Robot Vacuum vs Cordless Vacuum: Which Fits Your Cleaning Routine?

Robot vacuum cleaners are small, low profile discs with a flat surface. They are usually no larger than 49cm wide (larger models are available!) and come in a variety of colours including white, black, brushed metal and silver. Each robot vacuum cleaner comes with a charging station, with many also acting as a cleaning system for the vacuum cleaner. These charging stations are the same colour as the robot and can be placed on the floor near a power socket. Where the vacuum cleaner returns to at the end of each cleaning cycle is up to you, and there are a range of creative ways you can help robot vacuum cleaners blend into your home.

Robot vacuum cleaners are a sought-after home appliance, which means lots of appliance brands sell them. Brands most famous for their robot vacuum cleaners include Eufy, Dreame and Shark with Samsung and LG also highly recommended. Robot vacuum cleaners are getting more popular every day, with lesser known brands such as ECOVACS and Daewood appearing on the scene. At Appliance City, we stock robot vacuum cleaners from Dreame, Mova, Eufy, DJI and ECOVACS. Our team of appliance experts are always looking for quality new brands to add to our collection.

The price of a robot vacuum cleaner depends on what features it has and which brand has manufactured them. The more sophisticated the technology (and generally better performance), the more the robot vacuum cleaner will cost. While higher prices may seem intimidating, this is typically a sign the vacuum cleaner is built to last, making better use of your money in the long run. Robot vacuum cleaners at Appliance City start at £329.00 and go up to £1,399.00*.

*Prices from November 2026 and are subject to change

How far and wide a robot vacuum cleaner will clean depends on which model you get. If you have more floor to cover, you will need a robot vacuum cleaner with a longer run time. So they may take longer to charge. But with the robot vacuum cleaner’s ability to return to its charging station at the end of each cleaning cycle, this isn’t something you will have to worry about!

Suction power also varies from model to model, affecting how much they can clean per charge. The higher the suction rate, the deeper the clean. If you are cleaning something other than carpet, your floors will appreciate a lower gentle suction rate. If you have more than one floor type, several robot vacuum cleaners have the functionality to change suction power based on the floor its currently cleaning.

There is no rule that you cannot have a robot vacuum cleaner if you have pets. In fact, many robot vacuum cleaners are designed specifically to pick up pet hair from your floors. However, many brands do suggest you avoid leaving pets alone with robot vacuum cleaners as warranties will not cover damage caused by pets.

Cordless vacuum cleaners offer power suitable for cleaning a variety of every day messes. The higher the suction power on each model, the more effective it is at lifting dirt and dust. Many cordless vacuum cleaners have adjustable suction settings. Offering flexibility for different floor types. Despite their high extraction rates, cordless vacuum cleaners are quieter than traditional corded vacuum cleaners, ideal for homes with kids and pets.

The majority of cordless vacuum cleaners are designed to work on carpet as well as tile, laminate and hardwood. Some will automatically adjust when it senses each floor type while others will need manually adjusting on the appliance itself.

How long cordless vacuum cleaners last per charge will vary from model to model, so it is important you read each model’s description before making your purchase. You can expect to find cordless vacuum cleaners at Appliance City with battery life starting at 40 minutes, going up to 90 minutes and beyond – plenty of time to give your floors a refresh.

Cordless vacuum cleaners will need charging between each clean as they are wireless. This is done by removing the batteries from the vacuum and connecting them to an outlet to charge or attaching it to a charging doc. Charging times can also vary, with some models taking up to 240 minutes to get back to their full potential. You should take this into consideration when you are doing the housework. We recommend charging your cordless vacuum cleaner after every use or at night, making sure it has power whenever you need it. Many well known vacuum cleaner brands recommend you let the battery run to empty at least once a month to help prolong its lifetime.

Thanks to their lightweight design, cordless vacuum cleaners don’t take up too much space, making them suitable to store in a variety of locations. It is generally recommended that you store them upright and out of direct sunlight. Some models may have specific storage instructions, but generally where you charge and store your cordless vacuum cleaner is entirely up to you.

Cordless vacuum cleaners are very easy to clean but need proper maintenance to ensure efficient operation overtime.

Dust Bin: Turn the vacuum cleaner off and detach the dust bin. Then empty the contents into your bin. You can then use a damp microfibre cloth to wipe away any excess dust, waiting until the dust bin is dry before reattaching it to your vacuum cleaner.

Floor Head & Brush: Turn the machine off and remove the head. Then use scissors to cut and remove hair wrapped around the brush. You can then hand wash the non-electrical elements of the head with warm soapy water, waiting until is completely dry before you reassemble the vacuum.

Filters: Cordless vacuum cleaners have filters that help keep the air in your home fresh while you clean. These filters can be removed or replaced to keep your vacuum running as efficiently as possible. What filters you have and how they are maintained can vary based on which model you have.

Always check your vacuum’s instruction manual before you start cleaning!