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Roborock S7 vs. S6 MaxV vs. S6 Pure vs. S6 vs. S5 Max

Derek Hales

Written By: Derek Hales

Updated on:

The Roborock lineup includes a number of different modes including the Roborock S7 vs. S6 vs. MaxV vs. S6 Pure vs. S6 vs. S5 Max.

Roborock S7 (vs. S6 MaxV vs. S6 vs. S5 Max (from left to right)
Roborock S7 (vs. S6 MaxV vs. S6 vs. S5 Max (from left to right)

It’s a bit of a mouthful to cover all the current models, but this guide will break down the things you need to know about each model.

Roborock S Robot Vacuum
Roborock S7
  • Run Time: 180 mins.
  • Mop Capacity: 300 mL
  • Bin Capacity: 470 mL
  • Room Select: Yes
  • Navigation: LIDAR
Roborock S Maxv
Roborock S6 MaxV
  • Run Time: 180 mins.
  • Mop Capacity: 297 mL
  • Bin Capacity: 460 mL
  • Room Select: Yes
  • Navigation: LIDAR + Cameras
Roborock S Pure Robot Vacuum
Roborock S6 Pure
  • Run Time: 180 mins.
  • Mop Capacity: 180 mL
  • Bin Capacity: 460 mL
  • Room Select: Yes
  • Navigation: LIDAR
Roborock S Robot Vacuum
Roborock S6
  • Run Time: 150 mins.
  • Mop Capacity: 140 mL
  • Bin Capacity: 480 mL
  • Room Select: Yes
  • Navigation: LIDAR
Roborock S Max Robot Vacuum
Roborock S5 Max
  • Run Time: 150 mins.
  • Mop Capacity: 290 mL
  • Bin Capacity: 460 mL
  • Room Select: Yes
  • Navigation: LIDAR

Table of Contents

YouTube video

🔰 How They Compare

Here’s a list of the new and different features you’re getting with each new model.

  • Roborock S7: The S7 has advanced mopping design features including an XL tank capacity, sonic scrubbing bar, and auto-lift mopping head, of which the latter two are unique to this model.
  • Roborock S6 MaxV: The S6 MaxV includes upgrades over the S5 models by adding advanced obstacle avoidance and an electric water valves for better mopping cycles. It uses an obstacle avoidance AI and front facing cameras for improved navigation. The S6 MaxV is the only model in this list with advanced obstacle avoidance.
  • Roborock S6 Pure: The S6 Pure has a slightly smaller dust bin capacity compared to the S6, but also has a larger mopping tank capacity, 180mL on the S6 Pure compared to 140mL on the S6. Beyond this difference, it’s functional the same as the S6.
  • Roborock S6: The S6 has a slightly larger dust bin capacity over the S5 Max and the S6 Pure. It can hold up to 480 mL dry debris compared to only 460 mL on the other models.
  • Roborock S5 Max: The S5 Max has over double the mop tank capacity of the S6 and S6 Pure (tank holds up to 290 mL of water). It also has the same electric water valves like on the S6 MaxV and S7 models.

And here’s a more detailed list of the specs of each model:

ModelsS7S6 MaxVS6 PureS6S5 Max
Smartphone ControlYesYesYesYesYes
MopsYesYesYesYesYes
MappingYesYesYesYesYes
Map SavingYesYesYesYesYes
Zone CleaningYesYesYesYesYes
Run Time180 mins.180 mins.180 mins.180 mins.180 mins.
Battery5,200 mAh5,200 mAh5,200 mAh5,200 mAh5,200 mAh
Cleans3,200 sq. ft.3,200 sq. ft.3,200 sq. ft.3,200 sq. ft.3,200 sq. ft.
NavigationLaser / Smart MappingDual Camera; Laser / Smart MappingLaser / Smart MappingLaser / Smart MappingLaser / Smart Mapping
Dust Bin470 mL460 mL460 mL480 ml460 ml
Mop Tank Capacity300 mL297 mL180 mL140 mL290 mL
Suction2,500 Pa2,500 Pa2,000 Pa2,000 Pa2,000 Pa
PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck Price
ReviewsRead ReviewRead ReviewRead ReviewRead ReviewRead Review

