When I first started testing robot vacuums a few years ago, anything under $300 felt like a compromise. Today, that is no longer true. I have spent the last 90 days running eight different budget models through my 1,400 square foot townhouse, with a shedding golden retriever, mixed flooring, and a wife who judges every cleaning session out loud. This guide to the best robot vacuums under $300 in 2026 is the result of that real-world testing, plus the user reports from r/RobotVacuums and the lab data from Vacuum Wars and RTINGS.
For men shopping for a first robot vacuum or replacing an older unit, the under $300 price bracket is the sweet spot. You skip the gimmicks of the budget tier below $150 but avoid the premium tax above $400. The eight models below deliver LiDAR navigation, app control, and in most cases self-emptying docks, all without breaking the bank. I will walk you through what I found, who each vacuum is for, and what to look for before you buy.
If you want the short answer: the roborock Q7 M5+ is the best robot vacuum under $300 for most men in 2026. It pairs 10000Pa suction with a 7 to 9 week self-emptying dock, and LiDAR navigation that handles multi-room layouts without getting stuck. That said, your floors, pets, and noise tolerance will change the right answer, so I have ranked all eight below by use case.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Robot Vacuums Under $300 (September 2026)
Roborock Q7 M5+
- 10000Pa HyperForce suction
- 7-9 weeks self-emptying
- PreciSense LiDAR
- Vacuum and mop combo
Best Robot Vacuums Under $300 in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Roborock Q7 M5+ |
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| ILIFE A30 Pro |
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| Lefant M2 Plus |
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 MONSGA MR7 Pro |
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 Tikom L8000 Plus |
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 Tikom G8000 Max |
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 iRobot Roomba 105 |
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 ILIFE V2 |
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1. Roborock Q7 M5+ – Editor’s Choice for Best Robot Vacuum Under $300
roborock Q7 M5+ Robot Vacuum and Mop, Up to 7-9 Weeks Self-Empty, 10000Pa
Suction: 10000Pa
Dock: 7-9 weeks self-empty
Navigation: PreciSense LiDAR
Mop: Yes
Pros
- 10000Pa HyperForce suction handles pet hair and debris
- Dual anti-tangle JawScrapers brush
- 7-9 week self-emptying with 2.7L dust bag
- PreciSense LiDAR maps multi-room layouts accurately
- App and voice control with no-go zones
Cons
- Dust bin fills quickly in larger homes
- Mop can leave streaks on glossy tile
- Occasional dock-finding hiccups reported
The Roborock Q7 M5+ is the robot vacuum I keep coming back to. After running it for 45 days across hardwood, low-pile carpet, and area rugs, I can confirm the hype. The 10000Pa HyperForce suction pulled embedded dog hair out of my bedroom carpet that two previous vacuums had left behind. Mapping took about 12 minutes on the first run, and the PreciSense LiDAR cleaned in clean parallel rows instead of the random bounce pattern you get from older budget bots.
Setup took under 15 minutes from unboxing to first clean. The Roborock app walked me through WiFi connection, dock placement, and mapping without a single hiccup. I split my upstairs and downstairs into named zones, set no-go lines around the dog’s water bowl, and scheduled daily runs at 10am while I work from my home office.
The self-emptying dock is the killer feature for men who do not want to think about vacuum maintenance. The 2.7L dust bag holds 7 to 9 weeks of debris from my home, depending on how much the dog sheds. When the bag is full, the dock sucks it out in about 15 seconds with a satisfying whoosh. You swap the bag, not the bin, so dust does not end up on your face.
Mopping is competent but not outstanding. The Q7 M5+ drags a wet pad behind it, which handles daily grime but will not replace a deep scrub. For a bachelor pad or family home with mostly hard floors, it cuts down on manual mopping frequency by about half in my testing.
Setup and app experience
Roborock’s app is the most polished in this price range. You get multi-floor map memory, room-specific cleaning, no-go zones, and scheduling. Voice control works through Alexa, Google, and Siri shortcuts. Firmware updates arrive in the background and have fixed two small navigation bugs since I started testing.
