Introduction
The Roborock Qrevo Edge 2 and the Roborock Qrevo Edge S5A represent two distinct generations within the premium range of the world's leading robot vacuum brand. The former arrives in 2026 with significant technological improvements, whilst the S5A was launched in 2024 as an already established model on the market. Both units integrate a multifunctional base with mop washing and hot air drying, which sets them apart from more basic options that only vacuum.
This robot vacuum comparison is especially useful for those seeking advanced features without leaving the Roborock ecosystem. The generational difference translates into concrete advances in navigation, power and intelligent functions that are worth analysing according to each home's needs.
Power and Suction
The power difference is notable: the Roborock Qrevo Edge 2 robot vacuum delivers 25,000 Pa, whilst the S5A remains at 18,500 Pa. This approximately 35% increase can make a difference on medium or long pile carpets, where the additional suction facilitates the extraction of embedded dirt.
Both models feature the DuoDivide Antienredos system, which pushes hair and strands towards the central gap to prevent them from tangling in the brush. In practice, this design considerably reduces maintenance in homes with pets or people with long hair.
The Qrevo Edge 2's main brush can be lifted during mopping, something the S5A doesn't offer. This allows the more recent robot to mop without the brush touching the wet floor, preventing it from getting dirty and reducing the need to clean it manually. Both units include an extendable and anti-tangle side brush, a feature that improves sweeping in corners without compromising maintenance.
Mopping
Both Roborock robot vacuums employ a dual rotating mop system with edge extension, which guarantees effective mopping even at room boundaries. Mop lift reaches 12 mm on the Qrevo Edge 2 and 10 mm on the S5A. Those additional two millimetres can prove decisive for crossing short pile carpets without wetting them.
A relevant difference appears in the floor mopping water temperature. The 2026 model uses warm water, which improves the dissolution of grease and adhered dirt, especially in kitchens. The S5A mops with cold water, equally effective for daily maintenance but less powerful against stubborn stains.
Automatic mop removal at the base is only present on the Qrevo Edge 2. This means the robot can return to the base, release the mops and continue vacuuming without dragging wet mops through areas where only vacuuming is needed. The S5A keeps the mops attached at all times, although it can lift them during vacuuming.
Both models detect dirt on the mops and floor, which triggers additional scrubbing in areas that need it. The bases wash the mops with hot water and dry them with hot air, ensuring hygiene and preventing bad odours. Tank capacity is identical: 4 litres of clean water and 3.5 litres of dirty water.
Navigation System
The Qrevo Edge 2 incorporates retractable LiDAR, which explains its reduced height of 79.8 mm. This system allows the laser sensor to hide inside the chassis when not in use, reducing the robot's profile. The S5A features a conventional 3D LiDAR turret, which protrudes and raises the total height to 98 mm. In homes with low furniture, those nearly 2 centimetres of difference can determine whether the robot accesses under sofas and beds or not.
The AI camera and front 3D laser sensor are exclusive to the 2026 model. This combination enables recognition of up to 280 different obstacles, including specific detection of pets and curtains. The S5A lacks a front camera, which limits its object recognition capability although it maintains sensors to avoid collisions.
Remote camera access with night vision LED turns the Qrevo Edge 2 into an additional surveillance device. You can connect from the app and see in real time what the camera captures, even in low light. This function doesn't exist on the S5A.
The Edge 2's SmartPlan 3.0 algorithm improves route planning and room management compared to the previous model's SmartPlan 2.0. AI stain recognition is also exclusive to the most recent robot, allowing it to identify particularly dirty areas and automatically adjust mopping intensity.
Autonomy and Battery
Both robots feature a 5,200 mAh battery. Declared autonomy is 188 minutes for the Qrevo Edge 2 and 180 minutes for the S5A. This small 8-minute difference may be due to optimisations in the more recent model's energy management software, although in practice it's virtually imperceptible.
