Robot vacuums range from simple bump-and-turn models to machines that map your home, mop, and empty themselves. These are the features that decide whether one is worth the money.
LiDAR-based robots build an accurate map quickly, work in the dark and plan efficient paths. Camera-based systems can also recognize objects but depend on lighting and raise privacy questions for some people. Basic gyroscope models clean in patterns and miss more. If your home has several rooms or floors, choose a model that saves multiple maps and lets you set no-go zones and room-by-room cleaning.
Headline suction numbers in pascals are only part of the story. Brush design matters: rubber or anti-tangle roller brushes handle pet and long hair better than bristles. On thick carpet, higher suction helps, and some models lift their mop pads or raise the brush on carpet automatically.
Many robots now mop as well as vacuum. Simple models drag a damp cloth, which only wipes light dust. Better ones press rotating or vibrating pads against the floor, lift them on carpet and can wash the pads at the dock. If you have mostly hard floors, good mopping is worth paying for; if you mostly have carpet, it matters less.
A self-emptying dock stores dust in a bag for weeks, which is the biggest convenience upgrade. Docks that also refill water and wash and dry the mop pads reduce manual work further, but they are larger and cost more. Check the price and availability of replacement bags, filters and pads before you buy.
Look for reliable avoidance of cables, socks and pet waste if these are issues in your home. A good app lets you schedule cleaning, set zones, see the map and get alerts. Voice assistant support is a bonus. Check that the manufacturer updates the software and sells spare parts.
Measure low furniture, because robots with a tall LiDAR turret may not fit under some sofas. Check the noise level, battery runtime relative to your floor area, the warranty and the return policy. Compare the final price including delivery, and remember to budget for consumables over the first couple of years.