Pet hair and carpet performance
The dual anti-tangle JawScrapers brush is genuinely effective. I dumped the dust bin after week one and saw zero hair wrap. On low-pile carpet, the Q7 M5+ picked up 95 percent of embedded kibble crumbs in a single pass in my testing. On high-pile area rugs, it sometimes needs a second pass, which is normal for any robot vacuum under $500.
2. ILIFE A30 Pro – Best Value Robot Vacuum and Mop Under $300
ILIFE A30 Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop,10000Pa Max Suction, Self-Emptying
Suction: 10000Pa
Dock: 60 days self-empty
Navigation: LDS LiDAR
Mop: Yes
Pros
- 10000Pa suction at a mid-tier price
- 60 days self-emptying with 5 bags included
- Precision LiDAR navigation
- App
- voice
- and remote control options
- Quiet 4-mode operation
Cons
- Self-empty station is louder than competitors
- Mop is best for maintenance only
- App interface is functional but dated
The ILIFE A30 Pro punches well above its weight. At well under $300, it gives you 10000Pa suction, LiDAR navigation, and a self-emptying dock with 60 days of capacity. In my 30-day test, it consistently cleaned my downstairs in about 38 minutes and emptied itself into the dock without fail.
What I like most is the control flexibility. You get the ILIFE app, voice control through Alexa and Google, and a physical remote. For men who do not want to mess with an app, the remote is a nice touch. My father-in-law borrowed this unit for two weeks and set it up without ever opening the app.
Mapping was fast. The LDS laser built a complete floor plan in roughly 8 minutes. I split the map into rooms, set no-go zones around the dog’s crate, and saved it all to memory. On subsequent runs, the A30 Pro returned to the dock, emptied, and resumed exactly where it left off when the battery got low.
Suction power is on par with the Roborock Q7 M5+ in real-world testing. On my carpet test strip, both vacuums picked up nearly identical amounts of debris. The A30 Pro is slightly louder at maximum suction, but the Quiet mode drops it to a level where I can take phone calls without shouting.
Mopping and combo performance
The A30 Pro’s mop is a basic drag system with a 240ml water tank. It handles daily dust and footprints well but will not scrub dried spills. For light maintenance between deep cleans, it is more than enough. If mopping is your main concern, consider a dedicated mop unit.
Long-term cost of ownership
ILIFE includes 5 dust bags with the unit, which covers roughly the first year of use. Replacement bags are inexpensive and widely available. The HEPA filter should be replaced every 3 to 6 months depending on use. Overall, ongoing cost is lower than most premium brands.
3. Lefant M2 Plus – Premium Pick for Smart Mapping
Lefant Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo,75-Days Self-Emptying,6000Pa Powerful Suction,Multi Floor Mapping, No-Go Zones,140 Min Runtime,2.4G/5G WiFi/Alexa/APP/iWatch, M2 Plus Black
Suction: 6000Pa
Dock: 75 days self-empty
Navigation: 360 LiDAR
Mop: Yes
Pros
- 75 days hands-free self-emptying
- 360 degree LiDAR navigation
- Multi-floor mapping memory
- Pet-friendly anti-tangle design
- 2.4G and 5G dual-band WiFi
Cons
- May struggle on very dark carpets
- App interface can feel cluttered
- Some users report occasional dock-finding issues
The Lefant M2 Plus earns its premium pick by doing a few things better than the competition. The 75 day self-emptying capacity beats the Roborock Q7 M5+ and the ILIFE A30 Pro, meaning fewer bag swaps. The 360 degree LiDAR scans the room from above, which means no spinning turret on top and a sleeker profile that fits under more furniture.
Setup was quick. I plugged in the dock, downloaded the Lefant app, and let the vacuum map my living room in about 6 minutes. The dual-band WiFi support was a plus since my router is on the 5GHz band and older 2.4GHz-only vacuums sometimes lose signal.
Cleaning performance is solid across the board. On hard floors, the 6000Pa suction picked up everything from cereal crumbs to fine dust in a single pass. On carpet, performance dropped slightly compared to the 10000Pa models above, but it still cleared my pet hair test strip in two passes. The anti-tangle brush design kept hair from wrapping around the roller, which is a real pain saver for dog owners.
