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Roborock S7 vs S5 Max: Our Detailed Comparison UK (2024)

Roborock S7 vs. S5 Max

Last updated: 07.07.2023 Reading time: 13 Min.

Our detailed Roborock S7 and Roborock S5 Max comparison: Which robot vacuum cleaner fits best to my needs ??

The question is quite tricky. Both Roborock models have their merits.

The Roborock S7 offers fantastic features. Especially the mopping function is top-notch.

The Roborock S5 Max, on the other hand, has a spectacular price-performance ratio.

Who’ll win this battle: David (Roborock S7) or Goliath (S5 Max)?

We’ll lift that secret in the upcoming chapters ?.

Roborock S7 vs. S5 Max stand side by side for comparison
  • Roborock
    S5 Max
    Price from £ 472
    "The perfect all-rounder with the best price-performance ratio?".
    Roborock
    S5 Max
    "The perfect all-rounder with the best price-performance ratio?".
  • Bagless emptying station
    Roborock
    S7
    Price from £ 862.76
    The test winner: It’s the best robot vacuum and mop combo on the market that convinces with numerous improvements of the mopping feature.
    Roborock
    S7
    The test winner: It’s the best robot vacuum and mop combo on the market that convinces with numerous improvements of the mopping feature.

Roborock S7:

  • Sonic Mopping technology (vibrating mopping plate) ensures better mopping results
  • The robot lifts the mop when driving on a carpet, thanks to VibraRise technology
  • An self-emptying dustbin will be available for purchase in the UK in Autumn 2021. You can even use it without disposable dust bags.
  • It marks carpets as "shaded areas" on the map

Roborock S5 Max:

  • Top price-performance ratio

Roborock S7 vs. S5 Max: The Cleaning Performance

What’s the most important thing about a robot vacuum?

Correct, the device should reliably clean the flat!

Therefore, we check out the cleaning performance in our in-depth Roborock S7 vs. S5 Max comparison first.

We gave them quite a dirty challenge during our tests:

  • Extreme test on different floor types (laminate, low-pile carpet, high-pile carpet).
  • Cleaning test in our everyday life (over a longer period).

Roborock S7 vs. S5 Max: Cleaning Test Review

Roborock S7 Roborock S5 Max
Suction power in Pascal 2500 Pa. 2500 Pa.
Cleaning result on a hard floor 98 % 96 %
Cleaning result on a low pile carpet 93 % 84%
Cleaning result on a high pile carpet 96 % 88 %
Special cleaning features?

"knobs". They thoroughly brush through the carpet fibres, so that the robot can remove dirt better. The brush is "floating", so it can clean uneven floors better.

-
Carpet detection Yes, with the carpet turbo function. It also drives along the carpets’ edges and marks carpets on the map. Yes, with the carpet turbo function. It doesn’t mark carpets on the map.
Main brush Made of rubber. The "floating" brush can adapt better to uneven floors (e.g. carpets). Made of bristle hair and lamellae.
Side brush 1 plastic side brush 1 plastic side brush
Removing pet hair/long human hair Very good result. Hair hardly wraps around the rubber brush. Doesn’t come with a cleaning tool. Hair occasionally wraps around the brush. You can remove them with the included cleaning tool.
Cleaning performance in corners Good Good
Number of cleaning modes 4 (Quiet, Balanced, Turbo, Max) 4 (Quiet, Balanced, Turbo, Max)
Dirt container 470 ml 460 ml
HEPA filter Yes Yes
Check Amazon* Offer* Offer*

Cleaning Test on Laminate

The Roborock S5 Max and the S7 didn’t have any problems cleaning the laminate.

Both devices easily remove all dirt types (lentils, oatmeal, sand) from the hard floor.

Roborock S7

Overview of the cleaning results of the Roborock S7 on laminate

Roborock S5 Max

Overview of the  Roborock S5 Max’s cleaning result on laminate

You’ll be equally satisfied with both models when it comes to cleaning hard floors. The two robot vacuum cleaners are on par here.

Cleaning on Carpets

Carpets are usually much more challenging for all kinds of robot vacuums.

Roborock S5 Max vs. S7: Low-Pile Carpet

Roborock S7

Overview of the Roborock S7’s cleaning test result on a low-pile carpet

Roborock S5 Max

Overview of the Roborock S5 Max’s cleaning test result on a low-pile carpet.

