Nobody loves vacuuming. That’s why robot vacuums have become the darlings of smart home technology, promising to tackle one of our most tedious household chores.
But with hundreds of models flooding the market, ranging from basic bumper-car cleaners to AI-powered navigators, finding the right one can feel overwhelming.
Here’s how to pick a robot vacuum that actually delivers on its promise of making your life easier. And once you’re ready to decide, browse our favorite robot vacuums and mops of 2024, where you’ll find picks for every budget.
A robot vacuum can be a game-changing addition to your home—if you choose the right one.
Your home’s layout should be your north star when choosing a robot vacuum. A basic model might work fine in a small apartment with an open floor plan. But if you’ve got a larger home with multiple rooms and hallways, you’ll want a vacuum with sophisticated navigation and mapping capabilities.
The best robot vacuums use LiDAR or camera-based systems to create detailed …