iRobot Roomba vs Roborock: Honest Comparison of Smart Vacuum Cleaners

When it comes to robotic vacuums, two names always pop up in the chat: iRobot Roomba and Roborock. Both are heavy hitters, but which one actually deserves a spot in your home? Let’s cut through the marketing fluff and break down what these smart cleaners really bring to the floor—literally.

Design & Build: Sleek vs. Functional

Roomba sticks to its iconic round shape—a design that’s barely changed in years. It works, sure, but let’s be real, it looks like a space-age hockey puck. Roborock, on the other hand, often goes for a more minimalist, flat-panel look. Think Apple meets vacuum cleaner. Both are durable, but Roborock tends to feel a bit more modern and premium in your living room.

Suction Power: Who Cleans Better?

This is where things get juicy. Suction is measured in pascals (Pa), and here’s how top models stack up:

See that? The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra nearly doubles the suction of the Roomba j7+. More power usually means better pickup—especially on carpets or pet hair.

Navigation & Intelligence

Roomba uses iRobot’s vSLAM tech, which is decent but can get confused in cluttered spaces. Roborock leans on LiDAR and advanced AI mapping, making it faster and more precise. In real-world tests, Roborock maps rooms 30% quicker and avoids obstacles like socks, cords, and slippers with way more finesse.

And here’s a big win for Roborock: many models come with auto-empty docks that also wash the mop pad. Roomba’s Clean Base does the trash thing well, but Roborock’s full-suite dock feels like the future.

Battery Life & Cleaning Coverage

Most high-end models last between 120–150 minutes on a charge. But Roborock typically covers larger areas before needing a recharge. For homes over 1,500 sq ft, that’s a game-changer.

Pet Owners, Listen Up!

If you’ve got shedding pets, Roborock’s stronger suction and tangle-free rollers give it an edge. Roomba’s rubber extractors are good, but they can still get clogged with long hair over time.

The Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

• Choose Roomba if: You want brand trust, simple app control, and don’t mind slightly weaker suction.
• Go with Roborock if: You crave cutting-edge tech, superior cleaning power, and smarter navigation.

Bottom line? Roborock wins on performance and innovation, while Roomba holds onto legacy appeal. But if you’re upgrading, why not go all-in on the future?