Are Robot Vacuums Worth It? Pros, Cons, and Everything You Need to Know

Robot vacuums are becoming more common in UK homes. A recent report by Aviva shows that around 10% already own one, and another 14% say they're planning to buy one in the next year.

Another report says that the UK robot vacuum market was valued at over USD 359 million in 2024 and is expected to grow by 8.1% every year.

More people are choosing a hassle-free way to keep their floors clean. But are robot vacuums worth it? Can you replace them with your old vacuums?

In this guide, we will explore everything about them, how they work, their pros and cons, and which models are worth considering.

Let's get started!

How Do Robot Vacuums Work?

Robot vacuums are designed to clean floors with minimal human effort. The built-in camera and sensors help the robovacs move around your house without bumping into random objects and create a visual map of your rooms, and clean intelligently.

Despite their compact size, their cleaning mechanism is indeed complicated. Its rolling brush lifts the dirt and debris off the floor, meanwhile the side brushes sweep up dust from the edges, and then the suction kicks in to pull all the dust into the dustbin. And the filters, which may be overlooked by users, trap small particles and allergens to keep the air fresh.

Some advanced models even have mopping pads to handle light spills or stains. Once they're done, or if the battery runs low, they return to their dock automatically.

Benefits of Using a Robot Vacuum

Here are some of the benefits of a robot vacuum cleaner:

Advanced Navigation

Modern robot vacuums no longer move aimlessly. They come with an advanced navigation system featuring LiDAR and 3D sensors. Using this technology, they make precise maps and clean in a proper pattern instead of bouncing around.

eufy's X10 Pro Omni, for instance, uses iPath Laser Navigation to scan your home in real time. It ensures fewer collisions and more complete coverage, even in cluttered areas.

Multi-Surface Cleaning with Auto Adjustments

Got a mix of floors at home? No problem. A good robot vacuum figures it out on its own. It increases the suction power when it hits carpet and eases off on hard floors to save energy. Some even adjust the water flow when mopping, so your tiles don’t end up soaked. Eufy’s E28 handles the switch between surfaces effortlessly, giving each area exactly what it needs without you lifting a finger.

Self-Emptying System

You don’t have to deal with the dustbin after every clean anymore. Some robot vacuums can empty themselves. After cleaning, they go back to their dock and drop the dirt into a bigger, sealed bin. It’s less mess for you and way more convenient.

Some, like eufy's X10 Pro with All-in-One Station, even wash their mops and clean themselves. This system can go for weeks without needing your attention. You will only need to replace the bag every two months.

Improved Air Quality

Robot vacuums do more than just pick up dirt, they can actually help you breathe easier. Many newer models come with high-efficiency filters, and some even pack full HEPA systems that trap tiny stuff like pollen, pet hair, and dust mites. If you’ve got allergies or pets, that’s a huge plus. Some high-end docks even use HEPA filtration in the auto-empty bin, so they’re still catching particles even after the vacuum is done cleaning.

Integration With Smart Home Systems

Robot vacuums aren't just smart, they're part of your smart home. Through companion apps, users can create routines, set no-go zones, and control different rooms with different power levels.

Voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant make it even easier. eufy's new robot vacuum E28/E25 even supports Matter, which means you can control it and other smart devices from a single app, adapting to quickly evolving smart home setups.

Drawbacks of a Robot Vacuum

Below are some of the drawbacks that a robot vacuum may have:

Less Powerful Than Traditional Vacuums

Robot vacuums aren't built for heavy-duty spills. Most models max out at around 2500 to 5000 Pa of suction, which is fine for daily dust and crumbs, but not for big messes.

However, eufy’s best robot hoovers now deliver 8000 Pa and up, and the latest eufy E28 and E25 push it even further, hitting up to 20,000 Pa. 

Maintenance Requirements

Some robot vacuums still need a bit of help. With older models, you'll have to empty the dustbin yourself, pull hair out of the brushes, check if anything's stuck, and clear the filters. It only takes a few minutes, but if you forget, the vacuum won't be able to clean as well as before.

Newer high-end models, such as those from eufy, come with an all-in-one station that handles most of the work for you. It automatically empties the dustbin into a larger bag, washes and dries the mop pads, and even cleans the roller brush.

Price Point

Good ones don't come cheap. A decent robot vacuum can cost anywhere between £800 and £1500. That's mostly because of the tech built into them. It sounds like a lot, but many people feel it pays off over time by saving effort.

Battery Life Limitations

Most robot vacuums can run for around 60 to 120 minutes before they need to recharge. That’s usually enough for a small home or flat. But if you live in a bigger space, the robot might not finish everything in one go.

But eufy models? They are built to go the distance. They can vacuum for up to 3 hours straight or vacuum and mop for around 2 hours. So even in larger homes, you likely won't need to worry about battery life getting in the way.

Can't Clean Stairs or Furniture

Robot vacuums are great for floors, but they can't clean on top of furniture or stairs. That means you'll still need another tool to handle spots like your sofa, mattress, or carpeted stairs. It's one of the few areas where robot cleaners fall short.

