How to Choose: A Decision Framework

5 steps to picking the right robot vacuum for your home.

7-minute read•Last updated October 2025

1
Identify Your Deal-Breakers

These are the constraints that eliminate most options. Be honest about what will actually work in your home:

Physical constraints

•Furniture clearance (measure first)
•Threshold heights
•Stairs (need one per floor or willing to carry it?)

Lifestyle constraints

•Budget (hard limit, not "I'd prefer to spend less")
•Maintenance tolerance (will you empty daily, or do you need self-empty?)
•Floor types (all hard floors vs carpet-heavy)

Pet/allergy constraints

•Shedding pets = need anti-tangle + strong suction
•Allergies = HEPA filter + sealed bag systems

2
Pick Your Navigation & Obstacle Avoidance Tier

This is the biggest performance differentiator. Here are the main tiers:

Budget: Random/Gyroscope

•Cheap, simple
•Inefficient cleaning patterns
•Bumps into everything
•No saved maps

Mid-Range: LiDAR

•Accurate mapping
•Efficient patterns
•Basic collision detection
•Room selection features

Premium: Camera/AI

•Advanced obstacle avoidance
•Recognizes specific objects
•Can be low-profile
•Privacy considerations

Read more in our Navigation & Obstacle Avoidance guide.

3
Mopping: Do You Need It?

Mopping adds convenience but isn't essential for everyone. Here's how to decide:

Skip it if:

•Mostly carpet
•Tight budget

Get basic mopping if:

•50%+ hard floors
•Want maintenance cleaning
•Don't want a separate mop

Get advanced mopping if:

•Want actual floor cleaning
•Sticky messes or spills occur often
•Willing to pay premium

Note on Combo Units

Vacuum + Mop combo units are increasingly standard in mid-to-high range models. You can always choose to not use the mop feature.

4
Self-Empty Dock - Worth It?

Self-emptying docks add convenience by automatically emptying the robot's dustbin. Here's how to decide:

Skip it if:

•Tight budget (luxury feature)
•Don't mind emptying every 2-3 days
•Small space with light debris

Get basic self-empty dock:

•Value convenience
•Have pets
•Want hands-off maintenance

Get advanced dock:

•Want mop pad washing
•Want automatic water refilling
•Willing to pay premium for full automation

Read more in our Docking Stations guide.

5
Balance Features vs Budget

Not all premium features are worth the extra cost. Here's where to invest and where to save:

Do pay extra for:

Better navigation or obstacle avoidance
Self-empty dock if you won't stay on top of manual maintenance
Anti-tangle brushes if you've got hair concerns
Better brand reputation

Don't pay extra for:

Ultra-high Pa ratings (marginal returns)
Real-time mapping in app (you'll never use it)
Exotic features you can't explain why you need

When You're Between Two Models

Tied between two options? Ask these questions:

1.Which has better navigation? Pick that one. Navigation impacts every cleaning.
2.Which has better reviews for reliability? Robot vacuums break. Go with the more reliable brand.
3.Which has cheaper replacement parts? Filters, brushes, and bags add up over 3-4 years.

How to Use RoboRatings to Decide

Our tools help you cut through marketing and find the right model:

Take the Quiz

Answer 6 questions about your home and get personalized recommendations based on your specific needs.

Start Quiz →

Browse & Filter

Use our advanced filters to narrow by price, features, brands, and specs.

Browse Vacuums →

Compare

Compare models side-by-side with detailed specs, features, and pricing.

Compare Models →

Identify Your Deal-Breakers

These are the constraints that eliminate most options. Be honest about what will actually work in your home:

Physical constraints

•Furniture clearance (measure first)
•Threshold heights
•Stairs (need one per floor or willing to carry it?)

Lifestyle constraints

•Budget (hard limit, not "I'd prefer to spend less")
•Maintenance tolerance (will you empty daily, or do you need self-empty?)
•Floor types (all hard floors vs carpet-heavy)

Pet/allergy constraints

•Shedding pets = need anti-tangle + strong suction
•Allergies = HEPA filter + sealed bag systems

Budget: Random/Gyroscope

•Cheap, simple
•Inefficient cleaning patterns
•Bumps into everything
•No saved maps

Mid-Range: LiDAR

•Accurate mapping
•Efficient patterns
•Basic collision detection
•Room selection features

Premium: Camera/AI

•Advanced obstacle avoidance
•Recognizes specific objects
•Can be low-profile
•Privacy considerations

Read more in our Navigation & Obstacle Avoidance guide.

