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Roborock S6 vs S6 MaxV Comparison - UK (2024)

Roborock S6 vs. S6 MaxV

Last updated: 07.07.2023 Reading time: 12 Min.

You’re looking for the best robot vacuum cleaner for your home? The Roborock S6 and the S6 MaxV are among the most popular models in UK.

And that with good reason! Both vacuums came out with flying colours in our tests. They clean the flat reliably and thoroughly, and the best part: you won’t have to raise a finger!

But which model is the best choice?

We meticulously reveal all the differences and similarities of the Roborock S6 MaxV vs. S6 in this comparison.

Read on to find out which robot vacuum fits best to your needs!

Roborock S6 vs S6 MaxV comparison

Roborock S6:

  • Good price-performance ratio

Roborock S6 MaxV:

  • Excellent navigation (automatic obstacle avoidance with Reactive AI technology)
  • Improved mopping features
  • Better cleaning result on hard floors and carpets

Roborock S6 vs S6 Maxv – Cleaning Performance - Our Review

Roborock S6 vs S6 MaxV - we let the two models compete against each other in our suction test.

Both models have to remove various kinds of dirt (lentils, oat flakes and sand) on different floor types (hard floor/carpet).

We also check how the Roborock S6 and the S6 MaxV cope with every-day cleaning in our flat for a longer time.

Here you can see an overview of our experiences:

Roborock S6 Roborock S6 MaxV
Suction power in Pascal 2000 Pa. 2500 Pa.
Cleaning result hard floor 92 % 96 %
Cleaning result short pile carpet 84 % 88 %
Cleaning result long pile carpet 85 % 90 %
Carpet Turbo Yes Yes
Pet hair/long human hair Good cleaning result. Hair may wrap around the brush an side brush. Cleaning tool included. You can easily disassemble the brush. Good cleaning result. Hair may wrap around the brush and side brush. Cleaning tool included. You can easily disassemble the brush.
Cleaning result in corners Good Good
Different cleaning modes 4 (Quiet, Balanced, Turbo, Max) 4 (Quiet, Balanced, Turbo, Max)
Dustbin 480 ml 460 ml
HEPA filter Yes Yes
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Cleaning on hard floors

Both robot vacuums did a great job on laminate.

Roborock S6 on the laminate

Overview of the Roborock S6's suction test result on a hard floor

The Roborock S6 quickly picked up oat flakes (98%) and lentils (97%). It had more difficulties with sand but still managed to remove 80% of the sand.

Roborock S6 MaxV on the laminate

Overview of the result of the Roborock S6 MaxV suction test on a hard floor

The Roborock S6 MaxV hardly reached its limits with oatmeal and lentils, either, just like its little brother.

But when it came to vacuuming sand, the S6 MaxV sucked up a whopping 98% (vs S6: 80%) of the dirt.

The Roborock S6 MaxV is better suited for homes with hard floors due to the significantly better suction result with sand.

Cleaning on carpets

Carpets are more challenging for robotic vacuum cleaners.

Both Roborock robot vacuums have a well-functioning carpet detection function.

This means that as soon as the robotic vacuum cleaners drive onto a carpet, they automatically switch to the highest suction level (MAX). The increased suction power is necessary to remove deep-seated dirt.

These were the results in our suction tests on carpets:

Roborock S6 on short pile carpet

Overview of the Roborock S6 suction test on a short pile carpet

Roborock S6 MaxV on short pile carpet

Overview of the Roborock S6 MaxV suction test result on a short pile carpet.

Roborock S6 on a high pile carpet

Overview of the Roborock S6 suction test result on a deep pile carpet

Roborock S6 MaxV on a high pile carpet

Overview of the Roborock S6 MaxV suction test result on a high pile carpet

The Roborock S6 MaxV performed better on carpets, too (especially in the sand test).

The increased suction power (S6: 2000 Pa. vs S6 MaxV: 2500 Pa. ) pays off here.

Roborock S6 vs. S6 MaxV for everyday cleaning

Both the Roborock S6 and the S6 MaxV convinced us in everyday use.

You can choose between 4 cleaning levels (Quiet, Balanced, Turbo and Max) in both devices. You can conveniently set them via the mobile app.

This way, you always have the right one at hand - depending on the degree of soiling.

Our 80 m² flat (no pets, no children) was already perfectly clean after using the 'Balanced' cleaning mode. However, we recommend selecting the higher power settings (Turbo or Max) in case of heavy soiling.

