Vacuuming and mopping are two chores that most of us do everything in our power to put off.
Thatâs why a wet-dry vacuum combo is a game changer. Not only does it completely eradicate one step, but it also minimizes the amount of equipment you have to stuff into a closet. Depending on things like the layout of your space, whether you need a special vacuum for pet hair or allergies, and how many people live in your home, the features youâll get the most out of will vary.
Coming Soon!
Dysonâs newest wet-dry vacuum, the Dyson WashG1, will be available this fall for $699.99. Weâre testing the WashG1 and will update this story with our results.
Weâve taken out the guesswork by putting 27 wet-dry vacuums to the test. We conducted thorough testing that closely mimicked real-life, at-home use and ranked each product on ease of setup, effectiveness, maneuverability, ease of emptying, and more. Keep scrolling for our top picks from Bissell, Dyson, and Tineco starting at $145.
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Effectively cleaned wet and dry debris simultaneously
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Easy-to-use self-cleaning function means minimal manual cleanup
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Lightweight and easy to maneuver
The Bissell TurboClean won our vote for best overall because of how easy it is to maneuver and how well it transitions between wet and dry messes. During testing, it struggled with vacuuming up larger food pieces but was able to effectively clean both wet and dry debris. While youâre cleaning, water is dispensed automatically, so you can both sanitize and vacuum surfaces at the same time.
After cleaning, emptying the waste tank was just as easy. Although water and debris go to the same place and have to be emptied altogether, the vacuum comes with a tool to strain out food, so you can pour water down the sink drain and throw the rest in the trash. The self-cleaning feature was also quick to use.
The main drawback we found with this one was that the tank that keeps the dirty water is pretty small, so you may have to interrupt your cleaning process throughout to empty it. However, the sleek design and user-friendly features make this one well worth it.
Weight: 8.37 pounds | Dimensions: 27.44 x 13.03 x 10.67 inches | Battery Life: 30 minutes | Capacity: 17 ounces
The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam did a great job of moving from surface to surface. It took just under 40 seconds to clean up messes on tile, and although there were some pieces of cereal left behind on the hardwoods that were stuck to the floor, it took less than two minutes to clean them. It also moved around furniture with ease â from chair legs to corners to couches, it slid from surface to surface without too much hassle. When used on carpet, it left the surface fully dry after cleaning, so we were able to walk on it immediately.
There are a few reasons it ranked as runner-up to the Bissell TurboClean. The vacuum itself is remarkably loud. It was so loud that we couldnât hold a conversation or watch TV while using it. Also, it is a corded model, which means youâll have to carefully choreograph your movements around the house.
Weight: 12.5 pounds | Dimensions: 11.61 x 13.78 x 26.14 inches | Battery Life: N/A | Capacity: 28 ounces
The More You Know
There are a lot of bonuses to a wet-dry vacuum, like fewer appliances to store and fewer steps in your process. If you like the idea of robot vacuums, consider getting one with wet-dry capabilities. In our testing, they all generally did a good job of cleaning up messes, but we didnât find any to be as effective as using a mop or vacuum on its own. However, if you want to minimize cleaning supplies and have hardwood or tile floors in your home, vacuum-mop combos are a functional option that will get the job done.
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Strong suction that efficiently cleaned hard surfaces
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Quiet motor means you can watch TV or have a conversation while using it
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Maintained a charge throughout testing, even though it was on the highest setting the whole time
This vacuum from Black and Decker won our vote for the budget category because, although itâs on the cheaper side of the vacuums we tested, it performed remarkably well. We were impressed by the strength of the suction and how efficiently it cleaned up all messes during testing. Throughout the testing process, it maintained a charge and only lost about 25 percent of battery power, even though we kept it on the highest setting the whole time.
The biggest drawback is that transitioning from the mop to vacuum settings is tedious. If youâre going from wet to dry, you have to empty the tank and clean it; otherwise, youâll get your carpet wet. This would be better suited for people who wonât use the vacuum setting as much. Considering the excellent battery life and strong suction, we found the price to be a steal.
