Leah Stodart is a Philadelphia-based Senior Shopping Reporter at Mashable where she covers and tests essential home tech like vacuums, TVs, beauty devices, and eco-friendly hacks. Her ever-evolving experience in these categories helps her make thoughtful recommendations for how to spend your money during shopping holidays like Black Friday, which Leah has been covering for Mashable since 2017.
The robot vacuum beat in particular has cemented itself as Leah's main ~thing~ since 2019. Her niche expertise is fueled by the constant hands-on testing of robot vacuums in her own home. (She's tested nearly 40 so far, and that number has probably gone up by the time you're reading this.)
Leah graduated from Penn State University with dual degrees in Sociology and Media Studies. When she's not writing about shopping (or scouring Depop for herself), she's almost definitely watching a horror movie, "RuPaul's Drag Race," or "The Office." You can email her at [email protected].
Areas of Expertise
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I found the best robot vacuums for every floor, budget, and level of laziness
Cross one chore off your to-do list for good.
By Leah Stodart
Shark CryoGlow mask review after 10 months: The only way I'll ever stop using this is if Shark releases a new one
My skin has responded so well to the Shark face mask that it's been permanently baked into my weekly routine.
By Leah Stodart
How going low-waste helped me protect my peace in a world filled with chaos
If you're overwhelmed by chores or general clutter at home, I think some eco-friendly household swaps could quell some chaos.
By Leah Stodart
Looksmaxxing my bedroom TV with the Hisense Déco: The chic, small, budget QLED TV that blends in with my decor
This 32-inch QLED Fire TV has been an immaculate replacement for my decrepit 15-year-old TV.
By Leah Stodart
Latest From Leah Stodart
The best budget robot vacuums to buy in 2026, expert tested at home
Coming home to clean floors doesn't have to cost more than a few hundred dollars.
By Leah Stodart
The 7 best tablets of 2026: Comparing iPad, Samsung, and Lenovo
Yes, we love iPads, but there are great alternatives out there.
What to look for in a robot vacuum: A guide from someone who tests new vacuums every month
I give robot vacuum advice to friends and family all the time. Here's my checklist.
By Leah Stodart
Teenage girl gift ideas that are actually unique
If they haven't dropped any ultra-specific hints, TikTok definitely has.
By Leah Stodart
Robot vacuums just got the FCC drone treatment. How are robot vacuum brands responding to the ban?
I reached out to the impacted vacuum brands that I regularly test at home.
By Leah Stodart
Back-to-school sales have arrived: Where to find deals on pencils, backpacks, lunchboxes, laptops, and more
Grab some goodies for your kid or get organized yourself.
By Leah Stodart
The best Dyson vacuums actually make vacuuming fun: See my favorites for 2026
People say vacuuming isn't fun... until they try out a Dyson.
By Leah Stodart
What's the best time to buy a TV? Not just Black Friday. Shop strategically during these 4 windows.
You can find a TV on sale whenever, but the best discounts only pop up a few times.
By Leah Stodart
Best 65-inch+ TVs for watching in dark and bright rooms
So you've decided that you hate your current TV. We'll help you decide how to upgrade.
By Leah Stodart
Which robot vacuum works the best on pet hair? After testing, my cats and I chose our top picks for 2026.
When shedding "season" is really just year-round, automated floor cleaning is a non-negotiable.
By Leah Stodart
Back-to-school gift idea: Get an adorable pack of Lego straw toppers and reusable straws for free
The set even comes with a cleaning brush.
By Leah Stodart
The newest Dyson V8 (and the only V8 model that's actually impressive) is $100 off — grab it for $299.99
The old Dyson V8 is on sale for the same price. Let's unpack how much further you could stretch $300.
By Leah Stodart
Dreame Chrona LED mask review: 4 light therapy colors, fully wireless, wildly affordable
This mask is cheaper and less obtrusive than the popular masks you're considering.
By Leah Stodart
We spent 12 months testing red light masks: Here are 6 that gave us real results (and 2 to skip)
Red light therapy results don't show up overnight. That's why this guide has been in the works for a year.
By Leah Stodart
The Shark vs. Roomba debate is still boring, despite both brands trying to expand their vacuum lineups
Shark was ahead after iRobot filed for bankruptcy. Can the newest Roombas spark a redemption arc?
By Leah Stodart
The Roborock Saros 20 Sonic is named for its sonic mopping. That's not the feature that impressed me.
The Saros 20 Sonic isn't a bad robot vacuum. It's just not good enough to be the most expensive one.
By Leah Stodart
What to look for when buying a TV, as told through this uncomplicated TV specs guide
Let's deconstruct that chaotic Amazon TV description.
By Leah Stodart
What is the slimmest TV you can buy? I compared numbers to find the thinnest OLED, QLED, and RGB TVs.
The Frame is one of the thinnest, but it doesn't take the cake.
By Leah Stodart
Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale is on and a ton of products are 50% off or more
If there's a big purchase you regret skipping on Prime Day, it might just be on sale again.
By Leah Stodart
In case you forgot, AMC movie tickets are 50% off on Tuesdays and Wednesdays — it's a year-round thing
The promo is open to all tiers of the AMC Stubs membership, including the free one.
By Leah Stodart
The best air purifiers for wildfire smoke tested: Our faves from Blueair, Coway Airmega, Shark, and more
We can't do much about the smog outside, but we can control the air quality inside our home.
By Leah Stodart and Lauren Allain
We spent a year testing the best red light masks. We found 5 we love and 2 to avoid.
Red light therapy results don't show up overnight. That's why this guide has been in the works for a year.
By Leah Stodart
The Ninja Crispi Microwave automatically air fries reheated food. Your leftover game is about to change.
Make quick frozen appetizers that aren't soggy, a chicken roast, or a perfect baked potato.
By Leah Stodart
Mid-July's free Legos speak to big 'Animal Crossing' and sushi lovers
Let's use Tom Nook and the balloon present to manifest a new game announcement.
By Leah Stodart
Save up to $999 on 2026 LG TVs, then unlock up to $200 in free DoorDash or Uber Eats credits
Best Buy has most of the same sale prices, but Best Buy doesn't have the free food delivery perk.
By Leah Stodart
