Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra vs. S7+

Roborock recently introduced several new robots to their product line, namely the S7 MaxV and the Q-Series.

This article will compare the S7+ and the S7 MaxV, two of Roborock’s flagships.

The S7+ was the first Roborock product with an auto-empty base station, and the S7 MaxV enhances this feature, adding a pad-washing element to improve autonomy.

But there’s a significant price gap between these variants, and my goal for this comparison is to determine whether the S7 MaxV is worth the added premium.

A quick glance at the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and S7+

Roborock S7+

• Airflow: 13.91 CFM
• Deep cleaning: 78.85%
• Mopping: Yes
• Auto empty: Yes
• Bag capacity: 3-liters
• Navigation: LIDAR & SLAM
• Map saving: Yes
• Number of maps: 4
• Containment: Yes
• Selective room cleaning: Yes
• Recharge & Resume: Yes
• Dustbin capacity: 420ml
• Water tank: 300ml
• Side brush: One
• Battery: 5200 mAh Li-ion
• Run time: 180 mins
• Noise: 69.8 dB

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Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra

• Airflow: 13.39 CFM
• Deep Cleaning: 77.95%
• Navigation: Front Camera + Gyroscope
• Self-empty: Yes
• Bag capacity: 2.5-liters
• Clean water tank capacity: 3-liters
• Dirty water tank capacity: 2.5-liters
• Map saving: Yes
• Number of maps: 4
• Containment: Yes
• Selective Room cleaning: Yes
• Recharge & Resume: Yes
• Brush roll: Twin rubber extractors
• Dustbin capacity: 400ml
• Mopping: Yes
• Water tank capacity: 200ml
• Type: N/A
• Side brush: One
• Battery: 5200 mAh Li-ion
• Run time: 180 minutes
• Noise: 72.9 dB

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Introduction to the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and S7+

Roborock may not be as popular as iRobot, but it’s hard to overlook the innovations they’ve introduced to this industry.

Some innovations they’ve introduced include the live map, invisible walls, no-go zones, mop lift, and mop vibrating features.

The Roborock S7 MaxV further enhances usability with the pad washing feature.

But unlike the Narwal T10 and Dreame Bot W10, it uses a more efficient pad cleaning system.

Next-Generation Self-Emptying Robot: Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra

Pros

• Pad-washing and self-emptying features make it more autonomous than the S7+
• Improved obstacle avoidance over the S6 MaxV
• Efficient navigation
• Superb debris pick up, especially on surface dirt
• Better pad cleaning performance than the Narwal T10 and Dreame Bot W10

Cons

• Extremely costly
• Space-eating base station
• Only average deep cleaning performance

After introducing the self-emptying base station in the S7+, Roborock takes it a step further with the S7 MaxV Ultra with the pad-washing feature.

This combination isn’t the first. Ecovacs has its version, the DEEBOT X1, but Roborock’s design offers better accessibility to the water tanks and bag since it’s on top in a single row.

Another addition is the improved obstacle avoidance technology Roborock calls Reactive AI 2.0.

Roborock enhanced it by flanking the twin-lens camera with laser sensors and an LED underneath.

These additions help identify obstacles, and the tests prove that these work.

However, it struggled with stretched wires and didn’t avoid a weighing scale altogether, but that’s it.

It avoided stuff like pet feces, coiled wires, small toys, shoes, and slippers without any issues.

Anything within its line of sight, the S7 MaxV will avoid.

After the Roomba J7+, the Roborock S7 MaxV is the next best obstacle-avoiding robot.

It retains the same efficiency as the S7+ and excels at cleaning hard floors.

The vibrating mop efficiently removes stains, but I wouldn’t recommend it solely for mopping floors.

It cannot pick up liquid, limiting its functionality, so use it on stains for maintenance tasks.

I wasn’t expecting much from the pad cleaning feature, but it works better than the Dreame Bot W10’s design.

The pad is relatively clean after several pad-cleaning cycles. Here’s a look at how it was after the mopping tests.

You could see in the before photo the dark areas around the pad, but in the after photo, the pad is nearly clean.

It helps that the cloth is gray, masking light stains.

The Roborock S7 MaxV has the same ramp style dock as the S7+ with the exact port placement.

And behind it is the pad cleaning mechanism.

It retains the same cleaning efficiency as the S7, and since both have the same airflow, expect the same results.

Better Value for Money: Roborock S7+

Pros

• Cheaper than the Roborock S7 MaxV
• Larger bag capacity
• Excellent cleaning performance on hard floors and carpets
• Efficient navigation
• The vibrating mop is proficient at cleaning stains
• A more compact base station

Cons

• Still expensive
• No pad cleaning feature

With the release of the S7 MaxV Ultra, I expect the price of the S7+ to drop.

