Roborock vs. Roomba: Robotic Vacuums [Key Differences Explained]

In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves lacking the time to perform even the most basic everyday chores. Thankfully, technology has advanced enough to find solutions for that problem. Robot vacuums, for example, can now operate with minimal supervision and still do an amazing job. Two of the more popular manufacturers of these helpful devices are Roomba and Roborock.

Each brand has their advantages, and choosing a product from their specific rosters may seem a bit daunting. In this article, we’ll compare these two robotic vacuum titans and outline their specifications so you can easily choose the right model for you.

Here’s a quick overview of how both brands compare to each other, their pros, cons, and history.

Roborock Robotic Vacuums

Known as Beijing Roborock Technology Co. Ltd., this China-based company has produced some of the most innovative robotic vacuums to date. Its products are amongst the most popular robotic vacuums in China, and now enjoy a more worldwide reach.

Its latest model, the Roborock S7, is slated for release in March 2020 and is expected to raise the bar on how robotic vacuums operate. It’s certainly one of the top manufacturers in the robotic vacuum market.

Pros:

• Longer operating time
• Built-in mop function

• Better Navigation and control

Cons:

• Majority of models don’t have auto-empty feature
• Less established than Roomba

SMARTHOME.News Average Rating:  4.5 of 5 Stars
Average Ratings Around the Web:  4.5 of 5 Stars

Roomba Robotic Vacuums

Considered one of the leading names when it comes to robotic vacuums, there was a time when Roomba was almost synonymous with the device. It’s come a long way since it released its first models, and the technology has advanced leaps and bounds from the original.

Roomba is still very popular, and many robotic vacuum owners swear by the brand. With the increase in competition though, Roomba has now improved their models to compete with other manufacturers.

Pros:

• Established company with years of experience
• Majority of models are self-emptying
• Larger average dustbin capacity

Cons

• Less operating time
• Navigation systems not as advanced
• Lower average suction power

SMARTHOME.News Average Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Average Ratings Around the Web: 4 of 5 Stars

Below is a quick look at the specific brand model specifications, and how they compare with one another.

Roomba

Roborock

Features

S9+

i7+

i3+

e5

694

S7

S6MaxV

S6 Pure

S6

S5 Max

S4 Max

E4

E3

E2

Suction Power

2,200Pa

1,800Pa

1,800Pa

1,700Pa

600Pa

2,500 Pa

2,500 Pa

2,000 Pa

2,000Pa

2,000Pa

2,000Pa

2,000Pa

2,000Pa

1,800Pa

Average Runtime

120

75

75

90

90

180

180

180

180

180

180

200

200

100

Battery Capacity

3,300mAh

1,800mAh

1,800mAh

1,800mAh

1,800mAh

5,200mAh

5,200mAh

5,200mAh

5,200mAh

5,200mAh

5,200mAh

5,200mAh

5,200mAh

2,600mAh

Auto Recharge

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Volume

65dB

68dB

68dB

65dB

55dB

67dB

67dB

69dB

67dB

69dB

69dB

69dB

68dB

68dB

Wi-Fi Connectivity

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Mobile App

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Voice Control

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Dustbin Capacity

400ml

500ml

500ml

500ml

600ml

470ml

460ml

460ml

480ml

460ml

460ml

640ml

640ml

640ml

Mopping

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Price

$1,299.00

$799.99

$599.99

$349.99

$299.99

$649.00

$749.99

$599.99

$649.99

$419.99

$429.99

$299.99

$349.99

$239.99

Quick Verdict If you’re looking for better cleaning performance, then Roborock Robotic Vacuums are the best choice. They run for longer, have better mapping and navigation, and most models have a wet mopping feature. These advantages give Roborock a clear win when it comes to thorough home cleaning. To read a device breakdown, proceed to the article below.

 

TABLE CONTENT 1. Quick Brand Comparisons 2. Quick Comparison Tables 3. Quick Verdict 4. Individual Device Overview a) Roborock Robotic Vacuums b) Roomba Robotic Vacuums 5. Step by Step Feature Comparison 6. Final Score 7. Verdict: Overall Winner 8. Quick FAQ 9. Taking Care of Mundane Chores

Below are quick overviews on the specific models, pros and cons of each, and what items are included in the set.

