Roborock Q5 vs. Q7 Comparison Review
Roborock Q5
Roborock Q7
Roborock Q5
Roborock Q7
Introduction
Roborock Q5 vs. Q7 – how do these new Roborock vacuums compare? Which one is the best bargain and why? If you are torn between the two, this is the right place. We have reviewed them to find out how they stack up against each other.
There’s no doubt Roborock is among the leading robot vacuum brands today. The Chinese company is known for innovative and affordable robot vacuums that rival top brands, including Roombas and Deebots. In April 2022, Roborock rolled out two models, Roborock Q5 and Roborock Q7. The two are pretty similar, but there are noteworthy differences that set them apart.
The difference between Roborock Q5 and Q7 comes in the cleaning performance. The Q5, an upgrade of the Roborock S4 Max, can vacuum only, while the Q7, an upgrade of the Roborock S6 Pure, can vacuum and mop simultaneously.
Just to mention, the two models have two variants, the Roborock Q5 and Q5+ alongside Q7 and Q7+. We will discuss their differences later on when assessing the dustbin features.
Roborock Q5 vs. Q7 Face-to-Face Comparison
The Roborock Q5 is a round-shaped robot vacuum with a low-profile design to allow it to go under low-profile furniture where dirt hides. Its diameter also allows it to pass between tight spaces, for example, between chair legs.
The robot’s dimensions are 13.78×13.78×3.78-inches, while the weight is 7.05lbs. The robot boasts a sleek design with a turret at the top, just like the other Roborocks, and is available in a single color, black.
There are two buttons, the power button, and the Home button, alongside the Roborock logo.
The Roborock Q7, on the other hand, maintains the same low-profile design, so it can also go under low-profile furniture and pass between tight spaces unrestricted.
Its dimensions are 13.90×13.78×3.80 inches, while the weight is 7.5lbs. Roborock Q7 also boasts a sleek and stylish design with a raised turret at the top, two control buttons – the power button and Home button, plus the Roborock logo.
But unlike the Q5, there are two color variants, a black model and a white one.
It's hard to call a winner here as both models feature a low profile design and the dimensions and weight are quite the same. But the Q7 is the better choice now that it is available in two color options - white and black.
As mentioned earlier, the Roborock Q5 is an upgrade of the S4, so it is not a 2-in-1 cleaner. Instead, it can vacuum only, so you need to invest in a separate robot mop if you want a complete clean.
When it comes to cleaning specialization, the Roborock Q5 is an all-rounder. It is best for all hard floors, including tile, linoleum, marble, vinyl, concrete, hardwood, you name it.
The Q5 is also suitable for carpets, be it thin or thick carpets that hide dirt and dust under the thick pile.
Lastly, you can rely on this cleaner to handle pet messes such as pet hair, kitty litter, pet-related dander, and allergens.
On the other hand, the Roborock Q7, the upgrade of the S6 Pure, is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum that can vacuum and mop, so you won’t have to buy a separate robot mop.
Regarding its specialization, it is best suited for all hard floors, such as tile, linoleum, marble, vinyl, concrete, laminate, and so on. It is also potent enough to satisfactorily vacuum low pile, medium pile, and high pile carpets.
Just like the Q5, the Q7 is also a good robot vacuum for households with pets as it picks up pet hair and other pet messes, including kitty litter and pet-related dander, as well as allergens. It can also mop urine stains and paw marks.
In this second round of this Roborock Q5 vs. Q7 comparison review, the Roborock Q7 takes the crown because it is a 2-in-1 cleaner. It can vacuum floors and wipe out all stains, including pet urine stains and paw marks. You don't have to spend more on a separate robot mop.
One of the areas where the Roborock Q5 beats the S4 Max is suction power. The new Q5 has a powerful motor that puts up a whopping 2,700pa. This is enough suction to lift debris and pet hair from floors and drag dirt and dust from deep inside the carpet fabric. This is one feature that makes the Q5 one of the best robot vacuums for carpets.
Besides the high suction, the Q5 comes with Automatic Carpet Boost that automatically steps up suction when the robot detects carpets. Another feature worth mentioning is the adjustable suction levels.
The Roborock Q5 has four suction levels, so you can decide to switch to the low power mode for light vacuuming or the high power mode for intensive vacuuming when dealing with bigger messes.