Roborock S7 and Roborock S5 Max comparison on a High-Pile Carpet

Roborock S7

Overview of the Roborock S7’s cleaning test result on a high-pile carpet

Roborock S5 Max

Overview of the Roborock S5 Max’s cleaning test result on a high pile carpet

The Roborock S7 copes better with this challenge than the S5 Max.

Grainy lentils...

Light oat flakes...

Sand...

... The Roborock S7 came out with flying colours on both low pile and high pile carpets.

That’s thanks to the following features:

  • Higher suction power.
  • Better characteristics of the brush holder.
  • The improved carpet detection function.

Let’s take a closer look at the Roborock S7’s unique features.

The Roborock S7’s Powerful Suction (2500 Pa. vs. S5 Max: 2000 Pa.)

The increased suction power comes in very handy on the carpet.

With this, the Roborock S7 can easily remove dirt from the carpet fibre... and suck it up.

"Floating" Brush Holder with Knobs

The main brush of the Roborock S7 is "floating".

This means: The brush can move to the left / right as well as up / down.

Now the brush adapts optimally to the floor’s surface.

Left / Right

Roborock S7's floating brush holder moves to the right side

Up / Down

Roborock S7's floating brush holder moves up and down

This makes it easier to clean uneven parts on the carpet and remove dirt more effectively.

The Roborock S7’s brush holder also has "knobs" (the S5 Max doesn’t have that).

Close-up of the knobs on the brush holder of the Roborock S7

The knobs "dig" into the carpet, just like a plough in farming. That loosens the dirt from the carpet fibres so that the rubber brush can get a hold of it and remove it.

The Roborock S7 cleans a carpet
Source: roborock.com

Carpet Detection Function

Both the Roborock S5 Max and the S7 have a reliable carpet detection function. The robot vacuum automatically switches to the highest cleaning mode as soon as it drives onto a carpet.

But the Roborock S7 has more to offer.

It also marks carpets on the map, thanks to the new ultrasonic sensor.

Ultrasonic sensor

Close-up of Roborock S7's ultrasonic sensor for carpet detection

Marking the carpet on the map

Marking the carpet on the map in the Roborock S7 App

That mark can serve as a landmark. You can define no-go zones or no-mop zones or let the robot clean the carpet separately (several times if necessary).

Furthermore, the Roborock S7 has a special driving behaviour on the fluffy surface. It also cleans the carpets separately along the edges.

A great feature, because this is exactly where dirt usually accumulates!

Conclusion on the Cleaning Performance on Carpets

The Roborock S7 cuts a much better figure on the carpet.

Our special award: The Roborock S7 is one of the best robot vacuums for carpets!

The powerful suction and innovative features lead to a better result in our cleaning tests on carpets.

Long story short: The Roborock S7 is the way to go if you have a lot of carpets at home!

Roborock S5 Max vs. S7: Long hairs

Both the Roborock vacuums have no problems removing hair.

The only difference is that there are a lot more hairs wrapped around the Roborock S5 Max’s brush.

It’s a different story with the Roborock S7. Hardly any hairs wrap themselves around the rubber brush.

Cleaning the brush is also much easier with the Roborock S7 compared to the S5 Max.

You can easily “pull out” the hairs with the Roborock S7. With the S5 Max, you have to use the included cleaning tool.

Roborock S7

Pulling hair out of the rubber brush of the Roborock S7

Roborock S5 Max

Removing hair from the Roborock S5 Max’s main brush with the cleaning tool

So if you share your home with long-haired pets (or people), the Roborock S7 (including the maintenance-free rubber brush) is the better choice.

Roborock S5 Max vs. Roborock S7: Everyday cleaning

Both Roborock robot vacuums cleaned our flat (no pets, mostly hard floors, no children) without any problems.

The cleaning result is outstanding, even in the medium cleaning mode (Balanced).

You just have to start the robotic vacuum...

...wait for about 40 minutes.

...and your flat is spotlessly clean.

Long story short: Everyday dirt doesn’t pose a threat to either the Roborock S7 or S5 Max. You’ll be 100% satisfied with their performance.

