Introduction
The Roborock Qrevo S5V and Roborock QV 35A represent the brand's 2025 offerings, whilst the Dreame X40 Ultra arrived in 2024 as a feature-packed alternative. All three robots feature multifunctional bases with mop washing and drying capabilities, making them suitable for homes that need both vacuuming and mopping without constant manual intervention.
The two Roborock models share several core specifications but differ in suction power, whilst the Dreame positions itself as a more technologically advanced option with AI-driven features and enhanced edge cleaning. These robots cater to different user priorities: the Qrevo S5V targets those seeking maximum suction within the Roborock ecosystem, the QV 35A offers a more accessible entry point, and the X40 Ultra appeals to users who value intelligent automation and comprehensive obstacle recognition.
Suction Power and Brushing
The Roborock Qrevo S5V and Dreame X40 Ultra match each other at 12,000 Pa suction power, providing substantial cleaning force for embedded dirt and pet hair. The Roborock QV 35A operates at 8,000 Pa, which remains adequate for most hard floors and low-pile carpets but may struggle with deeper carpet cleaning or stubborn debris.
Where the Qrevo S5V distinguishes itself is through the DuoDivide anti-tangle main brush system. This design pushes hair towards the central suction channel rather than wrapping around the roller—a practical advantage in homes with long-haired residents or pets. The QV 35A and X40 Ultra use standard brushes without this anti-enredos mechanism.
The X40 Ultra takes a different approach to versatility. Its main brush can elevate during mopping sessions, preventing wet carpet fibres from being agitated. This same model also features an extensible side brush that reaches further into corners, plus the ability to lift that side brush when mopping to avoid dragging wet debris. Neither Roborock model offers brush elevation or extension. All three robots include anti-tangle side brushes to minimise hair wrap around the spinning arms.
Mopping Performance
All three robots employ dual rotating mops with similar elevation heights: 10 mm for both Roborock models and 10.5 mm for the X40 Ultra. This lifting capability allows them to clear low-pile rugs without saturating fibres, though none can tackle thick carpets whilst mopping.
The Qrevo S5V and X40 Ultra extend their mops outward to clean closer to skirting boards. The X40 Ultra enhances this with Roboswing technology, which shifts the robot's rear section slightly to push the mop under furniture edges and into tight corners. The QV 35A lacks mop extension entirely, meaning it leaves a small gap along walls.
Dreame's offering includes dirt detection sensors that identify heavily soiled areas on both the mops and the floor surface, triggering additional cleaning passes or more frequent mop washing. Neither Roborock model includes this automatic re-cleaning feature. The X40 Ultra can also detach its mops automatically at the base when switching to vacuum-only mode, whilst the Roborock robots require manual mop removal.
All three bases wash mops with hot water and dry them using warm air, which helps prevent odours and bacterial growth. The X40 Ultra adds second-generation self-cleaning for the washing tray itself, reducing manual maintenance. Only this model provides a detergent dispenser, releasing cleaning solution during the mop washing cycle to improve hygiene.
Navigation Systems
Each robot uses LiDAR-based navigation for accurate room mapping and efficient cleaning paths. The fundamental difference lies in obstacle avoidance sophistication.
The Dreame X40 Ultra incorporates dual AI cameras plus a 3D laser sensor at the front, enabling it to recognise up to 120 different object types. This includes specific detection for pets, allowing the robot to avoid disturbing resting animals or fresh messes. It can also identify curtains to prevent entanglement. An LED provides illumination for the cameras in low-light conditions, and remote camera access lets users check on their home through the app.
Both Roborock models lack cameras and 3D sensors, relying instead on LiDAR and basic obstacle detection. They won't recognise specific objects like shoes or pet bowls, though they will detect and navigate around unknown obstacles. For homes with simple floor layouts and minimal clutter, this proves sufficient. In households with children's toys, pet accessories, or frequently changing floor obstacles, the X40 Ultra's visual intelligence offers clearer advantages.
Battery Life and Coverage
The Roborock Qrevo S5V and QV 35A share identical 5,200 mAh batteries delivering 180 minutes of runtime. The Dreame X40 Ultra's larger 6,400 mAh capacity extends this to 194 minutes. In practical terms, this translates to the X40 Ultra managing slightly larger homes in a single session, though all three can handle typical residential spaces without recharging mid-clean.
For multi-level homes or properties exceeding 200 square metres, the additional autonomy becomes more relevant, particularly when combining vacuuming and mopping in one cycle. The robots will automatically return to their bases to recharge and resume cleaning if needed, so battery differences primarily affect total cleaning time rather than capability.