The Roborock Q7 is not different from the Q5 in terms of suction power. It comes with the same multi-speed motor that the Q5 has, so you can adjust suction depending on the task at hand.
There is also Automatic Carpet Boost which ramps up suction power immediately after the robot vacuum detects carpets.
This feature makes the Q7 one of the best robot vacuums for carpets, be it low pile carpets or high pile. The maximum suction power here, too, is 2700pa.
As far as suction power is concerned, none of the two Roborock vacuums has the edge. They both come with the same motor that puts up a maximum of 2,700pa and have four suction levels.
Roborock Q5, an upgrade of the S4 Max, doesn’t come with a mopping function. It is designed to sweep and vacuum only.
Roborock Q7, on the other hand, can vacuum and mop simultaneously, just like the other high-end robot vacuums. But one thing to note is that it doesn’t come with an electronic water tank.
Instead, Roborock designed it with a gravity-fed water tank which is not efficient now that water dispensation is not precise. The tank capacity is 180ml which holds enough water to mop up to 1615 sq ft.
For the record, the Q7 lacks advanced mopping features such as high-speed sonic mopping, automatic mop lifting, and ultrasonic carpet sensing.
As far as mopping performance is concerned, the Q7 is the winner now that the Q5 can't mop. We, however, wished Roborock could have included an electric water tank, sonic mopping technology, automatic mop lifting, and ultrasonic carpet sensing. But all the same, the Q7 is still worth the money now that you won't spend more on a separate robot mop.
The Roborock Q5’s navigation is powered by PreciSense Precision LiDAR Navigation that deploys a Sensient sensor array to detect objects around your house. These sensors include obstacle detection sensors, accelerometers, and cliff sensors. The robot will hardly hit obstacles or topple on the stairs.
There is also a retractable bumper meant to absorb impact in the event the robot hits obstacles. While it may not be the best navigation system around, the Q5 will still find its way around your home without any troubles, be it in low-traffic homes or households with high traffic.
For the record, the Roborock Q5 doesn’t have a real-time camera like Roombas.
The Roborock Q7 also relies on PreciSense Precision LiDAR Navigation, a SLAM-based system that deploys Sensient array sensors to enable the robot to navigate around your home for the perfect clean.
There are accelerometers for determining velocity, cliff sensors that prevent the robot from rolling down the stairs, and obstacle detection sensors that prevent the robot from hitting obstacles and slamming on the walls and doors.
Just like the Roborock Q5, the Q7 doesn’t feature a real-time camera but still navigates precisely, even in high-traffic rooms. You will hardly find it stuck or hitting objects.
There is no winner in this round as both models rely on PreciSense Precision LiDAR Navigation and have a Sensient sensor array.
Roborock Q5’s mapping system is based on PreciSense Precision LiDAR Navigation. Using a 32-bit Quadcore processor, it creates hyper-accurate maps of your home for entire-level cleaning and efficiency.
The processor enables the robot to create maps up to 6 times faster and can save up to 4 maps making it ideal for homes with more than one floor. The Q5, unlike entry-level robot vacuums that clean in a random pattern, cleans in a systematic pattern ensuring entire level cleaning, no spots will be missed.
Another cool feature worth mentioning is 3D Mapping, which allows you to add sofas, beds, chairs, carpets, and other households on the map to give your robot a better understanding of your home.
Other features worth mentioning include Cleaning Routines and Custom Cleaning Schedules, which let you customize cleaning based on your routine, and Selective Room Cleaning, which lets you decide which rooms to clean and which ones to skip. There is also No Go Zones that you can leverage to prevent the robot from going to specific spots and Invisible Walls that lets you seal rooms that don’t necessarily require cleaning.
Roborock Q7 is also an intelligent robot vacuum with smart mapping. It deploys a PreciSense Precision LiDAR Navigation system that creates hyper-accurate maps of your home for efficient and entire-level cleaning.
Under the hood, there is a 32-bit Quadcore processor that creates maps 6 times faster and can save up to 4 maps making the Q7 suitable for homes with multiple floors. The Q7, just like the Q5, guarantees entire level cleaning as it cleans in a methodical pattern, unlike entry-level models that clean randomly, missing lots of spots.
