Start by checking that the robot can move around your home and that its performance suits your floors, rugs and types of dirt. Then choose the features you need — mapping, automatic emptying or mopping — while bearing in mind the app, the maintenance still required and the space needed for the dock. None of these features will always replace manual cleaning.
If your home has rugs, thresholds, furniture or objects on the floor, check the robot’s route before scheduling a clean. Que Choisir Ensemble and tests of models published by Rowenta and Les Numériques cover these factors.
An auto-empty dock can reduce how often you handle the bin, but you’ll still need to maintain both the robot and the dock, and use the right consumables for your model. Que Choisir Ensemble and Roborock France describe what’s involved.
If you want to add regular mopping, look at results for your type of flooring and consider the work involved in maintaining the pads and water tank. Que Choisir Ensemble points out that a mopping function doesn’t guarantee that stains will be removed.
Que Choisir Ensemble compares navigation and cleaning results across different floors; the CNIL also recommends checking what data apps collect and what permissions they request. Start with the need that will have the biggest impact on how you use the robot at home.
| Factor | What to check before buying | Who is it for ? |
|---|---|---|
| Routes and obstacles | Check room-by-room settings, cables and thresholds; compare the height of your thresholds with the guidance for the exact model. | If my home has several rooms, cables or thresholds, I want to know where the robot can go before scheduling its cleaning runs. Around 28 % of consumers prioritise navigation and obstacle handling. |
| Vacuuming performance | Look at tests covering floors, rugs and types of dirt like yours; check the brushes and how to maintain them if you have pets that shed. | If I have rugs or pet hair to vacuum, I look for results tested on surfaces and dirt similar to those in my home. Around 22 % of consumers prioritise vacuuming their floors and picking up hair. |
| Emptying and maintenance | Check the maintenance required for the robot and dock, compatible consumables, parts availability and the repairability rating shown. | If I want to empty the bin less often, I also check which bags, filters and brushes need to be cleaned or replaced. Around 22 % of consumers prioritise emptying and maintenance. |
| Mopping hard floors | Look for tests on the type of flooring you have; check the cleaning modes, how rugs are handled and how to maintain the pads. | If I have mostly tiled floors and want to mop regularly, I want to know how it performs on this flooring and what maintenance it needs. Around 17 % of consumers prioritise mopping hard floors. |
| App and data | Check the app’s compatibility and update terms, the permissions it requests and whether you can disable certain connected features. | If I’d rather limit the data I share or stay in control of connected features, I check the app before choosing. Around 11 % of consumers prioritise privacy and control over the app. |
Vacuuming results vary depending on the floor, debris and fibres. A figure on a product listing isn’t enough to predict how it will perform on your rug.
Compare tests on flooring and types of dirt similar to those in your home.
Que Choisir Ensemble found that having a mopping system doesn’t guarantee that stains will be removed from tiled floors.
Assess mopping separately from vacuuming and check the recommendations for each type of flooring.
A dock empties dust from the robot’s bin, but the brushes and consumables still need maintenance. Roborock France lists bags, filters and brushes for the Q7 L5+, among other parts.
Check that compatible parts are available for the exact model number.
Les Numériques’ test of the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra reports that the robot swallows cables despite navigating methodically.
Look for tests involving obstacles similar to those in your home, and clear away problem items before scheduling a clean.
The X-Plorer range includes the French-market 75S+ variant, with laser navigation and an auto-empty dock.
The Q7 L5+ sold in France combines LiDAR navigation, an app and an auto-empty dock.
The Roomba 105 Combo with AutoEmpty dock is an example of a model combining mapping, scheduling, and vacuuming or mopping modes.
The DEEBOT N, T and X ranges offer different dock, navigation and mopping configurations, which are best compared model by model.
The French range includes the D10+ Gen 2, as well as other series with different features.
This selection features robot vacuums with auto-empty docks, so you can compare scheduling, maintenance and mopping features for your floors.
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Worth considering if you want to schedule cleaning and reduce the need to empty the bin by hand with an auto-empty dock.
The product listing states that it has LiDAR navigation, app control, scheduling and no-go zones.
Its stated suction power is 8 000 Pa; the title also mentions an anti-tangle system.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for an auto-empty dock and want to check the rug-handling features of the variant you choose.
The product listing states that it has 8 000 Pa suction, a 2 litre bagless dust container and app control.
The description states that the mop lifts by 10 mm; check that this is high enough for the rugs in your home.
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Worth considering if you want to combine scheduling and automatic emptying with mop maintenance handled by the dock.
The description mentions app control and rug detection.
The mops are stated to lift by up to 15 mm; the stated cleaning time is up to 2.5 hours.
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Worth considering if you want a dock to handle several maintenance tasks and to add mopping to robot cleaning.
The description mentions automatic emptying, mop washing and hot-air drying, as well as app connectivity.
The dock should be placed on a flat, dry floor, with the clearances specified in the instructions.
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Worth considering if you’re comparing an auto-empty dock with a mopping function.
The title for this variant states that it has 19 500 Pa suction, the OZMO Roller 2.0 system and a maximum threshold height of 4 cm.
Check these details against the exact model number and compare the stated height with the thresholds in your home.
No. A robot vacuum can’t go up or down stairs. Measure each threshold and compare it with the guidance for the exact model: Rowenta states that the RR8585WH can cross thresholds up to 18 mm high, but this doesn’t apply to all robots.
Look out for cables and small objects, then check the app settings and make sure the app is compatible with your phone. Les Numériques’ test of the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra reports that this model swallows cables despite navigating methodically.
No. The dock empties dust from the robot’s bin, but the brushes and consumables still need maintaining. Roborock France lists bags, filters and brushes for the Q7 L5+; check which parts are compatible with the model you’re considering.
The legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual. According to the DGCCRF, claims must be made within two years of delivery. Robot vacuums are also among the products covered by the French repairability rating. An optional commercial warranty doesn’t replace these rights.
Read the information about the data collected and the permissions requested, then check whether you can disable any connected features you don’t want. The CNIL provides general advice on apps and connected robots; this doesn’t certify the privacy of any particular model.