How to Choose a Robot Vacuum: A Complete Guide

A robot vacuum can keep your floors clean every day without your involvement. But prices range from a few hundred to over a thousand euros – so it is worth knowing what you pay for.

Navigation matters most

LiDAR (a laser tower) builds an accurate home map, enabling room-by-room cleaning and no-go zones. An AI camera or 3D light additionally recognises cables, socks and pet waste. The cheapest robots without navigation move randomly – not recommended for larger homes.

Suction power

3000–4000 Pa is enough for hard floors; for carpets and pet hair choose 5000 Pa or more and a rubber brush that hair does not wrap around.

Mopping

• Simple cloth – only wipes dust.
• Vibrating pad or rotating mops – actually remove stains.
• Mop lifting – essential if you have carpets.

Self-emptying dock

The dock empties the bin, washes and dries the mops and refills water. It is the most expensive part but also the most convenient – the robot needs no attention for weeks.

What to choose?

• Flat with hard floors: LiDAR robot with mopping.
• Home with carpets and pets: 5000+ Pa, rubber brush, AI obstacle recognition.
• Maximum convenience: full dock with mop washing and drying.

Maintenance

Replace the filter and side brush every 3–6 months and the main brush every 6–12 months. Spare parts are in the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum Accessories category.

Find Roborock, Dreame, Ecovacs, Xiaomi and other robots in the Robot Vacuum Cleaners category.