1. The list in brief
2. Best overall
3. Best features
4. Best self-empty base
5. Best hybrid
6. Best for larger homes
7. How we tested
8. Robot vacuum FAQs
Believe it or not, several of the best robot vacuums we've tested are budget-friendly bots. The best cheap robot vacuums might lack advanced features, but they definitely don't skimp on cleaning performance. You shouldn't overlook core areas like suction power and debris pickup for a less powerful bot just because it can be controlled with an app or voice commands.
With that said, some of the best cheap robot vacuums we've tested below come equipped with time-saving smarts like self-emptying bases and LiDAR sensors. These are worth the extra bucks for larger spaces because they make life so much easier. Self-emptying bases ensure you can set and forget your bot for weeks at a time. Meanwhile, vision and sensor-guided robots can map individual rooms and avoid obstacles like cables and loose toys. With so many cheap robot vacuums flooding the market, finding the right one for your home can be a challenge.
That's where we come in. We tested a wide range of robot vacuums to find value cleaners that punch well above their weight in performance for the price. Each machine went through separate lab tests on both hard floors and carpet to earn a cleaning score. This number was calculated by weighing out materials for each debris pickup test (such as Cheerios, kitty litter, pet fur) and then measuring the amount left behind to determine each vacuum's effectiveness. Once finished, our testers let these cheap robot vacuums loose in their homes to assess their apps and navigation in everyday use. This is where we note things such as whether a robot found itself trapped or if a feature was awkward to access. Check out the guide below to see which brands will leave your floors spotless.
The quick list
Here’s the best cheap robot vacuums you can buy right now based on our testing and reviews. Scroll on for our full in-depth reviews.
The best cheap robot vacuum overall
Affordable, effective, and simple to use, the Life V3s Pro is the best cheap robot vacuum for most people. It collected 99.5% of pet hair in our tests and achieved an overall cleaning score of 97%. This robot vacuum utilizes a 3-inch opening rather than a typical brush bar in order to collect more debris at one time. It excels on hardwood floors but is capable on carpets, too. The remote control included in the box makes it easy to send the bot out with a press of a button, so you don’t need to worry about Wi-Fi connectivity.
The best cheap robot vacuum for smart features
Roomba's cheapest robot vacuum still provides some premium features. Its automatic dirt detection more thoroughly cleans the rooms that need it, while the iRobot app will make seasonal recommendations to fight off pollen or dirt. In addition to advanced scheduling and remote controls, this bot also features Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant. It scored 89.7% for its cleaning performance.
The best cheap robot vacuum and mop
If you want a robot vacuum that also mops without costing an arm and a leg, iLife comes through once again. Its bump and clean navigation means it's naturally a bit slower, but the V5s Pro cleans gently, slowing down before it makes any impact. It achieved a respectable cleaning score of 94.8%. When you’re ready to give your floors some shine, you can switch the dust bin for a water tank and microfiber cloth mop pad.
The best cheap robot vacuums you can buy today
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Best overall
iLife's V3s Pro remains the best cheap robot vacuum overall. Although it has been on our list for well over a year, it’s still our top pick due to its unique combination of excellent pet hair cleaning performance and affordability. The V3s Pro performs especially well on bare surfaces, such as hardwood floors and tile, but works well on thinner rugs, too. Unlike most robot vacuums we’ve seen, the V3s Pro collects debris using a powerful 3-inch wide suction opening instead of a brush roll. This is why it's also one of the best robot vacuums for pet hair.
You can't control this bump-and-clean robot vacuum from your smart phone or speaker since it doesn't have an app for a Wi-Fi connection. The only way to control it is while you're home via the included IR remote or onboard buttons. This is ideal if you’re skittish about internet-connected home devices and security. The random cleaning pattern of the V3s Pro means it might miss a few tighter spots like around the legs of a chair or table. However, if you’re willing to keep an eye on this bot while it’s cleaning, the iLife V3s Pro is an incredible value that will keep your floors both debris and fur-free. That's why we've added it as one of our best robot vacuum cleaners overall.
Read our full iLife V3s Pro review.
Best smart features
iRobot's Roomba 675 serves as the company’s entry-level robot vacuum but offers many of the same smart features as the best Roombas. This budget bump-and-clean model can controlled even while you're away from home thanks to its Wi-Fi connectivity. The iRobot Home app gives this budget vacuum advanced automation features.
These include geofencing which triggers vacuum runs when you leave your house and seasonal cleaning recommendations. Though it doesn’t follow a predictable serpentine cleaning pattern, we did observe it methodically making its way along baseboards and around chair legs. In our iRobot Roomba 675 review, we praised its automatic dirt detection. When the robot vacuum decides an area has excessive dirt or debris, it’ll spin around and clean that section more thoroughly with more passes.
Roomba's budget bot also proved to be a capable performer in our lab tests, where it earned an overall average pickup score of 89.7. The Roomba 675’s one weak spot was pet hair pickup, so if you’ve got furry friends, the iLife V3s Pro is the better option. If you can’t find it, check out its replacement, the Roomba 694, which offers nearly identical performance but lacks a carrying handle. To pick up a discount, head to our iRobot coupon codes page.
