📖 Read more: Robot Vacuum Comparison: Top 10 of 2026
Roborock by the Numbers
Beijing Roborock Technology Co. Ltd. was founded in 2014 in Beijing with support from Xiaomi. Since then it has evolved into one of the most innovative companies in the robot vacuum space, introducing technologies like ReactiveAI, VibraRise mopping, and now robotic arms. It went public on Beijing's STAR Market in 2020, raising approximately $640 million.
Today Roborock offers multiple product lines: the Saros series (premium, 2025-2026), the S8 series (flagship, 2023-2024), the Q series (mid-range), and more affordable models. Let's analyze the models worth considering in 2026.
Saros Z70: The Vacuum with a Robotic Arm
The Roborock Saros Z70 is undoubtedly the most impressive robot product of 2025-2026. Unveiled at CES 2025 and released in May 2025, it features a groundbreaking innovation: a mechanical arm called OmniGrip that extends from the robot's body.
What Does the OmniGrip Arm Do?
The arm is designed to identify and pick up small objects from the floor — socks, slippers, small towels and tissues. It uses a camera system and AI image recognition to spot objects, extends the arm, grabs them with a crab-like pincer grip, and places them in designated areas — e.g., socks in a cardboard bin and slippers at a spot you define.
Important Note
According to Wirecutter, the arm doesn't work reliably yet. In testing, it only picked up 25-50% of items. It struggles near furniture, on dark carpets, and with objects not in perfect position. Roborock admits it can't solve all problems with software updates alone.
Next-Generation Navigation
Beyond the arm, the Saros Z70 features an entirely new navigation system. Instead of the classic top-mounted LiDAR (which creates a bump), it uses a front-mounted laser rangefinder along with a camera and multiple sensors around the chassis. This means:
- Lower profile — about 1 inch shorter than competitors, fits under low furniture
- Exceptional obstacle avoidance — approaches within millimeters without hitting cables, toys or furniture legs
- More accurate mapping — faster and more precise than older models
According to the Wirecutter reviewer, the Saros Z70's navigation represents "the most meaningful improvement of the decade" in robot vacuum technology. It's the first vacuum he tested that never got stuck anywhere during three weeks of use.
Other Features
The Z70 is a hybrid vacuum-mop combo with a massive charging dock that includes two water tanks (clean/dirty), a heated drying rack for mop pads, a cleaning solution reservoir, and a cloth bag for dust. It also features an extendable side brush and mop arm for better edge cleaning, plus an anti-tangle roller.
European Price: Approximately €1,200-1,400 (the price increased due to tariffs — it originally launched at $1,300/~€1,200 in the US).
Saros 10R & Saros 10: Premium Without the Arm
If the Z70's navigation technology appealed to you but you don't want to pay for the arm, Roborock offers two alternatives:
Roborock Saros 10R
Essentially the Saros Z70 without the robotic arm. It retains the same next-gen navigation, the same vacuum-mop system, and the same dock with automatic cleaning. The price drops significantly — approximately €1,000-1,100 in Europe. Wirecutter's recommendation is clear: if you want a premium Roborock, this is the most sensible choice.
Roborock Saros 10
Another variation in the Saros line, with similar features but a slightly different navigation system. It was called a “game-changer” by TechRadar for its ability to get under the sofa thanks to its exceptionally low profile. Released in January 2025 with a price around €1,200-1,400.
Q7 M5+: The Best Value for Money
The Roborock Q7 M5+ earned the "Top Pick" title from Wirecutter (January 2026) as the best robot vacuum in terms of value. If you don't want to spend more than €400, this is the model to consider.
Why Is It the Top Pick?
