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Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra Review

Derek Hales

Written By: Derek Hales

Updated on:

Our Roborock S7 Max Ultra review is here and the cleaning tests are done! Is this powerhouse of a robot vacuum cleaner worth the high price? Let’s find out now.

Robot vacuum and mop with AI navigation

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Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra

The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is an advanced robot vacuum mop combo with a bleeding edge design. It utilizes LiDAR, an RGB camera, and structured light sensor to expertly navigate obstacle ridden floors. It comes with an Empty Wash Fill dock for charging and automatic daily maintenance. In our tests, the S7 MaxV was able to remove 97.9% of all debris types, across 3 floor types showcasing excellent overall performance.Buy S7 MaxV UltraBuy S7 MaxV PlusBuy S7 MaxV

Pros

  • Hands-off design with automatic dustbin emptying, mop washing, and clean mop water filling
  • Fantastic navigation and obstacle avoidance
  • Great cleaning performance with 97.9% debris removal
  • 3 hour run time with automatic recharge and return technology

Cons

  • High price point
  • Struggled with long hair and pet hair

Scoring

Bleeding Edge Vacuum & Mopping Robot
  • Design - 100%
    100%
  • Performance - 99%
    99%
  • Quality - 98%
    98%
  • Usability - 100%
    100%
  • Value - 95%
    95%
98%

Summary

The Roborock S7 MaxV is a robot that can mop and vacuum with great performance. Our testing showed the vacuum removed 97.9% of debris during our tests, and the mop functioned great for light to moderate messes and daily mopping. The combination of LiDAR, an RGB camera, and structured light sensor give the S7 MaxV fantastic mapping and navigation abilities. Roborocks ReactiveAI can recognize objects and avoid them, identify designated areas and adjust settings, and lift up the mop when cleaning carpet. Ease of use is the key to the design of the S7 MaxV Ultra. The included Empty Wash Fill dock can empty the dust bin and water tank, fill the water tank, and wash the mopping cloth. Overall, a fantastically high-performance robot, arguably the best robot vacuum ever built.

In this review

Cleaning Test | Mopping Test | Long Hair Test | Pet Hair Test | Obstacle Test | Noise Test | S7 MaxV Comparison | Summary

YouTube video

Performance Tests

To test the MaxV, we ran it through 9 different tests to see how well it performed.

Our testing series includes:

  • Cleaning test
  • Mopping test
  • Hair test
  • Pet hair test
  • Obstacle Avoidance test
  • Navigation test
  • Cleaning speed test
  • Usability test
  • Noise test

See how the Roborock S7 MaxV performed in the first 100 days in our real world home test.

Cleaning Test

To test the cleaning performance of the S7 MaxV, we used 4 different debris types on 3 different floor types. We ran the vacuum on max setting over the floor and measured the amount of debris removed in relation to the weight of the initial debris placed. 

Overall

97.9%

Hardwood

99.0%

Low Carpet

96.3%

High Carpet

98.4%

Overall, the S7 MaxV did a fantastic job during our cleaning tests. Across the board it was able to remove the majority of debris, struggling the most with the smaller debris types of sugar and kitty litter. 

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra - hardwood before
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra – hardwood before
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra - hardwood after
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra – hardwood after

On hardwood floors, the S7 MaxV removed 99% of the debris, leaving behind only a small trace of sugar and kitty litter.

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra - low-pile carpet before
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra – low-pile carpet before
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra - low-pile carpet after
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra – low-pile carpet after

The Roborock S7 MaxV struggled the most on the low pile carpet, albeit not by much. The majority of the remaining debris left was sugar and kitty, but overall 96.3% of removal is still great performance.

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra - high pile carpet before
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra – high pile carpet before
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra - high pile carpet after
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra – high pile carpet after

On our final test, the high pile carpet, the S7 MaxV removed 98.4% of the debris, leaving behind a piece or two of cereal and some kitty litter.

Mopping Test

To test the S7’s mopping functionality we had it clean our ~1,000 sq. ft. office and studio space.

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra attaching mop
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra attaching mop

Overall, the S7 MaxV performed well but it is not anything we haven’t seen before. Generally, robot mops are great for a daily mopper, however, they lack the true cleaning potential of a dedicated mop. 

That said, the S7 MaxV did a great job as a daily mopping device. The robot is capable of having the VibraRise mop cloth attached even while the S7 MaxV vacuums.