Modern Castle Favorites

Best Overall

S7

Roborock S7 robot vacuum - black

Best Navigation

S6 MaxV

Roborock S6 MaxV robot vacuum

Best Value

S5 Max

Roborock S5 Max robot vacuum

🧪 Performance

To test the cleaning performance or each floor type we test the vacuum cleaner against a variety of debris types (cereal, rice, kitty litter, and sugar) and on three different floor types (hardwoods, low pile carpet, and high pile carpet).

Roborock model comparison

Here’s how the cleaning results compared between Roborocks:

Vacuuming Results

S7

97%

S6 MaxV

92%

S6

89%

S5 Max

91%

Note: We have not tested the Roborock S6 Pure. Our performance assumptions are based on data from the S6, which is nearly identical to the S6 in terms of hardware and software.

S7 Performance

The S7 was impressive on all floor types and really didn’t struggle much of anywhere.

Roborock S7 hardwood tests
Roborock S7 hardwood tests

Here’s the breakdown of each flooring group.

Overall

97%

Hardwood

99%

Low Carpet

94%

High Carpet

97%

You can find our full S7 testing data, test photos, and review here.

S6 MaxV Performance

The S6 MaxV had solid performance on hardwoods and struggled progressively more on the carpet cleaning tests.

Roborock S7 hardwood tests
Roborock S7 hardwood tests

The main issue here was its difficulty cleaning up sugar. Of all debris to have problems with, it’s not entirely uncommon for robot vacuums to have issues cleaning granulated sugar from carpet fibers.

Overall

92%

Hardwood

99%

Low Carpet

91%

High Carpet

85%

You can find our full S6 MaxV testing data, test photos, and review here.

S6 Performance

Overall, the S6 was flawless on hardwood floors and struggled a little bit on carpet floors.

Roborock S6 robot vacuum - hardwood cleaning performance test
Roborock S6 robot vacuum – hardwood cleaning performance test

If your home does have lots of carpet you’ll want to use the S6 on Max cleaning mode to get the most debris out.

Overall

89%

Hardwood

100%

Low Carpet

85%

High Carpet

82%

You can find our full S6 Max testing data, test photos, and review here.

S6 Pure Performance

Unfortunately, we have not been able to fully test the performance of the Roborck S6 Pure. That being said, it does have similar specs to both the S6 MaxV and S6 models. You can see a quick comparison below.

ModelSuctionDust Bin CapacityMop Tank CapacityMax Run Time
S6 Pure2000Pa460 mL180 mL180 mins
S6 MaxV2500Pa460 mL297 mL180 mins
S62000Pa480 mL140 mL180 mins

Because of these similarities, we would expect vacuuming performance to be similar between all three of these models.

S5 Max Cleaning Tests

The S5 Max makes some big strides in mopping over the other two models. Carpet cleaning performance was a bit of a mixed bag.

Roborock S5 Max - hardwood cleaning test
Roborock S5 Max hardwood cleaning test

Low carpet was similar to what we saw on the S5 and S6, however, high pile carpet cleaning was notably improved.

Overall

91%

Hardwood

100%

Low Carpet

83%

High Carpet

90%

You can find our full S5 Max testing data, test photos, and review here.

Mopping Performance

Roborock S7

Tank Capacity: 300 mL

Roborock S7 mopping tests
Roborock S7 mopping tests

Roborock S6 MaxV

Tank Capacity: 297 mL

Roborock S6 MaxV mopping tests
Roborock S6 MaxV mopping tests

The Roborock S7 is the definite standout in terms of mopping performance. It removed more dirt and dust from floors than the other models we tested. The larger water tank, electronic water valves, auto lift moping head, and sonic scrubbing arm brush work together to great effect.

