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4 best robot vacuums and mops of 2024, tested hands-on at home


How we tested

I have been testing popular hybrid robot vacuums in the various apartments I’ve lived in since 2020. My hands-on analyses have included everything from budget models under $200 that just cover just the basics to $1,500 premium models that are highly advanced in the way they clean, navigate my home, and take care of their own recurring maintenance.

In 2024, I’ve gone hands-on with mopping robots including the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, Eufy X10 Pro Omni, Roomba Combo j9+, Roomba Combo j5+, Narwal Freo X Ultra, Yeedi M12 Pro+, and Roborock Qrevo Master. I am also currently working with the Roomba Combo 10 Max Robot + AutoWash Dock and Shark PowerDetect.

A quick note about a recent experience: At this time, I’m choosing to leave the Yeedi M12 Pro+ off of the recommendation list. On paper, it checks a ton of premium boxes at a really digestible price point — most notably its self-washing and drying mopping pads and 11,000 Pa in suction power, which (if it actually worked that well in testing), would be some of the most powerful suction power on the market, beating the 10,000 Pa of the $1,799.99 Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra. Given the Yeedi M12 Pro+’s sub-$1,000 price point (as low as sub-$700 on sale), it was a budget-friendly rising star that I had to get my hands on ASAP.

While its dry vacuuming performance on rice, kitty litter, and long hair on multiple carpet piles is in line with most other vacuums I’ve tried, I wasn’t necessarily getting “the most powerful suction money can buy” vibes. Then, the eerily low price point started showing itself in how the plastic-y build struggled to hoist itself over bath mats and rugs, often getting stuck in the process. A mopping pad even popped completely off at one point. In terms of mopping itself, again, it was fine, but nothing amazing. Between merely satisfactory cleaning, overall flimsiness, and obstacle avoidance technology that sent it running right over my phone charger, I’m definitely recommending the $799.99 Eufy X10 Pro Omni as the budget pick.

How we assess a robot vacuum’s performance

Ranking 2-in-1 robot vacuums requires testing of all of the factors we consider for regular robot vacuums, plus a few additional points specific to mopping. So, on top of regular vacuuming tests, including the sweeping of dry messes like intentionally smashed chips, intentionally spilled rice, soil from a house plant, and hair (cat and human), all 2-in-1 robot vacuums that come through my doors are faced with a variety of stains and messes that require a mop. I like to splatter some sort of sauce or dressing on the floor, sending the bots over wet and dried versions of those stains.

In my eyes, the only good robot vacuum and mop combos are the ones that do more than drag a wet mop pad lightly across your floor. Ideally, the mopping pad won’t be stationary, either vibrating, wiping back and forth, or exerting downward pressure to mimic human elbow grease. If the robot vacuum’s water tank is also compatible with some sort of cleaning solution mixture rather than just water, that’s even better.

However, to earn a spot in this guide, I have some expectations for these vacuum cleaners past their physical cleaning capabilities. I also consider their navigational abilities — you know, whether they can actually make it to the room that needs to be cleaned in the first place — as well as how well they avoid furniture and, when applicable, smaller obstacles like cords and pet toys.

Most of the big name robot vacuums up for consideration in 2024 can also wash and dry their own mopping pads. While this is absolutely a clutch feature that’s hard to give up once you’ve tried it, these vacuums can sometimes be so overpriced that many people will still opt to wash the mopping pads by hand. The convenience versus value factor is always top of mind for me, and as of Sept. 2024, only five hybrids earned a spot in this guide.


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LA public schools pass screen time limits for students in a first

Los Angeles public school students may be returning to the age of college-ruled notebooks and Scantrons, following a Tuesday school board vote that will limit the use of computers, laptops, and tablets in classrooms.

Titled “Using Technology with Intention,” the new resolution mandates the creation of grade-level and subject-specific screen time limits across Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) schools, including a complete ban on device usage for kindergarten and first grade. The use of one-to-one devices, like individual Chromebooks, will be discouraged for second through fifth grades, as well.

Revised guidelines will also address video-aided lesson plans, access to video streaming platforms like YouTube, and expanded restrictions on gaming and social media platforms.

District staff must present the revised tech use policy by June, which will go into effect for all LAUSD students beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. Guidelines will be reevaluated every year, and schools are tasked with tracking and sharing student screen time numbers with parents.

