While high-end robotic vacuum cleaners have impressive features and reliable performance, not everyone needs or wants to spend a lot of money on this thing. This guide focuses on the best robotic vacuum cleaners for under $500 that make your life easier without breaking the bank. If you want to buy one within the budget to get the best performance ever, you should continue reading.
Are Robot Vacuum Cleaners Necessary?
Before you start looking for a robot vacuum cleaner, you should first determine whether a robot vacuum is necessary for your needs. You may be interested in getting robot vacuum cleaners since you will have more free time instead of doing household chores such as vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping the floor. If those are your only purposes, this device can be an excellent addition to your home.
However, not all robot vacuums are as useful as you might think. This is especially important when talking about budget vacuum cleaners, which are typically not included with the newest and modern features. In fact, this price range is typically added with features from previous flagship models. This means, while you can expect it to have useful features, they are not the best for deep cleaning or having the most advanced navigation system. It may not have the best connectivity either.
All robot vacuum cleaners rely heavily on the included sensors to complete their main function of cleaning the floor. However, different price points provide different advantages.
Now let us talk about power. While robot vacuum cleaners are ideal for cleaning hard floors, they might struggle with carpets. Even the most powerful, high-end, and sophisticated ones are not perfect, especially when it comes to deep cleaning. Sand, powder, and small particles stuck on the carpet can’t be completely removed, even after going through the same dirty area several times. This means that if most of your home flooring is covered with carpet and receives deep stains on a regular basis, you should choose a regular vacuum cleaner over a robot vacuum.
The next thing to consider is navigation ability, specifically the obstacle avoidance system. Without a proper system, your robot vacuum cleaner will get tangled in obstacles and will be unable to continue doing its job. Some devices don’t even have an automatic shutdown. When it gets stuck, the robot may overheat unnecessarily. Of course, you can remove any obstacles that may tangle your robot. However, this defeats the purpose of using a robotic cleaner in the first place.
If you have a limited budget, expect your robot vacuum to move randomly without seeing or recognizing the objects in your home. Make sure to clear all the obstacles up before scheduling the robot for cleanup. This applies even if you have a precision navigation system that uses gyroscopes and memory to create an efficient route.
Basically, if you are looking for a low-budget vacuum cleaner, you should do a few things before deploying the robot: clean up the clutter, limit the space by closing the door or putting up a barrier in the areas you want, and fully charge the robot.
Following that, you will need to do additional deep cleaning tasks such as vacuuming or mopping the floors. Finally, depending on the device model you choose, you should perform regular maintenance on it, such as changing pads, emptying the dustbin, replacing parts, and so on. Generally, most issues are caused by a lack of diligent maintenance.
Now that you have decided you need a budget option within $500, it is time to look at some of the key features that are commonly available in this price range. We will also list features to avoid unless they offer good use or value.
Important Key Features
- Navigation System
Robot vacuum cleaners can navigate around the house in four different ways. They include the random movement algorithm, smart movement algorithm, VSLAM, and LiDAR. Let’s look into each of them individually.
Most budget robot cleaners come with a random movement system. This is the least recommended navigation system when getting a new device because it is inefficient, easily stuck, and sometimes can be annoying. However, robot vacuum cleaners based on this system are significantly less expensive compared to the higher models. It also works well in a small, uncluttered room.
The next navigation system is known as smart movement algorithm. This is an upgraded random movement because it includes additional sensors such as gyroscopes. This ensures that the robot vacuum follows a straight line, just like the robot using LiDAR. However, it is not perfect because it can’t see objects in front of it or map the room. However, it is far more useful than a randomly moving robot if you compare the two models.
If you are looking for a decent navigation system, robot vacuum cleaners with VSLAM (Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) can improve how your device cleans your room. With VSLAM, the robot can map the room, and it can efficiently move between rooms in your home. The way VSLAM works is by using a camera pointing to the ceiling and calculating the distance using the image it captures. Since it receives the data using a camera, it is important to have a room with enough lighting to make the cleaner work properly. The darker the room, the less accurate it calculates the room. That is why some people complain their robot cleaners can’t map the house very well.
