I tried a $200 robot vacuum from Amazon – it left my more expensive models in the dust

While I love a hands-free robot vacuum and mop that can do it all with little intervention, they can also get costly, with some flagship models priced at almost $2,000. I’ve been testing the Tapo RV20 Max for a couple of months and it’s proved that you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg for a great vacuum and mop. 

The $199 Tapo RV20 Max is a simple robot vacuum that works surprisingly well. Instead of the bump-and-run navigation you often see with these budget-friendly models, this robot features LiDAR navigation. 

Also: The best robot vacuum deals of February 2025: Save on Roomba, Roborock, Eufy, and more

Bump-and-run is a mechanical navigation system used in cheaper robot vacuums. It has the robot move in a straight line until it bumps into an obstacle. The collision instructs it to change direction and then repeat the process. This collision-based navigation can result in inefficient coverage and the robot pushing lightweight objects around the floor. 

Instead, the RV20 Max features a LiDAR system that scans the robot’s surroundings to create maps and plan more efficient routes. The robot then follows a grid-like pattern to clean thoroughly and reach areas around objects. At only 3.27 inches tall, it is also very thin to fit under low furniture. 

While testing, I found the Tapo RV20 Max to be one of the best low-budget robot vacuums I’ve used. It offers some of the best customization options I’ve seen for a robot in its price range, some even better than I’ve seen in robots twice its price. The Tapo app lets you add different floor maps and even add carpet areas to customize cleaning on the carpet and avoid them altogether when the mopping feature is engaged. 

One of the only downsides I found with the Tapo RV20 Max is its ineffective obstacle avoidance. Though it can detect and avoid furniture, it doesn’t do well with smaller items on the floor. My RV20 Max often got its roller brush stuck on small obstacles like cables and papers. 

Also: 10 ways to maximize your robot vacuum’s cleaning efficiency and battery life

Because it’s not a self-emptying vacuum, I had to empty it at least after every cleaning. Pet hair was one of the RV20 Max’s most significant challenges when cleaning my main floor. I had to empty its dustbin several times during individual cleaning sessions, or the robot would get so full of dog hair that its roller brush would get stuck. 

In keeping with its entry-level nature, the robot has a small charging dock that only works to recharge its battery. The dock is unobtrusive and easily fits under furniture so that the robot can stay out of view. That said, the dock is so small and lightweight that it’s easy to shift with a tap, and its power supply is easy to accidentally unplug, so I’d recommend keeping it out of high-traffic areas.

ZDNET’s buying advice

The Tapo RV20 Maxis one of the best budget-friendly robot vacuums I’ve tested. It has reliable navigation and plenty of customization options. This is the perfect choice for an affordable robot vacuum and mop for simple cleaning jobs and everyday vacuuming. 

Also: This robot vacuum performs as well as some flagship models for a fraction of the cost

If you have pets and want a hands-free solution, I wouldn’t recommend the RV20 Max. You have to empty the dustbin after each cleaning, and with my dog shedding as much as he does, I have to do it a couple of times during a single cleaning session. Similarly, if you have kids who often leave small toys, paper, or other items on the floor that you don’t want to have to pick up before every cleaning, RV20 Max may not be the right choice.