The Best Robot Mops for 2022: Beware of the Knock Offs!

Robot mops have been slower to develop than their vacuum counterparts. This is in part due to logistics. Put simply, most people don’t have as much square footage in need of mopping.

However, the other component has been that the technology is a bit more complex. Tackling the right way to automate mopping isn’t as easy, mainly because a good robotic mop requires a decent size water tank on-board.

In recent years, iRobot has been leading the charge. While the older Scooba line has been discontinued recently (you may still be able to find some), the more affordable Braava series has started to gain traction. Surprisingly, no other robot brand has a dedicated mop on the market. 2-in-1 combos are generally nice in theory, but difficult to execute on in practice.

Bottom line: there is a distinct separation between the top tier of dedicated mops and the second tier of combo vacuum cleaner/mops.

At a Glance – the Top Contenders for 2022

Currently, this is what the marketplace looks like from your vantage point:

Model	Price	Modes	Best use	Overall Performance (1-10)
iRobot Braava m6	Check here	Dry + Damp + Wet (3)	Multiple rooms and large areas	9
Braava Jet 240	Check here	Dry + Damp + Wet (3)	Smaller areas w/tiles, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Deep Cleans	8.5
Roborock S5	Check here	Dry + Wet (2)	Larger areas w/hardwoods, carpets. Deep Cleans	8.5
iLife V8s	Check here	Dry + Wet (2)	Smaller areas w/hard floors	8
Braava 380t	Check here	Dry + Damp (2)	Larger areas w/hardwoods, Maintenance cleaning	7.5
iLIFE V5s	Check here	Dry + Damp (2)	Maintenance cleaning	5
Bobsweep	Check here	Dry + Damp (2)	Maintenance cleaning	4.5
Ecovacs M80 Pro	Check here	Dry + Damp (2)	Maintenance cleaning	4

Top Floor Washing Robot Mops – In Depth

The following is a closer look at each of the best options:

iRobot Braava m6 – Best Robot Mop for 2019

If you read our list of the best robot vacuums for 2019, then you’ve already heard about the Imprint Link Technology the Braava m6 and the Roomba s9+ share with one another. This robot mop has full autonomy along with the ability to clean against baseboards and walls, something most robot mops don’t offer. Lastly, the m6 offers improved navigation, which means it will return to its charging dock when it’s done cleaning.

This top of the line robot mop offers nearly anything you could want in a smart mop. Some additional features of the Braava m6 include:

• Self-Resume and Auto-Dock
• Virtual-Wall compatibility
• 1,000 square foot coverage area
• Google and Alexa voice command control
• Smartphone application
• Slide-on dry and wet mop pads
• Top access controls

Drawbacks? The most significant drawback to the Braava m6 is its price tag. While it does offer a bevy of features, the price difference between the m6 and the 240 or 380t is significant. Additionally, the m6 is bigger than other robot mops, so it’s not going to fit under furniture as easily.

iLife V8s – Best Robot Mop for the Value

Even though the V8s is a hybrid robot mop and vacuum, we think it’s worthy of being on our list of best robot mops for 2019. This is primarily due to the features you get for the price. You won’t break the bank with this robot mop, but it will get your floors clean. Don’t expect top of the line functionality with the V8s, however, you can expect to get a solid performance when it comes to mopping your floors.

Even though the iLife V8s doesn’t have all the bells and whistles other robot mops offer, it still includes a solid number of features. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect from this smart mop:

• Program the device with its scheduled cleaning capabilities
• Runs quietly so you aren’t disturbed
• Long-lasting battery
• Excellent design
• Automatically docks and recharges

Drawbacks? One of the biggest drawbacks to the iLife V8s is that it will not connect to your smartphone. That means if you want it to start cleaning, you’ll have to tell it to do so manually by pushing the button on the device itself. Along those same lines, the V8s does not have an internal map. It lacks the sensor often found in premium robot mops, which means it picks a path and sticks to it.

Roborock S5 – Best Robot Mop for Multiple Purposes

The Roborock S5 robot mop from Xiaomi is an excellent option if you’re in the market for an all-in-one smart vacuum and mop. You’ll get plenty of features with this amazing device, including an LED battery indicator, a floating brush roll, and a long-lasting battery. These, plus its ability to dock and charge when its battery runs low makes the Roborock S5 an excellent option.

Of course, there are other features available on the S5 as well. These include:

• Voice control with Alexa compatibility
• Smartphone application
• Onboard buttons and controls
• Smart routing and real-time mapping
• Long-lasting battery
• Safe and slim docking station

Drawbacks? Like the Braava s6, the Roborock S5 is a bit on the tall side. That means it’s going to have a tough time fitting under your furniture whether it’s vacuuming or mopping. Even though the S5 has a smartphone app, it could use some updating. Lastly, the Roborock S5 does not support multi-level mapping. So if you live in a home with multiple levels, your Roborock S5 doesn’t have the capacity to remember more than one floor at a time.