So far, it hasn’t, but I expect it to drop once Roborock officially releases the Ultra version in online stores like Amazon.

This variant is the first Roborock with a self-emptying feature.

Surprisingly, this older variant has slightly more airflow, hence picking up (slightly) more sand in the deep cleaning test.

But I don’t put too much stock on the variance since it’s too small.

The Roborock S7+ lacks several features available with the S7 MaxV, and the most obvious is the pad-washing feature.

Not having the pad cleaning mechanism and water tanks shrinks the base station significantly, so it doesn’t have as much space.

If this is a sticking point, go with the S7+.

Another omission is the obstacle avoidance technology, previously seen in the S6 MaxV.

This feature helps avoid stuff like pet feces, small toys, coiled wires, and anything within the laser’s line of sight.

Again, this will depend on your preference. If obstacle avoidance is critical inside your home, the S7 MaxV Ultra will be the better option, especially inside homes with toys or pets.

However, it’ll be an expensive upgrade.

Similarities between the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and S7+

Next, we’ll look at the similarities between the S7 MaxV Ultra and the S7+, starting with the self-emptying feature.

1. Self-Emptying Option

The most obvious similarity is both robots have the self-emptying feature that’s almost a must-have since Roomba introduce this feature with the I7+.

However, the base stations of these products are different.

The S7+ has a more compact dock with the twin-barrel design – one housing a filter and the other housing the bag.

I’m guessing Roborock used this design because the S7 has a bagless base station sold in Europe.

The only other bagless self-emptying robot I know is the Shark IQ.

The pad-washing feature makes the S7 MaxV’s base station significantly bigger.

This size uptick was a necessity because of the pad washing feature.

In addition to the bag, Roborock engineers had to incorporate the clean and dirty water tanks into the design.

2. Ramp-Style Dock

Another similarity is the ramp-style dock, providing a secure platform for the robot to sit while charging.

It’s a better design than a vertical port because there won’t be any alignment issues, and it’s compatible on any surface.

The port placement is similar. Both connect to the primary brush roll, unlike other brands connecting to a designated slot underneath the dustbin.

3. Bagged System

The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and the S7+ utilize a bagged system inside the base station, making disposal less messy.

This design is better than a bagless system for keeping things tidy.

Sure, it’ll cost more long-term (because of the bag cost), but the hygienic benefits outweigh it.

4. Side Brush and Brush Roll Design

There isn’t any variance with the side brush and brush roll design and placement.

Both have an all-rubber side brush and the bristle-less brush roll with rubber fins spiraling around it, providing high-end agitation.

5. Navigation

These robots utilize LIDAR and SLAM for navigation. Roborock products are some of the most efficient, much better than any camera-based robot.

LIDAR robots move in straight lines, starting the run and cleaning the edges before going to the middle portions.

6. Two-in-one Functionality

Both options can vacuum and mop simultaneously with the pad placement behind the brush roll.

7. Vibrating Mopping Pad

The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra retains the same vibrating mopping pad introduced in the S7+.

It’s the first robot with a middle vibrating element.

Other brands like the Narwal T10 and Dreame Bot W10 use two spinning discs, while products like the Viomi V3 and iRobot Braava series use the Y-pattern.

All three systems vary, but all are equally efficient at removing stains.

I don’t see much variance. One plus with Roborock’s design is there’s less wear and tear on the wheel module because it doesn’t have to go in a back and forth motion.

8. Mop Lift

In addition to the vibrating mopping pad, another similarity is the mop lift feature – part of the VibraRise technology.

Mop lift refers to the pad rising when the sensors detect carpet.

It’s not bulletproof since it only lifts the pad 1.5 mm above the surface, but it’s enough for a mid-pile carpet.

9. App Compatibility

The S7 MaxV Ultra and S7+ are compatible with the Roborock app.

It’s one of the best apps (in my opinion) with its user-friendliness and features.

Both models can save up to four-map levels with the same core features.

There are some minor variances, but these are tied to the features, e.g., obstacle avoidance and pad washing.

10. Battery and Run Time

The last similarity we’ll look at is the battery. Both products use the same 5200 mAh lithium-ion battery, a staple in all next-generation Roborock products.

Roborock’s batteries aren’t like Roombas, prone to discharging when left unplugged.

Differences between the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and S7+

Now, let’s look at the differences between these smart robot vacuums. The Roborock S7+ is an excellent product, but the S7 MaxV Ultra takes it to the next level.

