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Roborock S7 vs S6 MaxV comparison - UK (2024)

Roborock S7 vs. S6 MaxV

Last updated: 07.07.2023 Reading time: 12 Min.

Are you looking for an excellent robot vacuum cleaner that takes care of all your daily floor cleaning? Then you can’t go wrong with the Roborock S7 or the S6 MaxV.

Both units are absolute premium models in the UK!

Roborock S7 shines with significant improvements in the mopping function, whereas the S6 MaxV scores in navigation.

But which model fits best to YOUR needs?

Read on: We’ll get to the bottom of that in our detailed Roborock S6 MaxV and Roborock S7 comparison?.

Roborock S7 vs. S6 MaxV stand side by side for comparison
  • User-friendly mobile app
    Roborock
    S6 MaxV
    Price from £ 801
    Luxury vacuum mopping robot with automatic obstacle detection (Reactive AI technology). You can save up to 4 maps. Powerful battery with operating times of more than 2.5 - 3 hours.
    Roborock
    S6 MaxV
    Luxury vacuum mopping robot with automatic obstacle detection (Reactive AI technology). You can save up to 4 maps. Powerful battery with operating times of more than 2.5 - 3 hours.
  • 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:

  • Vibrating mopping plate ensures better mopping result (sonic mopping)
  • The robot raises the mopping plate whenever it drives over a carpet (VibraRise)
  • The self-emptying base is available in the UK from Autumn 2021 with a reusable dust container or disposable bags
  • It marks carpets on the map

Roborock S6 MaxV:

  • Automatic flat obstacle avoidance thanks to Reactive AI technology
  • Security functions (Video Manager)

Find out more about our favorites now

Bagless emptying station
Roborock
S7
Price from   £ 862.76

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.

Vibrating mopping mode (Sonic Mopping), auto-empty dustbin, liftable mopping plate for carpets (VibraRise) and an extra “Deep cleaning” mopping mode.

The Roborock S7 came out with flying colours in pretty much every test category.

But the mopping function is the icing on the cake. Let’s take a look at the most innovative features.

Self-empty base

A self-emptying base is now also on board! 🥳

This is good news for all Roborock fans, because until now the manufacturer from China has been at a disadvantage compared to the main competitors.

Roborock S7 self-cleaning base stands on the ground

This makes the Roborock S7 one of the best vacuum robots on the market

 And the self-emptying base does a good job.

One of the main advantages is that the base can be used with or without disposable dust bags. P. S. You can easily reorder the disposable bags at any time on Amazon*.

Disposable dust bags for self-emptying base of Roborock S7

Reusable dust bags of Roborock S7 self-emptying base.

This means you no longer need to buy dust bags (if you don't want to) and you save money! 💰

Vibrating Mopping Plate (Sonic Mopping)

The vibrating mopping plate (sonic mopping) simulates "scrubbing movements". With this, the robot can clean up even more stubborn stains more easily.

Showing how the Roborock S7's vibrating mopping function (sonic mopping) works

The Roborock S7 mops the floor in the study

Higher Pressure On The Mop

The Roborock S7 can also put more pressure on the mop, thanks to its higher weight (~ 5 kg) and additional contact pressure of 580 grams.

We know all about this basic rule from "old school” manual mopping: More pressure on the mop = better mopping result ?.

Liftable Mopping Plate

The robot automatically lifts the mopping plate (VibraRise) when it drives over a carpet (and whenever it’s at the charging dock).

Roborock S7 drives on a carpet

The Roborock S7 lifts the mopping plate when it drives onto a carpet

A super handy feature, especially for households with many carpets.

Special "Deep Cleaning” Mopping Mode

The more often we "mop over" a spot, the better the result.

The Roborock S7 adopts this principle with the "Deep Cleaning Mode”.

It runs each track twice and also reduces the distances between the tracks.

"Regular" mopping mode

Showing the cleaning trips in "regular" mopping mode in the app

"Deep Cleaning" Mode

Showing the cleaning trips in "Deep Cleaning mode" in the app

You can see a huge difference when looking at the cleaning trips in “normal mode" vs "deep cleaning mode" in the app.

A Reusable Mop

The Roborock S7’s mop is very fluffy and can absorb a lot of water (and dirt).

A close-up of the Roborock S7’s mop

Read more about that in our detailed Roborock S7 review.

Check Amazon*

Advantages

Robot lifts mopping plate when travelling over carpets

Vibrating mop plate (Sonic Mopping)

Both disposable and reusable dust bags can be used in the emptying station

Save up to 4 maps

Not much maintenance needed for rubber brushes (perfect for pet and human hair)

Very good app control

Impressive cleaning on carpets and laminate floors

Quick and reliable navigation

Carpet recognition (carpets marked in map)

HEPA filter

Voice control with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri

Long battery life

Disadvantages

Sharp objects (e.g. broken glass) can damage the rubber brush

Quite loud (on highest setting)

No cleaning tool included

Package contents quite limited

Mopping plate only lifts around 5 mm

User-friendly mobile app
Roborock
S6 MaxV
Price from   £ 801

Roborock S6 MaxV

Luxury vacuum mopping robot with automatic obstacle detection (Reactive AI technology). You can save up to 4 maps. Powerful battery with operating times of more than 2.5 - 3 hours.

The Roborock S6 MaxV is the successor of the Roborock S5 Max. Its highlights are the automatic obstacle detection and the monitoring function. You can save 4 maps, which is why it’s very suitable for use in multi-storey houses.

The Roborock S6 MaxV is a more than worthy successor to the S5 Max. 

You can save up to 4 maps, making this robot vacuum very suitable for homes with multiple floors.

Especially the automatic obstacle detection is a handy feature.

