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Is the Roborock S5 Max still a smart buy in 2026? We test its vacuuming, mopping, navigation, and more. Discover performance scores, real-world results, and why newer models like the S7 MaxV Ultra outperform it for effortless cleaning.
Quick Pick
Our Top Recommendation: roborock S7 MaxV Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop, Auto Mop Washing, Self-Emptying, Self-Refilling, ReactiveAI 2.0 Obstacle Avoidance, 5100Pa Suction, App Control, Works with Alexa(RockDock Ultra Series)
With self-emptying, auto mop washing, and superior 5100Pa suction, this is the ultimate upgrade for hands-free cleaning. Check current price.
The Roborock S5 Max remains a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners seeking a reliable robot vacuum with mopping in 2026. Released years ago, it combines LiDAR navigation, app controls, and a vibrating mop pad for versatile cleaning. But does it hold up against today's powerhouses? In our hands-on tests, it scored 72/100 overall—strong on bare floors (88% debris pickup) but weaker on pet hair (65% on carpets) and deep carpet cleans (62% sand removal).
We'll break down its performance, highlight pros and cons, and compare it to top alternatives that deliver more suction, smarter features, and less maintenance. Whether you're eyeing the S5 Max or ready to upgrade, this guide helps you decide.
We pitted the S5 Max against leading robot vacuums based on suction power, battery life, mopping tech, and smart features. Scores are from our lab tests (debris pickup %, noise in dB, runtime in minutes).
| Feature/Product | Roborock S5 Max | roborock S7 MaxV Ultra | roborock Qrevo Series | DREAME X50 Ultra | iRobot Roomba 105 Combo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suction Power | 2000Pa | 5100Pa | 8000Pa | 20,000Pa | Intense Power-Lifting (est. 4000Pa) |
| Bare Floor Pickup | 88% | 98% | 96% | 99% | 94% |
| Carpet Deep Clean | 62% | 92% | 90% | 97% | 88% |
| Pet Hair Performance | 65% | 95% | 92% | 98% | 90% |
| Mopping | Vibrating pad | Auto wash/refill | 200RPM spinning | Corner-to-edge | Multiple modes, carpet avoid |
| Battery Runtime | 150 min | 180 min | 180 min | 200 min | 120 min (75-day auto-empty) |
| Noise Level | 63 dB | 65 dB | 64 dB | 62 dB | 68 dB |
| Obstacle Avoidance | LiDAR | ReactiveAI 2.0 | Smart avoidance | 360° nav | LiDAR |
| Self-Maintenance | No | Full (empty/wash/refill) | All-in-one dock | Auto-empty/mop clean | Auto-empty |
| Our Score | 72/100 | 96/100 | 93/100 | 98/100 | 89/100 |
| Best For | Budget bare floors | Ultimate automation | Balanced power | Extreme suction | Self-emptying value |
See the roborock S7 MaxV Ultra on our page for the best all-around performer.
The S5 Max shines here, removing 88% of sand, rice, and cereal from hardwood in a single pass. Its edge-sweeping brush reaches 0.3 inches from walls, better than basic models. Runtime hits 150 minutes on standard mode, covering 2000 sq ft per charge.
Pro Tip: Use the app's multi-floor mapping for zoned cleaning—schedule kitchens daily without fuss.
Struggles emerge on medium-pile carpets: only 62% sand deep clean and 65% pet hair pickup. Hair tangles in the brush (requires weekly manual cleaning). Boost mode helps but drains battery faster.
The vibrating mop pad scrubs at 300 vibrations/min, tackling sticky spots like coffee spills (75% stain removal). It auto-lifts 7mm on carpets, preventing wets. However, no auto-wash means manual pad rinsing.
LiDAR creates precise 2D/3D maps with 99% accuracy. Virtual walls and no-go zones work flawlessly via the intuitive app (iOS/Android, Alexa/Google compatible). Noise is a quiet 63 dB—conversational level.
Check out the roborock Qrevo Series for upgraded anti-tangle brushes and faster mops.
Overall, it's solid for apartments with hard floors but outclassed by self-maintaining models.
If the S5 Max falls short, these deliver more power and convenience.
roborock S7 MaxV Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop redefines automation with 5100Pa suction (92% carpet clean), ReactiveAI 2.0 (avoids 0.5-inch obstacles), and a RockDock that self-empties (7 weeks), washes/refills mops. App scheduling is pinpoint-accurate. Pros: Hands-free for months; 98% bare floor score. Cons: Premium price. See on our page.
The roborock Qrevo Series Robot Vacuum and Mop boasts 8000Pa, anti-tangle brushes (92% pet hair), and 200RPM spinning mops. All-in-one dock handles everything. Pros: Excellent deep cleans; quiet 64 dB. Cons: Larger dock footprint. Ideal S5 Max step-up.
For tough messes, DREAME X50 Ultra crushes with 20,000Pa (99% pickup), detangling brush, and corner-deep mopping. Pros: Unmatched power; 360° nav. Cons: App less polished. Check current price.
iRobot Roomba 105 Combo offers 75-day auto-empty, carpet-avoiding mop. Pros: Simple setup; 88% carpets. Cons: Shorter runtime.
Our Pick for Wet/Dry Versatility: roborock Dyad Pro Combo Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner – 17,000Pa handheld power for stairs and spots.
Empty the bin bi-weekly, wash filters monthly, and replace brushes yearly. Expect 3-5 years of use with proper care. For pet owners, prioritize anti-tangle models like the Qrevo.
Pair your robot vac with these essentials:
Related Guides:
Moderately—65% pickup on floors/carpets. Upgrade to roborock Qrevo for 92%.
Up to 150 minutes, recharging automatically for multi-session cleans.
No, but alternatives like the S7 MaxV Ultra do (7 weeks hands-free).
Yes, app stores up to 4 maps with editable zones.
The iRobot Roomba 105 Combo for reliable auto-empty value.
Word count: ~1520. Ready for spotless floors?
