8 expert tips for choosing the right robot vacuum cleaner for your home

Nobody likes vacuuming. That’s why robot vacuums have become the darlings of smart home technology, promising to tackle one of our most annoying household chores.

But with hundreds of models flooding the market, ranging from simple bumper car cleaners to AI-powered navigators, finding the right one can seem overwhelming.

Here’s how to choose a robot vacuum cleaner that actually delivers on its promise to make your life easier. And once you’re ready to decide, browse our favorite robot vacuums and mops of 2024where you will find choices for every budget.

1. Start with your space

The layout of your home should be your north star when choosing a robot vacuum cleaner. A basic model could work well in a small apartment with an open floor plan. But if you have a larger home with multiple rooms and hallways, you’ll want a vacuum with advanced navigation and mapping capabilities.

The best robot vacuums use LiDAR or camera-based systems to create detailed maps of your home. Think of it as a GPS device for your vacuum cleaner: it knows exactly where it has been and where it needs to go. These smarter models clean in efficient patterns instead of bouncing around randomly, meaning faster, more thorough cleaning and fewer missed spots.

Wyze Robot Vacuum Cleaner: Laser Navigation on a Budget

Positives

• Includes laser mapping and room adjustment
• Three suction levels
• Budget price

Disadvantages

• Easily gets stuck under low profile furniture
• No support for Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
• No special cleaning modes

2. Match your vacuum cleaner to your floors

Your floor type can make or break the performance of a robot vacuum cleaner. Hard floors are generally easier to clean, but if you have deep carpets, you’ll need a model with extra power. Look for vacuums with adjustable suction that can detect changes in the surface and automatically increase power when going over carpets.

Pet owners take note: not all robot vacuum cleaners excel at processing fur. Models with rubber brush rolls often outperform traditional brushes at grabbing pet hair without tangling. Some even feature special tangle-resistant designs that prevent you from having to regularly cut away tangled hair from the brush roll – a common hassle with standard vacuums.

Eufy X10 Pro Omni: Great vacuum/mop combo for pet owners

Positives

• Thorough and balanced vacuuming and mopping
• Excellent obstacle avoidance
• Requires little hands-on attention from the user

Disadvantages

• Large base station
• Self-cleaning functions are noisy

Price upon review:

799 euros

3. Look for smart features that really matter

Although basic app control has become standard with most robot vacuum cleaners, the sophistication of the smart functions varies by model.

Basic apps may only provide basic start/stop control and scheduling. However, the more advanced models offer powerful capabilities such as room-specific cleaning zones, virtual barriers and customizable cleaning scenarios. Do you want your vacuum to quickly sweep through high-traffic areas twice a day, but thoroughly clean the entire house on the weekend? The better smart systems can handle these complex routines.

Voice control via Alexa or Google Home can also be surprisingly useful. Being able to say “Hey Google, clean the living room” when you notice a mess is more useful than you might think.

4. Remember that self-emptying bins make life easier

One of the biggest innovations in recent years is the self-emptying base station. Instead of having to manually empty the dust bin after every cleaning, these models automatically dump the contents into a larger bin in their charging base. Many can go weeks or even months between emptyings, making these robot vacuums truly hands-off.

Yes, you’ll pay more for this feature, but if you have a large home, have pets, have allergies, or just hate dust, it may be worth the investment.

iRobot Roomba Combo J9+: An advanced robot vacuum cleaner with a self-emptying collection bin

Positives

• Retractable mop arm keeps carpets dry
• The new Clean Base design fits perfectly with the home furnishings
• Recognizes and prioritizes the dirtiest areas

Disadvantages

• The Companion app’s maps are simple, and many controls are hidden in submenus
• Mop pads must be cleaned manually
• Duration

5. Plan for practical needs

Take the height of the vacuum cleaner into account if you want it to clean under furniture. The slimmer the better: some models can slide under beds and sofas with just 3 inches of clearance.

The noise level also matters, especially if you work from home or plan to vacuum at night. The quietest models hover around 50-55 decibels (about as loud as a conversation), while others can sound more like traditional vacuum cleaners.

Battery life deserves attention if you have a larger space. Most robots can clean for 60 to 90 minutes before needing a recharge, but some premium models can take more than two hours. Better yet, many will automatically charge and continue cleaning where they left off, which is essential for larger homes.

6. Don’t forget about warranty and support options

Before making your final decision, be sure to review warranty coverage and customer support options.

Most robot vacuum cleaners come with a one-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects. You can purchase extended warranties from some manufacturers. Please note that consumables such as brushes, filters and batteries are generally not covered by the warranty as they are expected to wear out with normal use.

The quality of customer support varies widely between brands. Look for companies that offer multiple support channels (phone, email, chat) and check out online reviews that specifically mention warranty claims and repairs. Some manufacturers maintain active user communities and detailed online resources, which can be invaluable in troubleshooting problems or getting the most out of your device.

Support response times and quality of help can make a big difference when you’re trying to get your robot vacuum up and running again.

7. Making the smart choice

Start by setting your budget. Basic models start around $200, mid-range options with maps and smart features cost $400-600, and premium models with all the bells and whistles can top $1,000. But don’t just buy the most expensive model you can afford. Instead, tailor the features to your specific needs.

Do you have pets? Prioritize strong suction and specialized brushes. Living in a larger house? Focus on navigation options and battery life. Working from home? Look for quieter models with scheduling features.

Dreame X40 Ultra: a hands-off vacuuming and mopping experience

Positives

• Excellent vacuuming and mopping performance
• Empties the trash can and cleans the mops
• Accurately detects and avoids obstacles

Disadvantages

• Mop heads tend to get stuck on the edges of carpet
• Duration

8. Find your perfect match

A robot vacuum cleaner can be a game-changing addition to your home, if you choose the right one. Take the time to evaluate your needs and tailor them to the features that matter most. The best robot vacuum cleaner is not necessarily the most expensive model or the most versatile, but the one that fits seamlessly into your home and lifestyle.

Remember: Even the most advanced robot vacuum won’t completely replace your traditional vacuum (especially for stairs and detailed cleaning), but it can dramatically reduce the number of times you have to pull the big gun. And that’s the real test of any smart home device: not whether it’s perfect, but whether it makes your home life noticeably easier.