Roborock S5 Max vs S6 MaxV – Comparison
Roborock S5 Max vs S6 MaxV are truly top-of-the-line vacuuming robots. We can highly recommend both devices. Which robot vacuum cleaner is the better of the two? And which model suits you best? We will answer all these questions in our Roborock S5 Max vs Roborock S6 MaxV comparison.
Roborock S5 Max vs S6 MaxV: Who cleans more thoroughly?
Of course, a Roborock S5 Max vs S6 MaxV comparison should include a cleaning test. To find out how the vacuum-mopping robots clean, we pitted the two premium models against each other in our test area.
Test on hard floors
Both vacuum robots perform very well on laminate and can pick up almost 100% of the dirt.
Test on carpets
Carpets are a bigger challenge for any kind of vacuum cleaner. Here, the two premium vacuum cleaner robots do an excellent job on low as well as high carpets. Only on heavy sand do the two models suffer a bit. This does not surprise us and should not be exaggerated. The fine and heavy sand quickly sinks into the carpets and is difficult to get out again with the robot vacuum.
Furthermore, our suction test is a constructed experimental situation. In everyday life, you will rarely find this much sand on your carpet. The Roborock S6 MaxV performs a little better in our suction test compared to the Roborock S5 Max. The increased suction power (2500 Pa. vs. 2000 Pa.) is noticeable.
Comparison of the two vacuums in everyday use:
In everyday use, the suction power of the two vacuum robots is perfectly sufficient to clean the living space 100% satisfactorily. The carpet boost works brilliantly in practice. As soon as the Roborock S5 Max or the Roborock S6 MaxV drives over a carpet, the robot vacuum cleaner automatically switches to the strongest suction level (Max) without any delay.
In total, you can choose from 4 different suction levels (Quiet, Balanced, Turbo, and Max). For a household without children or pets, the suction setting “Balanced” is usually quite sufficient. If you have kids and pets at home, we recommend running the vacuum cleaning your home in the “Turbo” cleaning level.
Roborock S5 Max vs S6 MaxV: Comparison of mopping performance
Roborock S5 Max and Roborock S6 MaxV are both vacuum robots with an integrated mopping function. If you want to use the mopping function, you have to fill the water tank with water and attach the mopping plate including the mopping cloth to the water tank. The water flow rate can be controlled via the app for both suction/mopping robots. Here, you have the option of individually specifying the amount of water sprayed per room.
The small difference is: With Roborock S6 MaxV, the mopping pad covers the entire width of the mopping plate (with Roborock S5 Max, some space is left out on the left and right, which means that the mopping track is minimally narrower with Roborock S5 Max). Otherwise, the two suction/mopping robots don’t take much from each other when it comes to daily wet floor mopping.
Small hint: The mops are compatible with each other. If the Roborock S5 Max is the robot of your choice, you can easily order online and use the mop of the Roboborock S6 MaxV.
Both models mop away light dirt and dust reliably. On hard floors, we were able to achieve the best results on the highest water flow level.
However, we recommend just trying things out a bit at this point. You will discover quickly which water flow level gives you the best cleaning results on your floors.
Conclusion on Mopping
The mopping power of the two suction/mopping robots is a very useful additional function that ensures more cleanliness and freshness in your home. However, it does not fully replace manual mopping.
The focus of a suction/mopping robot is clearly on the suction task, given the state-of-the-art technology. A suction/mopping robot never claims to replace “real wet cleaning” of floors. The mopping function is always a great “bonus function” of a suction/mopping robot. As a result, your floors are even cleaner and the apartment feels a lot more fresh.
Navigation and driving
Besides the suction power, navigation is also a significant criterion for cleaning performance. Therefore, our Roborock S6 MaxV vs S5 Max review should not be without a comparison of the navigation and driving style of the two high-quality vacuum cleaning robots.
Laser navigation (LIDAR) in the Roborock S5 Max
The laser navigation of the Roborock S5 Max is one of the best of its kind. This ensures that the robot vacuum cleaner navigates through your home in a structured, efficient, and very fast way. No spots are missed, that’s for sure.
Laser Navigation (LIDAR) and Reactive AI in the Roborock S6 MaxV
The Roborock S6 MaxV goes one step further. The excellent and well-proven laser navigation technology is used here as well. Navigation is supported by two stereo cameras and Reactive AI technology (Artificial Intelligence). This allows the Roborock S6 MaxV to detect and avoid obstacles on its own.
