iRobot Roomba Plus 505 vs Roborock Saros 20 Flow

The iRobot Roomba Plus 505 is the better value of the two, with dual-band Wi-Fi, Matter and a full-service dock for less money. The Roborock Saros 20 Flow is the stronger robot on paper, at 36,000Pa against 7,000Pa, and recharges faster, but it is 2.4GHz only and costs more.

Suction and price move together. The Roborock Saros 20 Flow is rated at 36,000Pa and charges in about 2.5 hours at a premium price, while the iRobot Roomba Plus 505 makes 7,000Pa work with better connectivity and a lower price.

Yes, both support Matter, which brings them into Apple Home, SmartThings and Home Assistant, and both also work with Alexa and Google Home. That said, the iRobot Roomba Plus 505 adds dual-band Wi-Fi, while the Roborock Saros 20 Flow is 2.4GHz only.

No, the Roborock Saros 20 Flow lifts its mop automatically when it detects carpet, just as the iRobot Roomba Plus 505 lifts its pads, so rugs are vacuumed without being mopped.

Buyers who want an accurate LiDAR map, a self-emptying, self-washing dock and dual-band Wi-Fi with Matter at the lower price of this pair, and who can accept a noisier dock cycle.

Homes with low furniture and a lot of carpet that want the highest suction of this pair, a fast 2.5 hour recharge and a dock that also doses detergent, and that are comfortable paying a premium.