In the past few years, no other gadget—headphones, electric bicycle, literally anything at all—has improved as dramatically as the humble robot vacuum. Updated July 2025: We updated our recommendations and updated the robot vacuum models. How to Choose Your Robot VacuumPhotograph: Wired StaffThe hardest part of writing a robot vacuum roundup is deciding which vacuum is the best one. Here are a few factors to consider:Navigation system: Robot vacuum manufacturers will try to convince you that pure suction power (which is measured in kilopascals, or kPa) is the most important factor. The more complicated the navigation system, the more expensive your robot vacuum will be.