The 10 important criteria for choosing your robot vacuum cleaner
It's clear that few people enjoy cleaning, let alone mopping. That's why robot vacuum cleaners have quickly taken over homes. Quiet, autonomous, connected, and increasingly powerful, they really make everyday life easier. However, given the variety of models, brands, and technologies available, it's crucial to understand the 10 key criteria for choosing your robot vacuum cleaner .
Manufacturers like Roborock, Dreame, Ecovacs, iRobot, and Proscenic are competing with each other in innovation. Today, we find robots capable of detecting floor type, mopping with vibrating movements, emptying themselves, mapping multiple floors, and even avoiding objects with astonishing precision. Thanks to these developments, robot vacuums and mop pads are no longer reserved for small apartments or occasional use.
Some models are particularly thin (less than 8 cm), allowing them to pass under most low furniture. Others rely on very strong suction, exceeding 20,000 Pa, ideal for thick carpets and pet hair. Modern docking stations no longer just recharge the robot: they wash and dry the mops, empty the dust bins, and automatically add clean water or detergent.
Many models also offer impressive battery life, ranging from 150 to 210 minutes. This is enough to cover an entire house without any intermediate recharging. Several brands offer multi-floor management with separate mapping for each level, which eliminates the need for reconfigurations every time you move.
The evolution of apps now allows for very precise control: you can prohibit certain areas, create personalized scenarios, adjust the power or quantity of water, and even trigger cleaning by voice. Voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri are often compatible.
The 10 important criteria for choosing your robot vacuum cleaner must be assessed according to your needs, your type of accommodation and your expectations in terms of automation.
The mapping was done in 8 minutes for 80m² and perfectly accurate. The competitor never managed to do a correct mapping.
The settings are easy via the application and allow you to adjust suction power, washing, cleaning program, etc.
The camera is precise, the robot avoids objects and identifies them.
The suction is sufficient (cat hair) and the washing is also of good quality.
So yes it is expensive, but it really does the job.
– Relatively well made / intuitive application.
– Quite impressive suction power.
– The floor washing system is effective.
– “AI” camera that avoids objects, animals etc…
– Reduced maintenance with the base.
– Mop dries at 60 degrees.
– Vacuum cleaner camera displayable on our smartphone.
– Rotating arm that moves away when approaching corners.
Table of Contents
The 10 important criteria for choosing your robot vacuum cleaner
To navigate the jungle of robot vacuum cleaners, it's essential to know the criteria that really make the difference . Here's a detailed presentation of the 10 key points to consider , with an overview of the features offered by the best models on the market . Whether you're looking for suction power, autonomy, smart navigation, or connected options, this guide will help you select the robot that perfectly matches your needs .
1. Height of the robot
The height of a robot vacuum cleaner may seem like a small detail, but it directly influences its ability to get under furniture. Compact models, usually around 7 to 9 cm , can easily pass under sofas, beds, or low cabinets, where dust tends to accumulate. Conversely, taller robots, often equipped with larger filtration systems or advanced lidar modules, can reach 10 to 11 cm and find themselves limited in certain spaces. Before purchasing, it is therefore essential to measure the available height under your furniture to ensure that the robot can access all corners of your home and truly optimize cleaning.
| Model | Height | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Roborock Q Revo | 9.5 cm | Fits under most furniture |
| Dreame L20 Ultra | 10 cm | Can get stuck under very low furniture |
| Ecovacs T20 Omni | 9.4 cm | Discrete LiDAR sensor |
| SwitchBot K10+ | 9.6 cm | Compact and low body |
2. Autonomy and covered area
The battery life of a robot vacuum cleaner is a determining factor, especially if you have a large house or a large apartment. It generally varies between 60 and 180 minutes , depending on the suction power and the cleaning modes used. The most efficient models can cover 150 to 200 m² on a single charge , or even more when they have the Recharge & Resume , which allows the robot to return to its base to recharge before resuming cleaning where it left off.
