8 Best Robot Vacuums Under $250 to Buy in 2025

This isn’t just another set-and-forget robot—it’s a game-changer for busy households craving true hands-free cleaning. With up to 50% more suction than competitors, the Shark AV2110S doesn’t just skim the surface; it digs deep into carpets and grapples with embedded debris on hard floors. Its SmartPath Navigation powered by spot liDAR maps your home with surgical precision, cleaning in orderly rows instead of chaotic loops—delivering up to 1.5x more coverage than older Shark models and outperforming most budget bots in path efficiency. If you’ve ever come home to find your robot stuck in a corner or missing entire rooms, this one’s intelligent routing will feel like an upgrade from chaos to command.

In real-world testing, the AV2110S handled transitions between rugs and tile seamlessly, climbed thresholds without hesitation, and navigated around pet toys and cords with impressive object detection. The self-emptying bagless base is a standout—no disposable bags, no monthly costs, and it holds up to 30 days of debris, making it ideal for pet owners or allergy sufferers. We tested it on medium-pile carpet and hardwood, and the self-cleaning brushroll lived up to its name, resisting hair wrap even after multiple runs over shedding dog zones. However, it struggles slightly in ultra-tight spaces—its 3.5-inch profile is taller than slimmer rivals, so it can’t squeeze under very low furniture.

Compared to the eufy C10 and Tikom G8000 Max, the Shark AV2110S offers superior suction and smarter navigation, but lacks mopping functionality. While the eufy C10 matches it in automation with 8-week hands-free operation, the Shark wins on raw cleaning power and carpet performance. It’s the best choice for those who prioritize deep carpet cleaning and true self-maintenance over multi-surface mopping. For the same price as many mid-tier bots, it delivers premium performance with no hidden bag costs, making it the best overall robot vacuum under $250.

Meet the suction king of the sub-$250 robot vacuum world—the Tikom G8000 Max, where 5000Pa of raw power redefines what budget bots can achieve. This isn’t just strong suction; it’s carpet-lifting, debris-vacuuming force that rivals some premium models, effortlessly clearing pet hair, crumbs, and fine dust from both hard floors and medium-pile rugs. The 450ml dustbin and 300ml water tank combo allows simultaneous vacuuming and mopping, slashing cleaning time in half—a huge win for time-crunched families. With Zig-zag cleaning mode and smart sensors, it covers every inch methodically, avoiding falls and collisions while adapting to cluttered living spaces.

During daily use, the G8000 Max proved remarkably consistent, running up to 150 minutes in quiet mode—enough to clean large 1,500 sq ft homes on a single charge. We tested it on tile, laminate, and low-pile carpet, and it transitioned smoothly between surfaces, climbing thresholds with ease. The ultra-slim 2.99-inch design let it glide under sofas and beds, capturing years of forgotten dust bunnies. However, while the mopping function works well on light spills, it’s not a deep scrub—best for maintenance, not heavy grime. And although it avoids major obstacles, it occasionally bumped into chair legs, suggesting its sensors aren’t as refined as lidar-equipped models.

Pitted against the ROPVACNIC S1 and Kilgone models, the Tikom G8000 Max delivers best-in-class suction at a mid-range price, outperforming rivals by a wide margin in debris pickup. While the eufy 11S MAX is quieter and slimmer, it lacks mopping and app control. The Tikom wins for users who want maximum cleaning power with mopping convenience in one package. For those tired of weak suction and flimsy builds, this bot offers exceptional performance per dollar, making it the best budget high-suction pick under $250.

Engineered for the pet parent who’s done battling hair tangles, the ROPVACNIC S1 combines 4000Pa suction with a no-entanglement brushroll to deliver a truly maintenance-free clean. Unlike traditional bots that require weekly brush disassembly, this one uses a dual-side brush system and tangle-free design that sweeps up pet hair without clogging—ideal for homes with shedding dogs or cats. The 2-in-1 mopping system features a four-stage water flow adjustment, letting you customize moisture levels from light mist to deeper cleaning, so you can protect hardwood while tackling sticky kitchen spills.

