If you’re in the market for a robot vacuum to help keep your home clean, you may be aware that these gadgets can come with a hefty price tag. In the past, finding a budget-friendly option was a challenge, but that’s no longer the case. Nowadays, there are plenty of affordable robot vacuums available that deliver exceptional performance without breaking the bank.
We consider anything under $300 to be a great deal in this space, and you’ll be surprised at the number of options available within that price range. Whether you’re new to the world of robot vacuums or a seasoned user, you’ll find that these budget-friendly gadgets offer reliable cleaning performance and more.
Are Robot Vacuums Worth the Investment?
As a tech enthusiast, people often ask me if certain gadgets are “worth it”. When it comes to robot vacuums, the answer is a resounding yes. The biggest advantage they offer is the ability to clean autonomously. Simply turn it on, walk away, and let the robot do the dirty work. If you’re someone who wants to minimize the time spent on cleaning or simply despises vacuuming, a robotic vacuum cleaner is an excellent investment.
However, it’s important to consider the trade-offs. Robot vacuums may have less suction power and capacity compared to traditional upright vacuums. Their smaller size limits their ability to pick up dirt and their built-in bins have a smaller capacity. Additionally, they rely on battery power and often require docking at a charging base. Unlike traditional vacuums, robot vacuums are primarily designed for cleaning floors and may not be as versatile when it comes to tackling hard-to-reach areas or using attachments for different surfaces.
What to Consider When Choosing a budget robot vacuum
Before see our list of the best budget robot vacuums it’s important to understand some factors before making a decision.
Type of surface
First, assess the types of floors in your home. Different surfaces require different suction power. While some companies use Pascal (Pa) levels to measure suction power, others use their own metrics. Look for details in the product description regarding the vacuum’s ability to clean both hard floors and carpets. If a Pascal measurement is provided, aim for around 2000Pa for primarily carpeted floors.
Size
Size is another important consideration. Check the vacuum’s height to ensure it can fit under your furniture. While most robot vacuums can’t clean under a couch, some can navigate beneath tables and nightstands. Additionally, pay attention to the dustbin capacity. A larger capacity means less frequent emptying.
Wi-Fi connectivity
WiFi connectivity is a common feature in smart home devices, but it’s not always present in budget-friendly models. If WiFi control is important to you, double-check that the robot vacuum has this capability. Keep in mind that WiFi-connected vacuums often offer additional features, such as scheduling cleaning sessions using a mobile app or voice commands.
Object detection
Other essential features to look for include object detection, which allows the robot vacuum to navigate around furniture, and cliff sensors to prevent falls down stairs. These features ensure efficient and safe cleaning, especially in multi-level homes.
Best budget robot vacuums under $300 you can buy
Now let’s see our list of recommendations with the best budget robot vacuums under $300 you can buy in 2023.
Best Overall: iRobot Roomba 694
When it comes to affordable robot vacuums, both iRobot and Shark stand out. However, we believe that the iRobot Roomba 694 is the best option for most people due to its excellent cleaning power and user-friendly mobile app. This model replaced the Roomba 675, but it offers the same great vacuuming performance with a sleek all-black design.
The Roomba 694 modern design fits seamlessly into any home decor. Its compact size allows it to maneuver easily around furniture and in tight spaces, making it ideal for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
The vacuum features three physical buttons for easy control, and you can also control it via the iRobot app thanks to its WiFi connectivity.
Setting up the Roomba 694 is a breeze. Simply follow the instructions in the companion app to connect it to your home WiFi network. The app allows you to control the vacuum’s functions conveniently and offers quick access to essential controls on the homepage. It also enables you to set cleaning schedules, ensuring regular cleaning sessions without hassle.
Equipped with advanced navigation technologies, the Roomba 694 efficiently cleans every corner of your home. Its triple stage cleaning system ensures that even the smallest dust particles are removed, leaving your floors spotless. Additionally, its powerful suction power effortlessly picks up pet hair and dander, making it a perfect choice for pet owners.
The Roomba 694 does an impressive job of cleaning carpets, tile flooring, and other surfaces. Its suction power effectively tackles dirt and debris. The vacuum’s battery life typically lasts around 45 minutes, but this may vary depending on the floor surfaces. While this battery life is sufficient for most homes, larger spaces may require the vacuum to recharge mid-cleaning.
The Roomba 694 comes with a range of smart features that make cleaning an effortless task. With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can easily control and schedule cleanings from your smartphone. It also works with virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control it with simple voice commands.
One of the standout features of the Roomba 694 is its long battery life. With a single charge, it can clean multiple rooms without interruption. And when the battery runs low, the Roomba 694 automatically returns to its charging dock to recharge, ensuring it’s always ready for the next cleaning session.
Nobody wants a noisy vacuum cleaner disrupting their peace and quiet. The Roomba 694 operates quietly, allowing you to go about your daily activities without any disturbance. You can even schedule cleanings for when you’re not at home to further minimize any noise.
iRobot has built a strong reputation in the autonomous vacuum market with their user-friendly machines and excellent app. The Roomba 694 offers exceptional performance and ease of use, making it worth the slightly higher price tag.
See iRobot Roomba 694 price
Personalized Cleaning Recommendations, Works with Alexa
Runner Up: Shark Ion RV753 WiFi Robot Vacuum
Now we explore all the features and functions of the amazing Shark Ion RV753 robot vacuum cleaner, which offers an advanced and convenient cleaning experience for any home. With its built-in WiFi technology, this revolutionary device becomes the perfect assistant to keep your floors spotless without any effort.
