The Best Inexpensive Robot Vacuum (It Really Works!)
Vacuuming sucks. Literally. One year, my idea of giving our adult sons robot vacs for Christmas was intended to help them with that odious chore. What a disappointment. I learned much later that both guys used their robot vacs for only a few months.
The Roombas were ridiculously noisy, needed constant supervision because they were so misbehaved, did a lousy job, and just more trouble than they were worth. But that was then and this is now:
Best Inexpensive Robot Vacuum
Years later, there’s a new robot vacuum in town and Eufy Anker RoboVac 30C Max, is its name. This is truly the best robot vacuum and my pick for Best Inexpensive Robovac. It has renewed my faith that robotic vacuuming is not only possible—it can be amazing.
Eufy RoboVac takes on dust-busting around your home so you don’t have to. Multiple cleaning modes and auto-clean scheduling to ensure an effortless, thorough clean while you relax.
This is the same machine but without the boundary strips. Like the 30C Max, this 15C Max has multiple cleaning modes and auto-clean scheduling to ensure an effortless, thorough clean while you relax.
Eufy Anker RoboVac 30C Max is extremely quiet, super slim, and works like a champ on hard floors and low-to-medium pile carpet with its 2000Pa suction—and easily goes from one to the other without supervision. It’s programmable, has multiple functions, and a killer battery that offers up to 40 minutes runtime on maximum suction—the setting I use for my low-pile carpet.
Connected to the EufyHome app, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant voice control services (sounds super complicated, I know, but it’s not!) you can accomplish your vacuuming needs with zero effort from you. I’ve run my Eufy Robot Vac almost daily since I got it. The amount of dirt, dust, hair, popcorn, and you-name-it that it picks up every day freaks me out a little. Eufy Anker Robo Vac 30C Max easily navigates over area rugs and isn’t even fazed by tassels or the occasional electrical cord. Note: Not for very dark-colored floors (robot vacs see that as a drop-off of some kind like a staircase or balcony) or deep-pile carpet.
Sets boundaries
Eufy Anker Robo Vac 30C Max comes with these boundary strips that I use when I want Guffy to work in a specific area. They remind me of the playpen we used when our boys were toddlers. Boundaries are good and these strips take care of that, which is so awesome!
Super smart
This little thing is so smart, it knows when it needs to be recharged and finds its way back “home” to the charging dock for a refill. He is only 2.58 inches tall, which means he can go under furniture and beds without getting stuck. We call him Guffy and while he’s not perfect, I believe he’s the best inexpensive robot vacuum out there and we love him.
And here’s a bonus: This robot vacuum cleaner is so smart, it automatically increases suction power within 1.5 seconds when extra vacuuming strength is needed—so you get the best clean. Can you say pet hair? We don’t have pets but I’ve tested it with those who do and yes, excellent results.
This testimonial …
One of my staff members got a Eufy Anker RoboVac 30C Max about the same time I did. You can be sure that we’ve been comparing notes. Before you read his review, let me tell you that Max is not easily impressed. He has high standards and is intolerant of products that promise but cannot deliver.
Best robot vacuum for pet hair
As a homeowner with four cats, my vacuum and I have a very intimate relationship. I used to spend 30-40 minutes every day vacuuming up stray kitty litter, cat hair, and who knows what else.
I’ve always wanted a Roomba to help me with this process, but with them costing $900 and more for the higher end models, it was just out of my price range. I’m also an avid tech-nerd so when I saw that Eufy (by Anker, which is known for high-end mobile charging accessories) has its own robot vacuum (much cheaper than Roomba or Shark IQ), I bit the bullet.
All I can say is WOW. I wish I had this little guy years ago. It is the best robot vacuum for pet hair. Honestly, it has completely changed my life. I value my time immensely. I also have back issues so vacuuming wasn’t the most pleasant experience. Instead of three and a half hours a week of vacuuming upstairs, I spend maybe 10-15 minutes emptying out the Eufy RoboVac debris bin, cleaning the filters, and pulling any stuck hairs on the brushes.
Billy (yes I named it) also gets to places where I can’t, but cats can, like under the bed and sofas. I don’t really understand the method to his madness and navigation but he cleans my entire upstairs (four bedrooms) and gets EVERYTHING including edges of walls and around baseboards—areas I tend frequently to miss.
When Billy’s done making my house look magical, he wanders his way back to the base station and gets himself juiced up to clean the next day at his scheduled time. I just may get another Eufy Anker RoboVac 30C for downstairs—or maybe a whole army of Billy’s!
