How to Choose a Robot Vacuum
The five decisions that matter most: navigation, suction, mopping, the dock and your floors.
Updated November 11, 2026
Robot vacuums range from simple self-emptying models to full-service systems that wash and dry their own mops. Rather than starting with a brand, start with your home.
1. Look at your floors first
- Mostly hard floors (tile, vinyl, sealed wood): a vacuum-and-mop robot makes sense. Mop washing in the dock keeps pads from spreading dirty water.
- Mostly carpet: prioritize brush design, carpet suction behavior and how the robot handles thresholds. Mopping matters less.
- Mixed floors with rugs: look for mop lifting or, better, automatic mop removal so rugs stay dry.
2. Navigation determines coverage
Robots that build a map clean in efficient rows and let you set rooms, no-go zones and schedules in the app. LiDAR (also called LDS), dToF and camera-based systems all produce maps; the right choice depends more on obstacle handling than on the sensor name. See our navigation guide.
3. Read suction numbers carefully
Manufacturers rate suction in pascals (Pa). Higher numbers generally indicate a stronger motor, but ratings are measured under each manufacturer's own conditions, so they are best used to compare models from the same brand. Brush design, airflow and carpet behavior affect real results as much as the headline number.
4. Decide how much maintenance you want to do
Docks range from a simple charger to a station that:
- empties the robot's dust bin into a bag or bin,
- washes the mop pads (some with heated water),
- dries the pads with warm air to limit odors,
- refills the robot's water tank and doses cleaning solution.
Each extra function reduces hands-on maintenance but increases dock size. Check the dock dimensions against the space where it will live.
5. Plan for hair, cords and clutter
If you have pets or long hair in the home, look for an anti-tangle or detangling brush design. If floors are often cluttered, look for obstacle recognition that uses a camera or structured light.
What we show on every product page
Each NexaClean product page lists specifications taken from the manufacturer, with the source and research date recorded. Where a manufacturer does not publish a number, we leave it blank rather than estimate it.