Roborock S4 Max vs. S5 Max

Roborock has added another variant to its lineup, the S4 Max.

It’s an upgrade over the previous S4 model with more airflow and a slightly larger trash can.

In this comparison, I will compare it to the most popular Roborock option – the S5 Max.

Which is better? Scroll down to find out.

First, here’s a quick overview of the Roborock S4 Max vs. the S5 Max

Roborock S4 Max

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Introduction to Roborock S4 Max and S5 Max

Roborock Was busy with product releases, and S4 Max It is the latest version.

This model is an upgrade to the soon to be phased out S4. The S4 Max adapts to design cues similar to S5 Max Same interface and brush design.

It has more airflow than the S5 Max and tops out over 20 CFM.

However, it lags behind in cleaning the built-in sand (more in the cleaning comparison), but regardless it is still excellent at picking up debris minus the sweep function.

Roborock S4 Max: Best value for money option from Roborock

As I said in the review, the S4 Max offers high-end options minus the premium cost.

This model offers smart navigation, restricted areas, selective room cleaning, sound, invisible wall, and high airflow at a price close to the entry-level Roomba.

He. She Lacks scanning featureHowever, if this is not necessary, the S4 Max is an excellent alternative if the S5 Max is too expensive.

Roborock has almost perfect navigation algorithm with its products. And the S4 Max has that precise navigation with its laser sensor and SLAM.

Coverage and accuracy are strong points as you can go up to three passes. Lacks “dirt detection” of a Roombabut it picks up debris well.

None of the robot vacuums I’ve tested in this price range have this combination of features and performance.

Roborock S5 Max: The Best 2-in-1 Roborock Choice

S5 Max is currently a file Roborock’s most popular choiceThanks to its versatility in vacuuming and mopping.

This is one of a handful of vacuum/wiper hybrid robots capable of Performing both tasks well.

It’s the first robot I’ve seen With real electronic water tankwhich enables it to keep the pillow moist without soaking it.

The Fiumi V3 Offers a cleaner wipe function, but does not clean Plus S5 Max on the carpet.

It’s an excellent option for people who are looking for a robotic vacuum cleaner that can sweep without having to spend a few hundred extra dollars on a different product.

Similarities Between S4 Max and S5 Max

Next, we’ll look at the similarities between these two bots, and there’s a lot more.

1. Navigation

The first similarity we’ll look at is the navigation as the S4 Max and S5 Max use LIDAR and SLAM to navigate straight lines.

Both have excellent coverage and accuracy, giving users the option to choose between one to three passes.

Navigating around tight quarters is a strength for both bots and they rarely find a dock.

Other brands I tested, such as 360, Dreamand Viomi can climb up to two passes.

2. Save map and auto-detection

Users can Save up to four map levels With a quick start feature to guide users through the process of creating a new map.

the program Smart enough to find out the right map During the initial check and upload the correct layout.

Even if you move the bot to a different floor level, there is no need to change the map.

3. Restricted areas and invisible wall

You can add invisible walls and restricted areas to prevent the bot from accessing the restricted areas in each map level.

These two give people enough flexibility about which areas to block, and they trust me; Every home has these areas.

4. Litter box capacity

Both robots have the same litter box capacity at 460 ml. Moreover, these bowls are interchangeable. Each box contains a washable post-engine HEPA filter.

5. Button interface

These two models have the same button layout with the home and dock switches on top of the LIDAR sensor.

I doubt you’ll use these buttons often because Roborock has a very responsive app, and now with a (after recent update) Alexa-compatible room naming feature.

6. Brush layout

The S4 Max and S5 Max have the same brush design with a single all-rubber side brush and a combination brush.

All next-generation Roborock S-series robot brushes are in the same position.

7. Dimension

They both have the same measurements of 13.8 wide and 3.8 long.

8. Running time

Expect up to 180 minutes of playback time as both options come with a 5200mAh Li-ion battery.

Differences between Roborock S4 Max and S5 Max

In this section, I will enumerate the differences between these two smart robotic vacuum cleaners.

1. Cleansing

Of the two, only the S5 Max has an electronic water tank, which is quite accurate in distributing water to the pad.

