Introduction
The Dreame L40 Ultra and the Roborock QV 35A represent two distinct visions of the robot vacuum with mopping for 2024 and 2025. The former is a high-end model from Dreame launched in 2024, equipped with advanced artificial intelligence technology and a complete multifunction base. The latter is a more recent offering from Roborock that focuses on vacuuming efficiency and autonomy, with a somewhat more simplified approach to smart functions.
For those seeking a robot with maximum mopping autonomy and visual recognition capability, the Dreame L40 Ultra offers premium features that reduce manual intervention. The Roborock QV 35A is aimed at users who value the brand's reliability, a more compact design and an effective navigation system without the need for front cameras.
Power and Suction
The power difference is notable: the Dreame L40 Ultra delivers 11000 Pa in Turbo mode, whilst the Roborock QV 35A remains at 8000 Pa. This can translate into better pickup of ingrained dirt in carpets or tile joints, especially when there are pets at home.
The main brush also marks a distance. The Dreame is equipped with the TriCut 3.0, a system that combines bristles with blades to cut long hairs and prevent tangles, with the anti-tangle system already installed from the factory. The Roborock mounts a simple brush without specific anti-tangle technology on the main brush, although it does include it on the side brush.
Another advantage of the Dreame is the ability to lift both the main and side brushes during mopping. This prevents the brushes from getting unnecessarily wet and allows for cleaner mopping without dragging dry dirt. The Roborock QV 35A does not lift any of its brushes, which may limit mopping quality in combined passes. The Dreame's side brush is also extendable, improving cleaning in corners and edges, a function that is not present in the Roborock model.
Mopping
Both models use two rotating mops, but the similarities end there. The Dreame L40 Ultra incorporates mop extension with Roboswing 3.0 technology, allowing the robot to make lateral movements to introduce the mop under furniture and clean edges more effectively. The Roborock does not have this function.
Mop lifting is similar in both: 10.5 mm on the Dreame and 10 mm on the Roborock, sufficient to avoid wetting medium-thickness carpets. However, the mop washing system marks an important difference. The Dreame washes the mops with hot water at 65ºC, better eliminating grease and bacteria, whilst the Roborock QV 35A does not include mop washing in its base. This means the Roborock cannot clean the mops during the mopping session, which directly affects the quality of the result on large surfaces.
Drying also varies: the Dreame dries the mops with hot air at 45ºC, speeding up the process and preventing bad odours. The Roborock dries with cold air, a slower method that may not be sufficient in humid environments. Additionally, the Dreame allows leaving the mops at the base to perform vacuum-only sessions, something the Roborock does not contemplate automatically.
The Dreame also detects dirt both on the mops and on the floor, adjusting mopping intensity and relaunching passes when necessary. The Roborock lacks these intelligent detection functions.
Navigation System
Both robots employ LIDAR 3.0 turret to map the home, guaranteeing precise navigation. The difference lies in the additional layers of artificial intelligence. The Dreame L40 Ultra integrates dual AI camera and front 3D laser sensor, capable of recognising up to 100 different types of obstacles. The Roborock QV 35A does not mount a front camera, which limits its ability to identify objects with visual precision.
The Dreame recognises pets and curtains, adjusting its behaviour to avoid frightening animals or getting tangled in fabrics. It also includes night vision LED and remote camera access, allowing home monitoring from the app. The Roborock does not offer any of these functions, focusing on traditional laser navigation without a visual component.
Regarding intelligent cleaning algorithms, the Dreame uses CleanGenius AI with the AI Sage 11.0 Qualcomm processor, whilst the Roborock incorporates SmartPlan, although the processor is not specified. The Dreame also recognises stains through AI, something absent in the Roborock.
Autonomy and Battery
Both robots mount 5200 mAh batteries, but the Dreame L40 Ultra offers 194 minutes of autonomy compared to the Roborock QV 35A's 180 minutes. This 14-minute difference can be relevant in large homes or when performing complete cleans with several saved maps.
