iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum vs Roborock Q7 Max+ Robot Vacuum + Mop with Auto-Empty Dock
If you're tight on budget and want something straightforward, the iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum is the entry-level option here. It offers smart navigation and 120 minutes of runtime, making it a decent choice for smaller spaces. However, for a little more investment, the Roborock Q7 Max+ Robot Vacuum + Mop delivers superior suction power at 4,200 Pa and comes with an Auto-Empty Dock that handles up to 7 weeks of dirt—definitely worth considering for larger homes. In real-world use, the Roomba excels at methodical cleaning but lacks mopping capabilities or an auto-empty feature, which can be a hassle. The Roborock’s 180 minutes of runtime means it can clean larger areas without needing a recharge, plus the LiDAR navigation provides better mapping and route efficiency. So, if you’re looking for a no-brainer upgrade with hands-free maintenance, the Roborock is your go-to option for 2026.
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iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
Roborock Q7 Max+ Robot Vacuum + Mop with Auto-Empty Dock
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum vs Roborock Q7 Max+ Robot Vacuum + Mop with Auto-Empty Dock
iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
Roborock Q7 Max+ Robot Vacuum + Mop with Auto-Empty Dock
| Criterion | iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum | Roborock Q7 Max+ Robot Vacuum + Mop with Auto-Empty Dock |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4(51,777)Amazon | ★4.1(169)Amazon |
Navigation | Smart navigation (Gyroscopes/Optical) cleans in neat rows; sensors navigate around furniture and avoid stairs. | PreciSense LiDAR Navigation (360° scanning for precise mapping and adaptive route algorithms). |
Mapping | Clean Map® report (View-only coverage report in iRobot Home App; no persistent mapping). | LiDAR Mapping (3D Mapping, Multi-level mapping up to 4 floors, Matrix Map, Quick Mapping). |
Obstacle Avoidance | Basic sensor-based avoidance for furniture/stairs (no camera/LiDAR AI object recognition). | Standard sensor-based avoidance (LiDAR + Bumpers + Cliff Sensors; no AI camera). |
Suction Pa | Not specified (3 suction power levels) | 4,200 Pa |
Brush System | 3-Stage Cleaning System with Multi-Surface V-shaped main brush + Edge-Sweeping brush. | All-Rubber Main Brush (Floating design to stay close to uneven floors and resist hair tangles) + Side brush. |
Mopping | No | Combined Mopping System (Electronic pump with 30 water flow levels; constant 300g mop pressure). |
Mop Lift | N/A (No mopping) | No (Mop pad stays in contact with the floor; carpet avoidance requires setting No-Mop Zones). |
Carpet Boost | No automatic boost (Manual control: 3 suction levels). | Yes (Automatic Carpet Boost increases suction when carpet is detected). |
Battery | Lithium-ion (2600 mAh) | 14.4V / 5200 mAh Lithium-ion |
Runtime | Up to 120 min | Up to 180 min (Quiet Mode) |
Charging Time | Approx. 4 hours | Approx. 6 hours |
Dustbin | 0.10 gal (approx. 400 mL) | 0.12 gal (470 mL) — Combined unit |
Water Tank | N/A (No mopping) | 0.09 gal (350 mL) — Combined unit |
Auto Empty | No | Yes |
Dock Type | Charging Dock (Standard Home Base) | Auto-Empty Dock Pure (2.5 L dust bag capacity, rated for up to 7 weeks; approx. 11.8" W x 17.3" D x 17.3" H). |
Mop Wash | N/A (No mopping) | No |
Mop Dry | N/A (No mopping) | No |
Filtration | High-Efficiency Filter | E11 Rated Washable Filter (Captures 99.7% of particles) |
Noise Level | Not specified | Approx. 67 dB (Balanced Mode) |
App Features | iRobot Home App: Clean While I'm Away, suggested schedules, Clean Map® report, spot cleaning. | Roborock App (3D Mapping, No-Go Zones, Invisible Walls, Custom Cleaning Routines, Child Lock). |
Voice Assistants | Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri | Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Siri Shortcuts. |
Multi Floor | No (Does not store maps) | Yes (Up to 4 map levels supported). |
Threshold Climb | 0.625" (5/8 in) | 0.79" (20 mm) |
Height | 3.15" | 3.80" (96.5 mm) |
Dimensions | 13" (L) x 13" (W) x 3.15" (H) | 13.90" (L) x 13.80" (W) x 3.80" (H) |
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iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
✓ Pros:
- • Methodical row-by-row cleaning with smart navigation
- • Up to 120 minutes runtime with auto-docking recharge
- • iRobot Home App scheduling + Clean Map® report; voice assistant support
- • 3-stage cleaning with V-shaped brush + edge-sweeping brush and 3 suction levels
✗ Cons:
- • No mopping capability
- • No auto-empty dock (standard charging dock only)
- • No advanced AI obstacle avoidance (no camera/LiDAR object detection)
- • Lacks persistent mapping features like Keep Out Zones or Room Select
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Roborock Q7 Max+ Robot Vacuum + Mop with Auto-Empty Dock
✓ Pros:
- • Strong 4,200 Pa suction power effectively handles carpets and pet hair
- • Auto-Empty Dock Pure provides up to 7 weeks of hands-free maintenance
- • All-rubber main brush is durable and resists hair tangles better than bristled brushes
- • Precise LiDAR navigation creates accurate maps and supports 3D viewing
- • Large 5200 mAh battery supports long cleaning sessions for larger homes
✗ Cons:
- • Lacks active mop lifting; users must manually set No-Mop Zones for carpets
- • No AI obstacle avoidance for identifying small objects (cables, waste, shoes)
- • Combined water/dust bin design means you cannot remove just one compartment
- • Dock does not wash or dry the mop pad (requires manual cleaning)
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Which one is better?
The Roborock Q7 Max+ Robot Vacuum + Mop with Auto-Empty Dock is the better buy for most people - its 4,200 Pa suction power crushes the iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum.
Who should buy each?
Choose the iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum if: you want a budget-friendly vacuum, you have a smaller living space, or you prefer a straightforward cleaning experience without frills. (93.44 oz weight)
Choose the Roborock Q7 Max+ Robot Vacuum + Mop with Auto-Empty Dock if: you need powerful suction for carpets, you want hands-free maintenance for up to 7 weeks, or you have a larger home that requires longer cleaning sessions.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum excels if you value methodical row-by-row cleaning with smart navigation. Roborock Q7 Max+ Robot Vacuum + Mop with Auto-Empty Dock is better if you prioritize strong 4,200 pa suction power effectively handles carpets and pet hair. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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