Roborock S5 Max vs S6 MaxV

Choosing between the Roborock S5 Max and S6 MaxV

At the top of Roborock's line are two great robotic vacuums: The Roborock S5 Max and Roborock S6 MaxV. Below we'll help you choose between the two.

Differences between the S5 Max and S6 MaxV

The S5 Max and S6 MaxV share a lot in common. There are a handful of differences between the two worth noting, however.

• The S6 MaxV uses laser mapping and a stereo camera array for more precise mapping than the S5 Max (the S5 Max has laser mapping but lacks the stereo cameras).
• The S6 MaxV has real-time obstacle avoidance that the S5 Max lacks.
• The S6 MaxV has a newer 64 bit processor compared against the 32-bit processor in the S5 MaxV.
• The S6 MaxV has a maximum run time of 180 minutes before needing to recharge, 30 minutes longer than the S5 Max.
• The S6 MaxV has much stronger suction, rated at 2500 Pa in contrast to the S5 Max's 2000 Pa of suction.

Our recommendation

Both the S5 Max and S6 MaxV are excellent robot vacuums. They are both great at vacuuming, mopping, obstacle avoidance and run time. The S6 MaxV is clearly better, but in real-world tests, the S5 Max more than holds its own with the S6 MaxV barely edging it out. But, which one should you buy?

Of course, price matters. If you demand the best obstacle avoidance or if the difference in price between the two is less than $100, we recommend the S6 MaxV. For $100, upgrading to the most advanced technology available is worthwhile in our opinion. If the price delta is more than $100 in difference, buy the S5 Max. It's one of the strongest performers on the market, and you won't be disappointed.