Are Robot Vacuums Worth It And Should You Buy One?

When robot vacuums were first introduced to the world of home cleaning, they fell short of what people expected from a traditional vacuum cleaner. The novel devices were pricey, bumped into walls, were ineffective at cleaning tight spaces, and couldn’t reach curtains and other vertical surfaces.
More than two decades on, some of these ideas pervade, and many wonder why they should replace their normal vacuum cleaner with a robotic one. While a robot vacuum may not provide an exact substitute for a conventional vacuum cleaner, it’s come a long way in enhancing and streamlining household cleaning. Here, we’ll detail just how far smart vacuums have come and hopefully, answer the question: should you buy a robot vacuum cleaner?

Do Robot Vacuums Really Work

Yes, robot vacuums do work well for daily cleaning tasks, bringing convenience that many traditional vacuums lack. With just a press of a button, they can navigate around your home, picking up dirt and debris on different floor types. Thanks to technology advancement, modern robot vacuums now come with smart features like quick mapping, obstacle avoidance, AI-backed voice control, and even self-emptying capabilities.
Robot vacuums are smart devices designed to automate the task of cleaning floors. These compact machines maneuver around obstacles and operate with minimal supervision.

Should You Buy A Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Yes, a robot vacuum cleaner is a smart choice to buy for your home, regardless of your lifestyle or home setup. Whether you live in a cozy apartment or a large house, robotic vacuum cleaners’ compact design can fit under most furniture and tackle corners. For families with kids and pets, they’re invaluable for handling pet hair and crumbs, and they even perform well on sand if you live by the beach or in the countryside. Auto vacuums also work efficiently on outdoor patios and garage floors, vacuuming different surfaces with ease.
If you’re interested in a model that does more, consider a robot vacuum with mop to handle both vacuuming and mopping at the same time. Wondering if you should buy a smart vacuum with mopping capabilities? These dual-function models are a great investment – compared to traditional stick vacuums, they offer a hands-free, autonomous and thorough clean to your home.

3 DEEBOT That Worth It

DEEBOT X5 PRO OMNI

The latest addition to the premium X series, the DEEBOT X5 PRO OMNI, redefines home cleaning with its upgraded AINA 2.0 Intelligent Navigation Model. Featuring powerful 12,800Pa suction¹ and TrueEdge Adaptive Edge Mopping, this smart device easily handles various floor types. You also don’t need to worry about carpets, thanks to its 15mm auto-lifting mopping pad. The Video Manager further enables real-time contact with family members at home.

Shop DEEBOT X5 PRO OMNI Now

DEEBOT T30S COMBO

Looking for a smart vacuum that does it all? The DEEBOT T30S COMBO not only includes a powerful robotic vacuum for floors but also a handheld vacuum for furniture, cabinets, mattresses, and more. With 11,000Pa suction² and TruEdge Adaptive Edge Mopping, it vacuums and mops effectively. The multifunctional OMNI station automatically empties the dustbin and cleans the mop heads. Plus, you can control it remotely through mobile widgets, Apple Watch, and YIKO Voice Assistant.

Shop DEEBOT T30S COMBO Now

DEEBOT N20 PLUS

DEEBOT N20 PLUS’s 8,000Pa suction³ and OZMO Pro 2.0 efficiently pick up dirt and tackle tough stains on most common floor types. The Auto-Empty Station features an eco-friendly, no-bag design and is equipped with PureCyclone Technology to separate dust and prevent suction loss over time, helping to extend the lifespan of the motor and filter. TrueMapping Intelligent Path Planning and multi-level mapping are all controllable via the ECOVACS HOME App.

Shop DEEBOT N20 PLUS Now

Benefits Of Robotic Vacuum Cleaners

Today, robotic vacuum cleaners are equipped with various smart features for different needs, with models that not only vacuum but also mop and even self-empty. Let’s explore their key features and functionalities to understand what advantages these smart devices can bring to home cleaning.

