If you’re tired of endless vacuuming and mopping, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is your ticket to a cleaner home with minimal effort. I was skeptical about dropping serious cash on a robot vacuum, but after weeks of testing, I’m sold.
This sleek, high-tech marvel vacuums, mops, and even cleans itself, making it a must-have for anyone craving a low-maintenance, spotless home. From its powerful suction to its smart navigation, it’s a game-changer.
Trust me, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.
My Experience With The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
I’ve been using the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra for about a month now, and it’s transformed my daily routine.
Living in a house with two shedding cats and a toddler who leaves a trail of crumbs, I was desperate for a cleaning solution that didn’t require me to babysit it.
Enter the S8 Pro Ultra, which I affectionately call “Robby.”
From the moment I unboxed it, I was impressed by its sleek design—available in black or white, it looks modern and unobtrusive in my living room.
Setting it up was a breeze. I downloaded the Roborock app, connected it to my Wi-Fi, and let Robby map my home. Within minutes, it had created a detailed 3D map of my space, accurately identifying rooms and even furniture. I was blown away by how it navigated around chair legs and avoided my cat’s water bowl without any hiccups.
The first time I sent it to clean, I watched it glide effortlessly across my hardwood floors, picking up cat hair and dust bunnies I didn’t even know were there. The mopping feature was equally impressive, leaving my tiles sparkling without streaks.
What really sold me was the hands-off experience. The RockDock Ultra, the all-in-one docking station, handles everything—emptying the dustbin, washing the mop, refilling water, and even drying the mop pad to prevent odors.
I only need to check the water tanks and dust bag every few weeks, which feels like a small price to pay for floors that stay clean with almost no effort. I’ve set Robby to run every other day, and my house has never looked better.
Even my cats, who initially followed it around like curious stalkers, now ignore it as it does its thing. It’s like having a silent, efficient cleaning buddy who never complains.
Pros of the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
- Powerful Suction for All Surfaces
The S8 Pro Ultra boasts an impressive 6,000Pa of suction power, which is more than enough to tackle everything from fine dust to pet hair.
I tested it on my hardwood floors, tiles, and medium-pile carpets, and it didn’t disappoint.
It effortlessly sucked up cat hair, cereal crumbs, and even small bits of mulch my toddler tracked in.
The dual rubber rollers (DuoRoller Riser) spin in opposite directions, preventing hair tangles and ensuring thorough cleaning. Compared to my old handheld vacuum, this thing is a beast, leaving beautiful vacuum lines on my rugs that make me feel like a cleaning pro.
- Advanced Mopping with VibraRise 2.0
The mopping feature is where the S8 Pro Ultra shines. The VibraRise 2.0 system uses dual vibration modules to scrub floors with 3,000 vibrations per minute, tackling stubborn dirt like dried juice stains.
I was skeptical at first, but after running it on my kitchen tiles, I noticed a real difference—no more sticky spots! The mop lifts automatically when it detects carpets, so my rugs stay dry.
You can adjust mopping intensity via the app, and I usually crank it to “Deep” for a thorough scrub. It’s not a full replacement for manual mopping, but it’s darn close for daily maintenance.
- Hands-Free Automation with RockDock Ultra
The RockDock Ultra is a game-changer. This massive docking station (17 x 20 x 17 inches) handles all the dirty work: it empties the dustbin into a 2.5L bag, washes and dries the mop pad, and refills the water tank.
I only need to swap the dust bag every 7 weeks or so and refill the clean water tank every few days, depending on how often I run Robby. The hot air drying feature prevents mold and smells, which is a huge plus.
It’s like having a self-sufficient cleaning crew that only needs occasional supervision.
- Smart Navigation and App Control
The S8 Pro Ultra uses LiDAR and infrared sensors for precise mapping and navigation. It mapped my home in record time, letting me customize cleaning zones, set no-go areas, and schedule runs through the intuitive Roborock app.
I love how I can send Robby to clean specific rooms or even a tiny 0.1m² spot if my kid spills something. The app also integrates with Alexa and Google Home, so I can just yell, “Clean the kitchen!” and Robby gets to work.
The remote control feature is a fun bonus—I’ve used it to chase my cats around (don’t judge).
- Low Maintenance Design
Despite its high-tech features, the S8 Pro Ultra is surprisingly easy to maintain. The dual rubber rollers resist hair tangles, which is a lifesaver with my long-haired cats. Cleaning the rollers takes minutes—just pop them out, remove any stray hairs, and snap them back in.
