ZDNET's key takeaways At $199, the Tapo RV20 Max is an affordable option that works surprisingly well.
The RV20 Max robot vacuum features strong 5,300Pa suction, great navigation skills that don't use the bump-and-run system, and plenty of customization options for the price.
On the downside, the Tapo RV20 Max doesn't have great obstacle avoidance, often getting its brush tangled with cables and small items. View now at Amazon
The Tapo RV20 Max robot vacuum is on sale for $130 ($70 off) during Amazon Prime Day.
Also: The best Prime Day deals you can shop now.
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, proving 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.
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.
Maria Diaz/ZDNET
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