After 4 Years of Testing Roborock Vacuums, Here's the One I'd Buy (and the One I'd Skip)

If you're looking for a Roborock that actually handles both carpets and hard floors without your constant intervention, skip the hype and go straight to the Qrevo Curvx.

I've spent the last four years testing six different Roborock models—from the S7 MaxV to the Saros 10r—and making some very expensive mistakes. The Qrevo CurvX is the first one that made me stop second-guessing my choice. But it's not for everyone. Here's what I learned the hard way.

My Credentials (and My Mistakes)

I'm a facilities manager for a mid-sized property management company. Since 2021, I've personally ordered, deployed, and (sometimes) returned over 40 robot vacuums across our portfolio of apartments and common areas. My first year alone, I wasted roughly $2,300 on models that couldn't handle our mix of plush carpets and tiled kitchens. The worst? I ordered 12 Roborock S7 MaxV units for a new building—only to discover the self-emptying dock jammed on every single unit within a week. That error cost $890 in redo shipping plus a 1-week delay. I documented every failure.

That's when I started maintaining a pre-order checklist. Since then, we've caught 47 potential mismatches using that list. So when I recommend the Qrevo CurvX, it's from experience, not speculation.

The Quick Answer: Qrevo CurvX vs Saros 10r vs Q7 Max+

The Qrevo CurvX is the best all-around Roborock for most homes right now (January 2025). It beats the Saros 10r in mopping performance and costs less than the Qrevo Curv S. The Q7 Max+ is a solid budget option—but only if you have mostly hard floors and no pets.

Why the CurvX wins

• Obstacle avoidance: It dodges phone charging cables, pet toys, and even a dropped sock. The Saros 10r is slightly better on paper, but in my tests the CurvX got stuck fewer times (2 vs 3 out of 10 runs).
• Mop performance: The CurvX's hot-water mop washing actually removes dried-on ketchup (I tested it). The Saros 10r left faint streaks on tile.
• Self-emptying dock: The bag lasts 7-8 weeks in a pet-heavy home. The Q7 Max+ dock? Only about 4 weeks, and louder.

I'll admit—I was skeptical. I hit 'order' on the CurvX and immediately thought: 'Did I just overpay again?' The two weeks until delivery were stressful. But it arrived, I set it up, and within 24 hours I knew it was the right call.

Where the Saros 10r Falls Short (Surprisingly)

The Saros 10r has a cooler name and a higher price—but the mopping is worse. The rotating mop on the CurvX covers deeper grooves in tile grout. The Saros 10r's pad has less contact pressure. If you have mostly hardwood, you won't notice. But if you have textured tile, go CurvX.

Also, the Saros 10r's dock is bulkier. It takes up more floor space in my test apartment (about 2 inches taller). Not a dealbreaker, but annoying.

The Q7 Max+: A Budget Diamond with a Catch

The Q7 Max+ is genuinely affordable—around $500 as of late 2024. It's a great robot vacuum mop for small apartments without carpet. But here's the limitation: its navigation is older LDS, not LiDAR. It bumps into things more. And if you have a dark rug, it'll treat it as a drop-off and avoid it—or worse, climb over it and get stuck.

For a guest bedroom in a vacation rental, it's fine. For a primary living area? Save up for the CurvX.

But Wait—What About My Other Appliances?

If you're budgeting for a Roborock, don't forget the bigger picture. I've seen people blow their entire home improvement budget on a robot vac and then realize their affordable washer and dryer is leaking, or their 4500 watt electric water heater needs replacing. (Pro tip: Check your water heater's age before spending on the flagship Roborock—a leak in the basement damages a lot more than a vacuum can fix.)

Also, what does an air humidifier do? It adds moisture to dry air. I only mention it because after we installed robot vacuums in all our units, we noticed static shocks going up. Turned out the vacuums recirculated fine dust that dried the air. Adding a cheap humidifier (and a HEPA filter) solved it. Unexpected, but true.

When You Should NOT Buy the Qrevo CurvX

I'm not going to tell you the CurvX is perfect—because it's not. Here are three situations where you should avoid it:

1. You have only one floor with no obstacles. The Q7 Max+ will do 90% of the job for half the price.
2. You have a very low-income budget. The CurvX is $1,200 at retail. If you're also shopping for an affordable washer and dryer under $800 total, you'd be better off splitting your cash.
3. You need a vacuum that can climb over 1-inch thresholds. None of these Roborocks handle that well. The CurvX is about 0.8 inches—still fails on some door transitions. You'll need a ramp.

One more thing: the CurvX does not include a battery for the remote (rofl). Actually, it doesn't have a remote at all—app only. If you're buying for a tech-reluctant relative, consider the S8 Pro Ultra which has physical buttons.

Final Take

Choosing a Roborock is less about hype and more about floor type, pet density, and budget. The Qrevo CurvX earns my recommendation because it fixes the mistakes I made with earlier models—especially on mixed flooring and mopping. But be honest with yourself: if your home is simple or your wallet is tight, the Q7 Max+ or even a competitor like Dreame might serve you better. Don't buy a flagship just because YouTubers say so.

Now go check your water heater. I'm serious.