LiDAR vs camera robot vacuums: LiDAR wins for dark rooms, camera for well-lit homes

LiDAR vacuums use lasers to map rooms regardless of lighting, so they work perfectly in pitch-black spaces. Camera-based models need visible light or an LED and bump into furniture in total darkness. LiDAR is pricier and taller, but if you vacuum at night or have a dark apartment, it’s the only real option. Camera navigation is fine in well-lit homes with visual landmarks.