What to actually expect from owning a robot vacuum.
Here's what ownership actually looks like: You'll run it 3-5 times a week. You'll do a deep clean every few weeks yourself. Your floors will be noticeably cleaner day-to-day, and you'll save a couple hours per week. But your home won't be spotless 24/7.
If you're cool with that trade-off, and most people are, robot vacuums are fantastic. If you're expecting perfection, you'll be disappointed.
Annual costs: $50-150 depending on the model.
Premium models with self-cleaning docks have higher consumable costs but save time.
Expect 3-5 years of reliable use, sometimes longer.
The battery typically degrades after 2-3 years but is replaceable on most models ($50-100).
Brush motors and wheels are the next most common wear items. Premium brands (Roborock, Dreame, Ecovacs) tend to have better longevity than budget brands.
Regular maintenance (cleaning brushes, filters, sensors) significantly extends lifespan. Well-maintained robots can last 5+ years.
If you value time and hate vacuuming, a good robot vacuum ($400-600) pays for itself in saved time within a year for most households.