Roborock S7: Self-Emptying Dustbin

Finally!

The S7 is the first Roborock robot vacuum cleaner that’s compatible with a self-emptying dustbin.

The Roborock S7 stands at the auto-empty station
Source: roborock.com

And Roborock proves - once again - that they are innovators.

You can use the auto-empty station with a reusable dust container. As of 2021, no competitor offers a comparable feature.

The "self-emptying" process itself offers no surprises:

  • Roborock S7 moves to the docking station to charge the battery.
  • The auto-empty dock empties the mobile dust container
  • And stores the dirt in the large, reusable dirt bin.

Now you’ll just have to empty the large dust bag in the self-emptying dustbin once a month.

That's it.

The cleaning process is almost completely automated, thanks to the auto-empty station.

P.S.: The self-emptying dustbin will be available in the UK from autumn 2021.

Roborock S5 Max Doesn’t Have a self-emptying dustbin

There is no self-emptying dustbin for the Roborock S5 Max...

...and you can’t buy it afterwards, either.

Depending on how dirty your home is, you’ll have to empty the mobile dirt container by hand 1-2 times a week.

Emptying the Roborock S5 Max’s mobile dust container over a dustbin

If you have allergies, you won’t like emptying the container because dirt particles get back into the air... and you inhale them. That leads to annoying allergy symptoms (runny nose, watery eyes, ?).

Therefore, the Roborock S7 (including auto-empty station) is a great solution for allergy sufferers!

Roborock S7 vs. Roborock S5 Max - Which Robot Mops Better?

Both the Roborock S7 and the Roborock S5 Max are "Robot Vacuum and Mop Combos:".

Your advantage: They can vacuum and mop the floors at the same time.

The principle is simple.

A water tank delivers water to the mopping pad. Then the robot vacuum drags the wet mop behind itself during each cleaning trip and, thus, mops the floors.

Spoiler alert: The two models have huge differences when it comes to the mopping function. The Roborock S7 has several innovations that significantly improve the mopping result!

Roborock S5 Max vs. S7 Comparison of the Mopping Function

Roborock S7 Roborock S5 Max
Water tank size ~300 ml. ~290 ml.
Mopping pad 1 x washable mop. Covers the full width of the plate. The mop is very fluffy and is of high quality. 1 x washable mop. Does not cover the full width of the plate. Quality is mediocre.
Control of the water intensity Via the app Via the app
Water intensity levels 4 levels 4 levels
Set up water intensity per room? Yes Yes
Maximum mopping surface Lowest water level: 200 m², highest water level: 90 m². Lowest water level: 200 m², highest water level: 90 m².
Is there a water protection pad for the charging station? No. However, as the robot lifts the mopping plate, it doesn’t need it. Yes. Quality is mediocre.

Vibrating mopping plate?

"Scrubbing effect"

Yes. Different settings are available:

1650 times/minute

2300 times/minute

3000 times/minute

No. The robot just drags the mop behind itself.
Weight of the robot vacuum cleaner ~5 Kg ~3,9 Kg
Additional pressure on the mop Additional contact pressure (~580 grams). Additional contact pressure (~300 grams).
Carpet detection function Yes No
Lifting the mopping plate when driving on a carpet? Yes, approx. 4-5 mm No
Special mopping mode? "Deep cleaning mode". The robot vacuum mops each room twice and reduces the distances between its paths. It also turns off the suction motor. -
Check Amazon* Offer* Offer*

"Standard" Mopping Function on Roborock S5 Max

The Roborock S5 Max relies on a ("standard") mopping function.

The water tank continuously supplies the mop with water.

You can control the water intensity via the mobile phone app (for each room individually)

It (merely) drags the wet mopping pad behind itself.

Any kind of scrubbing movements? Nope.

One thing’s for sure: You can’t expect "cleaning miracles" here.

But still, the result was quite good:

Roborock S5 Max mops the study

Roborock S5 Max mops the kitchen

It removes the last dirt traces, dust and "easy-to-remove stains".

Unfortunately, the little housekeeper has to pass on more stubborn stains (such as coffee or ketchup stains).

