The best Roborock vacuum robots compared
Roborock unveiled its latest S8 series at CES 2024 earlier this month. We have already had a first look at the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra. As soon as this model and the S8 Max Ultra are available in stores, we will update this article accordingly with their respective reviews.
Editor’s Choice: Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is the current flagship model among all Roborock vacuum cleaners. In our comparison, we named the S8 Pro Ultra (hands-on) as the best all-rounder among robot vacuum cleaners. The suction power is phenomenal. For the absurdly high price of $1,599 that Roborock charges for this jack-of-all-trades, you can expect maximum performance for your hard-earned dollar. Roborock did not install a camera on this model, but navigation still worked perfectly without an RGB camera.
The Roborock app offers a variety of settings and is also easy to use. The docking station relieves you of an enormous amount of work thanks to the different automated processes. In addition to a suction function, the base rinses the mop plate after cleaning and blow dries it in a whisper-quiet manner, making it barely audible. The only gripe we have? The price. Roborock charges a whopping $1,599 for this all-rounder.
At CES 2024, Roborock introduced two new flagship models: The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra (hands-on) and the S8 Max Ultra. Roborock further improved the suction power in both robot vacuum cleaners, with the S8 MaxV Ultra boasting 10,000 Pa while the S8 Max Ultra features 8,000 Pa, respectively.
Roborock also includes an extendable side brush for the S8 MaxV Ultra to deliver perfectly clean corners, every single time. Last but not least, there will be an extendable mini-mop on the bottom of the MaxV Ultra, which will be used for more efficient cleaning at corners. There were also upgrades made to the docking station: the mop plates are thoroughly rinsed with 60 °C hot water before being blow-dried with 60 °C hot air.
Roborock Q8 Max+: Comes with a suction station
The Roborock Q8+ is a vacuum and mopping robot with a suction function. Boasting a suction power of 5,500 Pa, Roborock promises thorough cleaning. Roborock also uses the same brush on the Q8 Max+ as on the current flagship, the S8 Pro Ultra. In contrast to the S8 Pro Ultra, the Q8 Max+ has a longer battery life, at least according to Roborock.
The most significant differences lie primarily in the functions of the docking stations. The Q8 Max+ station has only a suction function. This helps it save space, with a measurement of 30.5 × 44 × 44.8 cm. The price is the main reason why this robot is just ahead of the Roborock S8+ in our “Best of” list. As a comparison: the Roborock S8+ (review) costs $659 while the Q8 Max+ costs $819.
Roborock Q5 Pro: Comes with a charging dock
With the Q5 Pro, we have now arrived at our recommendation for those on a tight budget. With the basic model, you have to expect to live with fewer features. You get a suction power of 5,500 Pa on board and instead of a 350 ml dust container like in the S8+ and S8 Pro Ultra, there is a 770 ml dust container located under the hood of the budget model. Of course, there is also a water tank with a capacity of 180 ml.
For the more affordable price, you get fewer functions in return. The base of the Roborock Q5 Pro only serves as a charging dock. Similar to the Q8 Max+, we recommend the Roborock Q5 Pro and not the Roborock S8 (review) due to the huge price difference. Why pay $799 (MSRP) for the S8 when you can get the Q5 Pro for just $320?
Roborock S Series
Roborock’s S series of vacuum robots feature the mopping function as part of being in the premium range. Each model puts you at a financial disadvantage when compared with its market rivals. However, you get absolute premium quality in each robot vacuum cleaner. There is no difference between the models available on the market when it comes to the suction and mopping process.
The docking stations from the S8 Pro Ultra onwards boast highly automated processes, with the option to select “charging outside of peak times” via the Roborock app. The docking stations of the new S8 models, which await us in 2024, also offer additional space for self-cleaning.
Roborock Q Series
The Q series of Roborock’s robot vacuum cleaners represent the mid-range models from the Chinese manufacturer. Compared to the S series, you spend less on them but have to accept certain compromises. It begins with the suction power: the Roborock Q Revo MaxV and Q Revo Pro each have a suction power of 7,000 Pa, while the new S8 models have 10,000 and 8,000 Pa, respectively.
There are also differences in the individual components used: While the S8 series has a DuoRoller brush, the Q series only has a single solid rubber brush. You won’t find a vibrating mopping plate on the new Q-Revo models. Instead, Roborock installed an extendable mop in the latest Q models, similar to what Dreame featured in their L20 Ultra.
Which Roborock vacuum robot appeals to you most? Have you experienced any Roborock products so far? Please let us know in the comments!
This article was updated and completely revised in January 2024. Existing comments may therefore be read out of context.
