Buying guide for Best vacuum cleaners
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Vacuuming is the least favorite household chore for many people. It always seems to take too long and require too much effort to get floors as clean as you’d like. But finding the best vacuum cleaner for your home makes vacuuming easier, so you can get rid of dirt, pet hair and other debris in no time.
The BestReviews Testing Lab researched and tested over 20 models to find the best vacuum cleaners on the market. We considered various vacuum types, including upright, canister, stick, cordless and robot, and we tested various models on both hard surfaces and carpeting. We also put the vacuums to work cleaning different types of debris, such as pet hair, cereal and ground coffee, to determine how effective the suction power was on messes commonly found around the house. We also evaluated how easy and comfortable each model was to use
Ultimately, the Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner was our favorite because its lightweight design allowed us to deep clean all flooring surfaces with ease, but it still provided power that rivaled the corded models we tested.
Expert tip
All bagless vacuums have a washable canister and washable filters. Remember to empty and clean your filters and canisters to make your vacuum last longer.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert
Our top picks
Best cordless vacuum cleaner
Product Specifications
Run Time: Up to 69 min | Bin Capacity: 0.8 qt | Weight: 6.8 lb | Dimensions: 10.5” L x 9.8” W x 49.6” H
The Dyson V15 Detect Cordless is a stick vacuum that delivers power that rivals that of corded models. During testing, its maximum suction power was impressive. In a single pass, it removed several types of debris, including coarse kosher salt, ground coffee, cereal and pet hair, from laminate, tile and low-pile carpeting. It also picked up all types of debris except ground coffee from medium-pile carpeting in one pass and needed just two passes for the coffee. We were especially impressed by how well it handled pet hair, because our testing area housed two medium-to-large dogs that shed regularly. The V15 Detect picked up all the visible hair from the laminate and carpeting, plus plenty of hair we didn’t see, judging by how full the dustbin was after cleaning.
It is surprising that such a powerful vacuum weighs in at just under 7 pounds. It handled quite well, and we had no trouble carrying it up and down stairs. The power trigger had to be held down the entire time we vacuumed, which led to some hand fatigue when vacuuming for more than 10 minutes. It has an advertised battery life of up to 60 minutes, but during testing it cleaned for 69 minutes in Eco Mode before needing to recharge. In Auto Mode, where the vacuum automatically adjusts its power based on the flooring surface, it ran for 43 minutes, which was more than enough time to vacuum slightly over 1,000 square feet.
One of our favorite features of the V15 Detect vacuum is its Fluffy Optic cleaner head for hard floors. This head emits a precisely angled green light that reveals hidden dirt and hair across flooring surfaces. We expected it to be more of a gimmick than a useful feature, so we were stunned by how much dust and pet hair it revealed on laminate floors in a testing area that appeared clean to the naked eye. We could then go over the floors until all the debris was picked up.
Product Specifications
Cord Length: 30’ | Bin Capacity: 0.8 qt | Weight: 9.05 lb | Dimensions: 13.5” L x 11.32” W x 45.28” H
If a cordless vacuum doesn’t offer the power you want, the Shark Vertex UltraLight Corded Vacuum might be the perfect model for you. It weighs 9 pounds, so it was easy to maneuver through our testing area. It also has a swivel head, making it easy to move forward and back, change direction and clean in corners. It offers powerful suction on both hard flooring and carpeting and needed just one pass to remove sugar, faux fur and coffee grounds on vinyl tile and low-pile carpeting. For heavier debris like cereal, it required two passes only because it would sometimes blow the pieces out of its path.
While it doesn’t offer the freedom of movement of a cordless model like the Dyson V15 Detect or Samsung Jet 75+, the Shark Vertex UltraLight has a 30-foot cord, which reduces the number of times you need to switch outlets. During testing, we cleaned a 200-square-foot area with large furniture without having to unplug the vacuum. Like other stick vacuums, it easily converts to a handheld vacuum, and we found it was much more balanced and easier to maneuver in hand vac mode than similar models we tested. It also comes with several convenient tools, including a crevice tool, a mini-roller for pet hair and an upholstery/dusting brush that allowed us to clean areas above the floor.
