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

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

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

1. Start with your space

The layout of your home should be your north star when choosing a robot vacuum cleaner. A basic model might 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 need a vacuum with sophisticated navigation and mapping capabilities.

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

Wyze Robot Vacuum: low-budget laser navigation

Benefits

• Includes laser mapping and room customization
• Three suction levels
• Economical price

Disadvantages

• Easily wedges under low profile furniture
• No Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant support
• No specialized cleaning methods

2. Adapt your vacuum cleaner to your floors

Your type of flooring can make or break a robot vacuum’s performance. Hard floors are generally easier to clean, but if you have deep carpets, you’ll need a more muscular model. Look for vacuums with adjustable suction power that can detect surface changes and automatically increase power when moving across carpets.

Pet owners beware: not all robot vacuums excel at handling hair. Models equipped with rubber brush rolls often outperform traditional bristle brushes at grabbing pet hair without tangling it. Some even have special tangle-resistant models that save you from having to regularly cut winded hair from the brush roll, a common problem with standard vacuums.

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

Benefits

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

Disadvantages

• Large base station
• Self-cleaning functions are noisy

Price when reviewed:

799 euros

3. Look for smart features that actually matter

While basic app control has become standard on most robot vacuums, the sophistication of smart features varies between models.

Basic applications may only offer simple start/stop controls and scheduling. The most advanced models, however, unlock powerful features like room-specific cleaning zones, virtual barriers, and customizable cleaning scenarios. Want your vacuum to quickly sweep high-traffic areas twice a day, but deep clean the entire house on the weekends? The best intelligent 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 convenient than you think.

4. Remember, self-emptying trash cans make your life easier

One of the biggest innovations in recent years is the self-draining base station. Instead of requiring you to manually empty the dust bin after each cleaning session, these models automatically empty their contents into a larger bin on their charging base. Many can go weeks or even months between empties, making these robot vacuums truly hands-off.

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

iRobot Roomba Combo J9+: A sophisticated robot vacuum cleaner with automatic emptying bin

Benefits

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

Disadvantages

• The Companion app’s maps are basic and many commands are buried in submenus
• Mop pads must be cleaned manually
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5. Plan practical needs

Consider the height of the vacuum if you want it to clean under furniture. The thinner the better: Some models can fit under beds and sofas with just 3 inches of clearance.

Noise level is also important, especially if you work from home or plan to run your vacuum cleaner at night. The quietest models hover around 50 to 55 decibels (about as loud as a conversation), while others may sound more like traditional vacuum cleaners.

Battery life is worth paying attention to if you have a larger space. Most robots can clean for 60 to 90 minutes before needing to be recharged, but some high-end models go beyond two hours. Better yet, many will automatically recharge and resume 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, take a look at the warranty coverage and customer support options.

Most robot vacuums come with a one-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. Some manufacturers allow you to purchase extended warranties. Keep in mind that consumable parts such as brushes, filters, and batteries are generally not covered under warranty, as they are likely to wear out during normal use.

The quality of customer support varies greatly between brands. Look for companies that offer multiple support channels (phone, email, chat) and check 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 trying to get your robot vacuum up and running again.

7. Make the smart choice

Start by defining your budget. Base models start around $200, mid-range options with mapping and smart features cost between $400 and $600, and high-end models with full features can exceed $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? Choose strong suction and specialized brushes. Do you live in a bigger house? Focus on browsing capabilities and battery life. Working from home? Look for quieter models with scheduling features.

Dreame X40 Ultra: A hands-off vacuuming and cleaning experience

Benefits

• Excellent suction and cleaning performance
• Empty your trash and disinfect your mops
• Accurately detects and avoids obstacles

Disadvantages

• Mop heads tend to get stuck on the edges of carpets
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8. Find your ideal partner

A robot vacuum cleaner can be a game-changer in your home, if you choose the right one. Take the time to assess your needs and tailor them to the features that matter most. The best robot vacuum cleaner isn’t necessarily the most expensive or feature-rich model, 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 significantly reduce how often you need to break out the big gun. And that’s the true test of any smart home device: not whether it’s perfect, but whether it makes life in your home noticeably easier.