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra removing mop cloth
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra removing mop cloth

When it detects carpet, the vacuum will automatically lift the mop cloth out of the way and continue vacuuming. With the addition of the Empty Wash Fill dock, it can fill up, vacuum and mop, and get itself ready for its next scheduled cleaning.

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra mop before
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra mop before
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra - after mopping
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra – after mopping

While the mopping attachment isn’t a full replacement for a dedicated mop, it is arguably the best version of any robot mop on the market. Being able to wash its own mopping pads and get clean water is incredibly convenient. It’s that next level convenience that really takes this mop attachment to the next level. 

Long Hair Test

For our long hair test, we place long strands of hair in the direct cleaning path of the Roborock MaxV. We run the robot over the hair and see how much was removed, as well as if any hair was tangled in the brushroll. 

Hair Removed?

100%

Hair Tangled?

Moderate

In our long hair test, the S7 MaxV did a great job at removing all the strands placed on the floor. However, it wasn’t able to keep the hair from tangling around the brushroll. After the test, we noticed a moderate amount of hair tangled around the brushroll and a few strands around the spinning brush. 

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra after long hair test
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra after long hair test

If you often have long strands of hair around the house, make sure to check the brushroll and remove any tangles as needed. Notably, the S7 MaxV brushroll only utilizes a single brush, as opposed to dual spinning brushes.

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra brushroll
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra brushroll

This single brushroll design doesn’t work as well at preventing hair tangles, which is the primary reason why I think we’re seeing worse tangling here.

Pet Hair Test

Our pet hair test is similar to the long hair test, we place pet fur on high pile carpet and run the vacuum over the fur. We check to see how much was removed and if any pet hair was tangled. 

Pet Hair Removed?

80%

Pet Hair Tangled?

None

The S7 MaxV was able to remove most of the pet fur we put in its path. However, I did notice some hair remained after running the test.

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra after pet hair test
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra after pet hair test

The brushroll showed none of the hair was tangled in it, but it did look like some pet fur was statically stuck to the body of the vacuum.

Obstacle Avoidance Test

Our obstacle avoidance tests checks how well the S7 MaxV can avoid common obstacles found around the house during cleaning. The Roborock S7 MaxV has multiple features that assist it in intelligently cleaning the floor.

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra LiDAR
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra LiDAR

It comes with LiDAR on the top, an RGB camera, and a light for navigation in darker areas. Roborock uses this hardware in tandem with their ReactiveAI to recognize and avoid objects. 

When the robot recognizes an obstacle it will mark it on the in-app map for you to check later. Additionally, the S7 MaxV can take pictures of these obstacles if you choose to let it do so.

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra app obstacle notification
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra app obstacle notification

To best test these features, we laid fake pet waste, a sock, shoe, and a mug in the cleaning path of the S7. We ran the robot vacuum and tested to see if it could successfully navigate through the objects.

Pet Waste

Yes

Socks

Yes

Shoes

Yes

Mug

Yes

I was impressed by the object avoidance of the S7 MaxV. Our testing showed it was able to completely avoid the obstacles and continue cleaning around them.

Navigation Test

Next we tested how well the S7 MaxV was able to navigate and clean on a broader scale.

Our navigation tests are focused on 3 core requirements. We test if the robot can fully navigate and clean our space, not get stuck while cleaning, and return to the charger. 

Returned to Base?

Yes

Fully Cleaned?

Yes

Stuck?

No

The S7 MaxV successfully navigated our office space without getting stuck and returned to the base. I was impressed with the navigation as our office space has numerous things that can trip up a robot vacuum, including cords, light stands, products we’re testing, long table legs, and videography equipment.

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra RGB camera
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra RGB camera

The combination of the LiDAR, RGB camera, and structured light were able to work together to move around our space.

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra app mapping
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra app mapping

During our long-term daily cleaning tests we let the S7 MaxV clean our entire studio. During these tests the S7 MaxV never got stuck, always cleaned the full area, always returned to its charging base, and routinely avoided all obstacles.

Cleaning Speed Test

Our testing showed the Roborock S7 MaxV was able to clean our 1,000 sq. ft. office and studio space within 50 to 60 minutes

Cleaning Area

~1,000 sq. ft.

Time

50-60 min.

This is a great cleaning speed from the S7 MaxV. We find it to be a good bit faster than many other high-end models in regards to cleaning speed, which is most likely a result of its navigational efficiency. 

Usability Test

Using the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is fantastic. It comes with a plethora of features that effectively allow the robot to run on its own once it has been set up. It comes with a variety of accessories that help improve the usability as well. 