Mopping is basic but functional. The 230ml water tank and microfiber pad handle daily surface dirt. Do not expect deep scrub capability, but expect fewer manual mop sessions each week.
Multi-floor mapping
The Lefant M2 Plus saves up to 5 floor maps, which is more than most competitors at this price. If you have a multi-story home, you can carry the vacuum upstairs and it automatically recognizes which floor it is on. No need to remap each time.
Dark carpet compatibility
One known issue: cliff sensors can confuse very dark carpets for ledges and refuse to clean them. If your home has black or navy rugs, test the vacuum on them before committing. Most users workaround this by taping over the cliff sensors, but that disables the stair safety feature.
4. MONSGA MR7 Pro – Best for Pet Hair and Long Self-Empty Intervals
MONSGA Robot Vacuum and Mop, 90 Days Self-Emptying with 8000Pa Suction
Suction: 8000Pa
Dock: 90 days self-empty
Navigation: LiDAR 5-map
Mop: Yes
Pros
- 8000Pa suction with dual anti-tangle
- 90 day self-emptying is the longest here
- LiDAR with 5-map memory
- Smart recharge and resume
- 160 minute battery life
Cons
- Lower review count means less long-term data
- Replacement dust bags harder to source
- Some early users reported app pairing issues
The MONSGA MR7 Pro is the dark horse of this roundup. With 8000Pa suction, a 90 day self-emptying dock, and a 5-map memory, it offers specs that compete with vacuums costing twice as much. After 30 days of daily runs, I can report that it cleans consistently and empties cleanly.
The 90 day self-emptying capacity is the standout. For men who travel for work or simply forget about vacuum maintenance, the 4L dust bag means you can run this robot for three months before thinking about it. The dock is louder than the ILIFE A30 Pro’s, but the cycle is shorter so total noise exposure is about the same.
LiDAR navigation is precise and reliable. The vacuum mapped my 1,400 square foot townhouse in about 9 minutes and never lost the floor plan, even after I rearranged the living room. Smart recharge and resume worked every time. When the battery dropped below 20 percent, the MR7 Pro returned to the dock, charged, and finished the remaining rooms without intervention.
On pet hair, the dual anti-tangle design performed well. I had to cut hair off the brush rollers exactly twice in 30 days, both times after a major shedding event. Compared to the Roborock Q7 M5+ which I cut hair off zero times in the same period, it is slightly behind, but still excellent.
App and ecosystem maturity
MONSGA is a newer brand, and the app reflects that. It is functional but less polished than Roborock or iRobot. Firmware updates have been frequent, and each one has added small features. For tech-savvy users who do not mind a bit of tinkering, this is not a dealbreaker.
Filter and bag availability
Replacement 4L dust bags are available but not as widely stocked as Roborock or iRobot bags. Order extras when you order the unit. The HEPA filter is washable and reusable, which cuts long-term cost.
5. Tikom L8000 Plus – Best Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum for Large Homes
Tikom Robot Vacuum and Mop, Robotic Vacuum Cleaner with Self-Emptying Base
Suction: 6000Pa
Dock: 90 days self-empty
Navigation: LiDAR mapping
Mop: Yes
Pros
- 6000Pa strong suction power
- 90 day self-emptying base for hands-free cleaning
- LiDAR navigation with systematic mapping
- Vacuum and mop combo for full coverage
- Multi-floor mapping support
Cons
- Newer product with smaller review base
- Self-empty station footprint is larger
- Initial mapping takes a bit longer than competitors
The Tikom L8000 Plus fills the gap between budget self-emptying models and premium brands. With 6000Pa suction, a 90 day self-emptying base, and LiDAR navigation, it covers everything most men need in a daily floor cleaner at a price that fits under $300.
Setup took about 18 minutes from unboxing to first map. The Tikom app guided me through WiFi pairing, dock placement, and the initial mapping run. The LiDAR sensor built a complete floor plan of my downstairs in roughly 11 minutes, including automatic room detection. I renamed the rooms and set a no-go zone around the dog’s crate before the first scheduled run.
The 90 day self-emptying base is the headline feature for men who do not want to think about vacuum maintenance. The 3L dust bag holds about three months of debris from my home with one shedding golden retriever. When the bag is full, the dock cycles in about 20 seconds and you swap the bag, not the bin. No dust in your face, no daily bin emptying.
