Only two decades ago, the only vacuuming robot most people could name was Rosie from the Jetsons. Of course, the release of the original Roomba in 2002 changed all of that. Now it’s commonplace to see robotic vacuums in homes across the country.

It’s easy to see why robotic vacuums have caught on so quickly. With no codes and hoses to tussle with, they only require a little effort from you. These vacuum bots will easily clean grime, pick up dust, pet dander, dirt, and particles. There’s a wide range of vacuum bots that are available today that come with built-in sensors to find their way around the furniture and other intuitive features like mapping, smart navigation and powerful suction.

Thankfully for those of us who hate to vacuum, these robots have become very affordable in the past few years, often costing as little as a few hundred dollars. For around $500, you can upgrade to an impressive model with improved suction and convenience features. Keep reading for our favorite cheap robot vacuums for 2024.

Before You Buy a Robot Vacuum

It always helps to have the right tool for the job. Buying a robotic vacuum that doesn’t work well with your house or is frustrating for your family to operate will lead to your new robot vacuum sitting unused in the closet. Here are some things you should think about before you start shopping for a robot vacuum.

Suction Power

Especially for houses with longer carpet, suction power is important. Vacuum suction power is measured in units called pascals (Pa). The higher this number, the more powerful a vacuum is and the more dirt and debris it can remove from the carpet.

Battery Life

Users with larger rooms will want to look for robotic vacuums with longer battery life. Thankfully, most robotic vacuums return themselves to the charger when running low on battery.

Controls

A big part of the convenience of owning a robot vacuum is that it can be set to operate at times that are convenient for you. Some robot vacuums must be programmed with the buttons on their front, but others come with remote control and/or a smartphone app to make setting a schedule and adjusting options easy. The cheapest robot vacuum on our list with all three control options is the dser 23T Robotic Vacuum Cleaner.

Floor Types

Robot vacuums are most closely associated with carpet floors, but many are also useful for hardwood and tile flooring. The Roborock S5 Robot Vacuum is even able to function as a robotic mop.

Best Cheap Robot Vacuums 2024 (Under $200)

1. Best Robot Vacuum Under $250: eufy by Anker

Specifications:
Suction Power: 2000Pa
Battery Life: 100 minutes of continuous vacuuming
Remote Control? No
Smartphone App? No

Design features
Not only does the eufy robot vacuum have excellent suction power for a budget-friendly robotic vacuum, but it also features BoostIQ, a feature that can increase suction by an additional 50% when it detects that dirt or debris is still stuck in the carpet. The 3-point cleaning system uses three individual brushes located on all sides of the vacuum to gather the dirt towards the center where it is collected by the main brush.

Unlike many inexpensive robot vacuums, the Roborock S5 Robot Vacuum uses 10 external sensors to allow it to be aware of its surroundings and prevent it from falling off ledges.
This makes it a good choice for users who will be using their vacuum near the top of staircases or any other place where a clumsy robot could fall down.

Convenient features
The performance of the eufy robotic vacuum is excellent. Unfortunately, however, it does lack many of the convenience features that come standard with most other options. The most prominent example of this is that the eufy does not allow control via a smartphone or tablet. Because it is not WiFi capable and no remote is included, the only method of control offered is by actually pressing the buttons on the device itself. While some users might actually rather this, we think most people appreciate being able to start or schedule their robot vacuum using their phones.

Verdict
The eufy from Anker is one of the best performing robot vacuum available under $250. However, buyers looking for convenient controls may want to look for an upgrade.

2. GOOVI Robot Vacuum

Specifications:
Suction Power: 2000Pa
Battery Life: 120 minutes of continuous vacuuming
Remote Control? Yes
Smartphone App? No

Design features
At under $200, the GOOVI Robot Vacuum is one of the smartest budget-friendly robot vacuums you can buy. The intelligent cleaning system features a low-profile design, powerful suction, and multiple modes for cleaning hard flooring as well as carpet. This vacuum is suitable for carpets with a low or medium pile. The onboard sensors do a great job of preventing unnecessary collisions with your furniture and keep the vacuum from falling off stairs and other ledges.

