The Roborock S4 is designed to be a middle-ground robot vacuum that falls between the Roborock E series robots and the 3-in-1 mopping, sweeping, and vacuuming robots S5 and S6. There have been major features stripped while other functions have been upgraded.
How does the Roborock S4 compare to the Roborock S6? This article answers that question while giving you the inside scoop on real-world performance, operations, and functionality. If you are in the market for a new robotic vacuum, you are in the right spot to find out if the S4 or S6 is the one for you.
Contents
Basics of Operations
Both robots have a series of parts and functions that almost all robot vacuums share. These basics are essential for any vacuum, robot or otherwise, yet almost no two robots use them the same way.
The batteries, for example, are some of the largest in the industry. Boasting a gigantic 5200mAh battery pack, the S4 and S6 both share a 150-minute runtime claim. The robots will both monitor their battery charge level, also.
When the batteries drop below 20 percent charge remaining, they will return to the charging station and recharge their own batteries. One difference is how they handle the recharge when there is a cleaning job to complete.
| Roborock s4 | Roborock s6 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 19.3 x 15.9 x 6.1 inches | 13.7 x 13.8 x 3.8 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 12.27 pounds | 3.15 pounds |
| Best offer | Check price | Check price |
The S4 model will recharge the complete battery and then resume cleaning until the job is complete. Contrarily, the S6 will only recharge until the level reaches 80 percent charge. The Roborock S6 then finishes the cleaning cycle and comes back to the charging station to complete the charging cycle.
The Filters
Each of the two models uses the E-11 HEPA filter. These filters will capture all particles down to 3 microns in size. This will include in-home allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, pollen, and mold spores.
The filters are also washable. You can rinse them out and reuse them for several months before they need to be exchanged. Both the S4 and S6 come with an extra filter. You can use one while washing and drying the other one, so you don’t have to worry about downtime for the vacuums. With these filters, you will effectively reduce your in-home allergens by up to 99 percent. Read also: Roborock S4 Max vs S4.
The Combination Brush Roll
With the S4 model, you will now see variable speeds when the brush roller is concerned. The combination brush roll uses stiff bristles as well as rubber paddles to sweep hard flooring and agitate carpet.
When the S4 is cleaning along the baseboards, and in corners, the brush roll spins at full speed to ensure as much debris as possible is collected.
However, when the robot is in the middle of the floor, the brush roll is slowed down. This will allow for deeper agitation on carpet and a more thorough clean. However, it will also prevent some of the debris-flinging that has been complained about with models in the past.
The Roborock S6 doesn’t use a variable speed roller, though. Instead, the high-speed roller will do its best, which is still better than other models like the S5.
The Roborock S6 Mops, The S4 Does Not
The biggest difference between the two models is the mopping ability of the S6. The S4 was stripped of the ability to mop to save you money, make the robot more economical, and to focus more on carpet cleaning.
The S6 uses a removable water reservoir to keep the mopping pad wet while it runs over your floors. It does a much better ob at mopping than the S5 does, though that isn’t as impressive as it sounds.
The New Drive Train Allows the S4 to Change Direction
Another one of the more significant differences is that the Roborock S4 has a new drive train. Before the S4 model, all other Roborock models could move forward and turn left or right. This made them susceptible to getting stuck in places that most robots wouldn’t.
Now with the S4, the robot can also drive backward. If it encounters an obstacle, corner, or other situation where going forward becomes impossible, the robot will back up and maneuver around.
There are Multiple Control Options, but not in a Good Way
One thing almost all modern robot vacuums share is the multiple control options. You have local controls or buttons on the robot that you can press and wireless controls. Wireless controls generally consist of a mobile app and voice commands. The Roborock S4 and S6 have all of these.
For local controls, you can turn the robots on or off, start or pause a cleaning cycle, perform a spot clean, and send the robots back to the charging station. Both robots have these options, even though the button order is different.
Roborock s4 vs s6
Conclusion
The Roborock S4 is less expensive, newer, and has a variable-speed brush roll to help maintain debris collection. There are a few upgrades that came from the S6 model and others that are brand new. It may not be the most thorough robot in the industry, but it has a high-value ratio.
The Roborock S6, on the other hand, has a higher price tag, but it also has a mopping feature the S4 doesn’t offer. If you are looking for a general-purpose all-in-one robot, the Roborock S6 could be a worthy consideration. However, if you don’t plan to waste time on the mopping feature, stick with the S4.