Best Robot Vacuum Under 200 Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums excel at picking up pet hair, dust and other debris from hard floors and carpets. They leave a lot of dust on baseboards and furniture.

Many models can be controlled using apps for smartphones, however others require the use of a physical remote to operate. Some models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and floor maps that can be modified.

Object Avoidance

The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that can avoid obstacles like walls, furniture and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to detect toys, pet food, and other clutter that could get in the machine's way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features can save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from getting stuck under the couch or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its cleaning more efficiently.

Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create an image of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it could make a significant difference to the performance and comfort of your new device.

A majority of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them around your home. They are useful in many scenarios but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as shoes or lamp cords. They are also less expensive and do not have the capability of learning when they miss an obstacle. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items out.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums can be caught up on larger items, like large dog poop spills or chair legs. If the object is too large the robot may not be able to lift it and will likely be forced to push it across or around the edges of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a cat or dog, you might have to block its path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to set up within the application).

The more advanced robotic vacuums on this list utilize object detection in optimal and low-light conditions to see what's in the vicinity of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting.

Self-Emptying Bases

A self-emptying base can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you suffer from allergies or don't have time to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These units can hold up to 60 days worth of debris. They should be cleaned less often than the dustbin of the robot.

A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature that includes iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robotics, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have to purchase the self emptying base on your own unless it's included with the robot vacuum cleaners.

A self-emptying base will not only save your time, but also cost on dust bags. It also keeps your home cleaner. Depending on the brand, some bases have separate filters that are able to trap allergens, but they may need to be cleaned out frequently. It is recommended to use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to ensure optimal performance.

One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies adhere to however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the machine's performance. Generally speaking, the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.

A reputable robot must include features that are simple to use, as well as a user's guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can help you learn about the basics and help you solve problems, which is crucial as these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a manual that includes tips on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you'll be able to see a list of all available settings and set them by zones, rooms or individual floors. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even command the robot by voice. Many popular brands allow you to create customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any time you wish. If you fail to complete the task the robot will pick up where it began.

Long-Lasting Batteries

While robot broom vacuums do not have the same power as fully-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can last for a long time on a single charge of batteries. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning automatically when they get to their base without having to drag them back there. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households and allows you to clean the entire house in one move.

The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be emptied after every few cleans. This is a tedious task, particularly if you have a big home or a lot of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums could help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and even blow and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next vacuuming session.

Many robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to clean your hard surfaces. This is especially useful if you have heavily tiled floors or hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction as the traditional auto vacuum cleaner, and struggle to clean up liquid spills.

If you're looking for a machine that can both mop and vacuum, you should consider an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both high-quality and offer great value. They all have a high suction level and come with a big self-emptying base station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our two top-rated robots, however, so they may not be able to complete your entire home on a single charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. This inexpensive model does not have a removable or built-in water reservoir. It does however have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum furniture or stairs however it's an excellent option for keeping your floors looking fresh in between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are great to save time and effort, but they require constant maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. For instance, select a model with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of instances you need to manually empty the dustbin when cleaning. This feature is especially useful if your pets shed often, or if it's a habit to forget to clean up and mop.

Many of our top picks have additional features that reduce the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. Look into a multisurface cleaner that comes with a mopping mat that is easy to attach and stays in position, or a vacuum deals that uses LiDAR navigation to identify dirt spots around your home to clean them thoroughly.

Some models let you set a cleaning schedule and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and even use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Some have advanced software that can learn the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles however, you'll need to pay more for these features.

There are robot vacuum cleaner for sale vacuums to fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+, which can vacuum and mop both carpeting and hardwoods. Like most things, the more features you require, the higher the price, but there are reliable options at every price level.

We have the best robotic vacuums for you, whether you require the basic bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that will wash your laundry while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects which allows it to move between furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vacuum.

Read our guide on robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for more tips. Be sure to review our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your delivery for the holidays is on time.