Now, in general, robot vacuums tend to do best with as few obstacles as possible, even with the advanced navigational systems that many machines have these days.

Or if you're hunting for something even cheaper (in the US or UK), check out our Eufy RoboVac 11S review a straightforward robovac that punches above its price tag.

Filter and Brush Cleaning: Regularly remove and clean brushes and filters to maintain suction and prevent clogs, especially if you have pets or high dust levels.

Automatic vacuums are designed for minimal human intervention, but some basic upkeep is required. Here’s what to consider:

Not all robovacs can handle the extra challenge posed by lots of pet hair, but one that really impressed on this front was the Dreame L40 Ultra. This bot was put through its paces in a home filled with furry, four-legged friends, and really rose to the occasion.

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

Ready to use straight out of the box, the Roomba Q0120 offers quick setup and operation via app or integration with Alexa, providing hands-free voice commands and scheduled cleanings.

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Roborock’s S8 MaxV Ultra ($1,799.99) is an exceptional vacuum cleaner and a very good mop. Its dual rubber roller brushes and 10,000Pa suction make it great on carpets; its sonic mopping is very good on hard floors, and its improved AI-powered obstacle detection means it will most likely get the job done without getting trapped or derailed.

I also Top 3 Automatic Vacuum Cleaners set schedules, hook them up to voice assistants, and play with any advanced features in the app. I evaluate how well they map and how easy the maps are to edit and use, as well as test and unique features such as home security camera capabilities, AI cleaning programs, and auto-mop removal.

Integration with voice assistants and scheduling via apps is becoming standard for premium models. Devices like the Shark AI Ultra and iRobot Roomba Q0120 let you direct cleaning with your voice or a tap, syncing with daily routines.

This automatic vacuum features strong suction and a runtime of up to 120 minutes, offering thorough cleaning sessions before needing to recharge.

For even cheaper options, head to TechRadar's best budget robot vacuum guide. If you're in the UK, our favorite budget model is the outstanding Xiaomi X20+.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive vacuum with strong suction, the Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly 31150 is the one. Its suction power surpasses other bagged uprights we’ve tested, and its cleaning performance is impressive. It earns top marks for cleaning bare floors and is no slouch at removing embedded dirt from carpets or tackling pet hair, either.