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra unboxed
Roborock S7 MaxV unboxed
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra Empty Wash Fill base unboxed
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra Empty Wash Fill base unboxed

Here’s what is included in the box:

  • S7 MaxV robot vacuum
  • VibraRise mop cloth and attachment
  • Empty Wash Fill dock
  • Empty Wash Fill dock base
  • Empty Wash Fill dock power cable
  • Extra dust bin bag
  • Standard charging dock
  • Moisture Proof mat
  • Standard charging dock Power cable
  • User manual

Setup

Due to the inclusion of the Empty Wash Fill dock, there is a degree of setup involved before you can use the S7 MaxV. The robot itself comes partially charged, however, Roborock recommends fully charging the S7 MaxV before your first use.

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra on standard base
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra on standard base

Once you have the packaging removed, you will need to set up and place the S7 MaxV on the charging base. Once it is fully charged the Roborock is ready to clean.

If you want to set up the Empty Wash Fill dock you will need to follow these steps:

  • Remove packaging from the dock, including foam.
  • Attach the base
  • Connect power and plug in the device
  • Open the flap on the S7 MaxV and remove the dust bin
  • Remove a plate covering the air inlet
  • Replace the dust bin

The Roborock S7 MaxV is capable of running without the Empty Wash Fill dock, however, you will need to manually empty the dust bin and clean the mop pads. 

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra air plate
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra air plate

An additional item of setup is needed if you wish to use the mopping feature. This is simply done by filling up the water tank inside the S7, and attaching the VibraRise cloth attachment.

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra water tank
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra water tank

The mop attachment will always need to be manually attached or detached, however, filling the water tank and even cleaning the cloth can all be done by the Empty Wash Fill dock.

Controls

In terms of physical controls, the S7 MaxV has 3 buttons on top for basic functionality.

These buttons include:

  • Power
  • Spot Clean
  • Dock

The power button can be used to turn on and off the vacuum, start a cleaning cycle, and even has an indicator light to show the current battery level of the vacuum.

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra buttons
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra buttons

To clean in a single area, you can press the spot clean button, which will have the Roborock S7 MaxV clean in a 4.9” x 4.9” area.

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra cleaning
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra cleaning

The final button, the dock button, will send the S7 MaxV back to the dock for charging, self-emptying, cleaning the mop cloth, and refilling the water tank.

App

For more control options, or to remotely control the S7 MaxV you can connect to the Roborock app. This can be quickly done by following the in-app instructions and it provides you with greater control over the robot vacuum.

Here are the features the app gives you access to:

  • Multimap management
  • Custom schedules
  • Zones, no-clean/no-mop, invisible walls
  • Suction power control
  • Mop intensity control
  • Cleaning history and reports
  • Battery level
  • Maintenance indicators
  • View through camera
  • Speak through device
  • Manually control the S7 MaxV
  • Do not disturb mode
  • Voice assistant settings

The app connectivity notably boosts the S7 MaxV’s usability. The app, in tandem with the Empty Wash Fill dock, allows the user to effectively set up the robot vacuum and forget about it.

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra Empty Wash Fill base
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra Empty Wash Fill base

Additionally, you can fine tune the various settings and features of the S7 MaxV within the app. 

Maintenance

Keeping the Roborock S7 MaxV running like new is incredibly easy with the Empty Wash Fill dock because it does the majority of the work for you.

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra base washing station
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra base washing station

Here is what the station does automatically:

  • Empty dust bin
  • Empty water tank
  • Fill water tank
  • Clean mop cloth
  • Charge robot vacuum

Of course you can do these things without the dock, but it is a nice addition to have. This reduces the number of tasks needed to emptying and filling the water tanks and replacing the debris bag as needed. 

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra removing dirty water tank
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra removing dirty water tank

The Empty Wash Fill dock is large and will require some space on the floor. While it is large, the added usability features more than make up for it. 

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra base comparison
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra base (middle), Roborock standard charger (left), Roomba j7+ (right)

More involved maintenance tasks like cleaning the brushroll or front wheel will need to be done by the user, but Roborock has made this relatively easy to do with the use of few tools.

Noise Test

For our noise test, we ran the S7 MaxV on high pile carpet in each mode. We then measured the noise generated via a sound meter from about 3’ away. 

Power ModesDecibels
Quiet52 dB
Balanced53 dB
Turbo56 dB
Max57 dB
Self-Emptying69 dB

Our testing showed the S7 MaxV to have a decibel range of 52-57 dB while running. While using the Empty Wash Fill dock the noise is considerably louder.

