Roborock Q5+ vs. S7 MaxV Ultra

I’ve been busy reviewing Roborock products the past few weeks, namely the new Roborock series.

And I’ll be comparing two of them in this article – the Roborock Q5+ and S7 MaxV Ultra.

These variants art part of Roborock’s next-generation product line with some critical software updates we’ll look at later.

The Roborock Q5+ fills the void lacking in previous Roborock options – a mid-priced option to compete with the likes of the Roomba I3+, I6+, Shark IQ, Dreame Bot Z10, etc.

And the S7 MaxV Ultra is the current flagship with (in my opinion) the most efficient base station with pad-washing + self-emptying features.

Roborock also upgraded its obstacle avoidance tech they call Reactive AI 2.0, franking the twin-lens camera with lasers and LED below to enhance object detection.

How do these robots compare? We’ll find out below. I’ve put these on a grueling series of tests to find out.

Quick overview of the Roborock Q5+ and S7 MaxV Ultra

Introduction to the Roborock Q5+ and S7 MaxV Ultra

After unveiling their first robot vacuum with a self-emptying feature, Roborock takes it a step further.

The latest Q-Series and upgraded S7-Series represent the next phase in Roborock’s robot vacuum technology.

The Q-Series, specifically the Q5, fills the void in the middle range previously missing, while the updated S7-Series reintroduces the ReactiveAI system with better obstacle avoidance.

In this comparison, we’ll look at two products – the Q5 and the S7 MaxV Ultra.

Better Value-for-Money Option: Roborock Q5+

Pros

• Efficient navigation and pick up
• An excellent option for large homes
• Cheapest Roborock alternative with a self-emptying feature
• Better airflow than the S7 MaxV Ultra
• The new app includes several critical upgrades like the mapping run
• A more compact base station

Cons

• No mopping feature
• It uses the older combo brush

First, in this comparison, we’ll look at the Roborock Q5+, Roborock’s least expensive self-emptying robot vacuum.

This variant is similar to an earlier Roborock option, the S5 Max. Both possess something that not many brands have – navigational efficiency and debris pick-up.

The difference with the Q5+ is that it has an auto-empty base station not available in the previous S-series.

Sure there are some cosmetic variances like the dustbin design, but its functionality remains the same.

However, the Q5+ doesn’t have the mopping feature available in the S5 Max. 

Consumers must purchase the Q7+ or Q7 Max+ to get the mopping feature.

But I don’t think it’s worth the price difference because the Q7 doesn’t have the vibrating mopping element so it won’t be as efficient.

Aside from this omission, the Q5+ retains the same efficiency and cleaning performance as Roborock’s costlier options like the S7 MaxV Ultra and S7+.

Its base station is smaller than the S7 Max Ultra because it only has the self-emptying feature with the same wide port connecting to the brush roll.

The Q5+ only has the old-style combo brush, but Roborock says the newer bristle-less roller is compatible.

If you want to upgrade vacuuming performance without spending hundreds more, I’d suggest purchasing the newer brush roll.

It’s cheaper and improves agitation, especially on carpet.

Overall, I feel that the Roborock Q5+ given its cleaning performance and efficiency, plus the price point is Roborock’s best value alternative.

It doesn’t have the premium features of the S7 MaxV Ultra, but not everybody needs those bells and whistles, and if you’re in that boat, the Q5+ will be the better alternative.

High-End, Premium Option: Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra

Pros

• Better obstacle avoidance than the earlier S7+ variant
• Pad-washing AND self-emptying feature
• The vibrating mopping pad makes it efficient at cleaning stains
• Its pad washing feature makes it a genuinely autonomous robot vacuum and mop
• High-end efficiency and cleaning surface debris

Cons

• Crazy expensive
• Massive base station

If the Q5 is the least expensive, the S7 MaxV Ultra is Roborock’s high-end, premium option.

It’s their most expensive product to date, costing above four figures, and there’s a good reason.

This variant is Roborock’s first with a pad-washing AND self-emptying feature that I think is the most efficient I’ve tested.

The bristled component for scrubbing the pad was excellent at keeping the microfiber cloth clean.

Its gray color helps because it doesn’t show every single blemish, but it’s superb in my book at transforming this mess.

Into this.

Granted, it’s not 100% clean, but it’s pretty darn good for something autonomous.