In real-world testing, the S1 handled low-pile carpets and tile with confidence, climbing over door thresholds and navigating around pet bowls with minimal bumps. Its advanced obstacle detection uses multiple sensors and algorithms to adjust direction and avoid collisions, though it occasionally hesitated near dark furniture—a common issue with optical sensors. Battery life lasted about 120 minutes, covering up to 1,200 sq ft, and it reliably returned to charge when needed. While suction is strong, it doesn’t quite match the Tikom’s 5000Pa, but it’s more than enough for daily maintenance on hard floors and thin rugs.

Compared to the Kilgone and ILIFE V5s Plus, the ROPVACNIC S1 offers better suction and smarter mopping controls, though it lacks the ILIFE’s full app route monitoring. It’s not as slim as the eufy 11S MAX, but it makes up for it with superior pet hair handling and personalized cleaning. For pet owners who dread cleaning roller brushes, this bot is a lifesaver—offering smart automation, strong performance, and hassle-free maintenance at a rock-bottom price. It’s the best choice for pet hair in this price range.

If set-it-and-forget-it cleaning is your holy grail, the eufy C10 is the ultimate hands-free warrior—delivering eight weeks of maintenance-free operation thanks to its 3L self-empty station. That’s two months without touching dust, a game-changer for busy professionals or allergy sufferers. Equipped with LiDAR navigation, it maps your home with precision, creating optimized cleaning paths that cover every inch without randomness. The 4,000Pa suction tackles pet hair, crumbs, and dust with ease, while the CornerRover arm—an extendable side brush—digs into edges and corners where most bots leave debris behind.

In testing, the C10 glided under beds and desks with its 2.85-inch ultra-slim profile, reaching spots taller bots miss. It cleaned 1,200 sq ft homes in under 90 minutes, automatically resuming after recharging—a must for larger layouts. The LiDAR system avoided obstacles reliably, though it sometimes misread very dark floors as drop-offs. While it lacks mopping, its vacuum-only focus ensures consistent, high-efficiency cleaning on hard floors and low-pile rugs. One caveat: you must tidy up cords and socks before starting, as its sensors can’t always detect small, soft obstacles.

When compared to the Shark AV2110S, the eufy C10 offers longer hands-free operation (8 weeks vs 30 days) and a slimmer design, but the Shark has stronger suction and better carpet performance. Against the Tikom G8000 Max, the eufy wins on automation but loses on mopping. It’s the best for users who value automation and slim design over multi-functionality. With laser-guided precision and true long-term convenience, it’s the best hands-free robot vacuum under $250.

Don’t let the 2300Pa suction fool you—the Kilgone robot is a quiet achiever, punching above its weight in efficiency and value. While it doesn’t boast the raw power of the Tikom or ROPVACNIC, its brushless design eliminates hair tangles, making it a low-maintenance ally for pet owners. The 2.8-inch ultra-slim profile slips under sofas and cabinets with ease, and its smart sensors prevent falls and collisions, navigating around furniture with surprising grace. With 120 minutes of runtime, it covers up to 1,290 sq ft—enough for most apartments and small homes.

In real use, the Kilgone delivered consistent performance on hardwood and low-pile rugs, automatically returning to charge when needed. The 230ml water tank allows light mopping, though it’s best for daily maintenance, not deep cleaning. App and Alexa control work smoothly, letting you schedule cleanings or adjust settings remotely. However, suction is noticeably weaker on thicker carpets, and it struggles with larger debris like cereal or pet kibble. Still, for a sub-$140 bot, it offers solid build quality and reliable automation.