The app even reminds you when to clean sensors or replace parts, making upkeep a no-brainer. Compared to older robot vacuums I’ve owned, this one feels like it was designed with real users in mind.
Not-So-Good Parts of The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
- Hefty Price Tag
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the S8 Pro Ultra costs around $1,600, which isn’t pocket change.
I got mine on sale for $800, and even then, it felt like a splurge.
While the features justify the cost for me, it’s a tough sell if you’re on a budget.
There are cheaper alternatives, like the Roborock S8 ($750) or Ecovacs Deebot T9+ ($799), that offer similar vacuuming and mopping but lack the full automation of the RockDock Ultra.
If you don’t need all the bells and whistles, you might not need to go all-in on this model.
- Obstacle Avoidance Could Be Better
The S8 Pro Ultra’s Reactive 3D Obstacle Avoidance is good, but not perfect. It avoids big objects like shoes and toys with ease, but it’s had a few run-ins with cords. Once, it dragged a phone charger across the room before getting stuck, and another time, it got tangled in a lamp cord.
I had to rescue it, which was a minor annoyance. The app marks obstacles it detects, but it doesn’t always avoid them cleanly. If you have a cluttered home with lots of cables, you’ll need to tidy up before letting Robby loose.
- Mopping Limitations
While the mopping is impressive for a robot, it’s not flawless. It struggles with stubborn stains, like dried milk spots from my toddler. I’ve had to go over some areas with a manual mop for a deep clean.
Also, there’s no noticeable difference between the three mopping strengths (Light, Balanced, Deep), which was disappointing. The app lets you turn off the “avoid carpet” setting to mop raised surfaces like cushioned mats, but it’s a workaround.
If you have high-pile rugs (over 4mm), the mop might still dampen them slightly, so you’ll need to use the “avoid carpet” mode.
- App Could Use Polish
The Roborock app is solid but not perfect. It’s intuitive for basic tasks, but some settings, like troubleshooting blockages, are poorly explained. I once spent 10 minutes figuring out how to clear a roller jam because the app’s instructions were vague.
Also, you’re locked into using Roborock’s cleaning solution, which costs $18.99 for a bottle that lasts about three months. I’d love to use my stockpile of Bona, but Roborock warns against it to avoid corrosion.
It feels like a cash grab, especially since there’s no clear discount for registered users, despite what the website claims.
- Large Dock Footprint
The RockDock Ultra is a beast, measuring 17 inches high, 20 inches deep, and 17 inches wide. It’s not something you can tuck under a side table, and it’s a bit of an eyesore in my small living room. If space is tight, you’ll need to plan where to put it.
The dock’s coverless design makes accessing water tanks easy, but it also means dust can settle on them. A sleeker, more compact dock would make this a more attractive option for smaller homes.
Maintenance Tips For The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
- Keep the Dust Bag in Check
The S8 Pro Ultra’s dust bag holds about 7 weeks’ worth of debris, but if you have pets or a messy household, check it every 4-6 weeks. It’s super easy to replace—just open the dock’s cover, pull out the bag (it seals automatically to prevent spills), and pop in a new one.
I keep a few spare bags on hand (they’re not reusable, so stock up). The app will alert you when it’s full, but I like to peek at it occasionally to avoid surprises.
- Clean the Rollers Regularly
The dual rubber rollers are designed to resist hair tangles, but they still need cleaning every 1-2 weeks, especially if you have pets. Pop them out (it’s a simple clip mechanism), remove any hair or debris with your fingers or a brush, and snap them back in.
It takes less than 5 minutes. The app suggests replacing the rollers every 6-12 months, but I haven’t needed to yet—mine still look good after a month.
- Wipe Down Sensors
The S8 Pro Ultra relies on LiDAR and infrared sensors for navigation, so keep them clean. Every couple of weeks, grab a soft, dry cloth and wipe the sensors on the front and bottom of the robot. Dusty sensors can mess with mapping accuracy.
The app will remind you, but I make it part of my routine when I empty the water tanks.
- Manage the Water Tanks
The dock has two water tanks: one for clean water and one for dirty water. Refill the clean tank every few days (I use Roborock’s cleaning solution for best results) and empty the dirty tank at the same time. Both have handles for easy removal, and the coverless design makes it quick.
