It takes a bit to get excited about a robot vacuum, but the Roborock S8 manages to be a game-changer in the world of robotic cleaning. As someone who has tested numerous robot vacuums over the years for some reason, I can confidently say that the S8 stands out from the crowd with its exceptional performance, sleek design, and smart features that make cleaning a breeze. Smart design choices in the software and overall concept make it one of the easiest and most thorough offerings I have tested to date.
It is strange to look at the unboxing experience of a robot vacuum cleaner, but the Roborock S8 manages to impress with its premium build quality and modern look. The circular design is reminiscent of classic robot vacuums but with a refined edge that sets it apart and makes it feel a cut above. The matte white colour is both stylish and fingerprint resistant while blending seamlessly into any home décor while still providing the futuristic feel we all love from our cleaning robot overlords.
The S8 is surprisingly compact, considering its powerful cleaning capabilities. It is only 353 mm deep and 96.5 mm tall, making it easy to maneuver under furniture and in tight spaces. Despite its small size, the S8 feels sturdy and well-constructed, with high-quality materials that should withstand the rigours of daily use. I have used a lot of vacuums like this, so it is fantastic to see one that is so well designed while offering features that set it apart from the competition.
No matter how beautiful a vacuum cleaner looks, if it does not have the power to back it up, it is all for nothing. Thankfully, the Roborock S8 does not disappoint. Equipped with a powerful 6000Pa suction system, the Roborock S8 can handle everything from fine dust to larger debris with ease. During my testing, I was impressed with how thoroughly the S8 cleaned my floors, leaving no crumbs or pet hair behind. Even more impressive was how it was able to pick up dirt even after I walked over an area with an upright, something I did not expect but was excited to see.
“Equipped with a powerful 6000Pa suction system, the Roborock S8 can handle everything from fine dust to larger debris with ease.”
The S8’s advanced LiDAR navigation system is a key factor in its cleaning prowess. Using lasers to map out your home, the S8 can efficiently clean every nook and cranny while avoiding obstacles and drop-offs. You can even set up virtual no-go zones in the app to keep the S8 out of certain areas, like a child’s play area or a pet’s food bowl. While there are plenty of robot vacuums that promise obstacle avoidance, this was the first one that delivered on that promise perfectly. In my time testing the little guy, I have not had to rescue it from getting stuck once.
One of my favourite features of the S8 is its ability to recognize and adapt to different floor types. Whether you have hardwood, tile, or carpet, the S8 automatically adjusts its suction power and brush roll speed to provide the best cleaning for each surface. This means you don’t have to worry about the vacuum damaging delicate flooring or getting stuck on high-pile rugs. It even allows for mopping, all in the same unit, making it a true all-in-one solution no matter how your home is set up.
Battery life is always a concern with cordless appliances, but the Roborock S8 puts those worries to rest. With a massive 5200mAh battery, the S8 can clean for up to 180 minutes on a single charge. That’s enough to cover a 3,200-square-foot home in one go, which is impressive considering the S8’s powerful suction. I have not had any issues testing the vacuum, and it works well to clean even larger areas of the office without running out of juice in the process.
“With a massive 5200mAh battery, the S8 can clean for up to 180 minutes on a single charge.”
Even if you have a larger home or need to do multiple cleaning sessions, the S8’s intelligent recharge and resume feature has you covered. When the battery runs low, the S8 will automatically return to its charging dock, top up its battery, and then pick up right where it left off. This ensures a complete clean-up every time without any input from you. I have used this feature consistently, having the robot go out overnight to clean a full section of the office, with it never having an issue finishing the job before I get back to work.
The Roborock S8 is packed with more smart features than your average vacuum cleaner, making it a joy to use. The companion app (available for both iOS and Android) is intuitive and easy to navigate, giving you full control over the S8’s cleaning settings and schedule. You can start and stop cleaning sessions, set up no-go zones, and even specify which rooms to clean and in what order. Once you get the Roborock S8 robot vacuum to map out your space, it is incredibly intuitive to program your cleaning schedule, with aspects that are normally a pain, like no-go zones as simple as dropping a box and you are off to the races.
As with many robot vacuums, the Roborock S8 robot vacuum supports voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Users can start or stop the vacuum, send it to its charging dock, or direct it to clean a specific room with voice commands. While I don’t use this feature daily and prefer using the app, those heavily invested in smart home ecosystems will find it easy to integrate the S8, adding convenience to their home setup.
As I touched on before, the S8 boasts an impressive level of detail with its mapping that sets it apart from other robot vacuums. Using the app, you can view a detailed map of your home, complete with room divisions and labels. You can even set up multiple maps for different floors of your home, and the S8 will automatically recognize which map to use based on where it’s placed. While I mainly used it in the CGMagazine offices, the level of detail and complexity it allows make it perfect for larger homes or complex work areas.
While I was impressed with the little robot, at $749, the Roborock S8 is certainly not the cheapest smart vacuum on the market. For comparison, the iRobot Roomba s9+, which offers similar features and performance, retails for $999. The Neato D10, another high-end option, goes for $899. In this context, the S8’s price tag seems reasonable, especially considering its superior battery life and more compact design.
As with anything, the real test of whether the S8 is worth the investment will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you have a smaller home or apartment, a less expensive model may suffice. But if you’re looking for the best of the best in cleaning performance, convenience and smart features, the Roborock S8 is hard to beat.
The Roborock S8 robot vacuum is a top-of-the-line cleaning solution that delivers on all fronts. Its sleek design, powerful suction, and intelligent navigation make it a standout in the crowded robot vacuum market. The S8’s advanced features, like automatic emptying, multi-floor mapping, and voice assistant compatibility, elevate it from a mere cleaning tool to a true smart home device. If you really want to dive into what the Roborock S8 range can offer, the Roborock S8 Ultra is a complete solution, and while it will set you back 1,599.99, it also includes a base that it can empty into and will allow for self-cleaning and refilling.
If you’re in the market for a robot vacuum that can handle anything you throw at it, look no further than the Roborock S8. With its powerful cleaning capabilities, long battery life, and smart features, the S8 is the ultimate cleaning companion for any home. Once you experience the convenience and performance of the S8, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
- Reactive 3D Obstacle Avoidance: With 3D structured light and infrared image technology, Roborock S8 is smart enough to identify unknown objects on the floor, determine their size and location, and bypass them in both bright and dark environments. Paired with LiDAR navigation and 3D mapping, detailed maps are generated for more accurate and customized cleaning.
