Keep your floors clean without spending a ton of money. We've tested lots of affordable robot vacuums, and these are the best ones that cost $300 or less.
ByAngela Moscaritolo
Angela Moscaritolo
Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics
My Experience
I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade.
Read Full Bio
&Andrew Gebhart
Andrew Gebhart
Senior Analyst, Smart Home and Wearables
My Experience
I’m PCMag’s senior analyst covering smart home and wearable devices. I’ve been writing about tech professionally for nearly a decade and have been obsessing about it for much longer than that. Prior to joining PCMag, I made educational videos for an electronics store called Abt Electronics in Illinois, and before that I spent eight years covering the smart home market for CNET.
Read Full Bio
UpdatedJanuary 19, 2024
- RELATED:
- Best Robot Vacuums
- Best Robot Vacuums for Pet Hair
- Best Self-Emptying Robot Vacuums
- Best Roombas
- Best Robot Mops
Our Top 6 Picks
Best Overall Jump ToDetails Best Affordable Roomba Jump ToDetails Most Compact Design Jump ToDetails Best Affordable Robot Mop Jump ToDetails Best Laser-Powered Home Mapping Jump ToDetails Easiest to Set Up and Use Jump ToDetails 
Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI
iRobot Roomba 694
Eufy RoboVac 11s
Samsung Jetbot Mop
Wyze Robot Vacuum
iLife A4s Pro
The Best Robot Vacuum Deals This Week*
- iRobot Roomba j7 7150 Wi-Fi Robot Vacuum — $299.99(List Price $599.99)
- iRobot Roomba 692 Wi-Fi Robot Vacuum Cleaner — $169.99(List Price $269)
- Roborock Q5 Pro 5500Pa Robot Vacuum and Mop — $279.99(List Price $429.99)
- Shark AV1010AE IQ Robot Vacuum With XL Self-Empty Base — $299.99(List Price $379.99)
- Roborock S8 Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop With Dock — $999.99(List Price $1,599.99)
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Robot vacuums can easily cost more than $1,000, but you don't need to spend four figures to keep your floors clean. We've tested robot vacuums at just about every price and plenty of affordable options are worth your consideration. Check out our top budget picks below, and read on for buying advice that can help you in your search.
Recommended by Our Editors
How We Test Robot Vacuums
8 Simple Robot Vacuum Tips to Help Keep Your Floors Clean Without Lifting a Finger
How to Set Up Your Smart Home: A Beginner's Guide
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions.Read our editorial mission & see how we test.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI
Best Overall
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
Though this former flagship from Ecovacs is a couple of years old, it stands head and shoulders above the rest of the robots on this list as far as features go, and you can now snag it for $300. The Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI cleaned for up to 170 minutes on a single charge in our tests, which is impressive. It vacuums, mops, and offers advanced navigation with AI-powered obstacle detection and avoidance. It also functions as a roving security camera. Ecovacs even offers a compatible Auto-Empty Station ($249.99) if you’re willing to go outside the budget range for a convenient add-on.
Who It’s For
To get a low-cost robot vacuum, you usually need to make compromises in terms of features, but you have another other option: You can wait until a former flagship model ages itself into the bargain bin. If you’d rather take the latter approach, the Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI is the model for you.
PROS
- Automatically recognizes and avoids obstacles
- Exceptional battery life
- Allows for remote home monitoring with built-in camera
- Supports virtual boundaries
- Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice support
CONS
- Expensive
- Mops with water, not cleaning solution
- Moderate learning curve
- Auto-Empty Station is sold separately
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.5 by 13.5 by 3.6 inches |
| Battery Life (Tested) | 170 minutes |
| Mop/Vacuum Hybrid | |
| Scheduling | |
| Virtual Walls | |
| Remote Control | |
| Phone Control |
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Learn More
Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI Review
iRobot Roomba 694
Best Affordable Roomba
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
While it lacks the advanced navigational skills of higher-end models, the Roomba 694 can clean more than 1,000 square feet of floor space on a single charge, then find its way back to the included charging station when it finishes or needs to juice back up. With a button on the robot, you can activate a spot clean feature in which the 694 will repeatedly circle its immediate vicinity to ensure that it’s extra clean. You can control the vacuum with the iRobot Home app (available for Android and iOS) or your voice, or you can schedule cleaning runs.
