Everything you need to know before buying the best robot vacuum for your home.
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Suction Power
Look for at least 2,500Pa for hard floors and 4,000Pa+ for carpets. Premium models now offer 7,000-12,000Pa for deep cleaning. Higher suction also improves edge cleaning and pet hair pickup.
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Navigation & Mapping
LiDAR (LDS) navigation provides the most accurate room mapping and works in the dark. Camera-based navigation adds object recognition for avoiding cables, shoes, and pet waste. The best robots combine both.
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Self-Emptying
A self-emptying base is essential for hands-free cleaning. Most premium models hold 30-60 days of debris. Some newer models also clean and dry the mop pads automatically, making maintenance truly effortless.
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Pet Hair Performance
For pet owners, look for tangle-free rubber brushes, strong suction, and HEPA filtration. The iRobot Roomba j9+ and Roborock Qrevo Master both excel at pet hair pickup with specially designed brush systems.
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Mopping Features
Modern robot vacuums can also mop. Key features include auto mop washing, heated drying to prevent mold, mop lifting on carpets, and edge mopping. Ideal for homes with mixed flooring types.
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Battery Life
Most robot vacuums run 90-180 minutes per charge. All premium models auto-return to charge and resume. For homes over 2,000 sq ft, look for 150+ minute runtime or a model with fast charging.