360 S6 vs. Roborock S5 Max

We’ll be comparing two Chinese-made robot vacuums in detail, the 360 S6 versus the Roborock S5 Max.

The Roborock S5 Max is one of the more popular options, thanks to its excellent performance in vacuuming and mopping. It’s one of a handful of hybrid vacuum/mop combos that does both tasks exceptionally well.

The 360 S6 is a compelling option because it’s cheaper, but how does it compare with the more established S5 Max.

Here’s an overview of the Roborock S5 Max vs. S6 MaxV

360 S6

Power: 7.91 cfm

Run Time: 120 mins.

Deep Cleaning: 62.15%

Dust Cup: 0.40 liters

Multi-Level Maps: Yes

No of Maps: 10

BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

Roborock S5 Max

Power: 17.74 cfm

Run Time: 180 mins.

Deep Cleaning: 84.75%

Dust Cup: 0.46 liters

Multi-Level Maps: Yes

No of Maps: 4

BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

Introduction to the 360 S6 and Roborock S5 Max

For years, manufacturers have been chasing established brands like Neato and iRobot. Roborock has come close, and the S5 Max is one of their best products to date.

360 is another brand trying to catch up, at least with Roborock in terms of popularity.

Like Roborock, it also utilizes a LIDAR sensor, so it navigates like it.

However, some features 360 omitted from the S6 limiting its potential, which I’ll expound on below.

Roborock S5 Max: Best Robot Vacuum/Mop

The S5 Max was one of the first to utilize an electronic water tank that works!

It ensures water flows at a controlled rate, so the pad is wet enough to clean stains but not too much that it leaves a puddle.

Combine it with the excellent cleaning dynamics, and you’ll have a complete product that can vacuum and mop floors equally well.

The Viomi V3 tried to outclass the S5 Max, but its fixed brush roll assembly was not usable on carpet.

Roborock also provides consumers a more affordable high-end option with access to features like the invisible wall and no-go zones, something not available with a similarly priced Roomba 980.

360 S6: Cheaper But Lacking in Features

Based on its specs, the 360 S6 looks promising. Like Roborock, it has a LIDAR sensor enabling it to traverse efficiently.

But I found some issues with the S6 that hinder its cleaning performance. The first issue is the lack of airflow. It topped out at 7.91 CFM at the max setting, lower than the Roomba 675 and 690.

The next issue is the lack of passes. This robot will only go around once by default, which isn’t enough.

And it doesn’t permit users to adjust the number of passes, except in the area tab.

The lack of passes hinders how much debris it could potentially clean.

So you’ll have to run it a second and third time manually to match what the S5 Max can do in a single, three-pass run.

Similarities between the 360 S6 and Roborock S5 Max

Now let’s look at how the360 S6 and Roborock S5 Max are similar, and there are many.

1. LIDAR-based navigation

Both these robots utilize LIDAR (or Laser Distance Sensor) for navigating and tracking location.

Expect efficiency from these robots as LIDAR is very precise. None of these options had trouble traversing through tight quarters and did not get stuck.

But you’ll have to remove any small toys, light area rugs, and wires to maximize it.

2. Live Maps

Thanks to LIDAR, users will enjoy live map views. You can see where the robot is with its run in real-time. It also provides information about run time and area.

The apps are pretty handy if you want to measure the size of your home.

3. Round frame

These robots both have round frames. One potential issue with having such is the inability to clean everything at the edges (more on that below).

4. HEPA Filtration

The 360 S6 and Roborock S5 Max have washable HEPA filters.

So each can sift fine dust and prevent it from blowing out the exhaust. Remember that you’ll need to replace these filters every three to four months.

5. Combo Brush

Another similarity is the combo brush. Both options use a bristle and rubber blade combo, which I see in many robot vacuums these days.

One difference is the 360 has a fixed brush roll without any up and downward play.

The S5 Max’s brush isn’t fixed but has some leeway to adjust to the height of the surface it’s cleaning.

Differences between the 360 S6 and Roborock S5 Max

Next, we’ll look at how these robots are different, and most of them aren’t obvious.

1. Side brush

The 360 S6 has two side brushes, while the Roborock S5 Max utilizes only one.

