Start by considering the floor types, rugs, thresholds and obstacles in your home, rather than relying on a single advertised suction power figure. Basic navigation may be enough in an uncluttered space; mapping makes it easier to target specific rooms, while a docking station can reduce some of the hands-on tasks, but takes up space and needs maintenance too. None of these features can replace manual cleaning in areas the robot cannot reach.
If your home has a mix of rugs, hard floors or doorways between rooms, compare results for each floor type rather than relying on a general claim. Que Choisir Ensemble assesses different floor types and edges as part of its test procedure.
If you want to target certain rooms or keep the robot out of specific areas, look at the navigation features and settings available on the model. Que Choisir Ensemble describes robots that move around randomly as well as those that map rooms.
A docking station can reduce some hands-on tasks if you have room for it, but it still needs maintenance. Les Numériques also points out that docking stations can take up a lot of space at home.
Que Choisir Ensemble’s test procedure assesses performance on rugs, tiles, parquet, along edges and in corners. Compare test results that reflect the surfaces and areas in your home.
| What matters | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Results on different floor types | Compare test results for hard floors, rugs and edges; identify which surfaces you have most of at home. | If I have rugs or different floor types, I want to know what the robot leaves behind after cleaning each surface. Around 26% of consumers put performance on their floors first. |
| Routes, thresholds and obstacles | Note any thresholds and narrow passages; check the stated capabilities and navigation test results for the exact model. | If my home has several rooms or tricky passages, I want the robot to be able to complete its planned route. Around 26% of consumers prioritise access to rooms. |
| Emptying and docking station size | Distinguish between a charging base, automatic emptying and mop features; check how much space it needs and what consumables it uses. | If emptying the dustbin or looking after the mop feels like a chore, I want to cut down on these tasks without overlooking the station’s maintenance needs. Around 21% of consumers prioritise emptying the bin less often. |
| Scheduling and noise | Check which times and areas you can schedule, whether the app is compatible and whether noise measurements are available. | If I’m at home while the robot is running, I want to be able to schedule cleaning and keep disruption to a minimum. Around 16% of consumers prioritise cleaning cycles that fit their daily routine. |
| Repairability and long-term maintenance | Check the repairability index for the model in question and make sure compatible parts and consumables are available. | If I want to keep the appliance for longer and maintain it properly, I also look at its repairability and replaceable parts. Around 11% of consumers prioritise long-term support. |
These features address different problems: having a map does not prove that the robot will avoid every object or cross a particular threshold.
Identify any tricky passages in your home, then check the capabilities and test results for the exact model.
A docking station can reduce some of the work involved in looking after the robot, but it takes up space and its own components still need attention.
Check which features are included, how much space it needs and which consumables are specific to the model.
The water tanks and mops need maintenance; some models also use their own consumables.
Que Choisir Ensemble’s tests show that having a mopping function does not guarantee stain removal, even on tiles.
If mopping is important to you, check test results for hard floors and keep a manual option for stains or areas the robot does not clean.
According to information from the French ministries responsible for ecological transition and the economy, the repairability index takes documentation and spare parts into account, among other things. The index does not guarantee a product’s lifespan.
Compare the index for the model in question and check which parts are compatible before you buy.
Parts or consumables may need replacing as part of ongoing maintenance; check which ones are compatible with the model you choose.
The Qrevo and Saros ranges include models with mapping and a docking station. Compare the exact model if thresholds or obstacles are important to you.
The X40 Ultra Complete is an example of a model that combines vacuuming, mopping and a docking station, for people who want to automate several tasks.
The Flow is worth considering if regular hard-floor mopping and mop care are among your priorities.
The J15 Pro Ultra is one option to compare with independent test results for a robot vacuum and mop with a docking station.
The DEEBOT range includes the N, T and X series, among others; the N series is another option to consider for everyday cleaning.
This selection includes robots designed to automate floor cleaning, with navigation, scheduling or docking station features depending on the model.
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Worth considering if you want to schedule cleaning by room and empty the dustbin less often.
The product information lists LiDAR navigation, obstacle avoidance and app control. It states that the robot has 8000 Pa suction power and a 2-litre station tank, with up to 45 days between emptying.
The product information also mentions mop lifting on rugs. The station tank needs to be emptied periodically.
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Worth considering if you want to schedule cleaning cycles and set areas in the Xiaomi Home app.
The product information lists LiDAR navigation, obstacle detection and an all-in-one station with automatic emptying, hot-water mop washing and drying. It states that the mop can be lifted by up to 15 mm.
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Worth considering if you want a docking station to take care of some tasks related to the dustbin and mops.
The product information describes an emptying and washing station, as well as navigation with obstacle avoidance. It mentions ScrubExtend for cleaning edges and washing with water at 75 °C.
These features describe the equipment listed for this model; they are no substitute for test results on your floors.
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Worth considering if you want a docking station that empties the dustbin, washes the mops and dries them.
The instructions specify that you need 1,5 m of clearance in front of the station and 0,5 m on either side. Make sure you have enough space before choosing where to put it.
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Worth considering if you want to cut down on tasks after cleaning cycles and schedule areas in the app.
The description mentions a station that empties the dustbin, refills the robot with water, washes the mops and dries them. The product name lists 25000Pa and ZeroTangle 3.0.
No, the stated suction power alone is not enough to judge performance on a rug. Look for tests specifically on rugs, separate from those on hard floors and along edges; Que Choisir Ensemble assesses these situations separately in its test procedure.
Identify any thresholds, places where the robot might get stuck and how much room you have for its base. If you want to schedule cleaning by room or set no-go areas, check that the model and its app offer these features: a claimed mapping function does not guarantee that the robot will avoid every object.
No, a docking station reduces some of the hands-on tasks but does not eliminate maintenance. Depending on the model, it may empty the dustbin, manage water or look after the mops; maintain its components in line with the instructions for the model you choose.
You can claim under the statutory conformity guarantee from the retailer; the French Ministry of the Economy states that the period is two years. For the robot vacuum cleaners covered, the repairability index is compulsory: ask for the model’s score and, if necessary, a breakdown of how it was calculated. Any commercial warranty is separate from these rights.