robot vacuums cheap is the bane of a lot of people's lives However, robot vacuums make it less tedious. Modern models can also mop, and climb (small) steps.

Some have a small trash bin that they empty by themselves. Others are controlled with a smartphone app rather than a physical remote. Some have mapping features that help them navigate more efficiently.

1. Power

Our top choice for robot vacuums has suction power of 8000Pa, which is strong enough to eliminate even the most stubborn dirt patches and hairs. Its slim square shape enables it to slide underneath furniture like couches and beds. Dual-Laser LIDAR technology offers precise obstacle avoidance and intelligent navigation. It is also great at cleaning baking powder, pet hair, and other debris near baseboards and corners.

Apart from the DEEBOT X2 OMNI, other high-powered bots on this list include the IRobot Roomba J7+ and the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. robot vacuum cleaner cheap has a docking station which automatically performs maintenance. It also has mopping capabilities. Its powerful suction and effective mopping made sure my floors were free of pet hair as well as muddy paw prints and other debris in every floor type test we ran.


A model that has 2,500Pa suction is sufficient for homes that are in the lower price range. These models are quieter, making them a better option for those with hearing issues. They're still not silent, but they're only as loud as a normal conversation at home.

For the best mix of usability and power, consider your cleaning needs and budget. For regular light-duty cleaning it is recommended to have a longer runtime and less suction is needed. For heavy-duty cleaning, weekly runs require maximum power. Take a look at your flooring, home layouts, and cleaning schedules to choose the right model for your requirements. We recommend checking out our complete list of robot vacuum reviews and ratings to get more information on the latest models available. Many users report having their carpets and floors looking significantly cleaner after introducing a robot vacuum to their home.

2. Navigation

A robot vacuum can't perform its task if it does not know how to navigate your home. The most advanced robots utilize sophisticated navigation technology to scan rooms and create maps, ensuring thorough cleaning without getting stuck or hitting obstacles. There are three types of robot navigation including LiDAR, camera, and sensor.

LiDAR is used by the most expensive models to create a virtual space map, which offers the highest levels in precision and efficiency. Bump sensors are utilized in cheaper models, but they can be inaccurate and miss a lot of debris when working in dark places. Many robots also have cliff sensors to keep them from falling down stairs or other drops.

Several robots in my tests employed object recognition to skillfully navigate objects such as fake dog turds and cords, but the most effective was the Eufy X10. It was a fantastic mapping device with powerful oscillating mops, an intuitive app and the ability to clean by zone, room or whole home.

Other features worth considering include floor type sensors that recognize hard floors and soft carpet automatically increasing suction power when necessary. Some robots like the Roborock mop utilize mopping pads lift to reach into corners and clean dry spills. Many hybrids are able to apply cleaning solution to staining that is difficult to remove.

A smaller size of the bin will require less frequent emptying, however, a larger one can save you money on replacements. The cheapest robotic cleaners usually use a small disposable dust bag, while the mid-range models typically have larger 3L dustbins that last for many years. Certain premium robots such as the EcoVACS DEEBOT OMNI Station will self-empty and refill their water tank for hands-free convenience.

3. App control

The top robot vacuums have an app that lets you monitor the progress of cleaning and schedule sessions, and most can connect to smart home devices for hands-free control. They also can sync with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to allow voice-controlled control. Some models have an on-screen remote that allows you to begin the process, pause it, and return to dock. Choose a model that has a bigger dustbin that can self-empty, rather than one that requires manual emptying.

Some robovacs have technology for mapping to help them avoid obstacles such as stairs and furniture. Others allow you to create no-go zones or specific rooms, so that they only clean areas that require the most. They also have cliff sensor to keep them from falling, which is especially helpful in multi-leveled homes.

If you plan to make use of your robot vacuum to clean rugs, opt for one that can perform both dry and wet mopping. You'll have better results cleaning if your robot vacuum can also take off its mop pad. Rinse it and then reattach it when you need to conduct a clean-up cycle. Also, look for a model with a rubber roller that is less prone to knots caused by pet hair and other debris than a bristle roll like those found on smaller models. Examine the robot's side brushes and brushroll for any debris that might have been stuck to them. Do this at least twice a week. If you notice that they're starting to get blocked, it could be time to buy replacement parts.

4. Debris collection

Robot vacuums are designed, as the name suggests to collect dust and debris on your floors. The most effective robot vacuums are able to collect small particles such as baking soda and sand, and larger ones like screws made of metal orzo, as well as pet hair. They also deliver better results on low pile carpets than many manual vacuums.

The top-performing robots across all flooring types had scores higher than 95 percent. The two top performers in this category were the ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI, and the Roborock Q Revo. Both are highly automated, with robust docking stations that can perform maintenance on their own, and apps that make them extremely user-friendly.

Both have self-emptying bins that automatically suck up the contents of the wastebasket and clean the washboard while mowing. They also feature 8,000Pa suction and smart mapping technology and advanced obstacle avoidance that helps them navigate even the most difficult of spaces. The ECOVACS model is also among the few robots we tested that can take its mop pads and vacuum carpet, which makes it the best choice for users who need to switch between vacuuming and mopping regularly.

If you're looking for a cheaper option, check out the Roomba Combo J7 by iRobot Plus, our budget pick. It features LIDAR navigation and decent debris pickup capabilities for the price. It's slow to map out rooms and is susceptible to bumping into obstacles, however, it's cheaper than our other best-buy selections.

5. Battery life

The best robot vacuums let you move about your day while keeping your floors in pristine in good condition. Although you'll need to give your home a manual sweeping every now and again robot vacuums can help you maintain a baseline level of tidiness and even clean while you're away from home.

Find a robovac equipped with a long-lasting battery to get the most of it. A good rule of thumb is to anticipate a model to last about two cleaning sessions when you run it at the maximum power setting. This is less than a full-sized vacuum, however, it should be enough to keep most homes clean. If you don't want to sit while your robovac recharges, you can choose an option that will automatically return to the base station for charging.

If you're looking for a robot that does a amount of everything, you should consider an all-in-one robot that can mop as well. Eufy's X10, the best model in this category comes with self-emptying and self refilling for the dust bin, the water tank, and mop pad. It can be programmed to refill and wash its mops as soon as they run out.

The clear winner in our tests is the Dyson V810, thanks to its impressive carpet and hard floor pickup, excellent hair pickup, tangle-free performance and a near perfect auto empty score. However, it's not cheap and unless you have a the smallest of homes with no pets, it could be too expensive for some. The Dreametech D10+ is the second-placed model and offers the same performance, but costs around 25% less.