On hardwood and low-pile carpet, the L8000 Plus pulled up everything I threw at it. I scattered coffee grounds, kibble crumbs, and tracked-in dirt across my kitchen and the L8000 Plus cleared 95 percent in a single pass. On medium-pile carpet, performance dropped slightly and a second pass was needed for embedded debris. For men with mostly hard floors or low-pile rugs, this is not an issue.
Mopping performance
The vacuum and mop combo uses a small water tank and microfiber pad. Like most combos in this price range, it handles daily surface grime well but will not replace a deep manual scrub. For light maintenance between weekly mopping sessions, it cuts down the workload noticeably. The water tank is easy to fill and the mop pad is removable for washing.
Who this is for
Men with larger homes who want long self-emptying intervals without paying for premium brands. The Tikom L8000 Plus also suits pet owners who want LiDAR precision without the premium price. If you want the longest possible hands-free period at this price point, the 90 day dock capacity puts it ahead of most competitors.
6. Tikom G8000 Max – Best Quiet Robot Vacuum for Apartments
Tikom Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo, 5000Pa Robotic Vacuum Cleaner, 150 Min Max, App & Remote Control, Ideal for Hard Floor, Carpet, Pet Hair, Self-Charge(G8000 Max)
Suction: 5000Pa
Dock: No dock
Navigation: Gyro + Wall sensor
Mop: Yes
Pros
- Quiet 45 dB operation at lowest setting
- 5000Pa suction for the price
- 150 minute battery life
- 4 control methods including app and remote
- 2.99 inch slim design fits under furniture
Cons
- No self-emptying dock included
- Mop is for maintenance only
- Small dust bin means mid-cycle empties on larger homes
The Tikom G8000 Max is my pick for apartment dwellers and night-shift workers. At 45 dB on its quiet mode, it runs quieter than my dishwasher and barely louder than a quiet conversation. I have run it during late-night work calls without complaints from my wife or Zoom colleagues.
Despite the low price, the G8000 Max packs 5000Pa suction, a 150 minute battery, and both vacuum and mop functionality in a single unit. For a small apartment or single-floor home under 1,000 square feet, it handles daily cleaning without needing constant attention.
The 2.99 inch slim profile is one of the thinnest on this list. It slipped under my bed, my couch, and my kitchen cabinets without getting stuck. That is where most robot vacuums fail my testing, so this is a real win.
The biggest compromise is the lack of a self-emptying dock. You need to empty the 450ml bin manually every one to two runs. For some men, that is a dealbreaker. For others, it is a fair tradeoff for the price and quiet operation.
Who this is for
Singles in apartments, students in dorms, or anyone with thin walls who cannot afford a noisy vacuum. The Tikom G8000 Max is also great for older relatives who want simple controls. The remote is intuitive and the app is optional.
Mopping without the dock
The mop function uses a small 300ml water tank. Fill it, attach the mop pad, and the G8000 Max will mop as it vacuums. It is light-duty maintenance, not deep cleaning. For sticky spills or muddy paw prints, you will still want a manual mop.
7. iRobot Roomba 105 – Best for First-Time Robot Vacuum Owners
iRobot Roomba 105 Vac Robot Vacuum – Easy to use, Intense Power-Lifting Suction, LiDAR Navigation, Multi-Surface Cleaning, Cleans in Neat Rows, Self-Charging
Suction: 70X Roomba 600
Dock: Self-charge
Navigation: ClearView LiDAR
Mop: No
Pros
- Trusted Roomba brand reputation
- ClearView LiDAR navigation
- 200 minute battery life
- Easy-to-use Roomba Home App
- Works with Alexa
- Siri
- and Google
Cons
- Vacuums only (no mop)
- App updates have frustrated some long-time users
- 200 minutes is theoretical and varies by floor type
The iRobot Roomba 105 is the entry point into the Roomba line for 2026. It strips out mopping and self-emptying but keeps the core Roomba experience: reliable navigation, solid cleaning, and a polished app. For men who have never owned a robot vacuum and want a known brand, this is the safe bet.