Rinse the dirty tank occasionally to prevent buildup. If you’re mopping a lot, check the tanks more often to avoid running dry mid-cycle.
- Maintain the Mop Pad
The mop pad gets washed and dried automatically by the dock, but you should still inspect it every few weeks. If it looks worn or stained, toss it in the washing machine (Roborock says it’s machine-washable) or replace it every 6-12 months.
The dock’s drying feature prevents odors, but I still give the pad a sniff now and then to ensure it’s fresh. Keep a spare pad handy for quick swaps.
Comparison of Roborock S8 Pro Ultra With Other Brands
I’ve put the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra through its paces and compared it to three strong contenders: the Dreame L10s Ultra, Narwal Freo X Ultra, and Eufy S1 Pro Robotic Vacuum.
To give you a clear picture, I’m breaking it down by pitting each against the S8 Pro Ultra head-to-head, focusing on key factors like suction power, mopping, automation, navigation, and maintenance.
My home, with its mix of hardwood, tiles, medium-pile carpets, and two shedding cats, was the testing ground. Here’s how they stack up.
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Vs. Dreame L10s Ultra
- Suction Power and Cleaning Performance: The S8 Pro Ultra’s 6,000Pa suction is a beast, effortlessly grabbing cat hair, cereal crumbs, and mulch from my floors and carpets. Its dual rubber rollers resist tangles, a lifesaver with my long-haired cats. The Dreame L10s Ultra, with 5,300Pa, does well on hard floors but struggles slightly with heavier debris on carpets. It picks up pet hair decently, but I noticed more stragglers compared to the S8.
- Mopping Capabilities: The S8’s VibraRise 2.0 system vibrates 3,000 times per minute, scrubbing my tiles clean without streaks. Its 5mm mop lift keeps carpets dry, though high-pile rugs need the “avoid carpet” setting. The Dreame’s dual rotating mop pads scrub harder, tackling stubborn stains better, but they leave faint streaks on glossy tiles and need more frequent cleaning.
- Automation and Docking: The S8’s RockDock Ultra is a hands-off dream, handling dustbin emptying (2.5L bag, ~7 weeks), mop washing, and drying. I only check it every few weeks. The Dreame’s dock is similar but slimmer, requiring more frequent cleaning of its mop-washing tray. It lacks the S8’s hot air drying, so mold is a slight concern.
- Navigation and App Control: The S8’s LiDAR and infrared sensors map my home precisely, letting me customize zones and schedules via the intuitive Roborock app. It avoids most obstacles but trips on cords. The Dreame’s navigation is comparable, but its app feels clunkier, with less seamless smart home integration (Alexa, Google Home). Troubleshooting blockages is also less clear.
- Maintenance: The S8’s rollers and sensors are easy to clean, and the app reminds me when to check them. The Dreame’s rotating mops collect more hair, making cleanups a bit messier. Both docks need occasional tank refills, but the S8’s design feels more user-friendly.
Winner: The S8 Pro Ultra edges out for its stronger suction, streak-free mopping, and low-maintenance dock, though the Dreame’s stain-scrubbing mops are a plus.
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Vs. Narwal Freo X Ultra
- Suction Power and Cleaning Performance: The S8’s 6,000Pa suction handles my mixed floors with ease, leaving crisp vacuum lines on carpets. The Narwal Freo X Ultra, at 5,500Pa, is solid on hard floors but less effective on medium-pile carpets where pet hair embeds. It scatters lightweight debris slightly before sucking it up.
- Mopping Capabilities: The S8’s vibrating mop tackles daily grime well, but struggles with dried stains like milk. The Narwal’s triangular mop pads with DirtSense technology adjust pressure for messier spots, giving it a slight edge on tough stains. However, it can streak on high-gloss floors, unlike the S8.
- Automation and Docking: The S8’s RockDock Ultra automates everything—dustbin, mop washing, and drying. The Narwal’s dock is compact and self-cleans, but its 1L dust bag fills faster (4-5 weeks), and it lacks mop drying, requiring manual pad removal to prevent odors. I prefer the S8’s hands-off approach.
- Navigation and App Control: The S8’s LiDAR navigation rarely gets stuck, except on cords, and the app’s room-specific cleaning is a breeze. The Narwal’s navigation is decent but less precise, occasionally bumping furniture. Its app is user-friendly but lacks the S8’s advanced zoning options.
