Robot vacuum cleaners in our range include vacuum-only models, vacuum and mop combinations, and robots with base stations that charge the unit, clean the mop or deal with dust. They suit flats and houses where floors need cleaning every day without much effort. Leading brands include Roborock, ECOVACS, Xiaomi, Dreame and iRobot.
How to choose a robot vacuum cleaner
Navigation. Robots that scan the room with a laser, sold as LiDAR, Laser Distance Sensor (LDS) or D-ToF lidar, are the most common type in our range. They build a map, clean in straight rows and let you set no-go zones and room-by-room cleaning in the app. Systems such as iRobot TrueMapping 2.0 and TrueDetect 3D 3.0 add camera-based mapping and obstacle recognition.
Mopping. Most robots in our range can wet mop, but this usually means a damp cloth dragged behind the vacuum, which is good for light daily dirt rather than dried-on stains. If you have a lot of hard flooring, look for models with a mop-washing base station. If you have thick carpets, check whether the mop lifts when it detects them.
Base station. A simple dock only charges the robot. Larger stations also handle purification, meaning dust is removed from the robot after cleaning, and some wash the mop pads as well. A station reduces how often you need to touch the robot, but it takes up more floor space.
Dust container. Bagless robots are the most common in our range: you empty the bin and rinse it. Dust bag models are cleaner to empty and suit allergy sufferers, while combi types offer both options. Pet owners should check how easily the brush roll can be cleared of hair.
Runtime and noise. Runtimes in our range typically fall between about 150 and 230 minutes, which is enough for a large flat on one charge. Charging takes anywhere from 2.5 to 6.5 hours. Many models run at around 63 to 66 dB, while some reach 74 to 76 dB at full power, so a quieter mode is useful if you work from home.
Robot vacuum brands we carry
- Roborock: known for laser-navigated robots with strong mapping and, in many models, docks that wash the mop.
- ECOVACS: maker of the Deebot series, which focuses on combined vacuuming and mopping.
- Xiaomi: offers robots that work with the Xiaomi Home app alongside its other smart home devices.
- Dreame: concentrates on vacuum and mop combinations, including models with larger docking stations. Products listed under Dreame Technology belong to the same brand.
- iRobot: the company behind the Roomba, one of the first widely sold consumer robot vacuums.
- Kärcher: a German cleaning equipment manufacturer, best known for pressure washers.
- Anker Eufy: sells the RoboVac line of slim robots with a simple app.
Also in our range: ETA, EZVIZ, Bosch and Philips.
Robot vacuum cleaner FAQ
Is a robot vacuum with LiDAR worth having?
Yes, if your home has more than one room or a lot of furniture. A LiDAR robot maps the layout, cleans in an orderly pattern and returns to its dock more consistently than a model that moves randomly. It also lets you pick rooms and block off areas from your phone.
Do I need a base station?
Not necessarily. A basic dock is enough for a small flat if you do not mind emptying the bin yourself. A station with purification or mop washing is worth considering for larger homes, pets or regular wet mopping, because it cuts down on manual upkeep.
How long does a robot vacuum run on one charge?
Many robots in our range run for around 150 to 230 minutes in standard mode. Runtime drops on the strongest suction setting or on thick carpet. Most robots return to the dock to recharge and then resume cleaning, which helps in larger spaces.
Are robot vacuum cleaners loud?
They are noticeably quieter than most upright vacuums on standard settings, with many models in our range rated around 63 to 66 dB. Full-power modes can reach 74 to 76 dB. If noise matters, choose a model with an adjustable suction level or a quiet mode.
