Continuing my series on Roborock robot vacuums, we’ll compare the Q Revo and Q5+ – similarly priced options in the Roborock product line but with diverse feature sets.
These products are more closely priced than the top-tier variants like the S8 Pro and S7 MaxV Ultra, so these variances will be crucial to your decision-making process if you’re looking to purchase one.
An Overview of the Roborock Q Revo and Q5+
Airflow: 17.91 CFM 📝 Sand on Hard Floor: 99.6% 📝 Deep Cleaning: 76.35%
Side brush: One 📝 Brush roll: All-rubber brush
Navigation: LIDAR 📝 Map saving: Yes 📝 Number of maps: 4 📝 Containment: Yes 📝 Selective Room cleaning: Yes 📝 Recharge & Resume: Yes
Self-Empty: Yes 📝 Bag capacity: 2.7 liters 📝 Dustbin capacity: 350ml
Mopping: Yes 📝 Pad Washing: Yes 📝 Clean water tank capacity: 5 liters 📝 Dirty water tank capacity: 5 liters 📝 Water tank (inside robot): 350ml
Battery: 5200 mAh Li-ion 📝 Run time: 180 minutes 📝 Noise: 62.8 dB
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
Airflow: 16.75 CFM 📝 Sand on Hard Floor: 99.9% 📝 Deep Cleaning: 75.7%
Side brush: One 📝 Brush roll: Combo brush
Navigation: LIDAR 📝 Map saving: Yes 📝 Number of maps: 4 📝 Containment: Yes 📝 Selective Room cleaning: Yes 📝 Recharge & Resume: Yes
Self-Empty: Yes 📝 Bag capacity: 2.5 liters 📝 Dustbin capacity: 470ml
Mopping: No 📝 Pad Washing: No 📝 Clean water tank capacity: N/A 📝 Dirty water tank capacity: N/A 📝 Water tank (inside robot): N/A
Battery: 5200 mAh Li-ion 📝 Run time: 180 minutes 📝 Noise: 66.2 dB
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Jump to: Intro, Similarities, Differences, App Features, Navigation, Obstacle Avoidance, Airflow, Cleaning, Mopping, Run Time, Noise, Maintenance, Parts, Specs, Where to Buy, Which is Better, Verdict
Introduction to the Q Revo and Q5+
The Q Revo and Q5+ are Roborock’s mid-priced options with similar functionality but with varying levels of automation.
Before the Q Revo was released, the Q5+ was the cheapest Roborock option with a self-emptying base station.
However, it doesn’t have the pad-washing or mopping feature available in other brands.
So Roborock did something clever and filled the gap missing in its lineup – a do-it-all robot vacuum with pad washing and self-emptying features below the $800 price tag.
Cheaper, But Bare Features: Roborock Q5+
Pros
- One of the least expensive Roborock options with a self-emptying base station
- The high airflow makes it efficient at debris pick-up
- Proficient navigation
- Compact base station
- Decent-sized 2.5-liter bag
Cons
- It lacks a mopping feature
- No pad-washing
Before the Q5+ was unveiled, the cheapest self-emptying Roborock option was the S7+, priced close to a premium-level model.
This variant was released at the same time as the S7 MaxV Ultra and fills the gap missing previously.
It offers consumers a cheaper alternative with an auto-empty feature.
One reason why it’s not as expensive is it doesn’t have a mopping bracket, which is perfect for consumers who don’t need it.
Aside from its lower price, the Q5’s most significant selling point (for me) is its above-average pick-up, especially on hard floors where it excels.
The 16 CFM airflow figure is higher than its more expensive siblings, the S7 MaxV and S8 Pro Ultra, enabling it to pick up more sand on hard floors.
However, it’s not enough on carpets, evidenced by its below-average result (only 75.7%), so I’d recommend this for homes with mostly hard surfaces.
