Even with rival robot vacuum giants like Neato and Roomba, Roborock managed to get the attention of the public with Roborock S5. Probably because they come at lower prices, who knows?
Roborock S6 was introduced a year later to assure the doubters that their success was not a fluke. But then, for a newer version, we expect the robot vacuum to come with some sort of upgrade.
Although they both have similar appearances, some of the improvement on the S5 robot vacuum model is a smarter, faster, quieter, and a more efficient cleaning process on the S6. It also has some advanced features on the app, such as separate rooms cleaning and scheduling, smart room recognition, and the ability to store up to 3 maps.
However, after the latest update on the firmware and software on the S5, they now both have the same smart features, which makes it a bit confusing to make a choice. So let’s compare Roborock S5 vs S6 and figure out which one has the best value.
Roborock S5 Vs S6 – What is different?
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[thrive_link color=’light’ link=’https://amzn.to/2z7jy0G’ target=’_blank’ size=’small’ align=’aligncenter’]Check Roborock S6 on Amazon.com[/thrive_link]
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- The S6 Roborock comes with a silicon side brush, instead of the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene in the S5.
- With the S6, you get to select and schedule the specific rooms you plan to clean. You cannot do this with the S5.
- Roborock S6 has a toggle switch on the water reservoir to control the flow. S5 doesn’t.
- The Roborock S5 can only store a one-floor plan, whereas the S6 has a new mapping feature to save three.
- An upgrade on the S5 is the charging station that is designed to hide the power cord in the back.
- Some extra accessories are included in the S6 that does not come with the S5.
- While cleaning the floors, the S6 is made to be 50% quieter and faster than the S5.
- The Roborock S6 brush roll can be disassembled for more natural cleaning while S5 only has the standard, solid-piece brush roll.
- Roborock S6 has a warranty period for 24 months. However, the warranty period for the Roborock S5 is only for 12 months.[/thrive_custom_box]
Roborock S5 Vs S6 – What is similar?
- Both robots use 5200mAh lithium-ion long-lasting battery.
- They both have the same dimensions, weight, and height. Also, they offer three color options.
- Both models have limited voice command options, and for controls, they use the Mi Home app on iOS or Andriod.
- Both S5 and S6 use the washable E-11 HEPA filter.
- They use SLAM and LIDAR navigation technology for movements and mappings.
- For cleaning purposes, both S5 and S6 use a microfiber cleaning cloth.
- Each robot recognizes carpets, where they boost suction power to the maximum level on the carpeted surface.
- They both produce a strong pickup ability and suction power of 2000pa.
- Both robots have a runtime estimated to be up to 250 minutes.
- In case you want to forbid the robot from entering certain places in the house, both S5 and S6 support blocked zones.
We know you are in a hurry, so let’s make this easy for you! The table below shows some of the similarities and differences between the Roborock S5 vs S6 models.
Specs |
Roborock S5 |
Roborock S6 |
| Navigation | LDS + SLAM | LDS + SLAM |
| Max suction (Pa) | 2000Pa | 2000Pa |
| CPU | ARM Cortex A7 Quad-Core | ARM Allwinner R16 Quad-Core |
| Working noise | 60dB | 58dB |
| Selective room scheduling and cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Battery capacity (Li-ion) | 5200mAh | 5200mAh |
| Runtime | 180 minutes | 150 minutes |
| Sweeping and mopping | Yes | Yes |
| Recharge and resume | Yes (AI-powered) | Yes |
| Climb capability | 2cm | 2cm |
| Dust box capacity | 460ml | 480ml |
| Water tank capacity | 290ml | 140ml |
| Adjustable water supply | Yes (in the app) | Yes (Two modes in the water tank) |
| Removable main brush | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon Alexa/ Google home control | Yes | Yes |
| Side brush type | Bristle | Silicone |
| Intelligent carpet identification | Yes | Yes |
| Digital customized areas | Zoned cleaning, no-go lines, blacked areas | Zoned cleaning, no-go lines, blacked areas |
| Mopping attachments | Microfiber mops | Microfiber mop + 10 disposable wipes |
| APP control | Mi Home (iOS, Android) | Mi Home app, Roborock app (iOS, Android) |
| Filter | Washable E11-grade HEPA | Washable E11-grade HEPA |
| Number of sensors | 14 | 14 |
| Accessories | Charging dock, charge cable, mopping pad, cleaning brush, water tank, and English manual | Charging dock, water tank, power cable, mop, warranty cars, user manual, English manual, 2 x microfiber mops, and 10 x disposable wipes |
| Height | 9.65 cm | 9.65 cm |
| Warranty | 12 months | 24 months |
Features
There a lot of things been said about the Roborock S5 and S6. Some often compare them to the top-end robot vacuums in the market. Let’s check out some standard features these two spectacular robots stand for.
