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.
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.
- Run Time: 180 mins.
- Mop Capacity: 300 mL
- Bin Capacity: 470 mL
- Room Select: Yes
- Navigation: LIDAR
- Run Time: 180 mins.
- Mop Capacity: 297 mL
- Bin Capacity: 460 mL
- Room Select: Yes
- Navigation: LIDAR + Cameras
- Run Time: 180 mins.
- Mop Capacity: 180 mL
- Bin Capacity: 460 mL
- Room Select: Yes
- Navigation: LIDAR
- Run Time: 150 mins.
- Mop Capacity: 140 mL
- Bin Capacity: 480 mL
- Room Select: Yes
- Navigation: LIDAR
- Run Time: 150 mins.
- Mop Capacity: 290 mL
- Bin Capacity: 460 mL
- Room Select: Yes
- Navigation: LIDAR
Table of Contents
🔰 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:
Models | S7 | S6 MaxV | S6 Pure | S6 | S5 Max |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Smartphone Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Mops | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Mapping | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Map Saving | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Zone Cleaning | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Run Time | 180 mins. | 180 mins. | 180 mins. | 180 mins. | 180 mins. |
Battery | 5,200 mAh | 5,200 mAh | 5,200 mAh | 5,200 mAh | 5,200 mAh |
Cleans | 3,200 sq. ft. | 3,200 sq. ft. | 3,200 sq. ft. | 3,200 sq. ft. | 3,200 sq. ft. |
Navigation | Laser / Smart Mapping | Dual Camera; Laser / Smart Mapping | Laser / Smart Mapping | Laser / Smart Mapping | Laser / Smart Mapping |
Dust Bin | 470 mL | 460 mL | 460 mL | 480 ml | 460 ml |
Mop Tank Capacity | 300 mL | 297 mL | 180 mL | 140 mL | 290 mL |
Suction | 2,500 Pa | 2,500 Pa | 2,000 Pa | 2,000 Pa | 2,000 Pa |
Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Reviews | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Modern Castle Favorites
🧪 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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Model | Suction | Dust Bin Capacity | Mop Tank Capacity | Max Run Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
S6 Pure | 2000Pa | 460 mL | 180 mL | 180 mins |
S6 MaxV | 2500Pa | 460 mL | 297 mL | 180 mins |
S6 | 2000Pa | 480 mL | 140 mL | 180 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.
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 S6 MaxV
Tank Capacity: 297 mL
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 S5 Max
Tank Capacity: 290 mL
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
S6 MaxV
S6 Pure
S6
S5 Max
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:
- Clean: starts or pauses a cleaning cycle
- Home: sends the vacuum back to the charging station
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)
#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.
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.
- Place poop on the floor in desired location.
- 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.
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:
Model | Max Suction | Cleaning Score |
---|---|---|
Roborock S7 | 2500Pa | 97% |
Roborock S6 MaxV | 2500Pa | 92% |
Roborock S6 Pure | 2000Pa | NA |
Roborock S6 | 2000Pa | 89% |
Roborock S5 Max | 2000Pa | 91% |
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.
Similarities include:
- Spiral bristle brushroll
- Spinning side brush, 5-arm (x1)
- Navigational wheels
- Contact sensors
- Edge sensors
- Mopping pad compatibility
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.
#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:
Model | Dust Bin Capacity | Mop Tank Capacity |
---|---|---|
Roborock S7 | 470 mL* | 300 mL |
Roborock S6 MaxV | 460 mL | 297 mL |
Roborock S6 Pure | 460 mL | 180 mL |
Roborock S6 | 480 mL | 140 mL |
Roborock S5 Max | 460 mL | 290 mL |
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:
Models | Roborock S7 | Roborock S6 MaxV | Roborock S6 Pure | Roborock S6 | Roborock S5 Max |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adaptive Route Algorithm | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Selective Room Cleaning | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Laser Navigation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Mapping | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Zone Cleaning | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Real-Time Location | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Mops | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Mapping | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
App Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Voice Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Scheduled Mopping | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Auto Recharge | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Recharge & Resume | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Modes | Silent, Standard, Strong, Max | Silent, Standard, Strong, Max | Silent, Standard, Strong, Max | Silent, Standard, Strong, Max | Silent, 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).
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.
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?
- Dust bin: holds dry debris
- Mop Tank: water tank for mopping cycles
- Mop Pads: disposable or washable for mopping cycles
- HEPA filter: removes small particles during cleaning cycles
- Spinning side brush: spins along undersideto collect debris at edges and corners
- Charger + mop mat: charges the vacuum between cycles and protects floor from moisture during mopping cycles
- Cleaning tool: helps to clean small parts and crevices in the vacuum
- Water tank filters: helps clean water for mopping cycles
- User manual: a detailed guide of parts, insturctions, troublshooting, etc.
1. Dust Bin
2. Mop Tank
3. Mop Pads
4. HEPA Filter
5. Spinning Brush
6. Charger / Mop Mat
What’s different?
Along with the parts listed above, let’s also cover:
- The Brushroll
- The Sonic Mopping Bar
#1. The Brushroll
Between these five Roborocks, there are two main designs for the brushroll.
Rubberized Brushroll
Included on the:
- Roborock S7 only
Spiral Bristle 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.
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.
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.
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.
To schedule a cleaning or enable the voice control feature, follow the steps below.
- Install the Roborock app onto your smartphone.
- Pair your smartphone to the robot vacuum using the app.
- 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.
The basic list of tasks include:
- 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.
- 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.
- Clean the sensors. Use a dry, lint free cloth to wipe down the sensors. This helps to improve navigation and obstacle avoidance.
- Clean the HEPA filter and replace it as needed.
- 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.
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
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.
- Click here to read the full review of the Roborock S7.
- Click here to check the price of the Roborock S7.
Best Navigation: Roborock S6 MaxV
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″.
- Click here to read the full review of the Roborock S6 MaxV.
- Click here to check the price of the Roborock S6 MaxV.
Best Value: 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.
- Click here to read the full review of the Roborock S5 Max.
- Click here to check the price of the Roborock S5 Max.
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