Thanks to the small-space cleaning mode, the GOOVI can efficiently clean a bedroom or other smaller area efficiently in about 30 minutes. The battery allows up to two hours of operation before charging. If the vacuum gets low on power while cleaning, it automatically is routed back towards the dock to charge until it has enough battery power to resume cleaning.

Convenient features
The remote control included with the GOOVI Robot Vacuum is simple to use and is equipped with a screen that can provide users with feedback on the current operating mode of the vacuum as well as the amount of battery life remaining. The GOOVI is not WiFi-enabled and does not connect to the internet. This means that it cannot be controlled using a smartphone app.

Verdict
Because of the mix of features and performance, the GOOVI Robot Vacuum is our favorite robotic vacuum under $250. The included remote control works well, but customers looking for a robotic vacuum that can be controlled with their smartphone or using voice commands will want to upgrade to a more expensive model.

3. dser 23T Robotic Vacuum Cleaner

Specifications:
Suction Power: 2200Pa
Battery Life: 100 minutes of continuous vacuuming
Remote Control? Yes
Smartphone App? Yes

Design features
The 23T Robotic Vacuum Cleaner is the most advanced model produced by dser. It features suction up to 2200Pa which is enough to get dirt from way beneath your carpet’s surface. Additionally, the vacuum uses infrared induction to keep it safe and prevent it from falling down the stairs or any other hazardous drop.

In addition to cleaning carpet, the dser 23T is one of the best budget vacuums for cleaning kitchen tile and hardwood floors. The two spinning brushes on the front of the unit spin quickly and do a good job loosening debris from within the carpet and along floorboards. When the vacuum is first turned on, it will be set to power level 2 out of 3. Users with thick carpet or who own pets will want to make sure to increase the suction to the maximum right away. When cleaning thin carpet or hard flooring, you may want to reduce the power to limit the noise.

Convenient features
The dser 23T Robotic Vacuum Cleaner offers more ways to control it than any other budget-friendly robot vacuums out there. Not only is the included remote easy to use, but the 23T can also be controlled by your smartphone or tablet by downloading the dser Life app from Google Play or the Apple Store. This app is a little frustrating to set up at first and the phone verification seems slightly intrusive. Once configured, however, it is very easy to start the vacuum, change modes, and schedule future cleanings for the vacuum.

Verdict
The dser 23T might be the most convenient robotic vacuum under $250 that we reviewed. The initial setup can be a bit of a chore, but the good performance, easy-to-use controls, and handy smartphone app make it a great budget selection.

4. Coredy Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Specifications:
Suction Power: 1400Pa
Battery Life: 120 minutes of continuous vacuuming
Remote Control? Yes
Smartphone App? No

Design features
Powered by a 2600mAh battery, this robotic vacuum has a capability of cleaning up to 120 minutes per charge. The 1400pa strong suction is capable of delivering deep cleaning on hard floors and low to medium pile carpets. On the other hand, the auto-adjust cleaning head with two large rover wheels moves effortlessly to cover large areas. The slim design glides under the furniture to help clean baseboards and corners.

There are 5-selective cleaning modes to choose from via a remote control that steers your vac from one room to another. The regular cleaning system cleans by moving on the floor in a zig-zag pattern for a seamless and meticulous cleaning.

Convenient features
The Coredy robot vacuum features an anti-drop technology that prevents the bot from falling down the stairs. The vac has high sensitivity sensors that help it to avoid obstacles and keeps furniture and other household items safe from collisions.

When this bot is done cleaning a room it needs to charge the battery. At that time, it will find its base and dock by itself and begin charging.

Verdict
If you’re a pet owner, Coredy Robot vacuum cleaner is an excellent high-end option in its class for picking up pet dander and dirt. It has a powerful suction system a 2.7-inch super slim design that’s good for gliding under and around furniture.

5. Amarey Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Specifications:
Suction Power: 1400Pa
Battery Life: 100 minutes of continuous vacuuming
Remote Control? Yes
Smartphone App? No

Design features
Amarey included four efficient cleaning modes that help to clean hard floors and carpets effectively. If you have a hard spot on the floor that you need to deeply clean, Amarey lets you adjust the suction power to spot clean that particular area. The customizable cleaning schedule helps you to save time and adequately organize your day.