Two may sound good on paper, but I’m not a big fan. The S6 brush scattered more debris during tests than the S5 Max to a larger radius.

Not a big deal for cleaning dust, but for more substantial debris like pet litter, it can create a bigger mess.

2. Dustbin

While both dustbins load from the top, the 360 S6 provides direct access. Push a lever, and it pops out. With the S5 Max, you’ll have to open a top door before gaining access.

The S5 Max also has a slightly larger dust container with a 0.46-liter capacity versus the 0.4-liter volume of the 360 S6.

However, the S6 dustbin is easier to empty with its door-on-top design. It has more space than the front door design of the S5 Max, being more cramped.

3. Thoroughness

The most significant difference and possibly a sticking point for some is thoroughness. By default, the S5 Max will go around the area twice.

You can add an extra pass through the app for a more meticulous clean.

In comparison, the 360 S6 only does it once. Users won’t have the option to adjust the number of passes, except in the area tab, which isn’t practical.

4. Water tank

The Roborock S5 Max was one of the first robots with a fully functional electronic water tank.

I’ve tested it extensively and found it very efficient at water usage.

It dispenses the right amount, keeping the pad damp without soaking it. Users also have the option to adjust the water flow through the app.

The 360 S6 lacks this feature with only an 80-ml gravity tank. But even with an electronic tank, mopping was decent. However, it left a wetter surface with visible tire marks.

5. Invisible wall

Another omission with the 360 app is the invisible wall.

While it has no-go zones, it isn’t enough. An invisible wall enables users to draw diagonal lines, providing more flexibility on what areas to block.

6. Number of maps

The 360 S6 can save up to 10 map levels versus the S5 Max’s 4.

But the S5 Max has a more intuitive flow with a step-by-step guide on creating a new map.

360 doesn’t offer this feature. You’ll have to save it manually, or it’s overwritten.

How do the 360 S6 and Roborock S5 Max navigate?

These robot vacuums will start their navigation by going around the edges before moving to the middle, doing straight, back, and forth passes.

However, the S5 Max does more passes and repeats the process (up to) three times. The 360 S6 will only go around once by default – it won’t be as meticulous.

Both won’t scuff furniture and are adept in narrow spaces. Remember to clean any wires or small items on the floor that can hamper the robot.

App Features of the 360 S6 and Roborock S5 Max

These vacuums come with smartphone apps that unlock all the features.

The S5 Max is compatible with the Roborock and Xiaomi Home App. I prefer the latter because it has the room naming feature usable with Alexa and Google assistant.

The S6 is compatible with the 360 app, and we’ll compare each feature.

Both apps have live maps with real-time data about the robot’s location, area size, battery life, and more.

I like that you can zoom the map close. It will help with the accuracy when placing invisible walls and no-go zones on the map.

Containment feature

Roborock easily wins this round because it has invisible walls and no-go zones.

Both are essential because not all areas in your home are blockable with a box or rectangle. Some zones will require a diagonal line.

360, for some reason, didn’t add the invisible wall in the S6 version of the app.

It limits usability, and the 360 company should consider adding this feature to compete with Roborock.

Map

360 has the advantage here: it can save up to 10 map levels.

One caveat is you’ll have to save it manually after running it on each of the main areas in your home. There’s no step-by-step guide.

It also can’t detect the map, so you’ll have to select the correct one before the cleaning cycle.

The Xiaomi and Roborock app can save up to 4 map levels.

But it’s more user-friendly with a quick start to guide you through the process. It also detects the correct map with the initial scan, so there’s no need to select the correct map when moving between floors.

Selective room cleaning

Only the Roborock has this feature. If you want to name rooms, go with the Xiaomi app since it has the room naming option.

It’s usable with Alexa, which is good news for those who prefer using voice.

360 doesn’t have this feature, and users will have no choice but to use the area tab to clean a specific zone.

Scheduling

Unlimited scheduling is possible for both apps, which is a big plus. You’ll have the option to select weekdays, weekends, or a specific day of the week, so it has a lot of flexibility.

Maintenance

This tab will show when to change components like the filter and brush. There isn’t much of a difference between the two.

Airflow Comparison

I used an anemometer to measure airflow at the main brush. Here are the results for both.