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra Empty Wash Fill base
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra Empty Wash Fill base

Luckily, if you are concerned about noise while you are sleeping, you can set up a Do not disturb mode. That will force the S7 MaxV to run on quiet, not use the self-emptying features, avoid using lights, and prevent it from running during your sleep hours.

Common noise levels:

  • 20 dB – rustling leaves
  • 30 dB – whisper
  • 40 dB – quiet library, babbling brook
  • 50 dB – refrigerator, moderate rainfall
  • 60 dB – normal conversation, dishwashers
  • 70 dB – traffic, showers
  • 80 dB – alarm clock, telephone dial tone

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra vs. Plus vs. MaxV

Roborock has 3 different options you can choose from when buying an S7 MaxV. Each of these come with the same S7 MaxV robot vacuum. The main difference is the included charging dock.

MaxV UltraMaxV PlusMaxV
DockUltra Clean BaseStandard Clean BaseBasic Charger
Empties Dust BinYesYesNo
Washes MopYesNoNo
Obstacle AvoidanceYesYesYes
MopsYesYesYes
Suction5,100 Pa5,100 Pa5,100 Pa
Battery5,200 mAh5,200 mAh5,200 mAh
Run Time180 mins180 mins180 mins

All 3 versions will have the standard cleaning dock, while the Plus has an Auto Dust empty base, and the Ultra has the automatic Empty Wash Fill dock. Otherwise, the different vacuum models are identical in features and performance. 

What’s the difference between Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and MaxV Plus?

The only difference between the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and S7 MaxV Plus is the charging and auto empty base. The S7 MaxV Plus uses the more basic Auto Empty base that only empties the dust bin.

The more advanced S7 MaxV Ultra uses an auto empty base that empties the dust bin and dirty water from the mop, while also refreshing the mop with clean water. However, the S7 MaxV robot itself is identical on both the Ultra and Plus versions.

What’s the difference between the Roborock S7 MaxV and MaxV Ultra?

The only difference between the Roborock S7 MaxV and MaxV Ultra is the auto empty clean base. The Roborock S7 MaxV does not include an auto empty clean base, instead it has the more basic charging dock only.

The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra includes the more advanced auto empty base that empties the dust bin, dirty water tank, and applies clean water to the mopping attachment. The robot with both the Roborock S7 MaxV and Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is identical.

What’s the difference between the Roborock S7 MaxV and MaxV Plus?

The difference between the Roborock S7 MaxV and MaxV Plus is the auto empty base. The Roborock S7 MaxV Plus includes an auto empty dock that empties the dust bin into the base.

The Roborock S7 MaxV only includes the basic charging dock and does not have the auto empty feature.

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra Specifications

Specifications
TypeRobot
ManufacturerRoborock
ModelS7 MaxV Ultra
Diameter13.8″
Height3.8″
Weight~10.5 lbs.
Floor TypeAll (indoor)
Battery5200 mAh
Suction Power5100 Pa1
Run Time180 mins. (quiet)
Dust Bin Capacity400 ml
Water Tank Capacity200 ml
Charge Time< 6 hours
Noise Level53 dB (balanced)
Spot CleaningYes
Zone CleaningYes
Room CleaningYes
Digital MappingYes
ReturnsVaries by retailer
Warranty1 Year
PriceCheck Price

Should you buy the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra?

I would recommend the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra if you’re looking for the following features:

  • Looking for a hands-off device: The S7 MaxV comes with all the necessary features to effectively run on its own. Once the initial setup has been completed, the robot can vacuum, mop, empty, and refill as needed. With the app, a custom schedule can be created that will allow you to set the cleaning schedule you want. 
  • Intelligent navigation: With LiDAR, an RGB camera, and structured light feeding information to the ReactiveAI, the MaxV can expertly navigate spaces. It can recognize small objects in its path, and adjust its trajectory to avoid getting stuck. Additionally, the Roborock can take pictures of these obstacles, with your permission, and notify what specifically was in its path. 
  • Great vacuum and mop cleaning performance: The Roborock S7 MaxV can vacuum and mop simultaneously. In our testing, the vacuum removed 97.9% of debris and the mop was great for light to moderate messes. Furthermore, the ReactiveAI can automatically lift the mop if a carpet is detected.

For more information or to buy the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra, click here.

About Derek Hales

Derek HalesDerek Hales is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of ModernCastle.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, She Knows, and other major publications. Derek has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Kansas State University. Hales has been testing and reviewing products for the home since 2014.