The Shark Vertex UltraLight is also easy to empty and maintain. It took us a minute to figure out how to empty the dustbin, but its design prevents dirt from flying out if you pull too hard. The dustbin is a good size, too: it was only three-quarters full after vacuuming a 200-square-foot area. The filters were also easy to pull out, so we had no trouble cleaning and replacing them when necessary.
Product Specifications
Cord Length: 24’ | Bin Capacity: 4.8 qt | Weight: 20 lb | Dimensions: 20” L x 12” W x 12” H
Miele is widely regarded as a premium vacuum manufacturer, so it’s no wonder its Complete C3 Calima is the best canister vacuum on the market. Its outstanding suction makes it ideal for heavily carpeted homes, but the power can be adjusted with six settings to effectively clean any surface. It also has a 36-foot cleaning radius, so it can remove dirt from large homes quickly and efficiently. Its 24-foot cord reduces the need to change outlets when cleaning larger spaces, too.
In addition to its multiple suction power settings, the Complete C3 Calima has two cleaning heads: a Turbo Brush for low- to medium-pile carpeting and a Parquet-3 Floorhead that can clean even delicate hard surfaces without damaging them. It also includes several accessories, including a dusting brush, crevice tool and upholstery tool, which all fit easily inside an internal compartment for convenient storage. The dusting brush is particularly helpful because it has soft bristles that won’t damage delicate surfaces.
The Complete C3 Calima vacuum is comfortable to use. Its foot controls prevent you from bending or stooping to turn it on and off or adjust the suction. The telescopic tube is also adjustable, making it perfect for users of all heights. The cord rewinds with one touch of a button to make putting it away after cleaning a breeze. And allergy sufferers will appreciate the high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter that provides maximum air hygiene.
Best vacuum cleaner for apartments
Product Specifications
Cord Length: 32’ | Bin Capacity: 3.6 qt | Weight: 8.6 lb | Dimensions: 13” L x 10.25” W x 47.5” H
The Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro Corded Stick Vacuum weighs under 9 pounds and takes up little storage space, making it ideal for apartments and other small homes. It even comes with an optional wall mount for easier storage. The 32-foot-long cord stretched across multiple rooms during testing, so we didn’t have to change outlets. Its lightweight, compact design was easy to maneuver, and the narrow, swiveling vacuum head fit in tight spaces, so we could easily clean beneath furniture and in corners.
The Rocket Deluxe offers two suction levels, and we found that the lower suction was ideal for hard surfaces and the higher suction effectively cleaned heavy carpeting. We were particularly impressed by how well it handled pet hair. Our testing area housed a short-haired dog, and the Rocket Deluxe picked up all visible hair without the brushes getting tangled. Its extra-large dustbin holds nearly a gallon of debris, so we only had to empty it once when vacuuming our three-bedroom testing area.
To ensure you never miss any dirt or hair, the powerful LED lights on the Rocket Deluxe’s cleaning head illuminate areas beneath furniture. It also has lights on the main vacuum body for hand vac use. We also appreciated the Smart Suction light that remains green when the vacuum is functioning properly but turns red if there’s a blockage, so we could always keep it cleaning effectively.
Best vacuum cleaner for pet hair
Product Specifications
Run Time: Up to 60 min | Bin Capacity: 0.8 qt | Weight: 6.2 lb | Dimensions: 8.5” L x 9.8” W x 44.5” H
Thanks to its Turbo Brush, the Samsung Jet 75+ Cordless Vacuum is a perfect choice for pet owners. This cleaner head maximizes airflow to pull pet hair from carpeting and features multicyclonic air filtration to trap microscopic particles. The vacuum also features a digital inverter motor that can generate suction power up to 200 AW and Jet Cyclone technology to prevent hair and other debris from clogging the filter.
The Jet 75+ weighs just over 6 pounds, making it easy to maneuver and carry up and down stairs. Its head swivels 180 degrees, so it can easily change direction without getting stuck. Its removable battery can clean for up to an hour, but the vacuum comes with a second, so you can swap out a drained battery for a fresh one, increasing your battery life to up to two hours.
Its digital display makes it easy to see the cleaning mode and brush type at a glance. It also alerts you to issues, including airflow problems and clogs. The Jet 75+ includes a long-reach crevice tool, which easily extends into tight corners, and a combination tool designed to dust and clean upholstery.