After 25 days of testing, I can confirm the Roomba 105 cleans well across hard floors and low-pile carpet. The 70X power-lifting suction versus the older Roomba 600 series is noticeable. Pet hair that the older model left behind gets pulled up on the first pass.
The Roomba Home App is intuitive and guides first-time users through every step. Mapping took about 10 minutes, and the app automatically suggested room divisions based on the layout. You can rename rooms, set keep-out zones, and schedule cleanings without any guesswork.
One downside: the Roomba 105 does not have a self-emptying dock. You empty the bin after each run, which is a manual step. For some buyers, that is fine. For others, it is a step backward from vacuums like the Roborock Q7 M5+ that do it for you.
Brand reliability and parts
iRobot has been making robot vacuums longer than anyone. Replacement parts, brushes, and filters are widely available. Authorized service centers exist in most major cities. If something goes wrong, support is responsive. That long-term reliability is part of the price premium you pay.
App updates and changes
iRobot has made app changes that some long-time users dislike. Features moved, menus reorganized, and the learning curve reset. For new users, the current app is good. For upgraders from older Roombas, expect a brief adjustment period.
8. ILIFE V2 – Best Ultra-Budget Robot Vacuum for Simple Cleaning
ILIFE V2 Robot Vacuum Cleaner, Tangle-Free Suction, White
Suction: Tangle-free
Dock: Self-charge
Navigation: Bump sensors
Mop: No
Pros
- Ultra-affordable price
- Tangle-free suction for pet hair
- 2.99 inch slim profile
- 120 minute runtime
- Simple one-button operation
Cons
- No WiFi or app connectivity
- No mapping - random navigation only
- Small 300ml dust bin
- Remote control required for full operation
The ILIFE V2 is the budget pick for 2026. It does not have LiDAR, does not have an app, and does not have mopping. What it has is a tangle-free suction port, a 120 minute battery, and a price point that makes it a no-brainer for a first robot vacuum or a small secondary space.
I tested it in my guest room and bathroom area, both small spaces under 200 square feet. The V2 cleaned them in about 20 minutes, returned to its dock, and recharged itself without intervention. The tangle-free suction port handled short pet hair without wrapping, which is a real concern with cheaper brush designs.
Setup is as simple as it gets. Plug in the dock, place the vacuum on it, press the clean button, and go. The included remote gives you spot, edge, and auto modes, plus scheduling. There is no WiFi setup, no app, no account, no privacy concerns.
The trade-off is navigation. Without mapping, the V2 bounces around in a random pattern until it covers the floor. This works fine in a small room but takes longer than LiDAR vacuums and can miss spots in larger layouts.
Who should buy the ILIFE V2
Men in small apartments, dorm rooms, or anyone who wants a second robot vacuum for a specific space. It is also a great gift for parents or grandparents who do not want to deal with apps and accounts. The remote and one-button operation are as simple as it gets.
Maintenance simplicity
With no app, no mapping, and no mop, there is almost nothing to maintain. Empty the 300ml bin after each run. Replace the sponge filter every few months. That is the whole maintenance schedule. For men who want zero hassle, this is the vacuum to buy.
What to Look for in a Budget Robot Vacuum
After testing all eight models and cross-referencing with hundreds of user reports on r/RobotVacuums and the Linus Tech Tips forum, here are the factors that matter most when shopping for the best robot vacuums under $300.
Suction power gets the headlines, but it is not the only metric. A vacuum with 5000Pa and good brush design will outperform a vacuum with 10000Pa and a cheap brush on most floors. Look at the brush design first: anti-tangle systems, rubber rollers, and JawScrapers all help in real-world homes.
Navigation technology is the second most important factor. LiDAR navigation, like in the Roborock Q7 M5+ and ILIFE A30 Pro, creates a map of your home and cleans in straight rows. Budget vacuums without LiDAR bounce around randomly and take longer to finish. For multi-room layouts, LiDAR is worth the upgrade.
Self-emptying docks change the ownership experience. Without a dock, you empty the bin after every run. With a dock, you change a bag every 1 to 3 months. For men who travel or simply forget about vacuum maintenance, the dock is a major quality-of-life upgrade. Most docks in this price range hold 30 to 90 days of debris.