Also worth mentioning is the 3D Mapping function that enables the robot to have a better understanding of your home’s layout and the households, such as sofas, beds, cabinets, and more.
The Q7 also features No Go Zones, Custom Cleaning Routines, Selective Room Cleaning, Custom Cleaning Schedules, Invisible Walls, and No Go Zones. Even though there is no Carpet Detection, No Go Zones is crucial in preventing the robot from wetting carpets in mop mode.
Here again, it's hard to call a winner as both models have the same mapping features.
Roborock Q5 is equipped with a washable E11-rated filter that ensures your atmosphere is always fresh. If you have allergies, this is such an important consideration. Roborock claims that this filter can capture 99.7% of allergens, dust, and pollen.
However, it’s doubtful that they can capture down to 0.3 microns. Only true-HEPA filters can capture down to 0.3 microns.
But all the same, it is a worthy addition, especially due to the fact that they are washable, which translates to lower maintenance costs.
Roborock Q7 is not different in terms of filtration. It also features a washable E11-rated filter that keeps allergens, dust, and pollen at bay.
This filter, too, can capture 99.97% of allergens, but the claim that it filters down to 0.3 microns is questionable.
But the good thing is that maintenance costs are cut down now that you can wash the filter at least a few times before buying a replacement.
As discussed above, both models have the same filters, so this round ends in a draw.
Roborock Q5 comes with two sets of brushes. There is a primary brushroll and a secondary brushroll. The primary brushroll is a multi-directional floating bristle brush that adjusts to ensure there is sufficient contact with the surface it is cleaning, be it bare floors or carpets.
Besides the multi-directional floating bristle brush, the Q5 is compatible with the all-new Roborock all-rubber main brush, which is suitable for picking up large debris like sand pebbles, cereals, and kitty litter. But then, you will have to purchase it separately.
Besides the primary brushroll, a spinning side brush sweeps the wall edges and deep corners where the main brush can’t reach. Just to note, these brushes are ScratchSafe, so you won’t have to worry about your floor, especially fragile floors.
The Roborock Q7 also comes with two sets of brushes, the primary brush and the secondary brush. But one major difference is that this model works with only the Roborock multi-directional floating rubber brush that offers excellent agitation and dirt pickup, especially the large debris.
It’s also a great deal if you have long haired pets as it reduces tangling. The brush has been designed to ensure maximum contact with the surface for effective cleaning.
In addition to the multi-directional floating rubber brush, there is a spinning side brush that sweeps the wall edges and deep corners where dirt settles. The Q7’s brushes are also ScratchSafe.
Even though the Roborock Q5 Series is the base model, it wins this round as it is compatible with two types of brushes. This makes it such a versatile robot cleaner now that you can switch between two specialized main brushes.
Roborock Q5 comes with a 0.47L onboard bin which is enough to hold a busy household’s dirt for several days. For the record, the Q5 is not a self-emptying robot cleaner as it doesn’t come with the Auto-Empty Dock.
However, it’s worth mentioning that it is compatible with the technology, so you can forget about manual bin emptying if you purchase the Auto Empty Dock. The Q5+ is the model that comes with the Auto-Empty Dock.
The Auto Empty Dock has a large 2.5L dustbag that can hold up to 7 weeks’ dirt.
The Roborock Q7, on the other hand, comes with a larger 0.75L onboard bin meaning it’s the ideal choice for busy households. It is the base model, so it doesn’t come with the Auto-Empty Dock, implying that it is not a self-emptying robot cleaner, just like the Q5.
However, it is compatible with Roborock’s innovative automatic self-emptying system, so you can grab the Auto-Empty Dock and forget about manual bin emptying.
The Q7 Series model that comes with the Auto-Empty Dock is the Roborock Q7+. It also features a 2.5L dustbag that can go for up to 7 weeks before it gets filled.
Here, it's hard to call a winner as both the Q5 Series and Q7 Series have models that come with the Auto-Empty Dock and have dustbags with the same capacity. However, if you are going for the base models, that is, the Q5 and Q7, the latter is the winner as it has a larger onboard bin, so it doesn't require frequent emptying.
The Roborock Q5 comes with a powerful 5200mAh lithium-ion battery that offers a cool 180 minutes runtime in Quiet mode. This is enough to cover up to 3230 sq ft.