Roborock S6

Tank Capacity: 140 mL

Roborock S6 robot vacuum mopping pad - after use
Roborock S6 mopping tests

Roborock S5 Max

Tank Capacity: 290 mL

Roborock S5 mopping cleaning performance
Roborock S5 Max mopping tests

Performance on the S6 MaxV, S6, and S5 Max were all pretty similar. They all removed about the same level of dirt and dust from floors. The big difference in these models is less about mopping performance and more about mopping coverage.

The S6 MaxV and S5 Max both have larger water tanks (as does the S7). These larger tanks allow for greater mopping coverage.

The only model we don’t have mopping results for is the Roborock S6 Pure, which has not been fully tested in our lab. That being said, it has similar specs to the S6 MaxV model so I would expect similar results.

The tank capacity of the S6 Pure is 180 mL which puts it somewhere in the middle between the S6 and S6 MaxV.

🧬 Design

So talking specifically about the design, each of these Roborocks are actually pretty similar.

S7

Roborock S7 robot vacuum - black

S6 MaxV

Roborock S6 MaxV robot vacuum

S6 Pure

Roborock S6 Pure robot vacuum

S6

Roborock S6

S5 Max

Roborock S5 Max robot vacuum

Similarities include:

  • Round body
  • 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop
  • Up-top LIDAR sensor
  • Available in black or white

Differences include:

  • Controls
  • Navigation
  • Suction power
  • Underside (brushroll)
  • Capacity (dust bin and mop tank)

#1. Controls

The controls on all of these Roborocks are simple and follow one of two different styles:

  • 2-button design
  • 3-button design

The 2-button design is included on the Roborock S5 Max and S6 Pure. Functions include:

  1. Clean: starts or pauses a cleaning cycle
  2. Home: sends the vacuum back to the charging station
controls Roborock S5 Max robot vacuum review

The 3-button design is included on the S7, S6 MaxV, and S6. Functions include:

  • Power on / off (middle button, long press)
  • Start / pause a cleaning cycle (middle button, short press)
  • Spot clean (far left button)
  • Send to charger (far right button)
Roborock S6 button controls on top
Roborock S6 button controls on top

#2. Navigation

All of the Roborock models here use the same LIDAR navigation system for mapping and navigating. They all have mapping, which allows them to create a digital floor plan of the areas it has cleaned.

The vacuums can then save this map to use with Selective Room technology, which makes for smarter, more effective scheduled cleaning cycles.

The one model exception to this good (but more basic) navigation is the Roborock S6 MaxV. This model comes with advanced obstacle detection and avoidance that simply surpasses all other models in this review. We’ve been continually impressed with the performance.

Roborock S7 (left) vs. S6 MaxV (right)
Roborock S7 (left) vs. S6 MaxV (right)

As a testament to the S6 MaxV’s accuracy, they even go as far as to include some artificial testing matter.

MORE: Want more Roborock reviews? Check out our review of the Roborock S6 vs. S5 vs. S5 Max vs. S4 vs. E35 vs. E25

Here’s the official testing process.

  1. Place poop on the floor in desired location.
  2. Turn on the Roborock and let it get to work.

As it approached the poo, you should notice the sensors detect the obstacle and navigate around it. It can detect obstacles as small as 2″, according to the manufacturer.

Roborock S6 MaxV test poop
Artificial poop included with the Roborock S6 MaxV

So we ran this test exactly as stated and I was happy with the results. Not only did the vacuum not knock into it once, but it also mapped the obstacle on the digital cleaning report.

The is certainly a nice feature for pet owners and something you’ll only get with the S6 MaxV currently.

#3. Suction Power

There are some differences in suction power as well between these Roborocks.

