Roborock S4 Max vs. S5 Max: To Mop Or Not to Mop?
Today, I will compare the Roborock S4 Max vs. S5 Max. Neither models are the best for large homes with plenty of carpeted surfaces, but any of these robot vacuums are excellent for bare floors.
Before you go any further, remember that the best unit is the one that will fit the needs of your space, not mine. This article only aims to guide you in your decision-making.
Table of Contents
Roborock S4 Max:
This model boasts of 2000 Pa of suction power on its highest setting. Its suction power is enough to lift away embedded pet hair and daily detritus from low- and high-pile carpets.
However, you might have to empty the dustbin more often than you like to ensure it is in its best working condition.
Roborock S5 Max:
This robot vacuum has everything the S4 Max offers, plus the ability to mop. If you want an automated housekeeper to mop your floors daily, you will like this little guy.
For the extra features you get, I would choose the Roborock S5 Max vs. S4 Max even if it costs just a little more.
Main Differences
- While both models feature a sturdy plastic construction, the matte S4 Max seems more scratch-resistant than the glossy S5 Max. However, the S4 Max is only available in black. The S5 Max, on the other hand, has two color options: black and white, both of which look sophisticated.
- The Roborock S5 Max is a robot vacuum hybrid. Using the mop attachments, it can wipe away light spills and films of dust. The S4 Max? Nada!
Comparison Table
Last update on 2021-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why Should You Buy the Roborock S4 Max?
Automation features allow you to create and save up to four maps, all of which you can view in the Roborock app. You can also set numerous virtual boundaries and “No-Go Zones” to prevent the robot from entering certain places. Adding to that is the ability to clean a precise area within the map. Being able to change the suction power and set up individual cleaning schedules for various rooms is one of its strong points, as well.
The app will show you the robot’s cleaning history and maintenance schedule. Don’t worry if the battery dies while you are out running an errand. The S4 Max will calculate how long it needs to charge so it could finish the task at hand. After the robot finishes its task, it will return to the dock to complete a charge.
If there is no Internet connection, you can always use the buttons on top of the robot.
- performs best on bare floors
- maneuvers on low-pile and high-pile carpets
- picks up a great amount of debris and pet hair, including those embedded in carpets
- saves up to 4 maps
- the companion app provides a suite of advanced automation features
- amazing 180-minute battery life
- Smart Home ready
- performance drops when the dustbin is more than 50% full
- Max and Carpet Boost drains the battery fast
- not the best option for homes with plenty of carpeted surfaces
Why Should You Buy the Roborock S5 Max?
And of all hybrid robot vacuums out there, this model also takes mopping performance up by a few notches.
But beyond the mopping feature, it does not deviate much from the S4 Max. The suction power and navigational algorithm are the same. You can also choose room selection and add restrictions, such as “No-Go Zones” and “No-Mopping Areas”.
Since you are getting almost the same robot vacuum, you will want to choose the S5 Max if you have plenty of hardwood floors. Besides, this robot can vacuum dirt and pick up pet hair on carpeted surfaces whenever it needs to.
- vacuums and mops bare floors
- transitions easily from hardwood to carpeted surfaces
- picks up a great amount of debris and pet hair, including those embedded in carpets
- saves up to 4 maps
- companion app provides a suite of advanced automation features
- amazing 180-minute battery life
- Smart Home ready
- efficiency in picking large debris decreases when the dustbin is partially full
- Max and Carpet Boost drains the battery fast
- not a wise option for homes with plenty of carpeted surfaces
Face to Face Comparison
The Roborock S4 Max vs. S5 Max — which model should you get? These robot vacuums share plenty of features, save a few. So, get to know these robots better in this section.
Design and Dimensions
Roborock S4 Max
Aesthetic-wise, the Roborock S4 Max features a matte finish. Measuring 13.5 inches in diameter, this unit is nearly the same size as the Roborock S5 Max. Both robot vacuums are also 3.8 inches high at their vertical bumper, which is the disc that sticks out from the top of the robot. And on my kitchen scale, this model weighed 12 pounds.
You will find two rubberized buttons atop the robot:
🔴 Power Button
- Give the robot a quick press to activate a cleaning cycle.
- Touch and hold to turn the unit on/off.
⚪ Home Button
- A long press will activate Spot Cleaning.
- A short press will send the robot back to its dock.
At the front is an omnidirectional caster wheel and a five-spoke bristle brush at the side. The rubber bristles are angled downward, helping the robot to catch more junk and push them toward the brush roll.