Stacked against the ILIFE V5s Plus and ROPVACNIC S1, the Kilgone trades some suction and mopping control for a slimmer body and quieter operation. It’s not the most powerful, but it’s one of the most balanced—offering app control, tangle-free cleaning, and slim design at a bargain price. For renters or pet owners who want quiet, reliable cleaning without breaking the bank, it delivers the best value for money under $250.

Silence meets sleek in the eufy 11S MAX, a super-thin, whisper-quiet robot that glides under furniture like a ninja. At just 2.85 inches tall, it’s built to conquer tight spaces—think under beds, entertainment centers, and dining tables—where most robots can’t reach. Its BoostIQ technology automatically ramps up suction in 1.5 seconds when it detects carpet, ensuring a deep clean on both hard floors and medium-pile rugs. And it does all this at a noise level comparable to a microwave, making it perfect for cleaning during naps, work calls, or late-night sessions.

In testing, the 11S MAX delivered 100 minutes of consistent cleaning, covering about 1,000 sq ft before auto-recharging. It handled transitions well and avoided stairs reliably thanks to drop-sensing tech. But its biggest limitation? No app or Wi-Fi connectivity—all controls are via remote or buttons. This simplicity appeals to tech-averse users, but limits smart home integration. It also lacks mopping and self-emptying, so you’ll empty the bin after every few runs.

Compared to the ILIFE V5s Plus and Kilgone, the 11S MAX wins on design and quietness, but loses on smart features. Against the eufy C10, it’s slimmer and quieter but far less automated. It’s ideal for those who want a discreet, no-frills cleaner that just works. If you value stealth and simplicity over smart bells and whistles, this is the best quiet and slim robot vacuum under $250.

Packing 4200Pa of suction into a budget-friendly shell, this no-name robot vacuum is a dark horse contender for the best budget pick under $250. That level of suction isn’t just impressive—it’s overkill for most homes, ensuring even stubborn pet hair and fine dust get obliterated. The 2-in-1 vacuum and mop combo works in tandem, cutting cleaning time significantly, while app and Alexa control make scheduling and remote starts effortless. With obstacle avoidance and self-charging, it handles daily maintenance without babysitting.

In real-world use, it cleaned large rooms efficiently, adapting to hard floors and low-pile carpets with minimal intervention. The mopping function left floors damp but not soaked—ideal for light maintenance. While build quality feels slightly plasticky, it’s durable enough for everyday use. It lacks lidar, relying on random navigation with some smart sensors, so coverage isn’t as thorough as laser-guided models. Still, for under $110, it outperforms expectations.

Compared to the ILIFE V5s Plus and Kilgone, it offers stronger suction and better app integration at a lower price. It doesn’t match the Tikom’s 5000Pa, but it’s close—and far cheaper. For users who want maximum features for minimum cost, this is the best budget pick, delivering power, mopping, and smart control without the premium tag.

The ILIFE V5s Plus isn’t the most powerful, but it’s one of the smartest in this lineup—especially for users who want full app control without spending a fortune. With real-time route monitoring, you can watch the bot map your home and track its progress, a rare feature at this price. The 5 cleaning modes—auto, spot, edge, max, and schedule—let you customize every run, while suction and water flow are adjustable via app. Alexa and Google Assistant support add hands-free convenience, making it ideal for tech-savvy households.

In testing, the V5s Plus handled 1,290 sq ft with ease, running up to 110 minutes and reliably returning to charge. Its 2.99-inch slim body reached under furniture, and anti-fall sensors prevented stair drops. However, it uses random navigation, not lidar, so coverage is less consistent—some spots get double-cleaned, others missed. The 300ml water tank and dustbin are separate, meaning you can’t vacuum and mop at the same time, a step behind combo models.

Compared to the Kilgone and ROPVACNIC, the ILIFE offers superior app functionality and route tracking, though suction is weaker. Against the eufy 11S MAX, it wins on connectivity but loses on quietness. For users who want full visibility and control over cleaning, it’s the best for app control under $250—a smart choice for digital-first households.