In addition to performance testing, we test for ease of use of each vacuum cleaner. This testing includes evaluating maneuverability, battery run-time for cordless vacuum cleaners, the ease of the controls and how simple it is to empty and clean the dust cup or change the bag.

The Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo is the best all-in-one robot vacuum solution. It has the highest maximum suction of any robot vacuum in this ranking (11,000Pa – matching the maximum we see on any robot vacuum).

Dual, rotating circular disc mop pads tend to deliver a more effective clean than semicircular mop pads, in my experience.

To minimize odors, the disposable dust bag and sealed system keep unwanted debris from escaping while cleaning and the HEPA filter on the exhaust traps microscopic particles for those with allergies.

When we first get the robot set up, we'll see how long it takes to create a map of the home, and how accurate that map is. For subsequent runs, we'll keep an eye on how the robot navigates the space; if takes a logical route through the house, if it repeats already-clean areas, and so on.

While an effective helper around the home, the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra’s docking space is larger than expected, measuring around 45cm on every side to house its dual dust and water buckets.

As well as allowing the robots to clean routinely, we subjected them to some more rigorous tests, too: spilling cornflour and rice in their path to measure their effectiveness at dealing with different types of mess.

We were excited to add robot vacuums to our testing schedule when they started creeping onto the market in the 2010s, and now we regularly review the newest releases.

❌ You're on a budget: There are plenty of cheaper bots that'll do a good enough job for many people's needs.

Today's top-specced robovacs can generate upwards of 10,000Pa Top 3 Automatic Vacuum Cleaners of suction. That's rare though, and you're generally looking at machines that sit in the four-figure price bracket to get that kind of power.

Why we love it: We've tested many Dreame stick vacuums, robots and vacuum mops in the GH Cleaning Lab and can confidently say that it's one of our favorite brands because it performs well for the price in multiple categories, including robot vacuums, vacuum-mop combos and mops for hardwood floors.

In our Lab tests: Dyson stick vacuums are always among the best in our tests for both excellent performance and incredible features, and this V15 Detect is no exception.

✅ You have carpet in your home: We were very impressed with this model's suction powers, which is great news if you need something that can pull dust from carpet.

Alistair is a London-based journalist who has been writing about tech for over a decade. He has tested numerous robovacs over the years for TechRadar, from brands like iRobot, Eufy and Roborock. His favourites match intelligent navigation with smart design.