Match the robot to your floors, your furniture and the chores you want to hand over.

Research updated 4 October 2026 · US edition

Our shop links earn us nothing today: we have not joined an affiliate programme yet. When that changes, it still will not change which products we recommend. How this will work

01Start with the surfaces you need cleaned

For mostly hard floors, compare debris pickup, edges and mopping. For carpet, look specifically for embedded-hair and fine-debris results. A model that mops well may still leave hair in rugs. Keep a conventional vacuum for jobs the robot cannot reach, such as stairs and upholstery.

02Choose the amount of dock help you need

A charging dock only charges. An auto-empty dock also transfers dry debris into a bag. A multifunction dock can refill water and wash or dry mops, but you still empty dirty water, refill clean water and clean trays, brushes and sensors. The Q7 M5+ represents simpler bin emptying; the other three options add automated mop care.

03Measure the robot and the whole dock setup

Check robot height against the lowest furniture opening and leave clearance. Dock body dimensions are a starting point, not installation space: allow an approach path and room to lift water tanks or open lids. We list verified dock dimensions where available in the comparison. Use the product’s own manual and measure your intended site before buying; tank and plumbed packages can differ.

04Treat obstacle avoidance as assistance

Mapping helps a robot know the room; object recognition helps it notice items within that room. Neither guarantees that it will avoid every cable, tassel or pet accident. Pick up small items and inspect the route before scheduling a clean. Do not buy solely on an advertised suction number or obstacle count.

05Check the mop against your rugs and floors

Static pads, rotating pads and rollers need different care. A stated mop-lift height does not establish safe clearance on every rug. Confirm how the exact model handles carpet and no-mop areas. Follow your flooring maker’s instructions on moisture and cleaners, and use only cleaning solution permitted by the robot manufacturer.

06Budget for ownership, not just the robot

Compare bags, filters, brushes, mop pads or rollers, and approved solution. Match replacements to the exact model: Saros 10 parts can be incompatible with Saros 10R; the Q7 M5+ mop cloth page was sold out at our check. MOVA lists an original P10 Pro Ultra accessory kit, and eufy lists an E28/E25 kit. Multiply each item’s current price by your expected replacements to estimate annual cost. Manufacturer intervals are guidance, not a guarantee.

07Match the model, dock and generation at checkout

Our Q7 M5+ includes the emptying dock; the base Q7 M5 does not. Our MOVA entry is the original P10 Pro Ultra, not Gen2. Saros 10R is different from Saros 10 or 20. The eufy E28 includes a manually operated fabric cleaner; E25 does not. Confirm new versus refurbished condition, US warranty terms and the complete package before paying.

08Use the app on your terms

Check app requirements, supported Wi-Fi and account settings before buying. Connected robots can use room maps and, on some models, cameras. Review the manufacturer’s app and privacy controls. Cleaning schedules are useful only if they work with your home, pets and comfort with the device’s connected features.

Sources behind this guide +

• Roborock — Q7 series and dock variants
• Roborock — Saros 10R features and installation context
• MOVA — original P10 Pro Ultra package
• eufy — E28 package
• Roborock — Saros 10R replacement mop cloth compatibility
• eufy — Omni E28 and E25 accessory kit