Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum Review Powerful Cleaning with Self-Emptying and Smart Features

Description

First Impressions and Design

I had the chance to test the roborock S8 Pro Ultra and, let me say, its build quality and sleek black finish immediately caught my eye. The dual-purpose design—a vacuum and mop in one—feels futuristic and practical. The robotic form factor allows it to glide seamlessly under furniture, and its compact design (measuring 16.8″L x 20.2″W x 17.7″H) makes it unobtrusive even when docked. The RockDock™ Ultra Dock it comes with is a game-changer, as it handles self-emptying, self-refilling, and mop-drying all in one station. It’s like having a personal cleaning assistant that works quietly in the background.

The interface is intuitive, and the combination of app, touch, and voice control makes operation versatile. I connected it to my Google Home and tested some voice commands, like “Start cleaning,” and it responded promptly. A bonus? It’s compatible with Amazon Echo and Siri Shortcuts too. The design makes it feel like a premium device tailored for tech-savvy users and busy households.

Key Benefits of the S8 Pro Ultra

This device is packed with features that elevate it above basic robotic vacuums. Here are some highlights:

• Powerful 6000Pa suction ensures effective cleaning on both carpets and hard floors, picking up everything from dust to pet hair with ease.
• The dual rubber brush system is fantastic for avoiding hair tangles, which is a game-changer for pet owners like myself.
• VibraRise 2.0 Mopping System impressed me with its high-speed scrubbing at 3000 times/min and consistent pressure, which lifted sticky stains effortlessly.
• Its 180-minute battery life gives it the capacity to clean large areas without constant recharging.
• Reactive 3D obstacle avoidance technology ensures it navigates around toys, cables, and other objects without getting stuck.

I was particularly amazed by the automatic mop washing and drying feature. Unlike other robotic mops that require manual intervention, this one takes care of everything, leaving the mop clean and ready for the next run. It truly makes cleaning a hands-off experience.

Performance and Limitations

While the performance of this robotic vacuum is generally stellar, there are a few areas where it could improve:

• Occasional struggles with darker floors: It seemed to hesitate more on black rugs or dark surfaces, likely due to its sensors.
• Loud self-emptying process: The noise during self-emptying is noticeable, which might be bothersome if you’re in the same room.
• Limited WiFi compatibility: It only supports 2.4G WiFi, which feels outdated in homes with more modern 5G networks.
• Hefty weight: At 31.1 pounds, it’s not exactly portable if you plan to move it between floors.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the positives far outweigh the negatives. The self-maintaining features alone make up for any shortcomings, as they save a significant amount of time and effort.

Cleaning Versatility

The flexibility of this device is mind-blowing. With liftable brushes and mop, it transitions seamlessly between vacuuming and mopping. My carpets received a thorough clean without any leftover dampness, thanks to the mop lifting mechanism. On hard floors, it scrubbed away dried coffee stains like a pro. I also experimented with the app’s customized cleaning options, setting virtual no-go zones and adjusting water flow levels. These features gave me a sense of control that I hadn’t experienced with previous robotic vacuums.

The large dust bag in the dock holds up to 7 weeks of debris, which means I don’t have to empty it frequently. This is a huge plus for anyone who hates dealing with dust and allergens.

Competing Products in the Market

I’ve owned a few robotic vacuums before, including models from iRobot and Ecovacs, so I can confidently say that this device holds its own. Compared to the iRobot Roomba s9+, the roborock S8 Pro Ultra offers better mopping capabilities and a more advanced docking system. However, the Roomba excels in mapping speed and simplicity.

Meanwhile, the Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni matches the S8 Pro Ultra in features like self-washing and drying but comes at a steeper price point. If affordability without compromising performance is your priority, the S8 Pro Ultra is the smarter choice. Obstacle avoidance and dual-brush technology give it an edge over many of its competitors, though it doesn’t feel as lightweight as some.

Price Worthiness

Considering the features packed into this product, like automatic dust collection, mop drying, and high suction power, it offers incredible value for its price. It’s not the cheapest option on the market, but the time and effort it saves are well worth the investment. The renewed version I tested worked flawlessly, looking and performing like new. If you’re someone who prioritizes convenience and advanced features, this product is worth every penny.

At the same time, the limitations, like WiFi compatibility and occasional noise, might not justify the cost for those who need a simpler solution. However, for tech enthusiasts or multi-pet households, this robotic vacuum is hard to beat.

Critiques

While testing, I noted a few areas for improvement:

• Sensor sensitivity on dark surfaces could be refined for smoother operation.
• The charging dock takes up significant space, which may not suit smaller apartments.
• Noise during emptying and refilling might not appeal to users who want a quieter experience.
• Initial setup can feel complex for those unfamiliar with smart devices.

These aren’t dealbreakers, but they might be factors to consider depending on your living space and preferences.

All in all, the roborock S8 Pro Ultra has made cleaning my home feel effortless and even a bit futuristic. For anyone in the market for a premium robotic vacuum and mop combo, this one checks almost all the boxes. Whether you’re battling pet hair, sticky spills, or just want to outsource your cleaning duties, it’s a strong contender.

Additional information