In many tests, the S5 Max excelled at cleaning dry spots while leaving minimal residue.

The water tank did its job of keeping the pillow moist without over saturating it.

So the result is just a slightly damp floor that dries up in a matter of minutes, with little streaks (if any).

The S4 Max does not have this feature which is a major reason why Roborock has brought the price down to its current level.

2. No-wipe area

Since the S5 Max comes with a mop, it also has access to the no mop zone feature, while the S4 Max doesn’t.

It’s not a big deal because the restricted area has a similar function – to block the robot from square or rectangular areas.

3. Air flow

Despite having the same suction rating, the S4 Max recorded higher airflow levels by more than 20 CFM, while the S5 Max was 17.74 CFM.

Surprisingly, despite the higher airflow, the S4 Max didn’t clean carpet deeply either, catching 80.2% of fine sand.

4. Application compatibility

The S5 Max is compatible with both the Xiaomi and Roborock app, while the S4 Max is only compatible with the Roborock app.

With the addition of the room naming feature in the latest Roborock update, this shouldn’t be a problem as before, as both apps have the same functionality.

How does the Roborock S4 Max and S5 Max navigate?

Both robots will move in the same way – after the initial scan rotates around the edges before moving to the middle parts of the room in straight lines.

The algorithm is dynamic, which means that it will choose the most efficient path after scanning the area.

These robots are excellent at navigating tight spaces and avoiding obstacles.

Users have the option to choose between one run and three runs. This feature adds a layer of subtlety that you don’t often see with other brands.

Your S5 Max will pass the same way in scanning mode. It lacks the back and forth scanning mode available with Viomi and Xiaomi Mop-P.

App Features in Roborock S4 Max and S5 Max

These variants have similar app features except for the scan tab which is only in the S5 Max app.

Only S5 Max is compatible with both Xiaomi and Roborock apps. In contrast, the S4 Max is only compatible with the Roborock app.

I will enumerate these features below.

1. Live Map

Both apps have a live map, which provides real-time updates to users about the current status of the bot, room size, and battery status.

2. Containment features

Users will also be able to access containment features such as Restricted Zones, Restricted Zones (S5 Max only), and Invisible Walls.

These are essential features of any smart vacuum cleaner because most homes have areas that are not suitable for a robot vacuum.

Having a tool to block these areas through the app removes the inconvenience of using a physical object.

3. Save up to 4 map levels

I live in a three story house, so the ability to memorize maps is invaluable to me.

The ability to detect the correct plan improves this feature since there is no need to select the correct floor plan each time you move the robot to another level.

Xiaomi and Roborock are similar because they each offer a step-by-step method for creating a new map, making the process straightforward for users.

You can add as many restricted areas, restricted areas, and invisible walls as needed for each level.

Important Note: Only the S5 Max has access to the no-wipe zones feature because it has the wiping feature.

The S4 isn’t available, but the restricted area has the same functionality, so it shouldn’t be a sticking point.

4. Four power settings

All Roborock S-Series options have four power settings – Quiet, Balanced, Turbo and Max. Previously, there were five settings.

This feature allows users to use a lower setting if they don’t want the noise. Or a higher setting for surfaces such as carpet.

5. Increase the carpet

These robots also have a carpet boosting feature that automatically increases suction on carpets and returns to the lowest setting on hard surfaces.

This provides the best balance of uptime and suction, as the robot will only increase power as needed on the carpet.

6. Scheduling

Both bots have unlimited daily scheduling, allowing users to run the bot at their preferred time.

This tab provides an option to select specific weekends, weekdays, or days, as well as the corresponding energy levels.

So people can set a lower power setting for nighttime cleanings or a higher setting when they’re out and about.

7. Maintenance

The Xiaomi and Roborock apps also have a maintenance tab, which provides an alert for users to change the filter, side brush, or combo brush.

But you should still check these ingredients, especially the brush, as hair can build up and cause unnecessary friction.

Air Flow Comparison

I used an anemometer to check how much each robot is in the brush roll to check the airflow.

Here are the results

The S4 Max has more airflow across all power modes, and tops out at 22.26 CFM at max. By comparison, the S5 Max maxes out at 17.74 CFM.