The S5 Max has more airflow across all the power settings with up to 17.74 CFM.

And here’s the clincher – it has more power at its lowest setting versus the 360 S6 at its highest power setting.

The low airflow of the S6 was a disappointment to me, with only 7.91 CFM at performance mode (or Max).

I was hoping it would have at least 15 CFM, a decent number for a robot vacuum at this price point.

But it has less airflow than the Roomba 675 and 690.

Cleaning performance comparison: 360 S6 vs. Roborock S5 Max

First, here are the scores from both robots.

The Roborock S5 Max is the better cleaning robot based on the results above. It picked up more debris on both the surface and deep cleaning tests.

Roborock was better because of its thoroughness – it picks up more dirt because it goes around the area more. Whereas the 360 only went around once.

Pair it with the low airflow, and it won’t make as clean a pass as the S5 Max.

Also, the S5 Max has more usable power at the lower settings. Even at quiet mode, it left less dirt on this area under the dust container versus the S6, whose lowest setting I don’t recommend for vacuuming.

Which is better on hard floors?

Hands down, the S5 Max, with its single side brush and higher airflow, had a near-perfect score.

Roborock’s single-side brush design won’t scatter as much dirt, and the strong airflow enables it to make clean passes, whereas the 360 S6’s dual-side brush design kicked dirt to a broader zone.

The S5 Max was also better in the sand on hard floor test, picking up 99.8% versus the S6’s 93.7%.

Edge cleaning comparison

There isn’t much difference between the 360 S6 and Roborock S5 Max with edge cleaning. I’d say a slight edge to the S5 Max since it picked up slightly more.

Here’s a before and after shot for the S5 Max.

And here’s how the 360 S6 did.

Both picked up a decent amount, but you could see visible traces of coffee on the edges.

The round frame hinders how much dirt these robots can potentially pick up.

Hair wrap comparison

I spread out one gram of five and seven-inch human hair strands to check how well these robots will resist tangles.

The S5 Max is better with 5-inch hair with hardly anything wrapping on the brush.

But more hair wrapped on the brush after the seven-inch test.

In comparison, the 360 S6 didn’t do as well, with more hair on the brush after both tests.

Which is better on carpet?

BASED ON THE SCORES, the S5 Max is better on carpets with surface and deep cleaning tests.

Passes were cleaner thanks to the higher airflow.

Its ability to do more passes also helped it achieve better results.

In deep cleaning tests, the S5 Max is better after a single run, picking up an average of 84.75% versus the 360 S6’s 62.15%.

As an experiment, I tried running the S6 a second and third time to see how much more it’ll pick up.

After the second run, it picked up 78.5%, and after three runs, it was up to 88.9%, which is Roomba good.

The bad news is you’ll have to run the robot manually twice to achieve this result.

One workaround is enabling the “cleaning times” feature in the map.

Can the 360 S6 and Roborock S5 Max clean large debris?

These robots have enough clearance to clean large debris like cheerios and fruit loops.

Mopping comparison

While both robot vacuums can mop, the S5 Max is a step above the 360 S6 with its larger electronic water tank.

This feature alone enables the S5 Max to mop a larger area as the electronic tank is exact at dispensing water.

It releases just enough to keep the pad wet but not soaking. So it leaves an almost dry surface afterward.

The 360 S6 only has the gravity water tank, but it’s better than the Roborock S6 Pure leaving a less sticky residue, but tire marks are visible.

The S5 Max would be the better option for those who have black tile.

Run time comparison

Roborock is better in this category thanks to its 5,200 mAh li-ion battery. The S5 Max can run for up to 180 minutes in a full charge.

In contrast, the 360 S6 utilizes a smaller 3200 mAh li-ion battery, so the Max it can go is only 120 minutes, but you’ll have to use the lowest setting to make this possible.

Unfortunately, the S6’s lowest setting isn’t usable for vacuuming. Only the middle and Max are.

Maintenance

These robot vacuums will require some upkeep to run at their best for years to come.

Here’s a list of components you need to clean or replace.