P.S.: The mobile dustbin of the Roborock S6 (480 ml) is slightly larger than that of the S6 MaxV (vs 460 ml). But we hardly noticed that in everyday use.

Conclusion on the cleaning test

The more powerful suction of the Roborock S6 MaxV gave it an advantage during the "extreme test" (especially with sand).

So if your home is dirtier (e.g. if you live with pets, children, etc.), or if you have more carpets in your home, we recommend the Roborock S6 MaxV.

The powerful suction ensures more cleanliness here.

However, if you live in a relatively tidy/clean flat with mainly hard floors, you will also get excellent cleaning results with the Roborock S6.

Roborock S6 MaxV vs S6 - Which one has the better mopping function?

Both robot vacuums have an integrated mopping function (2-in-1 models / hybrid devices).

The advantage of a mopping robot vacuum is obvious: it mops and vacuums your home at the same time.

Activating the mopping feature works the same for both models.

Fill the water tank with water.

Attach the mop.

Ready.

Now your Roborock can vacuum (and mop) the flat.

When comparing the mopping function of both models, we noticed a few differences.

Roborock S6 MaxV vs. S6: Mopping function

Roborock S6 Roborock S6 MaxV
Water tank size ~160 ml. ~300 ml.
Wipe 2 x washable mops. Can’t reach across the entire width of the mop plate 1 x washable mop. Reaches across the entire width of the mop
Disposable wipes included 10 wipes -
Water delivery control Switch on the water tank Via app
Water intensity levels 2 levels 4 levels
Setting up water intensity level per room No Yes
Maximum wiping surface Minimum water level: 100 m², Max water level: 50 m² Minimum water level: 200 m², Max water level: 90 m².
Water protection pad for charging station Included. Good quality Included. Medium quality
Carpet detection function No No
Improved wiping properties - Additional contact pressure (300 grams)
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Size of the water tank

The water tank of the Roborock S6 MaxV is almost twice as big as the one of the S6 (S6 MaxV: 300 ml vs S6: 160 ml).

Roborock S6

The water tank of the Roborock S6 is behind the robot vacuum.

Roborock S6 MaxV

The water tank of the Roborock S6 MaxV is behind the robot vacuum.

That also has a significant impact on the "maximum cleaning".

The Roborock S6 MaxV can mop up to 200 m² of living space with one water filling (vs S6: maximum 100 m²).

Regulation of water intensity

The Roborock S6 has two water intensity levels (a lot of water / little water). You can set it via a "switch" on the water tank.

Close-up of the water control switch on the water tank of Roborock S6.

With the Roborock S6 MaxV, you can easily adjust the water intensity via the mobile app. You can choose between 4 levels.

A significant advantage: You can set the water intensity individually for each room.

Setting the water intensity level per room for the Roborock S6 MaxV in the mobile app

This means that it can mop the sensitive laminate in the living room with less water. But it will use the highest water output once it reaches the tiles in the bathroom.

Quality of the mopping feature

We liked the mopping function of the Roborock S6 MaxV much better than that of the S6.

Roborock S6

Roborock S6 mops the floor in the kitchen

Roborock S6 MaxV

Roborock S6 MaxV mops the floor

The Roborock S6 MaxV soaks the mop much better with water. Thus, the S6 MaxV’s performance was also more thorough.

We always cleaned our flat (laminate, PVC and tiles) with the highest water intensity level with both models. We never had the feeling that the water output was too high or harmful to the floor.

Roborock S6*

Roborock S6 MaxV*

Protection pad for the charging station

Both the Roborock S6 MaxV and S6 have a water protection pad for the charging station.

Roborock S6

Floor protection mat for the Roborock S6 charging dock

Roborock S6 MaxV

Floor protection mat for the Roborock S6 MaxV docking station

It protects the floor from the wet mop whenever the little household helper comes to the charging station for charging.

The protection mat of the Roborock S6 is of higher quality than that of the S6 MaxV. The plastic is much thicker, and you can also “click” the mat onto the charging station.

The Roborock S6 MaxV’s mat is made of thin plastic instead, and you have to glue it to the floor.

Mop

A positive feature of the Roborock S6 is that they included an additional replacement mop in the delivery scope.

You’ll always have a clean wipe at hand.

Unfortunately, the Roborock S6 MaxV doesn’t have a second mop. However, you can conveniently buy washable mops online* on Amazon UK.

The Roborock S6 also comes with ten disposable wipes. We’re not sure what they’re for - they’re neither practical nor eco-friendly.