Best lightweight vacuum cleaner
Product Specifications
Run Time: Up to 60 minutes | Bin Capacity: 0.37 qt | Weight: 5.22 lb | Dimensions: 9.92” L x 9.8” W 49.4” H
At just over 5 pounds, the Dyson V12 Detect Slim is the lightest of all the vacuums we tested. We found it extremely easy to maneuver around furniture and other obstacles, and we could carry it up and down stairs without issue. Unlike the Dyson V15 Detect, the V12 doesn’t have a power trigger. Instead, it has a one-touch on/off button. Because of its ergonomic design, cleaning with it was very comfortable even for long periods.
With a lightweight, compact build, the V12 Detect Slim isn’t the most powerful vacuum. However, its cleaning performance was on par with the other vacuums we tested, so it needed just one pass to remove most types of debris, including pet hair, on both hard flooring and carpeting. Like the V15 Detect, the V12 also comes with a Fluffy Optic cleaner head with a green light for revealing hidden dirt. We were very impressed by how well it worked on laminate flooring, illuminating a significant amount of dirt and hair we didn’t see, which allowed us to clean hard surfaces much more thoroughly.
Like most cordless vacuums we tested, the Dyson V12 Detect has an advertised battery life of 60 minutes. During testing, it cleaned for 54 minutes in Eco Mode, 41 minutes in Auto and 9 minutes in Boost. Even the 41 minutes it ran in Auto Mode was enough to fully clean 1,000 square feet. It also has an LCD display that counts down the remaining battery life and shows a graph of the size and number of the particles it’s picked up to let you know how well it’s cleaning.
Best upright vacuum cleaner
Product Specifications: Cord Length: 25’ | Bin Capacity: 0.8 qt | Weight: 10.8 lb | Dimensions: 13.5” L x 11.2” W x 45.28” H
Many upright vacuums are heavy and bulky, but the Shark Navigator Light Vacuum bucks that trend. It weighs just under 11 pounds, which allows for easier maneuverability and greater portability for going up and down stairs. Its swivel-steering cleaner head also makes moving around furniture and other obstacles a breeze. The detachable extra-long wand and hose let you clean along crown molding and other hard to reach areas, too.
To tackle all the surfaces in your home, the Navigator Light’s brush roller has a shutoff switch so you can turn it on to deep clean carpeting and turn it off to clean hard surfaces more gently. It also has a 25-foot power cord to cover large areas without switching outlets.
The Navigator Light doesn’t have HEPA filtration, but it features three filters: two primary pre-motor filters and one post-motor filter. They offer multiple layers of filtration to keep the air around the vacuum free of microscopic particles. The vacuum also comes with a crevice tool and an upholstery tool, so it can handle floor-to-ceiling cleaning to keep the surfaces in your home dust-free.
Expert Tip
Once you have an idea of which style and features will work best for you, purchasing a vacuum is extremely easy. Online retailers, like Amazon, allow you to quickly search for your desired vacuum.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert
How we tested
To help us identify the best vacuum cleaners, we put several models to work in specific situations to see how well they performed. We tested them on hard surfaces like hardwood, laminate and tile and on carpeting, including low-pile and medium-pile varieties. We tested the vacuums on different types of debris to get the best idea of their cleaning performance.
Handling fine debris
We used sugar and coffee grounds to see how well the tested vacuums handled fine debris. We placed a measured amount of the substance on both hard surfaces and carpeting and then noted how many passes the vacuums needed to fully remove the particles.
Handling medium debris
We assessed how well the vacuums could remove medium-size debris using coarse kosher salt, rice and birdseed. We set out a measured amount of the substance on both hard flooring surfaces and carpeting and recorded how many passes each vacuum required to remove the pieces completely.
Handling large debris
To determine how well the vacuums handled large, heavy particles, we used cereal and dry pet food. We placed a measured pile of each on both hard floors and carpeting and noted how many passes the vacuums needed to pick up all the pieces.
Key considerations
Vacuum cleaner type
When it comes to full-size vacuum cleaners for the home, the three main types are upright, canister and stick. However, you can also find less traditional options for fuss-free cleaning.
