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Roomba and Roborock are two of the biggest names in the world of robot vacuums. Offering advanced smart technology, strong cleaning prowess, and the ability to empty your own trash cans, it’s always easy to recommend robot vacuums from these two manufacturers. But if you are trying to compare the models of the two brands, then you might run into a bit of trouble due to the sheer amount of options available in 2023.
Are you trying to find the right robot vacuum for your home, but unsure whether you should consider the Roomba or the Roborock? Here’s an in-depth look at the two companies to help you decide which is best.
design
Side by side, the rounded designs of the Roombas and Roborocks look similar to each other. They both use rubber brushes and automatic adjustments for uneven surfaces and replaceable filters for air filtration. However, there are some differences worth noting. Roborock has more hybrid models with added capabilities for mopping (more on this below), and Roomba has more models with side brushes and a flattened front (like the S9 series) that help clean baseboards and corners more effectively. We do. Overall, Roomba designs are a bit more durable and versatile than those in the average home.
the winner: Roomba
Available Models
There are three different iRobot series: the S9 line, the j7 line, and the i3 line. There are older versions, but not much in circulation anymore.
Roborock also has several series including the S8, S7, Q7, and E5 (you can see how it can be easy to confuse these two brands when doing consumer research).
While these lines may sound similar, Roborock really delivers when it comes to options. Overall, Roborock has the widest selection of robot vacuums, giving you more options and a better chance of finding a model that’s perfect for you.
the winner: roborock
battery life
The most advanced Roomba models promise up to two hours of battery life (depending on the mode used and other factors), and most models have the ability to return to their base stations and charge again, then resume their cleaning tasks. But let’s go back. This makes battery life less of a factor than before, but it still matters, especially when dealing with large rooms or cutting down on wear and tear.
Roborock’s vacuums vary, but many have large batteries that can last up to 200 minutes (again, this varies depending on the cleaning mode). Roborock models also usually include the ability to return to their stations for recharging when needed, but generally, its models can last for long periods of time on the floor on a single charge.
the winner: roborock
cleaning power
Talk about suction! The more suction a robot vacuum has, the easier it can tackle larger pieces of debris, and the more thorough a clean it gives carpets. While iRobot says its current vacs are up to 40 times more powerful than their original model, that doesn’t say much about suction levels, although it appears that Roomba’s is in terms of suction ratings, above about 2,500Pa Is.
Several Roborock models also offer a 2,500Pa suction rating. However, Roborock’s latest flagship model, the The S8 Pro Ultra tops out at a staggering 6,000 Pa—which should be more than enough to suck up all the debris hiding in your carpets.
the winner: roborock
smart features
Both vacuum brands have apps that are loaded with capabilities and bots that are loaded with sensors. Roombas uses Imprint smart mapping to scan, learn, and label rooms in your home. You can control floor plans and schedule individual room cleanings as you see fit, or order Roomba to do spot cleaning if there’s a specific mess to clean. You can also place barriers around specific furniture or rugs that the Roomba should avoid (the Roomba will automatically avoid stairs and other drop points). More advanced models have dirt detection to tell when a spot is dirty, so the bot can increase cleaning power. The app can even give you suggestions on how and when to clean over time. And with the right base station, the Roombas can automatically empty its bins so you don’t have to take out the trash for a week. Oh, and Roomba works with voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant for audible instructions.
While much of this smart technology provides the same features to most users, Roomba models may have some additional features, like spot cleaning and dirt detection, that give them a slight edge.
the winner: Roomba
What about mopping capabilities?
It took a few years, but both the Roborock and Roomba offer devices that can mop and vacuum without any manual input. The Roomba Combo J7+ is the best example of this, as it uses a Mofid that can rise to the top of the device when traveling on carpet, ensuring no water drips onto the floor.
Roborock doesn’t offer a product that’s quite as sophisticated, but the S8 Pro Ultra does the job in a similar way. Instead of a mop that retracts on top of the vacuum, it simply lifts itself up 5mm when traveling over carpet. This should be fine for most homes, but those with plush carpet may notice the broom floating along the top of the carpet.
Actual mopping performance varies by model, but it’s hard to go wrong with a product from either lineup.
the winner: tie
Price determination
On the high end, both the Roomba and Roborock models cost more than $1,000. For example, the Roomba S9+ costs $1,000, while the ultra-deluxe Roborock S8 Pro Ultra costs $1,600. On the low end, you can find budget models for around $500. With so much range in choice, there isn’t much difference here, as long as you’re willing to compromise to find a price you can live with.
the winner: tie
Conclusion: Which Robot Vacuum Brand Is Best?
While the Roomba still has better smart tech, the Roborock is seriously impressive with its potential power levels and consistent combination of suction and sonic mop vibrations. There’s a reason we’ve been infatuated with Roborock’s latest technology before.
At the end of the day, the features on the inside of the vacuum are more important than the logo on the outside. And since Roborock and Roomba now produce robot vacuums with a variety of price tags—and nearly all of them built to high standards—we suggest going through both catalogs to see which one catches your eye. catches up with
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