Roborock S7

Set for release in March 2021, the Roborock S7 is said to be the most advanced of the company’s robotic vacuums. It introduces what Roborock calls the sonic mopping system which uses sound vibrations of up to 3,000 times per minute to loosen dirt particles. Combined with its advanced mapping system and the restore resume function, it can thoroughly clean even the dirtiest of floors.

With carpeting recognition and its mop lifting function, the Roborock S7 can clean rooms with carpeting without the need for human intervention. Its mobile app also accounts for no-go zones, invisible walls, no-mop zones, and carpet mapping to further customize its cleaning activity. Its obstacle detection system on the other hand allows it to operate dynamically even in rooms it has yet to map.

With built in Wi-Fi integration, the Roborock S7 can easily connect with your smart home system to further improve its performance. With all these features, the Roborock S7 raises the bar on how automated cleaning should be done.

Pros:

• Self-emptying dock
• Sonic mopping system
• Advanced mapping system

Cons:

• Unreleased at the time of writing
• Rather expensive

What’s in the box?

• Roborock S7 unit
• Recharging dock
• Brush cleaning tool
• Extra spiral brush roll
• Dust bin
• Extra HEPA filter
• Mopping pad
• User manual

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Roborock S6MaxV

Until the release of the Roborock S7, the Roborock S6MaxV is the brand’s top of the line vacuum. With the motto: ‘Another level of intelligence in vacuuming’, the S6MAxV takes smart navigation to another level. Able to dynamically assess obstacles with its front twin double cameras, it can clean even the most cluttered room with relative ease. With an infrared mapping system, it can work in minimal light conditions.

Combined with its strong 2,500Pa suction power, the Roborock 6MaxV can pick up even the most stubborn dirt particles. With this robot vacuum’s built-in wet mop, it can clean hardwood, tile floors or carpeting all in one go, without the need to change settings.

With its mobile app control and ability to integrate with smart home voice controls, users can fully customize cleaning activities to suit their needs. With its detailed scheduling and cleaning options, mundane tasks can be fully automated at your convenience.

Pros:

• High suction power
• Advanced digital room mapping
• Up to three hours operating time per charge

Cons:

• Rather expensive
• Limited color designs
• No auto-emptying feature

What’s in the box?

• Roborock S6MaxV robot vacuum unit
• Charging dock
• Two extra washable filters
• Brush cleaning tool
• Obstacle detection test tool
• Service card
• User manual

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Roborock S6 Series

Equipped with precise laser navigation systems, makes home cleaning smarter for the benefit of those who don’t have time for mundane chores. Both the Roborock S6 and Roborock Pure can make detailed maps of the rooms that they clean and calculate the most efficient path for the job. With an adaptive routing feature, any obstacles added to an already mapped floor are taken into account when cleaning.

Users can fully adjust any cleaning activity to suit their needs, and with a lot of features, the Roborock S6 and S6 Pure has a high degree of customization. Its quad core processors allow this robotic vacuum to know its location when cleaning, and communicate it through the mobile app.

The only difference between the S6 and S6 Pure are dustbin size, water tank size, and operating noise levels. The S6 Pure has a smaller dustbin and water tank, and is also a bit louder compared to the S6. The differences are rather minimal though, and both models are a great buy whichever one you choose.

Pros:

• Excellent navigation features
• Up to three hours operating time
• All-in-one vacuum and wet mop features

Cons:

• No auto empty feature
• Not a significant improvement from the Roborock S5

What’s in the box?

• The Roborock S6 / S6 Pure robotic vacuum
• Recharging dock
• Waterproof plastic base
• Five extra disposable mop cloths
• Two extra reusable mop cloths
• One extra HEPA Filter
• Brush cleaning tool
• User manual
• Service card

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Roborock S5Max

The Roborock S5 Max was made with automation in mind. Its slew of features lives up to its mantra of ‘Everyday mopping made easy’. With a ton of customization features via the mobile app and voice control integration, it’s a robotic vacuum that takes convenience one step further.