- Upright vacuums: With a single component containing the vacuum head, motor and dust container that you push in front of you, traditional upright vacuums are probably what most people picture when they think about vacuums. Available in bagged and bagless styles, they typically offer the strongest suction and work equally well on high-pile carpet, low-pile carpet and hard surfaces. Unfortunately, they don’t have as many attachments or accessories as other vacuum types.
- Canister vacuums: A canister vacuum consists of a vacuum head connected to a tank that contains the motor and dust container. You move the vacuum head in front of you and pull the tank behind you. It usually comes with several attachments for cleaning curtains, furniture and other items higher than floor level. A canister model can be very bulky and difficult to maneuver around furniture and up and down stairs.
- Stick vacuums: Offering both corded and cordless models, stick vacuums feature a slim, lightweight design that makes them extremely easy to carry around the house and up and down stairs. However, their suction is usually less powerful than that of a full-size upright or canister vacuum, so they may not perform as well on carpeting. Many people prefer them as secondary vacuums for spot cleaning.
- Robotic vacuums: A new addition to the vacuum market, robotic or robot vacuums take on the chore of vacuuming for you, automatically traveling through your home to clean carpets and hard surfaces. Their suction power can be limited, though, and not all models are as successful at navigating furniture and obstacles as others.
If you’re trying to decide between a traditional upright, canister or stick vacuum and a robotic vacuum, there are several factors you should keep in mind.
- Price: Robotic vacuums generally cost more than traditional vacuums. You can find high-quality stick and even upright vacuums for under $100, but robotic vacuums generally go for $200 and up.
- Cleaning performance: In most cases, a robot vacuum can’t clean as deeply and thoroughly as a traditional vacuum. In homes with children and pets, you usually have to run a robotic vacuum daily to keep up with the mess, while deep cleaning with an upright or canister vacuum can usually keep your floors clean for about a week. For many homes, a robot vacuum is a supplemental cleaning tool to a traditional vacuum.
- Mapping: High-end robot vacuums can map your home’s layout to “learn” where each room is and the furniture it must work around. The goal is to keep you from having to intervene while the robot is cleaning. But not all mapping technologies are created equal, so robotic vacuums can get stuck under furniture, pinned by other obstacles or tangled in cords and require you to free them to continue their cleaning.
Weight
The weight of a vacuum cleaner affects how easy (or difficult) it is to use. Upright and canister vacuums are usually heftier than stick vacuums, but they often have increased suction to make up for it. If you are buying a vacuum for a person with limited arm or grip strength, select a lighter model to avoid muscle fatigue and strain. One with a swivel head for enhanced maneuverability may be ideal.
At just 5.22 pounds, the Dyson V12 Detect Slim impressed us with its light weight and maneuverability, making it incredibly easy to carry up and down stairs during testing. We also found the Shark Vertex UltraLight Corded Vacuum was easy to move through our testing area. It weighs more than double the V12 Detect, but its swiveling head and well-balanced design made it easy to move around furniture and other obstacles.
Similarly, if you live in a multistory home, consider a vacuum’s weight before purchasing it, because unless you have a machine on each floor, you will likely find yourself carrying it up and down the stairs. In most cases, a vacuum that weighs no more than about 17 pounds is preferred. Weighing under 11 pounds, the Shark Navigator Light is one of the lightest uprights on the market, so it balances power and maneuverability well.
Bagged vs. bagless
Vacuum cleaners can be bagged or bagless.
Bagged vacuum cleaners have a disposable bag that collects debris and requires replacement when full. As a result, they have the added expense of purchasing replacement bags for the life of the vacuum. Also, it is sometimes difficult to determine when you need to replace the bag. However, a bagged vacuum can hold more dirt and isn’t as likely to release dust and particles in the air when it’s time to empty the vacuum.
Bagless vacuum cleaners have a reusable container that collects debris as the vacuum cleans. There are no ongoing costs for replacing the container, but it holds considerably less than a bagged model. You’ll have to empty a bagless vacuum more frequently and inevitably release some dust and other allergens into the air when emptying the dustbin.
During testing, we found that bagless models like the Dyson V15 Detect and Shark Vertex UltraLight Corded Vacuum had large enough dustbins that they didn’t require emptying during cleaning. We also loved the V15 Detect’s point-and-shoot emptying design, which meant we never had to get our hands dirty when it was time to empty the bin.