The resolution cites increasing concern about the effect of screen time on young minds and alleged screen addiction, including recent Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) studies that show a correlation between high screen time and adverse health effects. The board was unanimously in favor of the tech restrictions, with one recusal.

“We know that tech is not going away and can be a powerful tool in the classroom. This is not about going backwards. This is about rethinking school time and screen time in schools to ensure we are doing what actually helps students learn best,” board member Nick Melvoin said during Tuesday’s meeting.


“This is not about going backwards. This is about rethinking school time…”

Advocates, parents, and even students have spent the last year lobbying for greater tech restrictions following the passing of a 2025 bell-to-bell cellphone ban restricting the use of personal devices during school hours. Schools Beyond Screens, a national classroom tech safety coalition founded by LAUSD parents and teachers, helped craft the resolution in collaboration with board members and co-sponsors Melvoin, Karla Griego, Tanya Ortiz Franklin, Jerry Yang, Kelly Gonez, and Rocío Rivas.

“Now is the time for a safe and science-backed approach to classroom technology, one that is not guided by Big Tech talking points like screen value over screen time,” the organization wrote in a press release following the decision.

“There is much work to be done, and this is only the beginning, but today, we are proud, grateful, and – for the first time in a long time – hopeful. Our kids may yet have the kind of public education that they deserve — one that is proven effective and free of undue digital distraction, harmful content, and corporate exploitation.”

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The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore Bluetooth speaker is at the lowest price weve seen all year

SAVE $75: The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore Bluetooth speaker is on sale for $224 at Amazon, down from the standard price of $299. That’s a 25% discount.


$224
at Amazon

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Save $75

 

Packing up for an adventure means figuring out how to bring along a soundtrack. A trip to the cabin or a lakeside campground all deserve to be experienced with a great playlist. If you could use an upgrade before summer to get a waterproof Bluetooth speaker, check out this deal at Amazon.

As of April 22, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore Bluetooth speaker is on sale for $224 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $299. That’s a 25% discount that takes $75 off the price. It’s also the lowest price we’ve seen at Amazon so far this year.

A compact speaker with a scratch-resistant aluminum shell is exactly what we should be packing on adventures. With an attached carabiner, the B&O Explore speaker is designed to clip onto your backpack when you hit the trail. Or you can utilize the rubber base to set it on a rock or even in the sand. It’s both waterproof and dustproof, adding to the durability.

Bang & Olufsen notes this model gets up to 27 hours of playtime before it needs to recharge. It weighs under 1.5 pounds, so it won’t add much bulk to your gear. It takes about two hours to recharge the Beosound Explore.

Before summer kicks into high gear, add the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore speaker to your pack. It’s ready for any adventure you have planned.

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Get some new wrist candy with the CMF Watch Pro 2 at its lowest price ever

SAVE $39.01: As of April 22, get the CMF By Nothing Watch 2 Pro for $39.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $79. That’s a discount of 49% and the lowest price we’ve seen.


$39.99
at Amazon

$79
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There are tons of smartwatches on the market if you’re in need of one. But if you’re willing to look beyond the Apple Watches or Samsung devices out there, you’ll find an awesome alternative from the Nothing brand that’ll save you some serious cash. Not only is it more affordable than the competition, but it’s got everything you could want and then some. In fact, one of the models is on sale right now.

As of April 22, get the CMF By Nothing Watch 2 Pro for $39.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $79. That’s $39.01 off and a discount of 49%. It’s also the lowest price we’ve seen.

This affordable smartwatch not only comes in an attractive form factor, but it has just about everything you could ask for. It has your average comms tools like Bluetooth calling and gesture control, a built-in mic and speaker, contacts, message reminders, and music control. But from there, it offers a wide range of sensors and data to help you take control of your health.

It offers a portable blood oxygen saturation monitor, a heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, and so much more. All of this data, including workout information, steps, and much more, can be synced across all your favorite fitness apps, including Apple Health and Google Health Connect. There are 120 sports modes to choose from, GPS positioning, and even a 3D warm-up exercise guide to help get you on your feet each day.

With interchangeable watch straps and an attractive face, this extremely reasonable smartwatch is definitely one to rival Apple and Samsung. You’ll want to grab yours while it’s still down to the lowest price we’ve seen.

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