Weight: 11 pounds | Dimensions: 11.41 x 10.55 x 42.52 inches | Battery Life: 25 minutes | Capacity: 20 ounces
One thing we loved most about the Roborock Dyad Pro was its excellent battery life. It kept a charge throughout all the cleaning tests, and once we were done, it still had an 80 percent charge. We were also impressed by how well it did on all the surfaces, from hardwoods to tile. When maneuvering it around pieces of furniture and from room to room, it was easy to maintain control without using too much force.Â
The main con we noticed was that whenever there was a blockage in the canister, the rollers were hard to remove to clear the obstruction. Additionally, Roborock has an app that allows you to control features on your device from a distance, like self-cleaning and self-drying modes. However, we couldnât get the app to successfully work, so we were unable to test this feature. It also doesnât work on carpet, so youâll have to use a regular vacuum to clean these areas.
Weight: 10.58 pounds | Dimensions: 14.2 x 12.7 x 45.7 inches | Battery Life: 43 minutes | Capacity: 30 ounces
This wet-dry vacuum by Bissell won our vote for pet owners because of how easy and hassle-free it is to use. If your home endures extra wear and tear due to pets, youâll appreciate how easy it is to pull in and out as needed. The user-controlled solution dispenser eliminates wasted product, and the vacuumâs design makes it easy to steer. During testing, we could turn the head about 60 degrees without changing hand positions to clean around chair legs.
While the suction worked well across our tests, we noticed that it struggled in the deep grooves of hardwood floors, so the milk spill seeped deep inside and was hard to fully clean. While it does work on carpet, we found that it struggled over certain spots, especially because the brush rollers were still wet from the previous cleaning session. If youâre switching from vacuuming to mopping across different floor types, this is something to keep in mind, as it will definitely prolong your overall process.
Weight: 10.5 pounds | Dimensions: 10.5 x 9.5 x 25 inches | Battery Life: 30 minutes | Capacity: 12-15 ounces
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Good maneuverability around tight edges and corners
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Quiet while in use
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Water reservoir is easy to clean
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Cleans a variety of wet and dry messes efficiently
We liked this wet-dry vacuum by Tineco because of its easy assembly. From taking it out of the box to filling the reservoir with water and cleaning solution, getting it ready to clean was simple. It was also a breeze to maneuver from space to space while cleaning, especially around tight edges and corners. It cleaned wet and dry messes quietly and efficiently, requiring just a few passes to get everything picked up. However, it did struggle with stickier or clumpier textures and left some residue behind, even after several passes.
Another drawback is that the water reservoir is difficult to reattach after filling it up. The vacuum itself also leaks after use, even when upright, so youâll have to manually clean the floor wherever you leave it.
Weight: 8.82 pounds | Dimensions: 11.81 x 11.61 x 43.39 inches | Battery Life: 25 minutes | Capacity: Not listed
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Efficiently cleans up stubborn messes like pet hair and small debris
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Adjustable features give your space a customized clean
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Self-cleaning and emptying keep maintenance hands-free
If youâre looking for something with customizable settings thatâs (mostly) hands-free, the Ecovacs Deebot vacuum-mop combo is a great pick. Featuring smart-mapping technology and auto-adjusting suction, itâs extremely intuitive and can clean a variety of surfaces. Through the Ecovacs app, you can program the device to recognize different floor types throughout your house â the âmappingâ process took roughly 20 minutes after the device was unboxed and charged.
During testing, we were impressed with how well it picked up things like pet hair, grass, and dust bunnies. After cleaning, the device returns to its docking station where it empties collected debris and cleans the mop heads. Â
While this vacuum does a good job detecting changes in surface type and maneuvering around walls and furniture, its width makes it difficult to get through narrow spaces. Also, we noticed that on surfaces like vinyl flooring, water spots were left behind after mopping.
Weight: 51 pounds | Dimensions: 19.13 x 24.99 x 20.98 inches | Battery Life: 170 minutes | Capacity: Not listed
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On the heavier side
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Short battery life
We appreciated how efficiently this one cleaned up wet and dry messes with just a few passes. It also maneuvered well around furniture and under cabinets, although it did take a little extra force to clean up debris caught underneath furniture.
What we loved most about this model was the self-cleaning feature â it took just 30 seconds and was extremely quiet. The water tank was easy to empty, and there was no debris stuck on the vacuum rollers after using this feature.
