Xiaomi’s Roborock: A Detailed Guide to Choosing a Robot Vacuum in 2026

The choice of robot vacuum cleaner Roborock is not an easy task: the brand offers more than 10 models with different capabilities, price tags from 20 to 100 thousand rubles and sets of functions that are sometimes difficult to compare without deep analysis. Some devices specialize in cleaning animal hair, others in washing floors with a vibration mop, others are equipped with laser sensors for accurate mapping. In this article, we will analyze the key selection criteria, compare top-end Roborock models. S8 Pro Ultra, Q8 Max+, S7 MaxV and budget options, and also tell you what to look for when buying, so as not to overpay for unnecessary options.

The Roborock lineup (owned by Xiaomi’s ecosystem) is a combination of advanced technology and relatively affordable prices compared to rivals like iRobot or Ecovacs. However, even within the brand, the difference between models can be huge: for example, the flagship. S8 Pro Ultra with automatic washing and drying station of the mop stands in 3-4 more expensive than the basic Roborock E5. To make no mistake, it is important to clearly define your priorities: whether you need automatic water change, whether laser navigation is enough or you can do with a gyroscope, and how critical is support for Yiko (a voice assistant from Xiaomi) or integration with Apple HomeKit.

Key criteria for choosing a robot vacuum cleaner Roborock

Before comparing specific models, we will understand which parameters should be considered first, which will help narrow the search and avoid buying a device with excessive or insufficient functionality.

Type of navigation: This depends on how accurately the robot will map the room and bypass obstacles:

  • πŸ”Ή Laser rangefinder (LDS): The most accurate method, which creates 3D-map, supports zoning and virtual walls, used in S-series models (e.g., zoning, S8 Pro) and Q-series.
  • πŸ”Ή gyroscope + Optical sensor: cheaper, less accurate, suitable for small apartments without complex furniture. E5.
  • πŸ”Ή Camera. + ReactiveAI: recognizes objects (footwear, wires, animals) and bypasses them. S7 MaxV and Q Revo.

Suction power measured in Pascals (Pa):

  • πŸ”Ή 2000–2500 Pa: enough for laminate and tile, but poorly copes with deep carpet cleaning.
  • πŸ”Ή 3000–5000 Pa: optimal for most tasks, including medium-fat carpets.
  • πŸ”Ή 6000 Pa and higher: flagship models for deep cleaning (e.g, S8 Pro Ultra with 6000 Pa).

3.Floor washing function: If you want not only dry but also wet cleaning, pay attention to:

  • πŸ”Ή Vibrational mop: more effective than static (is available in the S7, S8).
  • πŸ”Ή Automatic washing station: independently washes and dries the mop (only in the S8 Pro Ultra and Q Revo).
  • πŸ”Ή Intensity adjustment: the ability to choose the moisture level for different coatings.

⚠️ Note: If you have carpets with a high pile (more than 1.5 cm), avoid models with a wash function - they can get wet and spoil the coating, S7 MaxV).

πŸ“Š What type of cleaning is more important to you?
Dry cleaning (vacuum cleaner)
Wet cleaning (wash)
Combined (vacuum cleaner) + mop)
I don't care.

Comparison of top Roborock models in 2026

To make it easier to choose, we put together key features of popular models in a table, and note the price-to-function ratio, which is sometimes a bad thing to pay for a flagship.

ModelType of navigationSuction power (Pa)Washing functionAuto-emptyingPrice (β‰ˆ)
Roborock S8 Pro Ultralaser + camera (ReactiveAI 2.0)6000Vibrational + bus-stationYes (70 days)95 000 β‚½
Roborock Q8 Max+Laser (LDS)4500VibrationalYes (60 days)65 000 β‚½
Roborock S7 MaxVlaser + camera (ReactiveAI)5100VibrationalNo (option)55 000 β‚½
Roborock G20Laser (LDS)2500Static mopNo.30 000 β‚½
Roborock E5gyroscope2000No.No.22 000 β‚½

Important: Only Pro or Ultra models support an automatic mop washing station that takes away dirty water and pours clean waterΒ²+), where manual maintenance of the mop takes a long time.

If your budget is limited to 30-40,000 rubles, pay attention to Roborock. G20 β€” It's one of the few models in this price segment that has laser navigation, but its suction power (2500 Pa) is not enough for deep carpet cleaning. S7 MaxV with ReactiveAI camera that recognizes and bypasses "heaps" or scattered things.

πŸ’‘

For homes with animals, models with a camera (ReactiveAI) and high suction power (5000 Pa) are priority.+).

