The 3 Best Budget Robot Vacuums - Summer 2022 Reviews

The best budget robot vacuum we've tested is the Roborock E4. Unusually for a vacuum at this price point, it has a surface detection feature that lets it automatically adjust its suction power to suit different surface types. It delivers alright overall performance on low and high-pile carpet and performs exceptionally well on bare surfaces. It also does a great job of maneuvering itself, as it can easily negotiate its way around obstacles like couches or chairs and cleans in an organized, thorough manner. Unfortunately, unlike premium models like the Roborock S7, it doesn't have a LIDAR mapping system that would allow it to precisely map out its coverage area, so you can't set up virtual boundary lines or schedule cleaning sessions for specific rooms.

If you're looking for a robot vacuum that does support some of these features and don't mind paying a little more, the Shark AI Robot could be worth a look. It generates a permanent map of its coverage area, enabling you to schedule cleaning sessions for specific rooms or set up no-go zones the vacuum won't enter. However, it doesn't perform as well as the Roborock on bare floors, has a less intuitive companion app, and struggles with pet hair.

If you're looking for an affordable robot vacuum that offers more advanced automation capabilities than most other comparably-priced alternatives, consider the Wyze Robot Vacuum. While it's a little more expensive than most other robot vacuums on this list, it features an advanced LIDAR mapping system that lets it store a permanent map of its coverage area, so you can set up virtual no-go zones the vacuum won't enter or direct it to clean a specific room within your home. It also does a good job of maneuvering itself around obstacles like tables or chairs and cleans in an organized pattern of straight lines. It delivers exceptional performance on bare floors and easily clears away pet hair on most surfaces too. It can't automatically adjust its suction power to different surfaces and has a tiny dirt compartment that needs regular emptying.

If both of those aspects are important to you when choosing a robot vacuum, you could also consider the Roborock S4 Max. While it's even pricier than the Wyze, you can sometimes find it on sale for under $300. It also does a slightly better job of maneuvering itself. It does have a longer battery life too, but it takes considerably longer to recharge.

If you're looking for a hassle-free way of keeping your floors clean but want to spend as little as possible, the eufy Robovac 25C is among the best cheap robot vacuums we've tested. Despite its very low price point, this budget-friendly robot vacuum delivers superb performance on bare, even surfaces like hardwood or tile. Its companion app is pretty sparse in terms of features but is pretty easy to use, and there's little lag when issuing a command with your phone. You can also use this vacuum without an internet connection with its included remote control, which is great if you have spotty Wi-Fi coverage at home. It also makes very little noise, which is great if you're looking for a more discrete robot vacuum. However, it doesn't feel very well-made and has a few parts that need periodic cleaning.

If you're looking for a robot vacuum in a similar price bracket that feels better built, you could also consider the Shark ION Robot 2020. It also features a larger dirt compartment and does a slightly better job maneuvering around obstacles, though it takes much longer to recharge and has even more parts that need periodic cleaning.