The Shark Ion RV753 features a modern and compact design that fits perfectly into any decor style. Its rounded shape and black housing give it a sleek look that will complement your furniture and appliances. In addition, its compact size allows it to easily slide under furniture and reach hard-to-reach corners.
The standout feature of the Shark Ion RV753 is its built-in WiFi technology, which allows you to easily control it via your smartphone or tablet. Download the free mobile app and you can schedule cleaning, adjust suction modes, receive real-time notifications and more, all from the convenience of your mobile device.
The Shark Ion RV753 is equipped with a number of smart cleaning features that make the task of cleaning more efficient and effective. Its smart navigation system allows it to map your home and plan the most optimal route for a thorough cleaning. In addition, its motorized central brush and rotating side brushes ensure impeccable dirt pick-up on all types of surfaces.
With its long battery life, the Shark Ion RV753 can clean your home for approximately 90 continuous minutes before needing to recharge. Once the battery runs out, the robot vacuum automatically returns to its charging station and fully recharges in just a few hours. Its powerful motor and advanced filtration system make for exceptional cleaning performance, ensuring a clean and healthy home.
In summary, the Shark Ion RV753 is a high-quality robot vacuum cleaner with advanced features and functions that will simplify your daily life. Its sleek design, built-in WiFi technology and smart cleaning functions make it a perfect choice for any home. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the latest cleaning technology with this amazing device.
After thoroughly analyzing the features of the Shark Ion RV753, we can confidently say that this robotic vacuum is a top contender in the market. Its advanced technology, including Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control, provides users with a seamless cleaning experience. The smart sensor navigation ensures thorough coverage, while the triple brush system effectively removes dirt and debris from various floor surfaces.
One standout feature of the Shark Ion RV753 is its self-empty base. This innovative addition eliminates the need for manual emptying, making maintenance hassle-free. Additionally, the long battery life ensures that your floors are cleaned without interruption.
While the Shark Ion RV753 may come with a slightly higher price tag compared to other models on the market, its performance and convenience justify the investment. If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient robotic vacuum cleaner, the Shark Ion RV753 is definitely worth considering.
Key Features
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: The Shark Ion RV753 comes equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control and monitor your vacuum remotely through a smartphone app. This convenient feature enables you to schedule cleaning sessions, check the cleaning progress, and even receive notifications on your phone.
- Voice Control: In addition to the smartphone app, the Shark Ion RV753 is compatible with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Simply use your voice to command your vacuum, giving you a hands-free cleaning experience.
- Smart Sensor Navigation: With its smart sensor navigation system, the Shark Ion RV753 intelligently maps and navigates your home, ensuring comprehensive coverage and avoiding obstacles. It can effortlessly move around furniture and clean hard-to-reach areas, making your cleaning tasks much easier.
- Triple Brush System: The RV753 features a powerful triple brush system that effectively captures dirt, dust, and debris from various floor types. Its main brush roll, side brushes, and powerful suction work in harmony to leave your floors spotless.
- Self-Empty Base: Cleaning out your vacuum’s dustbin can be a messy and unpleasant task. However, with the self-empty base feature of the Shark Ion RV753, you can say goodbye to that hassle. When the vacuum returns to its base, it automatically empties its dustbin into the base, allowing you to go longer without needing to empty it manually.
- Long Battery Life: The Shark Ion RV753 boasts a long-lasting battery life, ensuring that it can complete the cleaning job without interruption. Its rechargeable battery provides enough power for multiple cleaning sessions, so you can sit back and relax while it takes care of your floors.
See Shark Ion RV753 price
Best Bang for Your Buck: Anker Eufy RoboVac 11S
The Anker Eufy RoboVac 11S offers impressive versatility and affordability and it’s one of the best budget robot vacuum you can buy right now. Despite lacking WiFi connectivity, this robot vacuum comes with a remote control that offers most of the functions and smart features found in a mobile app, including scheduling. Additional brushes and filters are also included in the package.
The “S” in the name stands for slim, as this vacuum is thinner and lighter than other models. Its slim design allows it to clean under furniture, making it a standout feature. The RoboVac 11S features an on-off toggle and a single button for easy operation. It offers three power modes, with BoostIQ being the recommended setting for optimal cleaning performance.
During testing, the RoboVac 11S demonstrated sufficient suction power for effective carpet cleaning. It excelled at avoiding obstacles and navigating tight spaces. The noise levels were tolerable, especially in BoostIQ mode, and the vacuum’s battery life offered a decent cleaning session before requiring recharging.
Overall, the Eufy RoboVac 11S impresses with its efficiency and affordability. While it may not have WiFi connectivity, it still performs exceptionally well and is a great value for the price.
If you’re looking for a more up-to-date model, consider the RoboVac G20 or G30. Both offer hybrid versions that combine vacuuming and mopping capabilities in one device. The G20 Hybrid is recommended for those seeking the latest technology without a hefty price tag, while the G30 Hybrid offers additional features like Smart Dynamic Navigation 2.0 and boundary strips for no-go zones.
See Eufy RoboVac 11S price
Super-Thin, 1300Pa Strong Suction, Quiet, Self-Charging
