## iRobot Roomba s9+ vs. Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra: A Detailed Comparison
Choosing the right robot vacuum can feel like a daunting task, especially with so many advanced models on the market. Today, we’re diving deep into a comparison between two high-end contenders: the iRobot Roomba s9+ and the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra. Both promise top-tier cleaning, but they approach the task with different strengths and weaknesses. Let’s break it down.
The Roomba s9+ immediately stands out with its unique D-shape design, a departure from the typical round robot vacuum. This shape isn’t just for looks; it’s designed to get into corners and along edges more effectively. The self-emptying “Clean Base” is a substantial unit, promising convenience with its automatic dust disposal system. The overall feel is premium, with a matte finish that looks and feels luxurious.
On the other hand, the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra sports a more conventional round design but with a sleek, modern aesthetic. Its docking station is a bit more compact than the Roomba’s, but it’s packed with features, including self-emptying, mop washing, and hot air drying. The Roborock feels robust and well-engineered, with a focus on functionality and efficiency.
When it comes to cleaning, the Roomba s9+ is a beast, especially on carpets. It boasts an impressive 22 CFM of suction power on high, which is among the highest we’ve seen in a robot vacuum. It excels at deep cleaning carpets, pulling up embedded dirt and debris with ease. The D-shape and wider brush roll contribute to its excellent edge and corner cleaning capabilities. However, it can struggle with larger debris, sometimes making a crunching sound as it tries to ingest them. The Roomba also handles hair exceptionally well, with minimal tangling on the brush rolls.
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra also delivers powerful suction, up to 10,000 pascals in Extreme Suction mode. It’s adept at handling various floor types, from hardwood to carpets, though it can sometimes struggle with very thick carpets. The mopping system is a standout feature, effectively cleaning up spills and dirt. However, the mopping can sometimes leave streaks on certain floor types. The Roborock also features intelligent dirt detection, which allows it to rewash the mop if it’s too dirty, ensuring a thorough clean.
The Roomba s9+ uses a camera-based mapping system, which is good but not as precise as lidar-based systems. It can sometimes be a bit clunky around obstacles, bumping into furniture more frequently than some competitors. However, it does offer smart mapping capabilities, allowing for room-by-room cleaning and multi-floor support. The app is user-friendly, making it easy to schedule cleanings and customize settings.
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra combines a LiDAR sensor with an RGB camera for navigation, which results in more accurate obstacle avoidance. It can detect and avoid small objects with greater precision, though it’s not perfect and can still miss some items. The app provides detailed cleaning data and customizable settings, but some users might find it a bit complex to navigate. The Roborock is also compatible with a wide range of smart home devices, adding to its versatility.
The Roomba s9+ features a self-emptying bin, which is a lifesaver for busy households. The Clean Base automatically empties the robot after each cleaning, and the bags last about 30 bins full. However, the need for bag replacements adds to the long-term costs. The self-emptying base is also quite large, which might be a concern for those with limited space.
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra also boasts a self-emptying dustbin, along with a self-cleaning mopping system. The dock automatically empties the robot’s dustbin, fills it with clean water, washes the mop with hot water, and dries the mop. This system is incredibly convenient, but it does require regular maintenance, such as emptying the water tank and cleaning the filters. The self-cleaning station is also quite large and can be bulky to store.
Roomba s9+ Pros:
Roomba s9+ Cons:
Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra Pros:
Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra Cons:
Both the Roomba s9+ and the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra are top-tier robot vacuums that offer exceptional cleaning performance and convenience. The Roomba s9+ shines with its carpet cleaning prowess and effective hair pickup, while the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra impresses with its advanced navigation and comprehensive self-cleaning system. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you prioritize deep carpet cleaning and don’t mind the occasional bump, the Roomba s9+ is a great option. If you value advanced navigation, a comprehensive self-cleaning system, and effective mopping, the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is worth considering.
| Feature | iRobot Roomba s9+ | Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra |
|---|
The Roomba s9+ is a top-tier robot vacuum that excels in deep carpet cleaning and hair pickup, but it comes with a premium price tag and some navigation limitations.
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is a high-end robot vacuum with advanced navigation and a comprehensive self-cleaning system, but it is expensive and may require regular maintenance.