To maximize efficiency, it's important to choose a robot with a battery life that matches the size of your home : a small model will be sufficient for a studio or one-bedroom apartment, while a 150 m² single-story home will require a powerful model with a long-lasting battery and intelligent zone management. Good battery life not only ensures a thorough cleaning, but also limits frequent interruptions to recharge the robot.
| Model | Autonomy | Covered area (m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Dreame L20 Ultra | Up to 210 minutes | 250 m² |
| Ecovacs T20 Omni | 180 minutes | 200 m² |
| iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ | 150 minutes | 180 m² |
3. Soil type and adaptation
Not all robot vacuum cleaners perform the same on different floor types hard surfaces like tiles, parquet, or linoleum, providing effective suction without the risk of scratches. Others are better suited to carpets and rugs , thanks to motorized brushes that can penetrate fibers and capture dust and pet hair.
The most advanced models today have smart sensors that detect the type of floor and automatically adjust the suction power and speed to optimize cleaning and autonomy. This adaptability is particularly useful in mixed housing, where the robot must move from a tiled room to a fully carpeted living room without human intervention.
4. Dirt detection
Some robot vacuums are equipped with sensors that can detect the dirtiest areas of your home. When a particularly dirty area is identified, the robot automatically goes over it several times , adapting its suction power and speed for optimal cleaning.
✅ Examples of models with this feature :
Ecovacs (high-end models)
Roborock Saros 10
iRobot j9+
This technology enables more efficient cleaning in critical areas , while saving time and energy on already clean surfaces. Combined with intelligent navigation and mapping, it transforms the robot into a true autonomous cleaning assistant .
5. Carpets and rugs: powerful suction and retractable mop
Cleaning carpets and rugs remains a challenge for many robot vacuum cleaners. To achieve effective results, it's essential that the robot combines powerful suction and, in some hybrid models, a retractable mop that adapts to the surface.
On thick carpets, the motorized brush and automatic power adjustment capture dust, pet hair, and embedded particles. For hybrid vacuum/mop models, the retractable mop automatically raises when it encounters a textile surface, preventing the carpet from getting wet while ensuring efficient cleaning on hard floors.
Thus, a robot capable of differentiating between hard and textile floors offers a versatile solution, suitable for mixed housing and varied needs, without manual intervention to change the configuration.
| Model | Suction power | Mop retraction |
|---|---|---|
| Dreame L20 Ultra | 7,000 Pa | ✅ Yes |
| Roborock S8 Pro Ultra | 6,000 Pa | ✅ Yes |
| iRobot Combo j9+ | Average (unspecified) | ✅ Yes (automatic) |
6. Crossing obstacles
| Appearance | Dreame X50 Ultra | Roborock Saros 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Threshold crossing | ✅ Up to 6 cm | ✅ Up to 4 cm |
| Very low furniture | ❌ Sometimes too high | ✅ Slimmer design |
7. Smart Navigation
Thanks to 3D mapping and advanced sensors , some robot vacuums are able to detect and avoid furniture, cables, toys, or small objects without hitting them. This technology allows the robot to move smoothly, optimize its path, and reduce the risk of blockages or damage to the home.
✅ Commonly used technologies :
ReactiveAI : real-time detection and avoidance of obstacles, including small objects like socks or cables,
AI Obstacle Avoidance : artificial intelligence that anticipates movements and adjusts the trajectory,
LiDAR : precise laser mapping of the part for efficient and collision-free movement,
RGB camera : visual identification of obstacles for safer navigation.
In practice, these systems offer safer and more efficient navigation , especially in cluttered homes or those with children and pets. The robot can thus complete a complete cleaning without requiring constant supervision.
8. Docking station: washing, drying, filling
| Function | Available on |
|---|---|
| Autofill | Roborock / Dreame / Ecovacs |
| Dust dump | All premium models |
| Mop washing | Yes, with hot water at Ecovacs and Dreame |
| Drying mops | Yes, hot air or natural drying |
9. Sound level
Most high-end are able to automatically adjust their power depending on the type of floor, which helps reduce noise on hard surfaces like parquet or tiles. Even during automatic emptying cycles or intensive cleaning, recent models remain increasingly discreet , limiting noise pollution in the home.