Both units can cover large homes without problems. Should they run out of battery mid-clean, they return to the base, recharge as necessary and continue from where they left off.
Intelligent Functions
Step-climbing capability is identical: 20 mm in both cases. This allows them to navigate transitions between rooms, sliding door rails or moderate level changes without getting stuck.
The Qrevo Edge 2's own voice assistant allows direct interaction with the robot through voice commands without intermediaries. The S5A integrates with Alexa and Google Home, but doesn't include its own assistant. In practice, this means that with the 2026 model you can give commands directly to the robot, whilst with the S5A you need to go through an external smart speaker.
Multifunctional Cleaning Base
The bases of both robots are practically identical in dimensions and main functionalities. They measure 340 mm wide, 521 mm high and 487 mm deep. Both include auto-emptying of the dust bin with a 2.7-litre bag, mop washing with hot water and hot air drying.
The version 2.0 washing tray self-cleaning system is present on both models, which reduces manual maintenance. Neither includes a detergent tank nor UV disinfection, nor do they offer integrated connection to water pipes or an optional kit for this.
Dimensions
The diameter is the same: 352 mm. The critical difference is in height. The Qrevo Edge 2 measures 79.8 mm thanks to the retractable LiDAR, whilst the S5A reaches 98 mm with its traditional laser turret. For homes with low furniture, beds with little clearance from the floor or modern design sofas, the 2026 model accesses spaces where the S5A cannot enter.
This height difference doesn't affect the capacity of the robot's internal tanks. The S5A incorporates a 325 ml dust bin and 80 ml water tank, compared to the Edge 2's 240 ml dust and 67 ml water. Although the previous model's tanks are larger, in practice this matters little because both robots return frequently to the multifunctional base to empty dust and refill water during mopping.
Real-world usage experience
In homes with pets, the Qrevo Edge 2 offers clear advantages. Its AI camera recognises animals and adjusts the robot's behaviour to avoid disturbing them. The greater suction power also helps collect hair embedded in carpets. The S5A works perfectly in these environments thanks to the DuoDivide brush, but without specific pet recognition.
For homes with carpets, the Edge 2's additional mop lift and its liftable main brush make a difference. The robot can transition between hard floor and carpet without wetting the latter or dirtying the brush. The S5A lifts the mops 10 mm, sufficient for short pile carpets, but the main brush remains in contact with the floor during mopping.
In spaces with low furniture, the 2026 model's reduced profile proves decisive. Those nearly 2 centimetres less allow access under more furniture and keep areas clean that the S5A cannot reach.
The remote surveillance function via camera can prove useful for those wanting to monitor pets or the home when away. The night vision LED ensures visibility even without natural light.
The Qrevo Edge 2's warm water mopping improves results in kitchens with grease or adhered stains. The S5A maintains effective mopping with cold water, suitable for regular maintenance but less powerful against stubborn dirt.
Conclusion: Which to choose?
Choose the Roborock Qrevo Edge 2 if: You're looking for the best robot vacuum with more advanced technology, you need to access under low furniture, you have pets and value intelligent recognition, you want warm water mopping for better results in kitchens, you're interested in remote surveillance via camera or you prefer the convenience of automatic mop removal to alternate between vacuuming and mopping without manual intervention.
Choose the Roborock Qrevo Edge S5A if: You prefer an established model with excellent features, you don't have height limitations under furniture, you're looking for a premium Roborock robot vacuum at a more competitive price, you don't need surveillance functions or advanced obstacle recognition, or cold water mopping is sufficient for the regular maintenance of your home.
The differences between these two Roborock robot vacuums are concentrated in navigation technology, artificial intelligence and mopping details. The Qrevo Edge 2 represents the logical evolution with measurable improvements in power, height and recognition capabilities. The S5A maintains excellent performance with a complete multifunctional base, anti-tangle brush and similar autonomy. The choice depends on whether the 2026 model's improvements justify the investment according to your home's specific characteristics and your cleaning priorities.
