Are cheap robot vacuums worth the money? Our expert weighs in

Robot vacuums hold an undeniable allure: the promise to handle your floor cleaning while you kick back and relax. While premium models can cost well over 1,000, budget-friendly options starting under 200 make automated cleaning seem within reach for almost any budget. But are these wallet-friendly bots actually worth it, or are you better off saving up for a premium model? Read on for my advice, and be sure to browse our top robot vacuum and mop picks once you're ready to shop. Lower-cost robot vacuums will deliver basic cleaning capabilities, but your user experience may leave something to be desired.