Top pick
Best for Quiet Floors: Vexilar Robot Vacuum, Slim, Quiet, Automatic Self-Charging
Vexilar Nimble is a small robotic vacuum cleaner made to suit mop floors and low pile carpets. It runs on ultra-quiet technology, which allows it to be used during the day or at night without interrupting the activities of the household. The device offers smart connectivity, that is, you can use the voice commands via Amazon Echo or Google Home or you can control it through your smartphone. Its battery gives a maximum of 100 minutes on a single charge, and it is equipped with a remote control for manual operation. Along with the vacuum are each of the side brushes, two HEPA filters, and a cleaning tool to maintain the performance of the vacuum. Being just 4.5 inches tall the vacuum can go through under the furniture and can even get into the tight spaces.
Users mostly admit that the product is very quiet and scheduling through smart home systems is very easy. In their reviews, many point out the vacuum’s success in hardwood floors and its ability to help with daily cleaning by itself when left a while. Conversely, a few customers emphasize that the size of 0.5-liter dustbin causes the bin to fill up quickly due to pets and a high level of movement in the house. The experts, however, are saying that the cleansing pattern employed in the product is simple compared to higher-end models and as such, some parts of the room either left unclean or over the cleans are possible if the room is big or mess.
The Vexilar Nimble provides good value for money for families who want a cheap, quiet robot vacuum to do the light work. Although it has no advanced navigation or deep carpet cleaning features, it is very reliable in hard surface and consistent in daily cleaning routines. The accessories that come with the product and its smart compatibility make it an ideal choice for small to medium spaces.
Best Voice Control: iRobot Roomba E5 (5150) Robot Vacuum - Wi-Fi Connected
The iRobot E5 Robot Vacuum is a bagless vacuum cleaner that is able to handle the general dust and debris of the house. It includes voice control compatibility with Amazon Echo and Google Home so that the user can operate the vacuum hands-free. The vacuum utilizes a disk filter system and is powered by a rechargeable battery. With its compact robotic form factor, it moves through various floor materials with ease. The design is focused on the aspect of easy maintenance as the bagless bin can be emptied quickly even without the added cost for replacement bags.
Users mostly say that the E5 has good suction power and can be relied on to clean well both on hard floors as well as on carpets. Voice control integration is one of the most celebrated features of the vacuum which is convenient, especially in the middle of a busy day, in a busy household. On the other hand, some users complain that this robot does not have advanced navigation or mapping which makes it inefficient for large or complex spaces. Its taller and bulkier compared with some models hence it is not easy to handle it when moving it between floors.
The iRobot E5 is a reliable performer with user-friendly controls which makes it a good mid-range option for people who want a vacuum that can clean well and be controlled by voice assistant. It is not loaded with the premium features of higher-end models but offers strong cleaning power and manages most average-sized homes with ease.
Best for Pet Hair: Lefant M210P Robot Vacuum Cleaner,Super Thin
Lefant M210P is a small vacuum robot that is specially made for pet households. Measuring just under 3 inches in height, it can go under the bed or couch and vacuum dirt and pet hair that have been trapped there. With anti-collision and anti-fall sensors, the machine can thoroughly avoid obstacles and stairs. This vacuum supports multiple control methods such as an app, a remote, voice assistants, and manual touch, making it a versatile and user-friendly device. It comes with a 500-milliliter dustbin which means that it can carry more waste than many smaller ones. Its quiet performance makes it suitable for both daytime and nighttime cleaning.
The M210P is slim and users really like it because it can get to areas other vacuums cannot. For them, its capability to collect pet hair without a problem is a major benefit. Most of them also find it very useful that they can control it in several ways. Still, in reviews, navigation is often described as more of a random process than a systematic one which can result in longer cleaning times or the vacuum missing certain spots. The sponge filter that comes with it, although it is of good quality, will have to be maintained regularly to ensure that the suction remains strong.