Even though the obstacle detection rate was around 70% in our tests, this option offers a great value. You can send the Roborock S6 MaxV out to clean even if your home isn’t 100% organized, without worrying that the vacuum will get stuck on the nearest cord or shoelace.
The obstacle detection function is constantly being improved by analyzing collected data. Thus, it can be expected that the quality will increase significantly over time. Especially for more “chaotic” homes with children and/or pets, the Roborock S6 MaxV could thus be the perfect vacuum robot.
App functions
A useful app is the heart of a robot vacuum cleaner. In principle, you have two apps to choose from: Xiaomi Home App and the Roborock App. Both apps are very similar in terms of their functionality and design.
We prefer the Roborock app because the updates are typically available much faster. However, if you have multiple smart home devices from Xiaomi at home, it is handier to be able to control them via one app (Xiaomi Home App). It becomes clear that the range of functions of the two apps is almost the same.
Only the additional functions around the “Reactive AI technology” enhance the Roborock S6 MaxV app. The detected obstacles are drawn directly on the map in the Roborock S6 MaxV app. By “clicking” on the specific obstacle, you can see information about the object. Furthermore, you can use Roborcok S6 MaxV as a type of “surveillance camera”. The remote viewing function allows you to view real-time images of the cleaning operation on your cell phone.
Roborock S6 MaxV vs S5 Max: The battery performance
Both devices have a powerful lithium-ion battery. The battery makes both robotic vacuum cleaners real marathon runners. Large apartments or houses can be cleaned in one go without any problems. If the battery does run out of power during a cleaning process, the robot vacuum cleaner automatically returns to the charging station. Thanks to the recharge & resume function, the cleaning run is continued exactly at the point where it was paused beforehand.
Design and dimensions
The design of the two devices clearly shows their common origin. The design of the devices is almost identical: round shape, same dimensions, almost the same weight. Roborock also uses the proven design from the bottom. The side brush, main brush, rollers, and water tank are identical.
The biggest difference is that the Roborock S6 MaxV is only available in black, unlike the Roborock S5 Max. So if you don’t like the black color or the dark look doesn’t match your interior, the Roborock S5 Max in white is possibly the right choice for you.
Scope of delivery
The scope of delivery of the Roborock S5 Max and S6 MaxV is almost identical. Unfortunately, it is quite modest for both devices. For the sake of completeness, the Roborock S6 MaxV comes with an additional HEPA filter, unlike the S5 Max. Accessories and spare parts are not found in the delivery box of either model.
You can order spare parts and accessories for the Roborock S6 MaxV and the Roborock S5 Max online on Amazon.
Price comparison
The price plays an important role in the Roborock S5 Max vs S6 MaxV comparison. When comparing prices, it quickly becomes apparent that the Roborock S6 MaxV costs around $150 more than the S5 Max.
The Reactive AI technology for automatic obstacle detection is the reason for this price difference. Thus, the S6 MaxV is in the luxury segment with a price of around $700.
The Roborock S5 Max has almost the same cleaning properties and features. Only the automatic obstacle detection and the monitoring functions are missing. Thus, the Roborock S5 Max costs about $549, which makes the suction/mopping robot a real price-performance winner.
Our review of the Roborock S6 MaxV and Roborock S5 Max in an overview
We have tested and reviewed the Roborock S5 Max as well as the Roborock S6 MaxV in detail. If you want to see our detailed reviews of the models, then take a closer look at the two tests. (Roborock S5 Max test and Roborock S6 MaxV test).
Conclusion: Roborock S6 MaxV vs S5 Max – which model should you buy?
When comparing Roborock S6 MaxV vs S5 Max, it is a battle of equals. Both devices are high-quality that will vacuum (and mop) very pleasantly. Which model is right for you depends on your choices.
If your home is often messy and you have kids and/or pets, the Roborock S6 MaxV is probably the better choice for you. You can make Roborock S6 MaxV work even in a not perfectly tidy apartment. The robot vacuum cleaner detects obstacles on its own and avoids them.
However, you have to be willing to pay the premium price of around $700 for this “luxury”. If you live in a rather “quiet and tidy” home and don’t want to spend $700, then the Roborock S5 Max is the right choice for you. The vacuum robot navigates precisely like a Swiss clockwork, vacuums, and mops your floors perfectly, and is a real price-performance hit with a price of around $549.