The S6 MaxV can also detect small obstacles (e.g. socks and phone charging cables), thanks to the two front cameras. The data-based Reactive AI technology (Artificial Intelligence) ensures that the robot vacuum independently avoids the object.

Roborock S6 MaxV independently detects and avoids obstacles

Especially in larger houses, not all rooms are perfectly tidy all the time. Thanks to the obstacle detection, chances are meagre that the robot vacuum gets stuck on the next phone charging cable.

The Roborock S6 MaxV also convinces with its fast and seamless navigation.

The Roborock S6 MaxV is a natural marathon runner with an operating time of 2.5 - 3 hours at a stretch and ideal for large houses.

It also has a mopping function that worked great in our test.

Roborock S6 MaxV mops the floor

Use voice commands to control your Roborock S6 MaxV with amazon alexa and google assistant.

The Roborock App (wi-fi connectivity needed) offers a lot of useful additional functions that make cleaning even more straightforward. 

These two features are super handy for houses with multiple floors: individual adjustment of the suction power/water output for each room and the monitoring function.

Especially the monitoring function was quite interesting.

You’re worried about your home? Just open the app and have a quick check. 

Roborock S6 MaxV sends live pictures of your home to your phone

That’s not a problem anymore, thanks to the Roborock S6 MaxV's monitoring function.

Why is the Roborock S6 MaxV not the test winner? 

The price-performance ratio of the S5 Max is much better.

But if you’re willing to dig a little deeper into your pocket, you certainly can’t go wrong with the Roborock S6 MaxV.

Check Amazon*

Advantages

Very good mobile app

Camera-based technology for automatically avoiding flat obstacles (Reactive AI)

Remote viewing

Save up to 4 maps

Cleans well on hard floor and carpets

Disadvantages

Camera-based obstacle detection - privacy concerns

Not affordable

Obstacle detection isn't 100% reliable

Non-vibrating mop plate - wet mop clothes just dragged along

The Roborock S7 vs. S6 MaxV in the Cleaning Test

Let's check out the cleaning performance in our Roborock S6 MaxV and Roborock S7 comparison first.

We spread various dirt types on a hardwood floor and low-pile/high-pile carpets for our cleaning test. Then the Roborock robot vacuums have to show what they got and clean it all up.

Last but not least, we also checked how the two models coped with cleaning our home in everyday life over a more extended period.

The following table gives you an overview of the results.

Roborock S7 vs. S6 MaxV: Cleaning Test Results

Roborock S7 Roborock S6 MaxV
Suction power in Pascal 2500 Pa. 2500 Pa.
Cleaning result on hard floors 98 % 96 %
Cleaning result on low pile carpets 93 % 88 %
Cleaning result on high pile carpets 96 % 90 %
Carpet detection Yes. With carpet turbo mode. The robot also drives along the edges of carpets, and it marks carpets on the map. Yes. With carpet turbo mode. It doesn’t mark carpets on the map.
Main brush Made of rubber. "Swinging" brush can adapt better to uneven floors (e.g. carpets). Made of bristle hair.
Side brush 1 plastic side brush 1 plastic side brush
Pet hair / long human hair Excellent cleaning result. Hair hardly wraps around the rubber brush. There’s no cleaning tool included. Good cleaning result. Hair wraps itself around the brush from time to time. The delivery scope comes with a cleaning tool. You can easily disassemble the brush.
Cleaning performance in corners Good Good
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 a Hardwood Floor

The two premium robot vacuums were on par in the cleaning test on laminate.

The Roborock S7 achieved a tad more cleanliness in total...

Roborock S7

Overview of the Roborock S7’s cleaning result on laminate

Roborock S6 MaxV

Overview of the Roborock S6 MaxV's cleaning result on laminate flooring

If you have mainly hard floors at home (laminate, tiles, PVC), you can’t go wrong with either of the two devices.

Cleaning Test on Carpets

The two robot vacuum cleaners (Roborock S7 and S6 MaxV) also do a great job when it comes to cleaning carpets.

They deserve their places among the best robot vacuums for carpets that we tested so far.

Low Pile Carpet:

Roborock S7

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

Roborock S6 MaxV

Overview of the Roborock S6 MaxV’s cleaning result on a low-pile carpet

High Pile Carpet:

Roborock S7

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

Roborock S6 MaxV

Overview of the Roborock S6 MaxV’s cleaning result on a high pile carpet

They remove almost everything of the two lighter dirt types (lentils, oat flakes) from the carpets.

Only sand is a bit more challenging for the robot vacuum cleaners - as we’d expected.

The Roborock S7 achieved a better result here.

The new rubber brush could be the reason for this because it can "swing". This means that the brush can quickly move in all directions.

Movement to the left/right

The main brush of the Roborock S7 moves to the left and right

Movement downwards/upwards

The main brush of the Roborock S7 moves downwards and upwards

Now the main brush can adapt to any uneven spots in the carpet.

The brush holder also has "little nubs". They kind of "dig into" the carpet – Just like farming ?.

S7 with nubs

A close-up of the brush holder’s nubs on the bottom side of the Roborock S7.

S6 MaxV without nubs

A close-up of the brush holder on the bottom side of the Roborock S6 MaxV.

With this, the Roborock S7 can loosen the dirt, grab it with the brush and suck it in.

Roborock S7 cleans a carpet
Source: roborock.com

The rubber brush of the Roborock S7

The main brush of Roborock S7 is made of rubber. The Roborock S6 MaxV’s brush is made of lamellae and bristles instead.

Roborock S7: Rubber Brush

Holding the Roborock S7’s rubber brush in the hand

Roborock S6 MaxV: Bristles and Lamellae

Removing the main brush of Roborock S6 MaxV

The Roborock S7’s brush is more susceptible to damage due to its material.

