Sorry for making you wait for a long time
2 years for updating/checking & testing new robot vacuum cleaners. This Spring of 2024, we finally finished
Best Robot Vacuum Cleaners Under $500
After 2 years and 11 months of testing, with the help of 127 testers from CA, Denver and New York, here are some recommended products under $500 by our Experts
The robots mentioned on the list are based on the performance to value ratio that they provide. Within this price range, we hope you can find your ideal right hand for your dream apartment
Enjoy!
Roborock Q5 Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Main Features
Manufacturers of robot vacuums introduce some new innovations in 2024. There have been some updates to the top product line, and as a result, older products, including the Roboroc Q5 Pro, have dropped in price.
This model is a strong contender in 2024, as it uses LiDAR to create detailed maps of the home it is assigned to. Furthermore, given its 5500 Pascal suction power, the battery life is surprisingly long.
Pros and Cons
It is quite rare to find a vacuum cleaner with LiDAR at this price point. However, Roborock are willing to provide it to you. Within a minute or two, you can easily get a detailed map of your home. The setup is simple and straightforward, and you can then use the device to finish the job.
Another advantage is the high suction power, which allows you to clean the floor and even carpets. While other vacuum robots struggle to clean carpets, Roborock Q5 can handle it with ease, making it worth the price.
Despite the high-end features it possesses, Roborock Q5 lacks some capabilities. First and foremost, it lacks a mopping feature. Yes, you read it correctly. This robotic vacuum cleaner only sweeps and vacuums dirt and debris from the floor.
Furthermore, the brush used in this unit is based on the previous old model. It doesn’t work well with hair and fur, which is unfortunate if you have pets. The good news is that you can replace the brush with a newer version and get slightly better results.
Customers love this product because it performs as expected. It cleans quite well, and the app installation goes smoothly. Integration with smart home systems such as Google or Alexa is also simple, and the software issue that usually comes with vacuum robots is non-existent. People believe that Roborock Q5 is decent value for the price.
One technical issue you may find is that this Robot vacuum doesn’t work on dark or patterned carpets. It can be fixed by applying reflective tape to the sensor. However, it doesn’t always work. Another option is to skip the carpet at all, even if it is disappointing if you were expecting to get it done as well.
Recommendation
This robot vacuum cleaner comes highly recommended due to its relatively low price and excellent performance. It performs well on both hardwood and carpet surfaces. As this robot doesn’t support floor mopping, you may want to increase your budget a bit more to get a vacuum with a mopping feature, especially if your home has a lot of hard floors.
iRobot Roomba 694
Main Features
The Roomba 600 series are well-known for their budget-friendly price and high-performance vacuum cleaners. It is one of the best models under $500 to rely on, particularly if you live in a small house or apartment.
The 3-stage cleaning system design from Roomba makes it ideal for basic tasks like cleaning debris, large or small. Dual multi-surface brushes can also collect dirt and debris from carpets and hard floors. Another unique feature is Dirt Detect Technology, which returns to the previous position if there is still a significant amount of dirt to clean. Using the Roomba 600 series, your floor will be spotlessly clean.
Pros and Cons
Dirt Detect Technology works exceptionally well on hard floors and even carpet. Since this technology allows Roomba to focus on the dirtiest part of your floor, you no longer have to be concerned about stained floors, unless you need to mop them.
The next good thing about Roomba is the WiFi option. It improves the user experience by allowing you to access your robot vacuum from anywhere. What is more important is that you will be aware when it gets stuck. As a result, you can help untangle it or fix it so that it works normally as it should. The app also allows you to easily create cleaning schedules.
The Roomba 600 series is the best friend for low-budget homeowners who want to keep their floors clean. Unfortunately, this unit lacks a sophisticated navigation system. It still follows a random movement pattern. It will work as long as the battery is above 10% before returning to the docking station.
As mentioned above, over 22.000 units have been sold for this model, showing that the Roomba 600 series is a reliable cleaning companion that people like to have at home. Most people are pleased because it effectively removes debris, hair, dust, and other particles. It doesn’t replace a true HEPA vacuum, which prevents dust from returning to the air. However, it is still good. Its slim design allows it to fit through small gaps underneath a table or cabinet toe kick.
What people dislike about the product are the durability and quality. This product can get louder at times. The thing that makes it worse is the fact that the Roomba 600 series lacks an excellent navigation system. It needs to touch or bump the wall while exploring the room, it may not be a problem if it happens only once or twice, but after a while it will leave marks on your wall and the device itself.
Recommendation
iRobot Roomba 600 series is a legendary model for its reliable performance. However, the lack of LiDAR navigation system makes this unit less efficient and quite noisy when it is in operation. This robot vacuum cleaner is best suited for houses with smaller rooms. Despite the downsides, it can still clean the floor effectively before the battery dies.
Dreametech D10
Main Features
Dreame and iRobot joined the Xiaomi Ecological Chain, and they share similar characteristics. However, there are some notable differences with this feature-rich robot vacuum cleaner. Obstacle avoidance is a special feature that any robot vacuum should have. This feature prevents your robot from colliding with objects such as socks, table legs, cables, toys, pet foods, pets, and other items you found on the floor.
