Shark is the clear winner on price. Its vacuums range from $100 to $500 and offer impressive features and performance for the cost. Dyson vacuums have undeniable cachet—but it comes at a premium.

Like dishwashers and washing machines, robot vacuums are the next generation of appliances that do the work for us. Vacuuming and mopping your floors daily with zero effort from you, these gems can ...