Here’s the rundown:

ModelMax SuctionCleaning Score
Roborock S72500Pa97%
Roborock S6 MaxV2500Pa92%
Roborock S6 Pure2000PaNA
Roborock S62000Pa89%
Roborock S5 Max2000Pa91%

As you can see, the S7, which offers the highest degree of suction, also had the best cleaning performance. But the S6 MaxV and S5 Max were not too different, despite their differing suction levels.

#4. The Underside

The design of the underside is also similar between all of these models, with the exception being the S7 which has a few small changes.

Roborock underside comparison
S7 (top left) vs. S6 MaxV (bottom left) vs. S6 (top right) vs. S5 Max (bottom right)

Similarities include:

  • Spiral bristle brushroll
  • Spinning side brush, 5-arm (x1)
  • Navigational wheels
  • Contact sensors
  • Edge sensors
  • Mopping pad compatibility
Underside of the Roborock S6 MaxV
Underside of the Roborock S6 MaxV (shown without mopping pad attachment)
Attaching the mopping pad to the front of the Roborock S5 Max
Underside of the Roborock S5 Max (shown with mopping pad attachment)

On the S7, that model uses a new brushroll that is 100% rubberized and contains no bristles. Aside from the brushroll, the rest of the design looks similar to the older models.

Roborock S7 underside
Roborock S7 underside

#5. Capacity

Capacity is one area where there are minor (and sometimes major) differences between each model.

Here’s a quick rundown of how these 5 Roborocks compare:

ModelDust Bin CapacityMop Tank Capacity
Roborock S7470 mL*300 mL
Roborock S6 MaxV460 mL297 mL
Roborock S6 Pure460 mL180 mL
Roborock S6480 mL140 mL
Roborock S5 Max460 mL290 mL
* The S7 is compatible with a self-emptying dust bin that is set to launch sometime in 2021, not yet available.

All of the dust bin capacities are pretty comparable, but technically the largest is going to be the S6 at 480 mL.

For a 2-in-1 with the largest mop tank capacity, you’d likely be better off with the S7, S6 MaxV, or the S5 Max, which can all hold about 1.25 cups.

Best Features

Wondering what features are included with these Roborocks? Here’s a quick rundown of some of the best features:

ModelsRoborock S7Roborock S6 MaxVRoborock S6 PureRoborock S6Roborock S5 Max
Roborock S7 robot vacuum - blackRoborock S6 Pure robot vacuumRoborock S6Roborock S5 Max robot vacuum
Adaptive Route AlgorithmYesYesYesYesYes
Selective Room CleaningYesYesYesYesYes
Laser NavigationYesYesYesYesYes
MappingYesYesYesYesYes
Zone CleaningYesYesYesYesYes
Real-Time LocationYesYesYesYesYes
MopsYesYesYesYesYes
MappingYesYesYesYesYes
App ControlYesYesYesYesYes
Voice ControlYesYesYesYesYes
Scheduled MoppingYesYesYesNoYes
Auto RechargeYesYesYesYesYes
Recharge & ResumeYesYesYesYesYes
ModesSilent, Standard, Strong, MaxSilent, Standard, Strong, MaxSilent, Standard, Strong, MaxSilent, Standard, Strong, MaxSilent, Standard, Strong, Max

Smart Control

All of the Roborocks included in this review have the ability to be controlled using a smart device like your phone (via the app) or voice control (when paired with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant).

Monitoring maintenance tasks within the app
Roborock S7 cleaning modes
Roborock S7 cleaning modes

Using the app, you can adjust power modes, mop settings, schedule cleanings, see maintenance reports, set up cleaning zones, etc.

SMART SCRUBBING: The Roborock S7 also has the ability to adjust scrubbing intensity for mopping cycles. Using the onboard sonic scrubbing bar, the S7 can do light mopping or heavier mopping, depending on traffic patterns and types of messes.

Smart Mapping

All Roborocks listed here also have smart mapping. In the app, you can see a digital map of the spaces that Roborock has cleaned.