Very sharp objects (e.g. broken glass) can damage the rubber brush of Roborock S7 more easily.

But don't worry. The rubber is very robust, and everyday dirt won’t cause any damage to the brush.

Even after several months of use, we couldn’t see any damage on the S7’s brush.

The Improved Carpet Detection of the Roborock S7

Another new feature of the Roborock S7: Improved carpet detection.

The robot hoover recognizes the carpet when it drives over it and turns up the suction power to the highest level, "Max".

So far, so good – The Roborock S6 MaxV can do that too.

However, the Roborock S7 goes one step further. It has a separate "ultrasonic sensor" on the bottom side.

Close-up of the ultrasonic sensor located on the bottom side of the robot vacuum.

It doesn’t just "recognize" carpets, but also marks them as a "shaded area" on the map.

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

This is a great feature.

Now you can see the carpets as “landmarks” on the map (e.g. for setting up no-go/no-mop zones).

You can see the carpet as a shaded area in the Roborock S7 App

Furthermore, it also cleans the edges of the carpets separately. The robovac makes an "extra lap" along the edges of the carpet to do this. You have no idea how much dirt can hide there. Therefore, the function makes sense.

And the best is yet to come:

Roborock S7 can lift the mopping plate when it drives onto a carpet!

This is a first in 2021. We’ll talk more about this in the chapter "Mopping test".

If you have many carpets at home, you should go for the Roborock S7.

Roborock S6 MaxV vs. S7: Cleaning Hair (pet hair/long human hair)

Hairs pose a threat to neither the Roborock S6 MaxV nor the Roborock S7.

Both get a hold of any kind of hair and safely remove it.

But not all hairs end up in the dirt container. Long hairs sometimes wrap themselves around the main brush...

... So you have to remove them from time to time

The difference between the two Roborock models: The Roborock S7 has a "maintenance-free" rubber brush. Hair won’t wrap itself around this brush.

With the Roborock S6 MaxV, you have to use a special cleaning tool to remove the hair.

Roborock S7

Removing hair from the Roborock S7’s rubber brush.

Roborock S6 MaxV

Removing hair from the Roborock S6 MaxV’s main brush with the supplied cleaning tool.

If you have pets and/or live with people with long hair, you’ll have less maintenance with the Roborock S7's maintenance-free rubber brush.

Roborock S7*

Roborock S6 MaxV*

The Mobile Dirt Container of the Roborock S7 is Slightly Larger

The mobile dirt container of the Roborock S7 not only looks a little different: It’s also slightly larger (Roborock S7: 470 ml vs Roborock S6 MaxV: 460 ml).

Roborock S7

The open dirt container of Roborock S7

Roborock S6 MaxV

Opening the Roborock S6 MaxV’s mobile dirt container

The larger the dirt container, the better...

... because then you won’t have to empty the mobile dust bin that often by hand.

However, the sizes of the two roborock models don’t differ much, so that it doesn’t make a big difference.

Roborock S6 MaxV vs Roborock S7 Comparison: Everyday Life cleaning performance

The two premium robotic vacuums were convincing in our cleaning test.

But can the two smart robots keep up with everyday floor cleaning?

The answer is a no-brainer: Definitely yes!

Our flat (80 m², hard floors, no pets, no children) bored the two Roborock devices.

They achieved excellent results, even in the medium cleaning mode ("Balanced").

The vacuums reliably remove everyday dirt. You’ll be 100% satisfied with both.

Self-Emptying Base

Roborock S7 has a self-empty base (optional)

You can buy a self-emptying base for the Roborock S7 in the UK from Autumn 2021.

Roborock S7 stands at the self-emptying base, which empties the mobile dirt container

As soon as Roborock S7 docks at the auto-empty dock to charge the battery, it also vacuums the contents of the dirt container.

Regular emptying of the mobile dirt container by hand is a thing of the past with this feature.

And yes: The Roborock S7's self-empty dustbin will have a reusable dirt container – another first in the robot vacuum world!

You won’t need any disposable dirt bags anymore. That’s great for your wallet and also for the environment.

Good feature!

The auto-empty dust bin makes household cleaning even more straightforward.

You’ll only have to empty the large dirt container in the emptying station every few months. Otherwise, the daily floor cleaning runs entirely without your intervention.

Roborock S7's emptying station automates the cleaning process even further.

That’s also a nice feature for allergy sufferers: If you empty the dirt container by hand, you basically can’t avoid contact with the aggressive house dust.

Thanks to the extraction station, you won’t have to worry about that anymore.

The Roborock S6 MaxV Doesn’t have an auto-empty dust bin

The Roborock S6 MaxV doesn’t have an auto-empty dust bin. You can’t buy it later on, either.

Thus, you have to empty the mobile dirt container by hand at regular intervals.

Depending on how dirty your home is, you may need to empty the dirt container 1-2 times a week.

Emptying the mobile dirt container by hand over a dustbin

That’s definitely not a pleasant task, especially for allergy sufferers.

Whenever you empty the container, you also release dirt particles (allergens).

If you inhale these, unpleasant allergy symptoms occur.

If you have an allergy or want the self-emptying dustbin, the Roborock S7 is the way to go!

Mopping Feature - Our Review

The Roborock S6 MaxV and the S7 are hybrid models or so-called "Robot Vacuum and Mop Combos".

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

How that works?

It’s pretty straightforward!

  • Fill the tank with water.
  • Attach the mopping pad to the mopping plate.
  • Attach the water tank with the mopping plate to the robot vacuum.
  • Set the water intensity level in the mobile app.

The water tank and mopping plate are behind the Roborock S6 MaxV

Attaching the mopping plate to the Roborock S6 MaxV

And off we go ?