Luckily, eufy's E28 includes a portable deep cleaner designed for cleaning such spots. This makes such models an all-in-one solution for homeowners.

Robot Vacuums Vs. Regular Vacuum Cleaners

Robots and regular vacuums both have their strengths. However, the buying decision really comes down to your lifestyle, cleaning needs, and budget.

Here's a quick comparison to help you decide what's right for your home:

Are Robot Vacuums Worth It?

Yes, they are worth it! Robot vacuums can easily handle everyday messes like dust, crumbs, and pet hair. The best part is that you don't need to put much effort. They're especially useful if you remain busy or find regular cleaning physically challenging.

A published study found that most users highlighted suction strength, smart navigation, and mopping as the biggest reasons they're happy with their robot vacuums. Those features actually make a difference when it comes to keeping your floors clean.

So if you want a cleaner home without any hassle, a robot vacuum is a smart investment.

Looking for the Best Robot Vacuums for Your Home?

If you're wondering which is the best robot vacuum cleaner for your home, try eufy's robot vacuums. With up to 20,000 Pa suction, smart obstacle sensors, and hands-free self-cleaning stations, they handle dust, pet hair, and daily mess with ease.

Unlike other robot vacuums, long battery life and app control make them a hassle-free fit for any routine. So, yes, investing in eufy robot vacuums could be a wise decision.

Here are the best robot vacuums for your home by eufy:

eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E28/E25 - Best Powerful

The eufy E28 and E25 are the latest robot hoovers from eufy, designed to deliver powerful cleaning, making everyday tidying a breeze.

Key Features

• 20,000 Pa suction power: It pulls up dust, crumbs, and pet hair from carpets and floors like a champ.
• HydroJet mopping system:It scrubs 360 times per minute to tackle sticky stains and give your floors a consistent, deep clean.
• Omni Station: It dries the mop with warm air, fills it with cleaning solution when needed, and keeps clean and dirty water separate.
• CornerRover arm:It makes sure nothing gets missed along walls or in tricky corners and edges.
• Extended cleaning power: up to 110 minutes when vacuuming and mopping, or 180 minutes if you just want vacuuming.
• Portable deep cleaner(E28 only):You can take it off to clean a stubborn spot on the couch or even inside your car.

X10 Pro Omni- Best Rated in UK

The eufy X10 Pro Omni - the best-rated robot hoover entitled by the Guardian, T3 and more big names, is built to clean smart and save you time. With 8,000 Pa suction power, it easily lifts dirt, dust, and pet hair from both rugs and hard floors.

Key Features

• Pet hair doesn't stand a chance. With its special tangle-free brush, it picks up fur without getting clogged or jammed.
• The mopping is just as smart. Thanks to the Auto-Lift Mop, it scrubs with strong downward pressure and even lifts when it moves onto carpets.
• It's also smart enough to steer clear of trouble. The AI.See Smart Navigation uses a built-in camera to dodge furniture, cords, and random clutter.
• The battery gives you up to 136 minutes of vacuuming and mopping, and nearly 2 hours if vacuuming only.

S1 Pro Omni- Best High-end

The eufy Omni S1 Pro is designed for those who wish for a thorough cleaning without much input and hassle. It has a sleek design that allows it to reach into corners and edges that other robot cleaners often miss.

It features powerful suction (8,000 Pa) and a smart mopping system to clean the floor thoroughly and leave it spotless.

Key Features

• Thanks to the Always Clean Mop system, the mop spins fast and presses down firmly to scrub away sticky messes, just like hand cleaning.
• The 10-in-1 UniClean Station does most of the hard work for you. It empties dust, washes the mop, refills with clean water, dries everything with hot air, and more.
• With 3D MatrixEye obstacle avoidance, it sees what's in front and moves around furniture and clutter without bumping into anything.
• The Eco-Clean Ozone system turns water into a gentle cleaner that kills 99.99% of bacteria, no chemicals needed.

Conclusion

After reading the article, you've likely found your answer to "Are robot vacuums worth it?" These machines are a great buy if you don't have the time or energy to clean every day. Just press start or schedule a clean from the app, it's that simple.

While they might not handle deep cleaning like a person, they still do a solid job keeping things tidy. Now, if you're after something reliable, try any eufy robot vacuum, easy to use, powerful, and built to make life simpler.

FAQs

Do robot vacuums work?

Yes! Robot vacuums are good at cleaning day-to-day mess. They can move around your home, pick up dust, hair, and crumbs. Not only that, the advanced models are vacuum and mop combos that can even mop the floor as well.

Are robot vacuums safe around pets?

Yes, they're safe to use if you have pets at home. Many models are designed to handle pet hair and have sensors to avoid bumping into animals.

Which is the best robot vacuum cleaner?

If you are looking for something reliable and effective, eufy has got the best robot hoovers. We have explored the best ones. You can review them and choose the suitable one for you.