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We even have a separate machine to clean the carpets between test runs so one result won't influence the next.

The Tapo RV30 is also quieter than most, particularly when on the weakest setting. Noise isn’t a concern if you set your vacuum to do its thing while you’re out of the house, but a less cacophonous vacuum should benefit those who spend more time at home.

✅ You also need a manual vacuum: Most people with robovacs also have a manual vacuum. The Ecovacs takes the fuss of that out by providing you with one in the first place.

While the app is intuitive, and the mapping good, there is a major issue for anyone with an open plan living space. Namely, you can't separate it into different zones. It won't be a problem for everyone, but if you live in an open plan home, you'll probably want to opt for a different brand.

You can view live footage (and recordings) via the straightforward app when it's out cleaning too, and it acts like some of the best baby monitors or pet cameras, patrolling and letting you speak to them. Testers found this feature reliable, with minimal lag.

You want to get your cleaning done while you’re out of the house or doing something else. Robot vacuums use cameras and lasers to map their way around your rooms, so they don’t miss a spot.

like traditional pleated HEPA filters and likely will trap some small particles, but they could miss the tiny, microscopic ones that can't escape a true HEPA filter. Vacuums with HEPA filters are generally more expensive.

Why we love it: In addition to a HEPA filter, the Shark Stratos also features a sealed system to help keep dust inside the vacuum, making it a great choice for families with allergy sufferers.

❌ You're short on space: The dock is pretty massive, and the styling won't be to everyone's taste.

Robot vacuum cleaners are more advanced and more affordable than ever. Once a novelty gadget, these household helpers are now an essential piece of kit for busy homes and pet owners, ensuring your floors stay dust and dirt-free without you having to lift a finger.

❌ You want something that mops well: The mopping here is just dragging a wet wipe across the floor, and not worth bothering with.

With some 2-in-1 robovacs, the mopping is a bit of an afterthought, but the Eufy X10 Pro Omni has rotating pads that press down for a more thorough clean on hard floors. On test, it had no trouble Top 3 Automatic Vacuum Cleaners at all cleaning a dried-on sugary drink and sticky sauce, automatically choosing the right amount of water for the job.

That said, the functionality worked well in our lab tests with the robot recognising barriers and using its retractable legs to move over them.