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Roborock robotic vacuum cleaner in home station in a smart home in Lafayette, California, March 29, … [+]
Roborock has ascended to the top of the pile in terms of the global robot vacuum market, surpassing iRobot in both the volume of units shipped and total revenue generated.
That’s the word according to IDC’s Q4 2024 Global Smart Home Device Market Quarterly Tracking Report, which has just been published.
The 2024 smart vacuum category saw a total of 20.6 million units distributed, representing an 11.2% increase from 2023.
Revenue reached $9.31 billion and the average cost of these devices also experienced a 7.6% surge, now standing at $452, indicating a consumer preference for higher-end models.
But the hot take from the report is that Chinese brand Roborock captured 16% of worldwide unit sales and commanded a 22.3% share of the market’s revenue, with a 20.7% growth in shipments compared to the previous year.
This success was driven by a boom in popularity in international markets, including Germany, France, South Korea, and the Nordic region, alongside continued expansion in China and the United States.
By providing a diverse product portfolio, ranging from affordable options such as the Q5 Pro to premium flagships like the new Saros range (complete with a robotic arm to pick up your smelly socks), Roborock has established itself as a major player in the industry, catering to both budget-conscious buyers and those seeking advanced technology.
However, while iRobot, according to the report, maintains its leading position in the North America, its global shipments decreased by 6.7% in 2024, and its market share fell by 2.6%, resulting in an overall share of 13.7%.
The company has struggled to keep pace with the rapidly evolving competitive landscape, particularly against Chinese manufacturers offering competitive pricing and faster innovation cycles.
iRobot has faced challenges over the past few years, including the failed acquisition by Amazon.
Although it recently unveiled an updated Roomba series for 2025, there are concerns as to whether these new cleaners will be enough to reverse its current trajectory. Only this week it has warned investors that it may be forced to close in the next 12 months unless it can refinance its debt or find a buyer.
Beyond Roborock, other Chinese brands are making significant strides in the market. Ecovacs continues to lead in China, while brands such as Dreame, Mova, Narwal, Xiaomi and Yeedi are rapidly expanding their global presence.
Dreame, in particular, is experiencing substantial growth, with IDC reporting a 36.6% increase in shipments year-over-year. At CES 2025, the brand introduced the X50 Ultra Complete, featuring ProLeap technology, which enables it to navigate thresholds up to 6cm high.
