Roborock vs Roomba – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right robot vacuum can save time and keep your home consistently clean. The Roborock Saros Z70 and the iRobot Roomba j7 are two excellent options designed for different types of users. The Roborock Saros Z70 is known for its advanced navigation and powerful suction performance, making it ideal for large homes and mixed surfaces. The iRobot Roomba j7 stands out for its obstacle avoidance and reliable cleaning patterns, perfect for busy households with pets or kids. This article highlights the key differences to help you choose the right model.
Side by Side Comparison
| Feature | Roborock Saros Z70 | iRobot Roomba j7 |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation System | LiDAR-based navigation with multi-level mapping | PrecisionVision navigation with obstacle recognition |
| Suction Power | 7000 Pa high-performance motor for deep carpet cleaning | 2200 Pa optimized suction for daily cleaning |
| Battery Life | Up to 200 minutes per charge, supports quick recharging | Up to 75 minutes per charge with auto-resume |
| Dustbin Capacity | Large 470 ml dustbin, optional self-empty dock available | 400 ml bin, compatible with Clean Base auto-empty station |
| Mopping Function | Advanced mop system with electronic water control | No mopping feature |
| Smart Mapping | Supports multi-floor mapping, room-specific cleaning | Smart mapping with customizable Keep Out Zones |
| Connectivity | Roborock app, Alexa, Google Home, Siri Shortcuts | iRobot Home app, Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Noise Level | Quieter operation at ~65 dB | Operates around 68 dB |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Build Quality: The Roborock Saros Z70 features a modern, minimalistic design with a sturdy build and a top-mounted LiDAR tower for precise navigation. The iRobot Roomba j7 has a lower-profile design that fits well under furniture and uses a front-facing camera for obstacle recognition.
Navigation and Mapping: The Z70 uses LiDAR navigation to create detailed maps and efficiently clean large areas, including multiple floors. The Roomba j7 relies on camera-based PrecisionVision Navigation, which is excellent at recognizing objects like shoes or pet waste but can be slower to map out new areas.
Cleaning Performance: With 7000 Pa suction power, the Roborock excels at pulling dirt from carpets and cracks in hard floors. The Roomba j7 provides consistent cleaning with 2200 Pa suction, making it suitable for daily maintenance but less aggressive on thick carpets.
Mopping Capability: The Roborock Saros Z70 includes a smart mopping system with adjustable water flow, allowing you to vacuum and mop simultaneously. The Roomba j7 does not offer mopping, so a separate device would be needed for wet cleaning.
Battery and Runtime: The Z70 runs for up to 200 minutes, making it ideal for large homes, and it supports quick recharging to finish a job if needed. The j7 offers around 75 minutes of runtime but resumes cleaning automatically after recharging.
App Control and Smart Features: Roborock’s app allows detailed room-by-room scheduling, virtual no-go zones, and suction control. iRobot’s app provides similar controls and integrates its advanced object recognition to avoid hazards during scheduled runs.
Noise Levels: The Z70 is slightly quieter at about 65 dB, making it more comfortable to run during the day. The j7 is a bit louder at 68 dB but still within a reasonable range for home use.
Maintenance and Compatibility: Both models are compatible with self-emptying docks, though they are sold separately. The Roborock dustbin is larger, reducing emptying frequency, while iRobot’s Clean Base automatically handles disposal for weeks at a time.
FAQ
Is the Roborock Saros Z70 better for large homes?
Yes, its longer battery life and LiDAR navigation make it efficient for cleaning larger spaces in one cycle.
Does the Roomba j7 work well with pets?
Yes, it is designed with obstacle avoidance that can recognize and avoid pet waste, making it safer for homes with pets.
Can the Roborock Saros Z70 clean multiple floors?
Yes, it supports multi-level mapping and can save maps for different floors of your home.
Does the Roomba j7 support voice control?
Yes, it works with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing voice-activated cleaning commands.
Which model has better suction power?
The Roborock Saros Z70 has stronger suction at 7000 Pa compared to the Roomba j7’s 2200 Pa.
Can either robot vacuum mop?
Only the Roborock Saros Z70 offers mopping capability. The Roomba j7 is a vacuum-only model.
How often do I need to empty the dustbin?
The Z70’s larger dustbin means less frequent emptying, while the j7 can be paired with a Clean Base for automatic emptying.
Which is quieter during operation?
The Roborock Saros Z70 runs slightly quieter at around 65 dB, compared to the Roomba j7’s 68 dB.
Are both compatible with smart home systems?
Yes, both work with major smart assistants including Alexa and Google Home.