Best Overall Performer – Braava Jet 240

If you are looking for the deepest clean, the Braava Jet 240 is currently the best on the market. Here’s why:

• Patented 3-mode floor cleaning system (“wet”, “damp”, and “dry” mop)
• Precision spray jet for real wet mopping
• Compatible with iRobot iHome app
• Ideal for cleaning grouted tiles (not just a surface clean)
• Very attractive price (check this listing for latest)
• Full Review: You can read my full take here.

Here’s a quick summary (at a glance) for how the three different cleaning pads work on the Braava Jet 240:

	Wet Mopping	Damp Sweeping	Dry Sweeping
Cleaning Passes	3	2	1
Fresh Scent	X	X	X
Water-Activated Cleaning Agent	X	X
Best for:	Well-sealed floors	Sealed floors	All hard floors
	Dirt & Stains	Dirt & Dust	Debris, Dirt, Dust, & Pet Hair

Drawbacks? Limited range (max of about 250 square feet in wet mode – 1000 square feet in dry mode).

Runner-Up? Your main alternative here is going to be the Braava 380t (see below).

Best Damp Mop for Larger Areas – Braava 380t

If you need to cover more ground, there is really only one good option that still does a decent job. That’s the Braava 380t. Here’s whey:

• Two modes: “damp” and “dry” mop
• Ideal for hardwood flooring (where you don’t want a full wet mop to damage the wood, but need a “damp” clean)
• Comes with resuable microfiber cloths (you don’t necessarily need to keep buying disposables, although you can)
• Can tackle up to 350 square feet in damp mop mode, 1000 square feet in dry mop mode
• Can pause/resume (unlike the Jet 240)
• Full Review: Check it out here.

Drawbacks? No wet mop mode, higher price point (check here) than the Jet 240, older technology than the Jet 240.

Runner Up? Any one of the combo options below would work for basic maintenance mopping over larger areas. This really is the gap in the market: a good robotic mop that can cover up to 1000 square feet in “damp” mode. Unfortunately, there are no good options right now.

iRobot Braava vs Scooba – How Do the New Braava’s Compare to the Old Scooba’s?

I thought it would be helpful to include a side-by-side comparison of the top true robot mops on the market:

	Braava jet 240	Braava 380t	Scooba 450
Price	Least Expensive: Check here	Mid-Range: Check here	Most Expensive: Check here
Designed for	Small spaces	Larger spaces, multiple rooms	Small spaces
Weight	2.7 lbs	4 lbs	8.29 lbs.
Dimensions (LWH, in.)	6.7 x 7 x 3.3	8.5 x 9.6 x 3.1	14.4 x 14.4 x 3.6
Coverage: Sweeping	200 square feet	1,000 square feet	No sweeping function
Coverage: Mopping	150 square feet	350 square feet	300 square feet
Battery Life	No official estimate of run time and charging time.	Sweeps for up to 210 minutes, mops up to 150 minutes	40 minutes
Navigation	iAdapt 2.0	iAdapt 2.0 with Navigation Cube	iAdapt
Cleaning modes	3 (Wet Mop, Damp Sweep, Dry Sweep)	2 (Mop, Sweep)	1 (Wet Mop)
Mode selection	Automatically chosen by mopping pad	Manually choose MOP or SWEEP	Not applicable
Washable pads	X	X	–
Disposable pads	ü	Works with other brands	–
Additional cleaning features	Precision Jet Spray & Vibrating Mop Head	Pro-Clean System	Water tank
Pause and Resume		X
Cliff Detect	X	X	X

Best Budget Combo – iLIFE V5S Robotic Vacuum + Mop

Now we get to the combo mops. Caveat: If you want something approaching a true mop replacement, the previous options are best.

That said, when discussing combo robots, the iLIFE V5s does that best job at both. ILIFE is an Asian competitor that has leaped up the rankings this year, fulfilling a need in the market for budget robots with reliable (if unspectacular) performance. Here’s why I like the V5s

• Comes with dedicated water reservoir (“mops” without tanks are glorified Swiffers).
• Programmable with auto scheduling features (many budget robots are not)
• Automatically goes to its docking station when the battery is low and needs a recharge
• Decent option if you have extensive hardwoods
• Very attractive price (check the latest prices here)
• Full Review: You can read all the gory details here.

Drawbacks: No full on “wet” mop (only damp mop). As such, it is not ideal for tiles (usually kitchens and bathrooms), but it will do for light maintenance cleaning. Vacuum is competent, but there’s a lack of smart navigation technology for boundary marking. The more cluttered your home, the more opportunities for this device to get stuck.

