Robot Vacuum Buyer's Guide

Here are the 5 rules that'll save you time and money:

1. 1Start with constraints, not features. Your floor type, pets, furniture clearance, and other needs matter more than flashy specs.
2. 2LiDAR navigation is worth it for most people — and it's becoming baseline as the tech progresses. It's the difference between efficient cleaning and random wandering.
3. 3Diminishing returns hit above $800. Mid-range models ($400-800) offer the best value for most people. You're paying for convenience or specialty features beyond that.
4. 4Self-emptying docks pay off if you have pets or hate daily maintenance. Otherwise, they're convenient but not essential.
5. 5Don't chase Pa numbers. Design and airflow matter more than raw suction power. A 3,000 Pa unit with good brushes can beat a 6,000 Pa model with poor design.