Intelligent Navigation

In the early stage, robot vacuums navigated by randomly “bouncing” off objects. Using a combination of sensors, including cameras, lasers, and ultrasonic detectors, modern robot vacuums can now identify furniture and room layouts for systematic, efficient cleaning path planning without damaging or getting stuck under furniture.

Advanced Mapping & Settings

Other sensors like RGBD and DToF lasers and technologies like LiDAR, help smart vacuum cleaners to understand information like depth and distance. These information help the robot vacuum in creating an accurate, detailed maps of your home.
When a map is generated, you can manage it directly on your smart gadgets via the ECOVACS HOME app, whether it is to name the room, add virtual barriers to block the machine, or sending specific cleaning commands.

Obstacle Recognition & Avoidance

The latest object recognition technology allows robotic vacuums to avoid common obstacles like dog poops, hence, you don’t have to remove objects or pre-clean the room. They can detect edges to avoid falls, and adapt suction power on carpets, thanks to features like automatic suction boost and mop lifting, which takes us to the next reason that smart vacuums are worth it.

Multi-Surface Cleaning

Auto vacuums adapt to multiple floor types without changing attachments.  Whether cleaning hardwood floors, tile surfaces, or carpets and rugs, they automatically adjust suction and water level as needed. For example, they increase suction power when transitioning from hard floors to carpets to lift embedded debris in between fibers. 

Clean Hard-to-Reach Areas

Thanks to their low-profile designs, slim robot vacuums can access spaces under furniture and reach into corners, a better coverage than its traditional counterparts. Their advanced spatial perception and micro-movement technology ensure they clean areas that are typically difficult to access. 

Self-Emptying

Self-empty robotic vacuums are typically paired with a docking station.  return to their base to recharge when needed. For DEEBOT models, the “Continuous Clean” feature further allows them to resume cleaning automatically after recharging. 

Virtual Boundaries

Customize where the smart vacuum cleans by setting no-go zones and virtual boundaries. In general, you can set virtual barriers via the app, restricting its access to certain rooms or areas, for instance, if your newborn is sleeping, or if there are broken glasses on the floor.

Customizable Cleaning Modes

From vacuum-only or mop-only modes, suction power, and water flow levels, you can customize cleaning settings on robotic vacuums. Mop and sweep the washroom and just vacuum the living room? No problem, you can easily tailor cleaning commands to each room, which is not an option for normal vacuum cleaners. Furthermore, you can schedule cleanings to fit your routine as they can operate independently, even when you're away.

App and Voice Control

Most robot vacuums come with an app for remote control and additional features like video monitoring. By integrating the vacuum with Google Home, or other common smart homes like Siri, you can give cleaning commands using natural language, making them user-friendly even for elderly users.

Advanced Filtration

Filters are essential for capturing fine particles and improving indoor air quality. Get a robot vacuum for pet hairs if you live with your furry friends. Apart from strong filtration systems, some premium robotic vacuums feature HEPA filters that trap irritants often missed by traditional vacuums, making them an ideal choice for allergy sufferers. Clean and replace the filters in the device and docking station regularly to keep them in optimal performance.

How Much Do Robot Vacuums Cost?

While robot vacuums were once considered a premium item, the market now offers a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly models to high-end models. Prices can start as low as US$200 for basic models and go up to US$1,500 or more for advanced models with premium features like self-emptying and AI-based navigation. Plus, although the initial investment may be higher than that of a standard vacuum, robot vacuums and mops can be cost-effective in the long run due to their durability and time-saving benefits.

Are Robot Vacuums Noisy?

Robot vacuums are generally quieter than traditional vacuums, with some operating at a noise level similar to a refrigerator hum. The loudest moments come during self-emptying, which only lasts around 10 seconds in DEEBOT models equipped with Auto-Empty or OMNI Stations. This brief noise is far less disruptive than a traditional vacuum’s continuous operation, making robot vacuums an excellent option for those sensitive to noise or for homes with pets that are frightened by louder vacuums.

