Roborock Q5+ vs. S7 MaxV Ultra

I’ve been busy reviewing Roborock products for the past few weeks, specifically the new Roborock series.

And I will compare two of them in this article – Roborock Q5 + and S7 MaxV Ultra.

These technical variants are part of Roborock’s next generation product line with some important software updates that we’ll look at later.

The Roborock Q5+ fills the void that previous Roborock options lacked – a mid-priced option to compete with the likes of the Roomba I3+, I6+, Shark IQ, Dreame Bot Z10, etc.

And the S7 MaxV Ultra is the current flagship with (in my opinion) the most efficient base station with wash-pad + self-discharge features.

Roborock has also upgraded its obstacle-avoidance technology to the Reactive AI 2.0, fitting the dual-lens camera with a laser and LED below to enhance object detection.

How do these bots compare? We will find below. I’ve run these tests over a tedious series of tests to find out.

Quick Overview of Roborock Q5+ and S7 MaxV Ultra

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Introduction to Roborock Q5 + and S7 MaxV Ultra

After unveiling the first robotic vacuum cleaner with a self-discharge feature, Roborock takes it a step further.

The latest Q series and updated S7 series represent the next stage in Roborock’s robot vacuum technology.

The Q-Series, specifically the Q5, fills the void in the previously lost mid-range, while the updated S7-Series reintroduces ReactiveAI with better obstacle avoidance.

In this comparison, we will look at two products – the Q5 and the S7 MaxV Ultra.

Better value for money option: Roborock Q5 +

Positives

• Effective navigation and capture
• Excellent choice for large homes
• Cheapest alternative to Roborock with self-discharge feature
• Better Air Flow Than S7 MaxV Ultra
• The new app includes many important upgrades such as playing maps
• More compact base station

Negatives

• No scanning feature
• Used an old combo brush

First, in this comparison, we’ll take a look at Roborock Q5 +least expensive in Roborock Self-discharging robot vacuum.

This variant is similar to the previous Roborock option, the S5 Max. They both have something that many brands don’t – navigational efficiency and wreck capture.

The difference with the Q5+ is that it has an automatically blank base station that was not available in the previous S series.

Sure, there are some cosmetic differences like the design of the trash can, but its functionality remains the same.

However, the Q5+ does not have the scanning feature available on the S5 Max.

Consumers must purchase the Q7+ or the Q7 Max+ to get the scanning feature.

But I don’t think it’s worth the price difference because the Q7 doesn’t have a vibrating scanning component, so it won’t be as efficient.

Regardless of this omission, the Q5+ retains the same efficiency and cleaning performance as more expensive Roborock options like S7 MaxV Ultra and S7 +.

Its base station is smaller than the S7 Max Ultra because it only has a self-discharge feature with the same wide port connected to the brush roller.

The Q5+ only has the old-style combo brush, but Roborock says the newer bristle-free roller is compatible.

If you want to upgrade your vacuuming performance without spending hundreds more, I suggest buying the newer brush roller.

It’s cheaper and improves agitation, especially on carpets.

Overall, I feel the Roborock Q5+ due to its cleaning performance and efficiency, as well as its price point is the best value-for-money Roborock alternative.

It doesn’t have the premium features of the S7 MaxV Ultra, but not everyone needs those bells and whistles, and if you’re in that boat, the Q5+ would be the better alternative.

Sophisticated, excellent choice: Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra

Positives

• Better avoid obstacles than the previous alternative S7 +
• Cushion washing and self emptying feature
• The vibrating wiping pad makes it effective for spot cleaning
• Pad wash feature makes it a truly autonomous robot vacuum and mop
• High efficiency and surface debris cleaning

Negatives

• crazy expensive
• huge base station

If the Q5 is the least expensive, the S7 MaxV Ultra is Roborock’s high-end and premium choice.

It’s their most expensive product to date, costing more than four figures, and there’s good reason.

This variant is the first from Roborock with a pillow wash and self vacuum feature which I believe is the most efficient I have tested.

The pad cleaning coarse ingredient was excellent at keeping the microfiber cloth clean.

Its gray color helps because it doesn’t show every blemish, but it’s great in my book for changing that mess.

