Roborock suits people who want lots of control, with detailed maps, no-go zones, mopping and extras like remote viewing and pet photos on some models. Roomba suits people who want a familiar name, simple routines and a range from small vacuums to Combo robots that vacuum and mop. If you love fine-tuning, look at Roborock; if you want set-and-forget cleaning, look at Roomba.
Before comparing suction or mops, check the app, because iRobot now runs two Roomba apps and which one you need depends on when your robot was sold. I read Roborock's US site, iRobot's site, and the App Store listings for the Roborock app and both iRobot apps.
Roborock and Roomba side by side
| Roborock | Roomba | |
|---|---|---|
| App | One Roborock app for its devices | Roomba Home for newer robots; iRobot Home (Classic) for older ones |
| Cleaning modes | Vacuum, Mop, Vac and Mop, SmartPlan | Vacuum, mop or both, with advanced scrubbing |
| Maps | Edit maps, name rooms, floor types and furniture | Save up to 5 maps, label rooms and zones |
| Keep-out areas | Invisible walls and no-go zones | Rooms, zones and furniture for targeted cleaning |
| Camera extras | Remote viewing, obstacle photos, pet snapshots (select models) | Not stated on the pages I read |
| Wider range | Wet and dry vacuums, washer dryers, lawn mowers | Roomba, Roomba Plus Combo and Roomba Max ranges |
Check which Roomba app you need
iRobot's App Store listings make this clear. The new Roomba Home app works with Roomba 100, 200, 400, 500, 700, 800 and Mini series robots sold after March of 2025. Older robots, including the e, i, s, m, j, Essential and 10 Max series, plus Braava and Klaara products, stay on the classic iRobot Home app. If you're picking one up second-hand or getting a hand-me-down, check the model first so you download the right one.
How Roborock robots clean
Roborock's app gives you a lot of dials. You can clean by room, zone, schedule or spot, choose Vacuum, Mop, or both, and adjust suction, water flow, cleaning frequency and route on some models. Maps can be edited with thresholds, carpets, floor types and furniture, and invisible walls keep the robot out of areas you choose.
Its US site shows the Saros series with an AdaptiLift chassis for low-clearance access, tangle-free cleaning and warm-water mopping. On select models you'll find remote viewing, obstacle photos, pet snapshots and even a pet search. Roborock's app also runs its wet and dry vacuums, washer dryers and robotic lawn mowers.
How Roomba robots clean
Roomba Home is designed to be easy. Routine Builder lets you pick rooms, adjust settings and turn on advanced scrubbing, schedules decide when your robot runs, and the app notes which rooms were dirty last time so it can focus there. You can save up to 5 maps, add zones and furniture, and start cleaning a specific area with a tap.
iRobot's line-up runs from the Roomba 105 Vac to Roomba Plus Combo and Roomba Max Combo models, with an AutoEvac Dock on some. Roomba works with Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant, and its health dashboard keeps track of maintenance.
Who each robot suits
Roborock suits pet owners, people with mixed floors, and anyone who enjoys setting things up just so. Roomba suits busy households who want routines that run themselves and a simple app. If you want to handle the robot by voice, my guide to using Alexa+ shows what's possible, and if chores are eating into your evenings, these tips for stressed entrepreneurs are worth reading too.
My advice on Roborock or Roomba
Walk round your home and note the tricky bits: rugs, thresholds, pet bowls and the gap under the sofa. If you need fine control over those, Roborock's maps and no-go zones handle them well. If you'd rather set a routine once and forget about it, a Roomba with Routine Builder is the easier life. Whichever you choose, run it daily for a week before deciding the settings are right.
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Frequently asked questions
Which app does my Roomba use?
Roomba 100, 200, 400, 500, 700, 800 and Mini series robots sold after March of 2025 use Roomba Home; older models use the iRobot Home (Classic) app.
Can Roborock robots mop?
Yes. The Roborock app lists Vacuum, Mop and Vac and Mop modes, and Roborock's site mentions warm-water mopping.
Does Roborock make anything besides robot vacuums?
Yes. Its app also controls Roborock wet and dry vacuums, washer dryers and robotic lawn mowers.
How many maps can Roomba Home save?
Up to 5, according to iRobot's Roomba Home listing.
Does Roomba work with voice assistants?
Yes. iRobot says Roomba Home works with Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant enabled devices.
