Roomba vs. Roborock: Which Robot Vacuum is Best for Your Home?
Bilbo Levine
4 weeks ago

Roomba and Roborock are both popular but differ in several aspects, including design, features, technology, and pricing. 

1. Brand Background

   - Roomba: Produced by iRobot, Roomba is one of the pioneers in the robotic vacuum industry. iRobot has been in the market since 1990 and is known for its innovation and reliability.

   - Roborock: A newer brand, Roborock was established in 2014 and is associated with Xiaomi, a major Chinese electronics company. Roborock has gained popularity quickly due to its advanced features and competitive prices.


2. Navigation and Mapping

   - Roomba: Higher-end Roomba models (like the i7, i9, and s9 series) use iRobot’s iAdapt 3.0 technology with vSLAM (visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) for navigation. These models use a camera to map your home and navigate efficiently.

   - Roborock: Most Roborock models use LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology for navigation. LiDAR tends to be more accurate in mapping rooms, especially in low-light environments, than camera-based navigation.


3. Cleaning Performance

   - Roomba: Roomba vacuums are known for their strong suction and effective cleaning on various floor types, including carpets and hardwood. Higher-end models have advanced dirt detection and dual multi-surface rubber brushes that adjust to different floor types.

   - Roborock: Roborock also offers strong suction power, often with higher ratings than many Roomba models. Roborock vacuums are particularly noted for their ability to handle large debris and pet hair. Additionally, many Roborock models come with mopping functions. If you're searching for a robot vacuum that also mops, it'll have to be Roborock. 


4. Mopping Feature

   - Roomba: Roomba focuses on vacuuming, with no mopping feature in its models. However, iRobot offers a separate mopping robot called the Braava.

   - Roborock: Many Roborock models include both vacuuming and mopping functions, with adjustable water flow and mop attachment. This makes them a versatile option for homes that require both.


5. Smart Features and App Control

   - Roomba: Roomba models can be controlled via the iRobot Home app, which offers features like scheduling, room mapping, and cleaning reports. Some models also support voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

   - Roborock: Roborock’s app offers similar features, such as room-specific cleaning, virtual no-go zones, and detailed mapping. Roborock also integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.


6. Price

   - Roomba: Generally, Roomba models are priced higher, particularly for the latest models with advanced features.

   - Roborock: Roborock tends to offer more affordable options, especially considering features like LiDAR navigation and mopping, making it a better value for money in many cases.


7. Customer Support and Availability

   - Roomba: iRobot has a long-established customer support network, especially in North America and Europe, with widespread availability in stores and online.

   - Roborock: Roborock is quickly expanding its customer support and availability, with a strong online presence, but it might still be less established than iRobot in some regions.


Both brands have their strengths, so the choice between Roomba and Roborock often comes down to specific needs and budget.

Roomba is a well-established brand known for reliability, strong cleaning performance, and premium features but tends to be more expensive and focuses solely on vacuuming. 

On the other hand, Roborock offers advanced features like LiDAR navigation, vacuuming and mopping in one device, longer battery life, and generally more affordable pricing, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers looking for a versatile cleaning solution. 

Jesse Adams
4 weeks ago

Roborock was indeed the pioneer and the only reliable player of robot vacuum that also has a mopping function; however, most robot vacuum brands are now introducing similar features. iRobot just came out with its newest vacuum, Roomba combo® 10 max robot + auto wash dock. 

This model features a sleek, modern design with a compact form factor that allows it to navigate tight spaces. It’s designed to handle both vacuuming and mopping, making it a versatile cleaning tool for a variety of floor types. The AutoWash Dock is a self-cleaning station that not only charges the robot but also washes the mop pads, refills the water tank, and empties the dustbin, significantly reducing the need for manual maintenance.

The Roomba Combo® 10 Max comes with powerful suction capabilities to effectively clean dirt, debris, and pet hair from carpets and hard floors. The robot adjusts its suction power automatically based on the type of surface it’s cleaning. The mopping function is enhanced with a dedicated water tank and precision water control, allowing it to mop floors efficiently without leaving streaks. The mop pad lifts automatically when it detects carpets, ensuring they stay dry.

AutoWash Dock Features

  • Self-Cleaning: The dock cleans the mop pads automatically after each mopping session, ensuring they are ready for the next use without manual intervention.
  • Water Refill: The dock refills the robot’s water tank automatically, so it’s always prepared for the next mopping session.
  • Dustbin Emptying: The dock also empties the dustbin, making it virtually maintenance-free for users. This feature is especially useful in homes with pets or large spaces.


Now that iRobot has released its Combo® 10 Max Robot + AutoWash Dock, Roborock can no longer pride itself on having a unique feature.


*Photo Credit: iRobot.com

Combo® 10 Max Robot + AutoWash Dock
Brand: iRobot
Helen Reid
3 weeks ago

I'm going to go with Roomba. Years of brand reputation and culminated technology can't be beat. Roomba is a well-established and trusted brand with a long history in the robotic vacuum industry. I value the reliability and reputation that come from the leader in the market.

Roomba's parent company, iRobot, is known for its robust customer service and support. This can be an important consideration for users who value strong after-sales support. I've owned the Roomba S9+ for years, and I had it replaced once for free when it started having the same error. iRobot quickly acknowledged its problem and offered to replace it with a brand-new robot. I have not been having a problem with the new one. 

However, it’s also worth noting that Roborock offers great value with competitive pricing and advanced features like LiDAR navigation and mopping capabilities. The choice between the two often comes down to individual preferences, specific feature needs, and budget considerations.

Roomba s9+
Brand: iRobot