In this.

True, it’s not 100% clean, but it’s pretty good for something independent.

Another “upgrade” is the improved obstacle avoidance system over the previous S6 MaxV variant.

The latest version, ReactiveAI 2.0, adds two laser sensors (surrounding the dual-lens camera) and an LED light to improve its obstacle avoidance capabilities.

I tested it on different objects, and it is the second best obstacle avoiding robot after Roomba J7 +.

It is much better at avoiding obstacles than S6 Max Vespecially with pet feces and coiled wire, versus the older alternative.

The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Roomba J7+ are the only robots I recommend to avoid pet poo.

These are the only robots that haven’t come very close to touching them. iRobot has a POOP (or official pet owner’s promise) guarantee, saying that they will replace the robot if it comes into contact with pet feces, while Roborock does not.

But I would suggest anyone who buys to clean their pet’s secretions.

The S7 MaxV maintains the same efficient navigation, enhanced by obstacle avoidance sensors to avoid objects.

Yes, this alternative is expensive, but the redesigned base station makes it more standalone than any other Roborock product.

I already mentioned the pad washing and self-emptying capabilities of the clean base station.

it’s huge

Similarities Between Roborock Q5+ and S7 MaxV Ultra

Next, we’ll look at the similarities between these robotic vacuums that self-discharge.

1. Self-discharge

Both robots have an empty base station that automatically empties the robot’s trash after each run.

One feature I like is the wide port that attaches to the brush barrel.

I think this is a better design than the smaller Roomba port.

However, the base station of the S7 MaxV Ultra is larger due to the wash-pad feature.

2. LIDAR NAVIGATION

everybody Roborock Products Use LIDAR (or Laser Distance Sensor) to navigate. One advantage of using a laser is the precision it brings to the table.

It requires no light and 360-degree scanning helps speed up map creation.

Also, Roborock has added map playback, further enhancing LIDAR’s 360-scanning ability to quickly track the map creation process.

3. Navigation

Using LIDAR means that these robots will navigate similarly. Both will move around the edges before moving towards the middle portions in straight lines.

Roborock’s algorithm is smart enough to calculate the most efficient path in any area regardless of size.

If you look at this screenshot, I’ve moved around this huge area in sections, in the most effective direction.

4. All rubber side brush

Both robots use an all-rubber side brush that offers better durability than the bristle type on older models.

It does not rotate very quickly, so it will not scatter debris, which improves efficiency.

The rubber coating also makes it easy to clean and dry.

5. App upgrades

The Roborock Q5+ and S7 MaxV Ultra benefited from app upgrades: 3D Map, Matrix Map, Mapping Run, etc.

Buying new variants should be a priority if you want to take advantage of these improvements.

I tried checking out the previous variants, but Roborock didn’t come up with these upgrades. It may be by design to encourage consumers to look at alternatives to the newer S7 and Q-Series.

6. Packed system

Both robots used a system packaged in their 2.4L base station.

I like the new case design with plastic inserts, which offers better durability compared to the older S7+ with cardboard inserts.

The prepackaged system makes disposal easier. Once the bag reaches capacity, remove it, and then throw it in the trash.

Differences between Roborock Q5 + and S7 MaxV Ultra

Next, we will look at the differences between this smart robot vacuum cleaner starting with the clean base station.

1. Washing pad + self-discharging base [S7 MaxV Ultra only]

The base station is the most important difference between the Roborock Q5+ and the S7 MaxV Ultra.

While both have a self-discharging feature, the S7 MaxV Ultra is the only one that has a wash-pad feature.

This addition significantly increases the size of the base station due to the water tank and pad wash space requirements.

2. Scan feature (with vibration element) [S7 MaxV Ultra Only]

The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra has the scanning feature that is absent on the Q5+.

Unlike the Q7 series, the S7 MaxV features a vibrating element, which makes it more efficient in spot cleaning.

S7 MaxV is better than Roborock S7 + In terms of stability. It didn’t stop even during the toughest stain tests (on juice stains).

Additionally, it has the lift-pad feature available on the S7+. And with that, it also has the carpet sensor that appears on the maps.

