How we rank products
Every ranking on this site is calculated, not hand-picked. Here is the whole method.
1. Specs come from the manufacturer
We enter only figures the manufacturer publishes and link the page we used under every product. If a figure isn't published we show "Not listed" instead of guessing.
2. Each spec is scaled from 0 to 1
Each criterion has a fixed reference range, from a "weakest reasonable" value to a "best in class" value (for example 8,000 to 36,000 Pa of suction for robot vacuum and mop docks). A product's figure is placed on that range and clamped between 0 and 1, so scores stay meaningful as products are added. For specs where lower is better, such as weight, the range runs the other way. Yes/no features count as 1 or 0. The ranges are listed below.
3. Weights decide what matters most
Each category lists its criteria and weights on the page. The score is the weighted average, multiplied by 10:
score = 10 × Σ(weight × scaled value) ÷ Σ(weight)
4. Missing data is neutral
If a spec isn't published, the product gets the category median for that criterion, so it is neither rewarded nor punished. A few criteria that only apply to some products (like a cycle rating or surge figure some makers don't publish) are skipped instead, and their weight is removed for that product.
5. Prices and ratings switch on automatically
When our retailer feeds supply a current price or customer rating for at least 60% of products in a category, two more criteria join the formula: Price / value (20%) and Customer rating (15%, discounted when there are few reviews). Until then we show "Check price" and never estimate a price.
6. What the score can't tell you
Specs don't capture navigation quality, how well a mop actually lifts stains, noise, app quality or long-term reliability. Suction figures are the maker's own and aren't measured the same way across brands. Use the score to shortlist, then read the pros, cons and sources. When we add hands-on testing notes, we label them clearly.
7. Money never changes the order
We earn affiliate commissions from some retailers. Commission rates are not an input to the formula, and no brand can pay for placement. See our affiliate disclosure.
Criteria by category
Robot Vacuum & Mop Combos (All-in-One Docks)
- Max suction: 35% · range 8000 → 36000 Pa
- Camera-based obstacle recognition: 20% · yes/no
- Robot height: 15% · range 4.3 → 3.1 in · skipped when not published
- Hot-water mop washing: 15% · yes/no
- Battery capacity: 15% · range 5000 → 7000 mAh · skipped when not published
Self-Emptying & Everyday Robot Vacuums
- Max suction: 35% · range 4000 → 13000 Pa
- Auto-empty dock included: 25% · yes/no
- Front obstacle avoidance (listed): 15% · yes/no
- Battery capacity: 15% · range 3000 → 5200 mAh
- Robot height: 10% · range 4 → 3.7 in · skipped when not published
Cordless Stick Vacuums
- Suction (air watts): 45% · range 80 → 310 AW
- Maximum runtime: 25% · range 40 → 110 min · skipped when not published
- Auto-empty station: 15% · yes/no
- Listed weight: 15% · range 8 → 2.4 lb · skipped when not published
Wet-Dry Vacuum Mops (Floor Washers)
- Max suction: 30% · range 15000 → 25000 Pa · skipped when not published
- Maximum runtime: 20% · range 35 → 75 min · skipped when not published
- Lies flat for low reach: 15% · yes/no
- Hot-water or steam floor cleaning: 15% · yes/no
- Clean-water tank: 10% · range 700 → 1000 ml · skipped when not published
- Listed weight: 10% · range 14 → 9 lb · skipped when not published