Roborock for different types of rooms

The choice of model depends largely on the characteristics of your home. Let's consider the best options for scenarios.

1. Apartment with laminate/tiles (without carpets)

Smooth coatings don't require maximum suction power, but a quality wash is important.

  • 🏠 Roborock Q8 Max+: squirt + vacuuming.
  • 🏠 Roborock S7: budget, but without a bus station (you will have to manually wash the mop).

If quiet work is a priority, choose models with Quiet mode" (~55 dB, e.g, G20.

2. House with carpets and animals

Here, the suction power (from 5000 Pa) and obstacle recognition (so that the robot does not get stuck in the wool or smear the pile) are critical.

  • 🐢 Roborock S8 Pro Ultra: ReactiveAI 2.0 Camera + 6000 Pa.
  • 🐱 Roborock S7 MaxV: cheaper, but with a similar camera and power of 5100 Pa.

Important: In the settings of these models, you can turn on the Pet Mode mode, which increases the frequency of cleaning in the areas of wool accumulation.

3. Large house (100mΒ²+)

For spacious rooms, you need:

  • 🏑 Long-term autonomy (from 3 hours of work).
  • πŸ”‹ Auto-emptying the dust collector (so as not to clean it after each cleaning).
  • πŸ—ΊοΈ Multi-card support (saving multiple floors).

The Best Choice: Roborock Q8 Max+ or S8 Pro Ultra with a base that automatically washes the mop and emptys the container. These models also support room zoning and cleaning schedules for different days of the week.

⚠️ Note: If the house has stairs without fences, avoid models without infrared cliff sensors (e.g., Roborock). E5 All laser navigation devices (S-series, Q-series) are equipped with fall protection.

What if the robot doesn’t build a map?
If Roborock doesn’t save a map of the room, check: 1. Is there enough lighting (laser works worse in the dark). 2. Are there any mirrors or glass surfaces in the way (they knock down sensors). 3. Is the software updated (old versions had mapping bugs). If the problem persists, reset the maps in the application and restart the robot.

Auto-emptying of the dust collector: do I need to overpay?

The function of automatic emptying of the dust container (through the docking station) adds to the price of 15-25,000 rubles.

The advantages of self-emptying:

  • βœ… Convenience: No need to clean the container after each cleaning (once every 1-2 months).
  • βœ… Hygienic: The dust doesn’t come into contact with your hands.
  • βœ… Suitable for Allergics: Dust Collector is Hermetic.

Cons:

  • ❌ Expensive: the station takes up a lot of space and increases the cost by 30-40%.
  • ❌ Noise: The emptying process is louder than the cleaning itself.
  • ❌ Consumers: dust bags should be purchased separately (about the same time). 1000 β‚½/10 piece.).

Conclusion: Auto-emptying is justified for large houses (from 80 m2) or if you clean daily. For small apartments (up to 50 m2), manual cleaning of the container every 3-5 days is enough.

Check the size of the docking station (it takes up) ~30Γ—40 centimeter)

Make sure you have dust bags in the kit (sometimes sold separately)

Estimate the station noise level (some models up to 70 dB)

See if the station supports mop washing (only at the S8 Pro Ultra and Q Revo)-->

Smart Home Integration: What Does Roborock Support?

All modern Roborock models are controlled via the Mi Home or Roborock App, but the possibilities of integration with other ecosystems differ.

Voice assistants:

  • 🎀 Yiko (Xiaomi) supports all models.
  • 🎀 Alice (Yandex): only through Mi Home (not all teams work stably).
  • 🎀 Google Assistant / Alexa: Officially supported but require binding via Mi Home.
  • 🍎 Apple HomeKit: Roborock only S7 MaxV and newer (with limited functionality).

Automation:

  • πŸ€– In Mi Home, you can set up a cleaning schedule, geo-fence or event (for example, when everyone leaves the house).
  • πŸ”„ Through IFTTT or Home Assistant Extended scenarios are available (e.g., starting a cleanup when the air conditioner is turned on).

Limitations:

  • 🚫 Voice commands only work for basic functions (start/stop/back to base).
  • 🚫 Room maps and zoning are not available through third-party systems (only in the proprietary application).

If you want deep integration with Apple HomeKit or Google Home, check out the specific model on the manufacturer’s website – some features may be limited.

πŸ’‘

To prevent the robot from leaving the apartment (for example, on the balcony), set up virtual walls or exclusion zones in the application, which is especially true for open-plan homes.

Roborock vs. competitors: comparison with iRobot and Ecovacs

Roborock is not the only player in the robot vacuum market, but consider how Xiaomi’s devices compare to its main competitors.