The best navigation system for robot vacuum cleaners is LiDAR. While exploring the house, the robot maps the room using a laser that circles 360 degrees at regular intervals. It can quickly map your room down to the smallest detail, including table legs, toys, cables, and other scattered items, even if the robot has no idea what those things are. The advanced navigation system works with a camera and AI to determine whether or not the object in front of it can be cleaned. This AI works as an obstacle avoidance system and is commonly found in medium to high-end robot vacuum cleaners.
You should expect your ideal robot to have at least a VSLAM or LiDAR system. Unless you have a small room and are willing to put in extra effort for deep cleaning, don’t bother with old navigation systems that use jargon or marketing names for algorithm-based systems because it may sound really good, but it is not.
- Cleaning System
The best robot vacuum cleaners should have brushes near the suction port. The brush works by removing dirt, sand, and other debris from the floor, allowing the vacuum to work more efficiently.
Now, consider a robot with no brush running around randomly in a large room, do you believe it can clean the room perfectly? It won’t. A good robot vacuum needs both a brush and strong suction. That means you should check that it has a brush at the bottom near the suction port before buying one.
This cleaning system is marketed as triple cleaning, triple level cleaning, dual brush cleaning, and other similar terms. It is actually just about how the robot handles dirt. It starts by capturing dirt with the spinning side brush, followed by an upward brush that leads to the suctioning port.
In addition to the brush, you should probably consider its mopping ability. Indeed, the budget robot vacuum cleaner (under $200) may not include such luxury features. However, if your budget is somewhat between $200 and $500, you should consider the mopping feature
You can read some reviews in which the device leaves smudges on the floor instead of cleaning them. This happens because it has a low-quality pad that leaves dirt behind.
The worst part is that it can leave a streak mark on your beautiful hardwood floors. It is also possible that you didn’t clean the pad very well. Some models might need manual cleaning of the pad, which you must keep moist. Don’t hesitate to replace it if it starts to deform or fails.
Second, it needs to keep your carpet clean. If your floor is partly covered in carpet, the robotic vacuum cleaners will most likely try to clean it as well. If you don’t check your carpet when it is time to mop, it may become wet and moldy. Thus, it is better if your robotic vacuum cleaner can keep the wet mopping pads from touching your carpet.
Budget Robot vacuum cleaners usually have the ability to lift the mopping pads when climbing onto a carpet. Meanwhile, higher-end models can place the pads on top of the unit to keep the carpet dry.
- Suctioning Power
Obviously, choosing the one with the most powerful is always a good option. However, you don’t need the extra power, especially if your home is mostly hard floor. This is because modern robot vacuum cleaners have enough power to clean up both small and large debris.
They can’t, however, clean carpets perfectly. Even the most expensive robot vacuum cleaners can only remove about 70% of deep stains on carpets. Meanwhile, a regular hand-held corded vacuum cleaner can remove up to 95% or more. No matter which robot vacuum cleaners you choose, they will not completely remove the stain from the carpet. However, it can help you get started before performing a deep cleaning.
If you want your robot to roughly clean the carpet surface, choose one with a higher power, such as 4000 Pascal or higher. As the robot has already taken the first step for you, you will be able to clean the rest of the stain with less effort.
- Automatic Dirt Disposal
$500 is not a cheap price, and you should look for robot vacuums with automatic dirt disposal within this budget. That is because it will make your life much easier. You don’t have to be constantly reminded to clean up the dustbin simply because it is already full.
If you live in a house that gets dirty frequently, automatic dirt disposal is highly recommended. Otherwise, you should just stick with a regular vacuum cleaner because the effort is nearly the same.
When considering one with automatic dirt disposal, you will most likely have two options. One uses a disposable bag, while the other doesn’t. It is, again, recommended to select the one who doesn’t use a disposable bag. However, that might be too much to ask.
Best Robot Vacuum Cleaners Under $500
After finding out the key requirements for the best robot vacuum cleaners that meet your needs, here are some recommended products under $500 to consider
The devices mentioned on the list are based on the performance to value ratio that they provide. Within this price range, you should be able to find the one that best meets your needs.
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.
Our Conclusion
You can go all-in for the best robot vacuum on the market, or you can save money and buy multiple units at once. It is all your choice.
When it comes to selecting the best device, remember the one with stronger suction, for example, is more effective at removing carpet stains.
Some 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.