Roborock S5 Max*

Roborock S7’s "Vibrating" Mopping Plate Takes it to a New Level

You’ll discover most of the Roborock S7’s innovations in the "mopping" function. These include:

  • Higher weight as well as a special device that generates additional pressure on the mop
  • A fluffy mop
  • Sonic Mopping Technology (vibrating mopping plate)
  • VibraRise technology (lifts the mopping plate when driving onto a carpet)
  • Special mopping mode (The robot mops the flat more thoroughly)
  • It lifts the mopping plate during the charging process

These features lead to a significantly improved mopping function.

We’ll take a closer look at each innovation now.

Roborock S7*

Higher Weight + Additional Pressure on the Mop

We have to apply pressure to the mop to remove more stubborn stains when mopping by hand.

It’s the same with robot vacuums. The rule by thumb is:

Heavier robot = more pressure on the mop = better mopping result ?

The Roborock S7 has two improvements here:

  • Higher weight (S7: 5 kg vs. S5 Max: 3.9 kg)
  • Higher pressure on the mop (S7: 580 grams vs. S5 Max: 300 grams)

So it’s pretty clear: these measures ensure that the robot can put more pressure on the mop. This in turn leads to a better mopping result.

High-Quality Mopping pad

Roborock also significantly improved the quality of the mopping pad compared to that of the S5 Max.

Roborock S7

Close-up of Roborock S7’s mopping pad

Roborock S5 Max

Close-up of the Roborock S5 Max’s mop

The mop is much fluffier, absorbs more water, and removes dirt better from the floor.

A super handy improvement!

The Roborock S7’s mop also covers the full width of the mopping plate. The S5 Max, on the other hand, misses a few inches of fabric on the right and left, making the mopping trace a little narrower.

Ps. The mopping plates of both devices are identical in size. This means you can use the Roborock S7 mop for your Roborock S5 Max as well.

Sonic Mopping (Vibrating Mopping Technology)

Sonic Mopping (vibrating wiping technology) is certainly one of the Roborock S7’s highlights.

A special motor causes the mopping plate to vibrate.

The vibration motor of the Roborock S7’s mopping plate

Roborock S7 mops the floor with the vibrating mopping function (Sonic Mopping)

You can change the vibration movements’ speed by selecting one of three "mopping levels":

  • “Low": 1650 vibrations/minute
  • “Medium": 2300 vibrations/minute
  • "High": 3000 vibrations/minute

This simulates "scrubbing" movements.

With this, the Roborock S7 can remove even more stubborn stains more easily.

VibraRise - The Liftable Mopping Plate

The VibraRise technology is a world debut in the robot vacuum market in 2021.

With this, the Roborock S7 can lift the mopping plate independently by about 4-5 mm when driving over a carpet.

Roborock S7 drives onto a carpet

Thanks to VibraRise technology, the Roborock S7 lifts the mopping plate when it drives on the carpet

It worked perfectly during our test... but only on low-pile/flat carpets.

Unfortunately, the Roborock S7's lifting height isn’t sufficient on very high carpets.

Nevertheless: Especially if you have mostly flat carpets at home, it’s an excellent feature!

Special Mopping Mode ("Deep Cleaning")

You can activate the "Deep Cleaning" mode in the Roborock S7 mobile app.

Then the robot vacuum will do the following things:

  • It only mops your floors because it turns off the suction motor. That makes the robot also particularly quiet, and its battery lasts much longer.
  • The robot mops each track twice.
  • The paths are much narrower, which means that the robot mops every spot in your room even more often.

"Standard" Mopping

Showing the Roborock S7’s paths in the mobile phone app during a normal mopping process.

"Deep Cleaning" Mopping

Showing the Roborock S7’s travel paths in the mobile app during deep cleaning mopping.

You know this too well from cleaning with a mop and bucket. The more often you mop one spot, the better the result.

That’s exactly what the "Deep Cleaning Mode" achieves - An outstanding feature!

The S7 Lifts the Mopping Plate When Charging the Battery

This is a plain but very effective feature.

With this, you won’t have to remove the wet mop immediately after cleaning because it won’t even touch the floor.

The Roborock S7 lifts the mopping plate during charging

The Roborock S5 Max can’t do that.

The damp mop will touch the floor during the charging process. That could even cause damage to sensitive floors.

So you have no other choice but to use the rather low-quality plastic mat (included in the delivery scope) or remove the mop directly after each mopping trip.

