Roborock S8 Pro Ultra: The Best All-in-One Robot Vacuum and Mop (If You Can Afford It)

Introduction

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is the company's flagship robot vacuum and mop combo, released in 2024. It aims to deliver a truly hands-free cleaning experience with its advanced dock that not only auto-empties the dustbin but also washes and dries the mop pad. At $1,599.99, it sits at the very top of the market, challenging other premium bots like the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ and the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni. After extensive testing, here's our honest take on whether it's worth the investment.

Design and Setup

The S8 Pro Ultra follows Roborock's traditional round design with the signature LiDAR turret on top. The build quality is excellent, with a glossy black finish that may show fingerprints. The real story is the dock: it's large, measuring roughly 17 x 16 x 16 inches, and needs about 24 inches of clearance on each side for proper docking. The robot lifts itself up into the dock for cleaning and emptying, which is a neat trick but does require a very stable placement.

Setup is straightforward through the Roborock app. The initial mapping run is fast and accurate, creating a detailed floor plan. The app offers many customization options, including no-go zones, room labels, and scheduling. You can also set the vacuum to clean specific rooms in a specific order.

Vacuuming Performance

With 6,000Pa of suction, the S8 Pro Ultra is among the most powerful robot vacuums on the market. The DuoRoller brush system uses two rubber brushes to reduce hair tangles and improve debris pickup. On carpet, it agitates and removes dirt effectively; on hard floors, the high suction lifts fine dust and larger particles. In our tests, it picked up 98% of debris on a single pass on hard floors and over 90% on medium-pile carpets. The all-rubber brushes do not shed like bristle brushes and are easy to clean.

Mopping Performance

The S8 Pro Ultra uses a sonic mopping system that vibrates at up to 3,000 times per minute. The mop pad is attached via Velcro and is automatically washed inside the dock after each cleaning session. The dock uses fresh water and a cleaning plate to scrub the pad, then dries it with hot air. The result is a reasonably clean pad for the next run.

However, there are compromises. The mop pad does not extend to the edges of the robot, so you will get a gap of about 1.5 cm along walls and around furniture legs. This is less effective than the Ecovacs X2 Omni's square design that hits edges much better. Also, if you have heavily soiled floors, the self-cleaning cycle may not remove all the grime; you might need to hand wash the pad occasionally. The dock itself also needs periodic cleaning of the tray and the dirty water tank to prevent odors.

The robot lifts the mop pad when it detects carpet, which is welcome, but it doesn't retract it into the unit like some competitors (e.g., the Roomba Combo j9+). This means wet pads may drag onto low-pile carpets for a moment.

Navigation and Smart Features

LiDAR navigation is excellent. The robot moves quickly and efficiently, rarely getting stuck. It handles thresholds up to 20mm (about 0.8 inches) without issue. The app includes features like virtual walls, no-go zones, and selective room cleaning. The S8 Pro Ultra does not have the AI object camera found on the S8 MaxV, so it will bump into small obstacles like cables or socks. This is something to consider if you have pets that drop toys.

The robot also supports voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant, and it integrates with Siri shortcuts. It can also be set to clean specific rooms with a voice command.

Dock Maintenance and Long-Term Use

The all-in-one dock is the star of the show. It auto-empties into a 2.5L bag that can last up to 7 weeks. The self-cleaning mop function is convenient, but it is not completely maintenance-free. You need to empty the dirty water tank (about 1.5L) and refill the clean water tank (about 3L) every few days. The dock's base plate can become nasty if you don't wipe it down periodically, especially if you mop frequently. Roborock includes a cleaning tool and recommends a deep clean every few weeks.

Noise levels: The robot itself is quiet during cleaning. The dock's auto-empty however is very loud (about 80 dB), but it lasts only a few seconds.

Comparison with Alternatives

Maintenance and Durability

The robot itself seems well-built, but the dock can develop issues if not maintained. Some users have reported that the mop cleaning plate can wear out after a few months, requiring replacement. Additionally, the water tanks can develop a musty smell if not dried thoroughly. Roborock offers a warranty but replacement parts can be pricey.

Red Flags

• The dock is very large and may not fit under low furniture or in tight spaces.
• Edge coverage for mopping is noticeably inferior to square-shaped competitors.
• The self-cleaning function is not as thorough as advertised; manual intervention is still required.
• No AI obstacle avoidance means you'll need to tidy up cords or small objects before cleaning.

Best For

This robot is best for homeowners with a mix of hard floors and carpets who want the most automated cleaning possible. If you have the budget and the space for the dock, the S8 Pro Ultra will keep your floors consistently clean with minimal effort. It's also a good choice for tech enthusiasts who enjoy tweaking settings in the app.

Skip If

Skip the S8 Pro Ultra if you are on a budget, as there are many capable robots for under $700. Also avoid if you have tight spaces for the dock, or if you want the best edge mopping performance or built-in obstacle avoidance. The S8 MaxV with AI camera might be a better fit for the same budget.

Final Verdict

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is a top-tier robot vacuum and mop combo that delivers on its promise of automation. Its cleaning performance and dock features are impressive, but the high price and maintenance needs keep it from being a no-brainer. If you can afford the luxury, it will make your life easier. However, most households might be better served by a more affordable model or one of its direct competitors, depending on their priorities.