First things first: The two smart robots differ significantly here. The main improvements of the Roborock S7 compared to the S6 MaxV are:

  • The higher weight of the vacuum mopping robot and more pressure on the mopping cloth
  • Liftable mopping plate when it drives onto a carpet (VibraRise)
  • Vibrating mopping plate (sonic mopping)
  • "Deep Cleaning mode" (then it only mops your flat)

Now we’ll get more into detail about each feature.

Roborock S6 MaxV vs. S7: Mopping function

Roborock S7 Roborock S6 MaxV
Water tank size ~300 ml. ~290 ml.
Mop 1 x washable mop. Covers the entire width of the mop. The mop is of excellent quality. 1 x washable mop. Covers the whole width of the mop.
Disposable mopping pads? No No
Water intensity control Via the app Via the app
Water intensity levels 4 levels 4 levels
Setting water intensity level per room Yes Yes
Maximum mopping area

At the lowest level: 200 m²,

At the highest level: 90 m².

At the lowest level: 200 m²,

At the highest level: 90 m².

Water protection pad for the charging station Not included. However, since the robot lifts the mopping plate, a protection pad is no longer necessary. Included.

Vibrating mopping plate?

"Scrubbing effect”

Yes. Different settings are at your disposal:

1650 vibrations/minute

2300 vibrations/minute

3000 vibrations/minute

No. It just drags the mop behind.
Weight of the robot vacuum ~5 kg ~3,9 kg
Extra pressure on the mop Extra contact pressure (~580 grams) Extra contact pressure (~300 grams)
Carpet detection function Yes No
Lifting the mop plate when driving on a carpet? Yes, approx. 4-5 mm No
Special mopping mode? "Deep Cleaning mode". Then it mops the rooms twice (in a criss-cross pattern) and switches off the suction motor. No
Check Amazon* Offer* Offer*

The "Standard" Mopping Function of the Roborock S6 MaxV

The Roborock S6 MaxV has a somewhat "passive" mopping function.

It continuously supplies the mop with water (from the water tank).

As mentioned above, you can choose between 4 water intensity levels and set them per room in the mobile app.

Then the robot vacuum simply drags the mop behind during the cleaning trip (= passive mopping).

And that’s the result:

Roborock S6 MaxV mops the study

The Roborock S6 MaxV can’t remove stubborn stains.

However, it can handle light soiling and remove the last traces of dirt.

The flat looks even cleaner and fresher.

The Significantly Improved Mopping Features of the Roborock S7

The Roborock S7 trumps that easily.

After all, this is where you can see most of its innovations.

The Vibrating Mopping Plate (Sonic Mopping)

You can let the Roborock S7’s mopping plate vibrate.

It has a separate motor for this.

Roborock S7 vibration motor

You can set the speed (by selecting the water intensity level) via the app:

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

The vibration simulates "scrubbing" movements.

Close-Up of the Roborock S7 mopping plate’s vibration movements
Source: roborock.com

With this, it can remove stubborn dirt more easily.

The Liftable Mopping Plate (VibraRise)

The liftable mopping plate (VibraRise) is a first in 2021. So far, no vacuum mopping robot on the market has a comparable feature.

As soon as the Roborock S7 drives onto a carpet, it raises the mop plate by 4-5 mm.

Driving onto a carpet

The Roborock S7 drives onto a carpet

It lifts the mopping plate

The Roborock S7 lifts the mopping plate as soon as it drives on a carpet.

Now the robot hoover won’t drag the wet mop across your carpet.

That works well with low carpets. Unfortunately, it can’t lift the mopping plate high enough for high-pile carpets.

If you have pretty low carpets/carpet runners at home, it’s an excellent feature!

The Roborock S6 MaxV doesn’t have this function.

Fluffy Mopping pad

The Roborock S7’s mop is of much better quality than that of the Roborock S6 MaxV.

Roborock S7

A close-up of the Roborock S7’s fluffy mop

Roborock S6 MaxV

Holding the mop of the Roborock S6 MaxV

The S7’s mop absorbs water more quickly and can also remove dirt better.

Increased Pressure on the Mop

You have to apply pressure on the mop to remove more stubborn stains.

We know this too well from manual mopping...

Roborock recognized this problem and came up with two improvements:

  • The weight of approx. 5 kg is higher than that of its predecessor (Roborock S6 MaxV: 3.9 kg).
  • The S7 applies an additional pressure of 580 grams to the mop (vs Roborock S6 MaxV: 300 grams)

That contributes to a slightly better mopping result.

"Deep Cleaning Mode" (Only Mopping)

You have to go over some stains several times to remove them when you mop by hand.

The Roborock S7 also makes use of this principle.

If you activate the "Deep Cleaning" mode in the mobile app, the robot will wipe your rooms twice.

That’s what we call thorough!

The robot vacuum with the mopping function runs twice along each path. It also reduces the distances between the lanes.

You can see that in the improved mopping result and also in the app.

"Standard" mopping

Showing the mopping trip in standard mode in the Roborock S7 mobile phone app.

"Deep Cleaning" mopping

Showing the mopping trip in Deep Cleaning mode in the Roborock S7 mobile phone app.

Another unique feature: It switches off the suction motor in “Deep Cleaning” mode. That makes the Roborock S7 particularly quiet, and the battery lasts much longer.

The Significantly Improved Mopping Result of the Roborock S7

All these innovations ensure a significantly better mopping result.

The Roborock S7 mops the study

It can also remove stubborn stains (e.g. coffee stains, wine stains, etc.) more easily.

You don’t believe that? Just take a look at the mopping pad after the cleaning trip...