Having more airflow enables the S4 Max to better pick up things like sand on hard floors.

If you compare the video above, you can see that it has a cleaner pass in the sand in the hard floor test.

Cleaning comparison: Roborock S4 Max vs. S5 Max

First, let’s look at the overall results.

The difference is minimal, with the S5 Max doing better across the board.

However, the S5 Max appears to have better grip on carpets as it picked up more sand in our deep cleaning test (more details below).

Both robots are excellent on hard floors, even at low settings, making clean passes. There was minimal debris dispersal as the side brush rotated at a slower rate than the Roomba.

Which is better on hard floors?

Even if the test results show it’s pointing towards the S5 Max, it’s very close to announcing the exact winner.

They both picked up different types of debris well, cleaned and passed the eye test.

S4 Max Slightly better at sanding over hard floors (99.9% vs. 99.8%) And test clean the edges because it has more airflow.

This is a before and after shot of the S4 Max.

The S5 Max.

One wrinkle of the S5 Max absent on the S4 Max is the wiping feature. If you need this, the S5 Max is the best option.

Edge cleaning comparison

I scattered leftover coffee in a corner of the room to check how much each robot was picking up after one of three passes.

Here are the before and after shots of the S5 Max.

The S4 Max.

The S4 Max did better at picking up than the S5 Max, capturing most debris even in a quarter-inch crevice, proving it has more airflow.

Hair wrap comparison

I tested both robots, and how tangle-resistant each was from five and seven-inch strands of hair.

One of the wrinkles I’ve added to more recent tests is the weight of hair in the trash and around the brush.

Here are the results for the S4 Max

• 5 inch test: 0.8g (or 80%) inside the trash and 0.2g (or 20%) around the brush
• 7 inch test: 0.8g (or 80%) inside the trash and 0.2g (or 20%) around the brush

And the results of the S5 Max

• 5 inch test: 0.95g (or 95%) inside the trash and 0.05g (or 5%) around the brush
• 7 inch test: 0.48g (or 48%) inside the trash and 0.52g (or 52%) around the brush

The S5 Max did much better with most of the hair inside the dust container with our 5-inch test.

The S4 Max wasn’t bad as it rose by 80%, which is above average.

However, the S5 Max performed worse in the seven-inch test, with only 48% found in the trash.

In comparison, the S4 Max performed equally well with the same 80% reception.

Again, this may be a result of increased airflow.

I love the detachable hubs with Roborock products, so long hair is easy to clean.

Cleansing comparison

Only S5 Max has the scanning feature. It’s one of the first robotic vacuums I’ve tested with an actual electronic water tank.

It is good at distributing water, and keeping the pad moist without soaking it too much.

I tested it on red wine stains that dried overnight, and these stains cleaned well, leaving minimal tire marks and residue. The floor was dry after minutes of running.

In contrast, the S4 Max doesn’t have any wiping pad – which is a big reason why Roborock has brought the price down to its current level.

If scanning is needed, the S5 Max is the best option.

Update: Roborock just launched the S7. paying off Comparison Among them, the S5 Max and the S6 MaxV.

Which is better on carpet?

Next, we’ll take a look at how well the S4 Max and S5 Max clean carpets. I took him in the same tests, and they both did well.

Even if the S5 Max did get better results on the carpet, the difference isn’t much. The S4 Max was adept at cleaning up surface debris thanks to its high airflow.

It was worse with compact sand cleaning, Up 80.2% vs. 84.75% in the S5 Max. I tried using the S5 Max brush, but the result decreased to 76.13%.

One reason for this could be that the S5 Max is sitting lower on the floor, which has better traction.

Runtime comparison

These robots have the same 5200 mAh Li-ion battery and operate Up to 180 minutes in silent mode. I tested both in a quiet location, and each had just enough airflow and agitation to pick up surface debris on hardwood floors.

So both robots have usable power even on the lowest settings.

Regardless, uptime shouldn’t be an issue for these bots as they each recharge and resume.

If for some reason the robot has not finished cleaning the entire area, it will automatically resume cleaning at the same spot it left earlier.

It also has a smart recharge feature where it recharges just enough to complete tasks to reduce waiting time.

noise comparison

S5 Max is the quietest, most productive option Only 62.4 dB in the highest place.

