Roborock Q5+ vs. Q7 Max+

After finishing the review of the Roborock Q7 Max+, I thought it would be fitting to compare it to its cheaper counterpart, the Roborock Q5+.

These two models are part of Roborock’s latest product releases with the redesigned self-emptying base station, filling the previously present mid-price void.

I’ve meticulously tested these robots in various facets to determine their similarities and differences and which is the better option for a specific need.

Both models I tested are the plus, meaning they have the self-emptying base station.

And if you’ve followed my blog, I’m a big fan of self-emptying robots because of the auto-empty feature that empties the robot’s dustbin automatically after every run.

Quick overview of the Roborock Q5+ and Roborock Q7 Max+

Roborock Q5+

• Airflow: 16.75 CFM
• Deep cleaning: 75.7%
• Mopping: No
• Auto empty: Yes
• Bag capacity: 2.5-liters
• Navigation: LIDAR & SLAM
• Map saving: Yes
• Number of maps: 4
• Containment: Yes
• Selective room cleaning: Yes
• Recharge & Resume: Yes
• Brush roll: Combo brush
• Dustbin capacity: 470ml
• Mopping: No
• Water tank: N/A
• Side brush: One
• Battery: 5200 mAh Li-ion
• Run time: 180 mins
• Noise: 66.2 dB

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Roborock Q7 Max+

• Airflow: 15.68 CFM
• Deep Cleaning: 69.63%
• Navigation: LIDAR + SLAM
• Self-empty: Yes
• Bag capacity: 2.5-liters
• Map saving: Yes
• Number of maps: 4
• Containment: Yes
• Selective Room cleaning: Yes
• Recharge & Resume: Yes
• Brush roll: Upgraded bristle-less roller
• Dustbin capacity: 470ml
•  
• Mopping: Yes
• Water tank capacity: 350ml
• Side brush: One
• Battery: 5200 mAh Li-ion
• Run time: 180 minutes
• Noise: 74.8 dB

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Introduction to the Roborock Q5 Max+ and Q7 Max+

Before the Q-Series was launched, Roborock’s self-emptying options were priced in the high-premium range, meaning it fell out of reach to many consumers.

The Roborock Q5+ and Q7 Max+ change things as it offers consumers cheaper alternatives with a self-emptying base station if the S7 MaxV series is too pricey.

Please realize that the then flagship Roborock S7+ is still available, but the brand new option still goes close to four figures, and I believe these options offer better value for money.

One thing lacking in the Q5 and Q7 is the vibrating mopping element in the S7 and S7 MaxV.

However, if mopping isn’t a high priority, or you don’t mind not having the extra agitation from the S7, these alternatives are excellent.

Least Expensive Auto-Empty Option: Roborock Q5+

Pros

• Least expensive Roborock option with a self-emptying base station
• High-end surface cleaning performance
• Efficient navigation
• The quick mapping feature creates maps faster than any VSLAM robot
• Above-average deep cleaning performance

Cons

• No mopping feature
• It uses a standard combo brush, so it doesn’t resist tangles, as well as the upgraded roller.

The Roborock Q5+ is the least expensive Roborock self-emptying robot vacuum and is one of the best value options available.

It’s as expensive as the mid-level Roomba options (I3+ and I6+), but with more efficient navigation and better cleaning performance.

While the Q5 is an entry-level option, at least for Roborock, it offers far better cleaning ability than its price tag suggests.

Like all Roborock products, it offers high-end performance with surface and (even) embedded dirt.

One critical difference in the Q5 is it still uses the old-style combo brush found in the previous generation S-Series robots.

Before testing the new brush, I thought the upgraded brush would have a better pick-up, but after dozens of experiments, there isn’t much variance.

Hair cleaning performance is the main difference between the combo brush and the upgraded bristle-less brush.

On average, options with the bristle-less roller picked up more hair versus options with the combo brush.

The photo above shows how much hair is wrapped on the Q5.

Another plus for the upgraded roller is it’s easier to clean, so even if hair wraps on it, there are no bristles, and you can pull out any accumulation.

With cleaning performance, the Roborock Q5 is excellent, especially with surface debris, where it got high scores.