To travel around with ease, it comes equipped with a pair of chunky, rubber wheels on either side of the brush roll. The dock is nothing special, but at least it is small and unobtrusive enough.
Roborock S5 Max
The Roborock S5 Max is nearly the same size and weight as the S4 Max. Since it uses LiDAR Navigation, there is a small, raised cylinder in the middle of which houses the laser navigation sensors.
A metal ring and translucent materials provide the S5 Max a sleek and glossy appearance. For a minimalistic look, you will only find two physical buttons that you can use to operate the robot when there is no Internet connection.
🔴 Power Button
- Give the robot a quick press to activate a cleaning cycle.
- Touch and hold to turn the unit on/off.
- A long press will activate Spot Cleaning.
- A short press will send the robot back to its dock.
There is no Spot Clean button; nonetheless, there are several controls within the app that you will find convenient.
Flipping the back panel open reveals the 460-ml dustbin, which is currently the standard size for Roborock robot vacuums. The capacity is large enough to help cut down the number of times you will need to empty the dirt compartment. But to ensure the best working performance, I suggest you unload the dustbin at least once a week regardless of the quantity.
Overall, the Roborock S5 Max boasts fantastic build quality. The wheels are made of rubber and feel durable to boot.
My only gripe is that dustbin as it feels like it could crack if dropped. So, be careful!
Navigation and Mapping
Roborock S4 Max
The Roborock S4 Max maneuvers itself using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). This technology allows the robot to clean in an organized pattern, adapting its route after each cycle so that it becomes a more efficient cleaner.
There is a Select Zone feature that provides a larger cleaning area than the on-board Spot Cleaning. For example, if a bowl of corn puffs fell on the floor, all you have to do is to draw a box around the area and the S4 Max will clean it up for you. The robot is short enough to clean along the baseboard underneath a kitchen cabinet overhang.
Best of all, the S4 Max can save up to four layouts, which means you can use it to tidy up your metal shed, office, shop, etc.
Now, I’ve heard of some complaints about the S4 Max losing its ability to navigate. These issues often arise when you transfer the dock to a different location. The robot will think it is somewhere else because it will base its location on where the dock is. Once the dock has been moved, your robot will need to remap the entire house.
Roborock S5 Max
The Roborock S5 Max also uses LiDAR technology, the same as the S4 Max, and:
- saves up to four levels of maps
- includes Selective Room Cleaning, No-Go Zones, No-Mop Zones, and Invisible Walls
The first time I used it, the robot goes about mapping the house while it cleans, distinguishing separate rooms and color-coding them on the map it generated. The LiDAR mapping and advanced Adaptive Route Algorithm allow the robot to optimize the coverage. With satisfaction, I watched how the robot went around the perimeters of a room and did a back and forth pattern, making sure every inch of my floor was spotless.
At the same time, the robot takes note of obstacles, such as table legs, indoor plants, sleeping pets, etc. The S5 Max goes under the nightstand, dresser, and under the bed — all of which are a pain to vacuum. I admit I was concerned that the robot might not transition between the ¾-inch threshold that the main kitchen and the “dirty kitchen.” To my surprise, the robot went right over it with ease.
Boundary Marking
Roborock S4 Max
The Roborock app provides the ability to create virtual boundaries. Thankfully, the Roborock S4 Max is indeed respectful of the boundaries I created. The robot took a sharp turn as it reached the invisible wall I drew around doggie furniture and other pet paraphernalia.
Impressively, the robot never once crossed any boundary and you can likewise view this adherence to the No-Go Zones and Invisible Walls within the app.
Roborock S5 Max
As discussed earlier, the Roborock S5 Max boasts of premium features, such as No-Go Zones, No-Mop Zones, and Invisible Walls.
These features also fit my needs perfectly and you can manipulate them using the companion app.
Filtration and Brush System
Roborock S5 Max
The Roborock S5 Max comes with all of its brushes assembled — a five-prong side brush that sweeps dust and debris from the wall edges and directs them into the path of the primary brushroll and suction system.
Made of silicone, the side brush cleans thoroughly without scarring walls and delicate furniture. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the rubber brush has 250% more nylon bristles, making it gentler on floors although the brushroll spins at 1350 rpm.
This model also uses an E11 filter, the same as the S4 Max. This type of filter can’t filter substances that are 0.3 microns in size the way HEPA filters do, but nonetheless, they do well for the majority.
The Roborock app also gives you an idea of the lifespan of the brushes, filter, and other consumables of your S5 Max.
Suction Power and Cleaning Modes
Roborock S4 Max
There are four different power suction modes: “Quiet,” “Normal,” “Turbo,” and “Max.” When cleaning carpets, I suggest you opt for “Max” as it delivers 2000 Pa.