Another “upgrade’ is the improved obstacle avoidance system over the previous S6 MaxV variant.

The newer ReactiveAI 2.0 adds two laser sensors (flanking the twin-lens camera) and an LED to improve its obstacle-evading capabilities.

I’ve tested it on different objects, and it’s the second-best obstacle-avoiding robot after the Roomba J7+.

It’s much better at evading obstacles than the S6 MaxV, especially with pet feces and coiled wires, versus the older variant.

The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and the Roomba J7+ are the only AI robots I recommend avoiding pet feces.

These are the only robots that didn’t come too close to touching it. iRobot has a POOP guarantee (or the pet owner’s official promise), saying that they’ll replace the robot if it touches pet feces, while Roborock does not.

But I’d suggest to anyone purchasing to clean up their pet’s excretions.

The S7 MaxV retains the same efficient navigation, enhanced by its obstacle avoidance sensors to evade objects.

Yes, this variant is costly, but the redesigned base station makes it more autonomous than any other Roborock product.

I’ve already mentioned the clean base station’s pad washing and self-emptying capabilities.

It’s bulky

Similarity Between the Roborock Q5+ and S7 MaxV Ultra

Next, we’ll look at the similarities between these self-emptying robot vacuums.

1. Self-Emptying

Both robots have an auto-empty base station that empties the robot’s dustbin after every run.

One feature I like is the wide port connecting to the brush roll.

I believe this is a better design than Roomba’s smaller port.

However, the S7 MaxV Ultra’s base station is bulkier because of the pad-washing feature.

2. LIDAR Navigation

All Roborock products utilize LIDAR (or laser distance sensor) to navigate. One advantage of using a laser is the precision it brings to the table.

It doesn’t require light and the 360-degree scanning helps speed up map creation.

Also, Roborock added the mapping run, further enhancing LIDAR’s 360-scanning ability to fast-track the map creation process.

3. Navigation

The use of LIDAR means these robots will navigate similarly. Both will traverse around the edges before moving towards the middle portions in straight lines.

The Roborock algorithm is smart enough to calculate the most efficient path in any area regardless of size.

If you look at this screenshot, it moved around this massive area in sections, going in the most efficient direction.

4. All Rubber Side Brush

Both robots use an all-rubber side brush that offers better durability than the bristled variant in older models.

It doesn’t spin too fast, so it won’t scatter debris, improving efficiency.

The rubber finish also makes it easier to clean and dry.

5. App Upgrades

The Roborock Q5+ and S7 MaxV Ultra benefited from the app upgrades: 3D Map, Matrix Map, Mapping Run, etc. 

Purchasing new variants should be a priority if you want to benefit from these enhancements.

I tried checking earlier variants, but Roborock hasn’t rolled out these upgrades. It could be by design to encourage consumers to look at the newer S7 and Q-Series alternatives.

6. Bagged System

Both robots used a bagged system in their base station with the same 2.4-liter capacity.

I like the new bag design with the plastic inserts, providing better durability versus the older S7+ with the cardboard inserts.

The bagged system makes disposal more straightforward. Once the bag reaches capacity, remove it, then throw it in the trash container.

Differences between the Roborock Q5+ and S7 MaxV Ultra

Next, we’ll look at the variances between these intelligent robot vacuums starting with the clean base station.

1. Pad-Washing + Self-Emptying Base Station [S7 MaxV Ultra only]

The base station is the most significant difference between the Roborock Q5+ and the S7 MaxV Ultra.

While both have the self-emptying feature, only the S7 MaxV Ultra has the pad-washing feature.

This addition significantly increases the base station size because of the water tank and pad washing space requirements.

2. Mopping (w/ a vibrating element) Feature [S7 MaxV Ultra Only]

The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra has the mopping feature absent in the Q5+.

Unlike the Q7 series, the S7 MaxV has a vibrating element, helping it be more efficient at cleaning stains.

The S7 MaxV is better than the Roborock S7+ in terms of stability. It didn’t stall even during the toughest stain tests (on juice stains).

Plus, it has the pad lift feature available in the S7+. And with this, it also has the carpet sensor that shows up on the maps.

3. Obstacle Avoidance

Another difference is the obstacle avoidance feature. Roborock upgraded the twin-lens sensor found in the S6 MaxV and added two laser sensors and an LED to improve object detection.