The Roborock S6 MaxV has one significant advantage over its little brother: The wiping cloth extends over the entire width of the wiping plate.

The mop of Roborock S6 and Roborock S6 MaxV from below

That makes the Roborock S6 MaxV’s wiping track - and, therefore, also the cleaning area - slightly larger.

Conclusion on the mopping function

The Roborock S6 MaxV has some significant advantages over its little brother: A larger water tank and water intensity regulation via the app (four levels).

The S6 MaxV also has a spring assembly, which results in additional contact pressure of 300 grams on the mop. That improves the mopping result even more.

Long story short: The Roborock S6 MaxV beats its little brother when it comes to mopping!

How can you control the Roborock Robot Vacuum Cleaners?

Buttons on the robot vacuum itself

You can control both robot vacuums via buttons on the device itself. You have the following options:

  • (1) Start/stop cleaning
  • (2) Return to the charging station
  • (3) Area cleaning (spot cleaning)

Roborock S6

The Roborock S6 control buttons from above

Roborock S6 MaxV

Buttons for controlling the Roborock S6 MaxV on top of the robot vacuum

Mobile app

The mobile app offers significantly more functions and setting options.

You can control both the Roborock S6 and S6 MaxV with the Xiaomi Home App (iOS/Android) and Roborock App (iOS/Android).

Roborock App

Roborock App for download in the App Store

Xiaomi Home App

Xiaomi Mi Home app for download in the App Store

Both apps worked great. The range of functions of both apps is almost identical.

The "Roborock App" solves problems and offers updates (with new functions, bug fixes,...) faster. That's why we prefer using this app.

If you have several Xiaomi devices in your home, we recommend using the Xiaomi Home App. Then you can control all devices via one app.

Roborock S6 MaxV vs: App functions

Roborock S6 Roborock S6 MaxV
App Roborock App or Xiaomi Home App Roborock App or Xiaomi Home App
Systems Android and iOS Android and iOS
Wifi connection needed Yes Yes
Scope of functions Extensive Extensive
Obstacle avoidance function (Reactive AI) - Yes
Monitoring function (remote viewing function) - Yes
Transmission of voice messages - Yes
Save multiple maps 4 floors 4 floors
Room separation/merging Yes Yes
Naming rooms You can assign room names (kitchen, living room, etc.) You can assign room names (kitchen, living room, etc.)
Cleaning modes 4 levels (Quiet, Balanced, Turbo, Max) 4 levels (Quiet, Balanced, Turbo, Max)
Water intensity levels - 4 levels
Setting the water intensity per room - Yes
No-go zones Yes Yes
No-mop zones Yes Yes
Spot cleaning Yes Yes
Selective room cleaning Yes Yes
Timer function Yes Yes
Carpet turbo (carpet detection function) Yes Yes
Drawing the carpets on the map No No
Firmware updates Yes Yes
Voice control Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri
Check Amazon* Offer* Offer*

The range of functions of both apps is almost identical.

However, the Roborock S6 MaxV offers more options in two areas compared to the S6.

Mopping function: Regulate the S6 MaxV’s water intensity via the app

With the Roborock S6 MaxV, you can regulate the water intensity level via the mobile app. You can choose from 4 different levels.

Another advantage: You can even define a different water output per room.

You can’t do that with the Roborock S6’s water pump. You can only set the water intensity manually via a switch on the water tank (min/max).

It works fine, but it’s not as convenient as the Roborock S6 MaxV.

Obstacle Avoidance and Monitoring Function on the S6 MaxV

Obstacle avoidance function (Reactive AI) of the Roborock S6 MaxV:

The Roborock S6 MaxV has a front camera for obstacle detection.

It marks the objects that it recognised on the map. You can click on the obstacles in the mobile app and see information about it

It draws detected obstacles on the map in the Roborock S6 MaxV mobile app.

Monitoring function (Remote Viewing) of the Roborock S6 MaxV:

You can also use the Roborock S6 MaxV as a kind of "surveillance camera".

It can send live pictures to your smartphone whenever it’s on a cleaning trip.

You want to check on your flat while you're on the road? No problem!

Did I turn off the oven?

Roborock S6 MaxV sends a picture of the oven to the mobile app

Did I close the front door?

Roborock S6 MaxV shows a picture of the open front door in the mobile app

Another feature: You can even record messages via your smartphone, and the robot vacuum will play them in your home.

What a nice gimmick ?.

Voice Assistant

You can easily communicate with both Roborock robot vacuums via voice control (Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri).