The main drawback is that itâs fairly heavy â this isnât ideal for pulling out to clean small, day-to-day messes and is better for weekly deep-cleaning sessions. Also, our cleaning test used up about 50 percent of the battery, so depending on the size of your home, you may need to pause your process to recharge.
Weight: 11 pounds | Dimensions: 45 x 11 x 9 inches | Battery Life: 30 minutes | Capacity: 14 ounces
This wet-dry vacuum was the quietest model we tested, both while it was being used and during the automated self-cleaning process. Although itâs quiet, it doesnât lack in performance. This vacuum did a great job cleaning up messes on hardwood and tile. (It doesnât work on carpet.) There was nothing it couldnât pick up thanks to the fact that itâs designed to separate wet versus dry messes and adjust accordingly.
When maneuvering around furniture, it was able to suck up hard-to-grab debris, and it was generally easy to maneuver around chair legs and corners. Throughout all of this, the vacuum, which has a 35-minute battery life, maintained its charge, and by the time the testing period was over, it still had 70 percent left.
Aside from not working on carpet, the main con we noticed is that deep-cleaning the machine was a tedious task. However, we feel that itâs worth the investment, especially considering how swiftly and quietly it moves.
Weight: 13.6 pounds | Dimensions: 11.31 x 8.5 x 43.1 inches | Battery Life: 35 minutes | Capacity: 17 ounces
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Did a nice job cleaning up wet messes on hard floors
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Strong suction on carpet cleaned up messes with ease
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Easy to maneuver around and under furniture
This wet-dry vacuum by Dyson won our vote for those looking to make a bigger investment. The mop feature did well on tile and hardwood floors when it came to liquid spills, but it struggled with bigger food debris like cereal and eggshells. We suspect this is because the waste tank is on the smaller side and lost suction power the more it filled up, even shutting off at certain points. Aside from that, we liked that the display screen tells you exactly how much water is left in the tank as youâre cleaning.
While the wet setting didnât wow us, we were impressed by the dry vacuum. The suction was so strong that we were able to efficiently clean the carpet in under 30 seconds on the lowest setting. Throughout our tests, the minimalistic and lightweight design made it easy to maneuver under furniture and around tight corners. This is definitely one of the more expensive vacuums we tested, but we had to include it because of how well its dry vacuum setting works â it could easily replace a regular vacuum in your home.
Weight: 9 pounds | Dimensions: 49 x 10 x 10.6 inches | Battery Life: 60 minutes | Capacity: 26 ounces
Other Wet-Dry Vacuums We Tried
- Proscenic F10 Pro Wet-Dry Vacuum: We appreciated that this vacuum-mop combo could pick up various messes, had a quick and efficient self-cleaning mode, and was easy to assemble. However, it didnât make our list because of its limited range of motion and because it struggled to pick up messes along baseboards.
- Tineco Floor One S5 Wet-Dry Vacuum: The Tineco Floor One S5 did a great job of picking up wet and dry messes at the same time. Between soggy cereal, slimy egg yolks, and crunchy eggshells, this vacuum performed extremely well. The self-cleaning feature was also very efficient and made overall maintenance extremely easy. However, the suction faltered underneath furniture and around awkward corners and angles. With a higher price tag, weâd expect it to give a better, detailed clean, so it didnât make our final list.
Our Verdict
Since we first published this story, we have continued to test new products and discovered additional standouts to recommend.
For those looking for a hands-free option that will clean your floors while youâre away from the house (or even sleeping!), youâll appreciate our new robotic pick, the Ecovacs Deebot T20. It has GPS technology that maps out your entire home and can program itself to recognize the floor types in each room. If you live in a small space or want something lightweight and easy to handle, we recommend the Tineco Go H2O Sense, which maneuvered nicely around tight edges, in corners, and under furniture. We also found a new favorite in the Ryobi One+ â the self-cleaning process took just 30 seconds, the fastest of all the wet-dry vacuums weâve tested.
As new products emerge on the market, we will update this story accordingly, so you can be as informed as possible when shopping.
What to Know About Wet-Dry Vacuums
Effectiveness
Regardless of your priorities, everyone wants a wet-dry vacuum thatâs effective and thorough. Besides researching user reviews and looking to PEOPLE Tested for the lowdown on your next big purchase, there are certain specs you can look at on a productâs page to determine how effective it will be. Looking at suction power and self-cleaning features will help you determine a vacuum-mop comboâs efficiency. Stronger suction power means a quicker cleaning process, and a solid self-cleaning feature makes for less maintenance between uses. The Bissell TurboClean won our vote for best overall because of how seamlessly it cleans wet and dry messes and the speed and efficiency of its self-cleaning setting.
