I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can simplify our lives, and robot vacuums are a prime example. When it comes to keeping my floors spotless with minimal effort, I turn to brands like Roborock, known for their innovative designs and powerful performance.
In this article, I’ll compare the Roborock S8 and Q8 Max+, two standout models from their respective series, to help you decide which is the best fit for your home.
From suction power to mopping capabilities, I’ll break down their features, share my experiences, and provide a detailed pros and cons analysis to guide your purchase.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Roborock S8 | Roborock Q8 Max+ |
| Suction Power | 6000 Pa | 5500 Pa |
| Mopping System | VibraRise (sonic mopping, 6N pressure, auto-lift) | Standard mopping (no sonic vibration, manual pad removal) |
| Obstacle Avoidance | ReactiveAI 2.0 (camera-based) | Reactive Tech (structured light) |
| Navigation | PreciSense LiDAR | PreciSense LiDAR |
| Battery Life | 180 minutes | 240 minutes |
| Dustbin Capacity | 400 ml | 470 ml |
| Water Tank Capacity | 300 ml | 350 ml |
| Auto-Empty Dock | Optional (S8+ variant) | Included |
| Brush System | DuoRoller (twin rubber rollers) | DuoRoller (twin rubber rollers) |
| App Features | 3D mapping, no-go zones, selective room cleaning | 3D mapping, no-go zones, selective room cleaning |
| Price (Approximate) | $600–$750 | $500–$650 |
My Journey With Robot Vacuums
I’ll admit, I was skeptical about robot vacuums at first. The idea of a little machine zipping around my house, cleaning floors while I sipped coffee, sounded too good to be true. But after years of testing various models, I’m a convert, and Roborock has consistently impressed me.
The S8 and Q8 Max+ are two of their latest offerings, and I’ve spent weeks putting them through their paces in my home—a mix of hardwood, tile, and medium-pile carpets, with a dog that sheds like it’s his full-time job.
Let’s explore what makes these vacuums tick and how they stack up.
Design And Build Quality of Roborock S8 And Q8
Both the Roborock S8 and Q8 Max+ share that sleek, circular design that’s become a hallmark of modern robot vacuums.
They’re compact enough to slide under most furniture, with a low-profile build that measures about 3.8 inches tall.
I love how they blend into my home’s decor, whether parked in the living room or tucked away in a corner.
The S8 sports a slightly more premium finish, with a glossy top that looks sharp but attracts fingerprints.
The Q8 Max+, on the other hand, has a matte finish that’s a bit more practical for hiding smudges.
Durability is a strong suit for both. I’ve watched them bump into chair legs and survive encounters with my dog’s water bowl without a scratch. The Q8 Max+ feels just as sturdy as the S8, despite being positioned as a mid-range option.
Both have a raised LiDAR turret on top for navigation, along with three control buttons for manual operation. The craftsmanship screams quality, and I’m confident either could handle years of daily cleaning.
Suction Power And Vacuuming Performance
Suction power is where the S8 pulls ahead slightly. With 6000 Pa, it’s one of the most powerful robot vacuums I’ve tested. It effortlessly sucks up pet hair, crumbs, and even small debris like cat litter scattered across my hardwood floors.
I ran a test where I sprinkled flour on a rug, and the S8 cleared it in one pass, leaving no trace behind. Its DuoRoller brush system, with twin rubber rollers, minimizes hair tangles—a godsend for pet owners like me.
The Q8 Max+ isn’t far behind with 5500 Pa, which is still impressive for its price point. It handled the same flour test with ease, though it needed an extra pass on thicker carpets to match the S8’s results.
Both vacuums excel at picking up pet hair, but I noticed the Q8 Max+ occasionally left a few strands of longer human hair wrapped around its rollers. If you’ve got pets or kids dropping cereal everywhere, either model will keep your floors tidy, but the S8’s extra suction gives it an edge for deep-cleaning carpets.
Mopping Capabilities of Roborock S8 And Q8
Mopping is where the S8 really shines.
Its VibraRise system uses sonic vibrations (3000 times per minute) and applies 6N of downward pressure to scrub away stubborn stains.
I spilled some dried coffee on my kitchen tile, and the S8 removed it in two passes, leaving the floor sparkling.
The auto-lift feature is a game-changer—it detects carpets and lifts the mop pad to avoid wetting them, so I don’t have to babysit it during mixed-floor cleanings.
