Roborock Q-series vs. S-series – Full comparison
Modern robot vacuum cleaners are smart helpers for housework. There are more and more models that can simultaneously vacuum and mop, have a hands-free dustbin empty system, and have an automatic solution for cleaning mopping pads. These robots make the cleaning process effortless for the owner, as for a couple of weeks, you do not need to do any cleaner maintenance.
Moreover, you can set schedules or start cleaning cycles remotely from the app. Each manufacturer of robot vacuum cleaners adds specific features to make your home cleaning easier; you can’t find robots that are totally the same from different brands.
In our article, we compare robots from Roborock but from different series. Our detailed comparison is aimed to determine all differences between models and to find the best quality and price model.
Why Roborock?
Roborock is a Chinese manufacturer of robot pool cleaners, producing them since 2014. In addition to robot cleaners, Roborock produces cordless vacuum cleaners and wet-dry vacuums. The company had a strong relationship with Xiaomi but was developed as a separate independent company with its research center. Roborock’s S7 robot became the first model with ultrasonic mopping with pads lifting.
Since 2021, Roborock has added Auto-Empty Dock stations to the most popular advanced model. Roborock has many service centers in North America and Europe, and the products are sold in more than 140 countries. Roborock’s robots are presented in several series: S-series, Q-series, Q Revo, E-series, and C-series.
Q-series vs. S-series Main Differences
Roborock Q and S series are close to each other in basic features, while the S series is more advanced and more convenient in regular cleanings. Below, we list the main differences:
- The S-series obtains dynamic obstacle avoidance technology in addition to LIDAR navigation, but the Q series does not have it.
- S-series models have an all-in-one docking station that can, in addition to charging, automatically empty dust, wash and dry mopping pads, clean the station, and refill the water tank. The Q-series has docking stations with auto-empty features only.
- Q-series has a larger built-in water tank and dust bin, while S-series has a combined tank for easier maintenance with a smaller water tank and dustbin.
- All models from the S-series have carpet detection with an auto mop lift, while the Q-series does not have a proper carpet sensor for mopping pad lift.
- Some models from the S-Series have the highest suction power – 6000 Pa, while the Q5+ model has only 2700 Pa.
For more details, please check further parts of our article.
Q-series – Comparison Table
Q-series includes several models: Q8 Max, Q5 Pro, Q7 Max, Q7, and Q5. You can purchase models with self-emptying stations; they will go with plus in the name or without. We will review the most popular ones from this series.
Roborock Q5+ Robot Vacuum with Self-Empty Dock
Roborock Q5+ is a middle-priced robot vacuum cleaner with a self-emptying dock station that can hold dust for 7 weeks. The auto-empty dock station allows hands-free cleaning thanks to a 2.5 L dust bag that holds up to 99.7% of dust and pollen (size up to 0.3 microns). This model is perfect for hard floors and pet hair, as it has a floating bristle brush that effectively resists hair tangles (compatible with purchased separately all-rubber brush). With such construction, the main brush stays closer to the floor. The battery capacity (5200 mAh) allows vacuum up to 3230 sq ft in 180 minutes.
The robot has smart LIDAR navigation for building 3D Maps where you can add furniture and floor materials for virtual similarity.
Using precise 3D maps, you can set custom routes, modes, and schedules for regular cleaning. You can set up to 10 no-go zones and 10 invisible walls to protect sensitive carpets or small items. The cleaning route has an adaptive mechanism, unfortunately, without obstacle avoidance to learn during cleaning.
Verdict: This robot cleaner is perfect for small homes with pets and kids. It has the latest technologies to prevent hair tangling and keep all allergens in the dustbin. The sensor array protects the robot from steps, traps, and slams into the wall.
- 4 suction levels
- Multi-level 3D mapping
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Siri for voice control
- Washable E11 Air Filter
- Rubber wheels to prevent scratches
- Lidar navigation
- Rubber brush to prevent tangling
- No-go zones and invisible walls
- No mopping function
- Small suction power
- Only 2 cm of climbing ability
- No obstacle avoidance algorithm
Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop
Roborock Q5 Pro+ is an advanced version of the previously described robot cleaner Q5+. It has some significant improvements, such as double rubber rollers improving hair pick-up rate by 20% with less tangling. Moreover, the dustbin is increased up to 770 ml for better convenience during non-stop 4 hours of cleaning. Like the previous model, it is equipped with a RockDock Plus emptying dust station with a 2.5 L E12-rated dust bag.
