Choose a robot vacuum based on the floors it needs to clean, the pet hair it needs to pick up and the obstacles it may encounter, rather than relying on its advertised suction power alone. Tests by RTINGS and Les Numériques show that vacuuming and obstacle avoidance results vary depending on the model and conditions. A docking station can mean less frequent emptying, but it won’t eliminate the need to clean the brushes and wheels. Before running the robot while you’re out, clear any areas where problems might occur: no detection claim should be taken as a guarantee that it will avoid every pet-related accident.
If pet hair builds up between cleaning sessions, compare how well each robot picks it up on your floors and how easy it is to access and clean the brushes. Tests by RTINGS and iRobot’s care guidance can help you check these points.
If the robot needs to run while you’re out, preparing the rooms and checking the model’s specific obstacle avoidance performance matter more than general claims about autonomous operation. Tests by Les Numériques and RTINGS, along with information published by iRobot, cover particular models and conditions.
If you need to clean both types of flooring, check the vacuuming results on each and, if the robot also mops, how it handles its mop when approaching carpets. Tests by UFC-Que Choisir, RTINGS and Les Numériques can help you focus on these points.
When choosing a robot vacuum for a home with pets, compare its performance on your floors, how it handles the obstacles you need to watch out for, and which tasks its station actually takes care of.
Choose this if: you can empty the dustbin regularly and want to schedule vacuuming on accessible floors.
Keep in mind: scheduling won’t replace emptying the dustbin or cleaning the parts where pet hair builds up.
Choose this if: you want to empty the dustbin less often or, depending on the station, automate mop maintenance too.
Keep in mind: the base takes up space and needs maintenance too. Check whether it only empties the dustbin or also takes care of the mop pads.
Choose this if: you need to clean stairs, places the robot can’t reach or pet hair it leaves in a carpet.
Keep in mind: you’ll need to use it yourself. It complements scheduled cleaning rather than running on its own while you’re out.
| What to consider | What to check | Who should prioritise this? |
|---|---|---|
| Pet hair and tangles | Results on the flooring in question; access to the brush, its ends and the wheels. | When pet hair builds up every day, I want the robot to pick it up without me having to untangle the brush repeatedly. Around 33% of consumers prioritise pet hair management. |
| Obstacles and accidents | Tests with small objects and pet mess; exclusions from any manufacturer guarantee; options for areas to clear or block off. | If I run the robot while I’m out, I want to reduce the risks posed by objects or pet accidents without assuming that the navigation system will detect everything. Around 27% of consumers prioritise preventing these incidents. |
| Hard floors and carpets | Results on a carpet similar to yours; how the mop behaves near carpets if the robot also mops. | With tiles and carpets at home, I want to know what the robot picks up on each surface and avoid an unsuitable wet clean. Around 20% of consumers prioritise coverage across mixed flooring. |
| Station maintenance | The base’s exact functions; access to brushes, wheels and tanks; how dust is collected. | When the dustbin fills quickly, I want to empty it less often without adding a base that’s difficult to maintain. Around 20% of consumers prioritise reducing manual work. |
A robot can map a room without avoiding every object or mess. Tests by Les Numériques and RTINGS highlight limitations that vary by model and obstacle. The guarantee published by iRobot for certain Roomba j7 and j7+ models also comes with exclusions.
Look for tests covering the obstacles you’re concerned about, and read the terms of any guarantee carefully before leaving the robot to run unattended.
Pet hair can still get caught around brushes and moving parts. Depending on its design, a station may empty the dustbin or maintain the mop pads, but you’ll still need to check the brushes and wheels.
Before choosing, check exactly what the station does and how easy it is to access the brushes, their ends and the wheels.
Vacuuming results on hard floors alone won’t tell you how well a robot picks up pet hair embedded in a carpet.
Compare tests on a carpet similar to yours, and plan to supplement with manual cleaning if needed.
The tested Qrevo Edge is an example of a robot mop with a station for homes with both carpets and hard floors. The test results don’t apply to every Roborock model.
The tested DEEBOT N20 Plus is an example of a model with a bagless self-emptying station. The test findings apply to this specific model.
The tested P50 Pro Ultra combines vacuuming, mopping and a multifunction station for homes with mixed flooring.
Roomba j Series models may appeal to households concerned about pet accidents. Check the terms for the specific model and any manufacturer guarantee.
The L10s Ultra Gen 2 is a model with a station in the French range. Check the functions and accessories for the exact version.
This selection features robot vacuums with maintenance stations, designed for scheduled floor cleaning. Compare the listed features for pet hair, carpets and base maintenance.
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Worth considering if you want to schedule vacuuming and empty the dustbin less often with the advertised self-emptying station.
The product name lists 8 000 Pa suction power, an advertised runtime of 180 minutes, an anti-tangle feature and 3D obstacle avoidance. Remove cables, small toys and fringed rugs before the robot runs.
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Worth a look if you’re after a robot that vacuums and mops, with a base described as handling several maintenance tasks.
The product name lists 16 200 Pa, a mopping function, anti-tangle technology, liquid detection and a liftable brush. The product details describe mopping with 75 °C hot water and a self-cleaning base.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a robot vacuum and mop with a station, plus features advertised for carpets and pet hair.
The product name lists 15 400 Pa and an automatic emptying station with hot-water mop washing and hot-air drying. The product details mention a liftable mop, anti-tangle technology and obstacle detection, as well as an advertised runtime of 200 minutes. Both the robot and station need regular maintenance.
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Worth considering for a home with hard floors and carpets if you want to schedule cleaning and set no-mop zones.
The product name lists 4 000 Pa and laser navigation. It also mentions a self-emptying dock and an advertised noise level of 55 dB. Before running it on carpets, remove the mopping module or set no-mop zones, as instructed in the product details.
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Worth considering if you want to empty the dustbin less often with an automatic station. Also check how well it navigates rooms where objects may be left lying around.
The product name lists 8 000 Pa, an anti-tangle feature and automatic dust emptying. Les Numériques’ review of the N20 Plus found its navigation and obstacle handling unconvincing.
No. It depends on the model, the obstacle and the floor. RTINGS found that the MOVA P50 Pro Ultra was inconsistent at avoiding pet mess on carpets. The guarantee published by iRobot for the j7 and j7+ comes with conditions and excludes, among other things, regurgitated food. It doesn’t guarantee that every accident will be detected.
Clear away objects and anything that could pose a risk, then check the robot’s route around your home. Les Numériques’ tests of the Qrevo Edge and N20 Plus highlight limitations with certain obstacles. If your pet might have an accident, don’t rely on the navigation system alone.
No. Depending on the model, the station may empty the dustbin and maintain the mop pads, but you’ll still need to check the brushes, their ends and the wheels. The station’s tanks and mopping components may also need attention.
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a consumer. The French Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to exercise this right. For a distance purchase covered by the right to cancel, consumers have at least 14 days to change their mind, subject to legal exceptions. These rights are separate from any commercial extended warranty or special manufacturer guarantee.