The Q8 Max+ has a solid mopping system, but it’s less advanced. It uses a standard mop pad with a 350 ml electric water tank, allowing me to adjust water flow via the app.
It tackled light messes like muddy paw prints well, but it struggled with tougher stains like the coffee spill, requiring multiple passes.
There’s no auto-lift, so I had to manually remove the mop pad before sending it over carpets, which was a minor hassle. If mopping is a priority, the S8 is the clear winner for its efficiency and convenience.
Navigation And Obstacle Avoidance
Both vacuums use Roborock’s PreciSense LiDAR navigation, which creates precise 3D maps of my home. I was impressed by how quickly they mapped my multi-level house, letting me set no-go zones and customize cleaning schedules via the Roborock app. They rarely get stuck, navigating around furniture and tight corners with ease.
For obstacle avoidance, the S8 uses ReactiveAI 2.0, a camera-based system that’s incredibly smart. It dodged socks, phone chargers, and even my dog’s toys without issue. On bare floors, it’s nearly flawless, though it struggled a bit on high-pile carpets, occasionally nudging small objects.
The Q8 Max+ relies on Reactive Tech, a structured light system that’s decent but less sophisticated. It avoided larger obstacles but sometimes bumped into thin items like a coat rack. For cluttered homes, the S8’s obstacle avoidance gives it a slight advantage.
Battery Life And Efficiency of Roborock S8 And Q8
Battery life is a standout feature for the Q8 Max+. Rated at 240 minutes on low power, it outlasts the S8’s 180 minutes.
In my tests, the Q8 Max+ cleaned my 2000-square-foot home twice on a single charge, with power to spare. It’s a great choice if you have a larger space or prefer less frequent charging.
The S8, while not as long-lasting, still managed my entire home in one go. Its battery efficiency is solid, but the Q8 Max+ takes the lead here, especially for homes with extensive floor space.
Both support recharge-and-resume, so they’ll return to the dock when low on power and pick up where they left off.
Dustbin And Water Tank Capacities
The Q8 Max+ has a slight edge in capacity. Its 470 ml dustbin and 350 ml water tank are larger than the S8’s 400 ml dustbin and 300 ml water tank. In practice, I emptied the Q8 Max+ less often, which was convenient during busy weeks.
The S8+ variant, however, comes with an auto-empty dock that holds up to seven weeks of debris, reducing maintenance. The Q8 Max+ also includes this dock, making both models hands-off for dustbin emptying. If you prefer less frequent manual maintenance without the dock, the Q8 Max+ is the better pick.
App Features And Smart Integration
The Roborock app is a highlight for both models. I could set cleaning schedules, adjust suction levels, and create no-mop zones with ease. The 3D mapping feature is particularly cool, letting me see a virtual layout of my home and target specific rooms.
Both support voice control with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, which I found handy for starting a clean while cooking dinner.
There’s no significant difference in app functionality between the S8 and Q8 Max+. Both offer selective room cleaning, multi-floor mapping, and real-time tracking. The app’s user-friendly interface made it simple to tweak settings, even for someone like me who’s not a tech wizard.
Price And Value of Roborock S8 And Q8
Price is where the Q8 Max+ gains ground. At $500–$650, it’s more budget-friendly than the S8, which ranges from $600–$750.
The S8+ with the auto-empty dock pushes the cost higher, while the Q8 Max+ includes it standard. For the extra cost, the S8 offers superior mopping and obstacle avoidance, but the Q8 Max+ delivers comparable vacuuming performance and longer battery life at a lower price.
If you’re looking to save without sacrificing too much, the Q8 Max+ is a fantastic value.
Pros and Cons of The Roborock S8
Pros
- Powerful Suction: 6000 Pa makes it a beast for deep-cleaning carpets and hard floors.
- Advanced Mopping: VibraRise sonic mopping tackles tough stains, and auto-lift prevents carpet wetting.
- Smart Obstacle Avoidance: ReactiveAI 2.0 navigates cluttered spaces with precision.
- Premium Build: Sleek design and durable construction feel high-end.
- Versatile App: Robust features like 3D mapping and voice control enhance usability.
Cons
- Shorter Battery Life: 180 minutes is solid but lags behind the Q8 Max+.