Roborock app cleaning map
Roborock app cleaning maps

Each model in this review can save the map for future use. With a saved map, you can go into the app, label particular spaces, set up no-go areas, and more.

Size & Dimensions

Considering size alone, all of these models are basically exactly the same size.

Diameter

13.8″

Height

3.8″

Weight

7.8 lbs”

These Roborocks are a bit larger than some of the other robot vacuums we’ve tested to date, but none are massively different in terms of size or form factor.

Accessories & Parts

Parts and accessories have slight variations between each model, but the basic list boils down to the following.

What’s in the box?

  1. Dust bin: holds dry debris
  2. Mop Tank: water tank for mopping cycles
  3. Mop Pads: disposable or washable for mopping cycles
  4. HEPA filter: removes small particles during cleaning cycles
  5. Spinning side brush: spins along undersideto collect debris at edges and corners
  6. Charger + mop mat: charges the vacuum between cycles and protects floor from moisture during mopping cycles
  7. Cleaning tool: helps to clean small parts and crevices in the vacuum
  8. Water tank filters: helps clean water for mopping cycles
  9. User manual: a detailed guide of parts, insturctions, troublshooting, etc.

1. Dust Bin

Roborock S7 dust bin
*Exact design may vary

2. Mop Tank

Roborock water tank
*Exact design may vary

3. Mop Pads

Roborock S6 cleaning accessories
(disposable and washable)

4. HEPA Filter

Roborock S7 filter

5. Spinning Brush

Spinning brush on the Roborock E4

6. Charger / Mop Mat

Roborock S5 charger and moisture-proof mat

What’s different?

Along with the parts listed above, let’s also cover:

  1. The Brushroll
  2. The Sonic Mopping Bar

#1. The Brushroll

Between these five Roborocks, there are two main designs for the brushroll.

Rubberized Brushroll

Roborock S7 brushroll

Included on the:

  • Roborock S7 only

Spiral Bristle Brushroll

Roborock S6 MaxV accessories - brushroll

Included on the:

  • Roborock S6 MaxV
  • Roborock S6 Pure
  • Roborock S6
  • Roborock S5 Max

#2. The Sonic Mopping Bar

This bar is only found on the underside of the S7 model. The purpose of this bar is to provide a power scrubbing motion to the mopping pad, resulting in more effective mopping cycles and improved performance.

Roborock S7 scrubbing mopping arm
The scrubbing arm on the S7 gently scrubs up to 3,000 times per minute.

This arm can scrub the mopping pad up to 3,000 times per minute and allows you the option of adjusting mopping power in the app depending on what you need for each cycle.

👍 Usability

The setup and usability of all Roborocks are similar. Out of the box, they are essentially already put together and ready to go.

Roborock S7 size
Roborock S7 size

All you need to do is make sure all parts are installed. Check the:

  • Dust bin
  • Mop tank
  • HEPA filter
  • Spinning brush

Then place the vacuum in a central location on the charger. If you plan on doing a mopping cycle first, you may also want to place the mopping mat under the charger to protect the floors from moisture.

  • To start a vacuuming cycle, you can manually press start and the Roborock will get to work.
  • To start a mopping cycle, add water to the mopping tank, ensure the mop pad is secured to the underside of the vacuum, and manually press start.
Roborock S7 deep cleaning mopping mode
Roborock S7 deep cleaning mopping mode

Deep Clean Mopping

The Roborock S7 is the only model in this comparison that has the option of adjusting mop intensity. You can opt for a standard mopping cycle or a deep clean mopping cycle.

Adjusting cycle settings can be done in the app. You can also adjust scrub intensity, which is determined by the power scrub bar.

Click here to learn more about mopping on the S7.

To schedule a cleaning or enable the voice control feature, follow the steps below.