3. Avoid obstacles

Another difference is the obstacle avoidance feature. Roborock has upgraded the dual-lens sensor on the S6 MaxV and added two laser sensors and an LED to improve object detection.

I’ve tested it extensively, and it’s the second best AI bot I’ve tested after the Roomba J7+.

It did well in most obstacle avoidance trials, with the exception of the extended wires and weighing scale.

4. Price Variation

The S7 MaxV Ultra is the most affordable option with all the improvements.

It costs more than four figures, which is a huge deciding factor. You will have to ask yourself if the obstacle avoidance, pillow washing and self emptying features are worth a premium.

Application Features

Both options are compatible with the Roborock app, but there are differences in features because the Q5 lacks many of the premium elements of the S7 MaxV.

1. Live Map [Both]

One feature that has revolutionized Roborock is the live maps. Before the first generation xiaomi robot vacuum (Roborock’s first product), this feature was not a staple of robotic vacuum cleaners.

None of the manufacturers have implemented this, but now that Roborock has started in this direction, almost every brand outside of Shark, Roomba, and Neato has this advantage.

The live map provides consumers with a real-time way to track the bot.

These options have 3D map options and the new Matrix map. 3D is available on Android phones, while Matrix is ​​only available on IOS devices.

2. Save map [Both]

All Roborock options outside of the E-Series have a map save feature that is capable of this Store up to four levels.

Consumers can customize each level and add containment, room names, etc. so there’s not much to write about here.

3. Obstacle ID [S7 MaxV Ultra only]

The Roborock S7 MaxV obstacle avoidance entails this feature. Displays evaded objects in real time.

I haven’t explored if there are other ways to use this feature, but it doesn’t have the same functionality as the Roomba J7+, where consumers can add blocking zones.

4. Quick mapping feature [Both]

Another useful feature of both is the quick mapping feature that quickly tracks the map creation process.

So instead of the robot having to go through every nook and cranny, it takes advantage of a 360-degree LIDAR scan to map out in a fraction of the time.

Unfortunately, none of the older (or older) S7+ variants have this feature.

Again, I think Roborock did, so to attract consumers more sales of their newer products.

5. Containment [Both]

Roborock S7 MaxV and Q5 have containment features (restricted areas and invisible walls) to prevent them from going into restricted areas.

It is a must for any home as most of it has these areas.

You can view these areas using a 2D or 3D map (check the image above).

6. Live Camera [S7 MaxV Only]

Thanks to the dual-lens camera, the S7 MaxV has the option to view the live camera in the app.

It provides consumers with a POV view of what the bot sees in real time.

Consumers can use it as a closed circuit television to check what is happening inside their homes while they are away at work.

There will be privacy concerns, but Roborock says this feature is covered in pattern security and encryption.

7. Maintenance [Both]

The Maintenance tab displays the status of various components such as brush, filter, sensors, etc.

It alerts consumers when these parts are replaced or cleaned, which is a nice add-on for robot vacuum maintenance.

8. Cleaning date [Both]

Cleaning history is similar to a car’s odometer but is more detailed, showing a history of previous cleaning cycles.

Displays a list of previous cleaning cycles, total time used, space, and cycles.

If you click on it, the application will display the map and the areas that the robot has cleaned.

9. Scheduling [Both]

Finally, we’ll look at scheduling. Roborock products have a scheduling feature to automate the emptying and wiping process.

Since the S7 MaxV Ultra and Q5+ have self-discharging base stations, this will help consumers set and forget about cleaning tasks.

Customers can schedule multiple rounds per day so you can clean a different room at a specific time.

This level of customization would come in handy if you couldn’t clean all the rooms at once.

Air Flow Comparison

Looking at the Roborock website, the S7 MaxV Ultra has the highest suction and wattage ratings at 5100Pa and 74W, respectively.

However, I don’t take these stats seriously as airflow experiments reveal that the S7 MaxV has weaker airflow.

I’ve done countless airflow tests and cleaning with a robotic vacuum cleaner, and there is a correlation between high airflow and picking up of debris, especially on carpet.

