Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra Review: Top-Tier Robot Tested

In This Review
Cleaning Performance | Navigation | Build Quality | Noise Test | Usability | Maintenance | Size | Specs | Product Evolution | Comparison | FAQs

Performance Summary

At Modern Castle we test 14 different factors that impact the performance, build quality, and usability of the vacuum. Below is a complete list of our testing categories and their performance.

Test Type	Test Data
Overall Debris Tests	96.4%
Hardwood Floor Test	99.8%
Low Pile Carpet Test	95.7%
High Pile Carpet Test	93.9%
Long Hair Test	40.0%
Pet Hair Test	99.0%
Crevice Test	100%
Edge Cleaning Test	100%
Mop Test	Exceptional
Cleaning Speed	50 min.
Obstacle Avoidance	Yes
Build Quality Test	Exceptional
Noise Test	68 dB

Video Review

The S8 MaxV Ultra had almost a perfect cleaning score. It had zero issues collecting all the debris types and on all our testing surfaces.

If you want the best, this is the robot you want on your team.

To test the debris removal performance of the S8 MaxV Ultra, we put it through a series of 12 different cleaning tests consisting of 3 different floor types and 4 different debris types.

We measure 0.5 oz. of each debris type, spreading it evenly across the floor for the vacuum to clean. Next, we run the S8 MaxV Ultra over the debris on the highest suction power, letting it perform 2 complete cleaning cycles. After, we measure how much of the debris remains by weight and compare it to the starting amounts to determine cleaning performance.

Here are the overall results for the Roborock Q Revo Pro:

In our debris tests, the S8 MaxV Ultra was able to remove 96.4% of debris by weight. 3.7% more debris than the average of 92.7%, based on all of our debris tests to date.

The main issue that the S8 MaxV Ultra had was getting the smaller debris like sugar and litter out of the carpet. We see this a lot with robots and it is not uncommon.

While observing the robot in the testing lane, we visibly saw the surface of the hardwood clean after only the first pass.

In our hardwood tests, the S8 MaxV Ultra was able to remove 99.8% of debris by weight. This is 2.6% more debris than the average of 97.2%, based on all of our debris tests to date.

This was a near-perfect score and demonstrates how exceptional this robot combo is on hardwood flooring.

Low pile carpet performance was excellent and outperformed our testing average. Its powerful suction, brush, and roller were able to collect a majority of the debris on the first pass.

In our low pile carpet tests, the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra was able to remove 95.7% of debris by weight. This is 5.8% more than the average of 89.9%, based on all of our debris tests to date.

While inspecting the remaining debris, we could only see the smaller, more granular pieces of sugar and kitty litter. The S8 MaxV ultra had no issues collecting the larger rice and cereal debris.

This testing surface was the lowest-scoring surface for the debris test. However, the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra scored higher than the testing average and visibly cleaned the entire surface area.

In our high pile carpet tests, the S8 MaxV Ultra was able to remove 93.9% of debris by weight. This is 3.4% more debris than the average of 90.5%, based on all of our debris tests to date.

We routinely see the thick carpet present a challenge to robot vacuums since the debris can get deep inside the high pile carpet. This was a slight issue for the S8 MaxV Ultra, but it did a good job with its max suction mode to collect a majority of the debris.

The only issue we observed while testing was it sometimes missed the larger debris. Since the robot would sink slightly because of the weight and height of the carpet, the larger cereal debris would struggle with clearance to be fed into the collection roller.

To test how well the S8 MaxV Ultra manages long hair and avoids tangles, we pit it against 0.3 grams of long hair. We lay the strands of the hair on the hardwood flooring and run the vacuum over it on the maximum suction power completing 2 cleaning cycles. After cleaning, we check the floor for hair and the brush roll for tangles

In our long hair tests, the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra had only 40% long hair tangle by weight. This is 10% less long hair than the average of 50%, based on all of our long hair tests to date.

Long hair can be an issue for any robot vacuum. As the hair is collected it can wrap around the roller and will fail to transfer to the collection bin. This was the case with the S8 MaxV Ultra, but it still managed to transfer 60% of the long hair into the collection bin.

For our pet hair test, we embed 1.0 grams of pet hair into a high-pile carpet. Next, we run the vacuum over the carpet completing 2 cleaning cycles on the highest suction power. Finally, we measure the amount of remaining pet hair on the carpet and compare it to the starting amount to determine performance.

