Roborock: This is what the new low-cost robot hoovers have to offer

The Digitec and Galaxus editorial team will be reporting on site from IFA 2023 in Berlin. You can find all the news and background information published so far in our overview

Roborock is launching two new entry-level to mid-range robot hoovers. The Q5 Pro and Q8 Max are both available without a suction station - or as the Q5 Pro+ and Q8 Max+ with a suction station. You can therefore choose whether you want to empty the dust container manually and save money or whether you want this to happen automatically and only have to replace the dust bag every few months.

The Q5 Pro costs 349 euros or francs, with a suction station it's 200 francs/euros more. The Q8 is priced at 499 and 699 francs/euro.

Wet pick-up despite low price

What can you expect for the low price? The Q5 Pro has counter-rotating double rubber brushes that are very effective at scooping up dust and particles. This is appealing because they are normally only used in the more expensive Roborock models.

Vacuuming with a maximum power of 5500 Pa. There is also a large mop that picks up moisture. It does not rotate, but vibrates at different strengths to loosen encrusted dirt. It is moistened by a water tank with a volume of 180 millilitres. The dust container holds 770 millilitres. The vacuum cleaner uses LiDAR for navigation - this also allows it to map the floor plan.

The Q8 manoeuvres around obstacles in the rooms

The slightly more expensive Q8 is very similar in its basic features: what it adds is an obstacle avoidance system. The water tank is significantly larger at 350 millilitres, but the dust container is smaller at 470 millilitres. The Q8 is therefore designed more for use with the suction station. The Q5, on the other hand, is more for beginners who don't want to spend so much money, but don't mind having to empty the dust and refill the water by hand more often.

Both models can clean for up to 240 minutes at a time. According to the manufacturer, this should be enough for up to 350 square metres. If you buy a suction station, there is space for 2.7 litres of dirt in a bag. According to Roborock, it should take seven weeks until the bag is full.