Households that want to tackle small messes straight away
You want an appliance you can grab and use without any set-up for a quick clean, then put away easily between full cleans.
Who are these appliances for?
Households looking to schedule regular cleaning
You prefer the convenience of automated cleaning and are happy to prepare the space, empty the bin and maintain the robot regularly.
Households that also need to deep clean
Rugs, carpets or a thorough clean are still essential for you. Don’t choose a supplementary appliance as though it could meet this need on its own.
Which features matter for the way you clean?
Cordless stick vacuum
Choose this if: you want to clean a small area by hand as soon as it gets dirty.
Bear in mind: runtime depends on the setting you use, and this type of vacuum isn’t necessarily designed for a full clean.
Robot vacuum
Choose this if: scheduled, automated cleaning suits your home.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to prepare the space and maintain the appliance. Results vary depending on the flooring and model, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Cylinder vacuum
Choose this if: deep cleaning is your main priority, particularly on rugs and carpets.
Bear in mind: it’s generally less convenient to get out and put away for a small mess.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Quick manual clean-ups | Compare runtime on the setting you’ll use, and check how easy it is to access the bin and filter and put the vacuum away. | When a few crumbs appear, I want to deal with them straight away without setting anything up. Around 40% of consumers might put this instant availability at the top of their list. |
| Scheduled cleaning | Check the floor types, thresholds and scheduling features your home requires. | I’d rather have my floors cleaned regularly without starting each session by hand, even if I have to prepare the rooms. For around 40% of consumers, automation would be the top priority. |
| Deep cleaning | Check that the brush suits your flooring. For a cylinder vacuum, consider whether it uses a bag and what consumables you’ll need. | With rugs or carpets, I don’t want to mistake a quick clean-up for a full clean. This would be the priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Assuming a stick vacuum’s maximum runtime applies to every setting
UFC-Que Choisir points out that the advertised maximum runtime is measured at low power. So the figure on the box doesn’t necessarily tell you how long it will last on the setting you need.
Compare the runtimes listed for the settings that suit your floors, and check whether a replacement battery is available for the model you’re considering.
-
Assuming a robot mop works on every type of flooring
UFC-Que Choisir’s tests report that mopping results are often disappointing, depending on the model. Its test was carried out on tiles, so the results can’t be applied to every type of flooring.
Check the flooring in each room and read the model’s instructions before using its mopping function.
-
Forgetting that an autonomous robot still needs maintenance
A robot that cleans without your intervention still needs its bin emptied and its brushes, filters and docking station components looked after.
Before you buy, decide where the robot and its docking station will go, then check the maintenance involved and which consumables are specific to the model.
-
Choosing a connected robot without checking its essential features
Scheduling, mapping and updates can vary by model and app. The CNIL also recommends considering the data collected by connected devices.
Check that it’s compatible with your phone, which features work without an internet connection, its privacy settings and the manufacturer’s stated software support policy.
Brands to consider for your needs
Rowenta
Worth considering if you’re looking for a robot vacuum and want to identify the parts and accessories for a specific series.
- Rowenta lists parts and accessories for several robot vacuum series, including Smart Force and X-Plorer.
- The connected features advertised for the X-Plorer Série 80 RR7747WH aren’t available on every model. Check that parts are available for the model you’re considering, too.
Dyson
A brand to consider for a cordless stick vacuum if knowing which components can be replaced is important to you.
- Dyson France lists a battery, filter and bin for the Cyclone V10, among other parts.
- This list is specific to the V10 and doesn’t guarantee that the same parts are available for another model.
iRobot
Worth considering if you want to schedule or control a robot vacuum using an app.
- iRobot support describes scheduling, tracking and update features for compatible models.
- Mapping and some other features vary by series. Check the model, compatible phones and which features remain available without the app.
Roborock
A brand to compare if access to manuals and support is one of your priorities when choosing a robot vacuum.
- Roborock’s French support site provides resources for its robot vacuums and app.
- Check the details for the model you choose, including connected features, parts and software support.
Stick and robot vacuums available on Joybuy
These models are designed for two types of touch-up cleaning between full cleans: manual cleaning with a cordless stick vacuum and automated cleaning with a robot. If you need an appliance for deep cleaning, compare cylinder vacuums suited to your floors separately.
Image unavailable
Monsga ME03 cordless stick vacuum
For small areas that need a quick manual clean between full cleans. The listing states 550 W, 55 kPa and up to 55 minutes of runtime, but these figures alone don’t tell you how it will perform on your floors. Check the runtime on the setting you need. The title mentions an anti-tangle brush and a charging dock.
Image unavailable
MONSGA X UNINELLHOME UV5 cordless stick vacuum
For regular manual cleaning if you’d rather grab a stick vacuum than schedule a robot. The title states up to 65 minutes of runtime, an anti-tangle brush and a self-standing design. Compare the runtime on the setting that suits your floors, and check whether parts are available for this model.
Image unavailable
UNINELL HOME UV1 450 W cordless stick vacuum
For quick manual clean-ups with an appliance that can stand upright between uses. The title states 60 minutes of runtime, a detachable battery and an anti-tangle brush. Check the runtime for the setting you’ll use, as well as the weight of the complete appliance if handling it is a concern.
Image unavailable
Eureka E20 Plus robot vacuum with emptying station
For automated cleaning if a robot’s movements suit your home. The title states 8 000 Pa and 180 minutes of runtime, but these figures don’t guarantee results on every floor. Check app compatibility and which type of container the station requires, as the information about how it empties is contradictory.
Image unavailable
EUREKA J15 Pro Ultra robot vacuum and mop
For automated cleaning with a mopping function, without assuming it can replace a deep clean. The title mentions 16 200 Pa, an anti-tangle function and automatic mop maintenance. Check which floors it’s suitable for and, if scheduling matters to you, the model’s scheduling and connectivity features.
Frequently asked questions
Can a robot vacuum replace your main vacuum?
Not necessarily. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a robot’s performance varies depending on the floor. If rugs, carpets or deep cleaning are important to you, compare a cylinder vacuum as well. Don’t assume that a robot’s ability to clean automatically means it will meet all your needs.
Do you need an app to use a robot vacuum?
It depends on the robot and the features you want. iRobot says its robots can clean without Wi-Fi or an app, but some features depend on the model and app. Check the scheduling options, which controls work offline and whether it’s compatible with your phone.
What should you check about the data collected by a connected robot?
Before enabling connected features, check what data the app requests, your phone’s permissions and the privacy settings. The CNIL recommends tailoring your choices to the features you actually need.
How should repairability factor into your choice of vacuum?
Compare the repairability index where it’s displayed, then check which parts are available for the model you’re considering. The French Ministry of the Economy describes the index as a score out of 10 that takes factors including documentation, ease of dismantling and spare parts into account. The score doesn’t replace checking whether those parts are actually available.