1. Pad-Washing + Self-Emptying Base [S7 MaxV Only]

The most significant difference between these robots is the redesigned base station with the added pad-washing functionality.

Adding two water tanks plus the pad cleaning mechanism increased its footprint – its biggest downside.

Surprisingly, the bristled element Roborock uses to scrub the pad effectively keeps the pad clean!

Here’s how the pad looks after several pad washing cycles.

It got most of the stains out and is more effective than the Narwal or Dreame Bot mechanism.

The photo above shows the before shot after the red wine and coke stain tests.

2. Obstacle Avoidance [S7 MaxV Ultra only]

Roborock reintroduced the obstacle avoidance feature in the S7 MaxV absent in the S7+.

But with an improved algorithm, a laser, plus LED to supplement the twin-lens camera.

These upgrades improved the S7 MaxV’s obstacle-evading abilities, especially with pet feces, coiled wires, and small toys.

I’ve tested the S6 MaxV extensively, and the S7 MaxV is much better in every facet.

3. Base Station Size

Adding the pad cleaning feature increased the S7 MaxV base station significantly.

You can see in the photo above that its dock is significantly larger with the water tanks and bag lined up.

4. 3D and Matrix Maps [S7 MaxV Only]

Roborock introduced some new features in the S7 MaxV.

One of my favorites is the 3D map, providing consumers a different perspective with viewing your home’s layout.

The Matrix is another variation with more detailed graphics, but this is only available on iOS devices.

App Features

Next, we’ll look at the app features for these products, similarities, and differences.

1. Live Map [Both]

We’ll look at the live map, showing the robot’s status in its cleaning cycle.

One variance is the 3D map in the S7 MaxV Ultra, giving consumers a different perspective on viewing the cleaning cycle.

2. Map Saving [Both]

Another similarity is the map saving feature, and both models can save up to four map levels.

Consumers can add multiple invisible walls, no-go zones, and no-mop zones.

3. Obstacle Identifier [S7 MaxV only]

The S7 MaxV’s camera sensor unlocks the obstacle identifier on the map.

It’s pretty accurate at identifying objects like wires, pet feces, pedestals, etc.

4. Quick Mapping [S7 MaxV only]

Another feature introduced by Roborock is the quick mapping feature – something I’ve been hoping they add to their products.

It’s a quick way of creating the map without the robot going to every nook and cranny.

This feature takes advantage of LIDAR’s 360 scanning ability to map out areas.

5. Live Camera View [S7 MaxV only]

One plus with the S7 MaxV’s twin camera lens is the live camera view, where it acts as a CCTV camera, so consumers can see what the robot sees.

Obviously, there are privacy concerns, but Roborock addresses them by using encryption and pattern security to deter hackers.

The microphone icon represents the next feature we’ll discuss.

6. Intercon

Consumers can use the Roborock’s onboard mic to communicate with whoever is close to the robot.

7. Containment

Both robots have containment features to prevent robots from going into off-limits areas.

The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and S7+ have the invisible wall, no-go zone, and no-mop zone.

An invisible wall acts as a virtual wall, blocking the robot from going past it (like a wall).

No-go and no-mop zones are similar in preventing the robot from going into a fixed area.

It’s excellent for blocking areas such as the living room or pet litter area.

8. Maintenance [Both]

The S7 MaxV and S7+ have the maintenance tab, helping consumers monitor the status of different consumable components like the side brush, brush roll, bag, side brush, etc.

It’s one way of determining when to replace or clean these components.

In the S7 MaxV review, I mentioned that Roborock doesn’t notify consumers when the bag is full, but the maintenance tab does inform folks when to replace it.

It’s not a foolproof method, but this feature offers a heads-up at least to check.

9. Vacuum and Mop Settings

The S7 MaxV and S7+ allow consumers to alter the vacuum and mop settings.

One variance is that the S7 MaxV has a fifth power setting, the max+, but its airflow is the same as the S7+’s max setting.

So it’s a non-factor.

However, both are similar to the other settings, particularly the mop settings.

10. Cleaning History

The cleaning history shows the robot’s previous cycle and corresponding map levels.

It also shows the area, time, and total cleaning cycles, acting like a vehicle’s odometer.

Airflow Comparison

Based on the info on the Roborock website, the S7 MaxV doubles the S7+ with 5100 Pascals (vs. 2500 Pa).

Not all brands use Pascals as a power metric, so I use an anemometer to measure airflow at the brush roll.

I feel that this metric provides a more accurate barometer of how a robot vacuum will perform, especially on carpet.