LDS-based Intelligent Navigation System
Both the Roborock S5 and S6 models use LDS (Laser Distance Sensor) hidden in its head. With the powerful processor and SLAM algorithms in the LDS, they scan the surroundings and create a detailed layout of the house.
Mapping the room helps the robot cleaner efficiently reduce cleaning time by identifying its location, places it has cleaned and where it should be cleaning. This technology in the S5 and S6 creates a path to prevent it from going over the same place more than once.
Robots without the LDS may have to move around randomly and run out of battery so quickly. Roborock S5 and S6, on the other hand, creates a detailed and functional map, travels to and fro in straight lines, and navigates itself efficiently and methodically to cover the cleaning area.
The robots come with sensors to keep them from falling off, bumping into things, and keeping their distance from furniture or walls. When the robot moves 10 mm towards a wall or furniture, the mapping helps it recognize the obstacle, slows down the movement. Roborock S5 and S6 are quite gentle; they barely bump harshly into anything.
App Features
To know and monitor how the robot works in real-time and builds the map, you have the Mi Home app. The app also allows you to start or stop the machine, schedule work based on time, and lots more. Remember, we said the Roborock S6 could also use the Roborock app.
Digital blockers: There are specific rooms that you may not intend to clean for now, or there are probably several cords in them. These rooms require digital blocking, which Roborock S5 and S6 allow you to set an unlimited amount. You can create a blocked zone or no-go line by drawing a rectangle or setting the tape on where you would not want the robot to cross.
Zoned cleaning: There could be certain places in your room or house with high-traffic that you may want the vacuum to clean. The app has a zone cleanup feature where you draw a rectangle on the map and the robot within it.
Real-time tracking: To track the way the vacuum cleaner builds the map of your house and clean in real-time, you can use this feature.
Manually Control: You can use the app remote control to move to a specific spot and manage its movements. With the “target point” option, which is even more comfortable than the remote control, you can also click the place you want it to go on the map, and it will move there.
Performance
Compared to some of the robot vacuums in the industry, they have one of the most forceful suction. For utmost performance, both the Roborock S5 and S6 use a powerful motor that delivers a maximum of 2,000 Pa suction.
Both models can easily climb over obstacles or carpets that are 20 mm tall. To recognize the carpeted flooring and surfaces, it uses sensors. The reasonable action of these robots is to automatically boost suction to a maximum level, pick up tiny debris like your pet’s hair, and provide deeper cleaning while cleaning carpets.
With the strong suction, impressive climbing capability, outstanding performance, and ability to boost function while cleaning carpets, Roborock S5 or S6 is the ideal vacuum cleaner.
Wet Mopping
Wet mopping is one feature of the Roborock that some high-end robotic cleaners lack. Both the S5 and S6 can mop water off the floor with the included mopping accessory. They have a water container and a microfiber mop included in their packages. Newer models come with disposable wipes. S6 Roborock also has a water tank with a switch to adjust the level of water dripping.
The mopping feature comes in handy when you need to wipe a wet floor or handle stubborn stains. It is an exciting feature that saves you the stress of manual mopping. As long as you run the vacuum a few times in the week, the need to mop the floor by yourself reduces.
To make this work, fill water into the container, attach the mop cloth, slip the tank back underneath it, wait for the click sound, then let the robot clean. While it mops, Roborock runs for 40 to 50 minutes, depending on when the container gets empty.
Also, the tank is easy to refill. For the ability to navigate, vacuum thoroughly, and mop also, it is surprising that these models are offered at their prices.
Battery
Roborock is powered by a Lithium-ion battery of up to 5,200 mAh capacity. The battery allows the running time to reach 150 minutes, which has a record of the most extended runtime in the industry. With 150 minutes, it has enough time to cover big houses of about 250 sq. meters or 2691 ft².
At a 20% battery level, the robot automatically docks itself and recharges to 80% before it proceeds to finish the cleaning. After it charges, it moves to resume its task from the same spot it left off. However, if it has completed the cleaning of the entire area and there is no need for resumption, the Roborock robot charges at the Dock until it is juiced up to 100%.
Is Roborock S6 Worth it?
Regardless of their prices and how standard both Roborock models are, S6 is a preferable choice. There are some upgrades on the newer version that we should point out.
- On the physical note, they both have the same glossy finish and three buttons on the lid—each for power, charging, and spot cleaning. However, the newest S6 comes with touch buttons. Asides this, they look exactly alike, with cleaning tools and a 480 ml dustbin right underneath the lid.
- There are also upgrades on the charging dock. The S6 hides the charging cable inside to look duller and sleeker, instead of exposing it as the S5 would. Both Roborock’s robotic cleaners, however, automatically recognizes your rooms. When the job is done, it separates the map by the different places to allow you to choose the cleaning time for up to 7 times a week.
