Let's talk about self-emptying Roborock models.
What is the difference between the standard and + models?
Those are the same modes. The "+" represents a self-emptying base included. The "V" stands for vision which means the robot identifies and avoids small things.
Roborock Self Emptying Robot Comparison: Q5+ vs. Q7 Max+ vs. S7+ vs. S7 MaxV Ultra
| Specs/Model |  Q5+ |
 Q7 Max+ |
 S7+ |
 S7 MaxV Ultra |
| Price | $479.99 | $869.99 | $679.99 | $1399.99 |
| Vacuum dustbin, ml | 470 | 470 | 470 | 400 |
| Base dustbin, ml | 2,500 | 2,500 | 3,000 | 2,500 |
| Disposable bag capacity, ml | 2,500 | 2,500 | 3,000 | 2,400 |
| Mopping feature | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Auto water tank refilling | - | - | - | yes |
| Auto mop washing | - | - | - | yes |
| Water tank capacity, ml | - | 350 | 300 | 200 |
| Electronic water tank | - | yes | yes | yes |
| Diameter x height (in) | 13.7 x 3.7 | 13.9 x 3.8 | 13.7 x 3.8 | 13.8 x 3.8 |
| Run time, min | 180 | 180 | 180 | 180 |
| Battery capacity, mAh | 5,200 | 5,200 | 5,200 | 5,200 |
| Suction power, Pa | 2,700 | 4,200 | 2,500 | 5,100 |
| Noise level, dB | 68 | 67 | 67 | 68 |
| Object recognition | no | no | no | yes |
| Vacuuming and mopping | only vacuuming | mopping, vacuuming | mopping, vacuuming | mapping, vacuuming |
| Navigation system | LiDAR | LiDAR | LiDAR | LiDAR |
| App connectivity | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Alexa, Google Home | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| No-go zones and invisible walls | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Weight, lbs | 7 | 8 | 8 | 10.5 |
Q series vs S series
The Q series is not as advanced as the S series. The Q5 and Q7 don't have the S series premium features the Q7 doesn't lift the mopping pad, and the pad does not vibrate. Not to mention that the Q5 doesn't have mopping at all. This series is cheaper, for those who don't need extra bells and whistles yet still want good performance.
The S series includes premium machines with advanced mopping functions and object recognition (MaxV).
Self-emptying base station comparison
The first auto-empty robot option the S7+ had a twin-barrel design. One barrel houses a filter and the second house a bag or a dustbin container. The S7+ had a backless and backed version available in different regions. It also has the biggest disposable bag of all.
The Q series has a simpler self-emptying base with a smaller dustbag.
The Ultra station has the same twin-barrel base station design as the S7+ but additionally has two large water containers that supply water into the water tanks and wash the mopping pad. It is the bulkiest station of all Roborock models. Included with the Roborock S7 Pro Ultra and S7 MaxV Ultra.
Every station empties the dustbin but only one additionally washes the mopping pad
Mopping comparison
All of these models use the same standard mopping pad for mopping. Basically, a robot drags around the pad as the water tank supplies water directly to it.
The S7+ and S7 MaxV Ultra have VibraRise. It is a vibrating mechanism that creates pressure on the floor for better cleaning results. Additionally, when the robot detects carpet, it lifts the pad to continue vacuuming the carpet without moistening it.
VibraRise makes a Roborock perfect for homes with both, hard floor and carpeted areas
Other models are suitable for homes with a mixed surface too yet not as convenient since you would have to run it over hard floors for a second time to mop.
The Roborock Q5+ is the only model that doesn't have a mopping feature
Navigation comparison
Roborock is known for its precise navigation. Premium models use LDS to nagivate. The sensor scans the surroundings creating a map. The robots do great at avoiding big objects but don't seem to notice small things like socks, shoes, etc.
The high-end Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra additionally uses a stereo camera that recognizes small things making its navigation more precise.
A clean layout does not make a difference between the models but for cluttered areas, the S7 MaxV Ultra would be the best.
Power and cleaning comparison
The manufacturer claims the models have different suction numbers but in reality, the difference in cleaning performance is not that big. Apart from mopping, on carpet, these models do about the same job.