Who It’s For
From battery life to cleaning performance, the Roomba 694 checks all the boxes for an affordable robot vacuum. Since it still uses bump navigation, this model is perfect for those who don’t care how long the vacuum takes to work. Like most models in this price range, it doesn’t support self-emptying, but you’ll save hundreds of dollars with this model over a more advanced Roomba.
PROS
- Affordable
- Rarely gets stuck
- Seamless app setup
- Supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant voice control
- Allows for scheduled cleanings
- Detects and focuses on heavily soiled areas
CONS
- Loud
- Missed some debris on carpets in testing
- Lacks smart navigation, mapping abilities
- No carrying handle
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.4 by 13.4 by 3.5 inches |
| Battery Life (Tested) | 120 minutes |
| Mop/Vacuum Hybrid | |
| Scheduling | |
| Virtual Walls | |
| Remote Control | |
| Phone Control |
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Learn More
iRobot Roomba 694 Review
Eufy RoboVac 11s
Most Compact Design
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
The Eufy Robovac 11s cleans thoroughly at a bargain price. It can traverse a variety of floor types and uses a BoostIQ mode to automatically increase suction on carpets. Thanks to its small stature, the robot can navigate under furniture without getting stuck. Like the Roomba 694, it lacks advanced navigation capabilities, but it works quietly, so you can set it and forget it even while you’re home. It doesn’t support app or voice control, but it comes with a physical remote control.
Who It’s For
With the most compact design of any model on this list, the Robovac 11s is a top option for homes with low-profile furniture. And with a lower operating volume than the Roomba 694, it might be a better fit if you work from home. You’ll forgo app controls, but if you want a basic and easy-to-use robot vacuum, the Robovac 11s is a top choice that can clean up quietly while you go about your day.
PROS
- Affordable.
- Compact.
- Quiet.
- Strong cleaning performance.
- Good battery life.
CONS
- No virtual barriers or app control.
- Limited scheduling options.
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.8 by 12.8 by 2.8 inches |
| Battery Life (Tested) | 100 minutes |
| Mop/Vacuum Hybrid | |
| Scheduling | |
| Virtual Walls | |
| Remote Control | |
| Phone Control |
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Learn More
Eufy RoboVac 11s Review
Samsung Jetbot Mop
Best Affordable Robot Mop
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
Fill the water tanks, pop on the mopping pads, then hit the button on the included remote, and the Samsung Jetbot Mop will whir into action. An extremely affordable robot mop, it adeptly navigates different types of hard floors, scrubbing as it goes. The package includes microfiber mop pads for general-purpose mopping and mother yarn pads for spills and dust. You have to manually keep the tanks topped off and plug it in when it needs a charge, but when the Jetbot Mop is done with your floors, you can pick it up by the handle and use the rotating mop heads to clean your shower walls.
Who It’s For
If you have more hard floors in need of scrubbing than carpet in need of vacuuming, the Jetbot Mop is for you. It works relatively quickly, offering several cleaning modes, and scrubs a variety of surfaces—from hard floors to tiled walls—with aplomb.
PROS
- Easy to set up and use
- Compact design with two large, spinning mopping pads
- Features a Hand Mode to clean walls
- Moves quickly and has no trouble switching between floor types
- Eight floor-cleaning modes
CONS
- No app or voice control
- Doesn't always avoid area rugs and carpeting
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15 by 9.3 by 9 inches |
| Battery Life (Tested) | 109 minutes |
| Mop/Vacuum Hybrid | |
| Scheduling | |
| Virtual Walls | |
| Remote Control | |
| Phone Control |
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Learn More
Samsung Jetbot Mop Review
Wyze Robot Vacuum
Best Laser-Powered Home Mapping
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
With a raised Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scanner on top similar to a self-driving car, the Wyze Robot supports home mapping, a feature few robot vacuums in this price range offer. You can use the digital map in its companion Wyze mobile app (available for Android and iOS) to send the robot to specific rooms for targeted cleaning runs and create virtual boundary lines around places where you don't want it to go. Combining advanced navigation with 2,100Pa of suction power, it works quickly and thoroughly collects debris and pet hair from hard floors and carpeting.
