We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Cleaning Vacuums The 6 Best Vacuum Mops, Tested and Reviewed We tested 16 popular models—here are our favorites. By L. Daniela Alvarez Updated on August 01, 2024 Fact checked by Shereen Jegtvig Fact checked by Shereen Jegtvig Shereen Jegtvig is an author, fact-checker, and expert with over two decades of experience in health and wellness within the lifestyle space. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Photo: Real Simple / Henry Wortock A vacuum mop can consolidate your broom, vacuum, and mop into one super-powered device. With powerful suction to clear all types of debris, dual tanks for clean and dirty water, and a roller to clean and wash floors, the best vacuum mops are a versatile tool that make housework easy. To determine the best vacuum mops, we tested 16 options in our Des Moines lab and at home, evaluating their weight, features, maneuverability, ease of use, and effectiveness on various surfaces, including carpet. For expert insight on what to look for when buying a vacuum mop, we consulted Lauren Doss, cleaning expert and owner of Nashville Maids, and David Zarbock, vacuum sales specialist at Abt Electronics. Our Top Picks Best Overall : SALE Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Wet Dry Vac at Amazon $320 $270 Jump to Review Best Cordless: Tineco FLOOR ONE S2 at Target $330 Jump to Review Best for Hardwood: Shark Vacmop Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum at Amazon $100 Jump to Review Best for Grout: SALE Tineco Floor One S5 Wet/Dry Vacuum at Amazon $500 $329 Jump to Review Best Carpet Compatible: Bissell CrossWave X7 Pet Pro Wet Dry Vac at Amazon $500 Jump to Review Best for Larger Debris: SALE Roborock Dyad Pro at Amazon $450 $320 Jump to Review Best Overall Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Wet Dry Vac PHOTO: Amazon $270 at Amazon $270 at Wayfair $270 at Target What Stands Out It’s highly effective on both hardwood and carpet. What Could Be Improved The noise level is a bit high, and the cord can get in the way while cleaning. If you want a vacuum mop that's effective on rugs and carpets, opt for the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus, one of our (and Zarbock's) favorites. During testing, this model stood out for its quick and efficient cleaning power and maneuverability. Plus, it has dual water tanks for clean and dirty water, a motorized brush roll to pick up debris and minimize hair tangles, and LED lights to illuminate hard-to-see areas. We're especially fond of the steam feature, which is ideal for sanitizing without chemicals. This model was effective on several surface types, including grouted floors, laminate, and hardwood. We were especially impressed by its performance on pet messes, as it excelled at cleaning paw prints and picking up kitty litter. While its cord occasionally got in the way as we cleaned, it wasn’t a deal breaker. It is, however, quite loud, and we wouldn't be able to watch TV or have a conversation while it’s running. Despite these small setbacks, we loved how well it worked on the carpet, cleaning up messes in under 30 seconds and drying them immediately. As for harder surfaces, this vacuum mop is able to dry hardwood within a couple of minutes and get other floor types, like tile, sparkling clean. And in addition to its effectiveness, this vacuum mop also boasts a fairly hassle-free emptying process. While you may still have to touch the debris that wraps around the filter, the convenient handle allows for easy dumping. The device maintained its performance after six months of use, so If you want an effective and long-lasting vacuum mop that works on multiple surfaces at a reasonable price, this is your best option. Weight: 12.5 pounds | Cord Length: 25 feet | Features: Self cleaning, LED lights, carpet compatibility, dual water tanks, motorized brush roll, steam on demand trigger Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Cordless Tineco FLOOR ONE S2 PHOTO: Target $330 at Target $214 at Walmart What Stands Out The lightweight vacuum mop propels itself forward as you clean. What Could Be Improved The cleaning process is a bit tedious, and hair may get tangled in the brush roll. Appliances with cords can be cumbersome, becoming a tripping hazard or tangled mess while you clean. That's why we love the Tineco Floor ONE S2 Smart Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum. While it doesn't come with any attachments, this vacuum mop includes a docking tray, cleaning brush, and cleaning solution. We also appreciate its smart technology, which adjusts its water output, brush roller speed, and suction level according to the debris and changes color to indicate when your floors are clean. During testing, we found this vacuum mop incredibly lightweight and easy to maneuver. The roller brush essentially grabs onto the floor, propelling the unit forward, while the smooth swivel head similarly promotes flexible movement. It excelled at removing larger debris—like popcorn, cereal, and other crumbs—with just a couple passes, but hair tended to get tangled in the brush roll. The head was low enough to fit beneath our dresser, though the half-inch bumper bar on the front prevented it from going flush against certain walls. We were especially impressed by this vacuum's battery life, which remained consistent throughout six months of use. The device charges up quickly, with a runtime of 35 minutes. The manufacturer