It can keep pace with the high-end Roborock options like the S7 MaxV Ultra and S7 with vacuuming debris, so it shouldn’t dissuade you from considering it.

One feature lacking in the Q5 and why it’s cheaper is it doesn’t have a mopping feature.

This variant is the most basic Roborock option with a self-emptying base station.

Consider this option if you don’t mind the barebones spec sheet or don’t have pets.

There are two Q5 options – the “plus” option with the self-emptying base station and the standard “non-plus” variant without it.

The former is more expensive with the auto-empty base, and I’d recommend it over the non-plus variant because of the convenience benefits.

Hybrid Functionality But More Expensive: Roborock Q7 Max+

Pros

• Two-in-one functionality at a more affordable cost than the S7 MaxV and S7
• Excellent cleaning performance, especially with surface dirt
• Efficient navigation with a quick-mapping feature
• A hybrid dustbin and electronic water tank offer versatility not found in the Q5
• Above-average mopping performance on red wine stains

Cons

• Lower deep cleaning percentage than the Q5+
• The mopping pad doesn’t have a vibrating element
• More expensive option

A notch higher than the Q5 is the Q7 Max, with two critical enhancements – the bristle-less roller and hybrid dustbin/electronic water tank.

However, there’s a cheaper Q7 option without the “Max” with a smaller capacity gravity tank (only 180ml) but with a larger 750ml dustbin container.

Roborock says (based on their website) that the Q7 has lower suction (2700 vs. 4200 Pa), but don’t focus too much on this metric because models with lower Pascal ratings (at least with Roborock) have higher airflow.

And as you’ll see in this comparison, the supposedly weaker Q5 had (slightly) higher cleaning performance scores.

This metric shouldn’t be a deciding factor between the Q5 and Q7, but the peripheral ones are like whether you need the mopping feature, which we’ll look at next.

The Q7 Max+ comes with a hybrid container housing the dustbin and electronic water tank.

It separates it from the “non-plus” Q7 and the Q5 variants.

The electronic water tank helps folks control how much water trickles through the two holes underneath, unlike gravity tanks, where there’s a constant downstream even when the robot is docked.

Mopping performance (more below) is above-average. I’d say at par with the famous S5 Max, getting out the stains by the second pass.

Again, the Q7 without the plus has the larger dustbin but a much smaller water tank, and the Q7 Max is the inverse.

Opt for the Q7 Max if mopping is a high priority. Otherwise, save the $$$ and go with the Q7 or even the Q5+.

Similarities between the Roborock Q5+ and Q7 Max+

Next, we’ll look at the similarities with these intelligent robot vacuums starting with the shape.

1. Puck-Shaped Frame

All Roborock products utilize a pucked-shaped frame, which is the case for the Q5 and Q7; both have the exact dimensions.

2. Brush Layout

Another similarity is the brush layout. The Q5 and Q7 have one side brush (both use the all-rubber variant) and a primary brush.

One variance is the brush design since the Q5 has the older combo brush while the Q7 uses the upgraded bristle-less roller.

3. Self-Emptying

The next similarity is the self-emptying feature, a must-have for robot vacuums. 

Both options have this feature and utilize similarly designed base stations with the tower design, housing the 2.5-liter dustbin.

4. Ramp Style Dock and Wide Port

The Roborock Q5 and Q7 utilize a ramp-style dock with a wide port connecting to the brush roll.

It’s the only brand I’ve reviewed with this design and has proven effective in my experiments.

There’s no issue emptying the dustbin, even if it’s this full.

Here’s the after photo.

Placing the port directly underneath the brush roll helps it operate with more space and helps it suck out debris with better efficiency.

Another similarity between the Q5+ and Q7 Max+ base stations is the bagged system.

Unlike the S7+ that had the bagless and bagged version, the new Q-Series options utilize a bagged design with the same volume at 2.5 liters.

5. LIDAR navigation

One of the best features of Roborock is its LIDAR navigation, making both very proficient at traversing different areas of the home.