Roborock S5 Max’s charging station stands on the floor with the plastic mat

We wouldn’t call either of the two a perfect solution.

Roborock S7 vs. S5 Max: Conclusion on the Mopping Function

We don't have to beat around the bush.

The mopping function of the Roborock S7 is much better than that of the Roborock S5 Max.

Roborock S7 mops the floor in the study

Roborock S7 mops a hard floor

The numerous improvements mean that the S7 can remove even more stubborn stains.

If you’re big on the mopping feature, you should go for the Roborock S7.

Rating of the Mopping Function + Tips & Tricks

Please don’t expect any miracles here (also from the Roborock S7).

Even the best Robot Vacuum and Mop Combos reaches its limits with stains that have dried for days, stubborn dirt, etc.

The robot's weight is too low for this (despite the numerous improvements).

But you should keep in mind that you also have to use a lot of force by hand to remove very stubborn stains ?

But there are some tricks with which you can improve the cleaning result a little.

  • Mop your flat thoroughly before the first cleaning trip. This creates the perfect basis.
  • Let the vacuum-mopping robot mop your home regularly. It’ll keep a nice level of cleanliness... and you won’t have to mop by hand that often anymore.
  • Dampen the mop thoroughly before each cleaning.
  • Put some special cleaner in the water tank (available* on Amazon UK), on the mop or directly on the floor. Some manufacturers warn against adding cleaner to the water tank. Please follow the manufacturer's instructions here.
  • Always have several mops at hand. Then you can replace the dirty mop with a clean one halfway through the cleaning trip (if necessary).
  • Wash the mop in the washing machine after each cleaning (at 40 degrees).

Check out our detailed review "Robot vacuums with Mopping function" if you want to read more on this topic.

Roborock S7 vs. S5 Max: Map Creation

Both the Roborock S7 and Roborock S5 Max can create a map of your home.

Showing the map of the flat in the Roborock App

Once the robot vacuum has created the map, you can separate/merge rooms (if required).

The map is (almost) equally well in both models. It marks larger objects (coffee table (3), bookcase (2), door (1), sofa etc.) on the map.

The Roborock S7 can also draw carpets (as a shaded area) on the map.

The S7 marks carpets as shaded areas on the map
Source: roborock.com

Both robot vacuums can save a total of 4 maps (from different floors).

Roborock can save 4 maps

That makes both devices suitable for multi-storey flats / houses.

Roborock S7 vs. S5 Max: Navigation

Good navigation is one of the most important factors for great cleaning results.

Therefore, we also took a closer look at this in our Roborock S7 vs S5 Max comparison.

Comparing the navigation features of the Roborock S5 Max vs. S7

Roborock S7 Roborock S5 Max
Roborock S5 Max Laser (Lidar navigation) Laser (Lidar navigation)
Additional obstacle detection function? No No
Navigation speed Fast (80 m² in approx. 44 minutes) Fast (80 m² in approx. 43 minutes)
Dealing with obstacles Very cautious. It safely avoids large obstacles and rarely uses the bumper. It doesn’t recognise flat objects (e.g. socks) as obstacles. Very cautious. It safely avoids large obstacles and rarely uses the bumper. It doesn’t recognise flat objects (e.g. socks) as obstacles.
Navigation in the dark Yes Yes
Crash sensors 6 4
Bumper in the laser tower Yes Yes
Overcoming height ~ 1.9 cm (0.7 inches) ~ 2 cm (0.8 inches)
Check Amazon* Offer* Offer*

The Roborock S5 Max and the S7 both rely on laser-based navigation technology. A Laser Distance Sensor (LDS) is in the laser tower. It permanently scans the surroundings in real-time.

With this, the robot vacuum always knows where it is and where it has to go next.

Navigation is very structured. First, the robot vacuum cleans the rooms along the walls. Then it cleans the interior in its typical "S-tracks".

Both robot vacuums navigate through the home in a structured, seamless and fast way. They don’t miss a single spot.

Comparing the navigation of the Roborock S5 Max and the S7 in the mobile app

Both recognise larger objects and avoid them with the laser sensor. If the robot vacuum oversees an obstacle, it slightly "nudges" it with the bumper, registers the obstacle and looks for a way around it.

