Introduction
The Roborock QV 35A arrives in 2025 as a fresh proposition from the world's leading robot vacuum brand, whilst the Dreame X40 Ultra landed in 2024 as a feature-packed alternative. Both are premium robot vacuum cleaners with multifunction bases that handle the complete cleaning cycle: vacuuming, mopping, self-emptying, mop washing, and drying. The key distinction lies in their approach to intelligence and automation.
The Dreame X40 Ultra positions itself as a top-tier model loaded with AI-driven features and advanced sensors. The Roborock QV 35A takes a more streamlined approach, focusing on core cleaning performance with Roborock's proven reliability. For households seeking maximum automation and smart detection, the Dreame offers compelling extras. Those prioritising brand reputation and straightforward operation may lean towards the Roborock.
Suction Power and Brushing System
Suction strength differs noticeably between these models. The Roborock QV 35A delivers 8,000 Pa, which handles everyday dust, crumbs, and pet hair across hard floors and low-pile carpets. The Dreame X40 Ultra pushes this to 12,000 Pa, offering stronger extraction that can be particularly useful on medium-pile rugs or in homes with multiple pets shedding continuously.
Both use a simple brush design with anti-tangle side brushes. What sets the Dreame apart is its ability to lift the main brush by 10.5 mm and the side brush during mopping. This prevents wet brushes from dragging dirt across freshly mopped floors. The Roborock QV 35A keeps its brushes in place throughout the cleaning cycle, which may require more frequent brush maintenance after mopping sessions.
The Dreame's side brush also extends outward to reach into corners more effectively. This small but practical feature helps capture debris that typically escapes standard circular brush paths. The Roborock lacks this extension, relying on conventional side brush sweeping.
Mopping Performance
Both robots use dual rotating mops, but the Dreame X40 Ultra takes mopping further with several enhancements. Its mops extend outward and incorporate RoboSwing technology, allowing the unit to wiggle slightly and push the mop pads under furniture edges and skirting boards. The Roborock QV 35A mops stay within the robot's footprint, leaving narrow gaps along walls.
Mop lift height is nearly identical: 10 mm on the Roborock, 10.5 mm on the Dreame. Both clear low-pile rugs without issue. Where the Dreame pulls ahead is in its ability to automatically detach the mops at the base when switching to vacuum-only mode. The Roborock requires manual removal if you want to avoid dragging dry mops across carpets.
The Dreame X40 Ultra also detects dirt on both the mops and the floor itself, triggering additional passes or mop washes as needed. This real-time adjustment can make a visible difference in kitchens or high-traffic areas. The Roborock QV 35A follows preset routines without adaptive dirt response.
Base Functionality and Maintenance
Both multifunction bases handle auto-emptying, mop washing, and drying. The Dreame X40 Ultra washes mops with hot water, which loosens grease and grime more effectively than cold water. The Roborock QV 35A uses ambient-temperature water, which still cleans adequately but may struggle with sticky spills.
Drying differs as well. The Dreame employs heated air to dry the mops faster and inhibit bacterial growth. The Roborock uses unheated airflow, which takes longer and may leave a faint damp smell if the base sits in a poorly ventilated space.
The Dreame's base also includes a second-generation self-cleaning system for the washing tray, reducing manual scrubbing. It features a built-in detergent dispenser, automatically adding cleaning solution during mop washing. The Roborock QV 35A lacks both features, requiring you to clean the tray by hand and use plain water only.
Dust bag capacity is 2.7 L on the Roborock and 3.2 L on the Dreame. In practice, both last several weeks in typical homes. Clean water tanks measure 4 L and 4.5 L respectively, with dirty water tanks at 3.5 L and 4 L. The Dreame's slightly larger reservoirs mean fewer refills in larger properties. The Dreame also offers an optional plumbing connection kit (sold separately), though the base doesn't come with integrated plumbing.
Navigation and Intelligence
Both robots use LiDAR navigation for precise mapping and efficient route planning. The Roborock QV 35A relies on its laser turret and basic obstacle avoidance without additional visual sensors. This works reliably for furniture and walls but may occasionally bump into small or low-lying objects.
