Gone are the days when you had to drag around canisters and plastic hoses just to get your floors clean. Robot vacuums have come to stay, and they are an innovative and tech-savvy way to get rid of dust, pet hair, and debris in your home without moving from the couch, which is always great.
While many robot vacuums are expensive, the good news is you don’t need to break the bank and if you are on a tight budget, you can still find a good machine. In this article, we have put together a list of the 8 best robot vacuum under $250 and with some tips and things to look out for when buying cheap robot vacuums.
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Last update on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features to Look for in Affordable Robot Vacuums
Before choosing a budget robot vacuum, there are certain factors you need to consider. These will include battery life, route planning, size, auto navigation, etc.
Other features like AI-powered obstacle avoidance, remote home monitoring, camera, home mapping, automatic self-emptying of the bin, etc., can be found in high-end robot vacuum models. However, some other basic stuff like app and voice control can be obtainable with the right choice.
Though you cannot get robot vacuum models with all the smart attributes in every price point, even below $250, you can still get efficient robot vacuums that get the job done. What you need to focus on is what matters most to you when purchasing a robot vacuum.
Best Budget Robot Vacuums
1. ILIFE V3s Max
The ILIFE V3s Max robot vacuum is a reliable and efficient hybrid model that works both as a vacuum and mop simultaneously.
The robot features an array of sophisticated sensors which allow it to understand its position in relation to objects in the environment. This makes it capable of navigating the room in an orderly manner and ensures that it won’t bump into obstacles while cleaning.
To tackle dirt and debris with ease, the V3s features up to 2000 pascals of suction power for Spot mode only. The dust bin capacity is impressive – 600 ml and I love the 3-stage filtration system on the dustbin. this means fine particles and dust are locked at the beach so it won’t get clogged easily. Also, the dustbin can be replaced with a 1000 ml disposable dust bag if needed.
Like most robot vacuums, the ILIFE V3s Max robot is programmed to return to its base when it gets low in juice. The robot vacuum has a 90-minute runtime, which is more than enough to clean a small apartment.
In summary, the ILIFE V3s robot vacuum is an efficient and reliable machine that lets you get rid of dirt quickly and effortlessly.
- Delivers exceptional performance on bare floors
- Vacuums and mops your floors simultaneously
- Comes with an oversized dustbin that you can exchange with a 1000-mL dust bag
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Unable to create no-go zones and doesn’t respect existing boundaries
- Smartphone integration lacks versatility
- May still bump against small obstacles, including chair legs
- Performance in carpets leaves much to be desired
Last update on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. iRobot Roomba 614
The Roomba 614 is a top rated robot vacuum that’s been giving other leading brands serious competition. The most attractive feature of the Roomba, for many buyers, is its low cost and high-functioning design so it can be used by just about everyone in any lifestyle or home situation.
The AeroVac technology it uses ensures thorough cleaning of all floors and surfaces, but it works best on hardwood floors and carpets.
The iRobot 614 also has easy navigation qualities that allow it to effectively get under furniture and clean debris and dust from all spots you give it access to. The iRobot does not require any settings or programming and doesn’t come with a remote controller. At the push of a button, the vacuuming will begin.
This product is ideal for you if you don’t care about all the frills and extra stuff that come with more advanced and pricey robot vacuums.
- Easy to operate
- Cleans under furniture
- Long run time
- Doesn’t cost much money
- Effective
- It clogs easily
- Noisy
Last update on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. GOOVI D380 Robot Vacuum
No products found.The Goovi D380 is another budget friendly robot vacuum that gives you value for your money. It offers multiple clean options with a two-sided rotating brush that help gather pet hair, debris and dust effectively. It has a suction power of 1600Pa for a run time of 120 minutes, effective for cleaning hair, nutshells, pet food, etc.
Goovi D380 has obstacle detection elements that allow it to avoid bumps, and that protects it from a fall or collision with a wall by slowing down and changing direction when it gets close to these hindrances. This product comes with a one-year warranty and is certainly a good option on a budget.
For more information check out our full Goovi D380 review.
- Automatic return to docking station when low on power
- A side brush for thorough cleaning
- Batteries can be replaced
- Remote controlled with event scheduler and start/stop timers for the cleaning cycles
- No battery indicator
- Random cleaning pattern
No products found.