Other factors like brush roll design play a factor, but high airflow robots like the Roomba S9+ do well on carpet.

There isn’t much difference between these options. The variance isn’t much, so I wasn’t surprised by how close these are in the cleaning experiments.

So the Pascal variance doesn’t hold much weight in the airflow tests.

Navigation Comparison

Next, we’ll look at how these robots navigate; there isn’t much difference.

Both will move in straight lines, starting the run and cleaning the edges before moving towards the middle portions.

Roborock products are quite efficient at navigating around, even in tight areas.

So there’s not much difference between the S7 MaxV and S7+, except for obstacle avoidance present in the S7 MaxV.

The camera, laser, and LED are upgraded over the S6 MaxV, providing the S7 MaxV with better obstacle recognition abilities.

Efficiency Comparison

There isn’t much variance in the navigational efficiency of these robots. Both will go through their cycle faster than any of their competitors.

Roborock has perfected its algorithm, and the LIDAR sensors provide it with a precise tool for scanning its surroundings.

It’s excellent, especially in tight quarters, and can traverse even in complex layouts.

Cleaning Comparison

Next, we’ll examine how these robots fare with cleaning debris on hard floors and carpets.

I tested these robots on various debris types like quaker oats, coffee grounds, pet litter, coffee grounds, and sand.

Here are the results.

The results above are very close and confirm the airflow tests.

Choosing between these options shouldn’t boil down to cleaning performance because both will pick up a high percentage on hard floors and carpets.

Other factors should be considered, like whether you need the pad cleaning feature, obstacle avoidance, or want something cheaper and more compact.

Which option is better on hard floors?

One barometer I use to determine a robot vacuum’s potential on hard floors is how much sand it picks up.

Both picked up in the high 99s.

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

And the Roborock S7+.

You could see in both before and after shots is there’s almost zero sand residue after the run.

Sand is one of the most challenging items to clean, regardless of surface, and these results speak volumes of the S7 MaxV and S7+’s potential.

Edge Cleaning Comparison

The round frame of these robots limits their potential to clean this area.

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

And the S7 MaxV Ultra.

The results aren’t bad for a round-framed robot, but it wasn’t as clean as, let’s say, a Roomba S9.

Out of the round-framed robots I’ve tested, the Ecovacs T8 AIVI is one of the more efficient options with its twin side brush system.

Hair Wrap Comparison

One plus for the S7 MaxV and S7+ is the bristle-less brush roll.

This upgrade manifests itself in the hair wrap test. No, it’s not perfect, but it’s one of the better options for cleaning hair.

Here are the results for the five and seven-inch tests.

The S7 MaxV had the better results, picking up 100% and 63% in the five and seven-inch tests.

Here’s the dustbin after the five-inch experiment.

It didn’t do as well with longer seven-inch strands, but the 63% pick-up is one of the best for robot vacuums cleaning hair.

A considerable chunk wrapped close to the axle.

Which option is better for carpets?

Both options had almost the same results with the deep cleaning sand (78.85% vs. 77.95%).

These results aren’t surprising since these robots basically have the same airflow at the highest setting.

Mopping Comparison

Both robots are excellent at cleaning stains thanks to the central vibrating element.

There’s not much difference with these options aside from the pad cleaning feature found in the S7 MaxV.

I’ve tested both on various stains like juice and red wine blemishes.

Here’s the before and after from the S7+ with red wine.

And juice stains.

The Roborock S7 MaxV had similar results with red wine.

And coke stains.

Both options are excellent at removing stains, but I wouldn’t recommend juice or red wine stains because neither can pick up liquid.

The S7 MaxV and S7+ will only drag a wet pad on the surface at their core.

One difference is that the S7 MaxV has the presoak cycle, which reverses to the base station and has its pad pre-rinsed before the run.

The S7+ doesn’t have this feature, and consumers must soak the pad under running water, wring out the excess, and then reattach it.

Run Time Comparison

These robots use the same 5200 mAh lithium-ion battery with the same claimed run time of 180 minutes.

The good news with these products is that the 180-minute claim is usable because of their excellent agitation.

Even in its quiet setting, it will pick up debris.

Noise Comparison

One plus for airflow robot vacuums is the lower noise, especially in the lower settings.

I use a sound meter for both products to measure noise from a few feet away.

The Roborock S7 MaxV is quieter in the lower settings (quiet, balanced, and turbo) but noisier in the max setting.

However, the difference isn’t significant (at least) for the lower settings.

Again, there’s no need to use the max or max+ setting unless you need to deep clean carpets.

