Start by choosing a model that suits the accessible floors, thresholds and obstacles in your home. Then consider which tasks you’d like to avoid between cleaning cycles. Mopping is for hard floors, and results vary. An emptying dock means you won’t need to empty the robot as often, but you’ll still need to maintain the dock and carry out the checks specified for your model.
If you want to schedule cleaning for several areas, first check that doorways, thresholds and furniture leave enough room for the robot to move around. UFC-Que Choisir recommends taking floor coverings and scheduling features into account.
If you’d like to add damp cleaning runs, compare how each model handles rugs and what maintenance its mopping components need. UFC-Que Choisir notes that results vary depending on the type of floor.
If you’d rather handle dust less frequently, check what the dock actually empties and which consumables or components still need maintenance, as set out in the manufacturers’ instructions.
Worth considering: if your priority is scheduling vacuuming on accessible floors.
Keep in mind: floor types and routes between rooms affect the results, and you’ll still need to empty the dustbin.
Worth considering: if you’d like to add a damp cleaning run on hard floors.
Keep in mind: mopping components and water tanks also need maintenance, and mopping doesn’t guarantee that stains will be removed.
Worth considering: if you’d like to empty the robot’s onboard bin less often.
Keep in mind: the dock takes up space, and its dust container, bags or ducts may need maintenance.
First compare the areas the robot can actually reach, then look at the features that reduce how often you need to carry out the tasks you’d like to do less often.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who should pay most attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Routes and scheduling | Measure thresholds and clearance beneath furniture; check the stated capabilities of the specific model and whether it can schedule cleaning by area. | If I want to run cleaning cycles in several rooms, I’ll check routes and obstacles first. Around 33% of consumers put ease of movement and scheduling first. |
| Vacuuming and mopping | Identify your floor coverings and look for relevant test results. If your home has rugs, check how the model handles its wet components. | If I have both hard floors and rugs, I’ll check that damp cleaning suits my needs and floor coverings. Around 27% of consumers prioritise mopping hard floors. |
| Dock and maintenance | Distinguish between emptying dust and washing or drying; check how much space the dock needs and which parts must be cleaned or replaced. | If I find it a nuisance to empty the small bin after each cycle, I’ll compare what the dock takes care of and what I’ll still need to do. Around 20% of consumers prioritise emptying the bin less often. |
| Parts and software | Check the stated availability period for parts, compatible consumables, phone compatibility and update conditions. | If I plan to keep the robot and use its connected features, I’ll check which parts are compatible and what ongoing app support is offered. Around 20% of consumers prioritise repairability and software support. |
Performance varies depending on floor coverings, and mapping can’t overcome a physical obstacle. Areas the robot can’t reach or doesn’t clean as well may still need to be cleaned by hand.
Measure routes and compare them with the specifications for the exact model. Also look for test results covering your floor types.
Allow time to clean by hand any areas the robot can’t reach or doesn’t clean as well.
Dock features vary: some transfer dust, while others also look after mopping components. Bags, ducts, tanks or other parts may still need maintenance.
Compare emptying, washing, drying and the maintenance tasks listed in the dock’s instructions separately.
Depending on the system, you may also need to replace bags and clean the dock, tanks or wet components.
An accessory appearing in a catalogue doesn’t guarantee it will remain available for every model. Parts availability depends on the information provided for the product in question.
For the exact model, check its repairability index if one is displayed, and ask how long the necessary parts are expected to remain available.
Replacement or repair may become more difficult if a specific part is no longer available.
The DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI is one model to consider if you’re looking for a robot mop with a roller that lifts on rugs, according to Ecovacs France.
The X50 Ultra Complete is worth considering if you’re comparing navigation, vacuuming and automated mopping.
The Spot+Scrub™ Ai is an example of a solution combining vacuuming, mopping and a dock with a cyclonic collector.
The Qrevo S is an example of a multifunction dock that washes and dries the mop pads, unlike a dock that only empties the dustbin.
Roomba robots and Clean Base docks let you consider robot vacuuming and automatic emptying separately.
The models below cover scheduled vacuuming. Depending on the model, they also offer mopping and an emptying or maintenance dock.
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Worth considering if you want to schedule cleaning and empty the robot’s bin less often.
The product listing specifies LiDAR navigation, a mopping function, 8,000 Pa suction power and an emptying dock with a dust bag.
The dock’s bag still needs replacing.
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Worth considering if you want to schedule vacuuming and mopping by area in the app.
The product listing mentions LiDAR navigation, rug recognition, mop lifting and a dock that empties the dustbin, washes and dries the mop pads.
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Worth considering if you want to schedule cleaning and set no-go areas, with a bagless emptying dock.
The product listing mentions 8000 Pa, a stated battery life of 180 minutes, 3D obstacle detection and a mop that lifts by 10 mm.
The instructions specify that the dock needs clear space: 0,5 m on each side and 1,5 m in front. The app is listed as compatible with 2,4 GHz Wi-Fi only.
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Worth considering if you want to combine vacuuming and mopping with a dock that empties the bin and maintains the mop pads.
The product listing mentions 16200 Pa suction power, liquid detection, a liftable brush and hot-water cleaning at 75°C.
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Worth considering if you want to schedule vacuuming and mopping and leave several maintenance tasks to the dock.
The product listing mentions 12000 Pa, FlexiArm mops, hot-air drying and obstacle detection.
The product listing advises against mopping long-pile rugs and recommends setting no-go areas for thick rugs. It says to use only Roborock cleaning solution in the clean water tank.
Check how the exact model handles rugs. Ecovacs says the DEEBOT T90 PRO OMNI lifts its roller when it goes over a rug. This feature isn’t available on every robot mop, and results vary between models.
You’ll still need to manage the dust container or bags and clean the parts specified in the instructions. For Clean Base, iRobot recommends replacing the bag when prompted by the dock or app, as well as maintaining the contacts and duct. A washing dock requires other maintenance tasks.
Before buying, check that the app is compatible with your phone and find out how updates work. For DEEBOT firmware, Ecovacs support says the robot must be on its dock, charged and connected to ECOVACS HOME. This process doesn’t specify how long future support will last.
Check the model’s repairability index where it applies. The French Ministry of the Economy says the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. Separately, ask how long the parts are expected to remain available, as this depends on the model and the applicable terms.