Introduction
We're looking at two 2025 robots with complete multifunctional bases, but with very different approaches. The Dreame L40s Pro Ultra represents the brand's most ambitious technological offering, with an arsenal of sensors, advanced artificial intelligence and raw power of 19000 Pa. The Roborock QV 35A, on the other hand, presents itself as a more balanced and accessible option within the catalogue of the sector's leading brand, with 8000 Pa and well-executed essential functions.
Both are designed for users seeking total cleaning autonomy, with bases that wash and dry mops automatically. However, the differences in navigation, power and smart functions define quite distinct user profiles. The Dreame targets large homes with pets and demanding cleaning needs, whilst the Roborock is better suited to those who prioritise reliability and ease of use without sacrificing advanced features.
Power and Suction
The power difference is substantial. The Dreame L40s Pro Ultra reaches 19000 Pa in Turbo mode, more than double the 8000 Pa of the Roborock QV 35A. In practice, this translates to a much greater capacity to extract ingrained dirt from carpets or vacuum heavy debris such as sand or small stones.
The brushing system also sets them apart. The Dreame features a dual HyperStream anti-tangle brush, with two units anchored at one end that minimise tangles from long hair. The Roborock uses a single brush, although also with anti-tangle technology. For households with pets or people with long hair, the Dreame's dual brush offers clear advantages in maintenance.
The Dreame's main brush is liftable during mopping, which prevents it from getting wet and allows for more hygienic mopping. The Roborock doesn't have this function. Additionally, the Dreame's side brush is extendable to better reach corners and also lifts during mopping, two features that the Roborock doesn't incorporate. This can be particularly noticeable in corners and skirting boards, where the Dreame achieves better sweeping results.
Mopping
Both feature two rotating mops, but the Dreame adds several layers of sophistication. The mop extension with Roboswing 3.0 system allows the robot to push the mops under overhangs and furniture, reaching areas that the Roborock leaves unmopped. This difference can be decisive in kitchens with low units or in bathrooms with wall-hung fixtures.
Mop washing on the Dreame is carried out with hot water at 75°C, which improves the removal of grease and bacteria. The Roborock washes with cold water, sufficient for most situations but less effective with adhered dirt. Drying also differs: hot air at 45°C on the Dreame versus cold air on the Roborock. Hot air drying speeds up the process and reduces the risk of bad odours and bacterial growth.
The Dreame allows you to leave the mops at the base when you only want to vacuum, avoiding having to remove them manually. The Roborock doesn't offer this function. Additionally, the Dreame detects dirt both on the mops and on the floor, adjusting mopping intensity and going back over areas it detects as dirtier. The Roborock lacks these dirt detection sensors.
Mop lifting is similar on both: 10.5 mm on the Dreame and 10 mm on the Roborock, sufficient to climb onto thin carpets without wetting them.
Navigation System
Here the differences are vast. The Dreame L40s Pro Ultra integrates dual AI camera, front 3D laser sensor, recognition of up to 180 obstacles, specific detection of pets and curtains, night vision LED and remote camera access. The Roborock QV 35A makes do with 3D LIDAR turret and basic obstacle avoidance, without camera or additional sensors.
In practice, the Dreame can identify small objects such as socks, cables or toys, and adjust its route to avoid them without getting stuck. It also recognises pets and can send notifications or photos. Remote camera access allows you to monitor the home from the app, a useful function for many users. The front LED illuminates dark areas under furniture or in rooms without natural light.
The Roborock, although it doesn't have a camera, features a reliable and proven 3D LIDAR system that maps accurately and avoids large obstacles. For tidy homes without pets or young children, it may be more than sufficient. Both include intelligent AI cleaning: CleanGenius on the Dreame and SmartPlan on the Roborock, which optimise routes and adjust parameters according to floor type and dirt.
