Articles by Derek Adams

Derek Adams has been in consumer tech journalism since joining London listings magazine Time Out in the early ‘80s. He’s an experienced reviewer of cordless vacs and robot vacs, indeed anything that runs on batteries or has a plug attached. Derek also writes extensively for TechRadar’s sister site T3.com between playing drums and guitar with his bandmates in Red Box.

Articles by: Derek Adams

I tested one of the cheapest Roborock robovacs and it still offers excellent vacuuming

By Derek Adams published 15 March 25

The Q5 Pro+ delivers strong suction and great mapping, but the mop function is underwhelming to say the least.

Tineco Pure One A50S cordless stick vacuum with wand bent forwards

Tineco Pure One A50S cordless vacuum review: superb suction but a flawed design

By Derek Adams published 1 March 25

The Tineco Pure One A50S offers excellent cleaning power and long battery life, but a clunky design lets it down a little.

Dreame R20 cordless vacuum in reviewer's home

Dreame R20 cordless vacuum review

By Derek Adams published 28 January 25

The Dreame R20 packs a slew of useful features, not to mention incredible cleaning power, for a wallet-friendly price.

Close up of camera on iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max (left) and close up of LiDAR navigation puck on Roborock robot vacuum

LiDAR vs vSLAM: which robot vacuum navigation technology is better?

By Ruth Hamilton published 16 January 25

vSLAM and LiDAR will both help your robovac find its way around, but one is better than the other.

Dreame L40 Ultra (left) and D-shaped Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuums (right)

5 overdue robot vacuum innovations I want to see in 2025

By Derek Adams last updated 30 December 24

From D-shaped bots to better-looking docks, here's what's on my robovac wishlist for the new year.

Roborock Qrevo Curv robot vacuum in reviewer's home

How do robot vacuums navigate?

By Derek Adams published 10 December 24

Here's exactly how robovacs find their way around, without crashing down stairs, running slipshod over toys and cables, or bumping into furniture.

Close up of camera on iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max

iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max review

By Derek Adams published 7 December 24

iRobot's range-topping Roomba Combo 10 Max is well-built and looks good, but has a few too many design and usability issues.

Dreame L40 Ultra robot vacuum in a village hall

Dreame L40 Ultra robot vacuum review

By Derek Adams published 20 November 24

If you can handle the large and ugly dock, the Dreame L40 Ultra is an almost-perfect hybrid robot vacuum.

The Gtech ProLite on a kitchen counter with oatmeal scattered in front of it

Gtech ProLite cordless handheld vacuum cleaner review

By Derek Adams published 11 September 24

The Gtech ProLite is a featherweight handheld vacuum that's perfect for little clean-ups, but not much more.

Xiaomi X20+ robot vac review

By Derek Adams published 10 September 24

The Xiaomi X20+ is a brilliant, budget-friendly robot vacuum and mop that can do almost everything pricier models can.

Gtech AirRam 3 vacuum cleaner in reviewer's home

Gtech AirRam 3 cordless upright vacuum cleaner review

By Derek Adams published 9 August 24

Recommended

A superbly designed cordless upright vac that cleans right to the edge.

Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD by a clump of lavender

Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD robot lawn mower review

By Derek Adams published 15 July 24

Recommended

A fully autonomous GPS-guided robotic lawn mower for pristine lawn maintenance.

Should I buy a robot lawn mower? We look at the pros and cons

By Derek Adams published 14 July 24

A robot lawn mower can be a great timesaver, but it's not right for everyone.

Miele Classic C1 Flex against a fireplace

Miele Classic C1 vacuum cleaner review

By Derek Adams published 13 July 24

A powerful but dated corded cylinder floor cleaner for those on a tighter budget.

How exactly do robot lawn mowers work?

By Derek Adams published 7 July 24

Do they need a navigation wire? How do they find their way around? And where exactly does the grass go? We answer all your robot lawn mower questions.