If you’ve had problems cleaning dust and dirt under the cabinet edges, corners, and other low-profile furniture, this bot will help reach such places, as it’s only 2.7 inches in height. Additionally, the powered 2600mAh battery works up to 100 minutes on a single charge and, if on low battery, it will seek the charging unit and dock for a recharge.

Convenient features
If you have a baby in your house, you don’t need to worry about this bot disturbing the baby’s sleep thanks to its quiet, friendly design. This vacuum works silently with noise levels under 58db to provide a near-noiseless cleaning process. The A800 also features smart-cleaning with a customizable cleaning schedule program for the day or week.

The A800 with 360-degree smart protection helps to vacuum floors and carpets without toppling over the stairs and other uneven floors in the house. This vac will stop near edges and crawl over the floor with a 15-degree slope for efficient cleaning.

Verdict
The Amarey A800 robot vacuum cleaner is an excellent option for people with pets and those looking for a bot that will keep down dust and particles from hard floors and carpets that can trigger allergies and asthma.

Best Cheap Robot Vacuums 2024 (Under $500)

1. Best Robot Vacuum Under $500: iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum

Specifications:
Suction Power: Not listed
Battery Life: 75 minutes of continuous vacuuming
Remote Control? No
Smartphone App? Yes

Design features
This robot vacuum is able to create up to 5 times the suction of a traditional robot vacuum. Not only is this useful for picking up dirt and debris that are deep within the carpet. It is also ideal for homes with pets. The high-efficiency filter traps over 99% of pollen and dust, two of the most common airborne allergens found at home.

Because of the advanced edge-sensing feature, the iRobot Roomba 960 is a good choice for users who will be using their robot vacuum near stairs or other ledges. This is very convenient compared to some of the other robotic vacuums on our list, where you have to block off these physical areas instead.

Convenient features
Not only can the iRobot Roomba 960 be fully controlled via the Roomba smartphone app, but it can also be controlled using Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant. The vacuum automatically returns to its base when it needs charging or if the dust bin needs to be emptied. It will also send a notification to your phone indicating that it needs to be removed. The Roomba 960 also works in tandem with the iRobot Braava Jet M6 robot mop, where they communicate so that it can ensure a floor is vacuumed before it is mopped.

Verdict
The Roomba 960 is an ultra-powerful robot vacuum with a lot of convenience features included. This is our top pick for families with multiple pets or thick carpets. However, it’s at the upper end of this price tier.

2. Best Robot Vacuum & Mop Under $500: Roborock S5 Robot Vacuum

Specifications:
Suction Power: 2000Pa
Battery Life: 150 minutes of continuous vacuuming
Remote Control? No
Smartphone App? Yes

Design Features
A great choice for anyone who wants both a robotic vacuum and a robotic mop, the Roborock S5 Robot Vacuum combines the functionality of both in one affordable package. Its powerful Cyclone 3D cleaning system generates strong suction. The side brushes do a good job of dislodging dirt and debris from deep within your carpets as well as along the edges.

One of the most impressive features of the Roborock S5 Robot Vacuum is the LDS smart navigation. The vacuum uses an array of sensors to scan the surroundings thousands of times per second. The result is that the vacuum develops an optimal route for cleaning your house after just a few uses.

When on hardwood floors or tile, the bionic mopping system takes over. The plug-in water tank dispenses just enough water to efficiently clean the floor without leaking or creating water spots. The Roborock S5 Robot Vacuum runs for about 150 minutes between charges and returns to the dock automatically when the battery gets low.

Convenience Features
The most convenient part of owning the Roborock S5 Robot Vacuum is how seamlessly it makes the transition between carpet and hard floors. This makes a great choice for anyone who has multiple types of flooring in their house or apartment. If you are going to be using your robot vacuum in a location where there is only carpeting, you should probably look elsewhere.

Verdict
The Roborock S5 Robot Vacuum is the most versatile robot vacuum we reviewed. It does a good job keeping carpets clean, but the mopping function is what really makes it stand out.