- Roborock S6 has a silicon, rubber-like side brush that is stiffer and lasts longer than the bristle brush on the S5.
- For those that don’t like always to hand wash the mop cloth, S6 comes with ten disposable wipes that you can tear and throw away after cleaning is complete. It also comes with a reusable microfiber cloth.
- Depending on the mopping requirements, the level of water supply can be controlled by toggling the switch on the S6.
- A notable difference between both models is the reduced noise and filtration system. The operating noise level of the Roborock S5 can be quite distracting, especially at max level. Roborock improved by reducing the operating noise in the S6 to almost 50% quieter by optimizing the motor vibration and modifying the airflow of the fan.
- Let’s not leave out the warranty period that was extended from 1-year in the S5 to 2-years on the S6. This is also the more extended warranty period in the industry.
5 Reasons to get the latest Roborock S6
[thrive_testimonial name=”Editor” company=”CleanHomeWorld.com” image=””]
- Mopping is more efficient with the mopping attachments and improved tank for water.
- Roborock S6 may not be the quickest, but it operates quieter and less distracting.
- The minimalist charging dock will keep your cords off the floor, unlike the S5 model.
- Roborock S6 is better for pet owners or people with long hairs because of the detachable parts on the cleaning roller.
- Roborock S6 supports both the Roborock app and Mi Home app, while S5 uses only the Mi Home app.[/thrive_testimonial]
FAQ
[thrive_accordion_group title=”Roborock S5″][thrive_accordion title=”How to clean Roborock S5 filter?” no=”1/3″ default=”yes”] Find the point where there is an arrow mark and open the Roborock dust bag. Without adding any detergent or using any brush, fill the dust bag with some water. Close the bag and shake it, then pour out the dirty water. To ensure it is clean, repeat the procedure! Pull out the filter and shake off the excess moisture on it. Then dry it in a well-ventilated, sunny location until it is entirely dried (which may take almost 24 hours), later the filter can be reused. We recommend you use two filters in turns.[/thrive_accordion][thrive_accordion title=”How to schedule the Roborock S5?” no=”2/3″ default=”no”] To create a schedule on the Roborock S5, click the overflow button on the top right to get the settings menu. Select “Timer” to see the list of existing timers. While creating a new time, you will have to select a day and time for the robot to begin the schedule and how often you want it to repeat. The bottom two settings allow you to create timers for separate rooms and adjust the suction for the timers differently.[/thrive_accordion][thrive_accordion title=”How to connect the Roborock S5 to WiFi?” no=”3/3″ default=”no”] Download and install the Mi Home app from Google play store or Mi Store on your phone and log in to your Xiaomi account. Open the top cover on the robot to reveal the WiFi indicator light. Then press and hold both the power button and Dock clean switch simultaneously until you get the Reset WiFi alert. The light will flash slowly to show that it is awaiting a connection. Launch the app you have downloaded on your phone, click on “My devices” and “+” to search for available devices. Locate the Roborock S5 on the list of available tools and click “Done” to complete the connection. After this, the WiFi indicator light will always be on[/thrive_accordion][/thrive_accordion_group]
[thrive_accordion_group title=”Roborock S6″][thrive_accordion title=”How do I charge Roborock S6?” no=”1/4″ default=”yes”] The reasonable expectation of the Roborock S6 is to return to the Dock and refill its juice when the device is low, or the cleaning job is complete. However, you can do this manually by plugging and firmly installing the charging station into the interface of the moistureproof mat. Turn on the central unit by pressing, holding the button until the indicator light is on for a while. [/thrive_accordion][thrive_accordion title=”How do I clear Roborock S6?” no=”2/4″ default=”no”] Open the top panel of the S6, press the release button to remove the dust bin. Open the dust box lid, empty the container, remove the filter, and tap the frame repeatedly to dust it off. Then reinstall it. Open the dust bin lid, fill it with some water, close, shake left to right and pour out the water. After this, remove the filer, sun-dry it for about 24 hours, and reinstall. Also, install the dust bin on the robot vacuum cleaner and close the top cover. That’s all![/thrive_accordion][thrive_accordion title=”Roborock S6 can’t find Dock?” no=”3/4″ default=”no”] Most times, this happens when the Roborock S6 starts in a different location, hits an obstacle, or was moved manually. However, if you are experiencing this, change the location of the Dock. The new position should be against a wall with at least 0.5 meters clear of both sides and 1.5 meters in front. Also, clean the front signal transmission area on the Dock and the front sensor on the Roborock S6 to allow them to quickly locate each other.[/thrive_accordion][/thrive_accordion_group]