6. Mapping Run

Another plus with LIDAR is its efficient mapping run, taking advantage of LIDAR’s 360-scanning to create maps in a fraction of the time it takes a VSLAM robot.

If you decide between a VSLAM and SLAM, this may be the swing factor that pushes you to laser robots.

7. Compatible with the Roborock App

Both robots are compatible with the Roborock app and have (basically) the same set of features (more below).

Differences between the Roborock Q5+ and Q7 Max+

There aren’t many, but these are critical differences when choosing the best option for your needs.

1. Mopping [Q7 Only]

One reason the Q7-Series is more expensive is the mopping functionality not available in the Q5.

There are two options for the Q7 – the electronic water tank found in the Q7 Max or the gravity tank in the Q7 (non-Max) version.

The electronic water tank offers more capacity with better water disbursement control through the app. In contrast, the gravity tank (as its name implies) relies on gravity, and water will continually drip through the two holes underneath.

2. Hybrid Water Tank

The Q7 Max+ comes with a hybrid dustbin and water tank combo, enabling it to vacuum and mop simultaneously.

However, it doesn’t have the vibrating element of the S7-Series robots; thus, it won’t be as efficient in mopping floors.

App Features

These robots are compatible with the Roborock app, and most features are similar.

1. Live Map

Roborock pioneered the live map feature when they launched their first product, the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum.

It shows the robot’s location in real-time on the map with grid lines, marking the areas it has vacuumed.

The Q5 and Q7 have this feature, which brings me to the second feature.

2. Quick Mapping

No, Roborock wasn’t the first with the quick mapping run. The first manufacturer I’ve reviewed with this feature is Dreame.

This feature takes advantage of LIDAR’s 360 scanning to fast-track the map creation process.

It (literally) creates the map in a fraction of the time versus an entire run.

Other brands like Yeedi and Roomba have this feature, but VSLAM robots still need to go through every nook and cranny to create the map.

3. 3D map

Another feature introduced by Roborock in the Q and S7 Max Series is the 3D map.

There’s not much practical use aside from giving consumers a different perspective of the map.

One neat thing about it is users can view it from different angles.

However, don’t expect too much because it shows walls and nothing else. Don’t expect anything intricate with the map details depicted in the marketing materials.

Consumers can add furniture, but it’s for reference purposes since the robot can’t avoid them.

4. Map Saving

All LIDAR Roborock options can save (up to) four map levels, which is more than enough since most homes have two levels at most.

5. Containment

After doing the mapping run and saving it, consumers can use Roborock’s three different containment options: no-go zone, no-mop zone, plus an invisible wall.

No-go and no-mop zones are similar in that these block the robot from going into a square or rectangular area.

It helps block the robot from going into specific areas, like the children’s play area or where your pets sleep.

An invisible wall blocks the robot from going past it. One variance is that the latter can block diagonal areas, whereas the no-go or no-mop zones cannot.

6. Room Naming

Another customization option is room naming, where consumers can assign names to each zone inside their home.

You could choose from a list or use a custom name.

The app can automatically create these partitions, but sometimes it misses them.

Nonetheless, the app provides the option to add divisions manually.

7. Maintenance

Another helpful feature for Roborock owners is the maintenance tab, showing the components needed to be replaced and the remaining hours.

It’s not exact since it’s time-based, but it provides a structured way of maintaining the robot.

8. Scheduled Cleaning

This feature helps make the Q5 and Q7 autonomous since it cleans after consumers set it up.

And the self-emptying feature makes it possible since there’s no need to dispose of the dustbin’s contents constantly.

However, the Q7 Max+ lacks the pad-washing feature of the S7 MaxV Ultra, so only the vacuuming function is automated.

Airflow Comparison

Next, we’ll look at how these robots stack up with power. Roborock states that the Q7 Max has more power (or Pascals) on their website (4200 vs. 2700 Pa).

However, tests reveal that the Q5+ has more airflow (16.75 CFM vs. 15.68) at the brush roll area (though slightly).

The difference isn’t much, but I share this because Pascals tend to be overrated, in my opinion.

Airflow is a good metric because high airflow robots like the Roomba S9+ pick up debris well, especially embedded stuff on carpets.

