Here are some reasons you should buy a robot vacuum for your home.

1. They Can Clean Both Carpet and Hard Surfaces

When you think of the word vacuum, you automatically picture carpet. But that’s not the case with a robot vacuum. No matter what surfaces you have at home, including hardwood or tile, the robot vacuum can make short work of dirt, dust, and more.

Many models automatically detect the surface type in your home and will change how they clean. For example, when carpet is detected, suction power will increase. When back on a hard surface, the suction power will change to a lower setting. A popular feature on many models is the ability to increase suction power when a particularly messy area is detected.

Before you make a purchase, find out some additional things you need to know before buying a robot vacuum.

2. There’s No Need to Worrying About Charging

Just like any modern electronic device, a robot vacuum is powered by an internal rechargeable battery. But there’s no need to worry about having to charge a dead vacuum battery. After the end of cleaning your home, a robot vacuum will automatically return to its charging dock so it will be juiced up and ready to go the next time.

And in larger homes, many models will return to the charging dock during the middle of a cycle to recharge before completing cleaning.

3. Many Can Do More Than Just Vacuum

Robot vacuums continue to improve with new and better technology. And that means many models can do more than just clean dirt and debris from your floor. A new breed brings together both a vacuum and mop into a single device.

So along with vacuuming your floors, the combination models can also take a pass as a mop to clean stuck on dirt, food, and anything else you can imagine using a built-in mopping pad. With most models, you’ll add in water or a cleaning solution. While they are usually more pricey than a vacuum, it’s something to consider if you’re home only has hard floors.

4. Available in a Wide Variety of Price Ranges

When they first arrived on the market, robot vacuums weren’t exactly a cost-conscious purchase. But times have changed. No matter your budget, there is a robot vacuum available for you.

You can easily find basic models that start around $200. And for more advanced robot vacuums or combination models, expect to pay around $1,000 or more Obviously, the more expensive models will have additional features, But even the basic models will get the cleaning job done. And a lower-priced model is a perfect way to get your feet wet and see if the technology is for you.

5. You Can Automate a Cleaning Schedule

If you buy a robot vacuum, it will likely feature built-in Wi-Fi so you can connect the device to your home wireless network. That opens up a wide variety of features using the vacuum’s companion app. Easily one of the best is the ability to create an automated cleaning schedule.

Would you rather be away from home when the vacuum does its dirty work? That’s no problem. Set a schedule to clean a single room, or the entire home, during the weekday so you can come home to clean floors. And when it’s the weekend, you can have the robot take the time off so you can enjoy the quiet house.

For more advanced models, you can set a cleaning schedule along with more advanced features like a suction force. So, for example, you can choose to make sure that the kitchen is cleaned twice with the maximum possible cleaning force on a Monday.

For example, with a compatible vacuum, you can tell Alexa to start or stop a robot vacuum, clean a specific area, and much more. You don’t even have to be at home when using the Alexa app or the virtual assistant integrated in many cars.

7. Perfect to Battle Pet Hair

Anyone with a pet at home knows the constant battle against hair and fur everywhere, most notably on the floor. That’s where a robot vacuum can help. While not perfect, they can easily take a big bite out of your pet hair problem. And many robot vacuums have specific modes and features specifically for pet hair.

8. Sensors on Some Models Can Help Avoid Obstacles Like Cords

Older robot vacuums had a hard time getting stuck on cords, clothes, or other obstacles we all have on our floors. But with many models, that’s no longer the case. Whether it’s a camera or other sensors, some vacuums can automatically move around obstacles and keep on working.

9. Set Boundaries Where a Robot Vacuum Won’t Go

Just like obstacles on the floor, there are probably places in your home that you don’t want a robot vacuum to go, whether it’s a baby’s room or near a pet food and water bowl. But you won’t have to worry about the robot making a mess or waking up a baby.

Using a companion app, you can set areas where the robot vacuum won’t go. Even if your vacuum doesn’t have an app, most have the ability to create virtual walls with a small sensor or something else you can place near the no-go area.

10. Some Models Offer a Cleaning Dock

The big advantage of a robot vacuum is the ability to keep your home clean without having to deal with dust and more. But with older models, when the dust bin was full, you had to manually empty in the trash. Not exactly a good situation for anyone with allergies.

That’s changed with many newer models. Instead of having to worry about emptying the dust bin, the vacuum will automatically empty into a cleaning dock that sports a bag much like you’ll find in a traditional vacuum. And when that is full, after many cleaning cycles, you can just lift it from the dock and put it in the trash.

If that piques your interest, see some of the best self-emptying robot vacuums.

Use a Robot Vacuum to Keep Your Home Clean

Robot vacuums have come a long way in almost two decades of existence.

While there are still some limitations, the technology can keep the floors in your clean without having to lift a finger.