best robot vacuum under 200 Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums do a fantastic job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors as well as in carpet. They leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.

Certain models can be operated via a smartphone application, while others require physically operated remotes. Certain models come with advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation, or editable floor plans.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems to keep away obstacles such as furniture, walls, and cords. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that can identify toys, pet foods and other debris that could get in the way of the machine or get caught up in the suction. These features will save you time by making sure that your robot is not stuck under the couch or behind a bed.

Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create the map of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They also can detect changes in your living space, like if you move an item of furniture. This isn't something that every robot has, but it can make a significant difference in the efficiency and comfort of your new gadget.

Many of the cheaper models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They are able to work in many situations, but they can easily become entangled with objects that are too close, like shoes and lamp cords. The less expensive robots do not have the ability to learn from a missed obstacle, so you might have to set up digital keep-out zones in your house for certain objects.

Even the best robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects like chair legs or large dog poop messes. If the object is too big, the robotic cleaner may not be capable of lifting it, and will be forced to push it across or around the edge of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. In the case of pets or cats you may have to block its path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to configure in the app).

The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here employ object detection to see what is in front of them even in dim lighting. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting.

Self-Emptying Bases

Self-emptying bases are beneficial, especially if you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days of trash, which means they should be emptied more frequently than the bin on the robot's own.

Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature, including iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately except if it's with the robot vacuum.

A self-emptying base will not only save you time, but also cost on dust bags. It also keeps your home spotless. Certain bases have separate filters for capturing allergens. These may need to cleaned regularly, Best Robot Vacuum based on the manufacturer. To maintain optimal performance you should use the filters and other accessories suggested by the manufacturer.

The suction power of a robot is a different factor to consider. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies follow, some offer Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the machine's performance. Generally speaking, the higher the Pa rating is, the more powerful the vacuum.

A quality robot should include features that are simple to use and a user guide that is easy to understand. A well-written manual can assist you in learning the basics and resolve common issues, which is important as these machines aren't inexpensive. Find a comprehensive manual that explains how to set up as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able to view a list of all available settings and set them according to rooms, zones or floors. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even allow you to voice-command the robot. Several popular brands let you make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. Then, if you forget to complete the task, the robot will resume where it started.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for a long time on a single charge of batteries. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically when they reach their base without having to drag them back to their base. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100 minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes and will give you enough time to clean your whole apartment on one move.

The typical dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be empty every couple of cleans. This can be a daunting task, especially if have a large residence or pet hair on your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums could help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin and even blow and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next vacuuming session.

Many robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines generally don't have the amount of suction as a traditional vacuum has and are more prone to squishy with spills of liquid.

If you're looking for a robot that can mop and auto vacuum, you should consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both of high-quality and provide an excellent value. Both models are equipped with high levels of suction and come with a large, self-emptying station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our top two robots, and so they might not be able to tackle your entire home on a single charge.

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

Easy Maintenance

While robot vacuums can save you time and effort, they also require regular maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For instance, select a model with a self-emptying bin to cut down on the number instances you need to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is particularly helpful for pet owners who shed a lot or if you often forget to mop and sweep.

The majority of our top picks have additional features that reduce the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and remains on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots in your home, so it slows down to clean them thoroughly.

Certain models let you set a cleaning schedule and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Some models have advanced software which can learn the layout of your home and help you navigate around obstacles. However, you'll be charged a premium for these features.

You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on floors made of wood to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum carpeting and hardwoods. Like most things when you're looking for more features you will pay more however, there are options for every budget.

Whether you just need a basic bump-androll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you're on vacation, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and best robot vacuum can maneuver around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.

For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic hoovers mops and our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums. Be sure to keep track of our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your Christmas delivery will arrive on time.