Testing the Roborock E4: Navigation, Suction Power, Cleaning Performance, and More

Hello everyone! In this post we'll be talking about Roborock E4 robot vacuum cleaner, which we reviewed in 2020 at the launch of sales. Now, our approach to testing has changed dramatically, and most importantly, we have begun evaluating the tested robots based on general algorithm For further comparison with similar products. Next, we'll thoroughly test the Roborock E4, and then offer a more objective opinion on this robot vacuum and its worth. We won't dwell on the specifications, features, and functions. That's all covered in a separate review on the website. This review will focus solely on the tests. So, let's get started!

Video version of the review and test

To see all the tests visually, we recommend watching our video, as well as a separate review of the Roborock E4, which was prepared earlier:

Testing

Navigation

First, let's test this robot vacuum's navigation in a room with obstacles. It's important to note that the Roborock E4 navigates not only using its gyroscope but also its Optic Eye sensor, located underneath.

This combination allows the robot to develop a fairly sophisticated movement algorithm, first traversing the entire accessible area in a serpentine pattern, and then following the perimeter. The robot vacuum cleaner swept around a box and the legs of a chair separately. It got stuck on a clothes dryer, but managed to escape the trap and then returned to its base autonomously. Incidentally, the Roborock E4 doesn't create a real-time map of the room, but you can view the maps it's created in the cleaning history. And we can see that it accurately mapped the room's geometry, including obstacles.

As for cleaning the entire house, the robot vacuum cleaner was able to clean 5 rooms, with a total useful area of ​​about 34 square meters, which it calculated as 48 square meters, in 44 minutes.

The cleaning speed is high for a robot without advanced navigation. There were no uncleaned areas left, and the Roborock E4 was able to independently find and dock with its base after finishing cleaning. So, the navigation test was successful. Even the map was quite accurate compared to similar robots with a gyroscope.

Suction power

In a test with gaps of varying depths, the Roborock E4 performed as expected for a robot vacuum cleaner, vacuuming debris from a 2 mm deep gap.

This is sufficient for a home environment, but there are more powerful robot vacuum cleaners on the market. There's nothing to brag about here, objectively.

Dry cleaning of laminate flooring

Dry cleaning performance is also on par with its peers—the Roborock E4 picked up most of the debris. The only debris remaining was in the corners, where round robot vacuums can't reach.

There was a little dust left in a few spots along the baseboard, but given the original condition of the stand, I think the dry cleaning performance of this model is above average. Interestingly, the hair didn't get tangled up in the side brush; the center brush took the brunt of the impact.

Cleaning the carpet

The quality of hair and fur removal on the carpet is clearly noteworthy. You can see the initial condition of the stand and the result.

The Roborock E4 performs well on medium-pile carpets. It passed the test.

Wet cleaning

And the wet cleaning is top-notch. Despite the lack of electronic water flow control or a separate tank, the robot is capable of removing dried-on shoe stains. The only area left was along the baseboard, which is a weak point for all robot vacuums. Unfortunately, we haven't yet tested any models that offer better results.

The Roborock E4 is perfectly suitable for delicate wet cleaning. Its tank can cover approximately 60 square meters, especially if you set the mechanical regulator to the minimum water flow level.

Obstacle clearance

The Roborock E4, like the older models in the Roborock family, has excellent obstacle clearance. The robot vacuum can easily navigate two-centimeter thresholds, which is a plus.

Driving on dark surfaces

However, like other Xiaomi robot vacuums, the Roborock E4 detects a black rug as a height difference. This is important to consider, and it's the first major caveat regarding this model.

Noise level

Finally, let's check the Roborock E4's noise levels in different modes. At minimum power, the noise level doesn't exceed 61 dB, and in Standard mode, it remains within the same range. In Turbo mode, the noise level reaches 65 dB, and at maximum power, the peak was 67 dB. This is a standard noise level for a robot vacuum cleaner.

Let's sum it up

Roborock E4 has been thoroughly tested and achieved a score of 50 out of 100 points and entered the top five robot vacuum cleaners with a gyroscope, in our opinion. The overall ranking of robot vacuum cleaners that we personally tested: https://robovac.washerhouse.com/en/rejtingi/robovac-obshhij-rejting-robotov-pylesosov-robo.html.

What can we say about this model? If you're choosing a robot vacuum for a small space, say, around 60 square meters, the Roborock E4 is definitely worth considering. It's certainly more expensive than some similar models, but it boasts the following advantages:

1. Precise navigation, like for a robot vacuum cleaner with a gyroscope.
2. High quality dry and wet cleaning.
3. High quality assembly and spare parts.
4. Good obstacle clearance.
5. Capacious dust collector.
6. Capacious battery.

As for concerns, with a budget of $150-$170, the main one is that I'd like to at least have a camera for navigation, like some Xiaomi devices. It allows you to save a cleaning map to memory for later setting no-go zones and virtual walls. This is very convenient. Of the other concerns, the following are worth highlighting:

1. Poor equipment.
2. Lack of electronic water supply regulation.
3. Fear of dark surfaces.

If these shortcomings aren't too significant for you, I highly recommend considering this model if you're on a budget or have a smaller home. I trust Roborock products, and every robot vacuum leaves a mostly positive impression after testing them. The Roborock E4 is no exception.

By the way, when ordering this robot vacuum cleaner in the LamoBail store, use the promo code Not only will you receive a $10 discount, but you'll also receive a stylish Roborock branded thermos as a gift!

On that note, I'd like to conclude this video review. If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments. Happy shopping, everyone!