advises replacing and refilling the water tank between uses, and the emptying and cleaning process is a bit high maintenance, making this pick less suitable for quick cleanups. However, for deeper cleans, we think the extra care is worth the hassle. Weight: 13.2 pounds | Dustbin Capacity: Not listed | HEPA Filter: Yes | Runtime: Up to 35 minutes Best for Hardwood Shark Vacmop Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum PHOTO: Target $100 at Amazon $100 at Target $100 at Walmart What Stands Out This lightweight vacuum mop glides easily across hardwood, and its no-touch disposable canister makes for a mess-free cleaning process. What Could Be Improved Replacing the disposable pads adds a recurring cost to this vacuum mop. Cleaning hardwood floors can be a hassle when debris gets caught in the narrow spaces between the wood, trapping dirt and crumbs indefinitely. During our testing, the Shark VACMOP Wet Dry Stick Vacuum cleaned hardwood quickly and seamlessly, effortlessly picking up debris. We appreciate this vacuum mop’s easy setup—all you have to do is add the cleaner and pad, and you’re all set. The mop’s fresh scent was a particularly nice addition to our space. Its slim, lightweight design maneuvers around furniture with ease, making it ideal for small spaces. In addition to its flexibility, it operated almost silently, much less disruptive than more heavy-duty vacuum mops we tested. Plus, its handy LED headlights help it identify debris and navigate even the darkest crevices effectively. One of our favorite parts of this vacuum mop is its no-touch disposable canister, ensuring you never have to get your hands dirty. The vacuum mop is designed to pick up debris with its pad, spraying cleaning solution to address the area in its wake. With just the click of a button, you can discard the filthy pad, completely mess free. Just keep in mind that with this design, you will have the recurring cost of pad refills. If you don’t mind replenishing often, this two-in-one device is definitely worth considering. Weight: 3.34 pounds | Battery Runtime: 20 minutes | Features: 2 disposable pads, 12-ounce cleaner solution Best for Grout Tineco Floor One S5 Wet/Dry Vacuum PHOTO: Amazon $329 at Amazon View on Tineco.com What Stands Out This vacuum mop thoroughly cleans grouted floors and has a handy connected app where you can set cleaning reminders and receive reports. What Could Be Improved The water feature is occasionally streaky. Like hardwood floors, cleaning grout lines can take extra time and energy. The Tineco Smart Wet Dry Vacuum uses heavy suction and a brush roller designed for hard-to-reach corners while gliding closely against baseboards for a well-rounded clean. We especially like how quiet this vacuum mop is—of all the models we tested, this one made the least noise. This vacuum was also incredibly maneuverable and easy to empty, making the cleaning process less of a chore. For those who like to maintain a strict cleaning regimen, this vacuum mop is compatible with the Tineco app, which provides reminders, cleaning reports, and other tips. However, we found it slightly overpriced considering it has comparable effectiveness to cheaper vacuum mops we tested. While the vacuum component remained consistent throughout six months of use, we did notice a slight deterioration in the wet feature. Our floors began looking a bit streakier—sometimes very wet, sometimes very dry—and we struggled reaching beneath certain surfaces, like our coffee table and dining table. The device also had issues hitting all of the natural groove in our flooring. Despite these grievances, this model still has a solid battery runtime and a digital display to indicate battery life, mess level, suction power, and clean water flow. If you want to efficiently clean grout floors and don’t mind the price tag, this vacuum mop is your best bet. Weight: 17.37 pounds | Battery Runtime: 35 minutes | Features: Voice guidance, app connectivity, self cleaning, dual tank system, smart sensor Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best Carpet Compatible Bissell CrossWave X7 Pet Pro Wet Dry Vac PHOTO: Amazon $470 at Amazon What Stands Out It has the best maneuverability of all the vacuum mops we tested. What Could Be Improved This vacuum mop’s suction power is not as effective on smaller cracks and edges. Not all vacuum mops have carpet cleaning compatibility, so when you find one that does the job well, it feels like a stroke of luck. For effective cleaning of hard flooring, carpet, and rugs, we love the Bissell CrossWave Cordless Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vac. Though it took a couple of passes to get a carpet or rug fully clean and clear of debris, it cleaned each mess thoroughly. In addition to its carpet cleaning capabilities, this pick also boasts impressive maneuverability, smoothly navigating furniture without the feel of being self propelled. We did struggle to apply suction between floorboards and smaller cracks and edges, though. We like that when paired with the Febreze freshness cleaning solution, this vacuum mop gets rid of odors left behind by pets. Even better, it’s also easy to use and empty out. When the brush roller was not in place, the digital monitor displayed an error message, which we struggled to clear. Regardless of this small hiccup and the expensive price, this pick is worth it for those seeking an effective, carpet-compatible vacuum mop. Weight: 10.5 pounds | Battery Runtime: 30 minutes | Features: Self cleaning, Wi-Fi compatibility, carpet compatibility, Febreze air freshener Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Henry Wortock Best for Larger Debris Roborock Dyad Pro PHOTO: Roborock $320 at Amazon $450 at Target $380 at Roborock.com What Stands Out This vacuum mop effectively cleans wet and dry messes, including larger debris, and has self-cleaning and self-drying features for easy maintenance. What Could Be Improved The setup and Wi-Fi connectivity are finicky. If you live in a household with pets and/or children, you know heavy messes are not only frequent but can also be a pain to clean. Large debris in particular, like chunks of granola, cereal, coffee grounds, and broken eggs, can hinder a vacuum mop from doing its job, making the cleanup process far more challenging. Luckily, the Roborock Dyad Pro Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner goes above and beyond. This vacuum mop was exceptional at cleaning large messes on every hard surface including hardwood, grouted, and laminate floors. Just make sure you have a stable and secure Wi-Fi connection, as internet instability was an issue during both lab and home testing. This vacuum mop is extremely effective at cleaning wet and dry messes, although some wet debris ran from the bottom. Still, we were able to easily clean these small messes with an extra pass. We also like the self-cleaning and hot air self-drying features, which keep the vacuum mop clean without requiring a lot of maintenance or elbow grease. Thanks to its long-lasting battery runtime of 43 minutes, you can even clean the entire house in one pass. After six months of use, this device still works as well as it did the first time we used it. If you’re constantly cleaning up large messes and using several cleaning tools to get the job done, this effective vacuum mop will help shorten your to-do list. Weight: 10.6 pounds | Battery Runtime: 43 minutes | Features: App compatibility, self cleaning, self drying, multi-rollers Real Simple / Henry Wortock Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Dera Burreson Real Simple / Henry Wortock Final Verdict Our top pick is the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vac for its effectiveness, handy features (including carpet compatibility), and reasonable price. If you want a cordless model, we recommend the Tineco Floor ONE S2 Smart Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner, which is lightweight, maneuverable, and effective. Our Testing Process We tested 16 vacuum mops in our lab and at home, assessing each model based on effectiveness, maneuverability, ease of emptying and cleaning, and overall value. First, we recorded how long it took to set up our vacuum mop using the manufacturer’s instructions. We also weighed the vacuum before and after filling the water tank. Then we turned the vacuum to its highest setting and lowest setting, if available, and measured the noise output from 3 feet away with a decibel reader. To evaluate the effectiveness of the vacuum mops, we made several messes of eggs, egg shells, mayonnaise, and soggy milk and cereal on grouted floors and hardwood floors. With a timer of one minute, we attempted to suck up the mess, noting how easy or difficult it was to collect the debris, while also using any other available cleaning features. After the one-minute period, we determined what percentage of the debris was cleaned and continued to time how long it took to clean the remainder of the debris, if applicable. If the vacuum mop had a cleaning solution, we used it only after an initial cleaning with only water to see if there was a noticeable difference. If a model was compatible with carpets, we sprinkled coffee grounds and Rice Krispies over the floor and repeated the one-minute cleaning test. Next, we measured the maneuverability of the vacuum mops. We sprinkled coffee grounds near the edge of the furniture and spread mayonnaise, soggy milk, cereal, and granola on the floor. We timed how long it took to vacuum the mess while following a predetermined path, noting how easy it was to pick up the debris and paying attention to the edges of the furniture to see if the vacuum collected all of the coffee grounds. After we finished cleaning the area, we recorded the final time. To assess the emptying and cleaning process of the vacuum mops, we used different methods depending on whether they had to be manually cleaned or had self-cleaning features. With traditional models, we manually emptied the collection bin and dirty water tank. For self-cleaning models, we timed how long it took for the vacuum to clean its roller brush while simultaneously measuring the noise output from 3 feet away. If a model also had a self-drying feature, we started a new timer to see how long it took for the roller brushes to dry. After completing these steps, we inspected the roller brushes for cleanliness and to see if they were dry. For long-term insights, we took the vacuum mops home and evaluated their performance after three and six months of use. Combining our data from the lab and real-world testing, we compiled the best vacuum mops. Real Simple / Henry Wortock How to Shop for Vacuum Mops Like a Pro Corded vs. Cordless Corded and cordless models each have their own pros and cons, according to our experts. The best one for you can vary depending on your preferences, outlet placement, and other lifestyle factors, such as if you have