Costlier, But More Versatile: Roborock Q Revo
Pros
- More versatility than the Q5+
- It has a do-it-all base station with pad-washing and self-emptying features
- Efficient mopping performance
- Proficient navigation and vacuuming
- Better autonomy
- Large 5-liter water tanks
- Surprisingly good pad-washing
Cons
- Larger base station takes up more space
- A bit more expensive
The Q Revo is probably the best value-for-money Roborock option I’ve reviewed.
It’s Roborock’s least expensive option with pad-washing and self-emptying, cheaper than other brands with a similar feature set.
And one reason is the more common design used, similar to other brands like Dreame and Ecovacs.
However, the Q Revo has faster spinning pads rated at 200 rpm, 20 rpm faster than Dreame, which is why the pad-washing system is good.
One intriguing aspect of this comparison is the sand on hard floor results, where the Q Revo picked up more (99.9% vs. 99.6%) despite having less airflow (17.91 CFM vs. 16.75 CFM).
Nonetheless, its efficient mopping and pad-washing features separate the Q Revo from the Q5+ and the Q7 Max, making it one of the best value options available.
It’s not as good as the S8 Pro Ultra at deep cleaning carpet, but the massive price variance makes it a compelling alternative if this isn’t a priority.
Similarities of the Roborock Q Revo and Q5+
Next, we’ll look at the similarities between these versatile robot vacuums.
1. Self-Emptying Feature
The first similarity is both models have an auto-empty feature, with the Q Revo having a slightly larger bag capacity (2.7 liters vs. 2.5 liters).
These robots have a bagged system, which is easier to empty since consumers only have to remove the bag for disposal.
2. LIDAR
All Roborock options like the Q Revo and Q5+ utilize LIDAR (or laser distance sensor) to track location and map creation.
One thing I like about this sensor is its 360-degree scanning, making it ultra-efficient at map creation since it doesn’t have to go through every nook and cranny.
3. Round Shape
These robot vacuums utilize the same round, pucked-shaped form used in all Roborock products.
Compared to a robot with a square front, round-shaped options for traversing around cramped spaces and (almost) never get wedged.
4. Ramp-Style Dock
Another similarity is the ramp-style dock that most Roborock products use. It’s a better design than a vertical dock since it has better stability with the robot sitting on the ramp.
One variance is the port location. The Q Revo’s port is inside the dock, while the Q5+ is on the ramp.
The Q Revo self-emptying port is wider than the Q Revo, giving it more space for emptying debris efficiently.
But the Q Revo is also efficient during the experiments, so this shouldn’t be a deciding factor.
Differences Between the Roborock Q Revo vs. Q5+
Next, we’ll look at the differences between these Roborock products, starting with the base station.
1. Base Station Function
The most significant difference is the base station design and functionality.
You can see in the photo above the massive size variance where the Q Revo towers over the Q5+.
This has its obvious flaws, especially inside tiny homes, but it offers more functionality since it can also wash the pads, further automating this task.
2. Mopping System
The next variance is the mopping system, or the lack thereof, for the Q5+.
This aspect could be the most significant deciding factor between the Q Revo and Q5+ and whether the price difference is worth it.
The Q Revo’s twin-disc system is one of the best I’ve reviewed at removing stains, thanks to its 200 rpm rotation.
3. Side Brush
One underrated difference is the side brush design. The Q Revo uses the older three-pronged, bristled design, whereas the Q5+ has the all-rubber brush.
There’s no difference in cleaning performance based on experiments, but (I think) the Q5’s version has better durability.
The good news is these brushes are interchangeable, so you could try which suits your needs better.
4. Brush Roll
The next difference is the brush roll design – the Q Revo uses the newer bristle-less roller, while the Q5+ uses the older combo brush design.
Again, there’s not much variance in cleaning performance since both efficiently pick up debris. Still, one advantage of the bristle-less variety is that it is easier to maintain since hair doesn’t wrap as tightly.
5. Obstacle Avoidance [Q Revo only]
Only the Q Revo has obstacle avoidance technology, utilizing Roborock’s front IR sensor for evading objects.