I’ve tested it extensively, and it’s the second-best AI robot I’ve tested after the Roomba J7+.

It did well with most obstacle avoidance experiments, except for stretched-out wires and the weighing scale.

4. Price Variance

 The S7 MaxV Ultra is the more expensive option with all the enhancements.

It costs above four figures, which is a huge deciding factor. You’ll have to ask yourself if the obstacle avoidance, pad washing, and self-emptying features are worth the premium.

App Features

Both variants are compatible with the Roborock app, but there are variances in the features because the Q5 lacks many of the S7 MaxV’s premium elements.

1. Live Map [Both]

One feature Roborock revolutionized is the live maps. Before the first-gen Xiaomi robot vacuum (Roborock’s first product), this feature wasn’t a staple with robotic vacuum cleaners.

None of the manufacturers have implemented this, but after Roborock started this trend, nearly every brand outside Shark, Roomba, and Neato has this feature.

The live map provides consumers with a real-time method of tracking the robot.

And these options have the new 3D and Matrix map options. The 3D is available on Android phones, while the Matrix is only available on IOS devices.

2. Map Saving [Both]

All Roborock options outside the E-series have a map-saving feature capable of storing up to four levels.

Consumers can customize each level, adding containment, room names, etc. So there’s not much to write about here.

3. Obstacle Identifier [S7 MaxV Ultra only]

The Roborock S7 MaxV’s obstacle avoidance necessitates this feature. It shows the objects it’s evaded in real-time.

I have not explored if there are other ways to utilize this feature, but it doesn’t have the same functionality as the Roomba J7+, where consumers can add keep-out zones.

4. Quick Mapping Feature [Both]

Another helpful feature for both is the quick mapping feature that fast-tracks the map creation process.

So instead of the robot needs to go through every nook and cranny, it takes advantage of LIDAR’s 360-degree scanning to draw the map in a fraction of the time.

Unfortunately, none of the older variants S7+ (or earlier) has this feature.

Again, I think Roborock did this, so consumers to drive more sales to their newer products.

5. Containment [Both]

The Roborock S7 MaxV and Q5 have containment features (no-go zones and invisible walls) to block them from going into off-limit areas.

It’s a must-have for any home because most have these zones.

You can view these zones using the 2D or 3D map (check the photo above).

6. Live Camera [S7 MaxV Only]

Thanks to the twin-lens camera, the S7 MaxV has a live camera view option in the app.

It provides consumers a POV view of what the robot sees in real-time.

Consumers can use it as a CCTV to check what’s happening inside their homes while they’re away at work.

There will be privacy concerns, but Roborock says this feature is blanketed by pattern security and encryption.

7. Maintenance [Both]

The maintenance tab shows the status of various components like the brushes, filter, sensors, etc.

It alerts consumers when to replace or clean these parts, a nice add-on for robot vacuum maintenance.

8. Cleaning History [Both]

Cleaning history is similar to a car’s odometer but more detailed, showing a log of its previous cleaning cycles.

It shows a list of the previous cleaning cycles, the total time used, area, and cycles.

If you tap on it, the app shows the map and areas the robot cleaned.

9. Scheduling [Both]

Lastly, we’ll look at scheduling. Roborock products have the scheduling feature to automate the vacuum and mopping process.

Since the S7 MaxV Ultra and Q5+ have self-emptying base stations will help consumers set and forget cleaning tasks.

Consumers can schedule multiple runs daily so you can clean a different room at a specific time.

This level of customization will be handy if you can’t clean all the rooms at once.

Airflow Comparison

Looking at the Roborock website, the S7 MaxV Ultra has the highest suction and watt figures at 5100 Pascals and 74 watts, respectively.

However, I don’t take these stats too seriously because the airflow experiments reveal that the S7 MaxV has a weaker airflow.

I’ve done countless airflow and cleaning tests with robot vacuums, and there’s a correlation between high airflow and debris pick-up, especially on carpet.

Robots with high airflow tend to do well in cleaning tests. Here are the results for the Roborock Q5+ and S7 MaxV Ultra.

The Q5+ has more airflow, with 23% more CFM at the highest setting, and even with the bristle-less brush, the Q5 still exceeded 16 CFM.

These results make my theory about the newer brush roll hindering airflow untrue.