- Maintenance: The S8’s rollers and sensors need minimal upkeep, with app reminders keeping me on track. The Narwal’s mop pads collect debris faster, requiring more frequent washing. Its dock’s smaller tanks mean more refills, which feels less convenient.
Winner: The S8 Pro Ultra wins for its automation and navigation, though the Narwal’s stain-focused mopping is impressive.
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Vs. Eufy S1 Pro Robotic Vacuum
- Suction Power and Cleaning Performance: The Eufy S1 Pro’s 8,000Pa suction is a monster, outpacing the S8’s 6,000Pa. It grabs pet hair and debris well but scatters lightweight dust before collecting it, which can be frustrating. The S8’s dual rollers ensure cleaner passes, especially on carpets, with no scattering.
- Mopping Capabilities: The S8’s VibraRise 2.0 delivers streak-free mopping, though it’s weak on stubborn stains. The Eufy’s mopping is decent but less advanced, with a single vibrating pad that leaves occasional streaks. Its 7mm mop lift is better for high-pile carpets, giving it a slight edge there.
- Automation and Docking: The S8’s RockDock Ultra is unmatched, with self-emptying, mop washing, and drying. The Eufy’s dock empties dust (2L bag, ~6 weeks) and washes the mop but skips drying, so pads can get musty. I had to intervene more with the Eufy’s dock maintenance.
- Navigation and App Control: The S8’s LiDAR maps my home flawlessly, with easy app controls for zones and schedules. The Eufy’s navigation is good but less precise, occasionally missing small areas. Its app is intuitive but lacks the S8’s depth for customizing cleaning paths.
Maintenance
The S8’s tangle-free rollers and app-guided maintenance are a breeze. The Eufy’s single roller collects more hair, requiring frequent cleaning. Its dock’s lack of drying means extra steps to keep the mop fresh, which feels like a chore compared to the S8.
Winner: The S8 Pro Ultra takes it for its polished automation and navigation, though the Eufy’s raw suction power is tempting.
Overall Winner: The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra stands out for its balanced performance, hands-free dock, and intuitive app, making it my top choice for a low-maintenance, powerful clean. The Dreame is great for stain-heavy homes, the Narwal for compact spaces, and the Eufy for high-pile carpets, but the S8’s versatility seals the deal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely, if you value convenience and have the budget. The S8 Pro Ultra’s automation—self-emptying, self-washing, self-drying—makes it a set-it-and-forget-it dream. Its 6,000Pa suction and VibraRise 2.0 mopping handle daily messes with ease, saving me hours each week. At $1,600, it’s pricey, but sales (like my $800 deal) make it more palatable. If you have pets, kids, or a busy schedule, it’s a worthwhile investment for pristine floors with minimal effort.
The S8 Pro Ultra isn’t perfect. The $1,600 price tag is steep, and the large dock can be a space hog. Obstacle avoidance struggles with cords, requiring occasional rescues. Mopping doesn’t tackle stubborn stains well, and the app could be more user-friendly for troubleshooting. You’re also tied to Roborock’s cleaning solution, which adds to the cost. Some users report spotty customer service, though I’ve had prompt, helpful responses so far.
Yes! The S8 Pro Ultra can vacuum and mop simultaneously, thanks to its automatic brush-lifting technology. It senses floor types and lifts the mop pad when it hits carpets, keeping them dry. You can also set it to vacuum-only or mop-only modes via the app. I love running both functions at once—it saves time and keeps my floors spotless in one pass.
Reddit users are largely enthusiastic about the S8 Pro Ultra, with many calling it a game-changer for automated cleaning. Posts highlight its seamless automation and strong performance on pet hair and hard floors. Some gripe about the price and occasional cord tangles, but the consensus is that it’s worth it for busy households. One user compared it to “going from an iPhone 1 to an iPhone 15,” which mirrors my experience of it being a huge leap forward.
Conclusion: Get The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra and Reclaim Your Time
After weeks with the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra, I’m convinced it’s a must-buy for anyone who hates cleaning but loves a spotless home. Its powerful suction, advanced mopping, and hands-free dock make it a dream for busy folks like me.
Despite the high price and minor hiccups with cords, the time and effort it saves are priceless. If you’re ready to ditch the mop and vacuum, grab this robot and enjoy cleaner floors with zero hassle.