If you’re reading this guide, you probably already know you want a robot vacuum. But, perhaps after checking out their prices, you’re wondering if you can get one without draining your bank account. The answer is yes, you can indeed buy a decent robot vacuum without dropping upwards of $1,000. Just a few years ago, there weren’t a ton of solid yet affordable robot vacuums out there. But now, there have never been more budget robot vacuum options to choose from. After testing dozens of robot vacuums at all price points, we’ve decided that anything that’s $300 or less is what we’d consider to be cheap in this space. Here’s everything you need to know before purchasing a robot vacuum while sticking to a budget, plus our top picks.
Key Takeaways:
- Discover the best affordable robot vacuums that won’t break the bank
- Learn about the latest budget-friendly options available in the market
- Find out what features to consider when buying a robot vacuum on a budget
- Uncover our top picks for the best cheap robot vacuums
- Explore the benefits and trade-offs of investing in a robot vacuum
Are robot vacuums worth it?
Since I’ve tested dozens of robot vacuums, I’m often asked if these gadgets are “worth it,” and I’d say the answer is yes. The biggest thing they offer is convenience: just turn on a robot vacuum and walk away. The machine will take care of the rest. If vacuuming is one of your least favorite chores, or you just want to spend less time keeping your home tidy, a semi-autonomous robotic vacuum is a great investment.
There are plenty of other good things about them, but before we dive in, let’s consider the biggest trade-offs: less power, less capacity, and less flexibility.
What to look for in a budget robot vacuum
When looking for the best budget robot vacuum, there are several important features to consider. One of the first things to assess is the types of floors you have in your home. Are they mostly carpet, tile, laminate, or hardwood?
Carpets demand vacuums with more suction power that can pick up debris pushed down into nooks and crannies.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a universal metric for measuring suction power. Some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels, where higher Pa indicates stronger suction. However, other companies simply state that their robots have X-times more suction power than other robot vacuums. To ensure you’re getting a robot vacuum that can effectively clean your floor type, it’s essential to read the product description.
Look for details about the vacuum’s ability to clean hard floors and carpets, and see if it has a “max” mode that you can use to increase suction.
If you are given a Pa measurement, look for around 2000Pa if you have mostly carpeted floors, as this will ensure sufficient suction power for deep cleaning.
Key Features to Consider:
- Suction power suitable for your floor type
- Versatility for cleaning hard floors and carpets
- “Max” mode for increased suction
By keeping these features in mind, you can make an informed decision and find the best budget robot vacuum that meets your specific cleaning needs.
| Feature | Importance |
|---|---|
| Suction Power | High |
| Versatility | Medium |
| Max Mode | High |
How we test
When it comes to evaluating robot vacuums, we follow a thorough testing process to provide accurate and reliable reviews. Our goal is to assess each machine’s capabilities, features, and performance to help you make an informed purchasing decision. Here’s an overview of how we test robot vacuums:
- Specs and feature analysis: We carefully examine the specifications and feature list of each robot vacuum, considering factors like suction power, cleaning modes, navigation technology, and app connectivity. Additionally, we take into account online reviews to gain insights into user experiences and overall satisfaction.
- In-depth usage: After selecting the robot vacuums to review, we set them up according to the manufacturer’s instructions and use them extensively for an extended period. We run cleaning cycles on a daily basis, ensuring that we get a comprehensive understanding of each machine’s cleaning performance.
- Physical testing: During our testing, we thoroughly examine the physical aspects of the robot vacuums. This includes trying out any physical buttons on the machine, exploring various app-powered features such as scheduling and smart mapping, and assessing the machine’s capability to avoid obstacles.
- Real-life scenario: To simulate real-life usage, we test the robot vacuums in our own homes, where they encounter common obstacles such as tables, chairs, and furniture. Additionally, we purposely place smaller items like shoes and pet toys in their path to evaluate their ability to navigate around obstacles effectively.
- Clean base assessment: For robot vacuums that come with clean bases, we evaluate the noise level while emptying the contents and estimate the time it takes to fill up the bag or bagless base with debris. This allows us to gauge the convenience and efficiency of the clean base.