Read our full iRobot Roomba 675 review
Best self-empty base
Shark's IQ robot vacuum comes with an auto-emptying charging dock so you won't even know it's there. From the Shark app you can name rooms, set invisible boundaries, and schedule cleaning times. Our tester timed it to clean while away from home and only dealt with it to empty out its bagless dust bin every other month. Of course, you can always send it out to specific areas as needed through the app or with your smart home assistant. The command "Alexa, tell Shark to clean my kitchen" proved to be helpful for our messy cook of a tester.
In our Shark IQ review, we praised its accurate room mapping and thorough row cleaning pattern with some of the highest scores for pet hair and kitty litter. Shark's strong suction power accurately pulled debris out from hard-to-reach spaces and didn't struggle with the most granular material types like kitty litter. Even when it blew over some cat fur over in an initial pass, the machine made sure to nab it as it made its way down nearby rows. Once it finishes cleaning, the IQ backs itself into its bagless base and connects to a hose that sucks out and stores all of the debris for up to 45 days of passive cleaning.
Read our full Shark IQ review
Best hybrid
Want a cheap 2-in-1 that can clean up cat hair and give your kitchen floor a once over? Look no further than the iLife V5s Pro, a hybrid robot with a water tank and microfiber pad attachment for very light floor mopping. Like its sibling, the V3s Pro, the iLife V5s Pro excels at quietly picking up after furry family members. It’s a no-frills bump-and-clean bot that works by bouncing off walls and other obstacles, but in our V5s review, we found that it did so gently, slowing down just before impact. In our lab tests, the V5s Pro earned high marks, averaging 99.1 on our cereal test and 97.3 on our pet hair test.
Unlike some more expensive hybrids, you can’t vacuum and mop simultaneously. Instead, you have to switch out the dustbin for a water reservoir and snap on a microfiber pad to the robot’s underside by hand. While the V5s Pro’s mopping ability won’t have you tossing your manual mop in the trash, its water-only cleaning is just enough to make the floors look presentable before company arrives.
Read our full iLife V5s Pro review
Best for larger homes
The Eufy RoboVac G30 Edge stands out as a Wi-Fi-connected robot vacuum that offers basic mapping capability paired with a slew of useful features, including Auto-return cleaning – a feature usually found on more expensive models. Should the G30 Edge run out of power before its job is complete, it will recharge itself on the dock, then head back to work where it left off. Via the EufyHome app you can even choose the suction power and initiate a spot cleaning. Though it doesn’t offer no-go zones like the Roborock S4 Max, the mapping on the G30 Edge will show where the vacuum is currently cleaning or – should the G30 Edge lose its way under a couch – where it got stuck.
One of the Eufy RoboVac G30 Edge’s biggest surprises was its exceptionally quiet vacuuming. We were able to hold a conversation at normal volume the whole time the bot was in the room with us. Like other mapping robots, the G30 Edge cleans in an orderly back and forth pattern, a welcome relief from unpredictable bump-and-clean bots. In our lab tests, this methodical cleaner earned an overall score of 88.94. Though it struggled a little with smaller particles on carpet, it was adept at picking up cereal, earning an average score of 98.7.
Read our full Eufy RoboVac G30 Edge review
How we tested
All of the robot vacuums we review are subjected to both our lab tests and in-home, real world use over several days. The test results, user experience, price, and features relative to competing models weigh into our overall rating.
Our lab tests are three separate tests run twice – once on hardwood and once on low pile carpet. In a 5-foot-by-5-foot area, we measure how effective each vacuum is at picking up 2 grams of dog hair, 20 grams of kitty litter, and 20 grams of Cheerios cereal. As long as the dog hair is collected by some part of the robot vacuum, such as the side brush or main brush roll, it’s counted. Older models were subject to the same tests, but in a larger 15-foot-by-15-foot area.
Real world testing isn’t as rigid as our lab tests, though we test all of the features in each vacuum. Most commonly, this includes mapping out the first floor of the reviewer’s home and evaluating it for accuracy. This also includes how easy or hard it is to make map adjustments, such as room divisions and drawing no-go zones. We also look at the dustbin: Is it hard to access? How much force is needed to open the dustbin? Does dust go flying everywhere? How easy is it to clean the brush roll, side brush, and wheels?
Household terrain is also considered. Does the robot vacuum get caught up on small rugs? Is it able to cross a common threshold? Does it get stuck in a maze of dining room chairs? How about under the couch? These are just some of the questions we answer when evaluating each robot vacuum.
