Although most robot vacuums look the same from the outside, they deliver vastly different levels of cleaning performance. And this is affected by a number of different factors. Probably the most important aspect is brush configuration.

Best robot vacuum cleaners 2023 UK – tried and tested Best robot vacuum cleaners 2023 UK – tried and tested

The Eufy's slim size means it has no problems cleaning under furniture with low clearance. However, that slimness means it has a smaller dust bin than many other models on the market. The Roomba is mainly very quiet but the self-emptying feature is a loud 90dB, albeit only for ten to thirty seconds. And that's our only real niggle about an otherwise excellent robot vacuum and mopper; it's not the cheapest, though, so it's worth looking out for special offers and discounts. Connected bots also typically generate statistics and maps of the areas they clean. Many even create personalized floor plans, allowing for targeted room cleanings and eliminating the need for you to use "virtual walls" to cordon off sections of your home. Along with the vacuum itself, you get a remote control for easy operation. Change your vacuum’s settings, or run a one-off cleaning cycle with the push of a button. You also get a set of extra brushes. This is a great feature not offered by many robot vacuums. The brushes shouldn’t wear out any time soon, but it’s nice to have them when you need them. The Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8+ is relatively affordable for an auto-emptying robot vacuum that can also mop, and it can detect carpet when mopping to ensure that your rugs and carpets don't end up soaked.As much as we love our four-legged pals, we don't love cleaning up their hair or the messes they make. So we really like this Roomba, which excels at cleaning up after your pets. Battery Life: The top bots should have a battery life of at least 120 to 140 minutes, which should be enough to clean three to four rooms before it’s time for a recharge. Thanks to standard self-charging, you shouldn’t have to worry about running out of power mid-clean. The navigation is better than the simpler robot vacuums, such as the Eufy RoboVac 15C, making this a valid alternative if that model isn’t available, but the cleaning ability is roughly on a par.

Robot Vacuum cleaners | Argos Robot Vacuum cleaners | Argos

If you're looking to upgrade from a basic robot vacuum to one with self-emptying abilities, the Shark IQ Robot XL is an excellent choice. Thanks to its bagless self-emptying system and self-cleaning brushroll, it's one of the lowest-maintenance robot vacuums we've tested. The more expensive Shark AI XL is another compelling choice that offers double the bin capacity of the Shark IQ XL.We test each robot vacuum cleaner by installing it in a typical domestic setting. The charging station is always placed in the same location, and the robot is given the same basic floorplan to clean, so we can see how elements such as navigation and speed compare between every robot we review. It’s a challenging floor plan that challenges even the smartest robot, with plenty of corners, tight spots, low furniture, surface changes and cable nests.

The best robot vacuum 2023: brilliant cleaning that saves you

The Ecovacs Deebot N10 has plenty going for it. It’s a decent vacuum cleaner that will do a good job of keeping your floor clean, especially if you send it out regularly. This is easy to set up using the Ecovacs app, which is well-featured and simple to operate. They aren’t the cheapest, but they can bring extra convenience to your cleaning routine, and our GHI experts were impressed with their capabilities. They save time and effort compared to regular vacuum cleaners and are ideal for a mid-week clean. Mapping & Navigation: In our tests, robot vacuums that feature camera or LiDAR laser navigation performed best, doing a better job at mapping your home and reducing the number of bump ins. Mop attachments: As robot vacuums become more popular, we’re seeing more manufacturers build in mopping features as a way to set their robots apart. These use a small water reservoir with a cleaning pad attached to the bottom that drags around the floor as the robot makes its way around your room. You’ll still need to use a proper mop to get stubborn stains off, though: a mopping robot is only good for cleaning up light dirt and dust from hard floors. The most disappointing element is the mop, which is a drag-and-wipe affair. You have to fill the reservoir with water, then attach the plate with cloth into the vac’s underside. This is drip-fed clean water as it wipes over your floors; however, it isn’t as thorough as robots that add movement to agitate dirt to remove it.Although it’s a good vacuum cleaner, it’s the mopping action that impressed us most. The robot uses two circular mop pads that rotate at 180rpm, which gives the mop more cleaning power than rival robots, most of which simply wipe the floor as they pass.

Robot Vacuum Cleaner VR9500T | Samsung UK Samsung Jet Bot Robot Vacuum Cleaner VR9500T | Samsung UK

We also note whether the robot cleans in a random or methodical pattern. Many of the latest models feature a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) laser (the same technology self-driving cars use) to map your home and plan an efficient cleaning route. But some affordable robot vacuums still haphazardly ping-pong from wall to wall, inefficiently crossing over the same space multiple times as they clean. The Eufy G30 Edge sits near the top of Eufy’s more affordable robot vacuum cleaner range. It balances a decent amount of power with 2,000pa of suction and a sensible price. The best models to choose are ones that have rubber brushes that are free from bristles, so the pet hair doesn't get trapped around them. Although that's not to say robot vacuums with bristled brush bars aren't as effective at collecting the hair. If you choose one of these, look for a design with a tool to help remove pet (or human) hair that's got tangled to make your life easier. Can a robot vacuum replace a normal vacuum?In short, yes. While not the case for every robot we tested, we found some models that were able to reach into nooks and crannies and manoeuvre around furniture with ease – a task that many regular vacuums also struggle with. How we test robot vacuums The Roomba S9+ is self-emptying and deposits the debris from each clean into the 14.9oz / 440ml replaceable dust bag in the charging and emptying station - meaning you won’t have to empty the robot vacuum regularly. Instead, you’ll get an alert on the app when it needs replacing, and the vacuum offers integration with Alexa and Google Assistant. It's not the cheapest robovac you can buy, but we think it's the best.