I am blessed to have the opportunity of reviewing some of the best robot vacuums here at TechRadar, and there are honestly no two the same. Each and every robot vacuum that comes through my front door to review in my three-bed home brings something different to the floors, which is refreshing and keeps me on my toes for learning about these fantastic cleaning machines.
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It's not going to come as a surprise to learn what a robot vacuum is supposed to do; they perform an automated vacuum of the floors in the home, which has been set on demand. This means that you no longer have to lug a larger vacuum cleaner around and charge it up before or after use. Some robot vacuums even empty and clean themselves, so you don't need to do anything &#; apart from clearing the way for them because they can't tidy up for you (yet).
Some are more complicated than others; from set-up to maintenance. Sometimes it's worth it, and sometimes it isn't. You also often get what you pay for. The cheaper robot vacuums tend to struggle with transitioning across carpets and hard floors so they prefer just the one-floor type, and they're more likely to get lost around the home because their mapping isn't quite up to scratch.
With that said, the more premium robot vacuums don't always have mapping from the get-go. Some will just be up-and-off the dock without mapping, but that's because they're smart.
(Image credit: Future / Jennifer Oksien)
A big giveaway about what a robot vacuum cleaner is capable of is to look at the specs. I'm somewhat fearful of a robot vacuum which doesn't empty itself, clean itself and have zone cleaning. The imagination runs wild if it can't do any of this, although I do have high standards. But this does come at a cost.
As an example; I've been reviewing the Dreametech L10s Ultra. On first impression, it was daunting to see the large docking station and large integrated water tanks. Dream is notorious for making big and heavy robot vacuum cleaners, which are a bit of a struggle to lift and get in the house. The set-up of our 'Kevin' was easy with a fill of the water tank, positioning of the cleaning solution, full charge-up and download of the app.
To use it really is a dream. It didn't need to have a maiden voyage as such to map our home out - its first trip out was to vacuum and mop. Whilst there is the option to 'Fast Map,' this isn't essential because the robot vacuum is smart enough to figure out the lay of the land, and return to base without getting lost. Having a map is also useful for setting zone to clean separately with different cleaning modes.
With a price of $999.99 on Amazon US / £1,099 on Amazon UK this sure is one mighty expensive robot vacuum, though. A good benchmark for getting a good robot vacuum would be to spend $400/£500 and upwards, to guarantee the features that'll make a robot vacuum worthwhile.
The things to look out for as a minimum includes suitability for carpets and hard floors with adequate suction to boot, automatic return to base after cleaning, and precise mapping. If your robot vacuum has all this: it is so worth it.
Robot vacuums hold an undeniable allure: the promise to handle your floor cleaning while you kick back and relax. While premium models can cost well over $1,000, budget-friendly options starting under $200 make automated cleaning seem within reach for almost any budget.
But are these wallet-friendly bots actually worth it, or are you better off saving up for a premium model?
Read on for my advice, and be sure to browse our top robot vacuum and mop picks once you&#;re ready to shop.
Lower-cost robot vacuums will deliver basic cleaning capabilities, but your user experience may leave something to be desired.
Even if you&#;re not working with a tight budget, it&#;s hard to resist scoring a robot vacuum for the price of a standard upright.
Budget models promise the same hands-free cleaning experience as their pricier cousins, often with similar-looking features and capabilities. And for basic cleaning needs, they can get the job done.
But before you click &#;buy&#; on that suspiciously cheap robot vacuum, it&#;s important to consider what you&#;re really getting and what you might be giving up.
Lower-cost robot vacuums will deliver basic cleaning capabilities, but your user experience may leave something to be desired.
These models typically come with reduced suction power and &#;bump-and-run&#; navigation systems, meaning they head in one direction until they hit an obstacle, then change course at random.
While they can handle routine light cleaning, they can miss spots and get confused around furniture, especially in cluttered rooms. They may also lack the advanced app features of higher priced models.
Eufy&#;s RoboVac 11s, for example, can be had for under $300, if you&#;re OK with simple navigation and controlling it with a physical remote.
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Price When Reviewed:
$229.99
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$179.99
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$234
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There&#;s a similar trade-off with popular 2-in-1 vacuum and mop combinations. Budget models might offer both functions, but they typically lack the sophisticated features that make premium robots truly effective, such as self-cleaning mop heads or dual water tanks. These models may require frequent manual cleaning and refilling, cutting into their promised convenience.
The Vactidy Nimble T8, for instance, can vacuum and mop your home without fancy interactive maps or a space-hogging, self-cleaning base station. But you&#;ll need to remove and wash its mop pad after each cleaning, among other issues.
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Vactidy
$139.99
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$254.38
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For pet owners, the limitations of budget models become even more apparent. While premium robots boast self-emptying bases, anti-tangle brushes, and powerful suction designed specifically for pet hair, budget models often get overwhelmed.
That automated cleaning dream can quickly turn into a daily ritual of untangling fur from brushes, unclogging inlets, and frequent emptying of tiny dust bins.
That bargain bot might end up costing more than you expect. Without advanced features like those mentioned above, you&#;re signing up for more hands-on maintenance.
Parts like brush rolls, filters, and side brushes will need regular replacement regardless of price point, but budget models often come with fewer spare parts included. And while longevity varies by brand and usage, cheaper components may show wear more quickly.
That said, budget robot vacuums aren&#;t automatically a bad choice. If you live in a small apartment with minimal furniture and no pets, a basic model might be exactly what you need.
These scenarios play to the strengths of simpler robots: smaller spaces mean less navigation complexity, and lighter cleaning needs don&#;t demand premium features.
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Price When Reviewed:
$249.99
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$168.49
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Wyze Labs
$274.99
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But if you&#;re dealing with multiple rooms, varied floor types, or fur-shedding pets, you might want to think twice before choosing the cheapest option.
If you&#;re not sold on entry-level models, you&#;ve got several savvy ways to upgrade without maxing out your budget.
Last year&#;s premium models often go on sale when new versions launch, offering high-end features at mid-range prices.
Certified refurbished units from reputable brands can be another money-saving strategy; you&#;ll get thoroughly tested devices with warranty coverage for significantly less than new models.
If you&#;re willing to wait and save, mid-range robots offer a sweet spot of features and reliability. These models typically include the most useful premium features, like improved navigation and stronger suction, without the cutting-edge extras that drive up flagship prices. Brands like iRobot and Roborock have carved out strong reputations in this space.
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Price When Reviewed:
$1,399.99
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$1,199
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iRobot
$.99
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Budget robot vacuums can work but only if your expectations and needs align with their capabilities. Before making your decision, consider your specific situation:
Sometimes, spending a bit more upfront can save both money and headache in the long run.
The best robot vacuum isn&#;t necessarily the cheapest&#;it&#;s the one that actually meets your needs and continues to handle your cleaning demands day in and day out.
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