Introduction
Choosing between the Dreame L40 Ultra AE, the Roborock Qrevo Curv S5X and the Roborock Qrevo S5V requires analysing technical differences that go beyond the name. We're talking about three robots with complete multifunction bases, designed for users looking to automate both vacuuming and mopping without constant intervention. The Dreame L40 Ultra AE arrives in 2025 with a focus on raw power and advanced navigation, whilst the Qrevo Curv S5X from 2024 opts for an innovative brush design and the Qrevo S5V from 2025 presents itself as a more streamlined alternative in terms of features.
The difference in suction power is considerable: 19,000 Pa in the Dreame model versus 18,500 Pa in the Qrevo Curv S5X and 12,000 Pa in the Qrevo S5V. These figures matter especially in homes with carpets or pets, where the ability to extract embedded dirt marks the difference between an acceptable result and a truly clean one.
Power and Suction
Suction power largely defines real-world performance. The Dreame L40 Ultra AE leads with 19,000 Pa, followed very closely by the Qrevo Curv S5X with 18,500 Pa. This difference of 500 Pa is minimal in daily practice, although the Dreame maintains a slight theoretical advantage. The Qrevo S5V stays at 12,000 Pa, a figure that remains competent for hard floors and short-pile carpets, but which may fall short on thick carpets or when there's significant pet hair accumulation.
The brushing system reveals different philosophies. The Dreame L40 Ultra AE mounts a TriCut 3.0, which combines bristles with blades to cut tangled hair, whilst both Roborock models use the DuoDivide Antienredos system, which pushes hair towards the central gap to facilitate suction. Both approaches reduce maintenance, although they work differently.
An exclusive advantage of the Dreame is the ability to raise the main brush 10.5 mm during mopping. This prevents the wet brush from dragging dirt or getting unnecessarily dirty when you only want to mop. The Roborock models keep the brush fixed, which may require more frequent roller cleaning.
The side brush also shows differences. Only the Qrevo Curv S5X incorporates side extension to better reach corners, as well as an anti-tangle system. The Dreame and the Qrevo S5V lack side extension, although the S5V does include anti-tangle. None of the three raises the side brush during mopping.
Mopping
All three models mount a dual rotating mop system, the current standard in high-end robots. The difference is in the details. The Dreame L40 Ultra AE extends the mops through a movement system that includes swinging (Roboswing), allowing better reach to edges and slightly inserting the mop under furniture or ledges. Both Roborock models also extend the mops, but without that additional movement.
Mop lift reaches 10.5 mm on the Dreame and 10 mm on the Roborock models. Minimal differences that in practice work the same: they allow climbing onto medium-thickness carpets without wetting them. All three wash the mops with hot water in the base and dry them with hot air, fundamental elements for maintaining hygiene and avoiding bad odours.
Dirt detection marks important distances. The Dreame L40 Ultra AE and the Qrevo Curv S5X detect both dirt on the mops and on the floor, allowing automatic rewashing or additional passes where needed. The Qrevo S5V lacks these functions, which means it follows predefined cleaning patterns without adapting to the actual dirt encountered.
Navigation System
Here the Dreame L40 Ultra AE clearly distances itself. In addition to the standard LIDAR turret on all three models, it incorporates AI camera, front 3D laser sensor, night vision LED and recognition of up to 120 different obstacles. It specifically recognises pets and allows remote camera access, turning the robot into a mobile surveillance camera when you're away from home.
The Roborock Qrevo Curv S5X and S5V are limited to LIDAR navigation with basic obstacle avoidance. They don't integrate AI camera or additional 3D sensors, which reduces their ability to recognise small objects or pets. For homes with loose cables, toys or scattered shoes, the Dreame offers more intelligent and adaptive navigation.
The Qrevo Curv S5X uses Roborock's RR Mason 11.0 algorithm, a proven and reliable system that manages multiple maps and intelligent planning. The Dreame employs its CleanGenius, although the table doesn't specify the exact version. In practice, both systems work well, but the Dreame adds extra layers of intelligence through artificial vision.
Autonomy and Battery
All three robots mount 5,200 mAh batteries, generous capacity that guarantees sufficient autonomy for large homes. The Roborock models declare 180 minutes of autonomy, whilst the Dreame doesn't specify this data. Considering they share battery capacity, it's reasonable to expect similar figures, although the Dreame's greater power could consume slightly more energy in maximum mode.
None of the three specifies full charge time. In practice, with multifunction bases, the robot automatically returns when it needs recharging and resumes cleaning afterwards, so autonomy ceases to be a critical factor except in very large homes where you want to complete all cleaning in a single pass.
