You can simply set and forget the Shark IQ robot vacuum for over a month thanks to its advanced scheduling capabilities and self-emptying dustbin.

When the robot returns to its dock at the end of a cleaning session, it empties its dustbin into a larger bag in the base and refills its water tank for mopping, offering a truly hands-free experience.

We've been impressed with all of Roborock's recent launches, and most pack similarly advanced features and reliable performance. If you have low-sitting furniture, the Roborock Saros 10R or Roborock Qrevo Slim would be a better choice as both use an innovative new navigation system that doesn't require a raised puck.

This model is equipped with a mopping system, and Roborock claims it’s self-washing and self-drying. That said, it’s one of the noisier models we’ve tested, and though it receives a respectable score in data security tests, it scores near the bottom for data privacy.

Most of the robot vacuums we recommend are combination vacuum-mop units, self-emptying models or both. While these features are convenient, they typically require larger charging docks to accommodate a water tank or internal dust bag.

PreciSense LiDAR Navigation with 3D Mapping Technology creates precise maps that can be viewed in 3D, and you can add furniture and floor materials to your virtual home build for accurate and customized cleaning.

On top of this, the Wyze app is easy to navigate and intuitive to use. It also comes with useful features, such as a location-based trigger. For instance, we could make sure the robot wouldn't run when we walked the dog, but would when we was a sufficient distance away.

Most robot vacuum models can easily handle cleaning both carpets and hardwood, but some are better at cleaning one or the other. Higher-end robot vacuums such as the Roomba J9+ Combo can accommodate rapid surface changes by folding its mop pad atop itself and ramping up power whenever carpet is detected, and then throttling back down when it senses hardwood.

Issues like this can be avoided after the first few trips around the house, if you identify problem areas your robot vacuum typically encounters, simply block them off.

【Big 600 ml Dust Bin and 300 ml Water Tank】: Large dust bin and intelligent control water tank ensure the robot vacuum is able to clean larger spaces without frequent emptying.(Pls note: the water tank sold separately).

At first, a robot vacuum cleaner can sound like an extravagance (particularly when you can pick up the more familiar version for a knockdown price – some of the best vacuum cleaners are under £100). However, in a world where everyone is just getting busier, it makes sense to spend a bit more and reclaim some valuable time by introducing a little automation into things.

It's super convenient not to have to dump out contents after every run especially if you're upgrading from a typical on-board dustbin. The Shark IQ excelled at all of our tests, even picking up kitty litter on the carpet which other models (like our previous pick for this category, the Roomba i3+) scored low marks in.

Before you start shopping for a new robot vacuum, you should consider what you need from it and how much you’re happy to spend. Here are some of the most common features you can find in robot vacuums.

Noah works as a product reviews analyst in the Home Top 3 Automatic Vacuum Cleaners Care & Cleaning Lab where he helps design and perform tests on various product categories. He draws on scientific expertise garnered during his time as an environmental researcher, where he managed environmental monitoring equipment, analyzed water samples in a lab and developed protocols for restoration projects. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.