The Q5 Pro+ has 5500 Pa of suction power and easily sucks all dirt, pet hair, and debris from all hard floors and carpets. The robot moves in the direction of seams on the hard floor to improve efficiency.
This robot cleaner, in addition to dry vacuuming, can mop and vacuum simultaneously. The mopping pad is detachable, which determines the cleaning mode based on your needs. From the smartphone application, you can control the cleaning routines, set cleaning modes, and choose the suction and water levels. Even though this model has the same Q5+ model battery (Li-ion 5200 mAh), it can vacuum up to 3767 sq ft (in quiet mode).
Verdict: If you lack the mopping capability of a Q5+ robot cleaner, Q5 Pro+ is a perfect choice. With more powerful suction power and a detachable mopping pad, you can schedule cleanings of the most complicated, tough messes.
- Dual rubber brushers
- Enlarged dustbin
- Multi-level mapping
- Fast cleaning mode
- Detachable mopping pad
- Off-peak charging
- Smart suggestions for no-go zones
- Several emptying modes
- No obstacle avoidance algorithm
- No carpet detection
- No mopping pad lift
- No auto mopping pad washing and drying
Roborock Q7 Max+ Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Roborock Q7 Max+ is close in functionality to Q5 Pro+. This robot cleaner is equipped with electronic mopping; the electronic pump allows mopping with 30 water levels. It can mop and vacuum simultaneously. The dustbin is emptied automatically in a 2.5 L dust bag of the dock station. The suction power is lower than in the Q5 Pro+ model and is 4200 Pa, but it is still efficient in vacuuming and mopping down dirt. You can control the efficiency of cleaning routines by choosing between full cleaning, after-meal cleaning, entry door cleaning, or other customized cleanings in the app.
The Q7 Max+ increases suction power on carpets automatically for deep cleaning.
In the smartphone app, you can choose the mode of emptying the dustbin (Smart, Light, Balanced, Max) based on your cleaning habits and frequency. The combined dustbin (470 ml) and water tank (350 ml) allow for cleaning longer without emptying and refilling. The maximum runtime of this model is 180 minutes, during which you can vacuum up to 3229 sq ft.
Verdict: This model is especially recommended for mopping activities; the combined dustbin and water tank, and electric water pump allow to clean more areas with better results. Moreover, it has a carpet detection sensor to avoid mopping carpets.
- Single all-rubber brush
- Child lock
- Multi-level mapping
- Compatible with Alexa, Apple Siri, and Google Home for voice control
- Scratch-free wheels and brushes
- Washable E11 filter
- 3D maps support
- Carpet sensor
- No obstacle avoidance algorithm
- No mopping pad lift
- No auto mopping pad washing and drying
Roborock Q8 Max+ Robot Vacuum and Mop
Roborock Q8 Max+ is a robot cleaner that is very similar to Q5 Pro+. It also has dual all-rubber brushes, 5500 Pa suction power for simultaneous vacuuming and mopping, and a docking station with a 2.5 L dust bag keeping dust for 7 weeks. The cleaner obtains smart LIDAR navigation to build 3D maps 6 times faster than other standard robot cleaners. This robot as the Q7 Max+ supports off-peak charging to save money for charging in time with low costs on electricity (night).
The difference between Q8 Max+ and Q5 Pro+ is in obstacle avoidance technology to prevent traps in narrow places and mishaps.
It has four cleaning modes for vacuuming – quiet, balanced, turbo, and max. With automatic carpet boost, all your carpets will be clean with maximum suction power cleaning. The dual all-rubber brushes (the same as for Q5 Pro+) pick up hair more efficiently, ensuring fewer hair tangles. The best result is obtained even with fast cleaning mode. In quiet mode, the robot vacuums up to 2960 sq ft.
Verdict: The Q8 Max+ robot cleaner is the most advanced model from the Q-series that can mop and vacuum using 30 water levels and intense suction power. It can perfectly clean hard floors and carpets with a carpet sensor and boost.
- Automatic carpet boost
- Combined water and dust tanks
- Dual rubber brushes
- Intense 5500 Pa suction power
- App control
- Reactive Obstacle Avoidance
- Off-peak charging
- Several emptying modes
- No auto mopping pad washing and drying
- No mopping pad lift
- No auto tank refill
S-series – Comparison Table
S-Series includes several models: S7 Max Ultra, S8/S8+, S8 Pro Ultra, S8 Max Ultra and S8 MaxV Ultra. The models differ in docking stations, cleaning features, and suction power. We will focus on three models.
