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Roborock vs. Roomba: The Ultimate Comparison

Derek Hales

Written By: Derek Hales

Updated on:

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line robot vacuum, chances are that you’ve come across Roborock vs. Roomba. Both of these names have quite a foothold in the robot vacuum market, offering a number of different models and various features.

Roborock Vs Roomba

Roomba tends to have a loyal brand following, while Roborock comes in as the dark horse, headquartered in China with more advanced navigation and incredibly advanced mopping performance.

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Which is the better robot vacuum? Find out now!

Roborock vs. Roomba Differences

When comparing Roborock vs. Roomba, there are a couple big differences that come to mind.

Roborock Vs Roomba2
  1. Origin. Roomba vacuums are manufactured in Bedford, Massachusetts, U.S. Roborock vacuums are headquartered in Beijing, with Research & Development and branch offices in Shanghai and Shenzhen.
  2. History. Roomba, under the iRobot name, was founded in 1990 and comes from a long lineup of smarter vacuum cleaners. Roborock was founded in 2014.
  3. Technology. Roomba continues to have the advantage in terms of raw cleaning performance, especially on carpet. However, Roborock offers superior navigation, mopping, and usability.

With these quick highlights in mind, let’s dive in.

Roborock Models

Roborock vacuum is a Chinese brand that is known for its 2-in-1 cleaners that can vacuum and mop a space simultaneously. In addition, their newer models have exceptional navigation and it’s a nice alternative option compared to the typically higher priced Roomba.

Roborock S6 Maxv Cleaning Carpet

Roborock has two main collections— “S” and “Q”. The S Series has a wide range of models at varying price points and different performance capabilities. The Q Series is intended to be a budget-conscience robot vacuum collection with a lower price tag and more basic features.

The S Series includes:

The Q Series includes:

Discontinued Models:

Here’s a quick overview of the highlights of the available models model.

Top-performing roborock

Roborock S8 Pro Ultra

Roborock S8

Roborock’s S8 Pro Ultra is a step above what they have already done. This is, in part, thanks to the improvements of the Auto Wash Fill dock. It can still automatically empty, wash, and refill the vacuum, but now it can also dry it making the recharge and resume cycle much shorter. In addition, the S8 Pro Ultra cleans well, removing 97.9% of all debris and a healthy amount of dirt while mopping. It navigates well, has obstacle avoidance, and plethora of controls and features accessible through the app.

Robot Vacuum With AI Navigation

Roborock S7 Robot Vacuum

Roborock S7

The differences between the newest S7 vacuum and the S6 Max are pretty minor. The S7 has a larger dust bin (by 10 mL) and a larger water tank capacity by (3 mL) with slightly more power (68W on the S7 and 66W on the S6 Max). It utilizes LiDAR, an RGB camera, and structured light sensor to expertly navigate obstacle ridden floors.

2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop

Roborock S6 Pure Robot Vacuum

Roborock S6 Pure

The Roborock S6 Pure steps down in suction power and mopping tank capacity from the 6 MaxV, but is a step up from the standard Roborock S6. It offers 2000 Pa suction and a 180mL tank capacity. This vacuum runs up to 180 minutes and doubles as a vacuum and mop.

A Smarter 2-in-1 Robot vac & Mop

Roborock S5 Max Robot Vacuum

Roborock S5 Max

The Roborock S5 Max has the extended 180-minute run time like the MaxV, but lacks the advanced obstacle detection. It has an XL mopping reservoir and good suction, especially good on hardwoods — 91% debris removal overall.

Most powerful Q Roborock

Roborock Q Revo

Roborock Q Revo

While the Q series was previously more of a budget option, lacking in some features, the Revo aims to change that. It increases the suction power to 5,500 Pa, introduces a more robust docking station, and adds a camera. While it isn’t out yet, the Revo is set up to be an excellent robot vacuum.

Mopping 2-in-1 With Auto Empty Dock

Roborock Q7 Max Plus

Roborock Q7

The Roborock Q7 adds mopping functionality to the Q lineup. It comes in a standard, plus, and max versions, which adds additional features to the robot. While it lacks an RGB camera, it uses LiDAR for mapping and navigation.

