CHOICE tests robot vacs from popular brands including Dyson, Ecovacs, Roborock, Dreame, Eufy and more
We compare their cleaning skills on various surfaces, assess their mopping and pet hair removal performance, and rate their apps to find the best performers under $700
Join CHOICE to access full reviews of robot, stick and barrel vacuums
The war on housework never ends, so it’s no surprise that many of us are turning to robots for reinforcements. Sadly though, these dust-busting droids don’t come cheap, with many models sporting price tags between $2000–4000.
It’s an eye-watering amount, but also not surprising given these roving robots use a sci-fi-like array of sensors, lasers and advanced software to clean your floors and terminate dirt and debris, so you don’t have to.
“Robot vacs are definitely getting smarter and better at cleaning, but they’re getting more expensive too,” says CHOICE vacuum expert Adrian Lini, who’s been test-driving them for years.
“At the same time, some cheaper units performed surprisingly well and even outshone more expensive models in some areas, so you should never judge a product on price alone.”
Some cheaper units performed surprisingly well and even outshone more expensive models in some areas
CHOICE Expert Adrian Lini
So who wins in the clash of budget cleaning machines? CHOICE members can find out below, plus we share our expert tips for those new to this robot revolution.
The Roborock Saros Z70: Pretty handy, but sadly far pricier than $700. Image: Roborock.
The models in our latest robot vacuums test range in price from $169 for a Kmart Anko special all the way to $3999 for Roborock’s Saros Z70, which even features a mechanical claw that picks up objects off the floor.
“Usually the more you pay, the more advanced and autonomous your robot vacuum will be,” explains Adrian.
“For example, more expensive models will empty their own dirt receptacles in their charging docks, refill their mop-water tanks and even wash their mopping pads after every use.”
“Cheaper, more basic units will require you to manually empty the bin, top up the tanks and take off the mop pads and wash them in your sink.”
Robot vs traditional vacuums: How do they compare?
If you’re hoping to quit vacuuming forever, we have bad news. Years of lab testing at CHOICE has continually found that robot vacs don’t clean as well as stick or barrel vacuums, especially on carpets and along edges.
It’s not a surprise given they have smaller motors that can’t generate as much suction, smaller receptacle bins and their small brushes don’t agitate surfaces like a hand-driven cleaning head might, which is especially vital on carpets and rugs.
Of course, given you’re not the one doing the grunt work, you might be less picky – and you can always schedule your unit to clean more often to compensate.
“A good robot vac can be great for top-up cleans through the week, but we’d still recommend using a stick or barrel model to guarantee a more thorough clean,” advises Adrian.
If you’re keen for some high-tech help but a model costing a grand or more ain’t in your future anytime soon, here are the best performing bots for under $700.
They do have their shortcomings, which we reveal in their profiles below, but if it suits your house and helps in the fight for clean floors, they might be just what you need.
The list of top performers is only available to our members. If you’re not already a member, sign up to reveal the best budget models, plus gain access to all our expert reviews.
Jason Treuen is a Content producer and editor at CHOICE. Previously at CHOICE, he worked as a Content specialist and Audience engagement editor.
Find Jason on LinkedIn.
Jason Treuen is a Content producer and editor at CHOICE. Previously at CHOICE, he worked as a Content specialist and Audience engagement editor.
Find Jason on LinkedIn.
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