The Dreame X40 Ultra adds dual AI cameras, a front-facing 3D laser sensor, and LED lighting for low-light operation. It recognises up to 120 different objects, including pets, shoes, cables, and even curtains. This level of detection reduces the need to tidy up before cleaning and prevents the robot from tangling in drapes or dragging pet toys across the house.
Pet owners may appreciate the Dreame's specific pet recognition, which adjusts cleaning patterns around feeding bowls or pet beds. The Roborock QV 35A treats all obstacles generically. The Dreame also allows remote camera access through the app, letting you check in on pets or the home whilst away. The Roborock doesn't include a camera, so this feature isn't available.
Both models integrate with Alexa and Google Home for voice control. Neither has a proprietary voice assistant onboard.
Battery Life and Coverage
The Roborock QV 35A houses a 5,200 mAh battery delivering 180 minutes of runtime. The Dreame X40 Ultra ups this to 6,400 mAh and 194 minutes. In real-world terms, the Roborock handles homes up to around 150–180 m², whilst the Dreame comfortably covers 200 m² or more on a single charge.
For smaller flats or single-storey homes under 120 m², both provide ample autonomy. Larger properties or multi-storey layouts benefit from the Dreame's extra capacity, reducing mid-clean returns to the base for recharging.
Smart Features
The Roborock QV 35A climbs obstacles up to 20 mm, sufficient for standard door thresholds and thin rugs. The Dreame X40 Ultra manages 22 mm, a marginal improvement that occasionally makes a difference with thicker mats or uneven flooring transitions.
The Roborock runs SmartPlan 1.0 for intelligent scheduling and room-specific routines. The Dreame operates on CleanGenius AI with its Sage 11.0 Quad-Core processor, enabling spot stain recognition and adaptive cleaning intensity. In practice, the Dreame's AI responds dynamically to visible dirt, whilst the Roborock follows user-defined settings.
Size and Footprint
The Roborock QV 35A measures 353 mm in diameter and 96.5 mm tall. The Dreame X40 Ultra is 350 mm across and 97 mm high. Both squeeze under most furniture with standard clearance of 10 cm or more. The half-millimetre height difference is negligible.
Base dimensions vary more noticeably. The Roborock base stands 521 mm tall and extends 487 mm deep. The Dreame base reaches 590.5 mm in height but is slightly shallower at 456.7 mm. Both are 340 mm wide. The Dreame's taller profile accommodates its larger tanks and heated drying system. Consider available floor space and cupboard height if tucking the base out of sight.
Real-World Use
For smaller homes or flats up to 100 m² with hard floors and minimal clutter, the Roborock QV 35A delivers dependable cleaning with straightforward operation. Its proven LiDAR mapping and Roborock's stable app make daily routines hassle-free. Maintenance is manual but manageable.
Larger homes, especially those exceeding 150 m² or with multiple pets, gain more from the Dreame X40 Ultra. The extra suction tackles embedded pet hair in carpets, whilst the extended side brush and mop reach edges more thoroughly. Hot water mop washing and heated drying reduce manual intervention. The AI cameras and dirt detection adapt to changing conditions, useful in busy households with children or pets.
If you prefer minimal pre-cleaning and want the robot to navigate around toys, cables, or pet accessories autonomously, the Dreame's object recognition saves time. The Roborock requires a tidier starting point but performs reliably once the floor is clear.
Conclusion: Which One to Choose?
Choose the Roborock QV 35A if: you want a straightforward, reliable robot vacuum from the market-leading brand without paying for advanced AI features you may not use. It suits smaller homes or flats under 120 m², users who prefer manual control over automation, and those prioritising Roborock's proven app stability and customer support. It's a solid choice for hard floors and low-pile carpets with moderate pet hair.
Choose the Dreame X40 Ultra if: you live in a larger property over 150 m², have multiple pets, or want maximum automation with minimal manual maintenance. The stronger suction, hot water mop washing, heated drying, and AI-driven dirt detection deliver superior cleaning with less effort. The dual cameras and 120-object recognition suit busy households where tidying before each clean isn't practical. The optional plumbing kit and larger tanks make it future-proof for those seeking ultimate convenience. It's the better option for deep carpet cleaning, edge mopping, and hands-off operation.