ParameterRoborockiRobot (Roomba)Ecovacs (Deebot)
Price.20 000 – 100 000 β‚½30 000 – 150 000 β‚½25 000 – 120 000 β‚½
Navigationlaser (LDS) camera + AICamera (vSLAM) or laserLaser (TrueMapping) or gyroscope
Suction powerUp to 6,000 PaUp to 4000 PaUp to 5,000 Pa.
Auto-emptyingYes (in top-end models)Yeah (Clean Base)Yes (T and X series)
SweaterVibrational mopOnly Roomba ComboVibrational or rotary

Benefits of Roborock:

  • πŸ’° Best price/quality ratio (cheaper than iRobot with similar functionality).
  • πŸ”‹ More capacious batteries (up to 5200 mAh against 3000-4000 mAh competitors).
  • πŸ—ΊοΈ Accurate laser navigation (better than the gyroscope of Ecovacs budget series).

Disadvantages:

  • πŸ› οΈ It is more difficult to find original spare parts (for example, mops or brushes) in offline stores.
  • πŸ“± Mi Home sometimes doesn’t work well (especially on iOS).

If you want maximum reliability and service support, iRobot may be preferred, but you’ll have to pay 30-50% more for this stability. Ecovacs wins in washing features (e.g., rotary mop in Deebot). X2 Omni, but loses accuracy in navigation.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Roborock

Even after looking at the characteristics, customers often find themselves frustrated by the nuances they don't know, and here are some of the most common mistakes:

1. Ignoring the type of coating

Many people use a robot with a wash function, not considering that it is not suitable for carpets. If the house has a fluffy coating, choose a model with automatic mop lifting (for example, for example, for a model with a mop lift, S7 MaxV) or refuse to wash completely.

2. overpayment for unnecessary functions

For example, the emptying is only good for large houses. If you live in a one-bedroom apartment, a model without a docking station is enough (save 20,000-30,000). β‚½).

3. Unverified sellers

Roborock is often faked (especially budget models like the one in the car). E5). Buy only from official dealers (for example, M. Video, Svyaznoy, Wildberries marked "Original:

  • πŸ” Availability of a warranty card (official devices – 12 months).
  • πŸ” The package must be with a hologram and QR-authentication.

4.Neglecting reviews of real users

The characteristics on paper may be different from the actual work. G20 In reviews, often scolded for poor suction on carpets, although the specifications indicate a power of 2500 Pa, 4PDA) pre-purchase.

⚠️ Note: If you buy a Roborock for cleaning construction dust (for example, after repairs), note that small particles can clog filters. HEPA-filter (e.g, S8 Pro Ultra) and clean the container after each cleaning.

Can you use Roborock without the internet?
Yes, but with limitations. Without Wi-Fi, the robot will work in basic mode: cleaning the button on the case, without saving maps, schedules or zoning. To be fully used, you need to connect to the Mi Home or Roborock App.
How often should you change consumables (brushes, filters, mops)?
The service life of consumables depends on the intensity of use: 🧹 Side brushes: every 3-6 months. πŸŒ€ Main brush: every 6-12 months (or with visible wear). 🧼 Filter HEPA: every 3-4 months (or after cleaning the building dust). πŸ’§ The mop: the microfiber nozzle is washed every 1-2 weeks, the mop itself is changed every 6-12 months.
Is Roborock suitable for cleaning cat toilets?
Technically yes, but with reservations: βœ… ReactiveAI models (e.g, S7 MaxV) recognize and bypass the "heaps". ❌ The robot doesn’t wash the tray, it just cleans it around it. ⚠️ For the filler with lumps, it is better to use a special mat under the tray so that the pellets do not fly. If the toilet is open, set up a no-go zone around it in the app.
Can you control Roborock through Alice's Yandex?
Yes, but with limitations, Alice can do it: 🎀 Start/stop cleaning. 🎀 Send the robot to base. πŸ”• Know status (charge, errors), however, zoning, maps and advanced settings are available only in the proprietary application.
Which Roborock is better for a 40 m2 apartment with laminate and a small carpet?
Optimal options in terms of price / quality: πŸ† Budget: Roborock G20 (~30 000 β‚½) β€” Laser navigation, washing, power 2500 Pa enough for laminate. πŸ† Mid-segment: Roborock Q8 Max+ (~65 000 β‚½) β€” More powerful (4500 Pa), auto-emptying, vibrating mop. πŸ† Premium: Roborock S7 MaxV (~55 000 β‚½) β€” It's a 5100 Pa, a little area, and you don't need a self-empty docking station, you can manually clean the container once a week.