A refurbished robot vacuum is fine.

Yes, especially if you buy directly from the manufacturer or an authorized seller. You save 30–50% and usually still get a warranty.

The pros: Cheaper, same cleaning performance, often rigorously tested and repaired with genuine parts. Many companies offer the same 1-year warranty as new. You’re also keeping electronics out of a landfill.

The cons: It’s not new, so the battery might degrade faster, and the brush roll could show wear. You probably won’t get the latest model with all the newest mapping or navigation tricks. Cosmetic scratches are common, and the packaging is usually plain cardboard.

My rule: If saving money matters more than having the sleekest version, get refurbished from the maker’s own store (not random Amazon marketplace). If you want the latest LIDAR, object avoidance, and a full two-year warranty, buy new. But for most people, the refurb is more than enough.

Your floors won’t know the difference.