Regarding power management, the Q5 will dock and recharge automatically and resume cleaning without being prompted. The recharge time is 2-3 hours.
Another feature worth mentioning is Top Up Charging which charges the robot up to 80% so it can finish cleaning on time, instead of waiting for the entire 2-3 hours charging time.
Roborock Q7 also comes with a 5200mAh lithium-ion battery that offers 180 minutes runtime and can cover up to 3230 sq ft.
Just like the Q5, it can also recharge and resume cleaning automatically. The recharge time is approximately 2-3 hours.
The Roborock Q7 also comes with Top Up Charging.
In this round, there is no winner as both models are equipped with the same battery. The two can also recharge and resume cleaning automatically, and the recharge time is the same. They also feature Top Up Charging.
Roborock Q5 is one of the most advanced robot vacuums we have tested. It offers several smart features courtesy of 2.4Ghz WiFi compatibility. The core feature is the convenient mobile app control via the Roborock Home app.
On the app, you have access to all controls. You can set cleaning schedules, adjust suction levels, view the robot’s cleaning route, set boundaries, and so on.
Besides app control. It is compatible with several voice command platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, and an inbuilt voice control feature.
Roborock Q7 is also an advanced robot vacuum in terms of automation and smart features. It is compatible with 2.4Ghz WiFi for smartphone app operation. It boasts advanced app controls that give you total control over your cleaner.
On the app, you can start or stop a cleaning session, set cleaning schedules, adjust suction power, view where the robot has cleaned, set No Go Zones and Invisible Walls, etc.
In addition to mobile app control, this robot can sync with popular voice assistants, for example, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. With these voice assistants, you can instruct the robot what to do while relaxed on the sofa. The Q7 also comes with inbuilt voice control, so even if you don’t have Alexa or Assistant, you can still give your Roborock a shout-out.
There is no winner as both models have the same features. They both have advanced mobile app control and voice assistants.
Roborock Q5 is covered by a 1-year warranty. In case your robot vacuum fails within the first year of use, you are entitled to repair or replacement.
Roborock is a trusted company that honors warranties as long as you abide by the company’s terms and conditions regarding warranties. As far as support is concerned, we are glad the company has resourceful customer support and plenty of resources and guides so you won’t get stuck along the way.
Last, on replacement parts and supplies, Roborock Q5 has plenty of replacement parts and supplies at affordable prices.
Roborock Q7 also tags along with a 1-year warranty, and Roborock being a trusted brand, you can be sure of getting a replacement or repair in the event of a malfunction within the first year of purchase. But make sure not to void the warranty.
Regarding support, there are plenty of guides and tutorials on how to set up and use this robot vacuum. The Q7 also has plenty of replacement parts and supplies at affordable prices.
There is no winner in this round as both models are from the same brand and have the same warranty. Parts and supplies are readily available.
The Roborock Q5+ comes with:
- Q5 Robot Vacuum (1)
- Auto-Empty Dock (1)
- Dust Bag (2)
- Power Cable (1)
- Screwdriver (1)
- User Manual (1)
The Roborock Q7+ comes with:
- Q7 Robot Vacuum (1)
- Auto-Empty Dock (1)
- Dust Bag (2)
- Power Cable (1)
- Screwdriver (1)
- User Manual (1)
Cleaning Test Results
Vacuuming Permormance (Bare Floor)
As usual, we test all the robot vacuums we review; the Q5 and Q7 were no exception. To show you how they perform in a real household setting, we created common household messes on bare floors and carpets to test vacuuming performance. We also tested the mopping performance on a hardwood floor. Below are the illustrations of the results we got.
Vacuuming Permormance (Bare Floor)
- Sugar
- 98%
- 98%
- Flour
- 97%
- 97%
- Rice
- 98%
- 98%
- Cheerios
- 99%
- 99%
- Raw popcorns
- 98%
- 98%
- Kitty litter
- 97%
- 97%
- Dog hair
- 98%
- 98%
- Sand pebbles
- 99%
- 99%
Vacuuming Permormance (Carpet)
Vacuuming Permormance (Carpet)
- Sugar
- 95%
- 95%
- Flour
- 94%
- 94%
- Rice
- 96%
- 96%
- Cheerios
- 98%
- 98%
- Raw popcorns
- 95%
- 95%
- Kitty litter
- 94%
- 94%
- Pet hair
- 94%
- 94%
- Sand pebbles
- 96%
- 96%
Mopping Performance (Hardwood)
Mopping Performance (Hardwood)
Maintenance
The Q5’s main brush requires frequent checkups and replacement after a few months. At least twice a month, remove the brushroll by lifting the brush guard at the vacuum’s bottom and check whether there is any tangling and dirt that can impede its performance.