Since it lacks the two laser sensors in the more expensive options, it doesn’t identify objects precisely. However, it’s still above average at evading most obstacles, except for wires, pet feces, and a weighing scale.
The Q5+ doesn’t have this feature, so don’t expect it to avoid objects.
6. Pad-Washing [Q Revo only]
Another deciding factor between the Q Revo and Q5+ is the pad-washing feature, which is why I said the Q Revo is one of the best value options available.
Surprisingly, it cleaned the pads more efficiently than other brands I’ve tested.
I’ll enumerate the most helpful features of these apps.
App Features
Both robots are compatible with the Roborock app and have similar features, except model-specific ones only available in the Q Revo.
1. Live Map
One of the most helpful features of the Roborock app is the live map, enabling users to see the robot’s whereabouts in real time and areas it has cleaned through the grid lines.
Roborock was the first to integrate this feature; other brands have followed suit.
A 3D map is also available for these models who want to view the map from a three-dimensional perspective.
2. Mapping Run
Another practical feature is the mapping run, which helps consumers create and save maps in a fraction of the time compared to a full run.
This feature utilizes LIDAR’s 360 scanning to fast-track the map creation process.
It’s one reason why I prefer LIDAR robots over their VSLAM counterparts.
3. Map Saving
The Q Revo and Q5+ can save up to four map levels, which is standard for all Roborock options.
4. Containment
Further helping consumers manage their homes, the Roborock app provides containment options to block off-limit areas.
There are three options – the invisible wall, no-go, and no-mop zones.
The invisible wall acts like a wall that blocks the robot from going past it, while the no-go and no-mop zones block the robot from entering a zone.
5. Threshold
A new feature introduced by Roborock is the threshold feature, which has the same function as the invisible wall, blocking the robot from going past it.
Technically, consumers can use the invisible wall feature on thresholds, but (I’m guessing) Roborock added it to help consumers organize their spaces better.
6. Selective Room Cleaning
Consumers can ask the robot to pinpoint a room to clean through this feature.
One option is tapping the room on the map, and another is using a voice-activated device like Alexa to command the robot.
For example, you can say, “Alexa, tell Roborock to clean the living room,” and it’ll do the task for you.
7. Zoned Cleaning
A variation is the zoned cleaning, where users can draw a rectangular or square zone on the map where the robot will vacuum.
One advantage of this feature is it gives consumers more control of the area it’ll clean.
Unfortunately, these zones aren’t savable, unlike in the Roomba app.
Navigation Comparison
Since these robots use LIDAR (or Laser Distance Sensor), both will move similarly, starting the run, cleaning the edges, and moving toward the middle portion.
Both will navigate efficiently and go around furniture with minimal risk of getting wedged, which is their biggest strength.
Coverage Test
I tested the Q Revo and Q5+ in a small room, precisely how much Quaker oats it’ll pick up and how fast it’ll finish a two-pass run.
Here’s a before and after shot of the Q Revo.
And the Q5+.
These robots were nearly equal at picking up debris during this experiment, gulping up nearly everything after the first pass.
The Q Revo was nearly two minutes faster than the Q5+ during the two-pass run, but that variance is minimal, at least inside this room.
As I’ve said earlier, only the Q Revo has the obstacle avoidance sensor, enabling it to evade objects better than the Q5+.
Airflow Comparison
One critical metric for a robot vacuum is airflow, where I use an anemometer to check how much air passes through the brush roll.
Here are the results.
| Power setting | Roborock Q5+ | Roborock Q Revo |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet | 9.68 CFM | 9.68 CFM |
| Balanced | 11.68 CFM | 11.67 CFM |
| Turbo | 13.91 CFM | 14.52 CFM |
| Max | 16.75 CFM | 17.91 CFM |
The Q Revo and Q5+ results are incredibly close, with less than a 1 CFM variance in most categories besides the max setting.
The higher airflow translated to (slightly) better cleaning scores, which we’ll discuss in the next section.
