Cost-effective vs luxury: Affordable robotic vacuums that match high-end counterparts' performance
Want a robot vacuum? You might wanna think twice about that fancy, pricey model. Our expert tester, Adrian Lini, claims most of the cost goes towards gimmicky features instead of actual performance. To get the best bang for your buck, focus on a budget robot vacuum with good dirt-picking capabilities.
If you're eyeing the iRobot Roomba i7+ (i7550) priced at $1899, think again! This bad boy only does OK on carpets, but the cheaper iRobot Roomba 670 at $499 does a better job on corners, edges, and pet hair. The i7+ may have a self-emptying bin and virtual wall function, but the 670 lasts longer on a single charge. You're paying over $1000 for the self-emptying bin that isn't worth the cost in terms of performance. According to Lini, the 670 is his pick.
Next up, the Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI ($1099) vs the Eufy RoboVac 11S T2018 ($399). Both vacuums perform almost identically on hard floors but falter on carpets. Both leave some room for improvement, particularly in cleaning corners and edges. However, the Ecovacs costs almost three times as much as the Eufy and doesn't justify the hefty price tag. The Ecovacs has more features like Wi-Fi connectivity, an app, Google Assistant and Alexa connectivity, and a mop function, but the Eufy has better battery life.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly robot vacuum, the Yeedi C12 is an excellent option. For around $200, you'll get smart navigation and efficient debris cleaning on both hard floors and carpets. More expensive models frequently include added gimmicks, like self-emptying dustbins, mopping capabilities, and advanced AI navigation, but budget and mid-level models perform similarly in terms of basic cleaning performance. Weigh the expenses against the benefits and make an informed decision!
CHOICE, the Consumers' Association of Australia, is a non-profit organization that conducts independent product reviews and tests, funded by membership fees. They've been making a difference for Australian consumers since the 1960s and have never taken ads or sponsorship.
If you're considering the purchase of a robot vacuum cleaner, it's recommended to carefully consider your options. Not all expensive models may provide superior performance, such as the iRobot Roomba i7+ (i7550) priced at $1899, which has features like self-emptying bin and virtual wall function but lacks in actual performance compared to the budget-friendly iRobot Roomba 670 at $499. To make an informed decision, one should weigh the prices against the benefits and look for independent product reviews, such as those conducted by organizations like the Consumers' Association of Australia (CHOICE).
