🎯 Quick Answer
Get the Q7 if you have hard floors and want vacuum + mop in one pass. The rubber brush is also better for pet hair.
Get the Q5 if you only have carpet, or you prefer to mop manually. Save $150.
Key Differences
| Feature | Q5 | Q7 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279 | $429 |
| Mopping | ✗ No | ✓ Yes (180ml tank) |
| Main Brush | Bristle brush | Rubber brush (better for hair) |
| Dustbin | 470ml | 750ml (60% larger) |
| Suction | 2700Pa | 2700Pa |
| Navigation | LiDAR | LiDAR |
| Runtime | 180 min | 180 min |
| Auto-Empty Dock | Optional (+$199) | Optional (+$199) |
What the $150 Gets You
1. Mopping System
The Q7 has a 180ml water tank and mop attachment that cleans hard floors as it vacuums. It's gravity-fed (not electronic), which means it won't scrub stubborn stains — but it handles dust and light dirt well. If you have mostly hard floors, this saves you a separate mopping step.
2. Rubber Brush (Pet Owners Take Note)
The Q5's bristle brush tangles with hair and fur. The Q7's all-rubber roller doesn't — hair wraps less and cleaning is easier. If you have pets or long hair in the house, this alone might be worth the upgrade.
3. Larger Dustbin
750ml vs 470ml. You'll empty it less often. If you don't buy the auto-empty dock, this matters more.
What's the Same
- LiDAR navigation — Both create accurate maps and clean in efficient patterns
- 2700Pa suction — Identical cleaning power
- 180-minute runtime — Good for large homes
- App control — Same Roborock app with no-go zones, scheduling, 3D maps
- Alexa & Google — Both work with voice assistants
- Auto-recharge — Both return to dock and resume cleaning
Who Should Buy What
Get the Q5 ($279) if:
- Mostly carpeted floors
- You prefer manual mopping
- No pets / short hair
- Budget is tight
Get the Q7 ($429) if:
- Hard floors that need mopping
- Pets or long hair
- Want less maintenance
- Value the rubber brush
Our Verdict
The Q7 is the better robot for most homes. The mopping system, rubber brush, and larger dustbin make it genuinely easier to live with. $150 extra for less maintenance and cleaner floors is a good trade.
But if you have wall-to-wall carpet or genuinely don't need mopping, the Q5 delivers the same LiDAR navigation and suction for $150 less. No shame in that.