Who is this option for?

Households that want to schedule cleaning cycles

If you want to keep your floors clean while you’re away, check that scheduling works with the app for your model and that the robot can complete its cycle in your home.

Homes with several rooms or areas to avoid

Mapping is worth considering if you want to target specific rooms or set virtual boundaries. Check that the model you choose offers these features and that its map can be saved under the conditions set by the manufacturer.

Households that care about maintenance and repairs

Before choosing a station or a robot mop, check what maintenance you’ll still need to do, as well as which accessories and parts are compatible with the exact model number.

Which features should you prioritise?

First decide whether you need a general cleaning cycle on a schedule or precise control over specific areas. Then consider the maintenance still required and how well the robot performs on your floor coverings.

Navigation without mapping

Worth considering: for routine cleaning in a fairly open space, when you don’t need to select individual rooms.

The trade-off: you won’t have map-based room selection or the virtual boundaries available on some mapping models.

Navigation with mapping

Worth considering: if you need to select rooms or set areas to avoid, provided the model offers these settings.

The trade-off: creating and saving a map may require specific set-up conditions, depending on the model.

Feature What to check Who is it for?
Cleaning cycles while you’re away Scheduling available for the model and its app; conditions for starting and returning to the base. If I want my floors cleaned while I’m away, being able to start cycles without me there matters more than the other settings. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this need.
Rooms and areas to avoid Check which mapping, room-by-room cleaning and virtual boundary features are actually available, and the conditions for saving a map. In a home with separate rooms, I want to choose where the robot goes and keep it away from certain areas. For around 29% of consumers, this control is the main priority.
Robot maintenance Type of station container, brush and filter maintenance, and parts compatible with the model number. I’d rather empty the bin less often, but I want to know what other maintenance I’ll still need to do. This is the priority for around 21% of consumers.
Floors and obstacles Performance on the home’s floor coverings and rugs; how it handles edges and objects on the floor. If my rugs, corners or objects on the floor make cleaning harder, I want to know which areas will still need attention by hand. Around 14% of consumers prioritise how well the robot adapts to their home.

Which pitfalls should you avoid?

  • Expecting the robot to replace all manual cleaning

    Que Choisir assesses suction on different floor types separately, as well as performance in corners and along the edges of rooms. A scheduled clean won’t necessarily meet every specific cleaning need.

    Look at results for your floor coverings and keep a manual cleaning option for areas or tasks the robot doesn’t handle well.

  • Confusing an auto-empty station with maintenance-free cleaning

    The station transfers dust out of the robot’s bin, but its own container, along with the brushes and filters, still needs regular attention.

    Check the type of container, compatible accessories and how much room the station needs before choosing this feature.

  • Assuming mopping is suitable for every floor

    Que Choisir highlights the limitations of mopping and bases its assessment on tiled floors. These results shouldn’t be taken to apply to every floor covering or every type of stain.

    Think of mopping as an extra for a compatible floor, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your flooring, especially if it’s wood.

  • Overlooking the app and replacement parts before you buy

    Connected features depend on the conditions for each model. iRobot notes, for example, that updating its Wi-Fi robots requires an internet connection and the robot to be on its base.

    Check which app you need, whether it’s compatible with your smartphone, whether there’s Wi-Fi where the base will be, and which parts are available for the model you’re considering. If you’re buying a new robot vacuum cleaner in France, also check that its repairability index is displayed, in line with information from the ministry responsible for ecological transition.

Brands to consider

iRobot

Worth considering if scheduling and managing a map in the app are important to you.

  • iRobot lists scheduling and map customisation features in its Roomba Home app.
  • Check which app works with the series you choose. For the Wi-Fi updates described by iRobot, the robot needs to be connected and on its base.

Rowenta

Worth comparing if you’re looking for a robot you can schedule and want to check which parts are available for a specific model.

  • Rowenta describes app-based scheduling and offers mapping features on some X‑Plorer models.
  • Room-by-room cleaning and accessories vary by model, so check the full model number before relying on these features.

Roborock

Worth considering if you want to check the support information for the robot you have in mind.

  • Roborock provides access to French-language support by device.
  • Check the model page and manual for its features, updates and parts. A support portal alone doesn’t tell you what conditions apply.

ECOVACS

Worth a look if you want to compare mapping features across different DEEBOT models.

  • ECOVACS explains how to save maps for the relevant DEEBOT models.
  • According to its support information, some models need to complete their cycle and return to the station automatically to save the map. Check the instructions for your model.

Dreame

Worth comparing if access to accessories and replacement parts is one of your priorities.

  • Dreame lists accessories and parts for several series on its French website.
  • Check that each part is compatible with the full model number of the robot you choose.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does an auto-empty station make a robot fully autonomous?

No. It can transfer dust from the robot’s bin into a larger container, but that container still needs to be emptied or replaced. The brushes, filters and sensors also need maintenance.

How do I save the map created during the first cycle?

Follow the instructions for your model, and let the robot complete its cycle and return to the station if the manual says to. ECOVACS notes that on some DEEBOT models, moving the robot or interrupting the mapping process may prevent the map from being saved.

What should I check before using an app for a connected robot?

Check that the app works with the series you’ve chosen and is compatible with your smartphone, then check the connection and update requirements. For automatic updates to its Wi-Fi robots, iRobot says the robot must be connected to the internet and on its base, with sufficient Wi-Fi coverage.

What should I check when buying a new robot vacuum cleaner sold in France?

In particular, check that the repairability index is displayed. The ministry responsible for ecological transition says that vacuum cleaners, including robot models, are among the categories covered. If you’re buying from a business seller, the legal guarantee of conformity also applies, as the ministry responsible for the economy points out. Keep your proof of purchase and check that the features supplied match those advertised.

Should I check the app’s privacy settings?

Yes. The CNIL points out that connected devices can generate data stored online. Before connecting the robot, check the app’s permissions, your account settings and the manufacturer’s information on how your data is used.