In practice, both robots cover large surfaces without problems, but the Dreame makes better use of the charge thanks to its optimised energy management. Charging times nor maximum recommended surface area are specified for either model.
Smart Functions
The Dreame L40 Ultra can overcome obstacles up to 22 mm in height, whilst the Roborock QV 35A remains at 20 mm. This difference can be especially noticeable in transitions between rooms with small level changes or thick carpets.
The Dreame includes a simple built-in voice assistant, allowing control by commands without the need for external assistants. The Roborock does not have this function. Neither model incorporates a robotic arm.
Multifunction Cleaning Base
The Dreame L40 Ultra's base is clearly more complete. It includes 2nd generation tray self-cleaning system already installed, which automatically cleans the area where the mops rest. The Roborock QV 35A has a watertight tray but without a self-cleaning system, which requires periodic manual intervention.
The Dreame also integrates a detergent tank, dispensing product during mop washing to improve cleaning. The Roborock lacks this tank. Regarding capacities, the Dreame offers a 3.2-litre dust bag compared to the Roborock's 2.7 litres, a 4.5-litre clean water tank compared to 4 litres, and a 4-litre dirty water tank compared to 3.5 litres. These differences translate into greater autonomy between emptying and refilling.
The Dreame includes a kit for connection to plumbing, although it is purchased separately. Neither model comes with integrated connection from the factory. Nor do they incorporate UV disinfection.
Dimensions
The Roborock QV 35A is lower: 96.5 mm compared to the Dreame L40 Ultra's 103.8 mm. This difference of more than 7 mm can be decisive for passing under low furniture, sofas or beds with little clearance. The diameter is practically identical: 353 mm on the Roborock and 350 mm on the Dreame.
The robot's internal tanks are similar: 330 ml of dust on the Roborock compared to 300 ml on the Dreame, and both with 80 ml of water. The Dreame's base is taller (590.5 mm compared to 521 mm) but less deep (456.7 mm compared to 487 mm), occupying greater vertical space but with a smaller depth footprint.
Real-World Usage Experience
For homes with pets, the Dreame L40 Ultra offers clear advantages: greater suction power, TriCut 3.0 anti-tangle brush and animal recognition through AI. Mop washing with hot water also helps to better eliminate adhered hairs and organic stains. The Roborock QV 35A can work well if there are no pets or if hairs are not a recurring problem.
In large houses, the Dreame's greater autonomy (194 minutes) and the base's larger tanks reduce interruptions. The Roborock remains effective, but will require refilling water more frequently if mopping the entire surface.
For those who value total convenience, the Dreame minimises maintenance thanks to automatic mop washing with hot water, hot air drying, tray self-cleaning and detergent tank. The Roborock requires manually cleaning the tray and does not wash the mops during mopping, which implies greater user intervention.
If the height under furniture is limited, the Roborock QV 35A has an advantage with its 96.5 mm. It is advisable to measure before deciding, especially if there are sofas or beds with little clearance.
Conclusion: Which to Choose?
Choose the Dreame L40 Ultra if: you seek maximum mopping performance with mop washing at 65ºC and hot air drying, you have pets and need a powerful anti-tangle brush, you value visual obstacle recognition with dual AI camera, you want remote camera access for surveillance, you prefer a base with complete self-cleaning and detergent tank, and you don't mind a slightly taller robot in exchange for premium features.
Choose the Roborock QV 35A if: you need a lower robot to pass under furniture with little clearance, you trust Roborock's reliability and its established app, you prefer a more recent 2025 model with effective laser navigation without the need for cameras, you seek a simpler option without so many smart functions that might complicate use, and you don't have pets nor require automatic mop washing with hot water.
For homes with pets and users seeking total automation with minimum maintenance, the Dreame L40 Ultra is the most complete option. For those who value a compact design, proven brand reliability and a presumably more competitive price, the Roborock QV 35A effectively fulfils the essential vacuuming and mopping functions.