Cleaning Comparison
Next, we’ll investigate how these robot vacuums compare their cleaning performance.
I put these products through grueling experiments on various debris types.
| Model | Roborock Q5+ | Roborock Q Revo |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 93.26% | 93.46% |
| Hard Floor | 99.95% | 99.75% |
| Sand on hard floor | 99.9% | 99.6% |
| Carpet (Surface Pickup) | 97.5% | 98.17% |
| Carpet (Deep Cleaning) | 75.7% | 76.35% |
Two things immediately stand out. First, the Q5+ is better on hard floors, and second, the Q Revo is better on carpets.
These results align with my theory that high-airflow robots clean carpets better.
Which Option is Better on Hard Floors?
The Q5+ got higher averages on the standard debris pick-up experiments and sand, but the variance is slight.
These results prove that there’s no cleaning advantage for the bristle-less roller.
Here’s a before and after shot for the Q Revo in the sand experiment.
And here’s the result for the Q5+.
You can see a minimal difference even in the eye test.
The Q Revo picked up an average of 99.6%, while the Q5+ scored 99.9%.
Edge Cleaning
The Q Revo was slightly better at cleaning the edges, leaving less debris in this area than the Q5+.
Here’s a before and after shot for the Q Revo.
And the Q5+.
Nonetheless, the variance between these two is minimal and shouldn’t be a sticking point.
But it reveals another advantage of a higher airflow robot.
Hair Wrap
Next, we’ll compare how each robot fared during the hair wrap experiment, where I tested both on five and seven-inch hair.
| Model | Roborock Q5+ | Roborock Q Revo |
|---|---|---|
| 5-inch strands | 72% | 24.5% |
| 7-inch strands | 34% | N/A |
The results aren’t close, with the Q5+ picking up (much) more hair than the Q Revo, picking up 72% of five-inch hair, nearly thrice more than the Q Revo (24.5%).
I didn’t bother testing the Q Revo on seven-inch hair since it only got 24.5%.
Which Option is Better on Carpets?
With its higher airflow, the Q Revo got higher averages than the Q5+ on this surface.
Again, the difference isn’t much like in the hard floor experiments.
It scored better on surface debris (98.17% vs. 97.5%) and embedded sand (76.35% vs. 75.7%).
Mopping Comparison
This category has no comparison since only the Q Revo has the mopping module, while the Q5+ doesn’t.
The Q Revo excelled in this category, getting nearly everything out after the first pass, which is surprising since other brands I’ve reviewed with a similar design weren’t as proficient.
Here’s a before and after shot after the red wine experiment.
And the hard-to-clean juice stains.
The Q Revo didn’t stall and mopped every blemish from the tiled surface.
Another factor making it a compelling option is the simpler pad-cleaning module since it efficiently cleans the pads.
The tray mechanism is easier to clean than the S7 MaxV and S8 Pro Ultra bristled system.
Noise Comparison
I used a sound meter to measure noise from a few feet away, with the results below.
| Power setting | Roborock Q Revo | Roborock Q5+ |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet | 59.7 dB | 60.7 dB |
| Balanced | 60.5 dB | 60.9 dB |
| Turbo | 61.5 dB | 63.2 dB |
| Max | 62.8 dB | 66.2 dB |
Despite the lower airflow, the Q5+ is the noisier option, maxing at over 66 decibels at the highest setting, making the Q Revo the better option if loudness is a deciding factor since it didn’t reach 65 decibels.
Maintenance
As with all robot vacuums, the Q Revo and Q5+ will need maintenance to function efficiently for years.
I’ll enumerate the components needing cleaning or replacing and their suggested intervals.
- Brush roll: Clean this part once a week to remove any hair wrap or dust accumulation, especially on the axles where it builds up.
- Side brush: Another hair magnet that needs weekly cleaning. Use a Philips screwdriver to remove, then clean.
- Dustbin and filter: Empty the dustbin (after every cleaning cycle) if you have the robot-only variant. Clean the filter monthly to dislodge dirt trapped in the folds.