Other factors like brush roll design and navigational algorithm come into play, but there’s a correlation between airflow and cleaning performance based on tests.

Cleaning Comparison

The cleaning test results confirm the Q5+’s higher airflow since it picked up a (slightly) higher percentage.

Based on these results (above), the Q5+ is better in nearly every cleaning metric except carpets (surface debris).

There’s a noticeable gap between the Q7 Max+ and Q5+ in the deep cleaning experiment (5+ percentage points), which proves that the Q5+ has more airflow.

I used the same sand during the experiments, letting the robot do a three-pass run.

Realize there may be a one percent variance when I do extra runs for these robots, but a five-plus percent difference exceeds the margins.

Which option is better on hard floors?

Technically, the Roborock Q5+ is better based on the scores, but the difference is too small to declare it the outright winner.

So (basically), it’s a toss-up between the two in this category.

The sand on hard floor test is (really) close (99.9% vs. 99.8%).

First, here’s a before and after shot from the Roborock Q5+ experiment.

And the Q7 Max+.

Did you see any difference? Hardly, right? That’s how close these results are, which reflects the airflow variance.

Related: Best Robot Vacuums on Hardwood Floors

Edge Cleaning Comparison

Surprisingly, the Roborock Q7 Max+ did better in the edge cleaning test, leaving less residue after a three-pass run.

I used coffee grounds scattered in the corner of my home office.

Again, here’s a before and after shot of the Q5+.

And the Q7 Max+.

You could see that I scattered more debris during the Q7 Max+ experiment than in the Q5+, and it picked up more.

Hair Wrap Comparison

One deciding factor for consumers is how well they want their robots to resist hair tangles.

For this experiment, I used five and seven-inch strands to determine how much the brush picks up while minimizing tangles.

There’s a noticeable disparity between the Q5+ and Q7 Max+ in cleaning hair.

And it’s one of the sticking points when deciding which option to purchase.

Check how much hair is wrapped on the Q5+ in the seven-inch experiment.

You’ll need a scissor to pry off the strands from the bristles.

Now, let’s look at the Q7 Max+.

Not only did it pick up more, but the hair came off easier than on the Q5+.

So the Q7 Max+ is the no-brainer option for pet owners or if hair cleaning is a high priority.

Which is better on carpets?

Another potential deciding factor is the carpet cleaning results, where the Q5+ had higher averages.

I say potential because you can’t go wrong choosing either since the scores are close.

It picked up more embedded sand on mid-pile carpet (75.7% vs. 69.63%) – another confirmation of the Q5’s higher airflow.

However, the results in the surface cleaning are nearly identical, with the Q7 Max+ picking up a (slightly) higher percentage (98.3% vs. 97.5%).

Mopping Comparison

There’s no comparison here since only the Q7 Max+ has the mopping element, while the Q5+ does not.

However, one feature lacking in the Q7 Max+ is the vibrating module, making it less efficient at mopping floors.

Here’s a before and after shot of the Q7 Max+ on red wine stains.

It got everything out by the second pass.

Nonetheless, I wouldn’t recommend this or any traditional robot mop for mopping food-based statins because none of them can pick up liquid.

These machines rely on the mopping pad to adsorb any stain accumulation.

You’ll need a floor washing robot like the ILIFE W400 or W450 to pick up liquid messes.

Run Time Comparison

The Roborock Q5+ and Q7 Max+ use the same 5200 mAh lithium-ion batter and will run for up to 180 minutes in the lowest setting.

Combined with their efficient algorithm, these robots will have an excellent range.

Noise Comparison

For the noise test, I used a sound meter from a few feet away to check how loud these robots were in each power setting.

The Roborock Q7 Max+ registered higher in the sound meter test, especially in the max setting, where it breached 70 decibels, while the Q5+ only maxed at 66 decibels.

Maintenance

These robots need regular maintenance to function at their peak for years. You’ll spend hundreds purchasing, so keeping them functioning as long as possible makes sense.

I’ll enumerate a list of components that need cleaning. Refer to the maintenance tab in the Roborock app for the recommended replacement interfaces.