Autonomy and Battery
Battery capacity is identical: 5200 mAh on both. However, the Dreame achieves 220 minutes of autonomy versus the Roborock's 180. This 40-minute difference can be decisive in large homes or floors with many rooms. The Dreame can cover larger surfaces without needing to recharge mid-clean.
Ultimately, the Dreame's greater power doesn't penalise its autonomy, which speaks well of the optimisation of its energy management system.
Smart Functions
The Dreame L40s Pro Ultra can overcome obstacles between 22 and 40 mm thanks to its extra lifting system, whilst the Roborock stays at 20 mm. This means the Dreame can negotiate thick carpets, cables or level changes more easily. In homes with transitions between rooms or high-pile carpets, this capability is noticeable.
The Dreame includes a basic proprietary voice assistant, although it's not a particularly noteworthy function. The Roborock doesn't have it, but both are compatible with external assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant.
Multifunctional Cleaning Base
Both bases are complete multifunctional units: they auto-empty dust, wash and dry mops. But the Dreame adds third-generation tray self-cleaning, which drastically reduces manual maintenance. The Roborock doesn't have tray self-cleaning, requiring manual cleaning from time to time.
The Dreame incorporates a detergent tank, dispensing product during mop washing to improve hygiene. The Roborock doesn't include this function. Additionally, the Dreame offers an optional plumbing connection kit, useful for those who want to forget about refilling and emptying tanks, although it's an accessory purchased separately.
Dust bag capacity is larger on the Dreame: 3.2 L versus 2.7 L. Water tanks are also more generous: 4.5 L of clean water and 4 L of dirty on the Dreame, versus 4 L and 3.5 L on the Roborock. These differences allow the Dreame to operate longer without human intervention.
Dimensions
The Roborock QV 35A is lower: 96.5 mm versus the Dreame's 103.8 mm. This difference of more than 7 mm can be key for slipping under low furniture, beds or sofas. If your home has furniture with little clearance, the Roborock has an advantage here.
Diameter is practically identical: 350 mm for the Dreame, 353 mm for the Roborock. In terms of weight and base measurements, the Dreame is somewhat taller (590.5 mm versus 521 mm) but less deep (456.7 mm versus 487 mm). It's worth measuring the space where the base will go before deciding.
Real-world experience
The Dreame L40s Pro Ultra is designed for demanding users with large homes, pets and a desire to completely forget about maintenance. Its power, dual anti-tangle brush, washing and drying with hot water and air, tray self-cleaning and detergent tank make it an almost autonomous solution. Navigation with dual camera and 3D laser sensor is especially useful in homes with young children or pets, where there's a higher probability of finding objects on the floor.
The Roborock QV 35A is better suited to medium-sized homes without pets, where reliability and ease of use matter more than the latest technology. Its lower height allows it to access spaces that the Dreame can't reach. The absence of a camera can be seen as an advantage in terms of privacy. It's a solid option for those seeking a complete robot without complications or functions they may never use.
On hard floors and parquet, both work well. On carpets, the Dreame's greater power makes a difference. For intensive mopping in kitchens or bathrooms, the Dreame's hot water and mop extension offer better results. For light maintenance, the Roborock performs perfectly.
Conclusion: Which to choose?
Choose the Dreame L40s Pro Ultra if: you have a large home with pets, you're seeking maximum autonomy and power, you value washing and drying with hot water and air, you want mop extension for edges, you need advanced obstacle detection with camera, or you prefer a robot that requires minimal maintenance thanks to tray self-cleaning and the detergent tank. Also if the 220-minute autonomy is important to cover your entire home without recharging.
Choose the Roborock QV 35A if: you have a medium-sized home without pets, you're seeking proven reliability from the leading brand, you prefer a lower robot that can slip under more furniture, you don't need a camera or advanced AI functions, you value ease of use and a more competitive price. It's ideal for those wanting a complete robot with multifunctional base without paying for technology they won't use. The Roborock brand also offers a very polished app and established after-sales service.
