Although they are not as famous as iRobot, Roborock is a brand worth consideration if you want smart vacuums that can also double as smart mops. In this article, we compare two of their top models, Roborock S6 Pure vs S5 Max. As it turns out, having a higher number in its name does not necessarily mean that the product is the better model.
Key points of the comparison between Roborock S6 Pure and Roborock S5 Max:
- Both S6 Pure and S5 Max has dual functions as smart vacuums and smart mops
- Both can be controlled remotely via the Roborock mobile app or a smart home assistant
- S6 Pure has a smaller water tank, which is used for mopping, than S5 Max
- The water flow on S6 Pure can’t be adjusted, whereas this is a feature on S5 Max
- Both have very strong suction and both work really well when vacuuming
Contents
Roborock S6 Pure vs S5 Max: Design and Features
Since receiving investment from Xiaomi in 2014, Roborock has been innovating to produce smart vacuums with strong performance and usability. Although the products typically follow the trend that has been set by the competitors in the market – they are round, with a few buttons on the top, and come in either white or black – they work well. See also: Shark Navigator DLX vs Shark Navigator Lift Away
This is also the case with Roborock S6 Pure and Roborock S5 Max. Both of them are round, and they are available in two color choices: white and black. Design-wise, these two models look similar, with only minor details such as the button color and bezel that differ. Under each unit, there is a fin that functions as a sweeper. Dirt will be sucked through the roller in the center into the dustbin inside. The dustbin capacity is the same on both models, 480 ml, which is rather small.
You can pull out the dustbin upwards to remove it. This is a nice design move. You won’t need to flip the robot over just to empty the dustbin. While some newer vacuums have this design, many others insist on a dustbin that goes downward to pull out, which is really inconvenient. Read also: Coredy R500+ vs Eufy 11S.
Both Roborock S6 Pure and Roborock S5 Max can double as smart mops, and to do this, they are equipped with water tanks. However, this is where they differ from each other. Roborock S6 Pure has a smaller water tank with a capacity of only 180 ml. Roborock S5 Max has a bigger water tank, 290 ml, so it can mop a wider area in one go.
| Roborock S6 Pure | Roborock S5 Max | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 13.78 x 13.9 x 3.78 inches | 19.25 x 16 x 6 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 7.04 pounds | 13.07 pounds |
| Best offer | Check price | Check price |
Roborock S6 Pure vs S5 Max: Control
Truth to be told, you don’t need to use any mobile app to use these robots. But for the sake of convenience, go get the Roborock mobile app on your iOS or Android device. After connecting your Roborock S6 Pure or Roborock S5 Max to your smartphone over Wi-Fi, you can send your smart vacuum to work without having to press the on-board button. Well, you don’t even need to be physically present in your home.
You can also set virtual barriers on the mobile app. This is very important if you don’t want your vacuum to accidentally hit fragile furniture, or if you don’t want it to mop certain areas.
Alternatively, you can command your smart vacuum via Alexa, Siri, Google Home, or the Mi Home app from Xiaomi. This is a nice feature that will allow you to easily integrate the vacuum into your smart home system.
Perhaps getting the mobile app is more important on Roborock S5 Max than on Roborock S6 Pure. The reason? Roborock S6 Pure does not have any feature to control the water flow when mopping. The water flow of Roborock S5 Max, on the other hand, is adjustable via the mobile app to suit different types of surfaces and dirt conditions. Just keep in mind that the mop pad must be attached on the robot for the feature to show up.
Roborock S6 Pure vs S5 Max: Mop Performance
Roborock S6 Pure is not very good in terms of mop performance. Simply attaching a cloth and a water tank onto a vacuum will not instantly turn it into a real all-in-one cleaning machine. You start by filling the water tank and attaching the mop attachment to the bottom of the robot.
Roborock S6 Pure works fairly quickly; it can mop a medium-sized room within 30 – 40 minutes. However, the result is somewhat disappointing. It tends to leave the floor surface with moist fine dust. Perhaps one should vacuum the room first before mopping, but this is still not a satisfying result.
Roborock S5 Max is definitely better in this function. Similarly, you start by attaching the mop attachment, and don’t forget to fill the water tank. Note that you should not use hot water or soap. Just simple, plain water. Then, you can choose the water output level via the mobile app. There are four levels available, from low to high.
This is really nice because it will allow you to use more water on high-traffic areas. And the result is actually satisfying. Roborock S5 Max is able to pick up not only debris but also fine dust. It also dries the floor quite well. There is no significant moisture left on its path.
Roborock S6 Pure vs S5 Max: Vacuum Performance
So, how about the vacuum performance? Roborock S6 Pure and Roborock S5 Max are identical in this regard, mostly because they use the same motor. Which is a good thing, because their vacuum performance is very good.
The suction power on both models is rated at 2,000 Pa. They can automatically detect carpet surfaces to boost the suction power, in order to pick up deeply embedded dirt. You don’t need to worry if your dog sheds a lot of hair, as Roborock S6 Pure and Roborock S5 Max are able to pick up fine dust and dog hair consistently.
However, it is very rare to find a powerful vacuum that is quiet. Both Roborock S6 Pure and Roborock S5 Max are loud when vacuuming. They become even louder in the carpet boost mode. That said, we must try to find the good in every thing; perhaps one good thing from the noise is that you will always know when your vacuum gets tangled on a cable, and you will be able to rescue it right away.
Conclusion
Between these two, Roborock S5 Max is better and more recommended. It comes with a bigger water tank, and it has a feature to control the water flow when mopping. Roborock S5 Max mops really well, and it is definitely a powerful smart vacuum, too.