How to Find the Best Budget Robot Vacuum
A bargain robot vacuum is a bargain. However, be robot vacuum cleaners that it could cost more than you expected in maintenance: detangling the fur from brushes, blocking inlets, and emptying small dust bins can quickly make your dream of automating cleaning a chore.
The iRobot j7 Combo is the most affordable robot for many people. It offers the same hands-free experience for only a fraction of the cost.
Suction Power
Certain models in this range are able to handle basic vacuuming. Others may need the use of a handheld nozzle for deeper cleaning. A budget robot vacuum is likely to complete the job well if you live in a house with mostly hard floors. If you have a mix of floors, have rugs or pets that shed, you will get the best results with an advanced robot vacuum.
A few budget models include mopping and water tank capability, adding to their flexibility. The latest Dyson R7050C model for instance, has excellent scores in CR's tests of navigation and a generous 770ml bin, but it is louder than many of the other robots we've tested, and doesn't have mopping features. The more compact Eufy Roborock Q5 Pro, by contrast, is relatively quiet and has an automatic emptying dock. It also has water tank, powerful suction capacity of 5,500pascal and a large bin can be filled with cleaning solution to make it a more effective mopping machine. The Q5 Pro can be controlled via the smart app, that lets you vacuum or mop a room, sequence of rooms, or an entire space. You can also establish no-go zones and customize suction settings for each room.
The budget Shark ION is a great choice for those seeking something basic, affordable and reliable. It's not as advanced as other models, having an uncomplicated app and basic mapping capabilities, but it does have superior cleaning and navigation capabilities. It's also one of one or two robots that can discern between hard flooring and carpets. The 300ml dustbin is only empty once every 30 days.
If you're looking for an upgraded model that can mop, vacuum and draw an outline of your home to avoid obstacles more effectively take a look at the top models within this price range. The iRobot Roomba 650 and 750 offer a powerful suction force, clever combs for pet hair and other fine dirt, as well as in-app scheduling and voice control using your smart home assistant. The Samsung Cleanbot SV8000 is another option that has excellent cleaning performance for the money.
Navigation Efficiency
A budget robot vacuum cleaner can be as effective as more expensive models, so long as it is able to maneuver through your home and avoid obstacles. To assess the effectiveness of navigation our lab technicians set up a tracking device to monitor a robot's movements through a multiroom test home and test its ability to find the rooms it must clean in a given time, while avoiding obstacles like rug power cords, power cords, and furniture. We also examine how fast a robot can navigate through different terrains within a house, including stairs and floor transitions.
The most affordable robot vacuums have efficient navigation systems that aid in helping them to tidy up a space without wasting time, running into obstacles or getting stuck. Most robot vacuums have the ability to map which is essential to complete a thorough house clean. However, even models that do not have mapping can effectively clean a room therefore it's essential to weigh the cost against the features you require for your home.
We also look at how easy it is for robots to traverse thresholds within the home, like the heights of a door sill and a sofa. A good budget robot will be able to navigate these obstacles and some even have settings that adjust the suction power depending on the type of floor. We also consider whether the robot is compatible with smart home technology and can be controlled remotely using an app or voice commands.
The iLife V3s Pro is a great example of a robot that is budget-friendly that offers basic mapping capabilities, as well as other smart features. It's also very affordable. It is controlled by the iRobot app, and comes with an auto-return feature which returns it to its original location when the battery is exhausted and resumes where it began.
The iLife V3s Pro does not come with the advanced object-avoidance technology you find on a variety of top robots. However it does come with live cameras that send a grainy stream to your smartphone so that you can observe it working. The cameras can detect obstacles and stairs and alert the robot if it encounters them. The iLife, however, uses random navigation instead of a method that is specifically designed to avoid objects that are stuck to furniture legs. It may not be able to maneuver through a tight space or chair leg as well as a robot system that has the ability to map.
Cleaning Performance
When you're shopping for a robot vacuum, it is important to balance price with performance. There are models that aren't as expensive and don't include advanced features such as mapping, but you can find models that are very effective at cleaning your home. You should also pay attention to the size of a robot's dustbin and how much dirt it can hold prior to needing to empty. You'll need enough space to hold all the debris the robot gathers, such as dirt, pet dander and hair.
You'll also need a robot vacuum that can remove staining from carpets. We test each model in the ZDNET chart to determine if it can remove hair and dirt from carpet. The best models have a special brush that digs into fibers to remove debris.
The majority of budget models are effective in cleaning up spills on carpets that are not paved or in low-pile carpet, but struggle to clear larger chunks of debris and pet hair from higher-pile carpets. These models usually have less suction power however, they can be effective in removing particles from tight spaces such as corners and under furniture.
The iLife V3s Pro vacuum cleaner is the top vacuum in its price range. It has a high score in our tests, and it can take hairs and dirt off carpets. It is also among our quieter models and easy to use. It has a suction opening which collects debris instead of pushing it through the brush bar. It can also adjust the power to match the surface. It also has a side brush with three bristles that push debris and hair into the direction of the robot, however it's not as effective at a job of picking up fine dust.
Find a model that has mop and vacuum functions, like the Combo j9 Plus. The robot can vacuum and mop simultaneously and you can alter the settings for each room. It's more expensive than other robot vacuums we have in our chart but has an in-front camera that allows for more precise mapping and better obstacle avoidance of things like power cords or cat poop.
Maintenance
Robot vacuums are handy however, they come at a cost. They require regular maintenance that ranges from emptying their dust bin to replacing filters and cleaning the brush bar. They may also get caught in cords, or fall off the stairs.
The most affordable robot vacuums ease the burden as they require little user management. Top picks are equipped with navigation systems that allow them to avoid obstacles and stay clear of hazards like electrical cords and food items that have been dropped. They also use a combination of sensors to map rooms and create maps that show where they've already cleaned so that they don't have to go over the same areas over and over again.
Even the most basic robotic vacuums will provide a clean and efficient service when you give them a chance and don't be put off by the price of higher-end models. Our top budget choices are from top OEMs such as iRobot Roborock Dreame. You can be certain that they've been designed with attention to detail and are built to last.
If you're willing to spend more, think about investing in a mopping robot. They can use a moist cloth over floors to scrub them and remove stubborn stains, and can be used with a specially designed mop pad for difficult jobs such as dried coffee.
There are a number of mopping robots included in our list, but the best budget model is the TP Link Tapo RV30 Plus. It has the sleek and uncluttered appearance of a home hub, but the features and performance of a top robovac with LiDAR navigation. In our tests, the RV30 was able of navigating without hitting furniture and constructing detailed maps of its flooring that it could use in future runs. It's the only budget robot we've tested to include this feature, however iRobot's Roomba has similar capabilities for mapping, and an in-app setting that guides you through the process step-by-step.
Whether you choose a top-rated robot vacuum or a cheaper option, make sure you keep your robovac in good condition. It is important to empty the dustbin and clean the filter after every cleaning session (refer to the owner's manual or the manufacturer's site for more details). You should also replace its battery as needed, and check in on its Wi-Fi connectivity as well as app updates.