Introduction
When we talk about high-end robot vacuum cleaners with multifunctional base stations, these three models represent highly competitive propositions within the current market. The Dreame L40 Ultra AE arrives in 2025 as a renewed offering from the Chinese brand, whilst the Roborock Qrevo Edge S5A appeared in 2024 and the Roborock Qrevo S5V also lands this year as an alternative within the same family.
All three units share the philosophy of offering complete cleaning with minimal user intervention: they vacuum, mop, self-empty and wash their own mops at the base station. However, the technical differences between them mark quite distinct usage profiles. The Dreame model targets homes where suction power and artificial intelligence are priorities, whilst the Roborock options are divided between a more comprehensive model and a more accessible one.
Power and Suction
Suction power marks a notable difference. The Dreame L40 Ultra AE leads with 19,000 Pa, followed very closely by the Roborock Qrevo Edge S5A with 18,500 Pa. The Roborock Qrevo S5V remains at 12,000 Pa, a figure that is still sufficient for most homes but which may be noticeable on dense carpets or when there are pets that shed a lot of hair.
Regarding the brushing system, the Dreame mounts the TriCut 3.0, which combines bristles with blades to reduce hair tangles. Both Roborock models use the DuoDivide anti-tangle system, specifically designed to push hairs towards the central suction gap and minimise knots. Both approaches work well in practice, although the DuoDivide system usually stands out in homes with long-haired pets.
An exclusive advantage of the Dreame is that its main brush lifts during mopping. This prevents the brush from touching the wet floor and redistributing already vacuumed dirt. The Roborock models don't include this function.
The side brush also shows differences. The Roborock Qrevo Edge S5A incorporates an extendable side brush, which improves cleaning in corners and edges. The Dreame and the Qrevo S5V don't have this feature. That said, both the Edge S5A and the S5V have an anti-tangle side brush, something the Dreame doesn't specify. None of the three lifts the side brush during mopping.
Mopping
All three robots mop with two rotating mops, currently the most effective system for removing stuck-on stains. All lift the mops when they detect carpets: the Dreame achieves 10.5 mm of lift, whilst the Roborock models reach 10 mm. Minimal differences that in practice are similar.
Where differences do appear is in mop extension for edges. The Dreame L40 Ultra AE incorporates the Roboswing system, which through a lateral movement allows the mop to get under overhangs and furniture. The Roborock models also extend their mops to mop edges, although without the specific Roboswing movement.
Dirt detection marks another important difference. Both the Dreame and the Qrevo Edge S5A detect dirt on the mops and on the floor, which allows them to re-mop particularly dirty areas or extend mop washing when they're very soiled. The Qrevo S5V doesn't include this function, which may translate into less consistent results in kitchens or high-traffic areas.
All mop with cold water and none automatically removes the mops at the base station when you only want to vacuum.
Navigation System
This is where the Dreame L40 Ultra AE clearly distances itself. It incorporates a LIDAR turret like the other two, but adds an AI camera, front 3D laser sensor, LED for night vision and remote camera access from your mobile. It recognises up to 120 different types of obstacles, including pets, which allows you to configure automatic exclusion zones or receive photos when it detects the dog or cat.
The Roborock Qrevo Edge S5A and S5V are based on LIDAR turret and obstacle avoidance, but without an AI camera or visual object recognition. They work perfectly for mapping and navigating, although they lack the visual recognition capabilities of the Dreame. The Edge S5A uses the RR Mason 11.0 algorithm, whilst no specific version is specified for the S5V.
For those who value video surveillance or pet recognition, the Dreame offers clear advantages. If what's important is simply effective navigation without complications, the Roborock models perform perfectly.
Autonomy and Battery
All three robots mount 5,200 mAh batteries. The Roborock Qrevo Edge S5A and S5V declare 180 minutes of autonomy, data that the Dreame L40 Ultra AE doesn't specify. In any case, with identical batteries and similar suction powers (except the S5V which consumes less by having lower power), the real autonomy should be comparable.