1. Primary brush roll: This component is the most abused and needs regular maintenance. Clean it once a week to prevent dust and hair from accumulating on the roller and axles.
2. Side brush: These are held by a bold, so you’ll need to use a Philips screwdriver to detach and clean to remove any hair accumulated on the base (weekly). The rubber construction offers better durability, and there’s no need to replace it as often.
3. Dustbin and filter: If you opt for the “non-plus” variant without the self-emptying base station, you’ll need to empty the dustbin after every run. Otherwise, don’t bother since the base station will do it for you, but check the filter and clean it once a month to remove any dust accumulation on the folds.
4. Drop sensors: You can find these sensors underneath the robot. Use a clean microfiber towel or cotton bud and gently wipe to prevent an error code from firing and disabling the robot. Do this task at least once a month.
5. Bag: Throw the bag once it’s full. Unfortunately, the Roborock app doesn’t have a sensor to determine if the bag is full, so you’ll need a visual check.
6. Port: Ensure that the port on the base station (connecting to the brush roll) is free from any blockages, so the self-emptying function is unimpeded.

Product Specifications

Model	Roborock Q7 Max+	Roborock Q5+
Width	13.8"	13.8"
Height	3.8"	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	400 ml	470 ml
Water tank	350 ml	N/A
Auto empty capacity	2.5-liters	2.5-liters
Airflow	15.68 CFM	16.75 CFM
Warranty	1-year limited	1-year limited
Price	Check Price	Check Price

Where can I buy these robot vacuums?

You can purchase the Roborock Q5 or Q7 series robots from online stores like Amazon. Check the links below for the latest pricing information.

• Roborock Q5+ on Amazon (w/ self-empty base station, no mopping feature)
• Roborock Q7+ on Amazon (w/ self-empty base station + gravity tank)
• Roborock Q7 Max+ on Amazon (w/ self-empty base station + hybrid dustbin/electronic water tank)

Disclaimer: I will earn a commission if you purchase from the link above, but at n cost to you, so it’s a win-win for us!

Which is Better, the Roborock Q5+ or the Q7 Max+?

The answer will depend on what features you’ll need and your budget.

Suppose vacuuming is a high priority, but not mopping. In that case, the Roborock Q5+ is an excellent (and cheaper) alternative that excels in vacuuming surface debris while being above-average in deep cleaning (up to) mid-pile carpets.

However, if mopping is a deciding factor, the Q7 Max+ is the better option, but (keep in mind) it doesn’t have the vibrating element found in the S7 and S7 MaxV Ultra.

5 Reasons to Choose the Roborock Q5+

1. Cheaper option: The Q5+ is the less expensive option but (still) had better cleaning test scores than the Q7 Max+
2. Excellent at vacuum surface debris: This robot vacuumed various surface debris types.
3. Efficient navigation: It’s not as efficient as the Q7 Max+ (at least inside the tests), but still proficient at navigating around, finishing the coverage test in around 20 minutes.
4. Least expensive Roborock auto-empty robot vacuum: It’s the cheapest Roborock self-emptying option available.
5. Responsive app: The Roborock app is one of the best in the industry, with stability and functional features.

4 Reasons to Choose the Roborock Q7 Max+

1. Hybrid functionality: The Q7 Max+ can be a robot vacuum and mop.
2. Cheaper than the S7 MaxV Ultra: An excellent, less expensive alternative for those who don’t want to spend a high premium on the S7 MaxV Ultra.
3. Proficient navigation: This robot had one of the best efficiency times at a little over 16 minutes.
4. Large dustbin: The Q7+ has a large dustbin at 750ml – in case you opt for the non-plus, robot-only variant.

The Verdict: Equally Good Options, Choosing One Will Depend on Need and Budget

You can’t go wrong with either model, as long as you know what to expect – excellent debris surface debris pick-up, an above-average deep cleaning (up to mid-pile carpet), and efficient navigation.

Opting for either model will boil down to your needs and budget.

Are you willing to spend more for the added mopping functionality of the Q7 Max+, or are you okay with not having it and spending less?

Answering these questions will help you pinpoint the most suitable option for you.