Holding the dirty mopping pad of the Roborock S7

Conclusion on the Mopping Feature

We won't beat about the bush.

The numerous improvements:

  • The liftable mopping plate when driving over a carpet (VibraRise)
  • The vibrating mopping plate (sonic mopping)
  • The increased contact pressure on the mop
  • "Thorough Mode" (Deep Cleaning)

… take the mopping function to the next level.

The mopping feature of the Roborock S7 is much better. If you have many hard floors at home, and you’re big on the mopping function, we’d recommend the Roborock S7.

Tips for Improving the Mopping Result

You can improve the mopping results in a few simple steps. You can try the following:

  • Create optimal conditions: Tidy up before you let the robot vacuum clean your home for the first time.
  • Let the smart robot mop your home regularly (~ 2-3 times per week) to maintain the cleanliness of the floors at all times.
  • Dampen the mop thoroughly before starting the mopping trip.
  • Wash the wipe after each cleaning run in the washing machine at 40 degrees.
  • Always have a spare mop at hand. Then you can change the mop halfway through the flat, if necessary.
  • You can also add special cleaning agents (available* on Amazon in the UK) to the water tank. Please follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Alternatively, you can apply the cleaner directly to the floor/mop.

With these tricks, you can somewhat improve the mopping result.

If you want to read more on the topic, take a look at our detailed review: "Best Robot Vacuum and Mop Combos" -> Chapter: Tips & Tricks.

Smart Mapping: Map Creation and Saving

Both the Roborock S7 and the Roborock S6 MaxV can save a map of your home.

The map in the Roborock App

They create the map during the first cleaning trip.

Their maps look identical in the app. The robots also mark larger pieces of furniture (table (3), cupboards (2), doors (1) couch etc.) on the map.

The main difference: The Roborock S7 also marks carpets on the map (as shaded areas).

It marks carpets as shaded areas on the map

This is a convenient feature. It makes the map more detailed. The shaded areas (carpets) can serve as orientation points. Now it’s easier to set up "no-go zones", for example.

Both devices can save a total of up to 4 maps.

If you live in a house with several floors, you’ll be pleased with both the Roborock S7 and the S6 MaxV.

Navigation

Reliable, fast and precise navigation is essential for a good robot vacuum.

Therefore, we also take a closer look at the navigation & driving of the two premium robot vacuums in our Roborock S6 MaxV and Roborock S7 comparison.

Comparing the Navigation of Roborock S6 MaxV vs. S7

Roborock S7 Roborock S6 MaxV
Navigation technology Laser navigation (Lidar). Structured navigation. Laser navigation (Lidar). Structured navigation + 2 front cameras
Additional obstacle avoidance? - Yes (camera + data evaluation). Obstacle detection rate in the test: ~70 %.
Obstacle avoidance even in the dark? No No
Navigation speed (Without obstacle detection function) Fast (80 m² in approx. 44 minutes) Fast (80 m² in approx. 40 minutes)
Dealing with obstacles Very gentle. It only gently “nudges” furniture. It doesn’t detect small objects (e.g. socks, charging cables, etc.). Very accurate. It rarely uses bumpers. It avoids small automatically.
Navigation in the dark Yes Yes
Crash sensors 6 6
Bumper in the laser tower Yes Yes
Overcoming height ~ 1.9 cm ~ 1.9 cm
Check Amazon* Offer* Offer*

The Laser Navigation (Lidar) of the Roborock S7

The Roborock S7 relies on laser navigation technology.

It has a unique "Laser Distance Sensor" (LDS) in the laser tower.

This sensor permanently scans the surroundings.

Now the robot vacuum always knows in real-time where it is and where it has to go next.

Navigation is structured, speedy and seamless.

Showing the Roborock S7’s navigation paths in the map of the Roborock App

The Roborock S7 took about 44 minutes for our 80 m² flat (~45 m² cleaning area). It didn’t leave out a single spot.

The Roborock S7 is also very careful with your furniture. It marks larger objects (such as a table, couch, etc.) on the map and avoids them safely.

It uses the bumper only rarely and very carefully. You won’t have to worry about your furnishings.

However, it doesn’t recognize flat objects (such as socks, mobile phone charging cables, etc.) as obstacles.

You should remove them before the cleaning trip. Otherwise, Roborock S7 may get stuck on these objects.

Laser Navigation and Reactive AI of the Roborock S6 MaxV

The Roborock S6 MaxV has the same laser navigation (Lidar) as the Roborock S7.

But there’s also has a dual camera at the front of the robot vacuum.

A close-up of the Roborock S6 MaxV's dual camera.

It can detect also smaller objects with these cameras?.

A data-driven artificial intelligence compares the photos with the objects in the database.

Roborock calls this technology "Reactive AI" (AI is the abbreviation for artificial intelligence).

That way, the robot knows which object lays in front of it (e.g. "It's a shoe") and then calculates a detour around the obstacle.

Your advantage: It avoids even flat objects such as slippers, mobile phone charging cables etc.

It also marks these small obstacles in the mobile phone app.

Roborock S6 MaxV also detects small obstacles and marks them in the mobile phone app.
Source: roborock.com

You can remove the objects afterwards and let Roborock S6 MaxV clean these areas again.

How Well does Reactive AI Technology work for Obstacle Detection?

We tested the Reactive AI technology on very flat and slightly higher objects.

Very flat objects

Roborock S6 MaxV navigates around the flat obstacles during the navigation test

Slightly higher objects

Roborock S6 MaxV avoids slightly higher obstacles in our navigation test

Overall, the obstacle detection rate was about 70 %.

Is that good or bad?

You can send the Roborock S6 MaxV on a cleaning trip, even if the flat isn’t 100% tidy. The chances are much lower that the robot vacuum "chokes" on a mobile phone charging cable than with devices without this technology.

