Introduction
We're looking at two models launched in 2025 that represent the most advanced in automated cleaning. The Dreame L40 Ultra AE and the Roborock Saros 10 R are high-end robots with complete multifunctional bases, designed for those seeking to delegate cleaning tasks to the maximum without sacrificing professional results.
The Dreame model opts for superior raw power and a mopping system with Roboswing technology, whilst the Roborock unit stands out for its extended battery capacity, a more compact design in height and advanced features such as the extendable and liftable side brush. Both include hot water mop washing and AI-powered navigation systems, albeit with different technical approaches.
Power and Suction
The Dreame L40 Ultra AE reaches 19000 Pa in Turbo mode, slightly exceeding the 18500 Pa of the Roborock Saros 10 R. That 500 Pa difference can be particularly noticeable on medium-pile carpets or when there's fine dust accumulation in tile joints.
Where there are significant differences is in the brushing system. The Dreame features the TriCut 3.0, a brush with bristles and blades that cut tangled hair, whilst the Roborock uses the DuoDivide, a design with two brushing zones that push hair towards the centre to be directly suctioned. Both are anti-tangle systems, but the DuoDivide typically requires less manual maintenance.
The side brush marks a notable difference. The Roborock model includes an extendable side brush that projects towards corners to better sweep edges, as well as being liftable during mopping to avoid dragging wet dirt and featuring an anti-tangle design. The Dreame L40 Ultra AE doesn't have these functions on its side brush, which in practice means the Saros 10 R sweeps more precisely in corners and better avoids hair tangles in that area.
Mopping
Both units use two rotating mops with extension capability to reach edges. The Dreame incorporates its 3.0 extension system with Roboswing, a lateral movement that allows the robot to slightly insert the mop under furniture overhangs or skirting boards. The Roborock employs FlexiArm, its own lateral mop extension system.
Mop lifting is superior on the Roborock Saros 10 R, with a range of 12 to 22 mm versus the 10.5 mm of the Dreame. This is useful when travelling over carpets or mats during a mopping session, preventing them from getting wet.
Regarding mop washing at the base, the Roborock uses water at 80°C, five degrees higher than the Dreame's 75°C. Both dry the mops with hot air at 45°C, ensuring effective drying that prevents bad odours. However, the Saros 10 R has an additional advantage: it can automatically remove the mops at the base when only vacuuming is needed, something the L40 Ultra AE doesn't offer.
Both models detect dirt on both the mops and the floor, adjusting washing or scrubbing as necessary. This enables more intelligent mopping, going over areas that require it without manual intervention.
Navigation System
The Dreame L40 Ultra AE uses a 3D LIDAR turret to map the home, combined with an AI camera and front 3D laser sensor. It recognises up to 120 different obstacles thanks to its CleanGenius system, which includes pets, cables, slippers and other common objects.
The Roborock Saros 10 R features the StarSight 2.0 system, which incorporates dual AI cameras along with a front 3D laser sensor. Its RR Mason 11.0 processor manages the recognition of 108 obstacles and adds a function the Dreame doesn't have: AI-powered stain recognition to treat them specifically. The Roborock's SmartPlan 2.0 system autonomously optimises routes and cleaning strategies.
Both robots include LEDs for night vision and remote camera access, allowing you to monitor the home from the mobile app. The difference in the number of recognised obstacles (120 vs 108) isn't decisive in daily practice, although the Dreame has a slightly higher margin.
Autonomy and Battery
Here the Roborock Saros 10 R takes a clear advantage. Its 6400 mAh battery offers up to 180 minutes of autonomy, versus the 5200 mAh of the Dreame L40 Ultra AE, for which no exact duration is specified but which will predictably be around 140-150 minutes based on its capacity.
That 1200 mAh difference translates into greater peace of mind for large homes or complex layouts where the robot needs to cover long distances between areas. In flats of less than 100 m² the Dreame's autonomy will be sufficient, but in houses of 150 m² or more, the Roborock reduces the need for intermediate recharges.
Smart Features
The ability to overcome obstacles varies significantly. The Dreame L40 Ultra AE can cross up to 20 mm in height, whilst the Roborock Saros 10 R reaches between 30 and 40 mm. This means the Roborock model navigates thick carpets, door thresholds or small level changes more easily, which the Dreame might perceive as barriers.
The Roborock Saros 10 R incorporates a simple built-in voice assistant, a feature the Dreame doesn't include. Although it's not an advanced assistant, it allows basic commands to be given directly to the robot without needing to use the mobile or external assistants.
Multifunctional Cleaning Base
Both bases perform auto-emptying of the dust bin, mop washing and drying. Both feature second-generation self-cleaning of the washing tray and a detergent tank. They don't include UV disinfection.
Tank capacities favour the Dreame: 4.5 litres of clean water versus 4 litres, 4 litres of dirty water versus 3 litres, and 3.2 litres dust bag versus 2.5 litres. This translates into fewer visits to refill or empty tanks, especially useful in large homes or with pets that generate more dirt.
Regarding plumbing connection, the Roborock Saros 10 R comes with it integrated as standard, allowing the base to fill and empty automatically if connected to the water supply. The Dreame L40 Ultra AE requires an optional kit purchased separately, which adds extra cost if this functionality is desired.
Dimensions
The diameter is practically identical: 350 mm for the Dreame, 353 mm for the Roborock. The important difference is in height. The Roborock Saros 10 R measures 79.8 mm, which allows it to slip under low furniture, sofas or beds with little ground clearance. The Dreame L40 Ultra AE reaches 97 mm, almost two centimetres more, which may limit its access to certain spaces.
As for the bases, the Dreame's is taller (590.5 mm vs 488 mm) but less wide (340 mm vs 381 mm). The Roborock's has greater depth (475 mm vs 456.7 mm). It's advisable to measure the available space before deciding, although both bases require considerable area.
Real-World User Experience
For homes with pets, the Roborock's DuoDivide system and its anti-tangle side brush reduce manual maintenance. The Dreame also manages hair well with its TriCut 3.0, although the side brush may require more attention.
In homes over 120 m², the extended autonomy of the Roborock Saros 10 R makes a difference. Its ability to overcome obstacles up to 40 mm is also relevant if there are thick carpets or pronounced level changes.
If the home has low furniture or beds with little height, the Roborock's 79.8 mm allows cleaning of areas inaccessible to the Dreame. This can be decisive in living rooms with low-design sofas or bedrooms with low-height bed bases.
The Dreame L40 Ultra AE compensates with greater capacity in the base tanks, which reduces maintenance frequency. Its slightly superior suction power can be noticeable on carpets or floors with joints where fine dirt accumulates.
Conclusion: Which to Choose?
Choose the Dreame L40 Ultra AE if you're looking for maximum suction power, prefer larger tanks in the base to reduce maintenance, and your home doesn't have particularly low furniture. Also if you value the Roboswing system for better reaching edges under overhangs. It's a competitive option for medium-sized homes without very thick carpets or complicated obstacles.
Choose the Roborock Saros 10 R if you need greater autonomy for large surfaces, have low furniture that the robot must pass under, or there are thick carpets and level changes to overcome. Its extendable and liftable side brush improves sweeping in corners, and the integrated plumbing connection eliminates the need to manually refill tanks. AI stain recognition and the ability to leave the mops at the base to vacuum without mopping add versatility. It's the most complete option for large homes with high cleaning demands.
