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Robot Vacuums

Do you really need a robot vacuum? Here are 5 reasons

Short answer? Yes. Well … maybe. It’s complicated.

Robot Vacuum are worth it Credit: Reviewed / Jonathan Chan

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Robot vacuums have been improving at the same pace as cell phones these days. Innovations in recent years have propelled automated cleaners out of the novelty category into the useful one. Better suction, more intuitive smart features, and lower prices mean anyone looking to keep their floors clean should consider buying a robot vacuum.

A lot of people ask us, "Do robot vacuums really work?" and "Are robot vacuums worth it?" After years of testing them in our labs, we can say, yes, robot vacuums do work. And like any other appliance, whether or not they're worth it, depends on your expectations.

We think they are worth it, but before you drop the cash on a robotic sweeper, be sure to ask yourself the following crucial questions:

1. Are you physically unable to vacuum your home?

Two elderly people watching a robot vacuum
Credit: Getty Images / kokouu

A robot vacuum can help people age in place.

For those with disabilities or those who are too frail to operate an upright or canister vacuum, a robot vacuum could be a real godsend. With minimal effort on the part of the occupant, robot vacuums can help keep dust and dirt in check and provide a greater level of independence in the home. Smart robot vacuums like the Samsung JetBot A.I.+ have specialized features like onboard cameras that stream to your phone. Beside helping to clean your floors, robot vacuums can be your eyes in other parts of your house. It may seem like a complicated piece of technology, but there are plenty of robot vacuums that are ideal for aging in place.

2. Do you have wooden floors or low carpets?

The T8 can seamlessly transition from hardwood to carpet.
Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar

Robot vacuums do the best on low-pile carpet and bare floors

Our tests have shown that robot vacuums work best on hard surfaces and shorter carpet lengths—anything less than an inch thick. Robot vacuums perform their best in rooms with the furniture on the side. When we tested the Neato D3, we observed that it made perfect rows back and forth. It can cover every inch of the floor, but only when unobstructed.

3. Do you need to “maintain” your floors between cleaning?

iLife A10 cleaning hardwood floors
Credit: Reviewed / Jonathan Chan

Robot vacuums are great at keeping floors clean between bigger cleanings.

Robot vacuums have really come into their own as maintenance appliances. Think of them as support troops in the war on filth.

You can program your robot vacuum to give your floors a once-over every day makes a proper cleaning on the weekend that much easier. In fact, the simple truth of the matter is that robot vacuums are designed with this use in mind. If you have trouble spots, like the carpet near the front door, Ecovacs and iRobot both make robot vacuums that can be commanded to focus on a certain spot in your home.

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4. Do you have pets?

The interior of the iRobot Roomba j7+'s charging dock.
Credit: Reviewed / Jonathan Chan

Robot vacuums that self-empty can deal with more pet hair

If you have cats or dogs, you already know how much of a hassle it can be to keep their hair under control. A robot vacuum will definitely save you a lot of time in this department—time you will now be able to spend recording and posting adorable pets riding on Roombas videos to YouTube.

Still, robot vacs have small dirt receptacles and can get clogged easily if your Great Pyrenees likes to bed down on the carpet. If you want to avoid this, you'll probably want to get a self-emptying model that dumps the contents of its dirt cup into a separate bag.

5. Do you love robots?

In our experience, it's way easier to access iRobot Genius Home Intelligence's smart automations through features than Alexa.
Credit: Reviewed / Jonathan Chan

If you like all things smart home and tech, get a robot vacuum

If you like robots—and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?—you could probably find something to love with even the most basic robot vacuum. However, if you’re hoping for a faithful companion that puts Wall-E to shame, prepare for disappointment.

Right now, robot vacuums are all about business. Maybe someday we'll get one the personality of Rosie.

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions we heartily recommend a robot vacuum. It won’t change your life, but it will make cleaning your home a little easier.

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