In our pet hair tests, the S8 MaxV Ultra removed 99.0% of pet hair by weight. This is 20.6% more hair than the average of 78.4%, based on all of our pet hair tests to date.

This is a fantastic score for a robot vacuum. The brush and roller on the S8 MaxV Ultra were able to remove nearly all the hair from the high-pile carpet. We saw no tangling around the roller of the brush.

It’s important to note that not all pet hair is the same and these results can vary. While this robot had an exceptional performance with our pet hair, we recommend monitoring the robot’s first cleaning cycle to see how it handles your pet’s hair.

For our edge cleaning test, we test to see how close to the edge the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra can clean. To test this, we place 0.3 oz of debris (sugar, kitty litter, and a little bit of rice) directly along the edge of the wall, to about 4.0″ away from the wall. We let the vacuum complete 2 cleaning cycles in our enclosed testing lane.

Finally, we measured in inches how close the vacuum was able to clean in proximity to the wall and how much of the debris remained by weight.

In our edge cleaning tests, the S8 was able to remove 100% of debris by weight. This is 12.3% more debris than the average of 87.7%, based on all of our edge cleaning tests to date.

You can’t get a more perfect score than this. Its extending side brush paired with amazing navigation means this robot combo can get close to the edge. In addition, it meticulously brushes the edges to collect all the debris on its first pass.

We did see some debris get pushed around the testing field, but that is not uncommon for this test. It was all collected on follow-up passes as the robot cleaned the testing area.

To test the crevice-cleaning capabilities of the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, will fill 3 crevices in our tile testing lane with 0.1 oz of sugar each, totaling 0.3 oz. We then let the robot complete a single cleaning cycle on the highest suction power and check how much of the sugar remains by weight to determine performance.

In our crevice tests, the S8 MaxV Ultra was able to remove 100% of debris by weight from the crevices. This is 2% more debris than the average of 98.0%, based on all of our crevice tests to date.

This was another perfect score for the S8 MaxV Ultra. The power suction of this robot was able to get in between the tile and collect all the sugar we placed into the crevice.

This test, paired with our hardwood surface test, demonstrates that this robot combo has essentially zero issues cleaning hard floor surfaces.

To test the mopping capabilities of the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, we check how well it can remove small-scale stains and dirt on a broader scale.

In our mop test, the S8 MaxV Ultra showcased exceptional performance. On average, based on all of the robot-mop devices we’ve tested to date, we find they have good performance. The S8 MaxV Ultra is better.

With the height-adjustable mopping pad, extending mopping arm, and detergent reservoir, this robot can keep your floors looking clean and help reduce dirt buildup.

How well a robot vacuum can navigate and clean the home can greatly impact the overall user experience. To check how well the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra navigates, we focus on three key factors.

Our cleaning speed test showed the S8 MaxV Ultra was able to clean our ~1,000 sq. ft. office space within 50 minutes for both mopping and vacuuming.

The average cleaning speed we find, based on all robot vacuums we’ve tested to date, is 61 minutes. The S8 MaxV Ultra is 11 minutes faster than the average.

The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra comes with multiple sensors and software to help avoid obstacles and create the most efficient cleaning. First, the S8 MaxV Ultra comes with AI obstacle recognition software that helps identify the objects seen through the cameras and sensors. Second, the 3D structured light and RGB camera help map rooms, find dirt, and feeds information into the robots “brain”. Lastly, its paired up with a LiDAR sensor to help map rooms and feed more information into the software to maximize cleaning efficiency.

To test the obstacle avoidance of the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, we placed 4 objects in an area on the floor and sent the robot to clean around them. We observe the cleaning cycle, checking to see how well the robot vacuum navigates the space and avoids objects.

The S8 MaxV Ultra was able to detect and avoid all the objects. Even during the test, the S8 MaxV was able to notify us of a general category of what the object was. For example, when it approached fake pet waste, the app identified the obstacle as pet waste on the map and saved that location as a hazard. On the subsequent cleaning cycle, it cleared the obstacle and refreshed the map.

Based on all of the robots we’ve tested to date, this was one of the best obstacle avoidance performances we have seen.

