As we wait for Black Friday and Cyber Monday to roll around, deals on different devices are already appearing everywhere. Robot vacuums are just one category seeing major pricing discounts in preparation for the year's biggest shopping event. ZDNET is gathering the best and most legitimate deals available right now, so you don't have to worry about wading through the madness that is deal hunting.
Also: The best Black Friday deals live now
I test different types of robot vacuums daily and have grown exceedingly familiar with each brand's strengths and weaknesses, as well as their price fluctuations. As a result, I've realized that this is the best time to buy that robot vacuum you've had your eye on all year or as a holiday gift for that family member who's always wanted one. Here are my picks for the best early Black Friday robot vacuum deals so far.
Our favorite early robot vacuum deals for Black Friday 2024
iRobot Roomba Vac Essential robot vacuum: $153 (save $60 at Amazon): This Roomba is ZDNET's pick for the best budget-friendly iRobot vacuum available. iRobot Roomba j7+ robot vacuum: $400 (save $400 at Amazon): This 50% discount on a self-emptying Roomba powered by RobotOS is a deal you can't miss. You can also get the Roomba Combo j7+ variation, with a fully retractable mop pad, at 18% off for $899. Roborock Q7 Max+ robot vacuum and mop: $380 (save $500 at Amazon): Besides a Q7 robot vacuum and mop, the Max model includes a self-emptying dock that you don't have to worry about for up to seven weeks. Dreame X30 Ultra robot vacuum and mop: $1,100 (save $300 at Amazon): The Dreame X30 Ultra was ZDNET's top pick for the best 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop, dethroned only by its successor, the X40 Ultra. Yeedi M12 Pro+ robot vacuum and mop: $670 (save $330 at Amazon): Have you ever heard the phrase "high-end features for a mid-range price?" This hands-free robot vacuum and mop does all the work for you, with flagship features like an extending mop pad to reach corners and under cabinets and 11,000Pa of suction. Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo complete robot vacuum and mop: $1,190 (save $510 at Amazon): I rely on the Deebot X2 Combo Complete robot vacuum and mop, especially because of its side-mounted cordless vacuum that empties automatically. Roborock S8 Pro Ultra robot vacuum and mop: $1,100 (save $500 at Amazon): The all-in-one S8 Pro Ultra features 6,000Pa of suction power, a self-emptying dustbin, and self-washing mop pads. OKP Life K2 robot vacuum: $110 (save $80 at Amazon): One of our favorite inexpensive options, the OKP Life K2 is a great entry-level, no-frills robot vacuum—especially for the price. Dreame X40 Ultra robot vacuum and mop: $1,400 (save $400 at Amazon): This is my favorite robot vacuum and mop combination that I've tested, with excellent obstacle avoidance and strong suction.Lefant M210Pro robot vacuum: $95 (save $115 at Amazon): This is a great opportunity to snag an entry-level robot vacuum for under $100.
Best early Black Friday iRobot robot vacuum deals
iRobot Roomba Combo i3+ robot vacuum and mop: $330 (save $100 at Amazon): This is a perfect midrange, self-emptying robot vacuum for homes with different floor types, including with pet residents. iRobot Roomba j7+ robot vacuum: $400 (save $400 at Amazon): This 50% discount on a self-emptying Roomba powered by RobotOS is a deal you can't miss. You can also get the Roomba Combo j7+ variation, with a fully retractable mop pad, at 18% off for $899. iRobot Roomba Essential Combo robot vacuum and mop: $160 (save $115 at Amazon): This essential robot vacuum is an entry-level Roomba that combines powerful suction with mopping action. iRobot Roomba® Vac 2 Essential robot vacuum: $350 (save $50 at Amazon): This is an introductory offer on iRobot's brand new entry-level robot vacuum, featuring the AutoEmpty dock, for self-emptying. iRobot Roomba Combo j5 robot vacuum and mop: $380 (save $150 at Amazon): The Roomba Combo j5 is built for everyday vacuuming with occasional mopping. iRobot Roomba Vac Essential robot vacuum: $153 (save $60 at Amazon): This Roomba is ZDNET's pick for the best budget-friendly iRobot vacuum available.Best early Black Friday Roborock robot vacuum deals
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra robot vacuum and mop: $900 (save $700 at Amazon): The all-in-one S8 Pro Ultra features 6,000Pa of suction power, a self-emptying dustbin, and self-washing mop pads. Roborock Q7 Max robot vacuum and mop: $240 (save $360): At 60% off, this is one of the best discounts you'll find on a Roborock through Black Friday. Roborock S8+ robot vacuum and mop: $550 (save $450 at Amazon): The Roborock S8+ features 6,000Pa of suction power, a self-emptying dustbin, and the company's Sonic Mop system. Roborock Flexi Lite wet/dry vacuum and mop: $320 (save $80 at Amazon): This outstanding wet/dry vacuum and mop lets you tackle wet and dry messes in one fell swoop.FAQs
When is Black Friday?
Black Friday is a big shopping event that happens each year on the day after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday falls on Nov. 29.
Since Thanksgiving is always on a Thursday, many people are off through the weekend, so retailers have capitalized on this day, the last national holiday before Christmas. This makes Black Friday a great chance to finish checking off your holiday shopping list.
When is Cyber Monday?
Cyber Monday happens on the Monday following the Thanksgiving holiday. This year, Cyber Monday falls on Dec. 2.
Are robot vacuum deals really better on Black Friday?
Robot vacuums are cheaper during big shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day. The fact that Black Friday is one of the last major shopping events of the year results in some retailers giving big discounts on the current product stock in preparation for new devices launching in the new year.
What's the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Though there are many online deals, Black Friday has been historically a mostly in-person shopping event where people visit a brick-and-mortar store. With most big box stores featuring an online store, Black Friday online shopping has become as common as Amazon Prime Day shopping. Cyber Monday began and remains an online shopping event for online stores to capitalize on customers who may have missed a Black Friday deal and can shop from home or work on Monday.
How did we choose these Black Friday deals?
As a robot vacuum tester at ZDNET, I've become familiar with these devices' unique features and tested different models in every price range. This experience has made me realize that the robot vacuum market is saturated with competition. It also helps me discern which robot vacuums are worth their retail price and when a discount is a good deal.
I check robot vacuum deals often, always choosing the ones that deliver the most features for the least money. Using our expertise and different tools to track deals, we can determine when a deal is worth it and ensure we only cover those. This list of deals will be updated as new deals appear and others sell out.
Where can you shop the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals?
While retailers hold store-specific shopping events throughout the year, like Amazon with Prime Day, you can expect Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to appear everywhere. This includes your local businesses and big box stores. Black Friday is a huge shopping event, both in-person and online, with stores like Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, Target, Costco, and more offering eye-popping discounts on different products.