Robot Vacuum Buying Guide
Everything you need to know before choosing your next smart cleaner
1. Assess Your Floor Type
Robot vacuums behave differently on various surfaces. High-end models auto-adjust suction, while some entry-level units struggle on thick carpets.
- Hard Floors (tile, hardwood, laminate): Most robots work well; prioritise soft rubber wheels, a side brush, and (optionally) a mopping module.
- Low/Medium-Pile Carpet: Look for ≥2,000 Pa suction, carpet-boost sensors, and tangle-free brush rolls.
- High-Pile or Shag Carpet: Very few robots excel here—focus on ≥4,000 Pa suction and large off-road wheels (e.g. Roborock S8 Pro Ultra).
- Mixed Flooring: Dynamic suction plus automatic mop-lift keeps carpets dry while still mopping hard floors.
Pro Tip: Camera-based robots sometimes misread dark carpets as “cliffs.” If you have dark flooring, pick a LiDAR model.
2. Pet Considerations
Pets mean extra fur and potential messes. Choose a robot with:
- Tangle-free rubber brushes that resist long-hair wrap-ups.
- High suction (>2,500 Pa) to lift embedded fur from carpet fibres.
- Obstacle avoidance (camera or 3-D structured light) to spot pet toys and the dreaded “#pooptastrophe.”
- Self-empty dock so you’re not dumping a full bin every day in shedding season.
Pet-approved line-ups include iRobot Roomba j7+ and Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni.
3. Home Layout & Size
The larger or more complex your space, the more important mapping, battery capacity, and multi-floor memory become.
| Home Size | Recommended Battery | Must-Have Features |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / < 800 sq ft | 90–120 min | Bump-&-run navigation, slim profile |
| Apartment 800–1500 sq ft | 120–180 min | Smart mapping, recharge & resume |
| Large house > 1500 sq ft | 180 min + | LiDAR, multi-floor maps, self-empty dock |
4. Smart Features
- App Control & Scheduling: Set cleaning routines and view mapping reports.
- Mapping & No-Go Zones: Virtually fence off pet bowls or play areas.
- Voice Assistants: “Alexa, vacuum the kitchen.”
- Multi-floor Memory: Store up to 4 floor plans—handy for stairs.
- Obstacle Avoidance: 3-D or AI cameras reduce stuck incidents.
- Mopping Combo / Auto Mop Lift: Vacuum and mop without soaking carpets.
Not all homes need every feature. Prioritise what genuinely solves a problem for you.
5. Maintenance & Consumables
Even “set-and-forget” robots need upkeep. Plan for ongoing costs and time:
- Empty or replace dust bags every 30–60 days (with a self-empty dock) or bins after each run.
- Wash or swap filters monthly to keep suction strong.
- Replace main brush every 6–12 months; side brushes every 3–6 months.
- Descale or swap mop pads if you mop frequently.
Cost Check: Factor ~$30–$60 per year in consumables for most brands.
6. Budget & Value
| Price Tier | Typical Features | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| $150–$300 Entry-level | Bump navigation, Wi-Fi, basic app | Small apartments, supplemental cleaning |
| $400–$600 Mid-range | LiDAR mapping, recharge & resume, optional mop | Most homes—best feature-to-price ratio |
| $700–$1,200 Premium | Self-empty, AI obstacle avoidance, mop lift, 5k Pa+ | Busy families, pet owners, large houses |
| $1,200+ | Auto mop wash/dry, self-fill, hot-air drying docks | Hands-off users who want “just works” experience |
Identify which tier matches your needs—then hunt for deals within that tier rather than chasing the absolute cheapest robot.
Ready to Pick Your Robot Vacuum?
Check out our expert reviews or take the quick quiz to find your perfect match.