Introduction
When looking at the latest vacuum robot releases for 2025, the Dreame L40s Pro Ultra stands out as a premium flagship model packed with advanced features, whilst the Roborock QV 35A and Roborock QV 35S represent more accessible options from the world's leading robot vacuum brand. The Dreame offers a comprehensive cleaning solution aimed at users who want cutting-edge technology and minimal intervention, with powerful suction reaching 19,000 Pa and a sophisticated dual-camera AI system. The two Roborock models share many similarities, with the QV 35S offering slightly more suction power at 10,000 Pa compared to the QV 35A's 8,000 Pa, making them suitable for medium-sized homes where reliability and proven performance matter most.
All three robots feature multifunction bases that handle self-emptying, mop washing with hot water, and hot air drying. This makes them genuine hands-off solutions rather than just automated vacuums. The key differences lie in how far each manufacturer has pushed the technology envelope.
Differences at a glance
- Suction power varies dramatically: 19,000 Pa (Dreame L40s Pro Ultra) vs 8,000-10,000 Pa (Roborock models)
- Only the Dreame features a dual-brush system, whilst both Roborock units use a single main brush
- The Dreame can raise its main brush and side brush during mopping; the Roborock models cannot
- Mop extension for edge cleaning is exclusive to the L40s Pro Ultra, which also includes RoboSwing movement
- Dual AI cameras, 3D laser sensors, and LED night vision only present in the Dreame
- The Dreame recognises 180 different obstacles, pets, and curtains; the Roborock models lack these capabilities
- Remote camera access and built-in voice assistant available solely on the L40s Pro Ultra
- Automatic mop removal at the base for vacuum-only mode is a Dreame-exclusive feature
- Dirt detection on mops and floors only works with the Dreame model
- Third-generation self-cleaning base tray and detergent dispenser found only in the L40s Pro Ultra
- The Dreame offers larger capacity: 3.2L dust bag vs 2.7L, and 4.5L clean water vs 4L
- Battery runtime reaches 220 minutes on the Dreame compared to 180 minutes on both Roborock units
- Height differs: 103.8mm (Dreame) vs 96.5mm (Roborock), which affects furniture clearance
Power and Vacuuming Performance
The suction power difference here is substantial. The Dreame L40s Pro Ultra delivers 19,000 Pa, more than double what the Roborock QV 35A provides at 8,000 Pa. The Roborock QV 35S sits in between with 10,000 Pa, still considerably less than the Dreame. In practical terms, this means the Dreame will handle embedded dirt in carpets and larger debris with greater ease, particularly important for homes with pets or high-traffic areas.
Where the Dreame really differentiates itself is the dual-brush system. This HyperStream configuration uses two brushes anchored at one end, designed specifically to prevent hair tangles. The Roborock models rely on a single main brush, which is effective but more prone to requiring manual cleaning when dealing with long hair. All three robots feature anti-tangle side brushes, so at least the edge cleaning won't cause maintenance headaches.
The L40s Pro Ultra takes things further with an extendable side brush that reaches into corners more effectively, plus the ability to lift both the main brush and side brush by 10.5mm when mopping. This prevents cross-contamination between vacuuming and mopping modes. The Roborock models cannot elevate their brushes, which means they remain in contact with the floor during wet cleaning—not ideal for maintaining brush hygiene over time.
Mopping System
All three robots use dual rotating mops, but the execution varies considerably. The Dreame L40s Pro Ultra features mop extension that reaches out to clean edges and baseboards more thoroughly, combined with RoboSwing technology that allows the robot to manoeuvre the mop slightly under furniture edges and protruding obstacles. Neither Roborock model offers these capabilities, so edge mopping will be less thorough.
Mop lift is present across all three, though the Dreame raises them 10.5mm compared to 10mm on the Roborock units. That extra half-millimetre might seem trivial, but it can make the difference when traversing thicker rugs or transitional strips between rooms.
What truly sets the Dreame apart is its ability to detect dirt on both the mops themselves and the floor surface. When the sensors identify persistent grime, the robot can return to the base for mop cleaning or increase cleaning intensity automatically. The Roborock models lack this intelligence, so they'll continue mopping regardless of how dirty the pads become until the scheduled cleaning cycle completes.
The L40s Pro Ultra can also automatically remove its mops at the base when you only want vacuuming done. This saves you from manually detaching them and ensures carpets don't get unnecessarily dampened. The Roborock models require manual mop removal if you want vacuum-only operation.
Navigation System
All three robots use LiDAR turrets for mapping and navigation, so basic spatial awareness is solid across the board. Where the Dreame L40s Pro Ultra pulls ahead dramatically is in obstacle recognition and avoidance. It employs dual AI cameras working alongside a front-mounted 3D laser sensor, allowing it to identify and navigate around 180 different object types. This includes specific recognition of pets, curtains, and small items like cables or shoes.
The Roborock QV 35A and QV 35S have obstacle avoidance, but without cameras or 3D sensors, they rely on simpler detection methods. They won't recognise what objects actually are, just that something is in the way. For homes with pets or children where toys and random objects frequently appear on floors, the Dreame's visual intelligence makes a tangible difference in cleaning completeness and avoiding stuck situations.
Another practical advantage: the Dreame includes LED lighting for night vision and offers remote camera access through the app. You can check on your home whilst away or even use it as a mobile security camera. Neither Roborock model provides camera functionality at all.
