Floor maintenance may not sound particularly glamorous, but for those of us who cherish a beautifully kept home, spotless floorboards, tiles, and carpets are some of life’s quiet luxuries. However, whether you’re contending with muddy footprints, sandy shoes after a beach stroll, or simply a household that never seems to stop moving, maintaining gleaming floors can feel like an endless chore.
Having recently moved into a space where every speck of dust seems to catch the light, I set out to find a way to simplify my cleaning routine (and those of others who feel equally trapped in the cycle of constant vacuuming). Enter the new generation of robot vacuums. Once seen as a luxury, these clever little helpers have become surprisingly affordable, with models priced as low as $185 that still offer impressive cleaning power and smart features to match. Here, I’ve rounded up the best robot vacuum cleaners under $500, so you can spend less time cleaning your home and more time enjoying it.
Australia’s best robot vacuums under $500
- Overall best robot vacuum: Dreame D10s Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop, $499.99 at Amazon
- Best ‘set and forget’ robot vacuum: Roborock Q7T+ Robot Vacuum & Mop $998 at Amazon
- Best robot vacuum under $400: LG CordZero Robot Vac R5 with Wet Mop
$699$399, LG - Best robot vacuum on sale now: ECOVACS DEEBOT N20 Robot Vacuum Cleaner, $749 at Amazon
01
Dreame D10s Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop
$499.99 at Amazon
Overall best robot vacuum under $500
Say hello to a smarter, wallet-friendly way to keep your home spotless. The Dreame D10s Robot Vacuum & Mop combines powerful cleaning with thoughtful design, tackling dust, crumbs, and pet hair with its powerful 5,000 Pa suction. From hard floors to carpets, it glides seamlessly, leaving your home immaculate with minimal effort.
Wondering how it gets around? Thanks to advanced LiDAR mapping, the robot can scan and remember your space, while app controls let you schedule cleaning, define no-go zones, or launch a session from anywhere. For added convenience, the D10s integrates with voice assistants, so you can start or stop cleaning without even lifting a finger. Sleek and unobtrusive, this intelligent helper fits effortlessly into any home, letting you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying the spaces you love.
One customer states, “I’m quite happy with this device; I have it set to vacuum all of our rooms each morning before I wake up, and it’s great to wake up to clean floors, especially because I have a Labrador that sheds a lot of hair. It does a pretty good job of mapping your floors and then avoiding obstacles, and as long as you don’t have junk on the floor when you set it to run, you can be confident it will get the job done.”
Key features:
- All-in-one mop and vacuum
- 5000Pa suction power
- Advanced LiDAR Navigation
- Can be controlled via app
- Voice activation
- Local warranty for AU and NZ customers
02
Roborock Q7T+ Robot Vacuum & Mop
$998 at Amazon
Best robot vacuum to ‘set and forget’
Designed for an effortless blend of cleanliness and convenience, the Roborock Q7T+ offers powerful performance for a mere fraction of what you might expect to pay. Equipped with 10,000Pa suction power and a Dual Anti-Tangle System, it effectively lifts pet hair and debris from both hard floors and carpets, ensuring a thorough clean without the hassle of frequent maintenance.
Plus, its high-tech LiDAR navigation system maps your home with precision, enabling efficient cleaning paths and the ability to set no-go zones via the app. And, to make this deal even sweeter, the RockDock Plus automatically empties the dustbin, offering up to seven weeks of hands-free cleaning. Ideal for pet owners, the Q7T+ combines functionality with sleek design, seamlessly integrating into your home while keeping it spotless.
One of many 5-star reviews for this robot vacuum describes it as a “pretty amazing robovac if you’re looking for something in this price range,” before adding, “it doesn’t have the auto water drain functionality like the top-tier robo vacuum mops, but it cleans our tiled floor pretty well. The suction is really strong, and it maps our house perfectly. Can’t go wrong with Roborock!”
Key features:
- All-in-one mop and vacuum
- 10000Pa suction power
- Anti-tangle brush
- Smart navigation and precise LiDAR
- Smart app and voice control
03
LG CordZero Robot Vac R5 with Wet Mop
$699 $399, LG
Best robot vacuum under $400
Keeping your home effortlessly clean has never looked this good while costing so little. Combining great performance with intelligent design, the LG CordZero Robot Vac R5 is the essential companion for busy households. And with four levels of suction, it lifts dust, pet hair, and crumbs from carpets and hard floors alike, leaving your home immaculate with minimal effort.