3. iRobot Roomba 675

Specifications:
Suction Power: Not listed
Battery Life: 90 minutes of continuous vacuuming
Remote Control? No
Smartphone App? Yes

Design features
Roomba is the brand that started the robotic vacuum craze. While they tend to be more expensive than their competitors, there is no doubt that iRobot is still the leader in automated vacuuming technology. Their mid-level Roomba 675 packs many features normally only found in higher-end robotic vacuums like Roomba’s patented dirt detection technology and a full suite of motion sensors to help it navigate your floors.

When operating, the iRobot Roomba 675 uses a 3-stage cleaning process in order to remove as much dust, debris, and dirt as possible from floors. First, the motorized edge sweeping brush loosens dirt embedded in the carpet or along the edges of the wall. Next, the first cylinder on the auto-adjust cleaning head lifts dirt from deep below the carpet’s surface. Finally, the main brush and powerful suction collect the dirt and debris, leaving them in the tank for easy removal.

Convenient features
The most convenient part of using any Roomba Robot Vacuum is the accompanying app that can be easily downloaded to your phone from Google Play or the Apple app store. This app makes setup easy and allows you to start or schedule the vacuum even when you are away from it. It can also notify you when vacuuming is complete. The Large dirt bin is easy to remove and clean.

Verdict
Costing only slightly more than the robotic vacuums on our “Under $250” list. The iRobot Roomba 675 is a good choice for users who don’t mind paying just a little more for the extra features and the Roomba brand name.

4. Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Specifications:
Suction Power: 1800Pa
Battery Life: 150 minutes of continuous vacuuming
Remote Control? No
Smartphone App? Yes

Design features
Features three independent cleaning processors that quickly and effectively sucks dirt, particles, and dust. The 5200mAh battery will last you a full cleaning cycle when fully charged. Additionally, when the battery is low, the Xiaomi Mi robot vac will automatically dock back to the charger to get ready to clean again.

The LDS path planning helps you to schedule cleaning times based on the real-time map generated by the Mi robot vacuum. Further, the 96mm slim design enables Mi bot to thoroughly clean under beds, sofas, and other furniture.

Convenient features
The robot has smart controls run via Mi Smart Home app that integrates seamlessly into your daily schedule. This gives you more time to enjoy your life. You can control this WiFi enabled bot vac through your smartphone thanks to the LDS ranging laser and multi-sensor co-operation.

The anti-falling detection featured in this robot vacuum helps it to sense stairs and other uneven surfaces as it turns back to continue cleaning.

Verdict
Though it doesn’t come with many perks, Xiaomi Mi Robot is an excellent choice for cleaning modest spaces for convenience and regular cleaning of your apartment.

5. ECOVACS DEEBOT 711 Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Specifications:
Suction Power: Not listed
Battery Life: 110 minutes of continuous vacuuming
Remote Control? Yes
Smartphone App? Yes

Design features
Deebot 711 is always ready to clean any mess with a three-stage cleaning system. It will suck up grime, dirt, pet hair and dust. Additionally, it’s unique round shape lets it get into corners and along wall edges better than D-shaped designed bots.

It’s also able to climb over shallow steps, for example the base of a cat’s scratching post, and never gets tangled and doesn’t suck up cables. On a full charge, Deebot 711 robot vacuum will work for 110 minutes and then automatically return to its charging dock for the next scheduled cleaning.

Convenient features
There are those times when you need to meditate or complete a critical project. The Deebot 711 features a non-intrusive cleaning technology that works quietly in the background at a 65 db noise level. Also, it does not bump into objects like pet bowls and furniture thanks to its anti-collision sensors.

The large wheels placed in the Deebot 711 will help it to climb on thresholds and low to medium pile carpets keeping your home clean. The Smart Navi feature helps to map your home to create a systematic s-shaped cleaning path which leaves no dirty spot along the way.

Verdict
The low profile designed Deebot 711 with Smart Navi is an excellent purchase for people who want to enjoy life. It will undoubtedly upgrade your life the moment you start using it, offering you with more free time to spend with your family and, consequently, fewer chores.