Since neither Roborock S7 nor S5 Max can identify flat objects (e.g. socks, cables, etc.) as obstacles, you should remove them before cleaning. Otherwise, your little housekeeper could "get stuck" on the objects.

Conclusion

We were thrilled by the navigation of both devices.

Fast. Seamless. Structured.

It leaves nothing to be desired.

P. S.: If you’re big on the obstacle detection of flat objects, you should read our Roborock S6 MaxV review. It can also navigate around flat objects on its own (camera based algorithm). However, we think that the S6 MaxV’s navigation method only provides added value in very chaotic households.

Roborock S5 Max vs. Roborock S7: Control

Button control

You will find buttons on top of both vacuum robots. You can use these to control the robots.

  • (1) Start/stop cleaning entire flat
  • (2) Back to the charging station
  • (3) Area Cleaning / Spot Cleaning

Control buttons of Roborock S7 and Roborock S5 Max

Remote control via App

The mobile phone app offers a lot more functions and setting options.

You can choose between two apps:

Roborock App

Roborock App in the App Store

Xiaomi Home App

Xiaomi Home App in the App Store

The two apps offer the same range of functions.

You’ve got several smart home devices from Xiaomi at home? Then we recommend using the Xiaomi Home App. You can control all applications via one app.

You only have the Roborock robot vacuum? Then the Roborock App is the way to go. Your advantage: Updates are available much earlier.

Roborock S5 Max vs. S7: Range of Functions

Roborock S7 Roborock S5 Max
App Roborock App or Xiaomi Home App Roborock App or Xiaomi Home App
Wifi connection required? Yes Yes
Supported systems Android and iOS Android and iOS
Save multiple maps? 4 floors 4 floors
Room separation/merging Yes. You can also separate rooms "in the middle" Yes. Only from wall to wall.
Room naming Yes Yes
Control cleaning mode 4 levels (Quiet, Balanced, Turbo, Max) 4 levels (Quiet, Balanced, Turbo, Max)
Water intensity levels 4 levels 4 levels
Setting the water intensity per room Yes Yes
Improved mopping functions "Deep Cleaning“ mode. The robot vacuum mops each room twice and turns off the suction motor. -
Live map creation Yes Yes
Restricted zones (no-go zones) Yes Yes
No-mop zones Yes Yes
Selective room cleaning Yes Yes
Spot cleaning Yes Yes
Timer function Yes Yes
Scheduling Yes Yes
Carpet turbo (carpet detection function) Yes Yes
Marking carpets on the map Yes No
Dealing with carpets

It lifts the mopping plate

Drive onto the carpet

Avoid carpet entirely

=
Firmware update Yes Yes
Control with voice assistant Yes. Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri. Yes. Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri.
Check Amazon* Offer* Offer*

There are hardly any differences in the range of functions of the two robot vacuum cleaners.

The Roborock S7 only offers a couple more "unique settings" for the improved mopping function.

"Deep Cleaning Mopping"

You can let the robot mop your rooms "thoroughly" in the Roborock S7 App.

Selecting the Deep cleaning mode in the Roborock S7 mobile app

Now the Roborock S7 will:

  • Mop your room twice.
  • Reduce the distances between the mopping tracks significantly.
  • Turn off the suction motor.

As you can see, the name says it all. It’ll mop your flat very "thoroughly". Now it can remove even stubborn dirt more easily.

Another advantage: Since the robot vacuum also switches off the suction motor, it works very quietly.

Sonic Mopping

We already mentioned in the chapter "Mopping review" that the Roborock S7 has an oscillating mopping plate.

The vibration speed depends on the water intensity level:

  • “Low": 1650 vibrations / minute
  • “Medium": 2300 vibrations / minute
  • "High": 3000 vibrations / minute

P.S.: Another new feature compared to the Roborock S5 Max: As soon as the robot mops your floors, it also shows the routes in the mobile phone app (right image). You’ll always know where it vacuumed or mopped the floor already.

Showing the route of the Roborock S7 in the mobile app

Carpet Settings

You can select how the Roborock S7 should handle the carpets during the mopping.

You can choose between the following settings:

  • Lift mopping plate (yes / no)
  • Drive onto the carpet (yes / no)
  • Avoid carpet (yes / no)

Voice Assistant

In addition to the mobile phone app, you can also use the most common voice assistants.