Its 360 LiDAR sensor maps your space in real time, creating efficient cleaning paths while gracefully avoiding furniture and obstacles. Whether it’s tackling muddy footprints, everyday dust, or pet hair, the CordZero delivers a thorough, quiet clean while blending seamlessly into your home. It’s smart, stylish, and practical; a robot vacuum that gives you back the luxury of time in a home that’s always ready to impress.
One happy customer writes, “I was sceptical, but this robot vacuum has exceeded my expectations. The mapping feature is great, and the phone app is so handy. I can start up the vacuum from anywhere and select individual areas. Works well on my laminate floors and rugs. And it knows to use more power on rugs. I haven’t tried the mop yet, but I’m very happy with the vacuum.”
Key features:
- All-in-one vacuum and mop
- 4 levels of suction power
- Works with Google Home and Alexa voice recognition speakers
- Smart pathfinder tech and interactive mapping
- App control
04
ECOVACS DEEBOT N20 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
$749 at Amazon
Best robot vacuum on sale now
If the thought of a robot vacuum that tackles everything (from cleaning and emptying, to mapping out highly effective cleaning routes, without you having to lift a finger) the ECOVACS DEEBOT N20 might just be your new favourite housemate. Designed with powerful suction and an anti-tangle brush that keeps pet hair in check, it glides through daily messes with quiet confidence.
The best part? Its clever hybrid design means it vacuums and mops in one go, leaving hard floors streak-free and carpets refreshed. You can even schedule cleans or set no-go zones straight from your phone, so every tidy-up feels completely effortless. Elegant, efficient and surprisingly intuitive, it’s the kind of cleaning companion that makes modern living feel a little more luxurious.
One happy customer writes, “This ECONVACS DEEBOT N20 plus is a great machine, excellent at cleaning animal hair around the house. It is worth every cent. Our cleaner says it saves her at least 2 hours every two weeks. The house has long passageways, and when we come inside, there is no hair to be seen. It has been set up to do daily cleans and does it well.”
Key features:
- All-in-one mop and vacuum
- 8000Pa suction power
- ZeroTangle Anti-Tangle technology
- TrueMapping intelligent path planning
- Smart control via app
- Edge cleaning brushes
05
Magivaac 3-in-1 HEPA Robot Vacuum with Mop
$185, Big W
Most affordable robot vacuum
Bringing together vacuuming, sweeping and mopping in one clever design, the Magivaac 3-in-1 is the quiet achiever of home cleaning. With strong suction, a built-in HEPA filter and smart navigation, it tackles everything from crumbs to fine dust while keeping the air fresh. And with its slim shape that glides under furniture with ease, combined with intuitive controls, it’s never been easier to switch from a quick tidy-up to a deeper clean
If you’re looking for an affordable option that actually works, the Magivaac might be your perfect fit. The best part? There are plenty of positive customer reviews to help you upgrade your cleaning routine with confidence.
One five-star reviewer states: “I didn’t have high expectations as this is priced a lot lower than others, but I’m really impressed. The mop function is a very light clean, but still super helpful.”
Key features:
- All-in-one mop and vacuum
- 2000Pa suction power
- Anti-collision and anti-fall sensors
- Smart app and voice-operated
06
Narwal Freo X Plus Robot Vacuum & Mop
$499, Narwal
Best high-value robot vacuum
Arrive home to gleaming floors without lifting a fingertip; with powerful suction, an additional mopping function, and an app that lets you control it from afar, the Narwal Freo X Plus is an affordable, and surprisingly effective, answer to your cleaning needs.
But what truly sets this robot apart is its nuanced intelligence. Its tri-laser obstacle-avoidance system (partnered with LiDAR navigation) means it maps your space with impressive precision; nimbly avoiding chair legs, pet bowls and stray cords. Plus, the mop-lift feature ensures each floor type is treated with care; hard floors get a gentle scrub while your rugs stay dry.
One happy customer writes, “We’ve bought and seen the death of a number of the vacuum robots. With research, we decided this would be our next purchase and hopefully outcast the others. It has, and its performance is way beyond the others. One of the best features is the roller brush that is designed to NOT get tangled up with string, hair, or the like.” They also note that, “The build is much more robust than our past purchases and having the app to get it busy and see its mapping is very convenient. Definitely recommend this company”
Key features:
- All-in-one mop and vacuum
- 7800Pa suction power
- Zero tangling floating brush
- Tri-laser obstacle avoidance
- Can be controlled via app
07
Kogan SmarterHome LX16 Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop
$359 ($319 for FIRST members), Kogan
Best affordable all-rounder robot vacuum
Make your cleaning routine effortless with the Kogan SmarterHome LX16 Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop. Designed to navigate your home with precision, it boasts 360° intelligent laser navigation, ensuring efficient and thorough cleaning. And boasting an impressive 4000Pa suction power, it effortlessly tackles all kinds of dirt and grime.
