Cordless stick vacuum vs. robot vacuum: running cost
A cordless stick vacuum is cheaper to run: about $4 a year versus $8 for a robot vacuum at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $5 difference.
| Cordless stick vacuum | Robot vacuum | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 30 W | 30 W |
| Watt range | 15–100 W | 15–60 W |
| Typical use | 3.5 hours a day, 3 days a week | 2 hours a day |
| Energy per year | 21 kWh | 46 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.5¢ | 0.5¢ |
| Cost per day | 1.0¢ | 2.3¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.31 | $0.69 |
| Cost per year | $4 | $8 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $9 | $20 |
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What drives the difference
- Cordless stick vacuum: Stick vacuum batteries hold about 0.05-0.1 kWh; the charger draws 20-60 W for 3-4.5 hours to refill a fully drained pack. The cost is a few dollars a year.
- Robot vacuum: Robot vacuum batteries hold about 30-80 Wh; the dock charges at 20-50 W, then idles at 2-5 W. Self-emptying docks briefly draw about 1,000 W for 10-15 seconds per empty.
Ways to cut either cost
A clean filter keeps suction high so you finish faster on each charge.
See options on AmazonSystematic navigation finishes faster than random-bounce models, using less battery per clean.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a cordless stick vacuum or a robot vacuum?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a robot vacuum costs about $8 a year versus $4 for a cordless stick vacuum. That's $5 more, or 2.2× as much.
How many watts do cordless stick vacuum and robot vacuum use?
A cordless stick vacuum typically draws 30 W (range 15–100 W). A robot vacuum draws 30 W (range 15–60 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.