LIDAR Robot Vacuum with Auto Empty Base

Roborock Q5

Roborock Q5

Being the most basic of the Q series from Roborock, the Q5 lacks the mopping function of the other models, but still uses LiDAR and has an auto-empty dock. It has 2,700Pa of suction power and has 3D mapping capabilities. It has a standard, plus, and max version of the robot.

Compare the Specs

ModelsS8S7S6 PureS5 MaxQ RevoQ7Q5
Smartphone ControlYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
MopsYesYesYesYesYesYesNo
MappingYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Map SavingYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Zone CleaningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Run Time180 mins.180 mins.180 mins.180 mins.Unknown180 mins.180 mins.
Battery5,200 mAh5,200 mAh5,200 mAh5,200 mAhUnknown5,200 mAh5,200 mAh
Cleans3,200 sq. ft.3,200 sq. ft.3,200 sq. ft.3,200 sq. ft.Unknown3,200 sq. ft.3,200 sq. ft.
NavigationRGB / Laser / Smart MappingLaser / Smart MappingLaser / Smart MappingLaser / Smart MappingRGB / Laser / Smart MappingLaser / Smart MappingLaser / Smart Mapping
Dust Bin350 mL470 mL460 mL460 mLUnknown750 mL470 mL
Mop Tank Capacity200 mL300 mL180 mL290 mLUnknown180 mLNA
Suction6,000 Pa2,500 Pa2,000 Pa2,000 Pa5,500 Pa2,700 Pa2,700 Pa
PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck Price
ReviewsRead ReviewRead ReviewRead ReviewRead ReviewNANANA

Roomba Models

The first Roomba robot vacuum was released in 2002 with the first robot mop trailing close behind with its release in 2004. Over the years there have been many models come and go.

Roomba S9 Cleaning Low Carpet
Roomba S9+

Currently, Roomba has 5 flagship models, listed below:

  1. Roomba S9 / S9+
  2. Roomba Combo j7+
  3. Roomba j7 / j7+
  4. Roomba i7 / i7+
  5. Roomba i3 EVO / i3+ EVO
  6. Roomba E5
  7. Roomba 675

D-shaped vac with self-emptying bins

Roomba S9robot Vacuum Overall

Roomba S9+

The Roomba S9+ is the most advanced robot vacuum currently on the Roomba lineup. It has a D-Shaped body style, which allows for an XL brushroll as well as a self-emptying dust bin. The S9+ offers app-based controls and excellent cleaning performance on all floor types — 99% debris removal overall.

Auto-Adjusting Mop & Vacuum Combo

Roomba Combo J7

Roomba Combo j7+

The latest robot from iRobot, the Combo j7+, is not only a vacuum, but a mop as well. Furthermore, it can vacuum and mop at the same time, thanks to the retractable mop pad. It had solid cleaning performance with a 96.4% debris removal rate and has an ever improving obstacle avoidance. In addition, the auto empty charging station reduces overall maintenance, ensuring you spend less time with your hands on the device.

Robot Vacuum with Obstalce Avoidance

Roomba J7+

Roomba j7+

The iRobot Roomba j7+ is a self-emptying robot designed to learn your habits and deliver a hassle-free cleaning experience. It can create smart maps, estimate cleaning time, and work around your schedule. Plus, it identifies obstacles in real-time and allows users to label them as permanent or temporary obstructions.

Round Vac with Self-emptying bin

Roomba I7 Robot Vacuum Product Small

Roomba i7+

The Roomba i7+ has the same self-emptying dust bin as the S9+, but has a round body style. The round body means it has a shorter brushroll, so cleaning cycles may take a bit longer. But our tests revealed that cleaning performance was still exceptional on all floor types — 99% debris removal overall.

Round Vac With Self-Emptying Bin

Roomba I3 Robot Vacuum

Roomba i3+ EVO

The Roomba i3+ EVO is the most budget friendly vacuum in the i series that also comes with the self-emptying CleanBase. It has digital mapping, but lacks some of the more advanced features like Zoned cleaning or digital no-go boundaries. During our cleaning tests, it performed just as well as any other models in the i Series—99% debris removal overall.

