 99.27% on hardwood
- Coverage: 82.44% of test room
- Obstacle avoidance: 1 of 6 objects avoided
- Special feature: mechanical paddle compresses debris for long storage
Pet-Hair Champion: Yeedi S16 Plus
The Yeedi S16 Plus leads in pet-hair removal, capturing almost all hair on hardwood and most on low-pile carpet. It features a self-emptying dock and a self-rinsing mop. Its obstacle avoidance is modest, but it excels in cleaning performance.
- Sand pickup: 86.13% on hardwood
- Coverage: 76.21% of test room
- Obstacle avoidance: 2 of 6 objects avoided
- Special feature: Ozmo roller mop with hot-air drying
| Model | Price | Sand Pickup (Hardwood) | Low-Pile Carpet Pickup | Coverage | Obstacle Avoidance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mova Z60 Ultra | Not listed | 65.14% | 60.29% | 80.78% | 3/6 |
| Roomba 205 DustCompactor | $470 | 99.27% | 42.32% | 82.44% | 1/6 |
| Yeedi S16 Plus | $1,400 | 86.13% | 51.01% | 76.21% | 2/6 |
Key Takeaways
- The Mova Z60 Ultra is the top overall performer, especially on mixed surfaces.
- The Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo offers the best value under $500 with excellent hardwood cleaning.
- The Yeedi S16 Plus is the best choice for pet owners needing superior hair pickup.
These models illustrate the rapid evolution of robot vacuums, blending advanced mapping, self-emptying docks, and pet-friendly features into one package.
