Start by choosing a robot vacuum that can move between the areas you want to clean. Then look at how well it performs on your floors and how much upkeep you’ll still need to do. According to Que Choisir, suction performance varies depending on the floor type, and robot mopping doesn’t automatically replace manual cleaning. A docking station can reduce some of the work, but it needs space and maintenance. Check the app and network requirements for the specific model, too.
If thresholds, rugs, cables or low furniture separate the areas you want to clean, first check that the robot can get around. Ecovacs recommends measuring the highest point of your thresholds, for example. Mapping won’t make an obstacle passable.
If you want to regularly pick up dust, hair or pet fur, compare performance on your floors and check how easy the brushes are to maintain. Que Choisir tests suction on different floor types separately; iRobot recommends more frequent maintenance of some brushes in homes with pets.
Scheduling and a docking station can reduce some of the work, but they won’t eliminate robot maintenance. Before choosing, check how much space you’ll need, which tasks will still be manual, and the app, network and spare-parts requirements for the specific model.
For scheduled cleaning, start by looking at the routes the robot will need to take. Then choose between vacuuming only, occasional mopping and a docking station, based on the floors you need to clean and how much hands-on maintenance you’re happy to do.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Getting around | Measure the height and shape of your thresholds, then check whether the specific model can pass under furniture and around rugs and cables. | If obstacles separate the rooms in my home, I want the scheduled clean to reach the areas I’ve chosen without repeated intervention. Around 33% of consumers put getting around at the top of their list. |
| Vacuuming | Look for separate test results for your floor types, especially rugs if you have them. Also check how easy it is to access the brushes. | If I have pet fur or rugs to clean regularly, I prioritise performance on those surfaces over a quoted power figure on its own. Vacuuming is the main priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Maintenance and docking station | Check which tasks will still be manual, how much room the station needs, what consumables are required and whether spare parts are available for the model. | If I want to empty the robot less often without adding more chores around the station, I want to know what maintaining the system actually involves. Around 27% of consumers prioritise reducing the number of hands-on tasks. |
| Occasional mopping | Make sure your flooring is suitable for wet cleaning and check how to clean the mopping components. | For compatible hard floors, I mainly want regular damp cleaning, while keeping a manual method for stubborn stains. This is the top priority for around 13% of consumers. |
A power figure on its own doesn’t tell you how well a robot will pick up dirt from rugs, wooden floors or tiles, or in corners. Que Choisir tests robot vacuums in these different conditions.
Look for results on the floor types in your home, and keep a manual vacuum for quick clean-ups or specific spots.
Que Choisir reports that mopping performance varies, particularly when dealing with dried-on dirt. Wet cleaning must also be suitable for your flooring; the testing method cited rules out wood, especially solid wood.
Use this function for compatible floors and light maintenance, and keep a manual solution for stubborn stains.
You’ll still need to fill the tank and clean the mopping components.
According to Ecovacs, getting over a threshold depends in part on its height and shape. Mopping equipment can also affect whether the robot can get through.
Measure each route the robot needs to take and compare it with the specifications for the model you’re considering. Set up no-go zones if the robot needs to avoid an obstacle rather than try to get over it.
A docking station can reduce how often you need to do some tasks, but the brushes, filters and other components still need regular attention. iRobot’s support guidance even recommends more frequent maintenance of certain brushes in homes with pets.
Check the maintenance instructions, consumables and availability of spare parts for the model you’re considering.
Depending on the model, the X-Plorer range includes robots with mapping and zone-setting features.
Depending on the model, DEEBOT robots offer mapping, mopping and different types of docking station.
Que Choisir lists Roborock among the brands in the robot vacuum category.
Que Choisir includes Dreame in its range of robot vacuums and mops, including models with docking stations.
Roomba support documentation can help you plan for the maintenance involved.
These models pair a robot vacuum with a docking station, making them suitable for homes looking to reduce some of the hands-on work involved in regular cleaning. To choose between them, compare their advertised features with your floors, routes and the space available for the station.
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Worth considering if you want to combine vacuuming, occasional mopping and a docking station for regular cleaning.
The product name lists OZMO Roller 2.0, a stated rated power of 19 500 Pa and claimed clearance of up to 4 cm. Compare the conditions for this clearance with your thresholds, and check the model’s connection requirements.
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Consider this if a station that also handles some of the mopping tasks suits the jobs you want to hand over.
The product name lists OZMO Roller, hot-water mop washing, hot-air drying and a stated rated power of 16 600 Pa. Check performance on your floor types and make sure you have room for the station.
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This docking station set-up may suit homes looking to combine vacuuming with occasional damp cleaning.
The product name lists OZMO Turbo 2.0, a stated rated power of 25 000 Pa and mop washing at a claimed 75 °C. If scheduling is essential, check what it can do in the manual before buying.
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Worth considering if your priority is scheduled vacuuming with less frequent emptying of the robot.
The product name lists an auto-empty station, 3D obstacle avoidance and a rated power of 8 000 Pa. This model requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, so check it’s available on your network.
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Consider this for scheduled cleaning if you’re looking for an auto-empty station and occasional mopping.
The product name lists LiDAR navigation, a dual anti-tangle system and a stated rated power of 8 000 Pa. Check performance on your floor types and the app requirements before choosing.
Not always. Que Choisir found that mopping results vary between models and types of dirt, particularly when stains have dried. Think of this feature as a way to keep compatible floors clean between deeper cleans, and keep a manual method for a thorough clean.
It depends on the model. Ecovacs, for example, says to check that a 2.4 GHz network is available for the connection it describes. Check the instructions for the model you’re considering for any phone and app requirements, too.
Compare each threshold with the clearance stated for the specific model. Ecovacs points out that the height and shape of the threshold matter. Also check the conditions specified when the mopping attachment is fitted.
If the model is covered by France’s repairability index requirements, check its score out of 10 and find out which spare parts you might need. The French Ministry of the Economy describes the index as a guide to assessing repairability; you’ll still need to check whether parts are available for the model you choose.
No. It can take care of transferring dust, but the brushes, filters and other components still need regular maintenance. iRobot support, for example, recommends more frequent maintenance of certain brushes in homes with pets. Follow the instructions for the model you buy.