Mopping: Do You Need It?

Mopping adds convenience but isn't essential for everyone. Here's how to decide:

Skip it if:

•Mostly carpet
•Tight budget

Get basic mopping if:

•50%+ hard floors
•Want maintenance cleaning
•Don't want a separate mop

Get advanced mopping if:

•Want actual floor cleaning
•Sticky messes or spills occur often
•Willing to pay premium

Note on Combo Units

Vacuum + Mop combo units are increasingly standard in mid-to-high range models. You can always choose to not use the mop feature.

Skip it if:

•Tight budget (luxury feature)
•Don't mind emptying every 2-3 days
•Small space with light debris

Get basic self-empty dock:

•Value convenience
•Have pets
•Want hands-off maintenance

Get advanced dock:

•Want mop pad washing
•Want automatic water refilling
•Willing to pay premium for full automation

Read more in our Docking Stations guide.

Balance Features vs Budget

Not all premium features are worth the extra cost. Here's where to invest and where to save:

Do pay extra for:

Better navigation or obstacle avoidance
Self-empty dock if you won't stay on top of manual maintenance
Anti-tangle brushes if you've got hair concerns
Better brand reputation

Don't pay extra for:

Ultra-high Pa ratings (marginal returns)
Real-time mapping in app (you'll never use it)
Exotic features you can't explain why you need

When You're Between Two Models

Tied between two options? Ask these questions:

1.Which has better navigation? Pick that one. Navigation impacts every cleaning.
2.Which has better reviews for reliability? Robot vacuums break. Go with the more reliable brand.
3.Which has cheaper replacement parts? Filters, brushes, and bags add up over 3-4 years.

How to Use RoboRatings to Decide

Our tools help you cut through marketing and find the right model:

Take the Quiz

Answer 6 questions about your home and get personalized recommendations based on your specific needs.

Start Quiz →

Browse & Filter

Use our advanced filters to narrow by price, features, brands, and specs.

Browse Vacuums →

Compare

Compare models side-by-side with detailed specs, features, and pricing.

Compare Models →

How to Choose: A Decision Framework

1Identify Your Deal-Breakers

Physical constraints

Lifestyle constraints

Pet/allergy constraints

2Pick Your Navigation & Obstacle Avoidance Tier

Budget: Random/Gyroscope

Mid-Range: LiDAR

Premium: Camera/AI

3Mopping: Do You Need It?

Skip it if:

Get basic mopping if:

Get advanced mopping if:

4Self-Empty Dock - Worth It?

Skip it if:

Get basic self-empty dock:

Get advanced dock:

5Balance Features vs Budget

Do pay extra for:

Don't pay extra for:

When You're Between Two Models

How to Use RoboRatings to Decide

Take the Quiz

Browse & Filter

Compare

How to Choose: A Decision Framework

1Identify Your Deal-Breakers

Physical constraints

Lifestyle constraints

Pet/allergy constraints

2Pick Your Navigation & Obstacle Avoidance Tier

Budget: Random/Gyroscope

Mid-Range: LiDAR

Premium: Camera/AI

3Mopping: Do You Need It?

Skip it if:

Get basic mopping if:

Get advanced mopping if:

4Self-Empty Dock - Worth It?

Skip it if:

Get basic self-empty dock:

Get advanced dock:

5Balance Features vs Budget

Do pay extra for:

Don't pay extra for:

When You're Between Two Models

How to Use RoboRatings to Decide

Take the Quiz

Browse & Filter

Compare

1
Identify Your Deal-Breakers

2
Pick Your Navigation & Obstacle Avoidance Tier

3
Mopping: Do You Need It?

4
Self-Empty Dock - Worth It?

5
Balance Features vs Budget

1
Identify Your Deal-Breakers

2
Pick Your Navigation & Obstacle Avoidance Tier

3
Mopping: Do You Need It?

4
Self-Empty Dock - Worth It?

5
Balance Features vs Budget