With a larger water tank and precision water control options, users can fully adjust the S5 Max’s cleaning activity to suit their needs. Precise user control, combined with a navigation system that can dynamically adapt to obstacles makes everyday cleaning as simple as touching a button. The S5 Max certainly has its owner’s convenience in mind.

With up to three hours of operating activity depending on the operating mode, it can easily clean the largest of rooms on one full charge. If convenience and customizability is what you’re looking for, consider the Roborock S5 Max.

Pros:

• Navigation via on board camera
• Up to three hours of operating time
• Efficient combined vacuum and mop feature

Cons:

• Relatively expensive
• Traditional brush design
• No auto-empty feature

What’s in the box?

• Roborock S5 Max robotic vacuum unit
• Recharging dock
• One washable filter
• One moisture proof mat
• Two water tank filters
• Two mopping cloths
• One brush cleaning tool
• Water tank
• Waterproof pad
• Service card
• User manual

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Roborock S4Max

The Roborock S4 Max was created by the company to be a dedicated vacuum only device. With its multi-level mapping system, users can label specific rooms via the mobile app and fully customize how the device can clean individual rooms. Cleaning activities can be precisely controlled via the device’s no-go zone features, carpet mapping, and invisible walls.

The Roborock S4Max’s carpet detection software automatically adjusts power to its vacuum to increase suction whenever it’s on carpeted floors. The feature turns it back down whenever it returns to regular hard wood or tile flooring. This feature conserves energy, making sure it cleans larger areas on just one full charge.

The only real disadvantage of the S4 max is the lack of mopping attachments, like the brand’s other models. The customizability of the vacuuming options does make up for this, and it’s certainly a great dedicated vacuuming device.

Pros:

• Excellent navigation features
• Up to three hours operating time
• Multi-level mapping system for precise cleaning activity

Cons:

• No mopping features
• No auto-emptying features

What’s in the box?

• Roborock S4 Max robotic vacuum unit
• Recharging dock
• Brush cleaning tool
• Spiral brushroll
• Dust bin
• Extra HEPA filter
• Service Card
• User Manual

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Roborock E4

One of the brand’s older models, the Roborock E4 doesn’t come with the built-in mopping system and the digital mapping features of the newer devices. Instead, it has a larger dustbin, up to 200 minutes of operating time, and the ability to accept mopping attachments for a more thorough cleaning.

Even with the advancements of the brand’s cleaning technology, the Roborock E4 is still a very good cleaning device. It certainly was one of the best vacuums during its initial release, and can still keep up with other current models.

If easy and effective home cleaning is what you’re looking for, the Roborock E4 certainly is a robotic vacuum to consider. With mobile app controls, and ability to integrate with smart home apps, it gives users a lot of control over cleaning activities.

Pros:

• Up to 200 minutes operating time
• Larger dustbin capacity
• Can be fitted with a mopping attachment

Cons:

• Mopping features not built in
• No auto emptying feature
• Inertial rather than digital mapping

What’s in the box?

• Roborock E4 robotic vacuum unit
• Recharging dock
• Extra HEPA filter
• Dust bin
• Spinning brush
• Mop reservoir
• Mopping pad
• Spiral brushroll
• Service card
• User manual

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Roborock E3

Also known under the brand name, Xiaowa Path Planning Robovac, the Roborock E2 was one of the brand’s more popular products. Although feature-wise, newer models of the brand have definitely left it behind, it’s still a very good robotic vacuum in its own right.

Boasting a larger 640ml dustbin, and operating times of up to 200 minutes, it certainly can take care of a lot of tough cleaning jobs. With the ability to easily slot in a mopping attachment, the Roborock E3 is a very versatile cleaning device that can compete with a lot of other current robotic vacuum models.

With an auto recharge and resume function, combined with its long operating time, the Roborock E3 can clean all but the largest of homes. Add the ability to integrate with smart home systems, this robotic vacuum is certainly still a great cleaning device.