By rigorously testing robot vacuums and considering various factors, we aim to provide comprehensive and objective reviews. Our testing process ensures that we can offer valuable insights into the performance, features, and overall suitability of each robot vacuum, enabling you to make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Best budget robot vacuum overall: iRobot Roomba 694
When it comes to budget-friendly robot vacuums, iRobot’s Roomba 694 takes the cake as the best option on the market. This powerful robot vacuum offers impressive cleaning power and a user-friendly mobile app that makes maintaining a clean home a breeze.
The Roomba 694 boasts the same build quality and performance as its predecessor, the Roomba 675. However, with its updated all-black design, the Roomba 694 looks sleeker and more sophisticated. Equipped with three physical buttons – start, dock, and spot – and WiFi connectivity, this vacuum offers convenience and ease of control.
Setting up the Roomba 694 is a straightforward process. Simply open the companion app, follow the instructions, and connect the vacuum to your home WiFi network. Once connected, you can use the app to control the vacuum remotely and schedule cleaning cycles. The app’s intuitive interface and easy navigation make it simple for even beginners to operate the robot vacuum effectively.
With its powerful suction and efficient cleaning brushes, the Roomba 694 tackles dirt and debris on various floor types with ease. Whether it’s carpets, tiles, or hardwood floors, this vacuum delivers excellent results. Just make sure to remove any charging cables from the floor before starting a cleaning cycle to avoid any potential entanglements.
The Roomba 694 provides approximately 45 minutes of battery life before needing to dock and recharge. While this may be sufficient for smaller homes or individual rooms, larger homes may require multiple cleaning cycles or wait times between recharges. iRobot estimates a 90-minute battery life when cleaning hardwood floors.
Overall, iRobot has established itself as a leading brand in the autonomous vacuum market, and the Roomba 694 lives up to the company’s reputation. Its polished design, straightforward operation, and impressive cleaning performance make it the best budget robot vacuum for most users. With a slightly higher price tag of $274, it offers excellent value for the features and quality it provides.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Runner up: Shark Ion RV765
If you’re in the market for an affordable yet reliable robot vacuum, the Shark Ion RV765 is a great option to consider. This model is an upgrade from the previous RV761, offering a sleeker design and longer run time. Despite not having personally tested the RV765, we confidently recommend it based on our positive experience with its predecessor.
The updated RV765 features a more modern all-black design, replacing the previous version’s less appealing bowling-shirt style. It is equipped with three buttons for docking, cleaning, and max mode. Additionally, it can be connected to WiFi and controlled using the user-friendly Shark Clean app.
The RV765’s enhanced battery life is another advantage. While the RV761 ran for approximately 90 minutes before needing to recharge, the RV765 offers an additional 30 minutes of cleaning time. Keep in mind that the actual run time will vary depending on factors such as your home’s layout and floor type.
A particularly charming feature of the Shark RV761 was its playful tune that played when the vacuum completed its cleaning cycle or required recharging. We hope to see this feature integrated into the RV765 as well, as it provided reassurance that the vacuum was functioning as intended.
To summarize, the Shark Ion RV765 is a worthy runner up in the best cheap robot vacuum category. Its improved design, longer battery life, and integration with the Shark Clean app make it an excellent choice for those seeking affordability without compromising on performance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Sleek all-black design | ✕ Previous version, RV761, may be more difficult to find |
| ✓ Longer run time than RV761 | |
| ✓ Integration with Shark Clean app |
The Best Robot Vacuum Deals This Week
Looking for the best deals on robot vacuum cleaners? Our commerce team has handpicked some great offers for you to take advantage of. Whether you’re on a tight budget or just love a good deal, these robot vacuum deals will help you find the perfect cleaning companion at a discounted price.
