Introduction
We're looking at two high-end robot vacuum cleaners launched in 2025 that represent different cleaning philosophies. The Dreame Aqua 10 Ultra Roller opts for a mopping system with a 12N pressurised rotating roller, whilst the Roborock QV 35A maintains the traditional system of two spinning mops. Both models include a multifunction base station, albeit with different features that mark notable differences in the final result.
The Dreame model is designed for those seeking maximum autonomy in mopping and advanced artificial intelligence capabilities. The Roborock unit positions itself as a more compact and straightforward option, without sacrificing essential functions but with a more traditional approach to navigation and cleaning.
Power and Suction
The difference in suction power is substantial. The Dreame Aqua 10 Ultra Roller reaches 30000 Pa, a figure that almost quadruples the 8000 Pa of the Roborock QV 35A. In practice, this translates to greater capacity to extract ingrained dirt from carpets and vacuum heavier particles.
The brushing system also differs significantly. The Dreame incorporates a double anti-tangle brush already installed from the factory, specifically designed to prevent long hairs and fibres from tangling. The Roborock uses a single silicone brush, a material that reduces tangles but with a more conventional configuration.
Both models include an anti-tangle side brush, but only the Dreame adds side extension and brush lift during mopping. This lift prevents the side brush from interfering with the wet mops or dragging wet dirt. The Dreame's main brush also lifts during mopping, something the Roborock QV 35A doesn't offer. For homes with combined carpets and hard floors, these lifts make a difference by allowing the robot to vacuum carpets without wetting the brushes and then mop hard floors without dragging hairs.
Mopping
Here we find the most radical difference between both units. The Dreame Aqua 10 Ultra Roller uses a rotating roller with 12N of pressure, a system that mimics manual mopping and proves especially effective on adhered dirt. The Roborock QV 35A maintains the two spinning mops system, more widespread but less aggressive with difficult stains.
Mop lift reaches 14 mm on the Dreame, with a curious additional function that allows even more lift via an extendable body. The Roborock stays at 10 mm of lift, sufficient for medium-thickness carpets but less versatile. Only the Dreame incorporates MopExtend mop extension to better reach edges and corners during mopping.
Mop washing in the base station marks another important difference. The Dreame washes with water at 100°C, a temperature that disinfects and removes grease more effectively. The Roborock QV 35A uses cold water, less effective for greasy stains but sufficient for daily maintenance. Drying on the Roborock is carried out with cold air, whilst the Dreame information doesn't specify drying temperature.
The Dreame Aqua 10 Ultra Roller detects dirt both on the mops and on the floor, automatically adjusting the washing and re-mopping process. The Roborock lacks these detections, working with pre-established patterns. This can be particularly noticeable in kitchens or high-traffic areas where dirt varies constantly.
Navigation System
The Dreame incorporates a retractable LIDAR system combined with dual RGB camera that recognises up to 240 different types of obstacles. It includes a front 3D laser sensor, LED for night vision and remote camera access capability. It can identify pets, detect curtains to avoid tangling and adjust its behaviour according to the type of obstacle.
The Roborock QV 35A uses a traditional 3D LIDAR turret without AI camera. It features obstacle avoidance but without advanced visual recognition. It doesn't specifically identify pets nor allows remote camera access, because it simply doesn't have one.
Both models integrate intelligent cleaning via AI, although the Dreame adds stain recognition with its AI Sage 15.0 Octa-core system. In homes with pets or young children, where obstacles change constantly, the Dreame's visual system offers clear advantages. The Roborock works perfectly in more predictable environments.
Autonomy and Battery
The Dreame Aqua 10 Ultra Roller features a 6400 mAh battery that provides 160 minutes of autonomy. The Roborock QV 35A has 5200 mAh but achieves 180 minutes of operation. This apparent contradiction is explained by the Dreame's greater suction power, which consumes more energy.