Best Value

Roomba E5 Robot Vacuum Thumbnail

Roomba E5

The Roomba e5 is a great vacuum for value-seekers. It’s moderately priced and has smart features like app-control. There’s no digital mapping, but during our tests that didn’t seem to effect cleaning performance as much. It take a little longer to clean, but got the job done — 99% debris removal overall.

Best Budget Roomba

Roomba 675 Review

Roomba 675

The Roomba 675 is a budget robot with enough power and the right features to make most users happy. It does have the classic zig-zag navigation pattern of an older Roomba, but the sporadic nature did not negatively effect performance — 95% debris removal overall.

For more information see our best Roomba page here.

Compare the Specs

Roomba S9+Roomba Combo j7+Roomba j7+Roomba i7+Roomba i3+ EVORoomba e5Roomba 675
Price$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Runtime~75 mins.~75 mins.~75 mins.~75 mins.~75 mins.~90 mins.~90 mins
Scheduled CleaningsYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Self-ChargingYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Self-EmptyingYesYesYesYesYesNoNo
Drop DetectionYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Full Bin IndicatorYesYesYesYesNoYesNo
Recharge & ResumeYesYesYesYesYesNoNo
Digital Map ReportsYesYesYesYesYesNoNo
Digital Keep Out ZonesYesYesYesYesNoNoNo
Imprint LinkYesYesYesYesYesNoNo
Lift-Away MopNoYesNoNoNoNoNo
Dirt DetectionAdvancedAdvancedAdvancedAdvancedAdvancedAdvancedBasic
TechnologyS Seriesj Seriesj Seriesi Seriesi Seriese SeriesAeroVac
Brushroll StyleDual rubberDual rubberDual rubberDual rubberDual rubberDual rubberBristle
Brushroll WidthEdge-to-edgeStandardStandardStandardStandardStandard Standard
Wireless ControlSmartphone or voiceSmartphone or voiceSmartphone or voiceSmartphone or voiceSmartphone or voiceSmartphone or voiceSmartphone or voice
NavigationBestBestBestBestAdvancedAdvancedBasic
Virtual Walls (included)0001010
Score99%96%98%98%98%93%94%
PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck Price
ReviewRead ReviewRead ReviewRead ReviewRead ReviewRead ReviewRead ReviewRead Review

Roomba vs. Roborock Comparison Table

So between Roomba vs. Roborock, there are lot of different models to throw on the table all at once. Let’s divide up some of the most popular models above and see how they compare.

If you’re looking for the best robot vacuum for your own needs, you’ll want to start by prioritizing what exactly you’re looking for in a robot vacuum.

Below we have a complete list of both Roomba and Roborock models in a side-by-side battle on al relevant specs, features, hardware, and software:

ModelCleaningHardwoodLow PileHigh PileMopsWater TankDust BinSelf-Empty BinAppDigital MapKeep Out ZonesRun TimeRecharge & Resume
Roomba S9+99%99%99%99%NoNA500 mlYesYesYesYes75 mins.Yes
Roomba Combo j7+96%98%96%96%YesUnknown370 mLYesYesYesYes75 mins.Yes
Roomba j7+96%100%91%98%NoNA370 mLYesYesYesYes75 mins.Yes
Roomba i7+99%99%99%99%NoNA500 mlYesYesYesYes75 mins.Yes
Roomba i3+ EVO99%99%99%99%NoNA500 mlYesYesYes*No75 mins.Yes
Roomba e599%100%99%99%NoNA500 mlNoYesNoNo90 mins.No
Roomba 98095%100%97%87%NoNA300 mlNoYesYes*No120 mins.Yes
Roomba 96092%100%88%87%NoNA300 mlNoYesYes*No75 mins.Yes
Roomba 89092%98%91%88%NoNA300 mlNoYesNoNo90 mins.No
Roomba 69094%98%93%91%NoNA300 mlNoYesNoNo90 mins.No
Roomba 67595%99%95%90%NoNA300 mlNoYesNoNo180 mins.No
Roborock S898%99%97%97%Yes200 mL350 mLYesYesYesYes180 mins.Yes
Roborock S797%99%94%97%Yes300 mL470 mLNoYesYesYes180 mins.Yes
Roborock S6 MaxV92%99%91%85%Yes297 ml460 mlNoYesYesYes180 mins.Yes
Roborock S6 PureNANANANAYes180 mL460 mLNoYesYesYes180 mins.Yes
Roborock S689%100%85%92%Yes140 ml480 mlNoYesYesYes180 mins.Yes
Roborock S5 Max91%100%83%90%Yes290 ml460 mlNoYesYesYes180 mins.Yes
Roborock S4 Max96%99%92%97%NoNA460 mlNoYesYesYes180 mins.Yes
Roborock E497%99%95%98%Yes180 ml640 mlNoYesNoNo200 mins.Yes
Roborock E3592%99%92%96%Yes140 ml640 mlNoYesNoNo200 mins.Yes
Roborock E2589%100%84%82%Yes140 ml640 mlNoYesNoNo100 mins.Yes

What’s most important to you?

Top-of-the-line performance? Best value? Best for large floor plans? Or the best option for those on a budget?

Price, features, performance and all play important roles in deciding which robot vacuum is best for your needs.

Best Overall

Roborock S8 Pro Ultra

Roborock S8

Cleaning: 98% Runs: 180 mins. Recharge & Resume: Yes Smart Maps?: Yes Empties bin?: Yes Mop?: Yes
Roomba S9 Plus

Roomba S9+

Cleaning: 99% Runs: 75 mins. Recharge & Resume: Yes Smart Maps?: Yes Empties bin?: Yes Mop?: No

The Difference Makers: While the Roomba S9+ has self-emptying capabilities, it falls behind in functionality compared to the Roborock S8. Not only does it have mopping capabilities, but, depending on the version you select, you get a back that can automatically empty the dust bin, wash and dry the mop pads, and refill the water supply. In addition, it can automatically lift the mop pads to keep the carpet dry when it vacuums.

Both of these models represent the best vacuums from each manufacturer. While Roomba also has the j7+ and Combo j7+, they fell behind slightly in overall cleaning performance, but added some new functionality.

Roborock’s S7 lacked in some of the added usability features that really enhanced the S8.

Better Navigation & Usability: Roborock

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum that also operates as a robot mop with an auto empty dock, that can manage the mop pads as well.

Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Water Tanks Removed
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Water Tanks Removed

Other smart features include:

  • Digital mapping
  • No-go lines
  • Scheduled cycles (for vacuuming or mopping)
  • Cleaning performance: 98% debris removal overall

Furthermore, the S8 can lift its mop pads to avoid getting carpets wet, and comes with an RGB camera and obstacle avoidance technology.

Overall navigation is also excellent for the Roborock S8, utilizing its LiDAR and RGB camera to expertly navigate floors and return to base.

Better Performance: Roomba S9+

The Roomba S9+ is the top performing robot vacuum that iRobot currently produces. The self-emptying dust bin with Recharge and Resume technology makes it so this vacuum can keep cleaning until the job is done.

It also saves you time from having to manually empty the dust bin after each run.

Roomba S9 Plus Robot Vacuum2
Roomba S9+

Smart features on the S9+include:

  • Self-emptying dust bin
  • Digital mapping
  • Keep Out zones
  • Scheduled cycles (for vacuuming or mopping)
  • Cleaning performance: 99% debris removal overall

Best Value

Roomba E5

Roomba e5

Cleaning: 99% Runs: 90 mins. Recharge & Resume: No Smart Maps?: No Capacity: 500 mL
Roborock S5 Max

Roborock S5 Max

Cleaning: 91% Runs: 180 mins. Recharge & Resume: Yes Smart Maps?: Yes Capacity: 460 mL

The Difference Makers: The Roomba E5 doesn’t have an on-board camera or digital mapping so navigation isn’t quite as impressive. Also, the S5 Max has greater suction and can charge up in the middle of a cleaning cycle and then resume cleaning. The E5 doesn’t have this ability.