The manufacturer emphasizes that Reactive AI technology is constantly improving. Therefore, we assume that the obstacle detection rate could be somewhat higher in the future.

Conclusion

As reliable as Swiss clockwork⌚ – This aptly describes the navigation of the Roborock S7 and the S6 MaxV.

Hardly any robot vacuum cleaner on the market can beat Roborock's devices in terms of "navigation".

The Roborock S7's navigation (without flat object detection) is pretty sufficient if you live in a tidy household.

However, if you live in a more chaotic household with children, pets, etc., you often can't keep up with tidying up. There’s always something lying on the floor...

In this case, you should go with the Roborock S6 MaxV. It also recognizes flatter objects independently and avoids them. It’s less likely that the S6 MaxV gets stuck on these objects.

Roborock S6 MaxV’s Camera-Based Technology and Data Protection in the UK

Roborock S6 MaxV takes images and processes them for obstacle detection.

Some people may have legitimate concerns about data protection.

The manufacturer assures that the images are processed on the device itself and then deleted. There’s no transfer to a cloud.

A close-up of the Roborock S6 MaxV’s privacy notice sticker

Furthermore, Roborock emphasizes that it complies with the European General Data Protection Regulation.

A third party also inspected and certified the process.

If you still feel uncomfortable with this, you can deactivate the camera function in the app...

... but then you can’t benefit from the essential feature of the Roborock S6 MaxV: The automatic obstacle detection no longer works.

If you have privacy concerns or are uncomfortable with the camera, you should go for the Roborock S7.

Roborock S6 MaxV vs. Roborock S7: How can I Control the Robot Vacuums?

Control with Buttons

You can control both robot vacuums via buttons. The following settings are at your disposal here:

  • (1) Start/stop cleaning
  • (2) Return to the charging station
  • (3) Spot cleaning and child lock Activation (only on the Roborock S7)

Roborock S7

Roborock S7 Robot Vacuum control buttons from above

Roborock S6 MaxV

Roborock S6 MaxV control buttons on top of the device

The only difference here is that you can activate the child lock on the Roborock S7 by pressing and holding the "spot cleaning button" (3).

Children (or even pets) can no longer operate the robot via buttons and, for example, "accidentally" pause the cleaning.

App Control

The mobile phone app offers more setting options (Wi-Fi connectivity is needed).

You can use 2 apps to operate the robot vacuums.

- The Roborock app (Android / iOS)

- The Xiaomi Home app (Android / iOS)

Roborock App

The Roborock App in the App Store

Xiaomi Home

The Xiaomi Home App in the App Store

There are no significant differences between these two apps.

We use the Roborock App and are very satisfied with it.

We recommend using the Xiaomi Home App if you have other smart home devices from Xiaomi. This way, you can control all Smart Home devices with one app and don't have to switch between different applications.

Scope of Functions

Roborock S6 MaxV vs. S7: App Settings
Roborock S7 Roborock S6 MaxV
App Roborock App or Xiaomi Home App Roborock App or Xiaomi Home App
Systems Android and IOS Android and IOS
Wifi connecttion needed? Yes Yes
Scope of functions Extensive Extensive
Obstacle detection function (Reactive AI) - Yes
Monitoring function (remote viewing function) - Yes
Transmission of voice messages - Yes
Save multiple maps For 4 floors For 4 floors
Room separation/merging Yes Yes
Room naming You can name rooms (kitchen, living room, etc.) You can name rooms (kitchen, living room, etc.)
Cleaning mode selection 4 levels (Quiet, Balanced, Turbo, Max) 4 levels (Quiet, Balanced, Turbo, Max)
Water intensity level selection 4 levels 4 levels
Setting the water intensity per room Yes Yes
Improved mopping options "Deep Cleaning Mode”. Each room is mopped 2 times. The suction motor is switched off. -
Real-Time Map Creation Yes Yes
Set up restricted zones (no-go zones) Yes Yes
Set up no-mop zones Yes Yes
Single room cleaning Yes Yes
Spot cleaning Yes Yes
Timer function Yes Yes
Set cleaning sequence Yes Yes
Carpet turbo (carpet detection function) Yes Yes
Marking carpets on the map Yes No
Settings how it can deal with carpets

The robot lifts the mopping plate

Drive onto carpet

Avoid carpet completely

-
Firmware update Yes Yes
Control with voice assistant Yes. Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri (Apple). Yes. Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri (Apple).
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The range of functions is almost identical for both robot vacuum cleaners.

The Roborock S7 has a few unique features in the "mopping" area, whereas the S6 MaxV has some exciting functions in the "monitoring" and "obstacle detection".

Advanced Mopping Settings for the Roborock S7

The Roborock S7 has some exciting features to offer for mopping.

Sonic-Mopping:

You can activate the vibrating mopping function (sonic mopping) in the app.

The vibration depends on the selected water intensity level:

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

"Deep cleaning" (mopping only)

With the "Deep mopping" setting, you can let the robot vacuum mop the flat exclusively. Your advantage: It mops each room twice, and the lanes are also much narrower.

Activating "Thorough Wipe Mode" in the Roborock S7 Mobile App

Our test revealed that it can remove more stubborn stains better this way.

Another advantage: The robot also switches off the suction motor in this setting. This means that Roborock S7 works very quietly. That also reduces battery consumption massively.

Dealing with Carpets:

You can also choose how the Roborock S7 should handle carpets in the app. You have the following options:

  • Lift mopping plate (yes/no)
  • Clean carpet (yes/no)
  • Avoid carpet (yes/no)

Roborock S6 MaxV: Obstacle Detection and security Functions

Obstacle detection:

It can recognize objects as obstacles, thanks to the front camera.