✅ Practical tip : Before purchasing, always check the decibel level in normal mode and turbo mode . This will allow you to choose a robot that is suitable for your hearing comfort, especially if you plan to operate it while you are at home or have young children.
A good robot must combine suction power and low noise pollution , for efficient cleaning without disrupting your daily life.
10. Mobile applications and voice assistants
| Function | Available on most high-end models |
|---|---|
| Real-time mapping | ✅ |
| Custom No-Go Zones | ✅ |
| Voice command | ✅ Alexa / Google / Siri |
| Programmed scenarios | ✅ |
Who are these robot vacuum cleaners for?
Modern robot vacuum cleaners meet various needs:
Busy users : those who no longer want to waste time cleaning.
Families with children : to keep floors clean after meals or play.
Pet owners : Powerful models to remove hair and dirt.
People living in houses : long-term autonomy, multi-level management.
Technophiles : who want to integrate their robot into a connected home.
✅ Positive points of high-end robot vacuum cleaners
| Appearance | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Save time | ✅ Fully automated cleaning, without daily intervention |
| Effortless daily cleaning | ✅ Easy programming for regular and independent maintenance |
| Intelligent obstacle management | ✅ Advanced detection (AI + cameras) to avoid objects and cables |
| Complete mobile applications | ✅ 3D mapping, multi-floor management, restricted areas, etc. |
| Drain and wash station | ✅ Automatic maintenance: draining, filling, washing and drying |
| Improved autonomy | ✅ Ability to clean large areas without intermediate refills |
| Versatility on hard floors and carpets | ✅ Automatic power adjustment and mop removal |
❌ Negative points of high-end robot vacuum cleaners
| Appearance | Inconvenience |
|---|---|
| Price | ❌ Very complete models often above €1000 |
| Station congestion | ❌ Bulky base station, requires floor space |
| Initial configuration | ❌ Sometimes long configuration (zones, map, habits to define) |
| Crossing high thresholds | ❌ Not suitable for houses with thresholds higher than 2 cm |
| Noise in operation | ❌ Noisy during washing or automatic draining |
| Periodic maintenance | ❌ Still requires manual cleaning of the station at regular intervals |
Conclusion: choose the robot that makes your life easier
In summary, the 10 essential criteria for selecting a robot vacuum cleaner allow you to make an informed choice , perfectly adapted to your needs and your home. Size, height, suction power, autonomy, ability to overcome obstacles, adaptability to different floors, navigation and avoidance technologies, noise level, connectivity and smart features are all elements to examine before purchasing.
The high-end models on the market today offer very convincing solutions for all profiles: from compact and silent robots for small apartments, to powerful and intelligent models capable of mapping and cleaning large surfaces autonomously. Choosing a well-adapted robot means saving time, optimizing cleaning and simplifying your daily life , while benefiting from the latest technological innovations.
To further your quest for automated cleaning and discover other models, read this Comparison of robot vacuum cleaners and mops !
Our best robot vacuum cleaner tests
| Appearance | Dreame X50 Ultra | Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Save time | Ultra-autonomous 4-in-1 station | Fast and smart cleaning |
| Daily cleaning | Programming + deep cleaning | Fully automated |
| Obstacle management | AI Action + RGB Camera + LED | ReactiveAI 2.0 + RGB camera |
| Mobile application | 3D + multi-story mapping | Smooth and intuitive interface |
| Drain/wash station | Draining, filling, washing and drying cars | Automatic draining, washing and drying |
| Crossing thresholds | Up to 2 cm | Up to 2 cm (4 cm on S8 Pro Ultra) |
| Anti-tangle brushes | Effective floating rubber brush | Effective double hairless roller |
| Corners and edges | MopExtend for corners | Good, no extension |
| Low furniture | Quite high (10.3 cm) | Thinner (9.65 cm) |
| Appearance | Dreame X50 Ultra | Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Very high (€1300–1500) | Very high (€1200–1400) |
| Station congestion | Massive station | Bulky but more compact |
| Initial configuration | Several steps | A little more guided |
| Crossing thresholds | Limited to 2 cm | Limited to 2 cm except Pro Ultra |
| Station noise | Noisy when emptying/drying | Similar noise |