Maintenance

All robot vacuums will require a level of TLC to function efficiently for years. More so for smart robot vacuums with lots of moving parts.

I’ll enumerate the components you must clean or check and the frequency.

1. Brush roll: Roborock’s bristle-less brush roll is more durable, but it needs cleaning once a week to remove any hair or dust accumulation.
2. Side brush: The all-rubber side brush of the S7 MaxV and S7+ offer better durability. Use a clean cloth to wipe. Don’t forget to remove any hair around the base to prevent unnecessary friction.
3. Dustbin: Empty the dustbin after every run (for options without the base station).
4. Auto empty bag: If you’ve purchased a variant with the base station check the bag visually if it’s full. Another option is checking the maintenance tab on the app to see the bag status.
5. Wheels: Wipe the caster and side wheels with a slightly damp towel to remove dirt sticking on the surface.
6. Base station port: Ensure that the port connecting to the brush roll for emptying the dustbin is free from any obstruction.
7. Dirty water tank: Empty the dirt water tank once it’s full. Use a sprayer to clean it to dislodge any slimy residue.
8. Drop sensors: Clean these once a month using a clean microfiber cloth or cotton buds to prevent an error code firing and disabling the robot.
9. Pad washing brush: Check the brush if there’s any debris sticking on it, and use a soft-bristled brush to clean.
10. Mopping cloth: For S7+ owners, remove the pad to clean under running water after every run. Lightly scrub the cloth to remove dirt sticking on the surface. Roborock S7 MaxV Plus owners won’t need to do this as often since the pad washing feature does a decent job at cleaning the pad.
11. Robot vacuum body: Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the robot exterior to remove any dust and fingerprint buildup on the surface. Do this step underneath the robot to clean any dust accumulation.

Product Specifications

Model	Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra	Roborock S7+
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	420 ml
Water tank	200 ml	300 ml
Auto empty capacity	2.4-liters	3-liters
Airflow	13.39 CFM	13.91 CFM
Warranty	1-year limited	1-year limited
Price	Check Price	Check Price

Where can I Buy These Robots?

The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and S7+ are available in online stores like Amazon. Check the links below for the latest pricing information.

• Roborock S7+ (robot + dock) on Amazon
• Roborock S7 (robot only) on Amazon
• Roborock S7 Auto Empty Dock on Amazon
• Roborock S7 MaxV (robot only) on Amazon
• Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra (robot + self-cleaning dock) 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 Ultra or the S7+?

Roborock has upped their game with the S7 MaxV Ultra and S7+.

Each product offers something unique and compelling for consumers.

The S7 MaxV Ultra is the more feature-rich option with the pad-washing+self-emptying feature and obstacle avoidance, while the S7+ is cheaper with the more compact base station.

5 Reasons to Choose the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra

1. More versatile base station: The S7 MaxV Ultra has the pad-washing + self-emptying feature. It’s not the first, but the pad washing element is better with its bristled tool.
2. Obstacle avoidance: Roborock brought back the obstacle avoidance technology with the S7 MaxV Ultra, with better object detection by adding laser sensors and LEDs.
3. Efficient navigation and cleaning: This robot is one of the more efficient navigating options I’ve tested.
4. Better autonomy: The pad-washing and self-emptying features make it more hands-free than the S7+
5. Improved app features: Roborock added several new features, most notably quick mapping, significantly cutting the map creation process.

4 Reasons to Choose the Roborock S7+

1. Cheaper option: The S7 MaxV’s release will decrease the S7+ price, so consumers should benefit from this.
2. More compact base station: Its base station only has the self-emptying feature, so it’s smaller.
3. Same excellent debris pick up: These robots have near-identical cleaning performance, so it shouldn’t be a sticking point.
4. Larger bag capacity: The S7+’s bag capacity is slightly bigger than the S7 MaxV (3-liters vs. 2.5-liters).

The Verdict: Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is the Future, But the S7+ is Excellent Value for Money

There’s no doubt (in my mind) that the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is the future of self-emptying robot vacuums.

It’s not the first, but its pad cleaning mechanism is better than other self-washing robots like the Narwal T10 and Dreame Bot W10 at keeping the pad clean.

Plus, it comes with Roborock’s Reactive AI 2.0, offering better obstacle avoidance than the S6 MaxV.

These additions, plus the app upgrades like the 3D maps and quick mapping features, make the S7 MaxV the better product overall.

However, the S7+ prices will go down with this release, making it the better value option since you’ll be getting the exact vacuuming and mopping performance with a smaller base station.

So the question is, are you willing to spend the premium for the S7 MaxV Ultra, or you’re okay with not having the add-on features and spending less?