This model is ideal for users seeking a no-nonsense robotic cleaner with thoughtful, automated features for efficient home care.

It’s not all about suction. In my testing, the brush is also a big factor in how well a robot will clean your floors. A large rubber roller brush is much better than a small bristle brush at picking up debris.

Remember that in general robot vacuums are designed for regular, light cleaning rather than deep cleans.

One of the big benefits of a Roomba is that they're relatively slim in height, meaning they can venture places other bots can't. On test, we found this one was especially good at handling pet hair, with its grippy rubbery rollers.

New robot vacuums are being released at an alarming rate, and it can be difficult to tell one from another. Below is my quick guide to how to choose the right model for you – if you want more information, you'll find it in my in-depth robot vacuum buying advice article.

The Combo is the first Roomba with a multifunction dock that can refill its mopping tank and self-wash its mopping pad, meaning less hands-on time for you. (The j9 Combo Plus has the same suction power and can refill its mopping tank but can’t wash the mop pad.

There are several great vacuum / mop hybrids in this guide. Of them, the S8 MaxV Ultra is the best at vacuuming and obstacle detection, and it’s a very good mop. It can also do both in one run, as it can lift its mop 20mm, which will clear all but the highest-pile rugs.

We'll dig into the app and gauge how well-designed, usable and intuitive it is, and how much control it offers. We'll also test any specific performance claims made by the manufacturer, as well as checking out any special features like built-in voice assistants and camera surveillance.

Pet owners and those who want a low-effort cleaning routine will appreciate the Shark AI Ultra’s combination of powerful cleaning Top 3 Automatic Vacuum Cleaners and self-empty technology.

My biggest frustration with apps is maps that are fiddly to update and / or crash and must be rebuilt constantly. Most vacuums now have voice control (see FAQs), but some offer more in-depth control, such as telling Alexa to have the robot clean twice under the dining room table.

Equipped with intelligent sensors, the Tipdiy G90 avoids obstacles and hazardous drops and can automatically return to its charging dock when energy is low. It supports multiple control options—including a mobile app, voice assistant integration, and a remote—offering flexibility in how you manage its cleaning runs.

Combo models might also have mops that can kick out from the side of the vacuum to get closer to the sides of rooms.

Through smart navigation, the robot moves methodically in neat rows to maximize coverage, with built-in sensors to avoid furniture and prevent falls.

They are also one of the most self-repairable robot vacuums you can buy, with spare parts for most of the bot’s bits readily available.