1. Main brush: One of the most abused components is the primary brush. Stuff like hair and dust will accumulate, and it’s essential to keep it clean, so the motor doesn’t burn out prematurely.
2. Side brush: Next to the main brush, the side brush is another abused component. The main culprit is hair wrapping around the base, causing unnecessary friction and wear on the motor. Use a Philips screwdriver to remove the bolt and remove any hair buildup.
3. Sensors: There are many sensors around the robot to avoid obstacles and not fall from the stairs. One of the most critical of these is the drop sensors underneath. Use a dry, clean microfiber towel to wipe these parts at least once or twice a month.
4. LIDAR: Use a vacuum to clean any debris inside the LIDAR sensor. Avoid using a sharp object to get it out, as it can damage it.
5. Dustbin and filter: Empty the dustbin after every cleaning cycle to prevent buildup. The HEPA filter is washable, but my preferred cleaning method is a handheld with a brush attachment to remove dust buildup within the folds.

Availability of Parts

You can buy components for 360 and Roborock from Amazon. Parts like the filter, side brush, and main brush are available from Amazon.

The good news is that there are many options for both the 360 and Roborock, with many sellers offering their products – prices will be competitive.

Unfortunately, sourcing harder-to-find components outside the brushes and filter will be more challenging.

If a part like the battery or side brushes motor breaks, you can try searching for it in AliExpress and hopefully find something there.

Product Specifications

Model	360 S6	Roborock S5 Max
Width	13.7"	13.8"
Height	3.85"	3.8"
Filter	HEPA	HEPA
Navigation	Smart Navigation	Smart Navigation
Run time (Turbo mode)	120 mins.	180 mins.
Recharge and Resume	Yes	Yes
Map Saving	Yes	Yes
Number of Maps	10	4
Dustbin capacity	400 ml	460 ml
Water tank capacity	80 ml	290 ml
Airflow	7.91 CFM	17.74 CFM
Warranty	1-year limited	1-year limited
Price	Check Price	Check Price

Other Roborock comparisons

• Roborock S4 vs. S4 Max
• Roborock S4 Max vs S5 Max
• Roborock S5 Max vs S6 MaxV
• Viomi V3 vs Roborock S5 Max
• Rborock S7 vs S6 MaxV vs S5 Max
• Roborock S7 vs Ecovacs N8 Pro+

Where can I buy these robots?

You can buy the 360 S6 and Roborock S5 Max from online stores like Amazon. Check the links below for more information.

• 360 S6 on Amazon.
• Roborock S5 Max on Amazon.

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

Which is better, 360 S6 or Roborock S5 Max?

I wanted to recommend the 360 S6 because it’s less expensive, but I have some reservations after testing it.

The price difference doesn’t justify the advantages the S5 Max brings to the table.

It has more usable power in the lower settings and better convenience features like setting virtual walls.

Roborock is also more meticulous, with the option for a three-pass run, which is not possible with the 360 S6.

The only advantage I see with 360 is saving more maps – up to 10. But realistically, ten is overkill, and the disadvantages outweigh the cheaper cost.

4 Reasons to choose the Roborock S5 Max

1. More thorough: Users have the option for a three-pass run, which is more comprehensive than the one-pass run of the 360 S6.
2. Better app features: The Roborock and Xiaomi app offer more features like the virtual wall providing better usability.
3. Usable airflow: The S5 Max will pick up more debris even at the lower settings.
4. Superior mopping: The S5 Max can mop a larger space while leaving a dryer surface with fewer streaks and residue thanks to the electronic water tank.

3 Reasons to choose the 360 S6

1. Less expensive: The white version is cheaper than the Roborock S5 Max.
2. Easier to empty: With the top-door design, it’s easier to dispose of the 360 S6 dust container.
3. Deep cleans like a Roomba: The S6 cleaned embedded debris higher than the S5 Max if you run it three times.

The Verdict: Roborock is Still Better

While the 360 S6 is a fascinating option because of the lower cost, the S5 Max is still the better product.

The higher airflow will result in cleaner passes, and it leaves fewer residue thanks to the electronic water tank.

The 360 S6 deep cleans at a higher rate, but you’ll have to run it manually three times.

It would be closer if 360 could address the app’s lack of features with future rollouts. But as it stands, the S5 Max is the better option.