- Drop sensors: Use a clean microfiber towel or cotton bud to clean the drop sensors and remove any accumulated dust or fingerprints.
- Dirt water tank [Q Revo]: Rinse the dirty tank thoroughly weekly to prevent odor from accumulating.
- Self-emptying port: Ensure the auto-empty port going into the bag is free from any obstruction.
- Bag: Dispose of the bag once it’s full.
Parts Availability
With the growing popularity of Roborock, there’s better availability, with more third-party manufacturers selling replacement components like filters and brushes.
Consumers can purchase these components by set to save some cash.
However, it still pales compared to the Roomba regarding hard-to-find parts like the battery or side brush module.
Product Specifications
| Model | Roborock Q Revo | Roborock Q5+ |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Width | 13.77" | 13.8" |
| Height | 3.79" | 3.8" |
| Filter | Washable E11 Rated Air Filter | Washable E11 Rated Air Filter |
| Navigation | Smart Navigation | Smart Navigation |
| Run time | 180 mins. | 180 mins. |
| Recharge and Resume | Yes | Yes |
| Map Saving | Yes | Yes |
| Number of Maps | 4 | 4 |
| Dustbin capacity | 350 ml | 400 ml |
| Clean Water Tank | 5 liters | N/A |
| Dirty Water Tank | 5 liters | N/A |
| Water tank (inside robot) | 80 ml | N/A |
| Auto empty capacity | 2.7 liters | 2.5 liters |
| Airflow | 17.91 CFM | 16.75 CFM |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | 1-year limited |
| Price |
Where Can I Buy These Robot Vacuums?
Consumers can purchase these robot vacuums from online stores like Amazon. Check the links below for the latest pricing information.
Disclaimer: I will earn a commission if you purchase through any of the links above, but at no extra cost, so it’s a win-win for us!
Which Option is Better?
The price variance between the Q Revo and Q5+ isn’t as significant as more expensive options like the S7 MaxV and S8 Pro Ultra, so choosing between these models will boil down to feature preferences.
Since the cleaning variance isn’t much, you must consider the features you prioritize.
Do you need the mopping feature or only want vacuuming?
How big is your home? Does it have lots of carpet?
How much are you willing to spend?
Answering these questions will help point out which model you’ll choose.
5 Reasons to Choose the Roborock Q Revo
- More versatility: The Q Revo has a do-it-all base station that empties the dustbin and washes the pads for you.
- Better on carpets: Its higher airflow enables it to pick up more debris on this surface.
- Proficient mopping: The 200 rpm spinning pads are efficient at mopping even hard-to-clean juice stains.
- Obstacle avoidance: It has the front IR sensor, helping it evade objects better than the Q5+.
- More autonomy: This robot will vacuum and mop with minimal intervention since it automates the task.
4 Reasons to Choose the Q5+
- Cheaper: With the release of the Q Revo, the Q5+ has fallen below the mid-level mark, making it an excellent value option if you don’t need the mopping feature.
- Better on hard floors: It was better than the Q Revo in nearly all the hard floor experiments, except for hair.
- More compact base station: If space is a premium, the Q5+ is the better option with its smaller footprint.
- Efficient navigation: It retains the same proficient navigation as its more expensive siblings.
The Verdict: Know What Features To Prioritize
While the price is a huge determining factor, choosing between the Q Revo and Q5+ will focus on feature priorities.
What features do you need the most?
The Roborock Q Revo, while more costly, offers better versatility with its versatile base station that has pad-washing and self-emptying features.
Its two pads are proficient at stain removal and are one of the best I’ve reviewed.
Combined with its simple pad-cleaning component, it’s one of the best options for this task.
The Q Revo’s higher airflow enables it to pick up more debris on carpet, even embedded dirt.
In comparison, the Q5’s selling point is its lower price, but with a more bare feature set.
It lacks the mopping feature but takes up less space since the base station isn’t as massive.