Who It’s For
If you want a robot vacuum you can control from your phone and send directly to specific rooms for targeted area cleaning, check out the Wyze Robot Vacuum. When you have friends coming over, you can send it out to do a quick sweep of your living room while you get ready. This Wyze model is also a nice option if you want to virtually cordon off certain areas, like around your precious heirloom furniture, so the robot avoids those spots. If time isn't of the essence, go with the Roomba 694, which isn't as methodical as the Wyze since it cleans in a random pattern instead of orderly lines, but offers voice control, longer battery life, and better obstacle avoidance.
PROS
- Strong suction power
- Features laser mapping technology
- Supports app control, area cleaning, scheduling, and virtual walls
- HEPA filter
CONS
- No voice command support
- Relatively short battery life
- Occasionally gets stuck
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.8 by 13.8 by 3.7 inches |
| Battery Life (Tested) | 83 minutes |
| Mop/Vacuum Hybrid | |
| Scheduling | |
| Virtual Walls | |
| Remote Control | |
| Phone Control |
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Learn More
Wyze Robot Vacuum Review
iLife A4s Pro
Easiest to Set Up and Use
3.5 Good
Why We Picked It
With 2,000Pa of suction power and a compact design, the iLife A4s Pro is a good, simple cleaner that can navigate and vacuum multiple floor types with ease. Better yet, you can set it up in almost no time, since there's no app to connect. Don't worry about having to bend down to press the start button each time you send it out: an included remote lets you schedule cleaning jobs or manually steer the vacuum. Plus, a physical electrowall accessory creates an invisible barrier that the robot won’t cross, a feature normally reserved for robot vacuums with advanced navigation.
Who It’s For
If you value simplicity above all else, get the iLife A4s Pro, plug it in, and let it go to work. Like most others on this list, it navigates randomly, so if you covet perfect vacuum lines on your carpet, you'll probably prefer the Wyze Robot Vacuum.
PROS
- Affordable
- Compact, low-profile design
- Easy to set up and use
- Automatically increases suction power on carpets
- Comes with a virtual wall accessory
CONS
- Lacks app and voice control
- Limited scheduling options
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12 by 12 by 2.95 inches |
| Battery Life (Tested) | 90 minutes |
| Mop/Vacuum Hybrid | |
| Scheduling | |
| Virtual Walls | |
| Remote Control | |
| Phone Control |
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Learn More
iLife A4s Pro Review
Buying Guide: The Best Cheap Robot Vacuums for 2024
What's the Best Cheap Robot Vacuum?
When determining which robot vacuum is best for you, consider factors such as battery life, size, and suction power.
In terms of battery life, most robot vacuums can run for at least 60 minutes on a charge, but if you live in a larger home, look for one that can last 90 minutes or longer. Nearly all of the models here pass the 90-minute mark.
The Best Robot Vacuums for 2022
Some of the most affordable robot vacuums we've tested are also among the most compact, which is a welcome feature if you have low-profile furniture. Before deciding which one to buy, it's a good idea to measure the distance from the floor to the base of your couch to see which models, if any, can fit under it.
In terms of suction, most models on this list offer at least 1,000Pa of power. Generally speaking, the higher the power, the better a vacuum is at picking up tricky detritus like pet hair. Robot vacuums with less suction power but good battery life and obstacle-avoidance abilities can still do an excellent job cleaning.
Roomba 694 bin (Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)
Do Cheap Robot Vacuums Have Smart Features?
High-end models offer premium features such as AI-powered obstacle avoidance, automatic bin emptying, cameras for remote home monitoring, and home mapping for virtual boundaries. Robot vacuums in the sub-$300 range don't usually offer these abilities, but you can still find some basic perks such as app connectivity, smart navigation, and voice control.
With a Wi-Fi-connected robot vacuum, you can start, stop, and schedule cleaning jobs from your phone. Wi-Fi is fast becoming a standard feature, but if you don't need or want it, you can snag a super-basic bot that offers good performance for less than $200.
Roomba 694 companion app (Credit: iRobot)
In addition to app control, many affordable robot vacuums support Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for additional convenience. If you also own a compatible smart speaker, you can control these vacuums using your voice.