Battery and Runtime
All three robots share the same 5,200 mAh battery capacity, but the Dreame L40s Pro Ultra manages to extract 220 minutes of runtime from it, compared to 180 minutes on both Roborock models. This likely reflects the more efficient power management in the Dreame's system, despite its significantly higher suction power.
For larger homes, those extra 40 minutes can mean the difference between completing the entire floor plan in one go or needing to recharge and resume. The Dreame's extended runtime combined with its larger 3.2L dust bag capacity means less frequent maintenance overall.
Smart Features
The Dreame L40s Pro Ultra includes a built-in voice assistant, allowing you to control the robot directly without needing Alexa or Google Home, though it supports those too. The Roborock models work with external voice assistants but lack their own onboard assistant.
When it comes to clearing obstacles, all three robots can handle steps up to 20mm, though the Dreame specifies this as "simple step" capability. In practice, this means they'll all manage door thresholds and low transitions between flooring types without issue.
The CleanGenius AI system in the Dreame adjusts cleaning patterns based on room type and dirt levels, whilst the Roborock models use SmartPlan for intelligent scheduling and zone management. Both approaches work well, though the Dreame's dirt recognition gives it more real-time adaptability.
Multifunction Base
All three bases handle self-emptying, mop washing with hot water, and hot air drying—essential features for genuinely low-maintenance operation. The differences emerge in the details.
The Dreame L40s Pro Ultra features a third-generation self-cleaning base tray, which automatically cleans the washing area where mops are scrubbed. This prevents buildup of grime and bacteria in the base itself. The Roborock models lack this automatic tray cleaning, so you'll need to manually clean the base more frequently to prevent odours.
Only the Dreame includes a detergent dispenser, automatically adding cleaning solution during mop washing for better hygiene and cleaning results. The Roborock bases use water only. The Dreame also offers an optional plumbing connection kit you can purchase separately for automatic water refilling and drainage, though this isn't included as standard.
Storage capacity favours the Dreame: its 3.2L dust bag holds more than the 2.7L bags in the Roborock models, and its 4.5L clean water tank exceeds the 4L capacity of the competition. The dirty water tank is 4L on the Dreame versus 3.5L on the Roborock units. These differences add up to fewer trips to empty and refill.
Dimensions
The Roborock QV 35A and QV 35S measure 353mm in diameter and stand 96.5mm tall, making them slightly slimmer in height than the Dreame L40s Pro Ultra at 103.8mm tall and 350mm across. That 7.3mm height difference can matter when trying to clean under low-clearance furniture like certain sofas or bed frames. If you've got furniture that sits close to the floor, the Roborock models will access areas the Dreame cannot reach.
The bases show opposite proportions: the Dreame's base is taller at 590.5mm versus 521mm for the Roborock stations, but it's shallower front-to-back at 456.7mm compared to 487mm. Depending on your available floor space, one configuration might fit your home better than the other. All three bases share the same 340mm width.
Real-World Usage Scenarios
For larger homes exceeding 150 square metres, the Dreame L40s Pro Ultra makes the most sense. Its 220-minute runtime, larger tank capacities, and powerful 19,000 Pa suction mean it can tackle extensive floor plans without multiple recharge cycles. The automatic mop removal and dirt detection reduce the need for manual intervention, ideal for busy households.
Homes with pets benefit enormously from the Dreame's dual-brush anti-tangle system and visual recognition of animals. It won't mistake your dog's water bowl for an obstacle to push around, and the camera lets you check in on pets remotely. The superior suction also handles pet hair more effectively, particularly on carpets.
The Roborock QV 35A and QV 35S suit smaller to medium-sized homes where the lower height is advantageous for furniture clearance. They're reliable, proven performers from a trusted brand, and the hot water mop washing ensures hygienic floor cleaning. The QV 35S with its 10,000 Pa suction handles most household dirt competently, whilst the QV 35A at 8,000 Pa works fine for homes without carpets or pets.
For hard floors and light maintenance in flats or apartments, either Roborock model provides excellent value. The lower height means they'll clean under more furniture, and the proven Roborock app experience is straightforward and stable. However, for homes with mixed flooring including carpets, or where you want minimal maintenance and maximum automation, the Dreame's feature set justifies the premium.
Conclusion: Which One to Choose?
Choose the Dreame L40s Pro Ultra if you want the most advanced robot vacuum available in 2025, with powerful 19,000 Pa suction, AI-driven dirt detection, automatic mop removal, and comprehensive obstacle recognition. It's ideal for larger homes over 150m², households with pets, and anyone who values cutting-edge technology and minimal manual intervention. The self-cleaning base tray and detergent dispenser reduce maintenance further, making it the best choice for truly hands-off cleaning.
Choose the Roborock QV 35S if you have a medium-sized home with low-clearance furniture and want reliable performance from a proven brand. The 10,000 Pa suction handles most cleaning tasks well, and the lower height profile accesses spaces the Dreame cannot. It's a solid all-rounder for homes without pets or extensive carpeting, offering good value without unnecessary complexity.
Choose the Roborock QV 35A if you're working with a tighter budget and primarily have hard floors or very low-pile rugs. The 8,000 Pa suction is adequate for daily maintenance in smaller homes or flats, and you still get the benefits of hot water mop washing and hot air drying. The lower height remains an advantage for furniture clearance, and Roborock's reputation for reliability means you're getting a dependable machine that won't require constant troubleshooting.
