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How to Buy a Smart Robot Vacuum and Mop

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Smart Robot Vacuum and Mop

Get your floors clean without buying twice, and time your purchase right.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $650 before anything else
Across the 0% window $43.33/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $650 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A good robot vacuum and mop keeps your floors clean daily and should easily last four to five years if you keep the brushes clear. We want you to buy the right model once rather than settling for a cheap one that breaks down in a year.

Tech companies drop new flagship models every fall, which means last year's top-tier robot often goes on sale right before the new ones hit shelves. Look for holiday weekend price drops to catch those older models at their lowest price.

That 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers is a deadline, not free money, and any balance left when the window ends will get hit with standard interest.

The steps

  1. 01

    Wait for holiday price drops

    Prices on smart vacuums swing wildly throughout the year. Wait for a major holiday weekend like Presidents' Day or Memorial Day to grab the best markdown on the model you want.

  2. 02

    Target last year's model

    When a brand releases a new version with minor upgrades, the previous year's model gets heavily discounted. It still has great navigation and cleaning power, just without the inflated price tag.

  3. 03

    Spread out the cost

    If you are using the Discover it® Cash Back, you get 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. For a typical $650 price tag, you are looking at about $43.33 per month if $650 is spread across the 15-month window.

  4. 04

    Measure your base station space

    Self-emptying and washing docks take up a lot more floor space than a simple charging puck. Measure the spot where you plan to put it so you do not end up with a dock that sticks out into your walkway.

  5. 05

    Check the replacement part costs

    You will need to buy new filters, side brushes, and mop pads every few months. Factor those ongoing costs into your budget before you pull the trigger on a specific brand.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Do I need a model that also mops?

If you have mostly hard floors, a combo unit saves you an extra chore. If your home is wall-to-wall carpet, a vacuum-only model makes more sense.

Will it get stuck on my rugs?

Most modern robots handle low-pile rugs just fine, but thick shag rugs can confuse them. Look for a model with auto-lift mopping if you have a mix of carpet and hard floors.

How often do I need to empty the bin?

If you get a self-emptying dock, you only need to empty the main bag every month or two. Standard models without a dock need to be emptied after almost every run.

Are refurbished units worth it?

Certified refurbished units from the manufacturer can save you a chunk of change. Just make sure it comes with a solid warranty in case the navigation sensors act up.