How to Pick the Best Robot Vacuum for Your Apartment

Robot vacuums are game-changers for anyone who vacuums a lot. Maybe you have allergies, pets, or just like to keep things tidy — whatever your reasons are, these little machines can suck up a ton of dirt and save you countless hours on apartment cleaning. Of course, not all robot vacuums are made the same, and these days there’s a ton of extra features to choose from. This article will cover different models for different budgets to help you pick the best robot vacuum for your apartment.

Suction

Robot vacuums have come a long way in recent years, and newer models will all have good-to-excellent suction ability. Some will be better than others, so look at their pascals (Pa) to compare. The higher the Pa, the more powerful the robot. High-end models like the Roborock S7 MaxV boast 5100 Pa with a price tag around $800, while budget vacuums like the Eufy Boost IQ Robovac offer 1300 Pa of suction power for just $150.

A less powerful robot vacuum might be just fine for smaller apartments with hardwood floors, but if you have carpet or pet hair, a lower-suction model will likely leave you unimpressed. Mid-range suction will do the job for most households, so look for anything between 2000 to 3000 Pa to take care of most carpet, wood, and tile cleaning needs.

Mapping Technology

The second feature to look for in a good robot vacuum is mapping ability. Older robots used to clean your floors in a haphazard zig-zag fashion, which eventually got the job done, but took much longer and frustrated consumers. New robots can map out your floor plan with laser technology and clean in nice, straight lines. They should be able to charge and go back to where they left off without missing any areas.

WiFi-enabled robot vacuums allow you to program rooms and add “no-go” zones, giving you the option of scheduling different areas of your apartment as needed, all from the touch of your phone. Some apps can be glitchy, though, so be sure to check out online reviews.

Self-Emptying

One of the coolest and most convenient features to come out of the robot vacuum world is the self-emptying option. Most robot vacuums’ dirt collection systems are tiny and need to be emptied halfway through their cycle. This means you can’t go to work or do errands and expect to come back to a fully cleaned apartment. The self-empty feature will add about $200 to the overall price, so if you work from home or don’t mind supervising it, this feature might not be worth it. Running the vacuum every day can also cut down on the amount it picks up each time.

Keep in mind that the base your robot vacuum comes with will inevitably add more bulk to the room it’s in. On their own, they can usually be hidden underneath tables or tucked into corners, but self-emptying containers are tall and will need at least six more inches of headroom. Many bases also require a two-foot clearance around them so the robot can find its way back to the docking station. Still, if you have the space and budget for it, a self-emptying bin is a premium feature that allows for completely hands-off cleaning.

Check out the iRobot Roomba j7+, which self-empties and avoids pet messes (another important feature to consider). A good sale can land you one for around $600, but if you want something cheaper, go for the older iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO, priced around $350.

2-in-1 Mop Option

Do you need a robot vacuum to mop your floors, too? This is another feature that will run you a few extra dollars, but if you’re already budgeting for a higher-end model, you’ll definitely want to consider the 2-in-1 mop option.

The Shark AI VACMOP has great reviews, with buyers citing its advanced cleaning power compared to other brands. It also vacuums as it mops, meaning you won’t have to run two different cycles. On its own, this model runs around $400 to $500, but there’s also a self-emptying option available for an extra $200.

For $999, you can treat yourself to the ECOVACS Deebot X1 Omni, which cleans its own mop, empties the dustbin, and fills up the water reservoir for a luxurious hands-free experience. It’s smart enough that it won’t mop your carpets, either.

Robot vs. Upright Vacuums

Unfortunately, robot vacuums haven’t figured out how to climb or clean stairs yet, nor can they deep clean like most upright vacuums can. On the other hand, they’re totally cordless and great at getting under furniture and beds.

If you don’t have stairs or carpet, a robot vacuum could easily be the only vacuum you need. Opting for the 2-in-1 mop option can replace your floor cleaning kit altogether. Robot vacuums are also better for anyone with mobility issues, especially the self-emptying kinds that do it all.

With so many different brands and styles of robot vacuums to choose from, searching for the best deal can often be the deciding factor. Suction and mapping skills will be the most important features for getting your floors clean without hassles, but a holiday sale could easily put a self-emptying bot into your price range. While WiFi-enabled bots are the norm these days, it’s important not to get too caught up on the bells and whistles. The best robot vacuum for your apartment will ultimately be the one that meets basic cleaning standards and fits within your budget.