The self-charging capability keeps it ready between sessions, and its focus on user-friendly design means even first-time robot vacuum owners can rely on effective cleaning with minimal setup.

But its navigation needs a lot of work. If you have a simple floor plan with a lot of carpets, it is worth considering, but the short battery life and lack of an auto-empty dock are major cons. Read more in this hands-on.

❌ You're short on space: The dock is pretty massive, and the styling won't be to everyone's taste.

Automatic vacuums are designed for minimal human intervention, but some basic upkeep is required. Here’s what to consider:

This design makes it excellent for homes with lots of furniture legs or hard-to-reach spots. The vacuum operates at a noise level similar to a microwave, letting you clean at any time without disruption.

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If you have long hair, or live with someone who does, you might want to consider a robot vacuum with features geared towards ensuring it doesn't end up tangled all around the brushrolls.

We'll dig into the app and gauge how well-designed, usable and intuitive it is, and how much control it offers. We'll also test any specific performance claims made by the manufacturer, as well as checking out any special features like built-in voice assistants and camera surveillance.

Pet owners and those who want a low-effort cleaning routine will appreciate the Shark AI Ultra’s combination of powerful cleaning and self-empty technology.

My biggest frustration with apps is maps that are fiddly to update and / or crash and must be rebuilt constantly. Most vacuums now have voice control (see FAQs), but some offer more in-depth control, such as telling Alexa to have the robot clean twice under the dining room table.

Yes, many models work well on carpets. They adjust suction and brush settings for different floor types.

There are caveats, though. Robovacs can't deal with stairs, so their usefulness in multi-floor homes is far more limited. They're also not capable of proper deep cleans, so if you're dealing with lots of hair or dirt, they might not cut it.

The Narwal has some innovative features, including dirt sense — which analyzes the dirt level in the water and prompts it to remop — and an ability to adapt the pressure of its mop based on the type of floor, applying more pressure to tile and less to hardwood.

At 7 pounds, it’s easy to maneuver around your space and converts to a hand vacuum, making it even more versatile. This Samsung Top 3 Automatic Vacuum Cleaners features a digital countdown display that monitors battery life. In our tests, one battery runs for about 97 minutes per charge on the low setting and 18 minutes on high. For more options, see our complete cordless stick vacuum ratings.