The Roborock Saros 20 is better than the Saros 10R: My review

Founded in 2014 with the aim of simplifying household chores through advanced engineering, Roborock It has risen to become the global leader in smart home robots.

Before trying it out firsthand, I would have told you it was all hype, but after testing one vacuum after another, I’ve become a fan and recently acquired a Roborock Saros 20.

Unlike traditional vacuum brands that have adapted to technology, Roborock started out as a robotics company initially, specializing in advanced algorithms and mapping systems.

The brand is widely considered an industry standard as it consistently drives advanced technology at CES with integrations like LiDAR for precision navigation.

Today, they hold the largest share of the global market for robotic vacuums, driven by an R&D-intensive culture that prioritizes solving real-world friction points, such as hair tangles and transitions in raised floors. This amazes me every time the robot vacuum lifts itself over tile to wood to high-pile carpet. For a limited time, save up to $210 off the Roborock Saros 20 From March 23 through March 29 during the Amazon Big Spring Sale competition.


Pros:

  • Huge jump from 22,000 to 36,000 Pa, ensuring extraction of even deep-seated carpet residues and microscopic dust.
  • StarSight 2.0 with VertiBeam recognizes over 300 objects, which means it understands exactly what to avoid
  • Upgrading to 212°F (boiling point) in RockDock 4.0 melts grease that lower temperatures do not affect
  • The AdaptiLift 3.0 structure allows sills up to 1.77 and 1.57 inches to be cleared, and to cross a dual-layer sill, but it can’t do it in a single pass.

cons:

  • While the trade-in program offers a discount of up to $1,050, the Saros 20 is a premium flagship model with a price to match its advanced technology
  • It has a matte finish, so it doesn’t blend with glossy mirror vacuums like the Saros 10R

The Saros 20 represents a huge leap over the already impressive Saros 10R. While both robots maintain the ultra-thin 3.13-inch profile that allows them to slide under low furniture, their internal capabilities have been overhauled to handle environments that were previously out of reach of other robots.

Navigation goes from reactive to proactive with the StarSight 2.0 range. This system combines 3D time-of-flight (ToF) sensors with the new VertiBeam Lateral Obstacle Avoidance system, enabling the robot to see and map more than 300 types of objects with laser precision, even in dark rooms.

It also features DirTect technology, which identifies particularly stubborn dirt spots and automatically increases suction or mops twice so the area is clean. Plus, with all this new AI technology, it’s certified for privacy and data protection to keep your secrets private.

Trade in your old Roborock vacuum and save up to $1,050!

Each seller has a different deal, details listed below:

Best buy and goal: $1,599.99, $1,399.99 (Saros 20X Deluxe package includes an extra pair of mop cloths and 200 milliliters of cleaning solution.)

Amazon & Roborock official: $1599.99 $1,389.99


Preparation of Roborock Sarus 20

Living in a 600 square foot apartment means being strategic with your design. While some worry about fixed berth space, the Saros 20 proves that if you value clean floors, it’s easy to find a home for them. Unlike the sleek mirror finish of other robot vacuums from the brand, the Saros 20 features a matte finish. Although it is a little more prominent than the reflective surface, it fits well next to furniture such as a dining table.


A Roborock robot vacuum cleaner mounted on a patterned rug.
Emma Sutton Williams

Once the base is set up, place the vacuum on the charging base.

After connecting the base and manually placing the robot on the charging contacts, download the Roborock app, create an account and tap the icon to add your device.

Once connected to the 2.4GHz network, run a quick mapping session to let the robot’s StarSight 2.0 sensors learn your layout without cleaning, then use the app to set no-go zones around any difficult cable runs, stairs, or fragile decor.

After that, you’re ready to clean.

My review of the Roborock Saros 20

After using the Roborock Saros 10R, I didn’t think I could be more impressed, but the Roborock has once again outdone itself.

Thanks to the integration of new AI, the Saros 20 is faster, has better suction, and reaches edges closer than the 10R, all while retaining the amazing features of its predecessor.

The identification system has been greatly improved; He no longer just sees an object, but specifically distinguishes between a base, a rope, a dog, or a sofa. While the previous model used the standalone StarSight system, the Saros 20 is working on version 2.0, which integrates a more advanced vision system for superior obstacle recognition across different lighting conditions – it even knows if it needs to be cleaned again or it was cleaned well enough the first time!

This vacuum does not get stuck and does not require a rescue mission upon arrival home; It can fit into any space with its sleek appearance and slides easily up steep steps thanks to the AdaptiLift Chassis 3.0 (a three-arm design that allows the robot to actually lift its body to clear double-step thresholds up to 1.77 inches and 1.57 inches across the double-step threshold).

To put the power jump into perspective, your Saros 10R delivers a high-quality 22,000 Pa of suction. The Saros 20 cranks this up to a staggering 36,000 Pa – that’s a lot of suction. My house is cleaner as a result of this new technology, and it’s done more quickly, so my downstairs neighbor won’t have to put up with the noise of motors for as long.

There is a DuoDivide main brush that extracts microscopic dust trapped in deep crevices of the floor or carpet. The dual brush system is specially designed to section hair and direct it directly into the entrance, eliminating the need to manually clip hair from the rollers. I have a dog with a lot of loose hair, and not once did I need to detangle the brushes from clumps of dust bunnies, but I did have to cut them from my Miele cordless, which I love, but it has caused some suction issues from time to time.

While the 10R uses 176°F hot water, the new RockDock 4.0 uses 212°F boiling water to wash the dual spin mop pads. This extreme temperature dissolves heavy grease and oils instantly. It’s cheaper than a maid and doesn’t require a tip. This is the one area I want AI to take over so I can focus on doing the work I actually want to do.

Is it worth it?

Overall, I cannot stress enough how much you will love this robot vacuum. Yes, I think everyone needs it, but I also understand that the price can be a little steep, which is why I recommend the base price or taking advantage of the sales now until March 29th.

You’ll love how easy it is to keep your home clean without lifting a finger and simply using voice commands to activate mapping.

How did you test?

I ran it in a real 600 square foot apartment to see if it actually makes life easier or is just marketing. I based my thoughts on this by comparing it to the Saros 10R and testing all the same areas with the robot vacuum over a two-week period.

I tested it against dirt deep in carpets and stubborn pet hair that often gets tangled in other vacuums. Specifically, I watched him tackle obstacle courses like loose power cords and dog toys to see if his AI-driven brain could differentiate between a shoe and a sofa in complete darkness. Overall, I’m very impressed.


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