- Smaller Capacities: 400 ml dustbin and 300 ml water tank require more frequent emptying.
- Higher Price: Costs more than the Q8 Max+, especially with the auto-empty dock.
- Camera Privacy Concerns: ReactiveAI 2.0 uses cameras, which may worry some users.
- Carpet Obstacle Issues: Slightly less effective at avoiding obstacles on high-pile carpets.
Pros And Cons of The Roborock Q8 Max+
Pros
- Long Battery Life: 240 minutes is ideal for larger homes.
- Larger Capacities: 470 ml dustbin and 350 ml water tank mean less maintenance.
- Auto-Empty Dock Included: Hands-off dustbin emptying at a lower price point.
- Strong Suction: 5500 Pa handles most debris types effectively.
- Affordable: Offers near-premium performance for less.
Cons
- Basic Mopping: Lacks sonic vibration and auto-lift, requiring manual pad removal.
- Less Advanced Obstacle Avoidance: Reactive Tech is good but not as precise as the S8’s system.
- Slightly Weaker Suction: 5500 Pa is strong but doesn’t match the S8’s 6000 Pa.
- Hair Tangles: Occasionally struggles with longer human hair on rollers.
- No Camera-Based Navigation: Misses out on the S8’s advanced obstacle detection.
My Experience With Roborock S8 And Q8
To really understand these vacuums, I put them through a series of real-world tests in my home. My living room, with its mix of hardwood and area rugs, is a pet hair magnet thanks to my golden retriever.
The S8 breezed through, picking up fur and dust in one pass, and its mopping system left my hardwood gleaming. The auto-lift feature was a lifesaver, seamlessly transitioning from tile to rug without leaving wet streaks.
The Q8 Max+ performed admirably, but I had to be more hands-on. I removed the mop pad before sending it over carpets, which was a minor inconvenience. It cleaned my kitchen tile well, but a dried juice stain took three passes to fully remove.
Its battery life was a standout—I sent it on a marathon cleaning session across my entire first floor, and it still had juice left.
In a cluttered hallway with shoes and dog toys, the S8’s ReactiveAI 2.0 dodged everything like a pro. The Q8 Max+ bumped into a sneaker once but corrected its path quickly. Both mapped my home accurately, but the S8 felt a touch more polished in tight spaces.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between the S8 and Q8 Max+ depends on your priorities.
If you want top-tier mopping and obstacle avoidance, the S8 is worth the extra cost.
Its VibraRise system and camera-based navigation make it ideal for homes with mixed flooring and lots of clutter.
Pet owners and those with high-traffic areas will appreciate its deep-cleaning power.
If budget and battery life are your focus, the Q8 Max+ is a fantastic choice. It offers near-S8 performance at a lower price, with a longer runtime and larger capacities. It’s best for larger homes or those who don’t need advanced mopping features.
The included auto-empty dock is a big plus for hands-off maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The S series, like the S8, is Roborock’s premium line, offering advanced features like sonic mopping, higher suction (up to 6000 Pa), and camera-based obstacle avoidance. The Q series, including the Q8 Max+, is mid-range, with strong performance (up to 5500 Pa), simpler mopping, and structured light obstacle avoidance, often at a lower price.
Yes, the S8 is excellent, with powerful 6000 Pa suction, advanced VibraRise mopping, and smart navigation. It’s ideal for homes with mixed floors and pets, though its higher price and shorter battery life are considerations.
The S8+ includes an auto-empty dock that holds up to seven weeks of debris, reducing manual maintenance. The S8 has a standard charging dock, requiring more frequent dustbin emptying. Both share identical cleaning performance and features.
The S8 outperforms the S7 with 6000 Pa suction (vs. 2500 Pa), a dual-roller brush for better hair management, and improved obstacle avoidance. Its VibraRise mopping is also more advanced, making it a better choice for most users.
Wrapping Up
You’re probably wondering which robot vacuum will make your life easier without breaking the bank. After testing the Roborock S8 and Q8 Max+, I can say both are fantastic, but they cater to different needs.
The S8 is your go-to if you want cutting-edge mopping and navigation, perfect for tackling tough stains and cluttered homes.
The Q8 Max+ is a budget-friendly powerhouse with longer battery life and solid performance, ideal for larger spaces. Weigh your priorities—mopping prowess or cost savings—and you’ll find the perfect fit for your home.