Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Review: Is It Worth It?

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is the company's flagship robot vacuum and mop, and it promises to be the ultimate hands-free cleaning solution. With a self-emptying dock that also washes and dries the mop, it aims to remove almost all manual work. But does it live up to the hype? Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to bring you this in-depth review.

Design and Build Quality

The S8 Pro Ultra follows the familiar Roborock design: a round, dark gray robot with a small LiDAR turret on top. The build feels solid, and the brushed metal finish gives it a premium look. The robot is slightly taller than some competitors, but it still fits under most furniture with at least 4 inches of clearance.

The dock is the star of the show. It's large, measuring about 16.5 inches wide and 18.5 inches tall, and it houses a 2.5-liter dustbag, a 2.8-liter clean water tank, and a dirty water tank. The dock also has a built-in drying fan that blows warm air on the mop pad after cleaning, preventing odors and mildew.

One downside is the dock's footprint. It takes up a fair amount of space, and you need to leave room for the robot to dock and undock. If you have a small apartment, this might be a concern.

Cleaning Performance

The S8 Pro Ultra delivers exceptional vacuuming on both hard floors and low-pile carpets. With 6,000 Pa of suction, it's among the most powerful robot vacuums we've seen. In our tests, it picked up 95% of debris on hardwood and 92% on medium-pile carpet. The all-rubber brush is tangle-resistant, which is great for pet hair.

The robot uses a combination of LiDAR navigation and a camera for obstacle avoidance. It can recognize cords, shoes, and even pet waste, and it will avoid them to prevent tangles or smears. In practice, it successfully avoided a fake cable and a pair of shoes in our test room. However, it still had some trouble with very dark rugs, which it sometimes treated as cliffs and refused to clean.

Mopping Performance

The S8 Pro Ultra's mopping system is a significant upgrade from previous models. It uses two vibrating mop pads that move side-to-side at 3,000 times per minute, and the robot applies downward pressure to scrub stubborn stains. In our tests, it removed dried coffee and mud without leaving streaks.

The mop pads lift automatically when the robot detects carpet, so you don't have to worry about wetting your rugs. When the robot returns to the dock, the dock washes the pads with clean water and then dries them with warm air. This is a huge convenience, as you don't have to remove and hand-wash the pads after every use.

Ease of Use and App

The Roborock app is one of the best in the industry. It allows you to create detailed maps of your home, set no-go zones, and schedule cleanings. You can also choose between different cleaning modes, such as vacuum only, mop only, or vacuum and mop simultaneously.

The robot's voice control works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can start a cleaning with a simple command. The app also provides maintenance reminders, such as when to replace the filter or brush.

One minor issue is that the app can sometimes be slow to connect, and some users have reported occasional syncing problems. But these are rare and don't detract from the overall experience.

Self-Emptying and Self-Cleaning Dock

The dock is the main reason to buy the S8 Pro Ultra. After each cleaning, the robot returns to the dock, and the dock sucks the dirt from the robot's dustbin into a disposable bag. The bag holds up to 7 weeks of dirt, so you only need to change it about every two months.

The dock also refills the robot's water tank and washes the mop pads. The washing process uses high-pressure jets and then dries the pads with warm air. This means you can go weeks without touching the robot, which is a game-changer for busy households.

However, the dock is not completely maintenance-free. You'll need to empty the dirty water tank and refill the clean water tank every few days, depending on usage. The dock's filter and pads also need periodic cleaning, but it's much less frequent than with traditional mops.

Common Buyer Complaints

While the S8 Pro Ultra is highly rated, some users have raised a few issues. The most common complaint is the price, which is significantly higher than other robot vacuums. Some users also mention that the robot can get stuck on dark rugs, which is a known limitation of cliff sensors.

Another issue is that the dock is large and may not fit in tight spaces. Some users have also reported that the robot sometimes misses small debris in corners, though this is common with round robots.

Finally, a few users have noted that the app can occasionally lose connection, but this is usually resolved by restarting the app or the robot.

Comparison with Previous Models and Competitors

Compared to the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra, the S8 Pro Ultra offers stronger suction, a dual vibrating mop, and a slightly improved obstacle avoidance system. The dock is similar, but the S8's mop lift is higher, making it better at transitioning to carpets.

When compared to the iRobot Roomba Combo j7+, the S8 Pro Ultra has a clear advantage in mopping, as the Roomba's mop pad is not self-cleaning. The Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni is a close competitor, but the S8 Pro Ultra has better navigation and a more mature app.

Value for Money

The S8 Pro Ultra is expensive, but it offers a level of convenience that few other robots can match. If you have a mix of hard floors and carpets, and you hate mopping, this robot will save you hours each week. The self-cleaning dock alone is worth the premium for many users.

However, if you're on a budget, the standard Roborock S8 or the S7 MaxV Ultra offer similar performance at a lower price. The S8 Pro Ultra is best for those who want the absolute best and are willing to pay for it.

Final Verdict

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is the most advanced robot vacuum and mop we've reviewed. It excels in every category, from cleaning power to automation. The only real downsides are the high price and a few minor quirks. If you can afford it, it's a fantastic addition to any smart home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra replace both a vacuum and a mop?

Yes, it does both. It vacuums and mops in a single pass, and the dock automatically empties the dustbin, refills the water tank, and washes and dries the mop pad.

How does the S8 Pro Ultra compare to the S7 MaxV Ultra?

The S8 Pro Ultra has stronger suction (6,000 Pa vs 5,100 Pa), a new dual vibrating mop, and a slightly better obstacle avoidance system. The dock is similar, but the S8 also lifts the mop higher when not in use.

Can the S8 Pro Ultra handle pet hair and litter?

Yes, the rubber brush and high suction are effective on pet hair and litter. The self-emptying dock also helps contain allergens.

Is the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra worth the high price?

If you value convenience and have mixed flooring, it's worth it. For budget-conscious buyers, the S8 or S7 MaxV Ultra offer similar performance for less.

How often do you need to maintain the dock?

The dock's dustbag lasts about 7 weeks, the water tank needs refilling every few days, and the mop pad is washed automatically. You should clean the filter and sensors monthly.