Robots with high air flow tend to perform well in cleaning tests. Here are the results for the Roborock Q5 + and S7 MaxV Ultra.

The Q5+ features greater airflow, with a 23% CFM increase at the highest setting, and even with the bristle-free brush, the Q5 still exceeded 16 CFM.

These results make my theory about the newer brush roll obstructing airflow incorrect.

cleaning comparison

Although the airflow varies, there is not much difference in cleaning performance between the Roborock Q5+ and the S7 MaxV Ultra.

The S7 MaxV Ultra had higher averages thanks to better cranking of the bristle barrel.

Please be aware that the Q5+ uses the older combo brush, but is compatible with the newer Roborock brush which I consider an indispensable upgrade.

Consumers can purchase this for the Q5 from Roborock or Amazon.

I think it’s a better value upgrade over the more expensive Q7.

The results above show that the Q5+ and S7 MaxV are excellent at cleaning surface debris and average at deep cleaning combined sand.

Which option is better on hardwood floors?

One of the metrics I use to determine how well a robot vacuum will work on hard floors is sand.

It is one of the most difficult things to vacuum, even for conventional vacuum cleaners, due to its density and weight.

You can get rid of poor quality robot vacuums with this test because most of them will struggle.

The good news is that the Q5+ and S7 MaxV Ultra both did a good job cleaning up the sand, coming together in 99 seconds (99.9% vs. 99.6%, respectively).

Here’s the before and after Q5+.

and the S7 MaxV Ultra.

Based on the photos, there isn’t much (if any) leftover left after the race.

They both did quite well picking up most of it after the initial pass, which proves that their brushes are excellent at picking up sand.

Q5 was + (slightly) better, at 99.9% versus 99.6 in the S7 MaxV, which proves that it has higher airflow.

Edge cleaning comparison

One of the downsides to the Roborock Round Frame is its inability to be as effective at cleaning rims.

Here is the before and after shot of the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra.

and Q5+.

Both have similar results, capturing most of the debris but leaving a good portion of the residue.

Hair wrap comparison

Next, we’ll look at how these robots resist hair tangling. This experiment tests brush rolls, and you’ll see that a newer roller is better at both lengths.

The S7 MaxV, with the newer brush, performed better with five- and seven-inch filaments.

Check the amount of hair that went into the trash.

However, the bristle brush was not immune to hair wrapping in the 7-inch test.

The Q5+ did not perform well, decreasing the performance of both trials.

You can see this much hair curling up on the brush after the seven-inch test.

It’s not something I’d recommend for long strands of hair. One cheap way to improve performance is to upgrade the brush roller.

Which option is better for carpet?

Despite the higher airflow, the Q5+ didn’t perform as well as the S7 MaxV on carpet – shallow and compact debris.

It’s a bit of a surprise to me, but this proves that the new bristle brush is superior to the bristle brush.

A deep cleaning test confirms (also) that the S7 MaxV picked up more sand built into the middle pile carpet (77.95% vs. 75.7%).

I tried the new brush on the Q5+, which picked up a higher average than the S7 MaxV in our deep cleaning test (78.65% vs. 77.95%).

Scan comparison

The Roborock S7 MaxV only has the wipe feature and offers a lot of autonomy due to the pad cleaning feature.

Here’s a before and after (red wine) shot.

Efficiently cleans red wine stains and cleans them after the first pass.

Next, we will examine how the S7 MaxV vibrating pad deals with juice stains.

Wiping up juice stains is difficult for an ordinary robot vacuum without an agitation element.

It was excellent, at least at removing stains.

However, it cannot capture fluids. None of the hybrid robot vacuums and mops I’ve tested have this feature.

So there are limitations on how to clean it.

The S7 MaxV Ultra works like a mop, mopping the surface to remove (or clean) contaminants, but those impurities remain on the pad.

What makes it standalone is the pillow wash feature that removes these impurities, keeping the pillow clean for longer.

Runtime comparison

These robots use the same battery (5200 mAh Li-ion) with a stated runtime of 180 minutes.

It helps the Q5+ and S7 MaxV empty large homes, and with the self-discharge feature, it’s practically a hands-free device.

