Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra Review

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Design and Build

The S8 MaxV Ultra looks and feels premium. The robot’s low profile helps it fit under many sofas and cabinets, while the dock has a clean, modern look with tanks neatly tucked away. The controls are simple, and the bumper and wheels feel sturdy enough for mixed flooring. The FlexiArm feature is the standout design upgrade, extending cleaning reach along baseboards and into corners so you get less of the dust line many round robots leave behind.

Setup and App Experience

Setup is straightforward. Fill the clean water tank (or follow the instructions if you’re using a plumbed refill/drain setup), then pair the robot in the app. The first mapping run is fast thanks to LiDAR. After that, you can name rooms, set no-go zones, create multi-level maps, and schedule cleaning by room or zone. The app also gives you helpful controls like suction levels, mopping intensity, carpet mop-lift behavior, and custom routines (for example, “kitchen after dinner” or “hallway daily”).

Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance

The S8 MaxV uses LiDAR plus front sensors to spot and avoid obstacles. In day-to-day use, it does a strong job navigating around chair legs and common clutter, and it’s less likely than many robots to get hung up on small items. It approaches walls smoothly, then uses its edge-focused cleaning to pull in debris others miss. It also handles most thresholds and rug edges confidently, which makes it a good fit for busy, lived-in spaces.

Vacuum Performance

With up to 10,000 Pa of suction, it offers excellent pickup for a robot vacuum. On hard floors, it pulls up fine dust and crumbs efficiently, and on low- to medium-pile carpet it does a solid job lifting embedded debris. Edge pickup is stronger than average thanks to the FlexiArm design. Pet hair is handled well, though you’ll still want to check the brush periodically in heavy-shedding homes. Automatic carpet boost helps performance without requiring constant setting changes.

Mopping System

For everyday messes like footprints and light stains, the mopping system is genuinely useful. The robot keeps the pad damp as it cleans, and the dock can wash and dry the mop to reduce odors and keep the pad fresher between runs. The up to 20 mm mop lift is key for homes with rugs or mixed flooring, helping prevent damp tracks on carpet. For dried-on spills, running a second pass at a higher mopping intensity usually does the trick.

Refill and Drainage System

The Ultra dock can be set up to automatically refill clean water and drain dirty water if you choose to plumb it in (where supported). That can eliminate two of the most common mopping chores: topping up and emptying tanks. For busy households, it’s a big step toward truly hands-off cleaning. Without plumbing, it still works well—you’ll just handle the tanks manually.

Smart Dirt Detection

Smart dirt detection helps the robot spend more time on areas that actually need it. In real use, high-traffic zones like the kitchen and entryway tend to get extra attention, which is exactly where most homes build up grime. It can also re-check stubborn spots after rinsing the mop, helping avoid spreading dirt around.

For Families and Pets

This model is a strong match for homes with kids, pets, and a mix of hard floors and rugs. It keeps up with daily crumbs under the table, litter tracking near the box, and muddy hallway prints with minimal babysitting. The mop wash/dry cycle also helps keep things cleaner between runs. If you’re managing allergies or simply want floors that stay consistently tidy, the combination of strong suction and frequent light mopping can make a noticeable difference.

Noise, Battery Life, and Runtime

Noise depends on the suction level. Standard cleaning is generally comfortable for everyday use, while max power is clearly louder (though still usually quieter than most uprights). Battery life is typically enough to cover large areas in a session, and if it runs low it can return to charge and resume. Mop washing and drying adds some dock time, but it’s automatic and doesn’t require you to step in.

Maintenance

Routine upkeep is simple. Empty the dustbin as needed, rinse the filter occasionally, and check the brush for hair. The dock’s wash tray also benefits from a quick weekly wipe. If you have hard water, occasional descaling can help keep the water system running smoothly. Since the dock automates much of the mop care, maintenance is mostly quick check-ins.

Comparisons

• Roborock S8 Pro Ultra: The S8 MaxV Ultra typically adds stronger peak suction and enhanced edge cleaning. If edge detail and more advanced automation are priorities, the MaxV is the better fit.
• Dreame L20 Ultra: Dreame also focuses on edges and mop features. Roborock’s mapping and obstacle handling feel especially polished, and its app stands out for schedules, rules, and customization.
• Roomba j9+ with Combo mop: Roomba’s auto-empty system is excellent and navigation is reliable, but for mixed hard floors and automated mopping, the S8 MaxV Ultra tends to offer stronger edge performance and a more hands-off mop routine.

Value for Money

This is a premium buy, but it combines daily vacuuming, better edge cleaning, and routine mopping into a system that can run with very little involvement. If you’ll use schedules regularly, the time saved each week can add up quickly. For many busy households, that convenience is what makes the price easier to justify.

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Pros ✅

• Up to 10,000 Pa suction with strong hard-floor and carpet pickup
• FlexiArm edge cleaning reduces dust buildup along baseboards and corners
• Auto mop washing and drying helps control odors and keeps mopping more consistent

Cons ❌

• Premium price may be a stretch for some budgets
• The dock needs dedicated space, and plumbing (if used) takes planning
• Consumables like filters and mop pads add ongoing costs

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Frequently Asked Questions ▾

Do I need to plumb the Ultra dock for refill and drain?

No. The robot and dock work well without plumbing—you can fill and empty the tanks manually. Plumbing simply automates clean-water refills and dirty-water draining for a more hands-off setup.

Will the mop get my rugs wet?

The mop can lift up to 20 mm when carpet is detected. You can also set no-mop zones or adjust carpet settings in the app to keep specific rugs completely dry.

Does it avoid pet mess and small obstacles like cables?

It uses LiDAR plus front sensors to detect and route around many common obstacles, including toys and cables. For the best reliability, keep loose cords as tidy as possible and use no-go zones in areas that frequently cause trouble.

What maintenance does it need week to week?

Empty the dustbin as needed, rinse the filter occasionally, and check the main brush for wrapped hair. Wipe the dock wash tray about once a week, and descale periodically if your water is hard.

What should I put in the water tank for mopping?

Use plain water, or a Roborock-approved cleaning solution if your model supports it. Avoid vinegar, bleach, and unapproved cleaners, which can damage internal components and void warranties.