So you’re ready to welcome a robot vacuum into your home — exciting! But now you’re stuck between two shiny contenders: the Roomba S9+ (iRobot’s top‑of‑the‑line vacuum) and the Roborock Qrevo (a hybrid that vacuums and mops). One is a pure vacuuming powerhouse; the other is a multi‑tasker that scrubs floors too. Which one truly fits your life?
Think of the Roomba S9+ as the dedicated vacuum cleaner that’s obsessed with carpets — it’s built for deep suction and corner hugging. The Roborock Qrevo, on the other hand, is the all‑in‑one assistant that vacuums, mops, and even washes its own mop pad. In one sentence: pick the S9+ if wall‑to‑wall carpet is your priority, and the Qrevo if you have hard floors or want hands‑off mopping.
In this beginner‑friendly comparison, we’ll walk through cleaning performance, navigation smarts, mopping ability, noise, the app experience, and value. No tech jargon left unexplained — just real talk to help you decide.
iRobot and Roborock are two household names in robot vacuums. The Roomba S9+ is iRobot’s flagship model, typically retailing around $1,000–$1,100. It’s famous for its powerful suction (a measure of vacuum strength, like comparing a gentle sipping straw to a shop vac) and its D‑shaped design that pokes into corners. The Roborock Qrevo is a newer hybrid from the Chinese brand, usually $800–$900. It’s celebrated for combining strong vacuuming with an innovative mop system that lifts and even washes itself—think of it as a cleaning robot that also scrubs and rinses its own rag.
Cleaning Performance
The Roomba S9+ is a carpet monster. Its suction power (how hard it pulls dirt off surfaces) is among the highest you’ll find, and its D‑shape lets it get right into corners — ideal for homes with wall‑to‑wall carpet. The Roborock Qrevo isn’t far behind on carpets, but it truly shines on hard floors because it can vacuum and mop in one pass. Honestly, if you have mostly rugs and love a deep clean, the S9+ has an edge. If your floors are a mix, the Qrevo’s versatility wins.
Navigation & Mapping
Roomba uses a system called vSLAM (a camera‑based technology that uses visual landmarks — like looking at ceiling corners — to build a floor plan of your home). It works decently in bright rooms but can get confused in the dark. The Roborock Qrevo uses LiDAR, which is a laser scanner that spins like a lighthouse beacon, mapping your entire floor 100% accurately even in pitch black. That means the Qrevo navigates faster and avoids bumping into furniture as much. For a beginner, the Qrevo’s LiDAR is just more reliable and less frustrating.
Mopping Ability
Here’s where the Qrevo does something the Roomba can’t match: it mops. Its mop pad vibrates or oscillates (depending on the model) to scrub dirty footprints, and after cleaning, it goes back to its dock to wash the mop with hot water and blow it dry. The Roomba S9+ doesn’t mop at all. If you have tile, hardwood, or laminates, the Qrevo’s mopping is a game‑changer — it’s like having a Swiffer that never needs your help.
Noise & Maintenance
Both robots are about as loud as a normal vacuum cleaner — think of a hair dryer on medium. The Roomba S9+ can be a tad louder on max suction, but it’s not extreme. Maintenance wise, the Roomba’s self‑emptying dock (the “+” in S9+) collects debris into a bag you change every couple of months. The Qrevo’s dock does the same for vacuum debris, but it also has a clean water tank for mopping and a dirty water tank that you’ll need to empty every few days. If you don’t mind checking a tank, the Qrevo saves you from dirty mop duty.
App & Smart Features
Both apps are beginner‑friendly and let you schedule cleanings, set no‑go zones (areas you tell the robot to avoid, like a dog bed), and start cleaning with a tap. The iRobot app is simple and reliable, but it lacks the Qrevo’s map‑editing polish. The Roborock app lets you label rooms, set custom cleaning sequences, and even tell the robot to only mop in certain areas—it feels more like a smart home hub. For a first‑timer, the Roborock app is more intuitive and flexible.
Value for Money
The Roomba S9+ is priced higher for what is essentially a vacuum‑only robot. You’re paying a premium for that deeper carpet cleaning and the brand name. The Roborock Qrevo costs less and gives you vacuuming, mopping, self‑cleaning mop, and smarter navigation. For the same money (or less), you get a more versatile machine. Unless your entire house is thick carpet, the Qrevo offers far better bang for your buck.
So, which one should you buy?
Between the Roomba S9+ and the Roborock Qrevo, the decision really comes down to your floors and your willingness to mop. If you have wall‑to‑wall thick carpets and no hard floors, the S9+ is a vacuuming beast that will keep them plush. But for 90% of homes — with tile, wood, laminate, rugs, and a desire to never hand‑wash a mop pad — the Qrevo is the clear winner. It vacuums almost as powerfully, navigates better in the dark, and mops like a champ.
At the end of the day, trust your gut. Think about the mess you actually deal with: is it mostly dust and crumbs (vacuum only), or do you get sticky spills and muddy paw prints (vacuum + mop)? For most first‑time owners, the Roborock Qrevo is the easier, more joyful start to a cleaner home. You deserve a robot that makes life simpler, not a chore.