Pros:

• Can have up to 200 minutes cleaning time
• Larger dustbin
• Can use mopping attachments

Cons:

• No built-in mopping feature
• No auto-emptying feature
• Relies on inertial rather than digital mapping

What’s in the box?

• Roborock E3 robot vacuum unit
• Recharging dock
• Mop reservoir
• Mopping pads
• Dust bin
• Extra HEPA filter
• Service card
• User manual

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Roborock E2

Although one of the first models released by Roborock, it can still compete with other current devices released by other brands. Operating on the mantra of methodical cleaning perfection, it provides users with efficient and thorough room cleaning.

Highly customizable controls via the mobile app gives the Roborock E2 a whole lot of convenience. Adding to its adaptability is the ability to integrate with smart home applications which allows users to operate it via voice control.

Combined with the mopping attachment, the Roborock E2 can provide users with a whole lot of cleaning options. This certainly is a device that is still worth a consideration if you’re looking for a robotic vacuum.

Pros:

• Mopping attachment
• Larger dustbin
• Up to 100 minutes cleaning time

Cons:

• Relatively lower suction than other Roborock models
• No auto-empty feature
• No built-in mopping feature

What’s in the box?

• Roborock E2 robotic vacuum unit
• Recharging dock
• Brush cleaning tool
• Mopping reservoir
• Mopping pad
• Water tank filter
• Moisture proof mat
• Dust bin
• Extra HEPA filter
• Spiral brushroll
• Spinning brush
• Service card
• User manual

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Roomba S9+ / S9

Roomba’s most advanced unit to date, the Roomba S9+ and S9 offer some of the best cleaning features that robotic vacuums can provide. With a square front design that offers advantages when cleaning corners, plus its digital mapping system, it provides users with a very thorough room cleaning.

This model also has an auto dustbin emptying feature, reducing the need for physical maintenance in between cleaning activities. Fully customizable operations via the mobile app give users full control of how the robotic vacuum operates. With the ability to integrate with smart home apps like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant, it certainly is a device that epitomizes convenience.

One of the few drawbacks is its lack of a mopping feature. This device is vacuum only. The difference between the S9+ and the S9 is the charging base. The S9 only has the standard charging dock, while the S9+ comes with the self-emptying base.

Pros:

• Corner cleaning design
• Auto dustbin emptying feature
• Smart digital mapping

Cons:

• Rather Expensive
• Can sometimes get stuck
• No mopping features

What’s in the box?

• Roomba S9+ / S9 robotic vacuum unit
• Self-emptying charging base station (S9 has standard base only)
• Two disposable bags
• Extra HEPA filter
• Extra spinning brush
• User manual

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Roomba i7+ / i7

Built with an on-board camera, the Roomba i7 and i7 plus uses digital mapping to react to obstacles in the rooms that it cleans. Combined with an auto emptying and recharge resume function, the i7 and i7+ can perform scheduled cleaning activities without any additional fuss. Just program a scheduled cleaning activity using the mobile app and allow the device to do its work.

The cleaning options are highly customizable, though you can just press the clean button on the i7+ or i7 and let them go on their merry way. The automated cleaning function can operate even without prior room mapping, if that’s what the user wants to do.

There is no mopping feature however, and it does operate for less time when compared with other models on this list. It’s still a great device to choose, and is a consistent contender in top ten robotic vacuum listings. Like the S9+ and S9, the difference between the i7a and i7+ is the base station. The i7 only has the standard dock, while the i7+ has the auto emptying feature.

Pros:

• Auto emptying dust bin
• Great app control features
• Digital mapping

Cons:

• Still a bit expensive
• No mopping features
• Comparatively lower operating time

What’s in the box?

• Roomba i7+ / i7 robotic vacuum unit
• Auto emptying charging base station (i7 only has standard base)
• Two disposable bags
• One virtual wall
• Extra HEPA filter
• Extra spinning brush
• User manual

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Roomba i3+ / i3

The Roomba i3 and i3+ are certainly two of the more value-packed devices on Roomba’s lineup. With the auto emptying features, combined with the recharge resume function, they can certainly perform their cleaning activities quite efficiently. Although the i3 doesn’t have the auto emptying feature, an auto emptying base can be bought separately if desired. The device itself is relatively cheap when compared with the i7+ and S9+, making it a less expensive auto emptying vacuum from Roomba.

