Roborock S8 Max Ultra

The S8 Max Ultra: A Premium Robot Vacuum That Almost Has It All

At $1,599, the Roborock S8 Max Ultra represents serious money for a robot vacuum. But here’s the thing: it delivers serious performance too. This 2024 flagship combines 8,000 Pa suction with a full-service dock that washes mops with hot water, auto-empties dust, and even dispenses detergent. The big question isn’t whether it’s capable—it’s whether those capabilities justify the price tag over increasingly competitive alternatives.

What Sets It Apart

The S8 Max Ultra’s standout feature is its FlexiArm side brush, which extends outward to sweep debris from corners and edges that most robot vacuums miss entirely. Combined with 3D structured light sensors that recognize 73 different objects, the robot navigates homes with impressive precision.

Pet owners should know there’s also an S8 MaxV Ultra variant ($1,799) that adds an RGB camera. Beyond the camera’s remote viewing capability, this version includes pet monitoring, a built-in voice assistant you can activate by saying “Hello Rocky,” and smarter dirt detection. Some regions don’t sell the MaxV due to privacy regulations around the camera.

Both models run up to 180 minutes on quiet mode—enough to cover roughly 950 square feet per charge. They’ll cross thresholds up to 20mm high and automatically lift their mop pads when detecting carpet.

Cleaning Performance: Strong on Floors, Weaker on Thick Carpet

Independent testing from Modern Castle showed a 97.9% debris removal rate on hard floors. That’s excellent. Pet hair pickup earned similar praise thanks to the dual counter-rotating rubber brushes (Roborock calls them DuoRoller Riser), which include hair-blocking rings to prevent tangles.

The story changes on thick carpets. While low and medium-pile surfaces see 96-98% debris removal, high-pile carpet gives this robot trouble. The mop pads lift 20mm—enough to protect most carpet from getting wet, but not enough clearance for truly plush flooring.

Mopping performance? Reviewers describe it as “okay.” The vibrating pad scrubs at 4,000 times per minute, which sounds impressive, but competing robots with dual rotating mops (like the Dreame X40 Ultra or Roborock’s own Qrevo Curv) simply clean more effectively. Some users report the mop doesn’t rinse completely, leaving stains along floor edges.

The Dock Does the Heavy Lifting

This eight-in-one dock handles:

• Automatic dustbin emptying (goes 7 weeks between bag changes)
• Hot water mop washing at 60°C
• Warm air mop drying
• Automatic detergent dispensing from a 580ml tank
• Water tank refilling mid-clean

The clean water tank holds 4 liters; dirty water gets 3.5 liters. You can even connect the dock directly to plumbing if you want truly hands-off operation.

The App: Mostly Good, Occasionally Frustrating

Roborock’s app scores 4.7 stars across 302,000 reviews, and the high rating reflects genuinely useful features: intuitive map editing, easy no-go zones, multi-floor mapping, and detailed scheduling.

But about one-third of users report needing to reconnect frequently. The app also forgets passwords after updates, forces re-login, and caps passwords at 12 characters. WiFi instability pops up in reviews too. None of this is dealbreaking, but it’s annoying for a $1,600 device.

Smart home integration covers all the bases: Alexa, Google Home, and Matter protocol for Apple HomeKit compatibility.

Known Problems Worth Mentioning

Cables remain this robot’s nemesis. Despite all those sensors, the S8 Max Ultra frequently tangles on cords or runs right over them. Socks and clothing cause similar problems. If your home has cables running across floors, budget time for picking them up before each cleaning.

Other reported issues include occasional FlexiArm failures, water stains from incomplete edge mopping, and rare cliff sensor errors. A “Wheels Suspended” error surfaces in long-term reviews, though it’s uncommon.

Noise Levels

Testing produces varied numbers depending on methodology:

• Quiet mode: 58-66 dB (conversational volume)
• Max mode: 68 dB (typical vacuum noise)
• Dock dust removal: 72 dB
• Mop washing: 59 dB
• Mop drying: 37 dB (barely noticeable)

How It Stacks Up Against Competitors

The S8 Max Ultra trails several competitors on raw specs. The Qrevo Curv delivers 18,500 Pa suction—more than double. The Dreame X40 Ultra hits 12,000 Pa with superior dual rotating mops. Even Roborock’s own Qrevo Master reaches 10,000 Pa.

Where the S8 Max Ultra fights back: obstacle avoidance. The MaxV variant’s Reactive AI 2.0 system outperforms most competitors at dodging objects, particularly for households with pets. The 20mm mop lift also beats the S8 Pro Ultra’s older design.

Ongoing Costs

Budget roughly $200-250 annually for maintenance:

• Dust bags: $20-30 per pack (change every 6-7 weeks)
• Filters: $33 for a two-pack (replace every 6-12 months)
• Side brushes: $16 for a two-pack (replace every 3-6 months)
• Mop cloths: $10-20 per pair (replace every 3-6 months)
• Detergent: $15 per bottle (lasts 3+ months)

Who Should Buy This

The S8 Max Ultra makes sense for multi-pet households (that hair pickup is genuinely excellent), homes with mixed flooring types, and smart home enthusiasts who want Matter compatibility.

Skip it if you’re budget-conscious, have high-pile carpet throughout your home, can’t be bothered to pick up cables, or prioritize mopping power above all else.

The Bottom Line

Roborock built a polished, capable robot vacuum with the S8 Max Ultra. It handles most homes well, maintains itself with minimal intervention, and navigates obstacles better than most competitors. But at this price point, competitors like the Qrevo Curv offer more suction and better mopping, while the S8 Max Ultra’s cable-tangling tendencies and merely adequate mop performance hold it back from true flagship status.

The one-year warranty feels short for a $1,600 purchase. Extended coverage is available at additional cost.