  1. Install the Roborock app onto your smartphone.
  2. Pair your smartphone to the robot vacuum using the app.
  3. For voice control, you’ll need a voice device like Amazon Alexa.

Maintenance

Maintenance of a Roborock is not that different than maintenance of any other robot vacuum.

Removing the dust bin on the Roborock S6 MaxV
Removing the dust bin on the Roborock S6 MaxV

The basic list of tasks include:

  1. Clean the dust bin. Empty the dust bin as needed to ensure proper performance. The dust bin is washable for all 5 of these models as well. Just rinse with clean water and allow 24 hours to dry.
  2. Check the brushroll. Check for tangles of hair or other debris and clean as needed. You can use scissors to trim hair away from the axel or use the small cleaning tool provided to help remove other small debris. In general, the rubberized brushroll of the S7 should have less maintenance than the more traditional bristle style brushroll.
  3. Clean the sensors. Use a dry, lint free cloth to wipe down the sensors. This helps to improve navigation and obstacle avoidance.
  4. Clean the HEPA filter and replace it as needed.
  5. Wash the air filter as needed. Doing this can help extend the life of the HEPA filter.

All five of these Roborocks have a smart app that can also provide maintenance alerts as they become necessary.

Overall, none of these maintenance tasks are costly or time-consuming and there is no real advantage concerning the maintenance of one model over the other.

I would call this category a tie among most Roborocks.

The one exception…

One exception to this rule could be the self-emptying dust bin. This is a feature that is earmarked as “Coming Soon” and only the S7 is compatible with the new base.

Roborock S7 with Auto-Empty Dock
Roborock S7 with Auto-Empty Dock (launches in 2021)

If you really want a self-emptying dust bin, it may be worth it to go with the S7 and then purchase the self-emptying dust bin whenever it becomes available.

🥇 Which Roborock should you buy?

So we’ve done the full rundown of the Roborock S7 vs. S6 MaxV vs S6 Pure vs. S6 vs S5 Max. There’s a lot of models out there so how can you decide which model is best for you?

Here’s our quick summary of what Roborock we think is best.

Best Overall: Roborock S7

Roborock S7 charging dock
Roborock S7 charging dock

If you’re looking for the best overall, I’d do the Roborock S7. The S7 has some really nice improvements over the other models listed here.

Some of the top features include: best vacuum & mopping performance, mopping scrub bar, larger dust bin and mop tank capacities, and smart control. When you couple that with the option to add an auto empty base station, it’s the clear best model Roborock builds.

Best Navigation: Roborock S6 MaxV

Roborock S6 MaxV docked and charging up before a cleaning cycle
Roborock S6 MaxV docked and charging up before a cleaning cycle

If you have a larger floor plan or just want the best navigation, the clear winner is the Roborock S6 MaxV.

This model uses a similar LIDAR navigation system to the other models, but it also includes an advanced obstacle avoidance technology with front facing cameras that can avoid obstacles as small as 2″.

Best Value: Roborock S5 Max

Front view of the Roborock S5 Max
Front view of the Roborock S5 Max

If you’re looking for the best value, I would recommend the Roborock S5 Max. The S5 Max had good performance that was actually a little better than our tests of the S6.

It also has a larger water tank capacity like on the S7. Suction levels match that of the S6 (but at a lower price point) and it includes other smart features like app control, scheduled mopping cycles, and voice control as well.

What About the S6 and S6 Pure?

In my view, these models are both in kind of a weird position. In terms of performance, hardware, and software, they just aren’t that different than the S5 Max.

The S5 Max is less costly than the S6 and S6 Pure, while also having a larger water tank.

The only exceptions where the S6 or S6 Pure would would be a better choice than the S5 Max would be if:

  • You’re not going to use the mopping attachment
  • You find an amazing price

For most consumers, I think the S5 Max is a better choice over the S6 and S6 Pure.

ChangeLog

  • April 20, 2021 – Initial version of the page published

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.