The mobile app provides additional information:

- It shows on the map where the obstacle is

- It tells you what the object is (with a photo for proof)

Showing Roborock S6 MaxV's detected obstacles in the Mobile App

Remote Viewing (security function)

The Roborock S6 MaxV is a true all-rounder.

In addition to the cleaning functions, the vacuum cleaner can also serve as a "moving surveillance camera".

  • Is the stove off?
  • Did I close the front door?
  • What’s the dog up to in my absence?

Just open the "Remote Viewing" function...

Navigate the robot vacuum to the location via remote control...

... and you will know for sure.

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

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

Voice Messages:

You can record messages while on the move, and the robot vacuum will play them in your home.

You can tell a naughty pet off the bed, for example?.

You can see a dog on your mobile phone display with the Roborock S6 MaxV’s remote viewing function.
Source: roborock.com

This function is more of a "gimmick".

Voice Control with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri

You can control the Roborock S6 MaxV and S7 with popular voice assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri).

Nothing stands in the way of integrating your robotic vacuum cleaner into your Smart Home?.

We tested the voice control with Alexa (Roborock Plus Skill). It worked perfectly so far.

You can use the following voice commands.

An overview of Alexa voice commands for Roborock S6 and S6 MaxV

Battery Life

Roborock S6 MaxV vs. S7 Comparison of Battery Life

Roborock S7 Roborock S6 MaxV
Battery 5200 mAh lithium-ion battery 5200 mAh lithium-ion battery
Maximum runtime 180 minutes 180 minutes
Maximum cleaning area 250 m² 250 m²
Maximum charging time 6 hours 6 hours
Recharge & Resume function Yes Yes
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The two premium vacuum cleaners are on par in terms of battery power.

Both the Roborock S7 and the S6 MaxV have powerful batteries.

This means that both units are also suitable for larger flats/houses.

A special feature of the Roborock S7: If the robot only mops the floor (in "Deep cleaning" mode), it hardly uses any battery (since it switches off the suction motor).

Volume

The cleaning mode determines how loud your robot vacuum is.

You can choose between 4 settings.

Roborock S7 Roborock S6 MaxV
Quiet 59 dB 58 dB
Balanced 60 dB 60 dB
Turbo 64 dB 61 dB
Max 69 dB 65 dB

As you can see, the Roborock S7 is slightly louder in the higher power settings. The volume was identical for both devices in the Quiet and Balanced mode.

Volume of the Roborock S7 vs volume of the Roborock S6 MaxV

Two unique features are worth mentioning with the Roborock S7:

  • The vibrating mopping function was very quiet.
  • The self-emptying process of the emptying station will probably be quite loud (~ 70 - 80 dB). It usually takes 10 - 20 seconds.

All in all, we can say that both models are pretty quiet.

The cleaning performance in the "Balanced" mode was exceptional. The volume was pleasant here, too. You can talk or watch TV in the same room (at a higher volume).

Design, Dimensions & Quality

Robot Vacuum Cleaner

First things first: Roborock is known for producing premium robot vacuums. The Roborock S7 and the S6 MaxV are no exception.

The devices are of high quality and can easily hold a candle to the competition from the US and Europe.

Roborock S7 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 4.7 Kg 3.9 Kg
Colour Black and White Black only
Quality Very Good Very Good
Check Amazon* Offer* Offer*

Both devices have the same dimensions (height: 9.65 cm (3.8 inches) diameter: 35 cm (23.8 inches)).

The Roborock S7 weighs almost one kilo more than the S6 MaxV. So if you live in a house with several floors, you’ll have to carry a bit more weight.

A minor disadvantage of the Roborock S6 MaxV: The device is only available in the UK in one colour (black). With the S7, you can choose between black and white.

Visually, the two devices differ in one or two details.

Roborock S7

Roborock S7 from above

Roborock S6 MaxV

Roborock S6 MaxV from above

The Roborock S7 has a "wave-like" pattern on top. It’s supposed to represent the oscillating movement of the mopping plate.

There’s also a practical LED display that shows what the robot vacuum is currently doing:

  • White = Vacuuming
  • Blue = Mopping
  • Status display when charging the battery (blue = charging the battery, green = battery is full)

The Roborock S6 MaxV, on the other hand, has a camera at the front (the Roborock S7 doesn’t have a camera since it doesn’t have the obstacle detection function).

However, the robots hardly differ from below.

Roborock S7

Roborock S7 from below

Roborock S6 MaxV

Roborock S6 MaxV from below

The main brush is made of different materials (Roborock S7: rubber vs Roborock S6 MaxV: bristle hair). The Roborock S7’s brush is quite a bit narrower than that of the Roborock S6 MaxV.

You won't find any big surprises when you open the lid, either.

Roborock S7

Roborock S7 stands on the floor with an open lid

Roborock S6 MaxV

Roborock S6 MaxV stands on the floor with an open lid

The Roborock S6 MaxV has a cleaning tool here. That’s missing on the Roborock S7, which we consider a slight disadvantage.

The mobile dirt container’s appearance has also changed somewhat.

Roborock S7

The Roborock S7’s dirt container, including the HEPA filter

Roborock S6 MaxV

The Roborock S6 MaxV’s dirt container, including HEPA filter

The mobile dirt container of the Roborock S7 looks slightly smaller but has a larger capacity (S7: 470 ml vs S6 MaxV: 460 ml).

The HEPA filter is in a separate chamber on the Roborock S7. With the Roborock S6 MaxV, the HEPA filter is integrated into the dirt container.

This seemingly unimportant detail has an advantage: The Roborock S7’s filter takes longer to get dirty. You won’t have to clean or replace it that often.