Smart Features
All three overcome obstacles up to 20 mm in height, sufficient to navigate most thresholds between rooms or edges of thick carpets. None incorporates robotic arm or own voice assistant, although all three are compatible with Alexa and Google Home for voice control.
The real intelligence comes from the cleaning algorithms. The Dreame L40 Ultra AE uses CleanGenius, which combines data from camera, sensors and dirt patterns to optimise routes. The Qrevo Curv S5X employs Roborock's SmartPlan, a mature system that efficiently manages maps and routines. The Qrevo S5V also uses SmartPlan, but without the backing of advanced dirt detection.
Multifunction Cleaning Base
All three bases auto-empty dust, wash the mops with hot water and dry them with hot air. But differences in details matter. The Dreame L40 Ultra AE includes integrated detergent tank, dispensing it automatically during mop washing. The Roborock models don't include this function, requiring manual addition of detergent to the clean water tank if desired.
Washing tray self-cleaning is present in the Dreame (second generation) and in the Qrevo Curv S5X (version 2.0), but not in the Qrevo S5V. This means that Roborock's most basic model requires periodic manual cleaning of the tray where the mops are washed, a task that the other two automate.
Tank capacities vary significantly. The Dreame offers 3.2 litres dust bag, 4.5 litres clean water and 4 litres dirty water. The Qrevo Curv S5X has 2.5 litres dust, 4 litres clean water and 3 litres dirty water. The Qrevo S5V sits in the middle with 2.7 litres dust, 4 litres clean water and 3.5 litres dirty water. For large homes or those with pets, the Dreame's larger tanks reduce maintenance frequency.
The Dreame includes optional plumbing connection kit, purchased separately. This allows connecting the base directly to water supply and drainage, completely eliminating the need to refill or empty tanks. The Roborock models don't offer this option.
Dimensions
The robots have very similar sizes. The Dreame measures 350 mm in diameter and 97 mm in height. The Qrevo Curv S5X reaches 352 mm in diameter and 98 mm in height. The Qrevo S5V has 353 mm in diameter and 96.5 mm in height. Differences of millimetres that don't affect in practice their ability to pass under furniture or navigate tight spaces.
The bases show more notable differences. The Dreame's base measures 340 mm wide, 456.7 mm deep and 590.5 mm high. The Qrevo Curv S5X has a square base of 450 mm in all dimensions, compact but wide design. The Qrevo S5V measures 340 mm wide, 487 mm deep and 521 mm high. The Dreame is the tallest, whilst the Curv S5X occupies more floor space but less vertically.
Real-world usage experience
In homes with pets, the Dreame L40 Ultra AE offers clear advantages: specific animal recognition, greater suction power, larger tanks and TriCut 3.0 brush that cuts hair. The Qrevo Curv S5X compensates with its DuoDivide system and extendable side brush for corners. The Qrevo S5V works well with pets, but requires more supervision as it lacks dirt detection.
For large houses, the Dreame's tanks (3.2 L dust, 4.5 L clean water) reduce maintenance. The optional plumbing connection kit makes the base practically autonomous. The Roborock models have smaller tanks, sufficient for most homes but which fill up sooner in large homes with daily cleaning.
Navigation with AI camera on the Dreame provides peace of mind in cluttered homes or with young children, where there are toys or scattered objects. The Roborock models navigate well, but may get stuck more frequently with small obstacles or cables. Remote camera access adds value as an occasional surveillance system.
In daily maintenance, the Dreame requires less intervention thanks to the automatic detergent tank and tray self-cleaning. The Qrevo Curv S5X also automates well with its 2.0 tray. The Qrevo S5V needs more manual attention: tray cleaning, without dirt detection to optimise passes and without detergent dispenser.
Conclusion: Which one to choose?
Choose the Dreame L40 Ultra AE if you're looking for the greatest possible automation, you have pets, you value AI and camera navigation, you want large tanks that reduce maintenance or you're interested in the future option of connecting the base to plumbing. Also if it matters to you that the main brush raises during mopping to keep it cleaner. It's the most technically complete option.
Choose the Roborock Qrevo Curv S5X if you prefer Roborock's DuoDivide system for hair, you need the extendable side brush for corners, you value the compact design of the base or you particularly trust the Roborock ecosystem and app. It offers power very close to the Dreame (18,500 Pa) with proven reliability, although without the advanced AI features.
Choose the Roborock Qrevo S5V if you're looking for a robot with complete multifunction base but can do without dirt detection, automatic self-cleaning