If you have carpeting or a large home, consider a model with smart navigation abilities. Vacuums with this capability clean in a methodical path, making straight lines instead of zigzagging in a random pattern. This allows them to clean your home more efficiently and results in neat vacuum lines on your carpets.
Wyze Robot Vacuum (Credit: Angela Moscaritolo)
In this price range, you can't expect every feature under the sun, so you might have to make some compromises. When I bought my first robot vacuum, I prioritized strong suction power and smart navigation over Wi-Fi support and a compact design. But you might want a model that you can remotely control with your phone or a smaller one that can pass under your furniture.
If you want to stick with the reliable iRobot brand, see our Roomba roundup.
When Is the Best Time to Get a Cheap Robot Vacuum?
The biggest tip I can offer anyone buying a robot vacuum on a budget is to wait for a sale. Be sure to search around because robot vacuums are frequently available for a discount at Amazon and Walmart in particular. In our reviews, we note the MSRP of each model, but you can often find them for less.
Finally, our in-depth reviews go over all the specs and features of each model, so be sure to check them out.When you find the one that fits your needs and budget, head over to ouressential robot vacuum tips. And if you're looking for a robot mop, we've got you covered.
Compare SpecsThe Best Cheap Robot Vacuums for 2024
Our Picks | Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVICheck Stock$299.99 at Amazon | iRobot Roomba 694See It$199.99 at Amazon | Eufy RoboVac 11sSee It$249.99 at Amazon | Samsung Jetbot MopSee It$296.83 at Amazon | Wyze Robot VacuumSee It$187.19 at Walmart | iLife A4s ProCheck Stock$165.99 at Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Editors'Rating | Editors' Choice 4.0Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review | 4.0Editor Review | 3.5Editor Review |
Dimensions | 13.5 by 13.5 by 3.6 inches | 13.4 by 13.4 by 3.5 inches | 12.8 by 12.8 by 2.8 inches | 15 by 9.3 by 9 inches | 13.8 by 13.8 by 3.7 inches | 12 by 12 by 2.95 inches |
Battery Life (Tested) | 170 minutes | 120 minutes | 100 minutes | 109 minutes | 83 minutes | 90 minutes |
Mop/Vacuum Hybrid | ||||||
Scheduling | ||||||
Virtual Walls | ||||||
Remote Control | ||||||
Phone Control | ||||||
Where to Buy | $299.99 at Amazon $299.99 at Ecovacs | $199.99 at Amazon $227.00 at Walmart | $249.99 at Amazon $119.99 at Walmart | $296.83 at Amazon | $187.19 at Walmart $233.99 at Amazon | $165.99 at Amazon |
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Further Reading
Best Robot Vacuum Deals for March 2024: Roomba, Shark, Eufy, and More
ByKarl Klockars&Jade Chung-Lee
The Best Self-Emptying Robot Vacuums for 2024
ByAngela Moscaritolo
The Best Robot Vacuums for Pet Hair
ByAngela Moscaritolo
The Best Robot Vacuums for 2024
ByAlex Colon&Angela Moscaritolo
The Best Robot Mops for 2024
ByAngela Moscaritolo
The Best Roomba Vacuum for 2024
ByWill Greenwald&Angela Moscaritolo
The Best Smart Home Deals for March 2024
ByKarl Klockars,Jade Chung-Lee&K. Thor Jensen
The Best Digital Picture Frames for 2024
ByWill Greenwald
TRENDING
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Editors' Choice
I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade.
Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Read Angela's full bio
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About Andrew Gebhart
Senior Analyst, Smart Home and Wearables
I’m PCMag’s senior analyst covering smart home and wearable devices. I’ve been writing about tech professionally for nearly a decade and have been obsessing about it for much longer than that. Prior to joining PCMag, I made educational videos for an electronics store called Abt Electronics in Illinois, and before that I spent eight years covering the smart home market for CNET.
I foster many flavors of nerdom in my personal life. I’m an avid board gamer and video gamer. I love fantasy football, which I view as a combination of role-playing games and sports. Plus, I can talk to you about craft beer for hours and am on a personal quest to have a flight of beer at each microbrewery in my home city of Chicago.
Read Andrew's full bio
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