4. Eufy Robovac by Anker, BoostIQ RoboVac 11S
The Eufy RoboVac 11S is just 2.85 inches high, making it one of the market’s slimmest robot vacuums. This sleek feature allows it to get under beds, furniture, couch, and other corners where most bot vacuums cannot reach, and can work on tiles as carpets. Its powerful 1300Pa suction strength is good for its slim size and makes it a very reliable model.
The Eufy RoboVac 11S can run for more than 1 hour 30 minutes after charge, capable enough to clean two rooms at once. This Eufy Robovac model has infrared virtual tentacles that help it dodge obstacles while on duty.
The Eufy Robovac 11S also has pre-programmable sessions and a remote controller, so you can just set when it should work, or its start times and stop times while you go about your day. In short, the Eufy Robovac 11s is a very noiseless bot you can operate with ease.
See more information as we compare the Eufy Robovac 11s vs the 11s MAX.
- Operates quietly
- Very affordable
- Long operational period
- Highly effective
- Gets stuck on random objects sometimes
- Difficult to maintain
Last update on 2023-09-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. ILIFE A4s Pro Robot Vacuum
The iLife A4S pro robot vacuum is equipped with the powerful suction of 2000Pa in spot mode and 1500Pa power in max mode for a minimum runtime of 140 minutes that makes it a great upgrade on the former model, the A4S.
It is ideal for pet owners and homes with children because of its efficiency in picking up the never-ending stream of dog hair, debris, crumbs, and dust from different floor types with its adjustability properties for floors.
It can also go under kitchen furniture, tables, and couches, and its dustbin capacity is big enough so don’t have to empty it constantly.
With its super silent feature, scheduling capacity, and other nice qualities, the A4S pro might not be what you’d call a smart robot vacuum, but they are affordable robot vacuums, and that makes it worth it.
- Compact
- Easy setup and use
- Multiple cleaning modes and moderate specs
- Long battery life
- Automatic charge docking
- Lacks app control
- Simple design
Last update on 2024-05-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Proscenic 850T
The Proscenic 850T has a range of 3000Pa for dirt absorption, making it one of the best robot vacuums below a $250 budget. It has three adjustable levels that allow it clean optimally, adapting according to the surface it’s about to clean. It is also equipped with anti-fall sensors, which protect it from running into impediments.
It has Alexa and a Google Home option which means you can control it by voice command, Wi-Fi connection, and remote controller. The Proscenic robot vacuum also comes with a 500ml dustbin, so you don’t have to worry about frequent removal of the garbage. This product has a 300ml electric water tank that gives it the ability to mop and vacuum simultaneously if you require.
It also has strip indicators to mark barriers on what parts of the house it should and shouldn’t get into. So, with an impressive battery life of 2600mAh and up to 120 minutes of run time to boot amidst other specs, the Proscenic 850T is a sweet deal and a very easy product cast in this list.
See more on this model in our full Proscenic 850T review.
- Multiple cleaning modes
- Very powerful suction
- Affordable
- Wi-Fi connected
- No mapping
Last update on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. Yeedi k650 Robot Vacuums
The Yeedi K650 boasts of an 800ml dustbin, 2000Pa suction, and over two hours of run time, making it the best budget robot vacuum when it comes to battery life, with a very impressive design at a very cheap rate. This vacuum bot is good for pet hairs, carpets, and hard floors. It has four suction levels and can be very noiseless when working.
It is also WiFi connected, and you can use the app or Alexa voice command feature to control its functions. The Yeedi performs cleaning functions in random patterns, navigating through furniture, obstructions, stairs, and walls with its superb onboard sensing elements.
The vacuum is equipped with an app that reports the cleaning progress, battery life, areas cleaned, etc., in real-time, so you don’t have to physically inspect the bot while it’s working. You can restrict it to only areas you want it to clean using the barrier-marker feature. It has detectors for boundary strips to help it avoid marked areas.
- One of the largest capacity dustbins in the market
- WiFi and smartphone-connected
- Less noise
- Voice and app control
- Does not have mapping options
- High maintenance
Last update on 2024-05-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
8. Coredy R650
The Coredy R650 robot vacuum comes with remote control and doesn’t fully depend on internet connectivity to work.