There is no mop feature, and although it has great digital mapping for a more efficient room cleaning, the lack of no-go zones does take away from cleaning customization. It also has relatively less operating time of 75 minutes as compared to other robotic vacuums on this list.

Pros:

• Auto emptying dustbin features
• Great navigation ability
• Relatively less expensive than newer models

Cons:

• No mopping features
• No keep out zone features
• Relatively lower operating time

What’s in the box?

• Roomba i3+ / i3 robotic vacuum
• Auto emptying charging base station (i3 only has standard dock)
• Spinning side brush
• Extra HEPA filter
• Disposable dirt bag (Two for i3+)
• User manual

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Roomba e5

Made for users that want an efficient cleaning device, but prefer a more mid-range price point, the Roomba e5 is a great mix of features and functionality. It still operates as a great cleaning device, only without the high-end customizability of the higher end models.

One of the big drawbacks is the lack of a recharge resume feature. The device will return to its base when it detects that it has a low battery, but will remain in the base after recharging. If you have larger floor areas, the e5 may not finish its scheduled task within the 90-minute run time. For smaller homes though, this isn’t as much of a problem.

If you’re looking for a mid-tier vacuum but without all the bells and whistles of the higher end models, the Roomba e5 is a great choice.

Pros:

• Wi-Fi and Smart home connectivity
• Relatively less expensive
• Longer operating time compared to most Roomba models

Cons:

• No onboard camera
• No recharge resume function
• Comparatively lower suction power
• No mopping features
• No auto empty features

What’s in the box?

• Roomba e5 robotic vacuum device
• Recharging station
• Virtual wall (some packages may not contain this)
• User manual

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Roomba 694

Made for users who want a no-nonsense efficient robotic vacuum, the Roomba 694 performs well, even when compared with most robotic vacuums of its tier. With its larger dustbin, it can perform thorough cleaning activities without the need for emptying it after every cleaning. Without the auto empty feature however, you should check the device occasionally to ensure that the bag isn’t full.

With its operating time of up to 90 minutes, it can clean small and medium sized homes on a full charge. Without the recharge resume feature though, once it detects that its battery is low, it will remain in the dock after recharging. It’s still a great choice if you’re looking for a mid to low tier robotic vacuum model.

Pros:

• Larger dustbin capacity
• Relatively less expensive
• Operates longer than most Roomba models

Cons:

• No mopping features
• No recharge resume feature
• No auto emptying features

What’s in the box?

• Roomba 694 robotic vacuum unit
• Refill stand
• Two virtual wall barriers
• Two extra filters
• Load line
• Brush
• User manual

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Below is a specific feature comparison regarding the average performance of each brand’s models compared to the other.

Below is a quick overview of how each brand’s features compare with one another.

Features	Roomba	Roborock
Suction Power	Lost	Win
Average Runtime	Lost	Win
Battery Capacity	Lost	Win
Auto Recharge	Tie	Tie
Volume	Win	Lost
Wi-Fi Connectivity	Tie	Tie
Mobile App	Tie	Tie
Voice Control	Tie	Tie
Dustbin Capacity	Win	Lost
Mopping	Lost	Win
Price	Lost	Win

Verdict: Overall Winner

Although the best advice when buying a new robotic vacuum would be to choose a specific model to suit your needs, this is a comparison list. As such, it can be seen that Roborock has a definite edge over its competition. Sure, a lot of Roomba’s models have larger dustbins and can empty them automatically, but the amount of features that Roborock provides clearly make up for it. The longer operating time allows the Roborock robotic vacuums to cover larger areas in one full charge. The advanced navigation system creates a better cleaning map and makes any cleaning activity more efficient. With a built-in mopping system for most of its models, it can thoroughly clean a room whether it be tile, hardwood or carpeting. If you want a robotic vacuum that can do a lot of hard jobs all in one package, then a Roborock model is the one to look for.