Check out the current top deals on robot vacuums:
| Brand | Model | Original Price | Discounted Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| iRobot | Roomba 694 | $349.99 | $274.00 |
| Shark | Ion RV765 | $399.99 | $299.99 |
| Eufy | BoostIQ RoboVac 30C Max | $299.99 | $229.99 |
These are just a few examples of the best robot vacuum deals available this week. Be sure to check with your favorite retailers for more options and discounts. With these deals, you can get a high-quality robot vacuum at a fraction of the original price. Don’t miss out on these savings!
Remember, robot vacuum deals come and go, so act fast to secure the best price. Happy hunting!
Best Cheap Robot Vacuums: Quick Menu
Looking for the best cheap robot vacuums? You’re in the right place. We’ve tested and reviewed a variety of budget-friendly options to help you find the perfect cleaning companion without breaking the bank. These cheap bots may not have all the advanced features of their pricier counterparts, but they excel at the basics, ensuring efficient cleaning for your home.
The Benefits of Budget-Friendly Robot Vacuums
While premium robot vacuums may offer fancy features like 3D scanning and advanced mapping capabilities, the best cheap robot vacuums focus on what matters most – effectively cleaning your floors. With their onboard navigation systems, these budget-friendly options efficiently maneuver through each room, eliminating dust, crumbs, and pet hair in a single pass. Don’t underestimate the power of a simple yet capable cleaning machine.
Choosing the Right Cheap Robot Vacuum
In a market flooded with budget brands and discontinued models, finding the best cheap robot vacuum can be overwhelming. But fret not, we’re here to simplify the process. Our extensive testing and analysis have identified the top performers that offer exceptional value for your money. We consider factors such as cleaning performance, battery life, ease of use, and durability to help you make an informed decision.
Top 3 Best Cheap Robot Vacuums
You Can Trust Our Reviews
When it comes to finding the best robot vacuum for your needs, you can trust our reviews to provide you with accurate and reliable information. Our team of writers and editors are dedicated to spending hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps in order to help you make informed decisions.
At our publication, we understand the importance of finding what’s best for you, whether it’s a budget-friendly robot vacuum or a high-end model with advanced features. That’s why we go the extra mile to thoroughly test and analyze each product, ensuring that our recommendations are based on real-world performance and user satisfaction.
We take pride in our unbiased and comprehensive approach to reviewing robot vacuums. Our team considers various factors, including cleaning performance, navigation capabilities, durability, user-friendliness, and price. We also take into account customer feedback and experiences to provide you with a well-rounded perspective.
Rest assured that our reviews are meant to assist and guide you in making an informed purchasing decision. We aim to be your trusted source for robot vacuum recommendations, helping you find the perfect cleaning companion for your home.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
After thorough testing and reviews, we have narrowed down the best cheap robot vacuums available in the market today. These top tested robot vacuums offer both affordability and exceptional performance. Read on for our comprehensive in-depth reviews of each model, allowing you to make an informed decision before making your purchase.
iRobot Roomba 694
“The iRobot Roomba 694 is our top pick for the best affordable robot vacuum. With its powerful cleaning capabilities and user-friendly mobile app, it offers great value for its price.”
The iRobot Roomba 694 features a sleek all-black design, resembling higher-end Roomba models. It comes with three physical buttons for easy control and can also be controlled via the iRobot app. Setting up the Roomba 694 is a breeze, thanks to the straightforward instructions provided in the companion app.
The Roomba 694 delivers impressive cleaning results on both carpets and hard floors. Its suction power effectively picks up dirt and debris, leaving your floors spotless. With a battery life of up to 45 minutes, it can cover most rooms in an average-sized home before needing to recharge.
If you’re looking for a robot vacuum that combines performance and affordability, the iRobot Roomba 694 is an excellent choice.
Shark Ion RV765
“The Shark Ion RV765 is our runner-up for the best cheap robot vacuum. With its sleek design and extended run time, it offers great value for those on a budget.”
The Shark Ion RV765 is the updated version of the RV761, offering a more modern look and improved battery life. It features a sleek all-black design with three buttons for easy control. The RV765 can be controlled using the Shark Clean app, providing added convenience.
