Buying guide · Updated Sep 27, 2026
Under $300 you can now get LiDAR mapping — room-by-room cleaning and no-go zones — and even a self-emptying dock. What you give up is obstacle avoidance, real mopping and hot-water mop washing.
We rank budget robots on value first, then suction, navigation, hands-free maintenance and pet hair. Prices are Amazon snapshots and change often.
| Robot | Suction | Height | Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Dreame D20 Air PlusBest overall | 20,000 Pa | 3.73 in | 6.5 | Amazon |
| #2 | iRobot Roomba 115X Combo + AutoEmptyRunner-up | 15,000 Pa | — | 5.8 | Amazon |
| #3 | Tikom L8000 PlusAlso great | 6,000 Pa | 3.7 in | 5.5 | Amazon |
| #4 | Roborock Q7 M5+ | 10,000 Pa | 3.9 in | 5.5 | Amazon |
Best overall
Why it's here: Our top budget pick: flagship suction and a four-month dock for under $250.
Runner-up
Why it's here: At $200 it's one of the best deals in robot vacuums; at full price, look elsewhere.
Also great
Why it's here: The best-value self-emptying robot here — hard to beat for about $210.
Pick #4
Why it's here: A proven self-emptying workhorse, but the Dreame D20 Air Plus gives more for less.
Ranked lower on this guide's criteria.
LiDAR robots map rooms and clean in neat lines. Cheaper gyro robots bounce around and miss spots.
Worth it if you have pets or a big home; otherwise you'll empty a small bin every few runs.
Budget robots rarely avoid obstacles. Pick up cables and socks before each run.
Budget mops are damp pads that don't lift. Great for dust, not for sticky messes or homes with rugs.
Yes, if you pick one with LiDAR mapping. The difference from random-bounce robots is huge.
In our catalog, the Dreame D20 Air Plus and Tikom L8000 Plus offer self-emptying docks for roughly $210–$230 at our last price check.
Typically a few years, with brushes, filters and side brushes replaced every few months. Check that replacement parts are easy to buy.