Smart Features
All three robots can climb obstacles up to 20–22 mm high, allowing them to transition between rooms with different flooring heights or navigate over door thresholds. The X40 Ultra manages 22 mm compared to 20 mm for the Roborock models—a marginal difference unlikely to matter in most homes.
The Qrevo S5V and QV 35A both use Roborock's SmartPlan AI for intelligent cleaning routines, learning room layouts and optimising cleaning sequences. The X40 Ultra employs Dreame's CleanGenius system with its AI Sage 11.0 algorithm, which combines visual recognition with learned patterns to adjust suction, water flow, and cleaning paths based on floor type and dirt levels. This dirt-responsive cleaning represents a step beyond the Roborock models' more static approach.
None of these robots includes a proprietary voice assistant, though all integrate with Alexa and Google Home for basic voice commands.
Multifunctional Base Specifications
Each base automatically empties the robot's dustbin into a larger bag: 2.7 litres for both Roborock models and 3.2 litres for the X40 Ultra. With typical household use, this means emptying the base bag every four to eight weeks.
Water tank capacities are similar across the range. The Roborock bases hold 4 litres of clean water and 3.5 litres of dirty water; the X40 Ultra increases this slightly to 4.5 litres clean and 4 litres dirty. Larger tanks reduce refilling frequency during extended mopping sessions, though the differences here are modest.
The X40 Ultra offers an optional plumbing connection kit for automatic water refilling and drainage, eliminating manual tank maintenance entirely. This kit is sold separately and requires professional installation, making it a consideration for those seeking maximum hands-off operation. Neither Roborock model supports plumbing integration.
Physical Dimensions
The robots themselves are nearly identical in size. The Roborock models measure 353 mm in diameter and 96.5 mm tall, whilst the X40 Ultra is 350 mm wide and 97 mm high. These negligible differences won't affect furniture clearance in any meaningful way—all three should fit under standard sofas and bed frames with 10 cm clearance.
Base dimensions vary more noticeably. The Roborock bases stand 521 mm tall with a 487 mm depth, whereas the X40 Ultra base is taller at 590.5 mm but slightly shallower at 456.7 mm. Width remains constant at 340 mm. The X40 Ultra's increased height accommodates its larger water tanks and detergent reservoir, so placement in low cupboards or under counters requires checking clearance beforehand.
Real-World Usage Scenarios
In homes with pets, the Qrevo S5V's DuoDivide brush reduces hair maintenance compared to the other models, whilst the X40 Ultra's AI can avoid disturbing animals and recognise pet-related messes. For shedding breeds, either represents a practical choice depending on whether brush maintenance or intelligent avoidance matters more.
The X40 Ultra suits households with varied floor clutter—toys, cables, shoes—where object recognition prevents the robot from getting stuck or dragging items around. Its dirt detection also benefits families with young children or high-traffic areas that accumulate concentrated mess. The Roborock models work better in tidier environments with predictable layouts.
For thorough edge cleaning, the X40 Ultra's extendable mop and side brush reach areas the QV 35A cannot access, whilst the Qrevo S5V falls between these extremes with mop extension but no side brush enhancement. This matters more in homes with extensive skirting boards or furniture flush against walls.
Larger properties benefit from the X40 Ultra's extended battery life and bigger base tanks, reducing intervention frequency. Smaller flats see less practical difference between the models' autonomy specifications.
Conclusion: Which to Choose?
Choose the Roborock Qrevo S5V if you want maximum suction power within the Roborock ecosystem and appreciate the anti-tangle brush system for reducing hair maintenance. It delivers strong vacuuming performance with mop extension for better edge cleaning, suitable for pet owners in moderately sized homes who prefer Roborock's established app reliability.
Choose the Roborock QV 35A if budget is the priority and your home has mostly hard floors without heavy soiling. The reduced suction and lack of mop extension make it less versatile than its siblings, but it still provides competent cleaning with the same base washing and drying features. Best for smaller spaces with minimal carpet and straightforward layouts.
Choose the Dreame X40 Ultra if you value intelligent automation and comprehensive obstacle recognition. The dual cameras, dirt detection, and automatic mop removal create a more hands-off experience, whilst the detergent tank and self-cleaning base tray reduce maintenance further. Ideal for busy households with pets, children, or varied floor clutter, particularly if you're willing to invest in the optional plumbing kit for complete autonomy. The extended battery and larger tanks also suit bigger homes needing thorough coverage without frequent intervention.