Weâre going to be honest: We were impressed with the wet-dry vacuums we tested, but if you have space in your home (and your budget) to invest in a great vacuum cleaner and an easy-to-use mop, those two devices will give you a better clean than a wet-dry vacuum on its own.
Surfaces
Can you use a wet-dry vacuum on all surfaces? What about carpet? Good questions. It depends on the product. We found that many models with the capability to work on hard surfaces and carpets struggled between the two and were not equally effective on both floor types. For some surfaces, an electric scrubber may work better. The Bissell CrossWave worked equally well on carpet and hardwood and moved effortlessly between surfaces. It also left the carpet fully dry after cleaning, which is a big plus. Check the wet-dry vacuum youâre considering to make sure that itâs appropriate for the flooring in your home.
Noise LevelÂ
A noisy vacuum is frustrating for a lot of reasons, and a quieter vacuum can make a world of difference. Itâs also a sign that your vacuum is of higher quality â quieter vacuums are generally made with better parts and more advanced technology. This is something you should think about when purchasing a new vacuum. The Dreametech H11 is a great option if the noise level is a concern for you, as it was by far one of the quietest vacuums we tested.
Portability
Nobody likes having to lug a heavy vacuum around, especially if your home has multiple stories. And if you live in a smaller space or donât like clutter, something light thatâs easy to put in a closet or corner will impact how your home looks and feels. If any of these situations apply to you, then you should focus on the dimensions and weight of the vacuum youâre considering, so you can have a clear picture of how much space it would take up or how it would feel to carry it around your home. The Tineco Go H2O Sense is extremely lightweight and did a great job moving from room to room during testing without too much hassle.
Battery Life
If you have a larger home, having a cordless wet-dry vacuum is ideal for cleaning from room to room. However, choosing one with a strong battery life is key for efficiency. If you have more ground to cover, the last thing you want is to break up your process to recharge. Itâs a good rule of thumb to check the product description of the wet-dry vacuum you choose to make sure it has ample battery life. We loved the Roborock Dyad Pro because, after testing, it still had nearly 80 percent of its battery power left.
Price Range
All of the wet-dry vacuums we tested cost between $150 and $950. Things like power source, features, size, weight, and brand name all factor into the cost. However, this is more of a luxury item, so you should expect to spend at least a couple hundred dollars.
Behind the Scenes
We tested each wet-dry vacuum with carefully thought-out simulations of how it would feel to use a vacuum in your home, from start to finish.Â
- Effectiveness: We tested for effectiveness by cleaning up wet and dry messes across a wide range of textures, like cracked eggs, mayonnaise, milk, cereal, and coffee grounds. We set a one-minute timer and cleaned as much as possible in that time frame, and if the mess was not cleaned up before then, we measured the additional amount of time it took to clean the floor fully. We did this on both tile and hardwood for every single wet-dry vacuum we tested.
- Maneuverability: We did the same test with coffee grounds and rice cereal for wet-dry vacuum models that also work on carpets. To test for maneuverability, we trailed coffee grounds around pieces of furniture, like dining chairs and buffet tables, and reviewed how easy it was to get around tight edges and corners.
- Cleaning: We also went through the process per the manufacturerâs instructions for emptying and cleaning each wet-dry vacuum itself. All of this was used to evaluate each modelâs overall quality.
Why Trust PEOPLE?Â
Olivia Avitt is a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE who has written about a wide range of home topics, including car vacuums, area rugs, ceiling fans, and mattresses. For this piece, she thoroughly reviewed the insights provided by the PEOPLE Tested team to give you the most important information for each product, so you can save time shopping and find the perfect vacuum for your needs. Our tests included detailed, methodical simulations that closely mimicked real-life use, so we could provide the most realistic and thorough reviews possible. Each vacuum was rated for ease of setup, noise level, effectiveness, maneuverability, portability, ease of cleaning, and value.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we donât stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which weâve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval â because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust â every day, every purchase.Â
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