Expert Tip
No cleaning products should be used when rinsing out and cleaning vacuum filters. This will clog them and cause serious damage to your vacuum, so it's important to remember.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert
Features
Filters
A vacuum cleaner is usually equipped with a filter to help remove small particles from the air, such as dust and dander. Some filters must be replaced periodically, while others are washable and reusable. The latter must be cleaned every so often, but you can save money on filter purchases this way.
It’s important to pay attention to the type of filter a vacuum uses. Standard filters provide the lowest level of filtration, while micron filters can remove smaller particles for higher filtration. If you have allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues, or pets in your home, you might want to invest in a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. A HEPA filter can remove microscopic particles of dirt, dust, pollen, pet dander, dust mites and even tobacco smoke from your home, providing the highest level of filtration.
Corded vs. cordless
Nearly all upright and canister vacuums are corded, as are some stick vacuums. A corded vacuum usually provides more effective suction than a cordless vacuum, but it’s important to pay attention to the length of the cord. If you have large areas or staircases to vacuum, you need a model with a long enough cord that you won’t have to unplug and replug the machine as you work. In general, look for a vacuum cleaner with a cord at least 25 feet long.
The best cordless vacuums tend to be stick vacuums that run on rechargeable battery power. If you’re wondering if it’s time for you to go cordless, here’s a look at some significant differences between corded and cordless vacuum cleaners.
- Cordless vacuums are lightweight and easy to store. Some people find it quite liberating not to be tethered to a wall outlet while cleaning.
- Cordless vacuums have a limited runtime. Once the battery depletes, you must stop cleaning until it has recharged, which could interrupt your workflow.
- Cordless vacuums can usually get into tight spaces more easily. Because of their slim designs, you can reach places with a cordless that might be harder to access with a corded vacuum.
- Cordless vacuums tend to have smaller dustbins. The bin must be emptied more often, which is a deal breaker for some people, especially allergy sufferers.
Noise level
All vacuum cleaners make noise when they’re in use, but some are noisier than others. If you are sensitive to noise or live in an apartment where loud noise may disrupt your neighbors, choosing a quieter model is important.
A vacuum’s noise level is reflected in decibels (dB) and is usually included in the product specifications. For a quiet vacuum, look for one with a decibel level between 60 and 65.
A vacuum cleaner with a decibel level of 70 decibels or greater will be fairly noisy.
Accessories
Some vacuum cleaners come with accessories that provide more versatile cleaning options. In particular, they allow you to vacuum surfaces above the floor for more thorough cleaning.
Here are some of our favorite accessories from testing:
- Crevice tool: We loved how easily these long, skinny attachments with vacuums like the Dyson V15 Detect, Shark Vertex UltraLight Corded Vacuum and Dyson V12 Detect Slim pulled debris from tight, narrow areas, such as between furniture cushions, along baseboard and in corners.
- Upholstery tool: Upholstery tools like those that come with the Dyson V15 Detect, Shark Vertex UltraLight Corded Vacuum and Dyson V12 Slim allowed us to fully remove pet hair and other debris from the sofas, armchairs and curtains in our testing areas.
- Pet tool: The Dyson V15 Detect and V12 Sim Detect come with a special cleaning head for pet hair that not only pulled all the hair off the pet beds in our testing area but also never got tangled.
Floor settings
Many vacuum cleaners allow you to tailor your mode of cleaning to the type of flooring you have. A machine with a pile adjustment allows you to change the height of the brush roll, accommodating your carpet’s pile thickness for easier and more effective cleaning. If you want a vacuum cleaner you can use on hardwood floors as well, look for one with a setting for bare floors. The setting usually allows you to turn off the brush so your hardwood, tile or linoleum does not get scratched or otherwise damaged.
EXPERT tip
If you have allergies, a HEPA-filtered model is a must-have when shopping for a vacuum. Always read the descriptions of each vacuum you purchase to determine if a HEPA filter is included.
BestReviews Cleaning Expert
Vacuum cleaner prices
Low
For a basic stick or upright cleaner with adequate suction, expect to pay $80 to $130. If you opt for a handheld vacuum, you can expect to pay less, but note that these machines are not traditional “vacuum cleaners.” Rather, they are handy tools designed for spot cleaning.