All you need to do is control the LX16 through the SmarterHome app, which allows you to set zones, virtual walls, and schedules with ease. Additionally, its compatibility with voice assistants like Google Home and Amazon Alexa offers hands-free operation for added convenience. And with an average rating of 4.51/5, you can shop in peace.
One raving reviewer says, “Our robot vacuum has become such a godsend that I really do wonder how we managed without her. She whizzes around the downstairs area every morning before we get up and picks up all the bits and dog fur; we have a golden retriever and a cavalier, so there is a lot of fur. It’s wonderful to get up to a clean floor.”
Key features:
- All-in-one vacuum and mop
- 4000Pa suction power
- Compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa
- Auto-empty dock
- Anti-scratch sweeper brushes
- Laser navigation system
- Smart app
08
iRobot Roomba 105 Vac Robot Vacuum
$379 at Amazon
Best ‘simple yet effective’ robot vacuum
For homes where a dust-free floor is non-negotiable, the iRobot Roomba 105 is the simple yet powerful solution. Its high-efficiency, power-lifting suction captures dust, dirt, and crumbs across multiple floor types, and its edge sweeping brush ensures that every corner is spotless. The smart navigation system guides the Roomba in methodical cleaning patterns, while its slim profile allows it to glide under furniture, reaching areas that often get overlooked.
Set it up once, and the Roomba takes care of the rest: its self-charging capability ensures it’s always ready for action, and its intuitive design makes operation effortless, no complicated settings required. Quiet and built for everyday life, the iRobot Roomba 105 blends seamlessly into your home, giving you the luxury of freshly cleaned floors without lifting a finger.
Key features:
- 7000Pa suction power
- 4 suction levels
- Edge sweeping brush
- Clearview LiDAR navigation
- Smart app
An expert guide to robot vacuum shopping
When it comes to selecting the right robot vacuum for you, it can be challenging to distinguish which features matter and which don’t, even for those of us who have been combing the market for months. That’s why I enlisted the help of Dreame’s ANZ Category Manager, Patrick Wang, an expert in all things robot vacuum related.
According to Patrick Wang, the ANZ Category Manager with Dreame,
Shoppers should look for features that deliver true autonomy, such as:
1. Navigation and intelligence: Look for LIDAR navigation for efficient, non-random cleaning paths and advanced AI obstacle avoidance to prevent daily rescues.
2. Mopping performance: For a true clean, seek rotating mop pads that scrub instead of just dragging a wet cloth, and auto-mop lifting to avoid contaminating cleaned floors.
3. Self-sufficiency: A self-emptying station is a game-changer, allowing the robot to run for weeks without your intervention. A self-washing and drying station is the gold standard for mopping models.
4. Suction power and runtime: Ensure sufficient suction (measured in Pascals, Pa) for your needs and a battery life that can cover your entire home in one go.
Ultimately, it’s about finding a robot that doesn’t just clean your floors, but truly simplifies your life.
For an effective clean, you’ll want to look for models with a Pa (Pascal) level that’s over 2000 (at the very least). However, when it comes to suction power, higher is always better, and some of the affordable robot vacuums listed above even feature Pa levels over 10,000. We highly recommend prioritising suction when considering potential purchases.
A $150 robot vacuum from last year, for example, is a completely different product from a $2000 new-release. High-end models boast advanced features, including specialised cleaning modes, increased app integration, and the potential to deliver a deeper clean. In fact, some of today’s advanced models can actually climb stairs.
However, this doesn’t mean that the low-end models aren’t worth purchasing. Each of the affordable models included in our list has the capacity to do a great job of keeping your floors sparkling (and to save you hours of cleaning). And if you’re tossing up between a robot vacuum and a stick vacuum at the same price point, we’d definitely vote to save yourself the hassle and keep your cleaning routine as automated as possible.
The Home Beautiful team has been covering the best vacuum on the market for years now, and during this time, we’ve developed a clear set of criteria for our top picks, covering:
– In this case, a price under $500 (including sale prices)
– Performance and features
– Design
– Suction power, or pascals (Pa)
-Warranty coverage
– Reviews and average ratings
