How to choose a robot vacuum cleaner
A robot vacuum cleans floors on a schedule, and mopping models wash them too. The range includes Roborock, DJI ROMO, Dreame, Xiaomi, EZVIZ and Electrolux robots: from simple models with a charging dock to robots whose base empties the dust, washes the mops with hot water and dries them.
Popular choices
Roborock Saros 20
36,000 Pa, two rotating mops, climbing over double thresholds up to 8.8 cm and mop washing with water up to 100 °C.
Dreame X50 Ultra Complete
20,000 Pa, a retractable DToF sensor, climbing over obstacles up to 60 mm and mop washing with water up to 80 °C.
DJI ROMO P
Up to 25,000 Pa, vision sensors and a solid-state LiDAR detect obstacles from 2 mm, such as cables.
Roborock Qrevo C Pro
18,500 Pa, LiDAR navigation, rotating mops with a 10 mm lift and a dock that dries the mops.
Xiaomi Robot Vacuum S40
Up to 10,000 Pa, LDS laser navigation, multi-floor maps and up to 180 minutes of cleaning on one charge.
Model comparison
| Model | Suction | Navigation | Mopping | Base station |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roborock Saros 20 | 36,000 Pa | StarSight 2.0, VertiBeam | 2 rotating mops | dust emptying, washing up to 100 °C, 55 °C air drying |
| Dreame X50 Ultra Complete | 20,000 Pa | retractable DToF sensor | 2 detachable mop pads | dust emptying, washing up to 80 °C, hot air drying |
| DJI ROMO P | up to 25,000 Pa | vision sensors, LiDAR | mop pads | dust bag, mop washing |
| Roborock Qrevo C Pro | 18,500 Pa | LiDAR | 2 rotating mops | dust emptying, hot water washing, drying |
| Xiaomi Robot Vacuum S40 | up to 10,000 Pa | LDS | mop pad | charging dock |
What to look for
- Suction power. The higher the suction in pascals (Pa), the better the robot pulls dust and pet hair out of carpets.
- Navigation. A LiDAR or LDS laser sensor builds an accurate map of your home, and vision sensors help the robot avoid small objects such as cables.
- Mopping type. Rotating mops press down and scrub the floor rather than just wiping it. Simpler models have a mop pad with a water tank.
- Base station. A full dock empties the dust, washes the mops with hot water and dries them. A simple dock only charges the robot.
- Height and thresholds. Measure the gap under your sofa: the Roborock Saros 20 is 79.8 mm tall. The Xiaomi S40 climbs thresholds up to 20 mm, the Dreame X50 up to 60 mm.
Robot care
- Before cleaning. Pick up cables and socks so they do not jam the brush.
- Brushes. Regularly remove hair from the main and side brushes.
Frequently asked questions
Can the robot mop the floor as well?
Yes, all the models listed here can mop. The Xiaomi S40 has a charging dock only, while the other docks wash the mops themselves.
Can the robot handle carpets?
Yes. The Roborock Qrevo C Pro lifts its mops by 10 mm, and the Dreame X50 Ultra Complete can detach them automatically to keep the carpet dry.
Do I need a self-emptying dock?
It saves emptying the bin after every clean. The Roborock Saros 20 dock can go up to 65 days without manual emptying.