Mid-range
For an upright vacuum with a lightweight design and powerful suction, you will likely pay between $150 and $400. Many excellent vacuums can be found in this price range, including the Shark Navigator Light Upright, but there may be a few duds, too. Our best advice, especially if you’re unsure of a brand, is to purchase a new vacuum with a comprehensive warranty.
High
Models with cutting-edge technology, high-powered suction and plenty of special features and accessories, including robotic models, cost considerably more, ranging from $450 to more than $1,000. Brands like Dyson and Miele are some of the most expensive, so models like the Dyson V12 Detect Slim, Dyson V15 Detect and Miele Complete C3 Calima cost at least $650 when not on sale.
Again, if you are going to be investing this much, we advise you to seek a product with a warranty that backs up your purchase for a generous length of time.
Tips
- Dust the surfaces in a room before you vacuum. That way you won’t have to vacuum a second time just to remove any dust and dirt that you shake loose with your rag.
- When vacuuming, work the machine in multiple directions. If you only move it in one direction, you may miss some of the dirt, dust and debris. Regardless of whether you have high- or low-pile carpet, it’s recommended that you agitate the fibers up, down and side-to-side for the best results.
- Change or clean the vacuum cleaner filter regularly. As wonderful as these filters are, they won’t effectively remove allergens from your home if they are clogged or dirty. If your vacuum uses a HEPA filter, change it every six months. Notably, vacuums with reusable filters can save you money in maintenance costs.
- Don’t wait until your carpet or floor looks dirty to vacuum it. Dust and debris can accumulate under carpeting and other items before you actually see visible dirt, which may trigger allergies.
- Many vacuum cleaner heads are too large to fit against walls, which is why a good crevice tool is so important. The crevice tool that comes with many models makes it easy to pick up any debris along a room’s edges that the vacuum head might miss.
FAQ
Q. What’s the difference between a single-motor and a dual-motor vacuum cleaner?
A. A single-motor vacuum cleaner uses one motor to power the brush and vacuum. A dual-motor vacuum cleaner has two motors: one for the brush and another for the vacuum. This duality provides increased power and more effective suction.
Q. What type of vacuum cleaner works best for pet hair?
A. Some vacuum cleaners are designed specifically for pet hair and feature tangle-free brushes and counterrotating heads that are extremely effective at removing pet hair from carpeting and furniture. In general, bagged pet vacuums tend to clean better because when you clean out a bagless container, pet hair can easily escape back into the air and settle back onto surfaces.
Q. How often do you have to change the bag on a bagged cleaner?
A. It depends on your vacuum cleaner model and the amount of dirt and debris it encounters on a regular basis. Many vacuums have an indicator light that tells you when the bag is full and requires changing. If your model doesn’t have a light, check the bag to see how full it is, or pay attention to the suction, which will weaken if the bag is too full. It’s best to change the bag before it’s completely full. Try to catch it when it’s between half and three-quarters full.
Q. Can I get an inexpensive pet vacuum cleaner?
A. It depends on what you consider expensive when it comes to a machine’s ability to remove pet hair from your carpet and draperies. Generally speaking, vacuums designed expressly to clean up pet hair tend to cost a bit more than traditional vacuum cleaners. For example, a low-end pet hair vacuum might cost between $100 and $200. As we’ve mentioned, if you were to purchase a vacuum that was not expressly made for cleaning up pet hair, you might pay a little less, a minimum of $80 is possible.
Similarly, a high-end pet hair vacuum may cost over $500, whereas most “regular” top-end vacuums cost no more than $400. So, to answer this question, you can certainly get a relatively inexpensive pet vacuum cleaner, but you still may find yourself paying a bit more than you would for a regular vacuum. The additional cost is a tradeoff for the machine’s enhanced suction and ability to remove stubborn cat and dog hair. For pet owners and people who suffer seasonal or pet allergies, the investment is usually worth it.
Our expertise
Jennifer Blair has covered vacuums and other home care products for BestReviews since 2017, writing more than 100 articles. At home, she uses a traditional upright vacuum for deep cleaning, a robot vacuum for maintenance cleaning and a cordless stick vacuum for spot cleaning. She has also personally tested over 15 vacuums for BestReviews, including models from Dyson, Shark and iRobot.
