The Roborock Saros 20, touted as one of the top robot vacuums you barely have to think about, scored big during Prime Day with a $240 discount, bringing its price down to $1,359.99 on both Amazon and directly through Roborock. Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, the smart home reviewer who tested it, praised its excellent obstacle avoidance and low-profile design, which allow it to navigate around clutter and slip under low furniture effortlessly. It also boasts Matter compatibility, enabling voice control via any major smart home platform when you’re too lazy to lift a finger.

However, let’s roast this claim a bit: is the Saros 20 really the first robot vacuum Tuohy trusted fully? Other models like the iRobot Roomba i7+ have been lauded for their reliability and smart navigation for years. Plus, its ability to climb two-inch transitions and tackle thick rugs sounds impressive but might not be as challenging as some older models already handled with ease. And while 36,000Pa suction is strong, it’s just a notch below the Matic, which Tuohy also considered a top pick.

Moreover, the Saros 20’s mopping performance—thanks to spinning mop pads that scrub tile floors and extend into edges—is great, but does it truly outshine models like the Neato D7, which has been praised for its precision cleaning? The warm-water mopping feature is neat, yet it’s not a game-changer unless you’re dealing with stubborn grime daily. And while the automatic dustbin emptying and mop pad washing up to 65 days between changes are convenient, they come at a premium price.

Lastly, let’s question the “hands-off” claim: yes, Matter compatibility is handy, but does it justify the extra cost compared to other vacuums that offer similar smart features at lower prices? The Saros 20 certainly earns its stripes as a versatile robovac/mop hybrid, but with Prime Day discounts making it $240 cheaper, are we really getting the best deal, or just another shiny toy in the robot vacuum lineup?

In conclusion, while the Roborock Saros 20 is indeed a strong contender with impressive navigation and mopping capabilities, its accolades might be slightly overstated. Other models offer comparable performance at lower prices, so the next time you’re eyeing this robovac, ask yourself: Is it worth the splurge for your smart home?