Roborock S8+ Robot Vacuum and Sonic Mop
Roborock S8+ robot cleaner obtains the highest suction power among all Roborock cleaners – 6000 Pa. It has not only powerful suction power but also a high-intense scrubbing mopping pad that moves 3000 times per minute (pressure 6N, sonic vibration technology). Moreover, the robot has advanced ultrasonic carpet sensors that increase the suction power to a maximum (6000 Pa) and list the mopping pad at 5 mm.
The S8+ obtains advanced reactive 3D technology with infrared imaging that helps identify and avoid obstacles and hazards on all floor types during the day and night. It recognizes over 10 obstacle types.
Other features are close to Q series – 7 weeks of dust handling in the dock station, advanced route algorithm, duo roller rubber brushes (moving in opposite directions for better hair picking up), customized cleaning possibilities in a smartphone application, and Precise LiDAR navigation. The progress of cleaning can be tracked via smartphone application; the detailed report is available with the cleaning area, battery level, and cleaning time.
Verdict: We recommend this model for smart cleaning of sensitive floors, as it cleans along the direction of hard floors to prevent scraping and for full deep cleaning. S8+ cleans effectively from stubborn messes and pet hair, avoiding potential hazards even at night.
- High-speed sonic mopping
- Automatic mop lifting
- Advanced obstacles avoidance
- Smart suggestions for no-go and no-mop zones
- Support of off-peak charging
- Multi-level mapping
- Fast effective cleaning
- Display of carpets in the app
- No mopping pad cleaning and drying
- No intelligent dirt detection
- No auto tank refill
Roborock S7 Max Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo
Roborock S7 Max Ultra is the first robot cleaner in our review that has a docking station with self-emptying, auto refill, auto mop cleaning, and drying functions. It also can simultaneously mop and vacuum. The robot is equipped with a durable single rubber brush and a mopping pad with ultrasonic vibration 3000 times per minute. The suction power is not as intense as in the previous model (6000 Pa), but the 5500 Pa suction is still sufficient for catching all messes at home.
The smart features of the S8+ and S7 Max Ultra are the difference only in suction power. S7 Max Ultra is the latest technology for a hands-free cleaning experience.
The dock station performs full maintenance of the robot cleaning. 27000 Pa of suction power ensures full emptying of the dust bin, while the water tank is automatically refilled to mop up to 3270 sqft. The mopping pad is automatically washed and dried after each use. The last stage is auto-cleaning the bottom of the docking station; the mop is automatically raised when docked. The robot also can charge 30% faster to resume the cleaning process faster.
Verdict: If you want hands-free cleaning without regular robot maintenance, Roborock S7 Max Ultra is a perfect choice. You need only to take dust once in 7 weeks, add water once per month into a 4.0 L clean water tank, and empty dirty water from a 4.0 L dirty water tank.
- All-in-one dock station
- 30% fast charging
- Floating rubber brush
- 3 washing modes (light, balanced, max)
- 3 drying modes (2, 3, or 4 hours)
- Child lock
- Smart suggestions for no-go zones
- Mop self-washing and self-drying at 45o C
- Small built-in water tank
- No intelligent dirt detection
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop
The last reviewed robot pool cleaner is the most advanced. It has the same 5-in-1 docking station with minimum maintenance. The vibration mopping pad is also improved in size; it has two-fold vibration modules for widening the cleaning zone. It is still lifted on carpets thanks to ultrasonic sensors. Meanwhile, the brush can be lifted as well to avoid stains in mopping mode. You can choose between four modes: vacuum and mop (the time-saving mode), mop after vacuum, vacuum only, and mop only.
Improved dual rubber brushes with 6000 Pa extreme suction power clean all carpets and rugs deeply from dirt and hair with a 30% better hair pick-up rate.
Lidar navigation system builds detailed cleaning maps, while an advanced obstacle avoidance system allows the detection of hazards at night as well. You may choose the cleaning direction for hard floors. In the app, you can control the full cleaning process. The smart no-go zones suggestions help to set no-go zones and invisible walls to prevent traps and robot damage.
Verdict: The price of Roborock S8 Pro Ultra and S7 Max Ultra is similar. The S8 Pro Ultra has better scrubbing abilities and slightly better suction power. Meanwhile, the docking station has similar characteristics. If you need the most advanced version, then you need to choose the S8 Pro Ultra.
