To keep your floors in good shape between manual cleans, choose a robot based on your flooring, rugs and the areas it needs to cover, rather than its advertised suction power alone. UFC-Que Choisir points out that results vary across floor types and that robot mopping can disappoint. Keep a manual cleaning option for tricky areas and stubborn dirt. A docking station cuts down on some tasks, but adds parts to maintain, so check the app and spare parts for the model you choose too.
A robot vacuum can take care of some everyday cleaning, provided its features suit your home and the tasks you still want to do by hand.
If you want it to clean regularly while you’re out, check the model’s scheduling options, app and any requirements for using it. Mapping is also worth considering if you want to set up rooms or specific areas.
UFC-Que Choisir tests vacuuming on rugs, tiles and wooden floors, as well as along walls and in corners. If you’re considering a robot mop, check how it handles rugs too. For cluttered rooms, look at the obstacle avoidance features of the exact model.
An auto-empty dock can mean you need to empty the bin less often, but you’ll still need to maintain the brushes, filters and other parts of the model. If the dock also handles mop pads, you’ll need to keep an eye on the water tanks and check which consumables are compatible. ADEME says robot vacuums are covered by the repairability index.
Start with your floors and the areas you want to clean, then decide whether mopping or a docking station is worth the extra maintenance. A manual vacuum is still useful for targeted cleaning.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuuming on different floor types | Compare the exact model’s results on your flooring, then check how it performs along edges and in corners. UFC-Que Choisir tests rugs, tiles and wooden floors, among other surfaces; a quoted Pa figure doesn’t tell you how well it performs in these tests. | I want regular cleaning to suit the floors in my home, including the areas near the walls. |
| Rugs and obstacles | If the robot mops, check how it handles rugs, as well as how it navigates cluttered rooms. Measure the clearance under your furniture and the height of thresholds between rooms. | If I have rugs or items on the floor, I need to know where the robot can go and what it does with its mop pad when it approaches a rug. |
| Mopping function | Check that your flooring is suitable for mopping and look for test results for the exact model. UFC-Que Choisir has highlighted limitations in how well robot mops clean. | I’m interested in regular damp cleaning on suitable floors, but I’ll still deal with stubborn stains by hand. |
| Docking station and maintenance | Check whether the station just empties the bin or also washes or dries the mop pads. Look at how much space it needs, the maintenance involved, compatible consumables and spare parts. Check the repairability index too. | I want to empty the bin less often, while remembering that the station may need bags, filters or water tanks. |
| App and scheduling | Check compatibility with your phone and the exact series, along with scheduling features, announced software updates and privacy settings. For example, iRobot distinguishes between series that work with Roomba Home and those that use its classic app. | If I schedule cleaning while I’m out, I want to be able to set up and control the model with my phone. |
A Pa rating doesn’t tell you how well the vacuum performs on every floor type. UFC-Que Choisir tests floors, edges and corners separately.
Look for results for the exact model and focus on the surfaces in your home.
UFC-Que Choisir has highlighted limitations in how well robot mops clean. A mopping function doesn’t guarantee the results you want on stubborn dirt.
Check that your floor is suitable for the type of mopping offered and keep a manual option for cleaning individual stains.
Auto-emptying cuts down on one task, but brushes, filters and parts of the station still need looking after, depending on the model.
Check the instructions to see what regular maintenance is needed and which consumables are compatible before you choose.
Depending on the station’s features, you may also need to manage bags, mop pads, water tanks or the tray.
Scheduling and mapping may depend on the app and whether it works with your phone. The CNIL notes that connected devices can generate data stored online.
Check which app the series you’re considering needs, the set-up requirements, announced software updates and privacy settings.
The features mentioned below apply to specific models as described by their manufacturers. They don’t guarantee how well a model will vacuum or mop in your home.
The Q10 S5+ is an example of a robot vacuum and mop with an auto-empty dock.
The DEEBOT range includes robot mops with docking stations, including the N30 PRO OMNI.
According to Xiaomi France, the Robot Vacuum X20 Pro combines vacuuming, mopping and an all-in-one station.
Not all Roomba robots use the same app, so the exact series matters when setting yours up.
The L10s Ultra Gen 3 Kit is an example of a Dreame robot vacuum and mop with a multifunction station.
These models combine vacuuming, mopping and a docking station. They’re best suited to people who want to cut down on some tasks between manual cleans. Compare their advertised features with your floors, the space you have available and the maintenance you’re happy to do.
Image unavailable
For regular cleaning with a docking station, this robot combines vacuuming and mopping. Its product listing specifies 25 000 Pa, an OMNI station, the OZMO Turbo 2.0 mopping system and mop washing at 75 °C. Check how it performs on your floors and rugs, as well as the space and maintenance the station requires.
Image unavailable
This robot with a mopping function is designed for regular cleaning with a base station. Before relying on its scheduling features, check which app the Roomba Combo 115 AE needs and whether it works with your phone. Also check how much space the base needs and how well it vacuums and mops your floors.
Image unavailable
This model combines vacuuming, mopping and an all-in-one station. Its product listing mentions 8 150 Pa, laser navigation, an anti-tangle side brush and hot-air drying. If you have rugs, check how the JONR T5 Pro handles them, and remember to factor in maintenance for the station’s components.
Image unavailable
This model’s product listing specifies 16 200 Pa, anti-tangle technology and hot-water cleaning at 75 °C, combining mopping with a docking station. These features don’t tell you how well it’ll clean your floors or tackle stains. Look for tests of the J15 Pro Ultra and check what maintenance the mop pads and station need.
Image unavailable
This robot with a docking station is designed for regular vacuuming and mopping. Its product listing specifies 12 000 Pa, FlexiArm mop pads, an anti-tangle system and hot-air drying. If you want to schedule cleaning, check the Qrevo S5V app features. Also check how it performs on your floors and how much space the station needs.
Don’t assume it can. UFC-Que Choisir points out that robot vacuum results vary across floor types and also assesses performance along edges and in corners. Keep a manual cleaning option for stairs, hard-to-reach areas and targeted cleaning. The organisation presents a cordless stick vacuum mainly as a supplementary appliance.
Don’t choose a robot mop on the assumption that it’ll remove dried-on stains. UFC-Que Choisir has highlighted limitations in how well they clean. Check how the model performs on a compatible floor and keep a manual option for stubborn dirt.
Check which app the model needs, whether it works with your phone and what’s involved in setting it up. For some Roomba series, iRobot says set-up requires a compatible phone, an account and connectivity permissions, among other things. Also check the privacy settings and network coverage where you plan to put the base.
No. A docking station can mean you need to empty the bin less often and, depending on the model, may take care of some mop-pad maintenance. Check the instructions for details of maintenance for the brushes, filters, water tanks and station parts, as well as compatible consumables.
Yes. ADEME says robot vacuums are among the appliances covered by the index. Check the score for the model you’re interested in and the criteria behind it, including documentation, ease of dismantling and the availability of spare parts.