❌ You have an open plan home: The Narwal app won't let you demarcate open plan spaces into 'rooms'.

I loved that the floor brush can be quickly attached with the press of a button. Some on-line reviewers said the hose was a bit short, but it didn't bother us during testing.

Opertating this robovac is nice and straightforward too. We found the app easy to use, with useful customization options. And the bot itself mapped our reviewer's home quickly and accurately, then proved reliable at object avoidance on test, too.

The Roborock Orevo Curv ticked all the boxes, proving to be a great, splurge robot vacuum and mop hybrid. Probably what stands out is its attractive, sleek design of the curved docking station. Which won't look out of place in any room.

In our Lab tests: Robot vacuums are getting better, smarter and more self-sufficient all the time, and iRobot's Roomba remains one of the top performers in our GH Cleaning Lab tests. This Roomba S9+ picked up 99% of the dry oatmeal, sand, small screws and other debris we spread on hard floors.

The Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 offers the best of everything. It intelligently mops and vacuums your floors for up to 30 days. Just set a schedule and the robot returns to its base to empty the dustbin, wash the mop, and refill the tank automatically.

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.

You're looking for a vacuum that is easier to maneuver into tight spaces and use on stairs than uprights are. The canister and motor can be placed out of the way, making it easier to carry and use. Plus, all have hoses and attachments for dusting, upholstery and crevices.

Plus, we liked its superior mop powers to tackle stubborn stains. But if you're looking for a more affordable robot vac, we Top 3 Automatic Vacuum Cleaners would suggest our best budget pick iLife V3S Pro, which cleans even tricky materials such as pet hair like a champ without breaking the bank.

I’ve been testing robot vacuums for seven years and have run over 70 robot vacuums all over my house. These are my top picks if you’re looking for the best: a robot vacuum that can do it all with limited intervention from you.

However, it won't be perfect for everyone, so read on for a range of options for different needs and budgets. And if you want to supplement your robovac with a manual model for stairs and deep cleans, head to TechRadar's best cordless vacuum cleaner guide.

Who it's best for: This stick vacuum is ideal for those who want an easy-to-use model that can do it all. With multiple settings and attachment options for different surfaces to clean, this vacuum has a one-hour run time, which is quite high for a cordless model.

Uprights can weigh anywhere from 10 to over 20 pounds, which can be heavy to carry up and down stairs. If your home has more than one level and you prefer an upright, consider keeping one on each floor.

Robot vacuums are impressive devices that will clean your floors well and — thanks to bigger batteries and better robot brains — rarely get tired of doing their job.