Below are some common questions regarding Roomba and Roborock vacuums.

1. Can Roborock run without Wi-Fi?
   Yes. A Roborock robotic vacuum can easily run without connecting to a Wi-fi network. Both full home and spot cleanups can be easily done by Roborock vacuums with the push of a button. In order to enable the more advanced features, it would be best to connect your device to Wi-Fi.
2. Can Roomba run without Wi-Fi?
   Yes. Roomba robot vacuums don’t need Wi-Fi to clean your home. You can simply push the clean button on the device and let it go on its merry way. Some models come with built-in controls that allow you to schedule tasks. To get the most out of a robotic vacuum though, it’s best to connect it to a network in order to access its more customizable features, and integrate it to a smart home network.
3. Can you put soap in the Roborock water tank?
   It’s advised that you avoid placing anything other than water in the Roborock’s water tank as chemicals may cause the device to malfunction. The Roborock moping feature operates well enough without using detergent or soap, so it’s unnecessary to add any whenever the device is cleaning.
4. Will Roborock mop the carpet?
   No. The Roborock has a carpet detect feature which alerts it to the presence of carpeting. The mobile app also has no mopping zones that the user can set up to prevent the device from using wet mopping in particular areas. Combine this feature with invisible walls and no-go zones, then having the device accidentally use its wet mop while on carpet is highly unlikely.
5. Can Roomba learn your house floor plan?
   Yes. The latest versions of the Roomba have internal mapping software that actually remembers the layout of areas that it has already cleaned. During initial cleaning, it may take longer for a Roomba device to finish as it is trying to remember the layout of your house. Once an internal map is memorized, cleaning activities will be a lot faster.
6. Can Roborock learn your house floor plan?
   Roborock robotic vacuums have very advanced mapping software that allows it to not only remember your floor layout, but dynamically adjust to the presence of obstacles. This feature makes cleaning very efficient as not only does Roborock remember your floor layout, it can adjust to whatever changes it can detect during cleaning.
7. Do robot vacuums upload personal data?
   No. At least Roomba and Roborock don’t. Floor plans and cleaning areas are saved by these models in their internal memory. Wi-Fi is used only to give these devices instruction and scheduling data, not to upload information. Roomba and Roborock robotic vacuums don’t upload any personal information that the user has, except maybe for your user account that you normally fill up on their website, but that is usually optional.
8. Can I pick up a Roomba and move it to another room?
   Yes. A newer Roomba model will map any areas that it has previously cleaned, and will detect if they’ve been placed in a familiar space. If a new area is detected, the Roomba will start adding that space into its Smart Map software in order to create a virtual map. Remember to allow the Roomba to finish cleaning the entire area of a place you want mapped before moving it. This will ensure that the internal map doesn’t have errors.
9. Can I pick up a Roborock and place it in another room?
   Yes. Along with the internal map, Roborock can dynamically detect obstacles, and can adapt to rooms that it’s cleaning for the first time. Once an area is cleaned, it will remember this location in case it is returned to that particular area. Although it’s best to allow a Roborock vacuum to proceed from room to room on its own, picking it up and placing it on another room is perfectly fine.
10. How often should I use a robotic vacuum?
    This really depends on how quickly your house gets dirty. You can clean your home once a day, or once a week depending on how quickly the dirt builds up in your home. As the process happens automatically, scheduling a daily cleanup really isn’t a hassle. If you mind the noise, then scheduling cleaning for when you’re not at home is also fine. Try to schedule a clean once a week, then increase it if it seems that it’s not enough.

Robotic vacuums are certainly a godsend for those looking for devices to take care of their mundane chores. With the advancement of cleaning technology, keeping a room spic and span has become as easy as tapping an app on your phone. Hopefully, this comparison list has given you a better idea of how the Roomba and Roborock brands stack up against each other and makes it easier to choose between the two.

Do you have any experiences of either the Roomba or Roborock robotic vacuum models? Do you agree with our opinion? Which one do you think is better? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.