“Carpet” mode is likewise available by default and you may also turn it off in the app when need be. This feature increases the suction power automatically as the robot climbs onto rugs and carpets. On the downside, it causes the robot to get stuck on tassels, electric cables, etc.
Roborock S5 Max
The Roborock S5 Max has a powerful motor that spins at 15000 rpm. This robot vacuum puts up 2000 Pa in Max mode. Moreover, it has five suction levels to choose from: “Gentle,” “Quiet,” “Balanced,” “Turbo,” and “Max.”
Both Max and Carpet Boost deliver a serious cleaning power of 2000 Pa to lift away stubborn dirt and embedded pet hair.
Battery Life
Roborock S4 Max
Set to its lowest suction setting, the Roborock S4 Max lasts for nearly three and a half hours. As long as the robot has battery life and space left in its bin, it will provide a continuous range.
Meanwhile, “Max” mode provides nearly an hour and a half. The battery temperature will get high after continuous use in “Max” mode, so I recommend that you cool down the robot before charging.
Now, the question is — how long does the Roborock S4 Max take to charge? Unfortunately, you will have to wait almost 4 hours to charge from 0% to 100%. If the battery dies out before the robot completes its job, it will calculate the hours needed to charge in order to finish its task.
Roborock S5 Max
The Roborock S5 Max has the same battery life as the S4 Max.
To make the house a little messier, I bathed my Chow Chow outdoors and had her do the zoomies inside the house. Imagine the amount of hair and dirt my fur-kid left inside! The S5 Max cleaned our downstairs level in about 30 minutes on a single charge while using the “Balanced” cleaning mode. I repeated the same process the day after and experimented with higher suction, but it drained the battery faster.
My dog loves to rub herself against the carpet when she is wet. So, I really needed the extra power on the carpeted living room. On the bright side, the S5 Max did detect the carpet and increased the suction on its own.
Smart Features
Roborock S4 Max
Good news! You can now use Alexa. Roborock robot vacuums may not have as many smart features as Roombas, but this is a good start nonetheless.
Roborock S5 Max
The one upgrade I wish to see is with voice control allowing me to send the S5 Max to a specific room. As of now, the robot initiates a whole house clean. I hope Roborock will roll this out in the future.
Cleaning Orientation
- Roborock S4 Max
- Roborock S5 Max
verdictSo far, I have no problems keeping paw prints and light spills off the floor. The results are fine for maintenance, but you will still need to do an old-fashioned mopping once in a while to ensure floors are squeaky clean. After all, the robot is just running a damp cloth over the floor. You cannot use a disinfectant liquid.
Cleaning Performance
- Roborock S4 Max
The Roborock S4 Max boasts of fantastic performance on bare floors (hardwood, laminate, tiles, etc.) Hair pick-up is near perfection! Likewise, it sucks up small and large debris without an issue. But once the dustbin is more than half full, any debris as big as Fruit Loops may get stuck on the brushroll and get dragged around.
The S4 Max still manages to pick up 90% pet hair on low-pile carpets, but it might struggle with fine debris like salt and sugar. But if you opt for “Max” mode at all times, you may expect this robot to perform nearly the same as it did on bare floors. The drawback, however, is that it heats up and drains your battery quite fast.
On the bright side, I like how the S4 Max climbs onto thick carpets. The only problem I encountered is the robot’s performance dropping sharply whenever its dustbin gets partially full. When this happens, even “Max” mode won’t guarantee that the robot can pick up debris on carpeted surfaces.
- Roborock S5 Max
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Roborock S4 Max have a mop?
How long does Roborock S5 Max last?
Do Roborock S4 Max and S5 Max models support 5 GHz WiFi?
How often to replace filters on Roborock S4 Max and S5 Max?
Conclusion
The S4 Max is nearly identical to the S5 Max. Both devices have a maximum of 2000 Pa of suction power, the ability to schedule cleaning cycles, mapping tools, and so forth. However, the S4 Max lacks the mopping features and accessories that came with the latter.
Without the mopping ability of the S4 Max, you won’t have to incur maintenance costs for the tank and cleaning pads. Therefore, you may want to choose the Roborock S4 Max vs. S5 Max if you prefer your good ole stick mop and save $100 or more.
In a nutshell, the cleaning orientation is the crucial difference between the two. So, take note of that if you want a robot vacuum that is versatile enough to handle both vacuuming and mopping. Regardless, please note that the S5 Max will not replace a traditional mop.