Runner Up #1 – Bobsweep Robotic Vacuum Cleaner+ Mop

Bobsweep was one of the earliest robot companies to try to execute on the “combo” model. While it’s not a tremendous at either vacuuming OR mopping, it does an adequate job for the price point (check this listing).

Runner Up #2 – Ecovacs Deebot M80 Pro + Mop

Another robot trying to be all things to all people, Ecovacs is another interesting option. Formally known as the Deebot (see review here), Ecovacs is a slight step behind Bobsweep in terms of reliability. It DOES have a dedicated water tank, which is a solid first step for an aspiring robot mop. You can check out the latest pricing here.

Best Robot Mop for Hardwood Floors?

All of the recommended options above WORK on hardwoods, the question really is: what is the best value?

My Preference: TOO much water can damage hardwoods (depending on the finish) or laminate floors. I prefer to do a damp mop on my hardwoods. With this in mind, the Braava 380t available here is the ideal setup for thorough damp mop cleaning. The advantage is that the 380t can cover more ground than the Jet 240 (best for kitchens / bathrooms).

Then again, the Braava Jet 240 has damp, wet, and dry mop mode and generally cheaper here.

Best iRobot Mop Models

iRobot Mop Model Reviews

• Braava Jet m6
• Braava 380T Review
• Braava Jet 240 Review
• Scooba 450 Review
• Braava 320 Review
• Scooba 390 Review

iRobot Mop Model Comparisons

• Braava Jet m6 vs Braava 380t
• Braava m6 vs. Braava Jet 240
• Braava Jet 240 vs Braava 380t
• Braava 320 vs 380t
• Scooba 450 vs Braava 380t

Dedicated Mop vs Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo

In theory, a 2-in-1 is a great value proposition. However, in my experience the current field of combo robots end up being mediocre at both functions.

Put simply, the Braava series (#1 and #2) is MILES AHEAD of the #3-5 options. If you want a thorough sanitizing clean, the Braava Jet 240 really is the ONLY robot mop that has full on wet mop functionality.

Personally, my ideal setup is having the Braava Jet 240 for the kitchens and/or bathrooms (any surface with tile) and a traditional robot vacuum for the rest of the house. You can check out my full guide to the best robot vacuums here. Yes, this means purchasing two devices, but I’d rather have two devices that individual do a great job than a combo that does both tasks halfway. It’s a personal preference. What are YOU comfortable with?

The Final Mop – Which Robot Mop is Best?

Pitting a floor mopping robot with a robot vacuum cleaner that also mops the floor seems unfair. Of course, you would want to get the one that does both job and does them well. However, this review will focus on floor mopping robots that also scrub or sweep the floor but do not have vacuuming function.

There are a lot of robot vacuum cleaners to choose from, but purely mopping robots are rare and can be hard to come by. And if the field is really narrowed down to the best when it comes to the floor mopping arena, iRobot dominates. All other mopping-only robots give dismal performance.

Let’s take for instance the Techko Maid Smart Maid RS118. The Techko Maid Smart Maid RS118 can sweep your carpet and hard floors. It can clean marble floors, tiles, wood and linoleum floors. Cleaning starts with only one touch of a button. The Techko Maid Smart Maid RS118 also has sensors to help it avoid falling. It uses disposable cleaning fabrics. You would need to use wet fabrics or apply a liberal amount of floor cleaner to mop, while the cleaner uses Swiffer cloths for sweeping or dusting.

However, the Smart Maid RS118 is poorly designed and constructed that it leaves corners dirty. It can clean the center floor area properly and thoroughly, but because the brush is placed at the back of the robot, it has a difficult time cleaning the outermost parts. It also cleans haphazardly. It moves around the room at random and just bumps repeatedly against walls without cleaning the edges right, again because of the placement of the brush.

Another would-have-been contender is the Mint Plus Automatic Hard Floor Cleaner, manufactured by Evolution Robotics. Evolution Robotics was acquired by iRobot in 2012. The Mint Plus Automatic Hard Floor Cleaner even looks very similar to iRobot’s Braava cleaners.

That leaves only the iRobot mopping robots in the running: Braava jet 240, Braava 380t, and the Scooba 450 (now discontinued).

This segment of the home robotics market is still emerging. It would be nice to see a true iRobot competitor step up to the plate and move the goal posts. As of now iRobot IS the market leader (both in terms of sales and technical performance) in this category.

Check back here as we update this article throughout the year as new developments happen.

Further read:

• Robot Braava 380t vs Scooba 390
• Neato Botvac D7 Connected vs Neato Botvac D4 Connected- Which is the Best Botvac Connected?