Robot Vacuums

Robot vacuums have gotten genuinely good, but let's set expectations: they supplement your regular vacuuming, they don't replace it. They're great at maintenance cleaning - running daily to keep floors presentable between deeper cleans. Go in expecting that and you'll love yours.

Navigation type is the biggest spec to watch. LiDAR-based navigation (the ones with a turret on top) maps your home accurately, cleans in efficient rows, and rarely gets stuck. Camera-based is a step down but decent. Random-bounce is what cheap models use and it's exactly as bad as it sounds. LiDAR is worth the extra cost.

Features that actually matter:

• Self-emptying dock - The single best upgrade. Without it, you empty the dustbin after every run. With it, the robot dumps into a larger bag you change monthly. This is what makes a robot vacuum truly hands-off.
• Obstacle avoidance - Better models detect and avoid cables, shoes, and pet toys. Cheaper ones will eat your charging cables and get tangled on socks. If your floor isn't always spotless before a run, this feature saves real frustration.
• Mopping - Basic models just drag a damp pad around. Better ones (Roborock, Dreame) have vibrating or rotating pads that actually scrub. Don't expect them to handle sticky messes, but they do a reasonable job on everyday grime.
• Multi-floor mapping - If you have more than one level, make sure the robot saves multiple maps.
• No-go zones - Virtual boundaries in the app to keep the robot away from pet bowls, delicate furniture, or cable tangles.

Pet owners: Invest in good obstacle avoidance. You do not want to find out what happens when a robot runs over pet waste and continues its route across every room. Also look for rubber brush rolls instead of bristles - they handle pet hair better and are easier to clean.

For most people, a mid-range LiDAR model with a self-emptying dock is the sweet spot. The $400-700 range from Roborock, Dreame, and Ecovacs delivers excellent results without paying for the $1,500 flagship.