With a run time of approximately 90 minutes, the Shark Ion RV765 can effectively clean multiple rooms before needing to recharge. Its onboard navigation ensures thorough cleaning, leaving no traces of debris behind. One notable feature is the “I’m finished” tune that plays once the vacuum completes its cleaning cycle or needs recharging, providing a sense of reassurance.
If you’re searching for a reliable and budget-friendly robot vacuum, the Shark Ion RV765 is a solid choice.
Top Tested Cheap Robot Vacuums
| Robot Vacuum | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| iRobot Roomba 694 | – Powerful cleaning – User-friendly app – Sleek design |
$274 |
| Shark Ion RV765 | – Extended run time – Sleek design – App control |
$299 |
Included in our top tested picks are the iRobot Roomba 694 and the Shark Ion RV765. These budget-friendly robot vacuums offer exceptional cleaning capabilities, ease of use, and a great value for your money.
Whether you choose the iRobot Roomba 694 or the Shark Ion RV765, you can trust that you’ll have a reliable and affordable robot vacuum that will keep your floors clean and pristine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding a robot vacuum with an affordable price doesn’t mean compromising on cleaning performance. There are plenty of budget-friendly options available that offer convenience and effective cleaning. Whether you’re looking for a basic robot vacuum or one with more advanced features, there are options that fit every budget. Keep in mind the specific needs of your home, such as floor type and obstacle detection, when choosing the best robot vacuum for you.
With our top picks and tips, you can find the perfect robot vacuum without breaking the bank. So say goodbye to the hassle of traditional vacuuming and let a robot do the work for you. Invest in an affordable robot vacuum today and enjoy a cleaner and more convenient home.
Summary of the article: Discover the best robot vacuums on a budget. Explore the features and factors to consider when choosing an affordable robot vacuum. Get expert recommendations for the top affordable robot vacuums currently available in the market. Find the perfect robot vacuum that meets your cleaning needs and budget.
FAQ
Are robot vacuums worth it?
Yes, robot vacuums offer convenience and time-saving benefits, making them a great investment for those who dislike vacuuming or want to spend less time cleaning their homes.
What should I look for in a budget robot vacuum?
When shopping for a budget robot vacuum, consider the types of floors in your home and look for details about its ability to clean different floor types. Check if it has sufficient suction power and if it has features like a “max” mode to increase suction.
How do you test robot vacuums?
We test robot vacuums by analyzing their specs, features, and online reviews. We set up each vacuum according to instructions and use them for a minimum of one week, running cleaning cycles daily. We assess their performance in avoiding obstacles and their ability to clean various floor types. We also evaluate features like scheduling and smart mapping.
Which is the best budget robot vacuum overall?
The iRobot Roomba 694 is our top pick for the best budget robot vacuum. It offers good cleaning power, easy-to-use mobile app control, and sleek design.
What is the runner-up for the best budget robot vacuum?
The Shark Ion RV765 is the runner-up for the best budget robot vacuum. It features a sleek design, has a longer run time than previous models, and offers WiFi connectivity for app control.
Where can I find the best deals on robot vacuums?
You can find great deals on robot vacuums through our selected offers, curated by our commerce team.
What are some of the best cheap robot vacuums available?
Based on our testing and reviews, some of the best cheap robot vacuums include the iRobot Roomba 694 and the Shark Ion RV765. These budget-friendly options offer effective cleaning and convenience.
Can I trust your robot vacuum reviews?
Yes, our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to ensure we provide trustworthy and reliable information to help you make informed purchasing decisions.
Which robot vacuums have been top tested and reviewed?
For a deeper dive into our top tested picks and reviews of the best affordable robot vacuums, please refer to our comprehensive reviews section.
What is the conclusion of the article?
Finding a robot vacuum with an affordable price doesn’t mean compromising on cleaning performance. There are plenty of budget-friendly options available that offer convenience and effective cleaning. Whether you’re looking for a basic robot vacuum or one with more advanced features, there are options that fit every budget. Keep in mind the specific needs of your home, such as floor type and obstacle detection, when choosing the best robot vacuum for you. With our top picks and tips, you can find the perfect robot vacuum without breaking the bank.