Will Robot Vacuums Damage Furniture?

Another common concern is that robot vacuums might bump into or damage furniture. Today, robot vacuums use LiDAR technology or equivalent advanced navigation and object detection system to navigating around items and avoid obstacles like cords, shoes and table legs. Equipped with sophisticated sensors, these models can identify and map objects, minimizing contact and preventing damage to furniture and other items in the home.

How Long Do Robot Vacuums Need to Charge?

Robot vacuums require several hours to recharge after a full cleaning session. Generally, the lithium-ion batteries provide longer-lasting power to cover large spaces. While this charging period might seem lengthy, models like DEEBOTs incorporate a Continuous Clean feature – the robot will automatically return to its charging dock when the battery is low, then resume cleaning once sufficiently charged. 

Do Robot Vacuums Use AI?

Yes, robot vacuums nowadays incorporate AI-powered technology to adapt to the unique layout of your home. Using microchips and algorithms, these smart devices learn the best cleaning paths over time and even adjust in real-time to changes in the environment like opening doors and running kids.

Do Robot Vacuums Work on Stairs?

Currently, robot vacuums are designed to clean flat surfaces and cannot climb stairs if you need to clean a house with multiple floors. However, they are highly efficient at keeping floors free from dust and debris, which can reduce the need to clean other surfaces like curtains and upholstery as frequently. For stairs and upholstery, handheld attachments may still be necessary for a comprehensive clean.

Do I Need to Empty a Robot Vacuum Frequently?

One limitation of robot vacuums can be their dustbin capacity, which may require frequent emptying in models without self-emptying stations. Newer models address this with larger dustbins and self-emptying capabilities. Our OMNI Stations, for example, can hold 30 to 60 days’ worth of debris⁴, allowing for more hands-free maintenance and less frequent emptying.

How Much Maintenance Is Required For Smart Vacuums?

Little maintenance is required on robot vacuums and smart mop vacuum. ECOVACS’ own DEEBOTS, for example, are self-cleaning vacuums. They self-empty dust and even wash and air dry their own mopping pads, meaning they will last for longer and make for more hygienic mopping.
Generally, maintenance will look like emptying the dust bag every few weeks or months and filling the station with water a couple of times a month. In the long-term (once or twice a year), it’s a good idea to clean the brush rolls, replace the filter(s), and wipe the sensors with a soft and dry cloth to keep the device working great over the years. With some care and intention, your robot vacuum can last 5 to 10 years.

So, Are Robot Vacuums Worth The Investment?

Yes, robot vacuums are worth the investment for those seeking convenience and efficiency in daily cleaning. With advanced features like AI-powered navigation, remote control, and self-emptying capabilities, they can handle various floor types without supervision, saving you time and effort for things that truly matter.

Different models on the market exhibit varying degrees of frictionless experience. For instance, today, there are smart vacuum cleaners that take over two housekeeping tasks: vacuuming and mopping; there are also vacuums that self-empty dust from their own reservoirs. Let’s examine the key features and functionalities of robot vacuums.

FAQ

Disclaimer(s):

1. 12,800Pa: This data comes from ECOVACS laboratory. The suction power of DEEBOT X5 PRO OMNI can reach 12,800Pa.
2. 11,000Pa: The data comes from ECOVACS laboratory. The suction power of DEEBOT T30S can reach 11,000Pa.
3. 8,000Pa: This data comes from ECOVACS laboratory. The suction power of DEEBOT N20 PRO PLUS can reach 8,000Pa.
4. 30 to 60 days: This data comes from ECOVACS laboratory, which is based on the statistics of the number of times users disposed of traditional dustbins. The actual performance is subject to change due to frequency and cleaning area. Apply to DEEBOTs that come with 3.2L disposable dust bag.