Cleaning mechanics is similar for all of them except for the cleaning brushroll. The Roborock Q5+ comes with a roller that is made of rubber and bristles mix, the others use a bristles roller.
The Q5 roller does the best with pet and human hair even tho it's harder to maintain. It also agitates dust and dirt on carpets better.
On the other hand, the rubber roller is good with sand and ultra-fine particles.
However, all models are compatible with both, so you can get a second roller for different cleaning needs.
App Comparison
Features like the 3D map mapping run and containment are available across the board.
These robots have the same capability of saving up to four map levels with automap detect which means you can detect the correct map level based on the initial scan.
Users can customize each map level and add partitions custom room names and containment.
However, some features like this live camera view are limited to the S7 MaxV series since these robots are the only ones with a front-facing camera.
Also, all options except the Q5 have water level controls since all are hybrid options with mopping features all models have access to room or area cleaning where the crisscross cleaning pattern can be accessed. Other features like scheduling auto-ending options and maintenance are available across the board.
Q series
The Q series includes two models, Q5 and Q7. The Q7 has two modifications: the Q7 and Q7 Max.
Roborock Q7 vs. Q5
- Suction. The Roborock Q7 is more powerful.
- Roller brush. The Q7 has a bristles roller while the Q5 has a standard one yet each one is compatible with a bristles roller too.
- The Roborock Q5 does not have a mopping function.
Roborock Q5+
The Roborock Q5 is the most affordable self-emptying Rorobock with all that good vacuuming performance on hard floors and carpets. However, it does not have a mopping function so is ideal for homes mostly covered with carpets.
Roborock Q7+ vs. Q7 Max+
The Q7 is a simpler version of the Q7 Max+ with a smaller water tank that is not electric. Instead, it has a toggle and two water levels. Another difference is suction power. The Q7 has 2,700 Pa while the Q7 Max has 4,200 Pa.
- Water tank. The Q7 Max+ has a bigger electric water tank that is electric.
- Dustbin size. The Q7+ has a bigger dustbin.
- Suction power. The Roborock Q7 Max+ has more power and is better for medium-pile carpets.
The Roborock Q7 Max+ is a vacuum cleaner for mixed surfaces or mostly hard floors with a simpler mopping system yet still does a great job as a vacuum.
Roborock S series
This series includes the S7 and S7 MaxV. Both have additional modifications. The MaxV series includes the S7 MaxV, MaxV Ultra, and MaxV Plus. The S7 has two, the S7+ and S7 Pro Ultra.
The Roborock S7 is the first model with advanced mopping. It doesn't have a sensor that recognizes small things.
The Roborock S7 Pro Ultra is basically the same machine, only includes an advanced cleaning station
The Roborock S7+ is one of the best-advanced models that doesn't have object recognition. The Ultra version has all the same things as the S7 MaxV Ultra yet lacks a sensor that sees small things.
The Roborock S7+ is the best valu for homes with a mixed surface
Roborock S7 MaxV
It is the most expensive all-around robot vacuum in the lineup. It has all the features that exist on the market so far.
Suitable for any size and type of home, surface, and layout.
Roborock S7 MaxV series, the difference:
The S7 MaxV is a standard robot vacuum with all the extra things but doesn't include a self-cleaning base.
The S7 MaxV Plus includes a station from the original Roborock S7+.
The S7 MaxV Ultra is the most-featured of all with the advanced self-cleaning station that has extra options.
To sum up
The Q series is not as advanced yet still one of the best on the market. The Roborock Q5+ is made for homes with no hard floor areas or those who don't need a mopping function. The Roborock Q7 Max+ is for a home with some hard floor areas and medium-pile carpets for those who don't need extra features.
The Roborock S7+ is a perfect choice for those who want comfortable use on a mixed surface. If you want some extra mopping features, consider getting the S7 Pro Ultra but keep in mind, it's not widely available.
And finally, the king. The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is the most-advanced robot on the market, there are a few models similar to this. This is a cleaner for those who want all possible things in one model.