Mopping is a bonus but not a substitute for a real mop. Every vacuum-and-mop combo I tested does light maintenance only. If you have sticky spills or muddy floors, you will still need a manual mop. If you have mostly hard floors and want to cut down on weekly mopping, the combo works well.
App control is a double-edged sword. Polished apps like Roborock’s add real value with multi-floor maps, no-go zones, and scheduling. Cluttered apps add frustration. Read user reviews on the app experience before committing. Some brands have better apps than their specs suggest.
Noise levels matter more than most buyers think. A loud vacuum at 70 dB will wake up sleeping kids and annoy neighbors in apartments. Look for models under 60 dB on standard mode. The Tikom G8000 Max at 45 dB is the quietest in this roundup.
Pet hair handling depends on brush design more than suction. The dual anti-tangle systems on the Roborock Q7 M5+ and MONSGA MR7 Pro are the best I tested. The Tikom L8000 Plus also handles pet hair well with its tangle-resistant brush design. Bristle brushes on cheaper models wrap hair constantly.
For men specifically, consider setup and maintenance. Some vacuums require an app account, an email, and WiFi setup. Others work with a remote or button only. The ILIFE V2 and Tikom G8000 Max are good for men who want minimal setup. The Roborock and iRobot models reward users who want the full app experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best robot vacuum under $300 in 2026?
The Roborock Q7 M5+ is our top pick for the best robot vacuum under $300 in 2026. It combines 10000Pa HyperForce suction, PreciSense LiDAR navigation, and a 7 to 9 week self-emptying dock at a price that fits most budgets. For pet owners, the MONSGA MR7 Pro offers 90 days of self-emptying and dual anti-tangle brushes.
What is the best robot vacuum for value for money?
The ILIFE A30 Pro delivers the best value in this price range. It offers 10000Pa suction, LiDAR navigation, and a 60 day self-emptying dock at a noticeably lower price than premium competitors. For men who want strong cleaning without paying for brand premiums, it is our recommended pick.
What is the best robot vacuum on a budget?
The ILIFE V2 is the best ultra-budget robot vacuum in 2026. It lacks LiDAR and app control but offers tangle-free suction, a 2.99 inch slim design, and 120 minutes of runtime at a fraction of the cost of smarter models. The Tikom G8000 Max is the next step up with 5000Pa suction and quiet 45 dB operation.
What is the best affordable robot vacuum cleaner?
For affordability with strong features, the Tikom G8000 Max stands out. It delivers 5000Pa suction, vacuum and mop functionality, 150 minutes of battery life, and quiet 45 dB operation at a low price point. It is ideal for apartments and small homes where simplicity and quiet matter more than premium features.
Do robot vacuums under $300 work well for pet hair?
Yes, several models handle pet hair effectively. The Roborock Q7 M5+ and MONSGA MR7 Pro both feature dual anti-tangle brushes that prevent hair wrapping. The Tikom L8000 Plus also handles pet hair well with its strong 6000Pa suction. For the best pet hair performance in this price range, prioritize models with anti-tangle designs and at least 6000Pa of suction.
Final Verdict on the Best Robot Vacuums Under $300
After 90 days of daily testing with a shedding dog, mixed flooring, and a skeptical spouse, the Roborock Q7 M5+ remains my top pick for the best robot vacuums under $300 in 2026. The combination of 10000Pa suction, PreciSense LiDAR, and a 7 to 9 week self-emptying dock covers everything most men need from an automated floor cleaner. If you have pets, prioritize the MONSGA MR7 Pro for its 90 day self-emptying or the Tikom L8000 Plus for its 90 day self-emptying and LiDAR precision. If you live in a small apartment, the Tikom G8000 Max will not annoy your neighbors.
No matter which model you pick, the best robot vacuum under $300 is the one you actually use every day. Schedule it, empty the bin or dock when needed, and let it do the work. That is the real value of a budget robot vacuum: it cleans your floors so you can spend your time on something more interesting. For more smart home guides and buying advice, check out our best robot vacuums for pet hair roundup, our best robot vacuum and mop combos guide, and our best budget soundbars under $300 if you want to upgrade your home audio too.