The Lefant M210P is an inexpensive yet functional robotic vacuum that is the best fit for pet owners who are looking for a slim design, quiet operation, and smart connectivity, without giving up too much in terms of navigation and precision. The robot, however, does not quite match its high-end counterparts when it comes to navigation but otherwise, it’s a dependable machine that provides ease and comfort for day-to-day home use.
Are cheap robot vacuums worth it?
This is the question that cares a lot that will almost always be raised by shoppers while they are exploring affordable models. The quick, honest answer would be 'yes' but there are some considerations as well. Cheap robot vacuums are pretty much limited to are small apartments or single-level detached houses with zero clutter and minimal mess. They do good work of daily touch-ups which are extremely essential in keeping the floors clean with minimal effort on your part.
Disappointment for you might be, if you are in the expectation of many fancy smart features. Such features may include a room-by-room cleaning or even a self-emptying base. In case you have simple needs, if you want cleaning that takes a brief moment of your time and maintenance that is light, then the right option for you would be an affordable one.
What Should Pass as the Key Features
1. Basic Navigation
Most of the models at this price range are relying on random navigation rather than using the smart map. Consequently, the devices move in seemingly random directions, however, given that they have enough time, they still succeed in covering a whole room. In this case while the less efficient, they do the task, for the rooms that are small to medium-sized.
2. Suction Power
Most affordable robot vacuum models will have only moderate suction, which is just enough for hard floors and low-pile carpets. However, they will not deep-clean like a high-end model, but they will efficiently pick up surface dirt and dust.
3. Battery Life
The majority of these products provide 1 to 1.5 hours of continuous work, after which they automatically return to their charging stations. Generally, the range of coverage of the vacuum is sufficient for small living areas (the area to be cleaned can be 10-20 m2 in one run); however, for larger homes, it may not be enough.
4. Dustbin Capacity
The size of the dustbins is usually limited, and as a result, emptying is needed more frequently. For instance, a pet owner or a family of four can at most consider this feature as an inconvenience, but still, it remains a part of the compromise in regard to the lower price.
Who Should Buy a Robot Vacuum Under 100?
The budget robot vacuums, as a rule, are the best for the following categories of people:
- Residents of apartments, dorms, and small homes.
- An area where the flooring consists mostly of hard floors with minimal carpeting.
- People who prefer low-maintenance cleaning at a fraction of the price of premium models.
- Those who do not mind an occasional intervention in case the unit gets stuck.
So, they may not be compatible with large households, homes with multiple levels, or those users who expect scheduled and app-enabled cleaning. In those situations, the investment in mid-range models may be more rational.
Common Misconceptions About Cheap Models
They Don’t Clean at All
The fact that cheap vacuums have low suction power leads to the assumption that they do not clean at all. On the contrary, many users say they are very surprised by their cleaning performance. The best cheap robot vacuum under 100 is still capable of maintaining cleanliness in between deep cleaning of the floors.
They Break Easily
How long a product will last is the primary difference that is to be found between brands. Still, most models live for a couple of years with normal maintenance of the customer. Making brushes and emptying the dustbin help a great deal with the extension of their lifespans as well.
They’re Only for Tech Enthusiasts
Vacuums in the lower price range are supposed to be easy and simple. Most of them feature one-touch controls, which are very user-friendly for anybody, and advanced technical skills are not necessarily required.
Final Thoughts
The best robot vacuum under 100 can be chosen by balancing the desires with the needs of practical usefulness. They are not perfect and thus cannot take the place of an upright deep-cleaning vacuum, but they virtually become the everyday helpers that make it less likely that dust and debris will accumulate around the house.
Suppose you were thinking whether it would be a good idea for you to make an investment, then why not start off with a small amount? You can put a modest unit on trial to find out to what extent it suits your daily routine. In many homes, such small cleaners are the most reasonable in terms of money and service, thus being able to meet users' needs just perfectly.