It’s the same with the water tank...

Roborock S7

Holding the Roborock S7’s water tank in the hand

Roborock S6 MaxV

The water tank is attached to the Roborock S6 MaxV from behind.

They increased the capacity by 10 ml (S7: 300 ml vs S6 MaxV: 290 ml).

You’ll see the biggest differences when you look at the two premium robot vacuums from behind.

Roborock S7

Roborock S7 from behind

Roborock S6 MaxV

Roborock S6 MaxV from behind

The Roborock S7 has a much better solution for the entire mopping construction (water tank + mopping plate).

Compared to the Roborock S6 MaxV, the water tank and mopping plate are permanently installed in the robot vacuum.

With this, you can remove the parts individually on the S7.

This means that we could remove the water tank but leave the mopping plate in place (you can’t do that with the S6 MaxV).

Attaching and removing the water tank and the mopping plate is therefore much easier with the Roborock S7.

The Charging Dock

The charging dock is identical for both units.

Roborock S7

Measuring the charging station of Roborock S7 with a ruler

Roborock S6 MaxV

Holding the Roborock S6 MaxV’s docking station in the hands

Neither of the two has a cable management system. That’s a pity. However, you can stow away excess cable with a cable tie (better than nothing...).

The Roborock S6 MaxV comes with a floor mat for the docking station. It protects the floor from the wet mop after mopping.

With the S7, you won’t need it anymore because it lifts the mopping plate when it docks at the charging station. Thus, the wet mop won’t touch the floor.

Roborock S7

The Roborock S7 lifts its mopping plate during the charging process

Roborock S6 MaxV

The water protection pad for the Roborock S6 MaxV charging station from above

That’s a massive advantage because the transparent mat isn’t what we’d call an eye-catcher...

There’s also another little difference: You can see small brushes on the Roborock S7’s charging dock. They clean the charging contacts when the robot docks at the station. Cool idea ?

Cleaning brushes

A close-up of the cleaning brushes on the Roborock S7’s charging station

Charging contacts

A close-up of the Roborock S7’s charging contacts

Delivery Scope

Roborock UK doesn’t cover itself with glory when it comes to the delivery scope.

Any accessories? Spare parts?

Nope.

You can only find the absolute essentials in the package.

Roborock S7

The entire delivery scope of the Roborock S7 is on the floor

Roborock S6 MaxV

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

The good news is that you can buy any accessories conveniently online.

Roborock S6 MaxV vs. S7: The Price

The two devices belong to the premium segment in terms of price.

The extra charge is for the luxury features:

  • Roborock S6 MaxV: Reactive AI technology for obstacle detection + monitoring function
  • Roborock S7: Numerous improvements in the mopping function (Sonic Mopping, VibraRise, etc.)

The Roborock S7’s emptying station will be launched in Autumn 2021 in the UK. It will cost 200 - 300 £.

We don’t know yet whether there will be discounted bundle packages (robot + emptying station).

Are the higher prices of the Roborock S7 and the S6 MaxV justified?

That’s a matter of taste.

If you can do without the premium function described above, then the Roborock S5 Max would undoubtedly be an excellent alternative for you. It’s also a great robot vacuum with a mopping function. It just doesn’t have all the high-tech features and is therefore much cheaper. You can save some money here.

However, if you’re big on the luxury features of the Roborock S7 and the S6 MaxV, you can buy both without hesitation.

Both units are an excellent investment!

Overview of Our Rating

The table below summarizes our reviews of the Roborock S7 and S6 MaxV.

Roborock S7 Roborock S6 MaxV
Vacuuming Performance
Mopping performance
App and functions
Navigation and driving
Volume
Battery
Design and quality
Delivery scope
Price-performance ratio
Check Amazon* Offer* Offer*

You can find more information about the two devices in our detailed reviews.

Roborock S7 vs S6 MaxV: Which Robot Works Best for You?

After putting both devices through their paces in our "Roborock S7 vs. S6 MaxV comparison", we can say one thing for sure:

Both vacuum robots are excellent household helpers! They clean your floors reliably and 100% satisfactorily.

But which model should you choose?

That depends on which premium features you want (and need).

  • Do you want an excellent mopping function?? Would you also be interested in a self-emptying base? Then you should go for the Roborock S7.
  • However, if you live in a somewhat "chaotic" household with children and/or pets, the Roborock S6 MaxV could be more suitable. It also recognizes flatter objects with a special camera and avoids them independently?. The monitoring function of the Roborock S6 MaxV is also quite interesting.

Long story short: You can't go wrong with either model.

These little household helpers will do almost all the floor cleaning for you. You’ll be thrilled!

Read more

  • Are the Spare Parts for the Roborock S7 and the S6 MaxV Compatible with Each Other?


    Some spare parts of the Roborock S7 and the S6 MaxV are compatible with each other:

    ●  Side brush:  identical on both models

    ●  Mop: The size is identical. Thus, you can use the mopping cloth for both models

    ●  HEPA filters: Not compatible with each other. HEPA filters have different sizes. They are also installed differently.

    ●  Main brush: Not compatible with each other. The brush of the Roborock S7 is much narrower than that of the S6 MaxV

    ●  Mopping plate: Not compatible with each other. Different installation.

    ●  Dirt container: Not compatible with each other. Different installation.

    ●  Water tank: Not compatible with each other. Different design and size.

  • S5 Max vs S6: which robot vacuum is better?


    We have compared the two devices in detail. You can find more about this this topic here: Roborock S5 Max vs S6.

  • Can I buy the Roborock S7 and Roborock S6 MaxV on Amazon UK?


    Yes, Roborock robotic vacuums are available on Amazon in the 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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