Cleaning Comparison

Despite the airflow variance, there isn’t much difference in cleaning performance between the Roborock Q5+ and S7 MaxV Ultra.

The S7 MaxV Ultra had the higher averages thanks to the bristle-less roller’s better agitation.

Please realize that the Q5+ uses the older combo brush, but it’s compatible with the Roborock’s newer brush I consider a must-have upgrade.

Consumers can purchase this for the Q5 from Roborock’s website or Amazon.

And I believe it’s a better value upgrade over purchasing the more expensive Q7.

The results above show that the Q5+ and S7 MaxV are excellent at cleaning surface debris and average at deep cleaning embedded sand.

Which option is better on hard floors?

One metric I use to determine how well a robot vacuum does on hard floors is sand.

It’s one of the most challenging stuff to vacuum, even for traditional stick vacuums, because of its density and weight.

You could weed out poor-quality robot vacuums using this test since most will struggle.

The good news is both the Q5+ and S7 MaxV Ultra did well at cleaning sand, picking up in the high 99s (99.9% vs. 99.6%, respectively).

Here’s a before and after for the Q5+.

And the S7 MaxV Ultra.

Based on the photos, there isn’t much residue (if any) after the run.

Both did well at picking up most of it after the initial pass, proving that their brushes are excellent at picking up sand.

The Q5+ was (slightly) better, picking up 99.9% versus the S7 MaxV’s 99.6, proving that it has higher airflow.

Edge Cleaning Comparison

One downside to Roborock’s round frame is its inability to be efficient at cleaning edges.

Here’s the before and after shot for the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra.

And the Q5+.

Both have similar results, picking up most of the debris but leaving a good chunk of residue.

Hair Wrap Comparison

Next, we’ll look at how these robots resist hair tangles. This experiment puts the brush rolls to the test, and you’ll see that the newer roller is better at both lengths.

The S7 MaxV, with the newer brush, did better with five and seven-inch strands.

Check how much hair went inside the dustbin.

However, the bristle-less brush wasn’t immune to hair wrap in the seven-inch test.

The Q5+ didn’t do as well, picking up less with both experiments.

You could see this much hair wrapping on the brush after the seven-inch test.

It’s not something I’d recommend for longer hair strands. One cheap way of improving performance is to upgrade the brush roll.

Which option is better for carpets?

Despite the higher airflow, the Q5+ didn’t do as well as the S7 MaxV on surface and embedded debris carpets.

It’s a bit of a surprise for me, but this proves that the new bristle-less brush is superior to the combo brush with agitation.

The deep cleaning test (further) confirms that the S7 MaxV picked up more embedded sand on the mid-pile carpet (77.95% vs. 75.7%).

I tried the new brush on the Q5+, which picked up a higher average than the S7 MaxV with the deep cleaning test (78.65% vs. 77.95%).

Mopping Comparison

Only the Roborock S7 MaxV has the mopping feature and provides a lot of autonomy because of the pad-cleaning feature.

Here’s a before and after shot (red wine).

It efficiently cleaned red wine stains and cleared them after the first pass.

Next, we’ll examine how the S7 MaxV vibrating pad fared with juice stains.

Mopping juice stains is difficult for a standard robot vacuum without an agitation element.

It was excellent, at least at removing the stains.

However, it cannot pick up liquid. None of the robot vacuum and mop hybrids I’ve tested have this feature.

So there’s a limitation to how it cleans.

The S7 MaxV Ultra functions like a mop, wiping the surface to remove (or clean) contaminants, but these impurities stay on the pad.

What makes it autonomous is the pad washing feature that scrubs away these impurities, keeping the pad clean for longer.

Run Time Comparison

These robots utilize the same battery (5200 mAh lithium-ion) with a claimed run time of 180 minutes.

It helps the Q5+ and S7 MaxV vacuum large homes, and with the self-emptying feature, it’s virtually a hands-free device.

Both have recharge and resume, so it continues cleaning after docking to finish the task.

Noise Comparison

The Roborock S7 MaxV is noisier at the highest setting but quieter in the other modes.

However, the variant isn’t much, so I don’t think it’s a deciding factor.

Related Comparisons

• Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra vs. S7+
• Roborock Q7 Max+ vs. S7 MaxV Ultra
• Roborock Q5+ vs. Q7 Max+
• Roomba J7 vs. Roborock S7
• Neato D8 vs. Roborock S7

Maintenance

Next, we’ll look at components that need upkeep, and for robot vacuums, this is a critical step in maintaining performance over the long haul.

