How Does Aldi's Robot Vacuum Compare To Options At Costco? Here's What Reviews Are Saying

So if you've been going back and forth on the idea of a robot vacuum but the price tag keeps putting you off, the good news is that Aldi has a pretty affordable version. At $499, the DEEBOT NEO 2.0 is a much more budget-friendly little bot that has TikTok reviewers such as @dylansreviews singing its praises. At the end of his video, he declares that he is "well impressed" with the robot's features, pointing out that the product's app lets you schedule cleaning times, and this vacuum can even mop as well. Not bad for something you can toss into your cart during your weekly shop.

Aldi's version looks like a perfect little piece of equipment for anyone who wants the robot experience for under $500. No, it's not going to scrub your grout or give you a full deep clean (nor will it help the kids with homework or make dinner), but it can keep your room cleaner for longer. One of the great unspoken things about these robot vacuums is that, in addition to actually vacuuming, they encourage everyone in the home to pick up their clutter in order to let it do its job. So it sort of automatically makes things a bit tidier, while making the house a bit cleaner. Just remember: There's only one way professional cleaners recommend using robot vacuums in your home — they're meant to be used in addition to regular cleaning, not replace it altogether. So unfortunately, you'll still have to break out your real vacuum sometimes.

Meanwhile, at Costco, one of their more popular robot vacuums is the Roborock QX, which clocks in a little higher at $579.99 but has glowing reviews that seem to justify the price. One reviewer even declares that it's "quietly life-changing," which is pretty impressive feedback for what is ultimately just a vacuum. 

However, some reviews raise eyebrows. One buyer had issues with the vacuum's behavior and their plush carpets, but high-pile carpets can potentially be an obstacle for any vacuum. Luckily, with the app feature, that reviewer could set "no-go zones" to avoid any issues. The overall consensus remains that most people are just amazed that it tackles both mopping and vacuuming, which is made even more exciting when it does it while you are asleep or out of the house. On the other end of the spectrum, Costco's cheapest option is the iRobot Roomba Combo j9, which is priced at just $399, although with only three stars and mixed reviews, this may be a case of getting what you pay for.

So is it worth shelling out for the Roborock QX, taking a gamble on the budget Roomba Combo j9, or sticking with Aldi's more affordable model? It probably depends on your home. The Roborock shines in larger homes, but if you're easily overwhelmed, you might prefer the plug-and-play simplicity of Aldi's version. And before you buy any of them, it's worth reading our list of things you should know before buying a robot vacuum, like whether your home's layout is even suited to automated cleaning in the first place.