If you’re looking for a great value, it’s hard to overlook the Roomba E5 or the Roborock S5 Max. The Roomba E5 is a little more budget-friendly but that also means that it has fewer features.

Cleaning Performance: Side-by-Side

Roomba E5

99%

Roborock S5 Max

91%

Although it looks pretty different, the cleaning performance was actually quite similar between these two models.

Even so, the E5 did do better at cleaning high pile carpet, where the S5 Max struggled with the finer debris pickup. Besides the sugar test, the S5 Max had fantastic performance, but that one test did bring its overall score down a bit.

Here’s a quick look at some of the features that may or may not be included with each of these models:

Roomba E5Roborock S5 Max
Digital MappingNoYes
MoppingNoYes
Recharge & ResumeNoYes
No-Go AreasNoYes
Zoned CleaningNoYes
Maintenance AlertsYesYes

By comparison, the Roborock S5 Max has smarter navigation and also doubles as a smart mopping robot and a robot vacuum cleaner.

The dust bin capacity is 460 mL and mopping tank capacity is 290 mL (separating the S5 Max by only 10 mL from the current top-of-the-line S7). It also has the same area coverage, battery capacity, and run time as the newest model (the S7), which really makes the S5 Max an attractive buy if you’re looking for good bang for your buck.

Best Budget

Roomba E5

Roomba 675

Cleaning: 95% Runs: 90 mins. Recharge & Resume: No Smart Maps?: No Capacity: 300 mL
Roborock S5 Max

Roborock Q5

Cleaning: Unknown Runs: 180 mins. Recharge & Resume: Yes Smart Maps?: Yes Capacity: 750 mL

The Difference Maker: The Roborock Q5 is special in that it doubles as a vacuum and mop as. The Roomba 675 is better at cleaning all floor types, especially carpet, but lacks recharge and resume, doesn’t mop, and doesn’t digitally map.

Which is right for you?

If performance is most important, the Roomba 675 is the better option. It still has app-based controls for scheduled cleanings and maintenance alerts, but the heightened performance on carpet is the biggest differentiator.

If being able to mop floors is most important as well as having a longer run time (180 minutes vs. 90 minutes), then the Roborock Q5 may be better suited to you.

They are Q5 is also more expensive, which may be a concern for some.

Features Comparison

Both Roomba and Roborock offers a series of smart features. Here’s how some of the best features compare:

1. Digital Mapping

Roomba and Roborock produce digital maps while they clean. These maps are generated through the smartphone app and accurately show a map of the space.

Based on graphics alone, the Roborock mapping is advanced and includes more detailed information than the Roomba, in most cases.

With either app, you can see all of the areas that the vacuum has cleaned and identify any trouble spots.

Roomba Mapping

Irobot Roomba Keep Out Zones

Roborock Mapping

Roborock S6 Maxv Digtal Mapping

Note, only Roomba and Roborock’s more advanced models include digital mapping. For Roborock this means their S-series, for Roomba it means the i7+ and S9+ ( i3+ EVO, 960, and 980 having partial mapping features).

The apps also allow you to block off areas that you may not want the vacuum to clean.

  • Roomba uses “Keep-out Zones”.
  • Roborock uses a straight No-Go Line and No-Go Boxes for both vacuuming and mopping

2. Self-Emptying Dust Bin

Roomba and Roborock both offer multiple robots with an auto-empty charging station. In addition, Roborock offers a base that can wash the mop pads, dry them, and refill the water tanks. As of writing, none of Roomba’s current lineup have this functionality.

Roborock S8 Pro Ultra 2
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra

How does it work?

The robot cleans the area as usual. When it is done (or earlier if it detects a full dust bin), the vacuum will drive itself back to the charging dock and empty the dust bin into a separate debris bag.

Roomba I7 Cleaning Base
Diagram of how the CleanBase works

In the case of the Roborock, it will also additionally wash and dry the mop pads as needed.