1. Primary brush roll: It’s the most abused component because it picks up debris. Contaminants will stick and accumulate over time. Check and clean (at least) once a week to remove any build-up, especially hair on the axles.
2. Side brush: Another component that attracts hair. Use a Philips screwdriver to remove and clean any hair wrapping on the base.
3. Dustbin: If you’ve purchased the Ultra or Plus version, there’s no need to empty it on a dustbin since the base station does it for you. But if you have the robot-only version, dump the contents in a trash bin after every run.
4. Filter (dustbin): Check the filter once a month and clean it to maintain vacuuming performance. Tap it on an old newspaper to dislodge debris sticking to the folds.
5. Drop sensors: Use a cotton bud or clean microfiber towel to wipe the drop sensors to prevent an error code from firing and disabling the robot.
6. Bag (auto empty base station): Throw the bag once it’s full. I’d suggest purchasing extra bags to avoid any downtime.
7. Port (auto empty base station): Ensure that the port connecting to the brush roll is free from any obstruction.
8. Dirty water tank (S7 MaxV Ultra only): Dispose of the dirty water contents after every mopping run to prevent a foul odor.
9. Robot body: Wipe the robot body with a clean microfiber towel to remove any dust accumulation.

Don’t forget to check the maintenance tab for these robot vacuums to know when to replace these components.

Product Specifications

Model	Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra	Roborock Q5+
Width	13.89"	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	400 ml	470 ml
Water tank	200 ml	N/A
Auto empty capacity	2.4-liters	2.5-liters
Airflow	13.39 CFM	16.75 CFM
Warranty	1-year limited	1-year limited
Price	Check Price	Check Price

Where can I buy these robot vacuums?

The Roborock S7 MaxV and Q5+ are available in online stores like Amazon.

• Roborock Q5+ on Amazon
• Roborock S7 MaxV (robot only) on Amazon
• Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra (robot + self-cleaning base station) on Amazon

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 is better, the Roborock S7 MaxV or Q5+?

There’s a significant gap between the prices of the Roborock S7 MaxV and Q5+, but which option offers better value.

The S7 MaxV Ultra offers more functionality with obstacle avoidance, self-emptying, and pad-washing features.

These upgrades combine to make the S7 MaxV better at avoiding objects and mopping floors.

The Q5+ doesn’t have these premium features, but it’s much cheaper with nearly identical cleaning performance, so the latter shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.

5 Reasons to choose the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra

1. Obstacle avoidance: The Reactive AI 2.0 is much better than the S6 MaxV’s version at avoiding nearly everything in its path. It’s the second-best obstacle-avoiding robot I’ve tested after the Roomba J7+.
2. Better cleaning performance: Despite the lower airflow, the S7 MaxV picked up (slightly) more during the cleaning experiments, which is a testament to the new brush’s better agitation.
3. Self-Emptying + Pad-Washing: This variant is better autonomy with the pad-washing and self-emptying features.
4. Superior at resisting hair tangles: Another advantage of the bristle-less brush is it picks up more hair with fewer tangles.
5. Doubles as a CCTV: The twin lens camera provides consumers an extra set of eyes to check on their home.

4 Reasons to choose the Roborock Q5+

1. Much cheaper: The Q5+ will cost nearly half the S7 MaxV with the same navigation and (nearly) identical) cleaning performance.
2. Higher airflow: This model surprisingly has more airflow than the S7 MaxV despite the lower Pa figures, making it better at cleaning sand on hard floors.
3. Larger dustbin: The Q5+ has a bigger dustbin which may be a factor if you’re purchasing the robot-only version.
4. Efficient navigation: Both products are efficient at navigating tight quarters, and consumers will enjoy this feature with the cheaper Q5+.

The Verdict: The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is Feature-Rich, But the Q5+ Offers Better Value

The S7 MaxV Ultra has all the bells and whistles on paper, but I think the Q5+ is the better option because it’s cheaper.

Consumers will enjoy most features (3D map, efficient navigation, self-emptying, mapping run) without paying a hefty premium for the extras.

This variant is an excellent option for folks who only want the vacuuming functionality without the bulky base station.