It supports Siri (Apple), Google Assistant and Alexa (Amazon).

We think that this is a great option. You can fully integrate the robot vacuum into your Smart Home with this.

We tested the voice control with Alexa (Roborock Plus Skill).

You can use the following commands:

Overview of all voice commands for Alexa on the Roborock S5 Max and the S7

The control options aren’t that extensive, but everything worked wonderfully in our test.

Battery life

Roborock S7 Roborock S5 Max
Battery 5200 mAh lithium-ion battery 5200 mAh lithium-ion battery
Maximum runtime Up to 180 minutes Up to 120 minutes
Maximum cleaning area 250 m² 200 m²
Maximum charging time 6 hours 5 hours
Recharge & Resume function Yes Yes
Check Amazon* Offer* Offer*

The Roborock S7 has a slightly longer battery life and a longer charging time.

The battery runtime is even longer if you only let the robot vacuum mop your home ("Deep mopping mode") because it turns off the suction motor in this mode.

The small difference doesn’t matter that much since both robots have a "Recharge & Resume" function.

Both devices are suitable for larger houses/flats, thanks to the powerful battery.

Sound Level

The sound level of the robotic vacuum cleaner depends mainly on the cleaning mode.

Roborock S7 Roborock S5 Max
Quiet 59 dB 50 dB
Balanced 60 dB 55 dB
Turbo 64 dB 60 dB
Max 69 dB 65 dB

The S5 Max is a bit quieter than the Roborock S7.

We noticed the Roborock S7’s increased volume especially in the higher power settings ("Turbo" and "Max").

Sound level overview of Roborock S7 and Roborock S5 Max on the decibel scale

Also worth mentioning:

  • It’s probably self-understanding that the self-emptying process of the auto-empty dust bin (available in the UK in Autumn 2021) will be somewhat louder (approx. 70 - 80 dB).
  • If you let the Roborock S7 mop your home only ("Deep Cleaning Mode"), it works very quietly. Remember, it turns off the suction motor here.

Since a robot vacuum cleaner usually cleans your home in your absence, the volume didn’t play such a big role in our rating.

We mainly let the S7 or the S5 Max clean in the "Balanced" mode. The volume is pleasant and the cleaning performance is more than sufficient here.

Roborock S7 vs. S5 Max: Design, Dimensions & Quality

Roborock works hard to develop first-class household cleaning products. The two models (Roborock S5 Max and S7) are proof of that.

Roborock S7 Roborock S5 Max
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 4,7 Kg 3,5 Kg
Colour Black and white Black and white
Quality Very Good Very Good
Check Amazon* Offer* Offer*

The dimensions of the two models are identical (diameter: 35 cm (13.8 inches); height: 9.65 cm) (3.8 inches).

The height is below the magic limit of 10 cm (~4 inches). Both robots fit under most heaters, beds, etc.

The Roborock S7 weighs almost 1.5 kg more than the S5 Max. This leads to a better mopping result, but you also have to carry more weight if you have several floors.

The Chinese manufacturer relies on the tried and tested appearance: both robot vacuums have a round shape.

Roborock S7 and the Roborock S5 Max stand side by side

But you’ll still spot some differences if you take a close look.

A wave-like pattern decorates the top of the Roborock S7. It probably symbolises the vibrating mopping function.

There’s also a curved LED display on top of the S7, which the S5 Max doesn’t have. It shows the following:

  • White = Vacuuming in progress
  • Blue = Mopping in progress
  • Charging status (blue = battery is charging, green = battery is full)

You’ll also see a few differences if you look at the two robots from below.

Close-up of the bottom of the Roborock S5 Max and the S7

The brush of the Roborock S7 is made of rubber and it’s also much narrower.


The brush of Roborock S7 and Roborock S5 Max are side by side

The brush of the S7 is more durable (rubber doesn’t wear out as quickly as bristle hair), but very sharp objects (e.g. broken glass) can damage the rubber more quickly.

There are also some innovations on the brush holder:

  • It can move to the left and right. With this, the robot can clean uneven grounds more easily.
  • Special knobs "brushed through" carpets and, thus, remove dirt more effectively.