Another important feature in this model is the automatic dust tank cleaning. The docking station will collect the debris that D10 has captured, giving you the freedom to not clean up the unit.
Pros and Cons
The first advantage is undoubtedly the combination of LiDAR and obstacle avoidance systems. Both increase efficiency when cleaning the house. It can quickly learn and map your home, and it will not disturb other items scattered on the floor.
This robot vacuum cleaner is an extremely intelligent cleaning companion. Despite the fact that it stores dirt and dust in disposable bags, the auto-empty bin system works well. Another useful feature is the ability to capture fur and hair. Though the model comes in budget-friendly price, it performs admirably.
Even though it sounds an ideal choice, there are a few drawbacks for you to consider from this product. The suction doesn’t work particularly well in crevices. That means that if your floor isn’t perfectly flat, it may miss some dirt and debris.
Shedding season is no longer a nightmare after D10 is deployed on the floor. It does an excellent job of cleaning hair and fur from the carpet, and the automatic emptying system runs smoothly.
The obstacle avoidance sensor also works most of the time, preventing the unit from getting stuck in unusual places. There are only a few unhappy people among those who are happy buying the device. They are unhappy because the units they bought don’t work at all. Many people suggested that it was due to firmware or software issues. However, since robot vacuum cleaners require control via smartphone or remote controller, this type of issue is common to all models. When the connection fails or there is a bug, the unit is impacted as well.
Recommendation
D10 definitely has interesting features that high-end vacuum cleaners have. That means that with a price slightly under $500, it is a good investment if you want a more automated vacuum cleaner. Basically, it offers the best value for money, and you can reap the benefits. However, you should consider the software issues, which can be inconvenient for the users.
Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S MAX
Main Features
Eufy Robot Vacuum is well-known for its BoostIQ mode. It is one of three modes that is automatically active when it detects carpeting. As cleaning carpet demands more suction power, the BoostIQ mode makes cleaning carpet much easier.
The max version has some nice features, one of which is the more powerful suction capability. 11s Max is rated at 2000 Pascal, whereas 11s, for example, is only 1300 Pascal.
Pros and Cons
RoboVac 11S Max undoubtedly has interesting features. The BoosIQ improves cleaning efficiency, especially in homes with hard floors and carpeted surfaces. This price of the unit is also significantly lower than its competitors. This could be why it dominates the low-budget market.
Despite its affordable price, this robot has some quirks that you should be aware of. First of all, it continues to use a random navigation system. It may get stuck if the room is not sufficiently cleared. Your robot will also bang on the wall as it explores the room, which can be loud at times. The remote controller may also be uncomfortable for some users because controlling the robot via smartphone is much easier and more practical way.
The customer service of this brand is surprisingly good. They are responsive and willing to provide solutions for defective products. Aside from that, customers are generally happy with the product for its ability to clean the house exceptionally well. Even during the shedding season, the strong suction power will clean hair and fur from the floor and carpet.
To ensure that your robotic vacuum cleaner lasts as long as possible, you are always expected to perform proper maintenance. Otherwise, it will stop working after some time. Also, you should prepare the floor before deploying the device to make sure that it doesn’t work too hard which could drain the battery life.
Recommendation
RoboVac 11 Max has a more powerful suctioning capability than its sibling. However, you have to give this robot special attention before using it. This unit that is priced at less than $200, can serve as your first robot vacuum cleaner, especially if you have a small room.
Shark AV752 ION Robot Vacuum
Main Features
Shark AV752 Ion offers powerful suction and a tri-brush system to clean your room. It is essentially a system that directs dirt into the cleaning path while collecting larger debris at the suctioning port. This allows it to clean the floor more efficiently.
Another cool feature this model has is a bumper sensor, which keeps the device from getting stuck and scratching the wall. This excellent feature is completed by a cliff sensor, which prevents the robot from falling.
Pros and Cons
With its strong suction and side brush, Shark AV752 Ion can easily vacuum heavier and larger debris such as cat litter. It is also effective for deep cleaning carpets because it can easily lift stuck particles.
Another advantage is that it cleans up a small room easily despite the lack of sophisticated navigation systems like LiDAR and VSLAM.
The navigation system is undoubtedly one of the major drawbacks of this model. However, at under $200, you shouldn’t expect too much. Because the vacuum moves randomly inside the house, there is a possibility that it may not clean the entire room perfectly. As a result, you may need to run Shark AV752 Ion more often to make sure the whole floor is covered.
Another complaint about this nice robot vacuum cleaner is that hair can get tangled in the brush. After cleaning the house, it is better for you to clean it up to ensure it will work properly for the next cleaning schedule.
Many people have bought this product, and their feedback is excellent. It works well, particularly in a dirty house. Running every 3 or 4 days can produce excellent results without needing you to do anything yourself. The app also benefits you as it allows you to control the robot from a distance while tracking the progress of it cleaning the room.