pets and children. “You don't have to worry about the battery going out on the corded models, and the cord lengths are overall pretty good,” Zarbock says. Cordless vacuums are battery powered, which can be a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it. While you won't have to deal with cords or outlets, you will have to charge your vacuum mop, and runtime will be limited compared to corded models. Additionally, battery-powered machines do free you from the cord, but tend to be a little heavier due to the additional battery weight. During testing, our favorite cordless model was the Tineco Floor ONE S2 Smart Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner, which was still lightweight and easy to maneuver. Weight According to Doss, weight is one of the most important factors to consider before buying a vacuum mop. If you carry your vacuum up and down stairs, consider how much weight you can comfortably lift. Zarbock also notes that the water/cleaning solution in the tanks adds more weight to your vacuum. All of the models on our list are under 15 pounds, even with a filled water tank. The Tineco Floor ONE S5 Smart Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner and Mop and Roborock Dyad Pro are especially lightweight—both were under 10 pounds when empty. Carpet Compatibility Account for carpet compatibility, as you can't use every vacuum mop on carpets and rugs, Doss says. We loved the Bissell CrossWave X7 Cordless Pet Pro Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vac specifically for its carpet compatibility—it can clean your carpets and rugs with just a few passes. "Not all vacuum mops give you the ability to adjust ride height or shut the roller off, both of which are two factors that come into play when needing to clean varying heights of carpet,” Zarbock says, noting that carpet cleaning features on a vacuum mop typically work best on low-pile rugs and carpets. Also keep in mind that a vacuum mop with carpet compatibility also means a slightly higher price tag. Features Features like an onboard water reservoir and steam function can enhance the cleaning power of your device and make it easier to use, according to Doss. Some of the best add ons are self-cleaning and self-drying features, like on the Roborock Dyad Pro Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner, which help take time off your cleaning routine. Other features, like digital displays that indicate battery life, LED lights, voice assistant, smart sensors for types of messes, and Wi-Fi compatibility, are also common. Real Simple / Henry Wortock More Vacuum Mops to Consider Tineco Floor ONE S7 PRO Smart Wet Dry Vacuum: This vacuum mop was one of the quietest we tested and could easily clean up wet and dry messes within 30 seconds. It also has a smart sensor, a long-lasting battery, and extra features that improved our cleaning process. While this pricey model does have a smaller-than-average tank, it performed faster than other models and had excellent maneuverability. Neakasa PowerScrub II Wet Dry Vacuum: With its quick self-cleaning feature, superior suction power, inexpensive price, and carpet compatibility, this is a great option for those eager to try out a vacuum mop for the first time. Unfortunately, the carpet feature is not as efficient as other combo vacuum mops (we preferred this model’s mopping feature over its carpet cleaning feature) and it needs to be cleaned thoroughly between messes for maximum efficiency. Real Simple / Henry Wortock Questions You Might Ask Can you use a vacuum mop as a regular vacuum? Unlike regular vacuums, vacuum mops have water tanks to suction debris and mop your floor using water and/or a cleaning solution. Doss says that vacuum mops do not typically have the same suction power that regular vacuums have, which affects their power on carpets, rugs, and upholstery. “Unless the vacuum mop has a specific carpet cleaning feature, it's important to avoid using it on carpets and rugs, as the moisture contained in the mop could cause damage,” Doss says. “For these surfaces, a regular vacuum is best suited.” Are vacuum mop combos worth it? If you have limited storage space to keep cleaning supplies, a vacuum mop with carpet compatibility may be a versatile machine to keep your floors sparkling. According to Doss, vacuum mop combos can be a worthwhile investment for streamlining your cleaning process, but it's really up to you and the type of messes you typically deal with, as well as the floor types in your home. How much should you expect to spend on a vacuum mop? The price of a vacuum mop varies depending on the features and functions it offers. Doss says you may be able to find basic, entry-level models starting as low as $50, while more advanced models with smart features can cost between $200 and $500. “It's important to consider your cleaning needs before making a purchase, so you can find the most cost-effective option for your needs,” she says. Take Our Word for It This article was written by L. Daniela Alvarez, contributing writer for Real Simple with three years of experience writing about lifestyle content and product reviews, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To compile this list, we tested 16 vacuum mops in our lab and at home. Daniela also consulted Lauren Doss, a cleaning expert and owner of Nashville Maids, and David Zarbock, a vacuum sales specialist at Abt Electronics. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.