We also test how well the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra cleans on a broader scale. We have the robot perform multiple cleaning cycles in our office and studio space, focusing on 3 core requirements: can it fully clean the space, can it not get stuck, and can it return to the base?

The S8 MaxV Ultra had fantastic navigational performance in our tests.

What impressed the team so much during testing and cleaning was how well the robot functioned holistically. The testing and follow-up cleaning cycles ran smoothly with no issues.

Realistically, if I had just set this up in my home and let it run, it would be a true worry-free cleaning system.

Our build quality test is a subjective test where we examine and assess the major material and design components of the robot vacuum. Specifically, we are looking for build and design issues that are more likely to break and/or be difficult to use.

Part	Build Quality
Overall	Exceptional
Body	Exceptional
Dustbin	Exceptional
Display / Controls	Exceptional
Spinning Side Brush	Exceptional
Wheels	Exceptional
Brush Roll	Exceptional
Charging Dock	Exceptional

When you first look at the robot, you know Roborock did not disappoint in the design and quality of this robot. It comes in either black or white and has an exceptional build quality to it. It has a thick body and base station that can withstand the day-to-day use of the robot. Additionally, all accessories and attachments have a sturdy and good-quality feel to them.

With this being Roborock’s high-end flagship robot combo, it distinguishes itself with exceptional build quality and style. When compared to other flagship robot combos, it’s on par with the market standard of build quality.

Vacuums are loud while in operation. To measure how loud, we run them on high pile carpet on each power mode and measure the noise generated with a sound meter. Before the test, we measure the ambient noise in the room to use as a baseline comparison to the vacuum.

Power Level	Noise Level
Ambient	40 dB
Quiet	66 dB
Balanced	67 dB
Turbo	67 dB
Max+	68 dB

In our noise tests, the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra generated 68.4 dB of noise on the max power mode. This is 0.29 dB lower than the average of 68.69 dB, based on all of our noise tests to date.

During the noise test, we didn’t notice much of a noise level change when switching between the modes. Only when it was on its lowest / highest suction mode did we truly see a change in noise levels.

One particular feature we want to point out is the small side mopping pad pictured above. This small rotating mopping pad helps get an even more precise cleaning.

The setup was easy, but the robot does come with a lot of protective packaging material. It took no more than 10 minutes to set the robot and base station up, connect the app and robot to WiFi, fill the water tank, and get the robot onto its first mapping.

With the app you can:

• Manage maps
• Adjust cleaning settings
• Adjust mopping settings
• Adjust cleaning sequence
• Manage Intelligent Voice Assistant
• Create a custom cleaning schedule
• View cleaning history
• View through the camera and speak through the device
• Manually control the robot
• Turn on do-not-disturb settings

The above list does not do the app any justice in the amount of features and customization the app / robot has. When setting up the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, we highly recommend exploring the app to set the robot up with your preferences in mind.

Everything is controlled through the app, with a few optional controls on top of the robot itself. It has three buttons:

• Home – It returns the robot to the base station and performs maintenance
• Power – Turns the robot on / off as well as start / pause the current cleaning process
• Spot Cleaning – Starts an area-specific spot cleaning cycle for ad hoc cleaning events.

In The Box

• Base Station
• S8 MaxV Ultra
• Mopping Pad
• Side Brush x 1
• Debris Back x 2
• User Manual

The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra has an estimated yearly maintenance cost of $32. The following are the major maintenance tasks for the S8 MaxV Ultra.

Task	Description	Est. Annual Cost
Dust Bin	Empty dust bin as needed	$0
Brush roll	Remove tangles and any obstructions	$0
Filter	Periodically clean and replace as needed	$0
Dock Debris Bag	Replace as needed (Pack Of 6)	$31.99
Mop Pads	Wash and replace as needed	$0
Spinning Side Brush	Remove tangles, replace once a year	$0
Wheels	Remove tangles, replace as needed	$0
Dock Base Plate	Clean as needed	$0
Dock Water Tanks	Fill the clean tank and empty the dirty tank as needed	$0

Roborock did not hold back when planning to pack the S8 MaxV Ultra with worry-free maintenance features.

First, the base station comes with hot water mop washing to keep the mopping pad clean. If you look into the robot docking bay, you’ll see this cleaning track that runs along the mopping pad, providing even cleaning and drying to the pad.

