Budget Robot Vacuum: Powerful Cleaning, Unbeatable Value

The Roborock Q7 M5 offers a relatively basic, budget-friendly entry into the world of robot vacuum cleaners. While it might lack the advanced features and robotic arms of Roborock’s higher-end models, it still packs a punch with impressive suction power and reliable performance.

Design and Build

The Q7 M5 sports a robust design, featuring a sturdy bumper and a prominent LiDAR turret for navigation. While the glossy black plastic on top might attract dust, the overall build feels solid and durable.

Flipping the robot over reveals a brushroll equipped with a “JawScrapers comb,” designed to prevent hair tangling. However, in practice, its effectiveness proved limited. A rotating side brush sweeps dirt from edges, though it’s fixed rather than extendable like those on more advanced models. Angled brush placement helps hair slip off, which seems to work well.

Thick wheels with deep treads and spring-loaded hinges allow the robot to navigate over taller thresholds. While other robots may have more sophisticated solutions, Roborock’s approach is effective for a budget-friendly option.

The dust cup and water tank are integrated into a removable unit on the side of the robot. The D-shaped mop pad attaches to the robot and can be removed for washing. The mopping system is basic, dragging the pad across the floor. Unlike fancier models, it doesn’t vibrate or press down for deeper cleaning.

The Q7 M5 allows you to turn off the water supply in the app, which is a nice feature. However, it can’t lift its mop pad when encountering carpet, potentially leading to damp carpets after mopping. The included base station is compact and charges the robot. Upgraded models with auto-empty docks are available in some regions.

Performance and Navigation

The Q7 M5 excels in navigation, thanks to its LiDAR-based system. It quickly maps the environment and navigates efficiently. During initial setup, the robot confidently approached the edge of stairs but stopped itself every time, demonstrating reliable cliff sensors.

With a compiled map, you can name rooms and customize cleaning zones. The robot offers a maximum suction power of 10,000Pa, which is excellent for its price range. It effectively removes dust and pet hair from carpets.

In testing, the Q7 M5 cleared most oats and tea leaves from the carpet in Turbo mode with multiple passes. On hard floors, it performed even better in Balanced mode, sucking up almost all debris in a single pass. The only issue was some debris being scattered, but the robot eventually collected it on subsequent passes.

The mopping performance is surprisingly good, despite the basic setup. It effectively cleaned up a dried ketchup smear on a tiled floor, although it leaves floors quite wet. This might not be ideal for delicate wooden floors. The mop pad doesn’t lift, so carpets might get damp if the robot crosses them after mopping.

The side brush effectively sweeps debris from edges, though its fixed design might leave some dirt behind. The anti-hair wrap feature on the brushroll wasn’t entirely effective, as hair still tangled around it.

Object avoidance proved to be a weak point, as the robot confidently collided with objects in its path. However, in real-world scenarios, it performed better, skirting around chair legs and other obstacles.

App and Features

The Roborock app is generally well-designed and intuitive, but there were some glitches during testing, such as issues with resizing zones, forgetting room names, and saving custom cleaning routines.

The app allows you to control the robot, set cleaning schedules, and customize cleaning modes. Despite the glitches, it remains a user-friendly and functional app.

Value and Alternatives

The Roborock Q7 M5 offers good value for its price, providing strong suction power and reliable navigation. However, its mopping capabilities are basic, and object avoidance could be better.

Alternatives in a similar price range include the Dreame D9 Max Gen 2, which offers comparable performance. However, the Roborock Q7 M5 boasts stronger suction and the ability to switch off mopping without removing the mop pad.

Upgrading to the Q7 M5+ with an auto-empty dock increases the price, while the Q7 M5 Max+ adds a dock that refills the water tank.

Final Verdict

The Roborock Q7 M5 is a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly robot vacuum with strong suction and reliable navigation. While its mopping capabilities are basic and object avoidance could be improved, it offers excellent value for money. It’s particularly well-suited for smaller homes or as a secondary cleaner for a multi-story house. If you have pets or a large home, consider the “Plus” model with an auto-empty dock.

Pros:

• Strong suction power
• Reliable navigation
• Compact design
• Budget-friendly

Cons:

• Basic mopping capabilities
• Patchy object avoidance
• Fixed side brush
• Glitches in the app