While the robot vacuum performs well, it occasionally gets stuck in the docking station. Even when the battery is low, it doesn’t always return, which means you might need to do it yourself to connect the device with the docking. However, this is a common issue with any other robot vacuum cleaner, and it is understandable, especially given the price that is affordable for most people.
Recommendation
Shark AV752 Ion holds a strong position in the market. The high suction power allows it to deep clean carpets more effectively than other vacuums at the same level and price. The long battery life also helps to balance things out of the negative impact of random navigation systems. After all, it is an excellent choice, especially if your house flooring is mostly covered with carpets.
iRobot Roomba Combo i5+
Main Features
The main selling point of this robot vacuum cleaner that comes with a price under $500 is its ability to vacuum and mop, hence the name combo. With this ability, you no longer have to worry about stains on your floor.
Another cool feature is that Roomba Combo i5+ can resume pending tasks when it needs to recharge. This feature is very useful in a larger house because it may need several swipes to clean completely.
If you don’t want to have to maintain the robot on a regular basis, Roomba Combo i5+ includes a docking station. It automatically removes dirt and dust from the house into the main bin in the docking.
Pros and Cons
With the ability to mop and vacuum, Roomba Combo i5+ is an excellent choice for cleaning your floor completely. However, this unit doesn’t mop or vacuum automatically. You have to install the appropriate attachment (vacuum or mopping) based on your needs. When you choose vacuuming, it can climb onto a carpet, whereas it can’t climb onto a carpet when in mopping mode.
The next thing to consider is that Roomba Combo i5+ doesn’t include a camera to detect obstacles in its path. It only uses the sensor underneath the unit to map the room. Though the robot vacuum behaves as if it has LiDAR or VSLAM, it may collide with anything blocking its path at some point.
Some people are unaware that there is no automatic mopping mode in this product. To change the mode, replace the bin with the correct one. Furthermore, the mopping action is not performing as expected, resulting in streaks on the floor. Yes, this is not the strongest model from iRobot. However, it is more affordable than their high-end product.
Recommendation
Roomba has a good reputation for vacuuming effectively with its dual brush. The brush and powerful suctioning system make deep cleaning carpets effortless. However, it behaves like a low-end product because it has no LiDAR sensor for a precise cleaning path. Since it behaves this way, you always have to make sure that the floor is cleared in order for the device to perform optimally.
Roborock Q7+
Main Features
Roborock Q7+ was a high-end product lineup. However, the current renewed version retains the same features and benefits, but at a significantly lower cost.
The main feature of Roborock Q7+ is its ability to mop and vacuum. Furthermore, LiDAR provides high navigation efficiency. It can cover a larger area in a shorter period of time than the average product within the same price range. With intelligent emptying modes, you don’t have to worry about dust accumulation every day. Based on the specifications, the bin can hold up to 7 weeks of daily auto-emptying cycles.
Pros and Cons
The main advantage of this model is undoubtedly the navigational efficiency. Mapping the entire room is incredibly quick. The app also allows you to control where it can and can’t go.
The app is full of features. It seems that you have complete control over this device and access to all of its features. Take the example of scheduling the robot vacuum to clean every day. Another example is that you can receive notifications when certain parts need to be replaced. This notification helps you avoid the worst-case scenario from happening.
This could be the most recommended robot vacuum cleaner under $500. However, it doesn’t have a camera to detect obstacles in its path. It only relies on LiDAR and avoids objects that have been saved in its memory without being able to identify these objects.
Recommendation
With the price drop, this device is a true beast compared with the price tag. The suction power is impressive, and it can even clean a carpet very well. The convenience features, such as the auto-cleanup dustbin and anti-stuck movement pattern, are a true blessing for busy homeowners. Roborock Q7+ is without doubt the best robot vacuum cleaner for the price under 500 bucks.
Regardless of all the features it has, you are still expected to maintain it properly. It is recommended that you perform proper maintenance on a regular basis. The app will tell you when, but before anything bad happens, you should check how Roborock Q7+ is doing and see if there is anything wrong with it.
The Models we removed from the list
Well, we update our list rarely, but it does not mean we don’t
Sometimes because it’s about the price!
- Eufy X10 Pro Omni
- Roborock Q Revo
- The SwitchBot S10
- updating….
Our Conclusion
You can go all-in for the high-end robot vacuum cleaner on the market, or you can save money and buy multiple units at once. It is all your choice. And not about the money, the time matter! Spend days or even months for finding the best, well, we hope you don’t
Note that the one with stronger suction, for example, is more effective at removing carpet stains.
Some robot models are just enough for a small room, while others are recommended for larger houses. Smaller houses with smaller rooms can use a cheaper robot vacuum with random movement because the robot can still cover all space easily. You can save money this way because the ones without LiDAR or VSLAM are significantly less expensive. If you have a large area to cover, you will need a robot vacuum with a better sensor, including a camera, to avoid hitting unnecessary objects.
Some of the recommended units listed above have been renewed, which means they are not fresh units because a newer version has been released.
However, it is important to note that the quality remains the same. The difference is that the price has been significantly reduced due to older models that tend to cost you less than the new ones. Therefore, they are still worth buying.