How to choose a robot vacuum without overpaying

A robot vacuum is not chosen by brand or by the biggest number on the box. It is chosen by how it moves around your home, how much upkeep it needs and what it costs to maintain.

1. Power: look at suction, not watts

Watts are electricity consumption, not cleaning force. Look at suction in pascals (Pa) and, above all, whether the manufacturer sustains it with a full bin. Below 2,000 Pa it struggles on carpet; above 4,000 Pa is more than enough for almost anything.

2. Navigation: the map changes everything

LIDAR robots map your home, clean by zones and avoid redoing corridors. Blind ones bump, get stuck and take three times as long. If your home has more than two rooms, LIDAR is not a luxury.

3. Self-emptying: convenience vs cost

A self-emptying base saves you emptying the bin daily, but adds a bag you replace every 1–2 months and takes up more space. In a small flat it may not be worth it.

4. Real maintenance

• Brushes: rubber ones handle hair better; bristle ones handle fine dust.
• Filters: HEPA if you have allergies; replace every 3–6 months.
• Mops: if it washes, the mop must be cleaned or replaced often.

5. When it is worth it

It is worth it with hard floors or low carpet, pets or little time. It is not worth it with cables everywhere, long-pile rugs or steps.

At Digilux we compare the same model across stores so you see the real price before deciding.