It uses Boost-Intelligent technology that allows it to automatically increase suction when it comes across a tougher surface. It has a 2500Pa suction power, making it suitable for all kinds of flooring. It comes with magnetic boundary strips, HEPA filter, remote controller, charging dock, and power adapter.
This robot vacuum guarantees 120 minutes of continuous performance, with its 2600mAh battery capacity, noiselessness, and protective bits to shield it from falls and obstacles.
Coming at a price below $250, this device doesn’t have it all, but you may want to consider it if cleaning performance on your floors is the basic priority.
See more on this model in our full Proscenic Coredy R650 review.
- Good battery performance
- Easy to Assemble
- HEPA filter dustbin
- Very affordable
- Effective on different floor types
- Pet hair can get entangled in the brushes
- Too high maintenance
Last update on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Guide & FAQs
Key Points for Consideration Before Buying a Cheap Robot Vacuum
When shopping for the best cheap robot vacuums is your intention, make sure to outline your needs and preferences before making a choice.
A cheap robot vacuum makes up for the absence of fancy extras with substantial qualities like performance, battery life, etc. To make up for the difference in costs, the most important factors to consider on any robot vacuum deals include:
Battery Life
The average run time for most budget robot vacuums is 60 minutes, but you can get those that can last for over 90 minutes. The Yeedi K650 can run for 130 minutes, and it is the best in terms of battery life among the models we have reviewed here.
Route Planning
Smart navigation allows for more efficient and detailed house cleaning, leaving straight, neat lines on the carpet without direct assistance.
App Connectivity
The whole idea of a robot vacuum is for you to remotely control your bot with your smartphone while it carries out commands. Having a Wi-Fi-connected robot vacuum, you can set the cleaning schedule, start and stop time, and even the house areas where cleaning is required, all on your phone.
You can get cheap robot vacuums that support Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant like the Proscenic 850T and has voice control features.
Performance and Suction
The suction power of robot vacuums is everything. Most of the best cheap robot vacuums out there make up for their lack of high-tech qualities with capacities for creating great pressure differences.
Longevity
It would be best if you considered how long each bot could last and go for the ones with longer warranties and life spans. Because of the material inferiority of these cheap robot vacuum models, compared to more expensive ones, some are prone to break within a short while and require replacements and maintenance. The Eufy Robovac and Yeedi K650 are some of these fragile bots.
FAQs
Why should I choose a robot vacuum cleaner?
Robot cleaners are innovative options to clean the house faster and with less stress. A few reasons why you should consider getting one of these bots are ease of use, efficiency and time-saving. Of course, we have many more as we lay out here: Are Robot Vacuums any Good?
How do robot vacuums work?
A good robot vacuum uses built-in motherboards and sensors to navigate around the floors of your home and take note of the mappings while cleaning debris and dust. These elements prevent it from falling or running into walls while house cleaning. While many of them use remote control and voice recognition features, some can be operated manually, but they all perform the same tasks.
How long does it take for robot vacuums to recharge?
The average charge time for robot vacuums is 2 hours, but its runtime depends on the brand and model.
Does my robot vacuum require cleaning and maintenance?
Yes. Sometimes pet hairs and other debris can get stuck within the vacuum and may require cleaning. You need to always ensure your robot vacuum is clean and maintained to ensure that it lasts long. They come with guides on how to clean, maintain, and operate the devices.
Final Thoughts
Here, we have put together some of the best cheap robot vacuums available below the $250 price range. At least as far as housecleaning goes, most affordable robot vacuums are just as effective as the more expensive options. Just be sure to not get trapped in the many unnecessary details that manufacturers put on the box when you’re making your choice.
Also, while it is subject to your personal preferences, we highly recommend the iRobot Roomba 614 because it offers easy set-up and use functions, long battery life, and powerful suction at the best price.
It is good on rugs, carpets and other types of floors and floorings, has great navigation abilities, is very reliable, and easy to repair. The Roomba hardly gets stuck and can clean three rooms at once when fully charged. That’s a lot for less than $250, you know?
Emma Marie is a valued writer at the Little Robot Shop. She studied robotics and deeply understands technology, which shows in her writing. She consistently produces high-quality content, making her a perfect fit for the Little Robot Shop team.
While not writing, Emma works in a popular electronics retail chain. Emma also enjoys running and has two dogs with whom she loves spending time.