- Carpet boost
- High-speed mopping pad scrubbing
- Quiet mopping mode
- Quick mapping
- Dual spinning brushes
- Reactive obstacle avoidance
- Auto brush and mopping pad lifting
- Fast charging
- No intelligent dirt detection
- 3.5 L clean water tank (smaller than in S7 Max Ultra)
- 2.9 L dirty water tank (smaller than in S7 Max Ultra)
- Small built-in water tank
Roborock Q-series vs. S-series: How they stack up
Some robot vacuum cleaners can be popular, but some can be in their shadow but do not have significant differences. In this part, we will compare the most popular pairs that are associated before purchase by most owners.
Roborock Q5+ vs. S8+
The S-series presents the most advanced robot cleaners, but they are also more expensive. Q5+ and S8+ are the entry-level robots with self-emptying docking stations in these series. Almost all parameters of Q5+ are improved compared with S8+.
The biggest difference is that Roborock S8+ can mop and vacuum simultaneously. Moreover, it has 2.5 times higher suction power, dual floating rubber brushes, fast charging, and ultrasonic carpet sensors with a mopping pad lift. Correspondingly, the appearance of robots is different, as this model has a plastic water tank.
However, Roborock Q5+ has the same 5200 mAh battery for a maximum runtime of 180 minutes and the same docking station with a self-emptying function. Meanwhile, the ability to build 3D maps is also the same for the two models.
Winner:In this battle, Roborock S8+ is the winner as it has more functionality and more effective cleaning thanks to higher suction power. But if you need only vacuum cleaning, Roborock Q5+ is a good budget alternative with a self-emptying docking station.
Roborock Q7 Max+ vs. S7 Max Ultra
One of the biggest differences between these two models, Q7 Max+ vs. S7 Max Ultra, is the docking station. Q7 Max+ has only a self-emptying station, while S7 Max Ultra obtains a multi-functional docking station that can refill, clean, wash, dry, and empty the robot cleaner. There are also more differences between these models.
Roborock Q7 Max+ has no obstacle avoidance and ultrasonic carpet detection technology, but it has bigger built-in water and dust tanks. Meanwhile, the Roborock S7 Max Ultra has higher suction power, fast charging, child lock, and smart suggestion of no-go zones. But both models can simultaneously mop and vacuum using the same 5200 mAh battery.
Winner:The winner in this comparison is the Roborock S7 Max Ultra, with the all-in-one docking station and higher suction power. But if you can maintain the robot cleaner by yourself and search for a cheap model, the Q7 Max is a better solution with similar characteristics and a larger dustbin and water tank.
Roborock Q8 Max+ vs. S8 Pro Ultra
This comparison also includes the Q8 Max+ model with a self-emptying station. Again, the S8 Pro Ultra has an all-in-one advanced docking station for full maintenance. In other characteristics, these models are close to each other. But the Q8 Max is cheaper because of the less functional docking station.
S8 Pro Ultra has several advantages: carpet detection (ultrasonic sensor), more intense mopping pad scrubbing, mopping pad lift, slight suction power (6000 Pa), and reactive obstacle avoidance. Even though the Q8 Max+ has a larger water tank and dustbin. Other navigation and mapping characteristics are the same.
Winner:The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is the winner because of its better mopping functionality, including mopping pad lift. But if you want to save some money, Q8 Max+ is a good robot for simultaneous mopping and vacuuming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the docking stations of the S7 Max Ultra and S8 Pro Ultra?
Can I set cleaning schedules for Roborock Q8 Max+ in the smartphone application?
What is the benefit of the twin cleaning power of Q7 Max+?
Is the dust bag in the Roborck self-emptying docking station disposable? Or can it be used again?
What are the benefits of 3D maps?
Conclusion
All described models in Roborock are effective for vacuuming; all except Q5+ can mop and vacuum simultaneously. To simplify maintenance, S-series models are equipped with an all-in-one docking station (refill, empty, clean, wash, and dry), but Q-series have a docking station only with the self-emptying feature. Models from the S-series have more intense scrubbing with ultrasonic carpet detection, obstacle avoidance, and mop pad lift for better mopping function. The more advanced models are significantly more expensive, while the Q-series has suction power up to 5500 Pa (the S-Series has 6000 Pa). So, your choice between models in these series should be based on the price and then on the required functionality.
