Cleaning floors is not something everyone enjoys. This is why Robotic vacuum cleaners became an instant hit when launched. Today almost every household owns one since they are handy, easy to use, and require minimal effort. These autonomous devices can clean dirt and debris from carpets, hardwood floors, and tiles.

But are these expensive models worth investing in? What does a robot cleaner have that a push vacuum doesn’t? To get answers, let’s weigh the pros and cons of robot vacuum vs. push vacuum cleaners.

1. Cleaning time
There is no doubt that robot vacuum cleaners will reduce cleaning time by half. They sweep as well as mop at the same time. All one needs to do is set the cleaning time. However, homes need to be robot-friendly for the device to work. Most automatic cleaners use LiDAR, a laser-based navigation system, to scan walls and obstacles. They won’t fall off edges but can get stuck on loose carpets. Thick carpets which are more than a centimeter tall can also deter them from cleaning. So, a little bit of manual cleaning is required before one sets the robot vacuum cleaner loose.

2. Size and space
Push vacuum cleaners are often heavy and large. They are inconvenient to move around and usually require two hands to move up or down a staircase. Push vacuums are quite a nuisance for large homes as they are difficult to push around. They require a lot of space storage as well since they are quite bulky. Robot vacuum cleaners, on the other hand, are small, compact, and need minimal space. But most of them have a battery life of only two hours. This can be a problem for individuals with large homes. Also, they do not have a large debris collection box, unlike push vacuum cleaners which can go months on without emptying the dust box.

3. Affordability
Robot vacuum cleaners are expensive. Though they have been around for more than a decade, an average robotic cleaner costs about $400. The high-end ones with better technology are priced around $1000 and above. Push vacuum cleaners start with $60. There is a stark difference in the price; hence not every household may be able to afford such expensive devices. Robot vacuum cleaners make less noise than their counterpart but also require periodic maintenance like parts replacement and cleaning. The high pricing and maintenance cost are some serious cons to consider before purchasing any device.

4. Surface cleaning
Robot vacuum cleaners are great for cleaning day-to-day dirt that gets accumulated in the house. However, for deep cleaning, push vacuum cleaners are the best. They have high suction pumps (hence the noise), which can deep-clean any type of floor, carpets, and curtains. Robot vacuum cleaners cannot get under low furniture or pass through tiny gaps. They cannot clean stairs, narrow nooks, and corners with ease. Overall, one cannot rely on a robotic vacuum cleaner completely to keep everything spotless, but it does save a lot of hours from a thorough cleaning.