Get a replacement brush after 6-8 months, depending on the wear and tear. The spinning side brush should also be inspected, and any hair tangles and dirt removed. Replacement is after 6-8 months too.
Roborock Q7’s brush also requires maintenance. Pop out the brush and check whether there is anything that can curtail its effectiveness. One great thing about this model’s brush is that it is less prone to tangling, so maintenance is not as intensive as that of the Q5.
The side brush should also be inspected frequently to ensure the bristles are in good shape and the brush is spinning freely. Replace the main brush and side brush after 6-8 months.
The E11-rated filters also require maintenance at least twice monthly. As the name suggests, they are washable. Unclip the filter from the dirt compartment, tap it in the dirt bin to get rid of excess dust, and rinse it using cold water. Leave it to dry before putting it back. Replacement is after 3-4 months.
The Q7’s filters also need to be cleaned for optimal performance. The drill here is the same. Pop out the filter, tap it in the trash can to remove excess dust, rinse it, let it dry, and put it back. A replacement should be purchased after 3-4 months.
If you have the Q5, you should empty the bin frequently to prevent the buildup of odor. Press the release tabs on either end, empty the dirt, and put it back. As for those with the Q5+, the dirt bag needs to be removed and disposed of when full.
The Q7’s bin should be emptied frequently, but at least it is bigger, so you won’t have to empty it as often. The Q7+, on the other hand, empties itself automatically, but you will have to dispose of the dustbag when it’s full and replace it with a new dust bag.
The Q5 does not have a mopping function, so there is no maintenance required here.
The Roborock Q7 is a mopping robot cleaner. That said, its tank should be filled with water before launching a mopping session or when the water runs out while it’s still mopping. The mopping pads, on the other hand, require periodic cleaning and replacement after 1-2 months.
The Q5’s wheels can get jammed by dirt and hair tangles, so regularly, lift the robot and remove any dirt and tangles to ensure the wheels are spinning freely.
The Q7’s wheels are not invincible. They might get tangled, so inspect them regularly to remove any dirt or hair tangles that can jam them.
The Q5’s sensors should not be blocked by anything. Even the finest dust can render navigation useless. That said, regularly wipe the sensors using a damp cloth for precise navigation.
The Q7’s sensors might also be obscured at times, so wipe them regularly using a damp cloth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Roborock Q5 better than the Q7?
2. Does the Roborock Q7 have a camera?
3. Is Roborock a Chinese company?
4. What is Roborock Q7?
5. Is Roborock Q7 better than S7?
Wrapping Up
That’s it, folks, a Roborock Q5 vs. Q7 comparison review. So, which model should you go for? Well, it all comes down to your needs. The Roborock Q5 is a good deal as it is affordable and can vacuum all hard floors and carpets effectively.
It also boasts all the bells and whistles that the Roborock Q7 comes with and is compatible with the bristle and all rubber brush. However, the Roborock Q7 is the ultimate choice now that it is a 2-in-1 cleaner. It can vacuum and mop simultaneously. You won’t have to spend more on a separate robot mop.
By,Robert
Good for pet hair
2 years ago
I was excited to try the Roborock Q5 after reading rave reviews online. Our home remodel left us with new hardwood flooring, so I hoped the Q5 would help maintain cleanliness. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm was short-lived. The Q5 struggled with floor vents, getting stuck repeatedly, and had trouble navigating our dining table's chair legs. Worst of all, it couldn't handle our low-pile rugs, often getting stuck or unable to fully climb onto them. On the positive side, the Q5 was effective at pet hair removal and had a decent noise level and battery life. However, the user-friendly app left much to be desired. Overall, the Roborock Q5 didn't live up to my expectations, and I'm left searching for a more suitable robot vacuum for our home.