We tested the voice control with Amazon's Alexa (Roborock Plus Skill) and it worked great.

Voice commands for Alexa

Map creation and saving

Both Roborock S6 and S6 MaxV create a detailed map of your home.

Showing a map in the Roborock App that the Roborock S6 or S6 MaxV created.

You can save a total of 4 maps (for 4 floors) with both units.

That means that you can use Roborock models in an apartment / house with multiple floors.

Roborock S6 MaxV vs S6: Navigation

We also checked out the navigation in our Roborock S6 MaxV vs S6 comparison.

Precise, fast and seamless navigation are vital factors for a great cleaning result.

Comparing the navigation features of Roborock S6 Maxv vs S6

Roborock S6 Roborock S6 MaxV
Navigation technology Laser navigation (structured navigation) Laser navigation (structured navigation) + 2 front cameras
Additional obstacle avoidance function? - Yes (True Detect). Obstacle detection rate in the test: ~70 %.
Obstacle avoidance even in the dark? - No
Navigation speed (Without obstacle avoidance function) Fast (80 m² in approx. 43 minutes) Fast (80 m² in approx. 40 minutes)
Dealing with obstacles Very accurate. It occasionally uses the bumpers. Doesn’t recognise flat obstacles. Very accurate. It uses bumpers very rarely. Avoids even flat obstacles automatically.
Navigation in the dark Yes Yes
Crash sensors 6 6
Bumper in the laser tower Yes Yes
Overcome door thresholds ~ 2 cm ~ 1.9 cm
Check Amazon* Offer* Offer*

The Roborock S6’s laser navigation

The Roborock S6 uses laser navigation technology (lidar navigation).

A laser distance sensor (lds) scans the surroundings in real-time.

Close-up of Roborock S6's laser navigation tower

This way, the robot vacuum always knows where it is and where it has to go next.

Laser navigation is currently the best and most precise navigation technology for robot vacuums.

The Roborock S6 MaxV’s Laser navigation and automatic obstacle detection (Reactive AI technology)

The big brother (S6 MaxV) has an ace up its sleeve in terms of "navigation and driving".

The laser navigation forms just the basis.

The S6 MaxV tops that off with two front cameras.

Close-up of the two cameras of the Roborock S6 MaxV

It “sees” obstacles (the "V" in the name stands for "vision"), thanks to these cameras. A data-based algorithm called Reactive AI (Artificial Intelligence) then compares the photos with its database (With the help of a qualcomm processor). That way, the Roborock S6 MaxV always knows which object is in its path and can avoid it.

Roborock S6 MaxV independently avoids even small obstacles

The obstacle recognition scored around 70% in our tests.

Since the data basis permanently expands, we assume that the rate also increases in the future.

Conclusion

The navigation of the Roborock S6 is good - that of the S6 MaxV even better.

Automatic obstacle avoidance is the next stage for robot vacuums’ navigation.

The significant advantage of the Roborock S6 MaxV: You can also let it clean a flat that’s not 100% tidy.

The S6 MaxV will recognise the obstacles and avoid them. You won't have to worry about the robot vacuum getting stuck on the next best charging cable.

Roborock S6 vs S6 MaxV: Battery life

Roborock S6 Roborock S6 MaxV
Battery 5200mAh lithium-ion battery 5200mAh lithium-ion battery
Maximum runtime 120 minutes 180 minutes
Maximum cleaning area 200 m² 250 m²
Maximum charging time 3-4 hours 6 hours
Recharge & Resume function Yes Yes
Check Amazon* Offer* Offer*

Both devices have a powerful rechargeable battery.

That ensures a long runtime (S6: 120 minutes vs. S6 MaxV: 180 minutes).

Thus, both units are suitable for use in larger flats/houses.

Both devices hardly reached their limits in our 80 m² flat. The battery still had plenty of power left after cleaning.

However, if you live in a huge house / flat (>200 m² living space), you should go for the S6 MaxV. Its battery lasts for about one hour longer.

Roborock S6 MaxV vs. S6 – Noise level

You can choose between 4 different power settings in both the Roborock S6 MaxV and S6.

The volume depends mainly on the selected power mode.

Roborock S6 Roborock S6 MaxV
Quiet 55 dB 58 dB
Balanced 58 dB 60 dB
Turbo 62 dB 61 dB
Max 64 dB 65 dB

The robot vacuums are extremely quiet in the "Quiet" and "Balanced" modes.

You can easily have a conversation in the same room.