When you open the lid, you notice that the Roborock S7 doesn’t have a cleaning tool.

Roborock S7 and the S5 Max standing side by side on the floor with the lid open

The mobile dust bin also looks different:

The two dust bins of Roborock S7 and S5 Max side by side on the floor

It’s slightly larger now (S7: 300 ml vs. S5 Max: 290 ml)

The HEPA filter of Roborock S7 is also in a separate chamber. (The filter of Roborock S5 Max is inside the dustbin itself).

HEPA filters of Roborock S7 and S5 Max are side by side

That adds another benefit: The HEPA filter collects dirt more slowly, so you won’t have to clean/replace it that often.

The watertank also has a slightly different design in the Roborock S7.

The two water tanks of Roborock S7 and S5 Max are next to each other on the floor

It looks smaller but it’s 10 ml larger than that of the S5 Max.

When you look at the back of the two models, you’ll see the biggest innovations right away.


Back view of the Roborock S7 and the S5 Max standing side by side

Unlike the Roborock S5 Max, the water tank and mopping plate are fixed on the S7.

This makes handling much more straightforward.

Roborock S7*

Roborock S5 Max*

Charging Dock

Both the Roborock S7 and Roborock S5 Max’s charging docks are on the floor next to each other

The power cable of both charging docks is quite short. You also can’t wind up excess power cable in the back.

The Roborock S5 Max comes with a plastic mat. It protects the floor from the wet mop whenever the robot vacuum comes to the docking station to charge the battery after mopping.

The Roborock S7 doesn’t come with a mat - but also won’t need it anymore since it lifts the mopping plate. Therefore, the wet mop won’t touch the floor anymore.

Oh, and there’s another difference: You can see two cleaning brushes on the S7’s charging station.

Close-up view of the cleaning brushes from the Roborock S7’s charging station

The brushes clean the charging contacts when the robot docks at the station. Nice one.

Roborock S5 Max vs. S7: The Delivery Scope

The delivery scope...

Which delivery scope?

Roborock S7

The entire delivery scope of Roborock S7 laying on the floor

Roborock S5 Max

The Roborock S5 Max’s delivery scope laying on the floor

Both models’ delivery scopes include only the absolute essentials:

Robot vacuum cleaner, charging station and a manual.

That's it...

However, you can buy spare parts (HEPA filter, mop, brush, etc.) online* (on Amazon UK).

Roborock S7 Max vs. S5 Max: Price

Long story short:

  • Roborock S7 = Premium robot vacuum with luxurious features at a premium price.
  • Roborock S5 Max = value for money.
Please also note that the emptying station (available in Autumn 2021 in the UK) will cost about 200 - 300 pounds.

Is the price difference justified? We think so. All the innovations of the Roborock S7 add a lot of value... and that reflects in the price.

However, if you want to save a few pounds, you can't go wrong with the Roborock S5 Max, either.

Roborock S5 Max vs. S7: Overview

You can see a clear overview of our ratings for the Roborock S7 and S5 Max in the table below.

Roborock S7 Roborock S5 Max
Suction power
Mopping performance
App and functions
Navigation
Sound Level
Battery life
Design and quality
Delivery scope
Price-performance ratio

You can read more about each model in our detailed reviews.

Roborock S7 vs. S5 Max: Our Conclusion

Our Roborock S7 vs. S5 Max comparison revealed: The Roborock S7 is ahead of the Roborock S5 Max in almost every category.

Which Roborock vacuum should you choose?

The answer is pretty simple:

The Roborock S7 has a lot to offer:

  • The good mopping function,
  • The (optional) emptying station,
  • and numerous high-tech features.

Are you on a tight budget but still want a reliable robot vacuum? Then you can’t go wrong with the Roborock S5 Max (great price-performance ratio).

Either way, you’ll get excellent housekeepers, which will clean your floors almost entirely automatically.

No matter which one you’ll buy - you’ll be satisfied!

Frequently asked questions

  • Can I buy Roborock S7 and Roborock S5 Max on Amazon UK?


    Yes, Roborock S7 and Roborock S5 Max are available 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?

> 150 products tested

3,528 hours of research

6 Smart Home Experts

Smart Home Fox is represented throughout Europe

> 1 million written words

> 5 million satisfied readers per year

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