Second, the S8 MaxV Ultra comes with the option for a refill & drain system to automate the mopping maintenance even further. You’ll need to do some plumbing to connect the base station, but this is an incredible feature to minimize your weekly maintenance tasks.

And finally, the extra large debris bag in the base station. The S8 MaxV Ultra will transfer its debris into the base station to help collect more debris. Depending on how dirty your floors are, this will most likely be a 1 to 2-month maintenance task.

Size & Dimensions

When compared with other high-end robot mop vacuum combos, the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is about the same size and weight.

Size	Measurement
Dustbin Capacity	9 oz. (270 mL)
Water Tank Capacity	3 oz. (100 mL)
Dock Debris Capacity	Unknown
Dock Clean Water Tank Capacity	Unknown
Dock Dirty Water Tank Capacity	Unknown
Height	4″ (10 cm)
Diameter	14″ (35 cm)
Weight	32 lbs. (15 kg)

Specifications

The following table details the product specifications according to the manufacturer.

Manufacturer Specifications
Type	Robot Mop Combo
Manufacturer	Roborock
Model	S8 MaxV Ultra
Height	4″ (10 cm)
Diameter	14″ (35 cm)
Weight	32 lbs. (15 kg)
Floor Type	all (indoor)
Sensors	LiDAR & RGB & Obstacle Recognition
Dustbin Capacity	9 oz. (270 mL)
Water Tank Capacity	3 oz. (100 mL)
Dock Debris Capacity	Unknown
Dock Clean Water Tank Capacity	Unknown
Dock Dirty Water Tank Capacity	Unknown
Run Time	180 min.
Suction Power	1247 AW
Obstacle Avoidance	Yes
Zone Cleaning	Yes
Room Cleaning	Yes
Digital Mapping	Yes
Bagless	No
Warranty	1 year
Price	Check Price

Product Evolution

The S series robots from Roborock have had excellent performance on all our tests. In the Modern Castle Lab, we use a S7 MaxV Ultra to keep our floors clean. The S8 MaxV Ultra is an exceptional robot combo to continue the legacy of the S series.

The S8 does come in several other variants including the S8 / S8+, S8 Pro Ultra, S8 Max Ultra, S8 MaxV Ultra. Each with different features and options to help the robot clean. Below is a table with a few comparisons of the different models

Feature	S8/S8+	S8 Pro Ultra	S8 Max Ultra	S8 MaxV Ultra
Auto Mop Washing / Drying		X	X	X
Auto Water Tank Empty / Refill		X	X	X
Auto Debris Emptying	X	X	X	X
Extra Edge Mop			X	X
FlexiArm SideBrush			X	X
Automatic Brush Lifting		X	X	X
Dual Brush Roller				X

How does Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra compare?

Below is a complete list of our vacuum tests and critical product data compared side by side to the average based on all of our vacuum tests to date.

Test Type	Test Data	Avg. Data
Overall Debris Tests	96.4%	92.7%
Hardwood Floor Test	99.8%	97.2%
Low Pile Carpet Test	95.7%	89.9%
High Pile Carpet Test	93.9%	90.5%
Long Hair Test	40.0%	55.9%
Pet Hair Test	99.0%	78.4%
Edge Cleaning Test	100%	87.7%
Crevice Test	100%	98.0%
Mop Test	100%	89.8%
Cleaning Speed	50 min.	61 min.
Obstacle Avoidance	Yes	Yes
Cleaning Efficiency	Exceptional	Exceptional
Build Quality	Exceptional	Exceptional
Noise Test	68 dB	69 dB
Type	Robot Mop Combo	Robot Vacuum
Bagless	No	Yes
Self-Empty	Yes	No
Auto-Wash	Yes	No
Dustbin Capacity	9 oz. (270 mL)	15.0 oz. (442.2 mL)
Weight	32 lbs. (15 kg)	8.7 lbs. (3.9 kg)

Overall, the S8 MaxV Ultra had excellent performance. For the price of this robot, you get excellent cleaning performance, exceptional navigation, user-friendly functionality, and the option for true worry-free maintenance.

While there are less expensive cleaning options, you don’t get the same level of comfort knowing that the job is getting done to your standard. Its incredible navigation and functionality are what set this robot apart from other high-end robots.

Other Vacuums to Consider

FAQs