Overview of the volume of Roborock S6 and S6 MaxV on the decibel scale

We always used the "Balanced" cleaning mode for both robot vacuums in our flat (no pets, no children). The cleaning performance was good - and it was nicely quiet.

Roborock S6 vs S6 MaxV: Comparison of design, dimensions and weight

Robot Vacuums

The Roborock S6 and S6 MaxV have almost identical hardware.

Thus, the design and quality of both devices don’t differ much, either.

Roborock S6 Roborock S6 MaxV
Dimensions Height: 9.65 cm (3.8 inches). Diameter: 35 cm (13.8 inches) Height: 9.65 cm (3.8 inches). Diameter: 35 cm (13.8 inches)
Weight 3.6 kg 3.7 kg
Colour Black and white Black only
Quality Very Good Very Good
Check Amazon* Offer* Offer*

Only the front camera at the Roborock S6 MaxV's bumper distinguishes both models’ appearances.

Roborock S6 MaxV front camera of the robot vacuum

The models look very similar from above...

Roborock S6

Roborock S6

Roborock S6 MaxV

Roborock S6 MaxV from above

… and from below.

Roborock S6

Roborock S6 from below

Roborock S6 MaxV

Roborock S6 MaxV from below

The most significant difference between the two models: The Roborock S6 is available in black and white (vs. S6 MaxV: only in black).

It’s always a plus when a robot vacuum is available in several colours. This way, you can choose the appliance to match your interior style.

Charging dock

The charging docks are a bit different:

Roborock S6

The Roborock S6 charging dock is on the floor

Roborock S6 MaxV

Holding the Roborock S6 MaxV charging dock

The docking station of the Roborock S6 is slightly larger than that of the S6 MaxV. You can wind up the excess cable at the back of the S6’s charging station.

Furthermore, the waterproof protection pad on the S6 is of a significantly higher quality.

  • Roborock S6: Pad is made of thick plastic. You can attach it to the charging station.
  • Roborock S6 MaxV: Pad is made of thin plastic. You can glue it to the floor (with blue adhesive strips).

Waterproof protection pads of Roborock S6 and S6 MaxV side by side on the floor

The delivery scope of Roborock S6 MaxV vs. S6

The Roborock S6 comes with a few more spare parts than the S6 MaxV (10 disposable cloths, 1 reusable mop extra).

Roborock S6

The entire delivery scope of Roborock S6 is on the floor

Roborock S6 MaxV

The entire delivery scope of Roborock S6 MaxV is on the floor

You can always purchase spare parts and wear parts online* (on Amazon UK).

Roborock S6 MaxV vs S6: The price

The Roborock S6 MaxV is slightly more expensive than the S6.

Is that price increase unreasonable?

We don’t think so.

You get an improved mopping function, automatic obstacle detection, and overall better cleaning performance (on hard floors and carpets) that’s worth the extra bucks.

You shouldn’t save money on the wrong end here and consider purchasing a robot vacuum as a long-term investment.

The little household helper saves time, effort and...

...in the long term also money - you won’t have to buy filter bags or the like anymore.

Overview of our scores for the Roborock S6 and S6 MaxV

Our test team put both models through the wringer.

You can see a summary of our results below.

Roborock S6 Roborock S6 MaxV
Suction and cleaning performance
Mopping performance
App and functionality
Navigation
Volume
Battery life
Design and Quality
Delivery scope
Price-performance ratio

If you want to read more about both Roborock models, you should read our detailed reviews. We linked both reviews below

Roborock S6 vs S6 MaxV Comparison - Our Conclusion

Our Roborock S6 vs. S6 MaxV comparison meticulously revealed all advantages and disadvantages of both models.

Our conclusion: The Roborock S6 is good, the S6 MaxV even better!

The improved mopping function, better navigation with obstacle avoidance and excellent cleaning performance on carpets / hard floors speak for the S6 MaxV.

You’ll get your money’s worth, even if it has a higher price!

So if you’re looking for an innovative robot vacuum, the Roborock S6 MaxV is the way to go.

Frequently asked questions

  • Can I buy Roborock S6 MaxV and Roborock S6 on Amazon UK?


    Yes. You can buy Roborock S6 MaxV and S6 on Amazon UK.

Ilia

Robot vacuum cleaners are my passion. These little helpers make cleaning our homes so much easier. That's why it's my personal concern to recommend only the most outstanding products and the best tips and tricks to you. Then you can devote your valuable time to the finer things in life - and as a rule, floor cleaning is not one of them.

Why trust us?

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