- Excellent cleaning: Picked up cereals, seeds, pet hair and dust better than vacuums costing double or triple
- Capable navigation: Combines bump sensors and LiDAR — maps multiple floors, remembers layouts
- 180 minutes battery in Quiet mode — enough for a ~1,500 sq ft home
- 5 cleaning modes: Quiet, Balanced, Turbo, Max, Max+
- Auto-emptying: 2.7-liter bag needs changing every 6-7 weeks
- Smart features: Compatible with Siri, Alexa & Google Home — voice control capable
Roborock's app was rated as the most user-friendly among all robot vacuums tested. It stores up to 4 maps in 2D and 3D, allows per-room scheduling, spot cleaning, and zone exclusions.
📖 Read more: Dreame Robot Vacuum 2026: Complete Buying Guide & Models
Tip: Save Money
If you don't need the auto-emptying dock, the Roborock Q7 M5 (without "+") is the same vacuum at a lower price — you just empty the dustbin manually.
Price: Approximately €300-380 (Q7 M5+ with dock), depending on the retailer and current offers.
Roborock 2026 Model Comparison
To help you decide, here's a comparison table of the key models:
| Model | Type | Navigation | Price (€) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saros Z70 | Vacuum + Mop + Arm | Front LiDAR (new) | ~€1,300 | Early adopters |
| Saros 10R | Vacuum + Mop | Front LiDAR (new) | ~€1,050 | Premium sans gadgets |
| Saros 10 | Vacuum + Mop | Improved LiDAR | ~€1,200 | Low-profile lovers |
| Q7 M5+ | Vacuum (+ mop) | Top LiDAR + bump | ~€340 | Best value |
| S8 MaxV Ultra | Vacuum + Mop | ReactiveAI 2.0 | ~€900 | Plumbed dock fans |
S8 MaxV Ultra: The Previous Flagship
Before the Saros line, the S8 MaxV Ultra was the top of Roborock's range. Released in 2023-2024, it remains popular thanks to some unique features:
- ReactiveAI 2.0: RGB camera + 3D structured light scanning for object recognition in any lighting conditions
- Dual brushrolls: The S8 series introduced dual brushes for better cleaning
- Hard-plumbed dock: The premium version connects to your plumbing — automatic water filling and draining
- Livestreaming camera: See what the vacuum “sees” live through the app
While technologically impressive, the S8 MaxV Ultra was characterized by Wirecutter as “the world's most expensive robot vacuum” — and the advice was clear: don't stretch your budget for a premium robot, because even these will find ways to disappoint you. The price is around €800-1,000 depending on the edition.
Maintenance & Durability
Regardless of which model you choose, proper maintenance is key to a robot vacuum's longevity. According to Wirecutter's testing and Roborock's guidelines:
- Filter: Shake off every 3-4 uses, replace every few months
- Side brushes: Replace 2-3 times per year
- Main roller: Replace approximately once per year
- Sensors: Clean with a soft cloth (especially LiDAR)
- Battery: Replaceable, but Roborock recommends contacting support first
Spare Parts Warning
Roborock doesn't offer replacement motors. The company states it expects customers to upgrade every ~3 years. Filters, brushes and bags are available, but if something major breaks after the warranty period (1 year), repair may be difficult.
Which Model Should You Choose? Our Recommendation
The choice mainly depends on two factors: budget and home size.
Budget Up to €400
The Roborock Q7 M5+ is the definitive choice. Top-tier cleaning, auto-emptying, excellent app. If you don't need the emptying dock, the Q7 M5 drops to around €250.
Budget €800-1,100
The Saros 10R is the most “sensible” premium choice. Next-gen navigation, vacuum + mop, full dock. Skip the S8 MaxV Ultra unless you specifically want plumbing connection.
Budget €1,200+
Only if you're an early adopter and love technology — the Saros Z70 is worth it as an experience, but the arm is still early technology. For most people, the money is wasted on the gimmick.
Final Advice
Don't expect miracles from any robot vacuum. Even the most expensive one cannot replace a good traditional vacuum — especially on carpets. Robot vacuums excel at regular, daily cleaning between deep vacuuming sessions. Think of them as an “assistant,” not a replacement.