For homes up to 150-180 m², any of the three completes cleaning without problems in a single charge. In larger houses, all automatically return to the base station to recharge and continue where they left off.
Smart Functions
All three overcome obstacles up to 20 mm in height, sufficient to navigate most thresholds and thick cables. None incorporates a robotic arm or its own voice assistant, although all are compatible with Alexa and Google Home for external voice control.
The Dreame stands out for its CleanGenius system based on artificial intelligence, which automatically adjusts power and cleaning pattern according to the type of dirt detected. The Roborock models use SmartPlan, also effective for planning routes and adjusting settings, although without the visual component of the Dreame system.
Multifunctional Cleaning Base Station
All three base stations self-empty the dust container, wash the mops with hot water and dry them with hot air. The Dreame L40 Ultra AE and the Roborock Qrevo Edge S5A include second-generation self-cleaning of the washing tray, which reduces manual maintenance. The Qrevo S5V doesn't have this function, so the tray will need to be cleaned manually from time to time.
The Dreame is the only one that incorporates a detergent tank in the base station, dispensing it automatically during mop washing. This improves washing effectiveness and eliminates odours. It also offers an optional plumbing connection kit that is purchased separately, although none of the three includes an integrated connection.
In terms of capacities, the Dreame stands out again: 3.2-litre dust bag compared to 2.7 L for the Roborock models, 4.5 L clean water tank compared to 4 L, and 4 L dirty water tank compared to 3.5 L. For large homes or with pets that generate a lot of dirt, these differences mean fewer interventions to empty or refill tanks.
No base station incorporates UV disinfection or automatic mop changing.
Dimensions
The Dreame L40 Ultra AE measures 350 mm in diameter and 97 mm in height. The Roborock Qrevo Edge S5A reaches 352 mm in diameter and 98 mm tall, whilst the Qrevo S5V has 353 mm in diameter and 96.5 mm in height. Minimal differences that in practice don't affect the ability to slip under furniture.
The Dreame's base station is taller (590.5 mm compared to 521 mm for the Roborock models) but less deep (456.7 mm compared to 487 mm). All are 340 mm wide. It's advisable to measure the available space before deciding, especially if you're planning to place it under furniture.
Real-World Usage Experience
The Dreame L40 Ultra AE adapts especially well to homes with pets thanks to its visual recognition, greater tank capacity and superior suction power. The camera allows you to monitor pets when you're not at home, something the Roborock models don't offer. The detergent tank and greater water capacity mean it requires less attention in large homes.
The Roborock Qrevo Edge S5A compensates for the absence of a camera with an extendable side brush that improves corner cleaning, the highly effective DuoDivide anti-tangle system with hair and a very refined navigation algorithm. It's a solid option for those seeking reliability without the need for video surveillance features.
The Roborock Qrevo S5V positions itself as a more accessible alternative, with lower suction power and without dirt detection or self-cleaning of the tray. It works well in small or medium-sized flats without pets, where the 12,000 Pa power is sufficient and the additional maintenance isn't a problem.
For thick carpets, the Dreame and the Edge S5A offer better results due to their greater power. On hard floors, all three perform perfectly. The rotating mop system with hot water washing guarantees good mopping results in all three cases.
Conclusion: Which One to Choose?
Choose the Dreame L40 Ultra AE if... you have pets and value visual recognition, need maximum suction power, want remote camera access for surveillance, live in a large house where the greater tank capacity makes a difference, or prefer the automatic detergent tank for more effective mopping with less manual intervention.
Choose the Roborock Qrevo Edge S5A if... you're looking for a balance between features and proven reliability, value the extendable side brush for corners, don't need a camera or pet recognition, trust Roborock's reputation as a world-leading brand, or prefer a robot with a highly refined algorithm and particularly stable app.
Choose the Roborock Qrevo S5V if... you live in a small or medium-sized flat without pets, the 12,000 Pa power covers your needs, you don't mind doing a bit more manual maintenance on the washing tray, or you're simply looking for a more economical option within the Roborock range whilst maintaining the essentials: LIDAR navigation, rotating mops and multifunctional base station with washing and drying.