Super lightweight
Because Eufy Anker RoboVac 30C Max is so lightweight and works well on its own, it is an ideal option for anyone with physical limitations, especially for my readers of age, who I hear from quite often asking for a lightweight vacuum that will do well on both hard and carpeted surfaces. This thing is totally amazing and just the ideal solution. It really is life-changing, but especially so for those for whom homekeeping has become challenging.
Complete package
Here is what you get with RoboVac 30C Max: 13.2 ft boundary strips, remote control (2 AAA batteries included), charging base, AC power adapter, cleaning tool, extra set of high-performance filters, 4 side brushes, 5 cable ties, welcome guide, and worry-free 12-month warranty.
Boundary Strips, while not necessary, give you the option to determine a specific boundary so RoboVac cleans only the areas you want. You are the boss of Eufy!
Replacement parts
Replacement parts (filters, side brushes, and roller brushes) are readily available in this accessory kit. While you won’t need to replace these items often, it’s nice to have them on hand so you don’t miss a [vacuuming] beat!
The parts in this generic brand kit perfectly fit Eufy Robot Vac 30C: 10 filters, 10 side brushes, 1 roller brush, and two cleaning tools.
Everyday Cheapskate participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.
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I just bought the eufy by Anker, BoostIQ RoboVac 11S (Slim), Robot Vacuum Cleaner, Super-Thin, 1300Pa Strong Suction, Quiet, Self-Charging Robotic Vacuum Cleaner, Cleans Hard Floors to Medium-Pile Carpets
I love it.
It vacuums very good. Not noise. Does not beep unless something is stuck in it.
I don’t have to use my cell phone. It come with a remote. Only $143.
It would be nice if I can wash the filters.
Mary, Do you know if the filters can be washed?
Yes. I use 2 filters; wash one every time I empty the dust container in plain water then set it out to air dry. That way one is always dry and ready to go. The Best Inexpensive Robot Vacuum (It Really Works!)
Thank you Mary!
So, you rinse the dust container in plain water then set it out to air dry right?
I never thought about doing that. I use the little brush and stand over a trash can and brush it clean.
I shake it over the trash can to release loose dirt and debris then I wash it under a strong stream of warm water … from first one side, then the other; lay it on a paper towel on the counter to air dry. Works like a charm.
Price is not $199! It is $279 on Amazon when I followed link. I was ready to buy at $199,but not at $279.
Price points fluctuate a lot these days! Sorry you missed the bargain price on the 30C model. It may return; keep checking. Or consider the 15C model, if you can live without the boundary strips.
Speaking of vacuums. What do you recommend for a traditional upright? Thank you.
Do you have to have Google assistant or Alexa for it to work
No, not at all. That is optional.
I just LOVE the way the Universe works! I had this question yesterday and lo and behold – Mary comes with the answer! LOVE the suggestion and cannot wait to get started using mine! I have trusted Mary implicitly over all the years I’ve been following this newsletter and have never been disappointed. Her honesty and integrity are unparalleled. I’ll report back with the results! I’ve inherited a giant black lab from my ailing father who can no longer care for her. She molts, she doesn’t shed, and I wish I were exaggerating even a little. We’re talking hair in my refrigerator. My REFRIGERATOR! YUCK! Piles of hair in rooms she doesn’t even go in. Carpets of hair on shelves. Shelves 2 feet off the ground. How does that even happen??? So, if this thing works for me (which I pray it does!) I can assure you, it’s a keeper! I’ll be back, and THANK YOU Mary!
Purchased the Eufy when you first posted about it. I love it! At 86 its hard to pull out that old vaccuum (I still do tho). Eufy is my cheap pet…Does a great job and I run it nearly every day. Thanks for the daily tips!
Love our Eufy! I am always amazed at how much it picks up off our floors and carpet. Gets in places I don’t usually do with the Shark vacuum – under the furniture, area rugs and in the closets. At first it seemed to miss spots and get caught in places but after using it regularily it became more efficient.
I like my Eufy but it beeps waaaaayyy too much, with no way to stop it. And it tends to stop and get stuck alot. For those reasons, I prefer the Yeedi robot vac. But the Eufy is “shorter” and so it can go under more furniture, which is a plus.
The beeping could be a battery issue. Mine beeped 5 times and wouldn’t stop and I just bought the machine. The manufacturer sent me a new battery.
Hi Mary,
I have the Eufy 11S, which is an improvement over the 11. I have the 11S for a couple of years now, and sometimes it runs out of power before it can go home. I may get this new version if the issue continues. The 30 is cheaper than the 11S was.