They both have recharge and resume, so cleaning continues after docking to finish the job.

noise comparison

The Roborock S7 MaxV is noisier on the highest setting but quieter on other modes.

However, the variable isn’t much, so I don’t think it’s a deciding factor.

Maintenance work

Next, we’ll look at the components that need maintenance, and for robot vacuums, this is a critical step in maintaining long-term performance.

1. Basic brush roll: It’s the most abused ingredient because it picks up debris. Contaminants will stick and build up over time. Check and clean (at least) once a week to remove any buildup, especially the hair on the axles.
2. Side brush: Another component that attracts hair. Use a Philips screwdriver to remove and clean any hair film on the base.
3. Dustbin: If you purchased the Ultra or Plus version, there is no need to empty it in the trash because the base station does it for you. But if you only have the android version, empty the contents into the trash after each run.
4. Filter (litter box): Check and clean the filter once a month to maintain the vacuum’s performance. Press it on an old newspaper to remove debris stuck in the folds.
5. fall sensors: Use a cotton swab or clean microfiber towel to wipe the drop sensors to prevent an error code from launching and disabling the robot.
6. KISS (automatically empty base station): Throw out the bag as soon as it is full. I suggest buying extra bags to avoid any downtime.
7. Port (automatically empty base station): Ensure that the port connected to the brush roller is clear of any obstructions.
8. Dirty water tank (S7 MaxV Ultra only): Dispose of the contents of the dirty water after each wipe to prevent bad odor.
9. robot body: Wipe the robot’s body with a clean microfiber towel to remove accumulated dust.

Don’t forget to check the maintenance tab of these robot vacuums for when to replace these components.

product specification

Where can I buy these robot vacuums?

The Roborock S7 MaxV and Q5+ are available in online stores such as Amazon.

• Roborock Q5 + Power on Amazon
• Roborock S7 MaxV (Robot only) is on Amazon

Disclaimer: I’ll earn a commission if you purchase through any of the links above, but at no additional cost, so it’s a win for us!

Which is better, Roborock S7 MaxV or Q5 +?

There’s a huge price gap between the Roborock S7 MaxV and the Q5+, but which option offers a better value.

The S7 MaxV Ultra offers more functionality with obstacle avoidance, self-deflation, and pad washing features.

These upgrades combine to make the S7 MaxV better at avoiding objects and mopping floors.

The Q5+ doesn’t have these premium features, but it’s a lot cheaper with nearly identical cleaning performance, so the latter shouldn’t be a deal breaker.

5 reasons to choose Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra

1. obstacle avoidance: Reactive AI 2.0 is much better than the S6 MaxV version at avoiding almost everything in its path. It is the second best obstacle avoidance robot I have tested after Roomba J7+.
2. Better cleaning performance: Despite the lower airflow, the S7 MaxV picked up (a little bit) more during cleaning trials, which is testament to the new brush’s better stimulation.
3. Self Emptying + Washing the Pillow: This alternative is better autonomy with the features of pad washing and self emptying.
4. Superior resistance to hair tangles: Another advantage of a bristle-free brush is that it picks up more hair with less tangles.
5. Doubles as a CCTV: A dual-lens camera provides consumers with an extra set of eyes to check on their homes.

4 reasons to choose Roborock Q5 +

1. Much cheaper: The Q5+ will cost nearly half of the S7 MaxV with the same (almost) mobility and cleaning performance.
2. higher air flow: This model surprisingly has more airflow than the S7 MaxV despite its lower Pa numbers, which makes it better at scrubbing sand on hard floors.
3. Bigger litter box: The Q5+ has a larger litter box which may be a factor if you only buy the Android version.
4. Effective Mobility: Both products are effective for navigating in confined spaces, and consumers will enjoy this advantage with the cheaper Q5+.

Verdict: The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is rich in features, but the Q5+ offers better value

The S7 MaxV Ultra has all the bells and whistles on paper, but I think the Q5+ is the better option because it’s cheaper.

Consumers will enjoy most of the features (3D map, efficient navigation, self-dumping, and map playback) without paying a large premium for extras.

This is an excellent option for people who just want the functionality of a vacuum cleaner without the bulky base station.