For homes up to 150-180 square metres, either one offers sufficient autonomy to complete cleaning in a single cycle. On larger surfaces, both automatically return to the base to recharge and continue where they left off.
Smart Functions
The ability to overcome obstacles clearly differentiates these models. The Dreame Aqua 10 Ultra Roller can overcome obstacles between 42 and 80 mm thanks to its extendable system, whilst the Roborock QV 35A is limited to 20 mm. This means the Dreame navigates thick carpets, high door profiles and small level changes that would stop the Roborock.
The Dreame includes a simple proprietary voice assistant, a function the Roborock QV 35A doesn't incorporate. The practical utility of this function varies according to personal preferences, although both robots are compatible with external voice assistants through their respective applications.
Multifunction Cleaning Base
Both bases perform dust auto-emptying, mop washing and drying, but with differences in features. The Dreame's dust bag has a capacity of 3.2 litres versus the Roborock's 2.7 litres. Both bases include 4-litre tanks for clean water and 3.5 litres for dirty water.
The Dreame Aqua 10 Ultra Roller incorporates a dual detergent tank in the base, allowing the use of different products according to floor type or dirt level. The Roborock QV 35A doesn't have a detergent tank, requiring manual addition of product to the water if desired.
Only the Dreame offers an optional plumbing connection kit, an accessory purchased separately that allows connecting the base directly to the water supply and drainage. Neither model includes integrated connection as standard. They also don't incorporate self-cleaning of the washing tray or UV disinfection.
Dimensions
The diameter is practically identical: 350 mm on the Dreame versus 353 mm on the Roborock. The height of the Roborock QV 35A is 96.5 mm, one millimetre less than the Dreame Aqua 10 Ultra Roller's 97.5 mm. In practice, this minimal difference doesn't affect the ability to pass under furniture.
The bases present different proportions. The Dreame's measures 420 mm wide, 500 mm high and 440 mm deep. The Roborock's is narrower at 340 mm wide but taller (521 mm) and deeper (487 mm). It's advisable to measure the available space before deciding, especially if the base will be located in a recess or cupboard.
Real-World Usage Experience
The Dreame Aqua 10 Ultra Roller is designed for users seeking maximum automation and superior mopping results. The pressurised roller and 100°C washing offer deeper cleaning than traditional mops, especially in kitchens with grease or high-traffic areas. Dirt detection automatically adjusts intensity, reducing manual intervention.
For homes with pets, the Dreame's double anti-tangle brush and greater suction power facilitate hair collection. Visual pet recognition avoids accidents with feeding bowls or toys. The ability to overcome obstacles up to 80 mm proves useful with thick carpets or spaces with level changes.
The Roborock QV 35A works well in medium-sized homes with standard cleaning needs. Its greater autonomy (180 minutes) compensates for the lower power on large surfaces. The spinning mops system is more than sufficient for daily maintenance on hard floors, although it requires more passes on difficult stains.
The absence of AI camera on the Roborock isn't a problem in tidy homes with few variable obstacles. The 3D LIDAR system navigates efficiently and basic obstacle avoidance works correctly. The more compact base in width facilitates its placement in reduced spaces.
Conclusion: Which to Choose?
Choose the Dreame Aqua 10 Ultra Roller if you're seeking the best possible mopping result, you have pets that shed a lot of hair, you need to overcome high obstacles frequently or you value advanced AI functions such as visual recognition and dirt detection. Also if you prefer high-temperature mop washing and dual detergent tank for different cleaning products. It's the option for those wanting maximum autonomy and minimum manual intervention.
Choose the Roborock QV 35A if you prioritise greater battery autonomy, you're looking for a more compact base in width, you don't need advanced visual recognition or you prefer a proven traditional mopping system. It's a good choice for homes without thick carpets or pronounced level changes, with standard cleaning needs and a tighter budget. Roborock's reliability and its intuitive application compensate for the absence of more advanced functions.