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Overall | Cereal | Kitty Litter | Dog Hair |
| iLife V3s Pro* | 97 | 99.7 | 91.75 | 99.5 |
| Roborock S4 Max | 96.25 | 98.38 | 96.38 | 94 |
| iRobot Roomba 675 | 89.7 | 99.88 | 94.93 | 74.25 |
| Shark IQ | 98 | 96.5 | 99 | 98.5 |
| iLife V5s Pro* | 94.8 | 99.1 | 88.2 | 97.3 |
| Eufy RoboVac G30 Edge | 88.94 | 98.7 | 80.85 | 87.25 |
*Same test performed in a larger 15’ x 15’ area
How to choose
Robot vacuums start from as little as $100, but can go as high as over $1,500, so prices really do vary depending on the included features. Once you’ve got a budget in mind, you need to consider exactly what you need from your robot vacuum. You should first take account of the predominant floor type in your home — is your home wall-to-wall carpets or is it mostly hard floors? Next think about pets — will your robot have to deal with shedding and potential obstacles such as pet poop? Some of the entry-level models don’t feature obstacle detection, which is important if you face this problem!
You should also think about connectivity. Would you rather program the robot vacuum on-board, via a remote, or using your smartphone or voice control? Wi-Fi connected robot vacuum cleaners are more affordable these days, but they’re still the more expensive option compared to non-connected models.
Finally, whichever robot vacuum you choose, remember that it’s going to need occasional maintenance. This means emptying the dustbin after each cycle, and cleaning as well as replacing the filter when necessary. If the brush bar becomes wrapped in hair or fur, that will need cutting free as well. Here are six robot vacuum tips and tricks for keeping your home clean.
Bear in mind that self-emptying bases, which have become more commonplace as of late, will likely be off the table if you're shopping on a budget. You need to be prepared to spend $350+ to get one of these.
Robot vacuum deals
Looking to grab a real bargain? Check out our robot vacuum deals page for the latest offers. Some of our favorite brands have made an appearance.
Robot vacuum FAQs
How to clean a robot vacuum
Your robot vacuum is constantly collecting dirt, dust and pet hair, so it will need to be inspected and cleaned regularly. The dustbins are smaller than you would think, with some holding less than 400ml, so they will need emptying after every run, unless you happen to own one of the more expensive self-emptying models! When you empty out the bin, check the rotating brush at the same time for any tangled hair — cut this free rather than pulling at it. You also need to inspect and clean the filter occasionally as well, following the manual’s instructions. These will also need replacing after a period of time, refer to your manual once again for specifics including where to buy. Some brands, including Eufy, iLife, Neato, and Roborock, will also supply a cleaning tool to help with regular maintenance.
If you don’t regularly clean your robot vacuum, it will start to affect its performance. In fact, it will stop working altogether and be counterproductive once the dustbin is full. Dirt will be dragged around your floors rather than collected.
If you’re lucky enough to own an app-connected robot vacuum, it might offer maintenance tips and guidelines as well as reminders. Some will even schedule in when it’s time to buy replacement filters.
If you're considering buying a robot vacuum with a self-emptying base, be sure to check out our guide on whether robot vacuums with self-emptying bases are worth it.
Why are some robot vacuums so cheap?
Just because a robot vacuum cleaner comes at a reasonable price, doesn’t necessarily mean it won’t offer a good performance. In fact, as our tests have proven, some models can perform just as well, if not better than, those which are twice the price. The difference will likely be down to the features on offer from the model. Options such as self-emptying bases, live streaming and AI are unlikely to be available if you’re shopping on a budget.
You’re not restricted to the bare minimum of functions either though. Some entry level robot vacuums can still offer app connectivity and useful features therein, including no-go zones and mapping. Some will automatically return to the base for charging, and others feature adjustable power levels. If you’re interested in finding a robot mop, some affordable models are available here as well. So, don’t feel like you’re hands are tied if you need to stick to a budget, and don’t worry about it affecting the performance if you follow our recommendations.
What are the disadvantages of a robot vacuum?
Robot vacuums come with their drawbacks, just like any other appliance. First, to be clear, these appliances cannot provide the same power, nor pick-up rate, as a corded vacuum. So investing in one of these does not free you from the chore of vacuuming by hand. But, these little helpers can keep up with light, everyday cleaning, and lessen how often you need to manually vacuum. Navigation also varies from model to model. Some robot vacuums have advanced enough that they can clean your home independently, but others can still get stuck in tight spaces. So, you might need to supervise your robot vacuum more than you realize.
Robot vacuums can be high maintenance too, particularly in terms of the dust bin. These can fill in one to two runs and so will need to be emptied regularly — not ideal if you suffer from allergies. Although, if you are happy to pay more, you can opt for a more premium design with a self-emptying base to resolve this problem. Another nuisance is where to place a robot vacuum. These require an empty space on each side as well as in front of the charging base, and can protrude from your wall quite obviously.
Other disadvantages can include the noise in use as well as the premium price, but these problems as well as some of those above, can be avoided by choosing the right robot vacuum. Our testing methods take account of these factors and can help you find a model which delivers across the board. It’s also worth remembering that the positives far outweigh the negatives; a good robot vacuum can help you keep on top of maintaining your floors, potentially reducing allergens as well as workload when it comes to cleaning.
