Vacuuming a 700-square-foot apartment by hand could take approximately 10 minutes, which isn’t particularly daunting when considering household tasks. Although the time-saving benefits of employing a robot vacuum may not appear significant in this scenario, it doesn’t completely diminish the convenience and attractiveness of owning one, particularly in a busy home environment.

### Why a Robot Vacuum May Be a Smart Investment in Compact Spaces

It’s entirely possible that smaller areas accumulate dirt more quickly since nearly every spot is a high-traffic zone. With this in mind, investing in a robot vacuum could be a wise choice for a small apartment. However, it’s crucial not to presume that less square footage means you can opt for the least expensive option available. Compressed furniture layouts and constant changes between different floor types necessitate a vacuum with robust navigation features. Otherwise, you might return home to find your robot ensnared under a chair merely minutes into its cleaning cycle.

Before we delve into **specific robot vacuum suggestions**, let’s highlight the essential features that make a robot vacuum a beneficial buy for small spaces.

### Do Robot Vacuums Perform Well in Compact Apartments?

Although some larger, industrial-strength robot vacuums might be excessive for a restricted area, several smaller, quieter variants are ideal for apartments. One way to reduce the space a robot vacuum takes up is by skipping the self-emptying dock. Foregoing the auto-empty function can conserve some valuable floor space, and in a compact apartment, the vacuum won’t gather as much debris per session as it would in a larger residence. That said, many robot vacuums now provide compact auto-empty docks, and it’s often possible to purchase them separately later on if you reconsider.

### Robot Vacuum and Mop Combinations: A Wise Selection for Hard Floors

If your apartment features hard floors, a **robot vacuum and mop combo** can significantly change the game. It will not only spare you the time spent on manual mopping, but it will also free up closet space by removing the need for a separate mop or Swiffer. If your home showcases various floor types, functions such as smart mapping and zone labeling are crucial, even if you don’t have many separate rooms to delineate.

### Should You Purchase a Robot Vacuum on Black Friday?

Absolutely! If you’re aiming to save on a robot vacuum, Black Friday is one of the optimal occasions to make your acquisition. Robot vacuums have turned into a common Black Friday item at major retailers, and it’s typically when you’ll encounter the lowest prices of the year. I’m currently monitoring **Black Friday robot vacuum discounts** and will be updating the list as new opportunities arise throughout Cyber Week.

Unsure which model to select? Over the years, I’ve assessed many top competitors and have selectively chosen the four best robot vacuums for apartments, studios, and other single-level homes. Keep in mind that the prices mentioned are the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRPs), but these vacuums are often on sale—particularly during Black Friday. In the “The Good” section for each vacuum, I’ve included the most frequently seen sale prices to assist in your decision-making.