With daily vacuum runs, you wouldn’t have to worry about emptying the bin for at least a month and with Roborock, manage the mop pads less as well.

Roomba S9 Plus Disposal Bag

3. Vacuum & Mop Combos

Both Roomba and Roborock offer their own approach to vacuuming and mopping.

Roborock offers 2-in-1 machines that can do both, simultaneously. They vacuum and mop within a single cleaning cycle and you don’t have to worry about separate robots.

How does it work?

The mopping system is an on-board water reservoir with a microfiber mopping pad. The cleaning solution slowly leaks out the bottom onto the mopping pad and gently scrubs the floor as it cleans.

Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Bottom
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Bottom

The Roborock S6, S7, and S8 allows you to set up custom vacuum and mopping zones within a single cycle making it easy to make sure the cleaning happens exactly how you want it to.

Roborock S6 Maxv Digital Mapping Zones 389x800
No gone zones, invisible walls, and no mop zones

Roomba uses two options. You can use their Imprint Link. This technology works to join together traditional Roomba robot vacuums and Braava Jet robot mops.

Note: The only current models that are compatible with Imprint Link are the Roomba j7/+, Roomba i7/+, Roomba S9/+, Roomba i3/+ EVO, and the Braava Jet m6 mopping robot.

Braava Jet M6 Robot Mop

How does it work?

With Roomba, the vacuum will clean the area assigned. When it’s done, it will send a signal to the mopping robot and it will start its cycle. They work together until the job is done, but you only have to assign the cycle to start once.

The Roomba robot mops have a sprayer that squirts water in front of the machine and then it moves forward and backward until the area is clean.

Using a compatible Roomba, you can send the Roomba to a specific room for cleaning as well. This feature is not available on the i3+ EVO, although you can still link it up with a partner robot mop.

Roomba Combo j7+

The other option is to consider the Roomba Combo j7+, which is a 2-in-1 mop and vacuum robot. This robot can lift and lower the mop as needed, moving it on top of the robot itself to avoid getting carpet or rugs wet.

Roomba Combo J7plus Mop Pads Attached
Roomba Combo j7+ mop pad attached

However, it lacks the automatic mop management that the top of the line Roborocks offer.

4. Smart Integration

Both Roomba and Roborock also have a user-friendly smartphone app that offers additional settings and features for each vacuum. In addition, you can control the vacuum using your phone or pair it up with an AI like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit.

The apps have overlapping capabilities like:

  • Scheduled Cleanings (all models)
  • Zoned Cleaning (Roborock’s S and Q series and Roomba’s i7+, S9+, j7+, and Combo j7+)
  • Recharge & Resume (all Roborocks, but only Roomba’s i3+ EVO, i7+, S9+, j7+, and Combo j7+)
  • Digital Mapping (Roborock’s S and Q series and Roomba’s i7+, S9+, j7+, and Combo j7+)
  • Maintenance Alerts (most models)

Two other special features that Roomba offers includes:

  1. Imprint Link
  2. Genius Home Intelligence

We touched on this technology briefly earlier in this review, but basically, Imprint Link is a form of advanced digital mapping that allows for:

  • More precise zoned cleaning
  • Pairing of robot vacuums and mops

Roomba becomes more intelligent and can perform better as well when the programs better understand the space. Imprint Link technology links together the digital map, your robot vacuum, and a mopping robot for increased performance across the board… and with less user intervention needed.

What is Genius Home Intelligence?

Genius Home Intelligence is the newest platform update from iRobot which is designed to provide more control of where, when, and how your robot cleans.

The Genius program can account for unique schedules in your home, cleaning preferences, and smart home integrations. You can:

  • Send the robot to targeted messes
  • Receive recommendations on when may be the best time to clean
  • Event-based automation
  • Response to existing smart home parameters or settings
  • Consider recommended Keep-Out-Zones based on obstacles and activity

These changes to the iRobot platform are

Questions?

So this guide has run through the specs, features, and performance. Still wondering what robot vacuum is right for you? Please use the comment form below to send us your question.

We do our best to answer all questions within 24 hours.

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.