Let’s be honest—cleaning floors can feel like a full-time job, especially if you’ve got kids, pets, or just a really busy household. That’s why almost every mom influencer you see on the internet seems to have some kind of vacuum mop combo.
Because why on earth would you vacuum and then mop as two separate chores when you can do both at the same time?
Being someone who has a house full of kids and also runs multiple businesses… My time for cleaning is like zero. So you bet your pretty little behind that I’ve tried a few of these machines and let’s just say I have some STRONG opinions (like reaaaaaally strong opinions).
SPOILER ALERT!!!! I currently own the Tineco S7 Pro and absolutely LOVE it.
Before that, I used a Bissell and, well… we’ll get into that disaster shortly.
I haven’t personally used a Shark vacuum mop combo, but a lot of my social media followers swear by theirs, and I trust their feedback so I included it in this little vacuum/mop faceoff. .I wish that when I was deciding which of these little machines I was gonna purchase that I had known from the beginning all the pros, cons, features, and overall experience of using vacuum mop combos. So I am doing the work for you and comparing vacuum/mop combos from Tineco, Shark, and Bissell—including price, usability, runtime, maintenance, and whether or not it’s worth splurging for a higher-end model. ( Spoiler #2…. IT’S WORTH IT!)
My Favorite: The Tineco S7 Pro
Let me just save you the trouble and start by saying: if you want the best of the best, just get the Tineco S7 Pro. Seriously. This thing changed my cleaning life.
What Makes the Tineco S7 Pro So Good?
- It Self-Cleans. Like really well. After you’re done cleaning your floors, you just dock it and press a button. It runs a full self-cleaning cycle and dries the roller, too. You don’t have to touch the gunk.
- Dual-Sided Baseboard Cleaning. This feature alone makes it feel premium. The roller head gets right up against walls and baseboards on both sides, which no other model I’ve tried can do.
- LED Display and Voice Prompts. It tells you what it’s doing! From battery life to whether it’s in auto or max mode, it’s all super intuitive.
- Excellent Runtime. I get about 40 minutes per charge, which is enough to do all the hard floors in my house (and I’m a thorough cleaner).
- Smooth Glide and Smart Sensors. It adjusts suction and water flow based on how dirty the floor is. You can literally see the dirty water fill up as you clean.
Downsides?
Honestly, it’s hard to find any. The only con is the price, which can be a bit of a sticker shock. But after suffering with other models, I’d say it’s 100% worth the splurge.
The More Affordable Option: Tineco S5
If the S7 Pro is out of your budget, the Tineco S5 is a phenomenal alternative. I always recommend this one to my followers looking for something a little more wallet-friendly.
Key Differences Between the S5 and S7 Pro
- The S5 only cleans flush to baseboards on one side—not both like the S7. It’s a small difference, but worth noting if you’re particular about edges.
- The screen is a little simpler—no 3D animation like the S7, but it still gets the job done.
- Slightly shorter runtime (~35 minutes), which is still pretty solid.
Other than that? Very similar performance. Same self-cleaning dock. Same water/dirt tank separation. Still a dream to use compared to many others on the market.
HOT TIP: If you’re choosing between the S5 and S7, here’s my take: If budget isn’t tight, go with the S7. But if you’re trying to stay under $500, the S5 gives you 90% of the experience at a much lower cost.
The Wild Card: Shark HydroVac
Okay, now let’s talk about Shark. I’ve never personally owned one, but I’ve received tons of messages from people on my socials who do—and they’re singing its praises so I thought it was worth including!
What People Love About the Shark HydroVac
- It’s Affordable. Most models sit in the $250–$350 range, making it a great mid-tier option.
- Self-Cleaning Dock. Yes! It also self-cleans (huge improvement over older Bissell models).
- Strong Suction. Multiple followers have told me it picks up pet hair really well.
- Decent Battery Life. About 30 minutes of cleaning time, which is enough for smaller to medium homes.
Where It Falls Short
- Cleaning Edges. It only flushes to baseboards on one side, like the Tineco S5.
- Some users mentioned the water tanks are a bit smaller, so you might have to refill or empty more often.
- Not quite as “smart”—no screen or sensors like the Tineco line, though that’s expected at this price.
Bottom line? If you’re not ready to invest in a Tineco but still want quality, the Shark HydroVac is a fantastic compromise.
The One I Don’t Recommend: Bissell CrossWave
Let’s rip the band-aid off.
I used the Bissell CrossWave before switching to Tineco, and I absolutely hated it.
What Went Wrong?
- No Self-Cleaning Feature. That means after every use, I had to drag the whole thing to the sink, disassemble it, and use my faucet to blast out all the nasty clogs from the neck and brush roll. Gross.
- Left Streaks. Constantly. The floor never felt truly clean. I had to go back with a Swiffer sometimes. What’s the point then?
- Cumbersome to Clean and Maintain. The parts were hard to get off, didn’t click back into place easily, and the unit just always looked dirty.
I know newer Bissell models claim to have self-cleaning features, but honestly, my experience left such a bad taste in my mouth that I can’t recommend it—even for budget buyers. You’re better off saving up for a Shark or entry-level Tineco.
Other Features Worth Comparing
Water Tank Design
- Tineco models have separated clean/dirty tanks that are super easy to remove and clean.
- Shark’s tanks are a bit smaller and can fill up quicker.
- Bissell’s tanks often leak or clog. Enough said.
Noise Level
- Tineco S7 is quiet enough to use while someone naps in the next room.
- Shark is a bit louder, but tolerable.
- Bissell sounds like a dying vacuum. Again—pass.
Extras & Accessories
- Tineco includes extra rollers, cleaning tools, and sometimes a second filter. Love that.
- Shark gives you the basics—roller and charger dock.
- Bissell? The least generous, by far.
Design & Aesthetics
- Tineco machines are sleek, modern, and look expensive.
- Shark has a more functional look.
- Bissell… well, they look like something from 2009.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Just to sum everything up for you and make your decision as easy as possible, here are my final recommendations and thoughts…
If you Want THE BEST…
No question—Tineco S7 Pro. It’s the Cadillac of vacuum mop combos. You get what you pay for, and in this case, you’re getting a LOT.
If you are willing to invest a little but are still on a bit of a budget…
Get the Tineco S5 or the Shark HydroVac. They are both more on the affordable side, solid performers, and give you a decent bang for your buck.
What to Avoid
Don’t get a Bissell. Especially if it doesn’t self-clean. You’ll regret it. Trust me.
Final Thoughts
Basically….you get what you pay for.
So if you can afford it, splurge on the Tineco S7 Pro—you’ll love it just like I do.
But even if you need to stick to a budget, don’t feel like you’re missing out. There are still some really good budget options at every price point, especially from Tineco and Shark.
Have questions or want me to review another brand? Drop a comment or DM me on socials!
And don’t forget you can browse some of my other favorite things here!
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