In comparison, the S4 Max is a decibel higher at 64.1.

One reason which is very obvious, is the higher airflow. But for a robot vacuum with a large number, the S4 Max is relatively quiet.

As a point of comparison, the Roomba 980 It’s noisy at over 70dB and still has less airflow than the S4 Max.

maintenance

A certain level of maintenance is required to keep these robots running efficiently in the long run. I will list the parts that need regular maintenance.

1. Combo brush: This part takes the most beating and needs consistent TLC. You’ll have to check and brush it once or twice a week and remove any hair that gets around it.
2. Side brush: The all-rubber body improves durability, but you’ll have to clean it weekly to remove buildup to prevent unnecessary wear.
3. Dustbin: Empty the container after each run or at least once daily. This prevents dust mites from breeding indoors.
4. filter: Both the HEPA filters on the S4 Max and S5 Max are washable. Another way to clean is to tap on a hard surface to dislodge dust stuck in the folds.
5. Wheels: Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the side wheels and caster wheels. I like to use microfiber because it has enough grip to remove dirt without scratching.
6. fall sensors: Wipe the four drop sensors with a clean microfiber cloth. Avoid using a wet towel as it may damage it.
7. the outside: Over time, fingerprint marks will appear on the surface of these bots. Use a clean microfiber towel to wipe the body.

Parts Availability

Roborock’s rise in popularity has led to more third-party manufacturers selling components such as filters and brushes.

Buy these parts in bundles because they give the best bang for your buck. However, the battery replacement options aren’t as great as the Roomba.

Product Spec.

Where can I buy these bots?

You can buy the Roborock S4 Max and S5 Max on sites like Amazon. Please check the links below for the latest prices (and discounts).

• Roborock S4 Max

BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

• Roborock S5 Max

BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

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

Which is better, Roborock S4 Max or S5 Max?

There is not much difference between these two robots in mobility, features, and cleaning performance.

While the S4 Max has better airflow, the S5 Max offers better thrills, eliminating the S4 Max feature.

The advantage carries over to the S4 Max on hard floors with superior airflow, while the S5 Max does better on carpets.

Another feature that the S5 Max has is the wiping feature, which provides an extra layer of functionality for cleaning dry spots on surfaces like tiles.

4 reasons to choose S4 Max

1. Best on hard floors: The higher airflow allows the S4 Max to pick up sand more cleanly on hard surfaces. It was better than the S5 Max in the sand test on hard floors.
2. Less expensive alternative: This model offers high-end features at a mid-level price and is one of the best Roborock bang for buck options.
3. Above average in hair cleaning: The S4 Max captured 80% of the hair in both the five and seven inch tests. This shows excellent resistance to hair tangling.
4. high air flow: With over 22 CFM, the S4 Max has one of the highest levels of airflow, which helps it clean hard floors well.

4 reasons to choose S5 Max

1. Better on the carpet: Despite the lower airflow, the S5 Max was better at cleaning built-in sand.
2. Floor sweeping ability: Between the two, this is the only option capable of mopping floors with its electronic water tank. In tests, it successfully cleaned dried red wine and coffee stains.
3. Compatible with both Xiaomi and Roborock APP: This model is compatible with both applications, providing users with more options. While these apps are similar in functionality, the Xiaomi app offers integration with other Xiaomi products – something the Roborock app lacks.
4. Excellent for brushing short hair: The S5 Max outperformed the 5-inch hair test, rising by 95%, with just 5% wrapping around the brush.

Verdict: Too close to call

These robots bring so much more to the table – highly efficient mobility, excellent airflow, great cleaning performance, and advanced application features at a more affordable price than Roomba.

Test results are very close to declaring a practical winner – both score high with mobility, coverage, and cleaning.

The S5 Max is better at deep cleaning carpets, while the S4 Max is better at sand-testing in our hard-floor test, but the difference isn’t much.

For our daily cleaning tests, both perform well at cleaning floors efficiently using an advanced algorithm.

One deciding factor is the S5 Max’s scanning ability, something absent on the S4 Max.

If this is a need, the S5 Max is the best choice. Otherwise, save $$ and go with the S4 Max.