Chinese brands suck up smart vacuum market share

According to IDC’s Quarterly Smart Home Device Tracker, Q1 2025, the global smart vacuum market shipped 5,096-million units, up 11,9% from the prior year.

Market share concentration amongst vendors intensified, with the top five companies capturing 63,4% of total shipments, an additional 3,5% compared to the same period last year.

Driving the growth was a combination of government subsidies in China as well as rapid channel expansion in developed markets such as the US.

“Chinese brands continue to eye the US market as it remains the most lucrative region,” says Claire Zhao, senior analyst at IDC China. “In the current environment, channel expansion and operation are paramount to overseas success and will likely be a key factor determining success for many smart vacuum brands.

“Smart vacuum manufacturers are rapidly expanding the boundaries of their products, moving beyond traditional cleaning functions to encompass large-scale cleaning scenarios and even broader home appliance ecosystems,” Zhao adds.

“In 2025, smart vacuums have transformed from simple cleaning tools into intelligent, multifunctional home assistants,” says Jitesh Ubrani, research manager at IDC. “We’re seeing a shift toward devices that not only clean more efficiently with advanced AI and 3D spatial mapping but also integrate seamlessly into broader smart home ecosystems.

“Features like robotic arms, self-maintenance capabilities, and adaptive learning are redefining user expectations. This evolution is fueling growth, especially in premium segments and emerging markets where consumers are looking for both convenience and innovation.”

Thanks to the continued innovation, average selling prices (ASP) have climbed by $14 since the same period last year and with the onset of additional Chinese made goods, ASPs are likely to climb even higher in the near future.

Despite these increases, IDC does not anticipate a meaningful drop in demand for the category. The high utility for consumers, combined with shifts in the supply chain will help mitigate some of the tariff-related risks faced by other consumer electronics categories.