The Best Robot Vacuums for Under $300

Robot vacuums offer fantastic convenience, but at what cost? Prices vary, and some of the best are surprisingly affordable. The latest models are more feature-packed than ever. Accordingly, it’s possible to spend a small fortune on the most cutting-edge makes and models. That said, this isn’t the case across the board.

Basic examples start at under $100, with prices rising to over $1,000 for top-of-the-range models. However, many of the best robot vacuums in 2022 are mid-range options. These blend convenience, power, and affordability to offer impressive performance and functionality at a cost intended to suit the largest number of buyers.

In fact, some of the very best right now cost under $300 – less than one-third of the price of the most expensive models. When it comes to the best robot vacuums in this price bracket, three stand out, starting with the Eufy RoboVac 11S.

The first of three stand-out robot vacuums priced at under $300 is the Eufy RoboVac 11S. Costing just $199.99, the RoboVac 11S is a focused and highly capable robot vacuum on a budget. Despite this, the popular Eufy model offers fantastic versatility in addition to outstanding value for money.

Remote-controlled, the Eufy RoboVac 11S foregoes Wi-Fi connectivity and app support to focus on doing what it does best – cleaning effectively. It’s something that it’ll do for up to 100 minutes between charges, too.

The Eufy RoboVac 11S’s stripped-back approach also means it’s slimmer, lighter, and quieter than most other options. Accordingly, it performs well on various surfaces and in tight spaces. Different modes ensure optimized all-around cleaning, while the RoboVac 11S’s quiet operation means it’s unobtrusive, even on its most powerful setting.

Elsewhere, the Eufy RoboVac 11S’s remote control has options for spot cleaning and an edge mode, allowing users to easily instruct the vacuum to pay particular attention to specific areas as necessary. Ultimately, it’s a largely straightforward proposition, particularly when up against more feature-packed robot vacuums. Still, it performs exceptionally well where it counts – particularly at under $200.

While robot vacuums may never replace traditional models entirely, options like the Shark ION give the prospect their best shot. The ION, model #RV765, is among the latest robot vacuums from Shark. Unlike the RoboVac 11S from Eufy, the ION is Wi-Fi-enabled and, with that, connects to the Shark Clean app.

This added level of connectivity allows Shark ION buyers to start, stop, and schedule cleaning jobs remotely. It’s something that’s immensely useful for those who often find themselves away from home.

Of course, this added functionality contributes to the Shark ION’s higher price, but not by much. Priced at $249.99, the ION costs just $50 more than the RoboVac 11S. Other perks of choosing the slightly costlier ION include things like wheels that adjust automatically depending on the surface that’s being cleaned.

All of this does mean that the Shark ION is heavier and noisier than the cheaper Eufy RoboVac 11S. It’s also bigger and less capable of squeezing into small spaces. Be that as it may, a firm focus on energy efficiency allows the ION to run for up to two hours on a single charge, which is plenty of time for a serious clean.

When it comes to robot vacuums, Roomba manufacturer iRobot is the undisputed market leader. And while the company produces among today’s most expensive examples, that’s not the case across the board. One of its top-rated models in 2022 is the $274.99 iRobot Roomba 694.

The Roomba 694 borrows from considerably more expensive iRobot products. It also benefits from the manufacturer’s two decades of experience producing pioneering robot vacuums. Yet, it remains priced to compete with alternatives from the likes of Eufy and Shark. With the roughly $275 iRobot Roomba 694, buyers can expect much of what’s granted with the slightly cheaper Shark ION and plenty more besides.

Oddly enough, one of the iRobot Roomba 694’s biggest selling points has to be its companion app. While the Shark Clean app, for example, is fine, it’s not overly intuitive. By contrast, the Roomba app, iRobot Home, is fantastic. Essentially, it’s a reflection of the manufacturer’s place at the forefront of the robot vacuum market.

On its most powerful setting, the iRobot Roomba 694’s battery life is less than that of either the Eufy RoboVac or Shark ION. However, it automatically docks and recharges. Accordingly, once up and running, it’ll clean as and when necessary, and for as long as is required to keep a home’s floors largely free of dust, debris, crumbs, and more.

Whichever robot vacuum a buyer chooses, all come with at least a degree of limited warranty coverage. This limited warranty coverage typically lasts for 12 months. Some manufacturers sell upgraded extended warranties, as do retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy.

However, such coverage can be prohibitively expensive. At the same time, various limitations can see robot vacuum buyers left without protection when they need it the most. Thankfully, it’s possible to make alternative arrangements with Upsie.

With Upsie, consumers can tap into an ever-growing range of extended appliance warranty solutions. By bypassing manufacturers, retailers, and their middlemen, you can save up to 70 percent with Upsie.

With that, potential savings of two-thirds or more are possible on any number of small appliance warranties. That includes extended robot vacuum warranty packages and policies for dozens of other home appliances. Protection with Upsie includes complete peace of mind in the event of manufacturing defects, mechanical faults, and other failures.

Coverage is available for both new and used robot vacuums, and all policies are fully transferable. Further benefits include a $0 deductible on small appliance warranty claims and access to various repair and replacement options when customers need them. Find out more exclusively at Upsie.com.