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Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra vs Dreame X40 Master

Today, we’re taking an in-depth look at two of the most advanced robot vacuum mop combos on the market: the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and the Dreame X40 Master. Both of these “plumbots” feature plumbing-integrated water refill and drainage systems. This eliminates the need to refill clean water tanks or empty dirty water tanks, and ultimately brings us closer to fully automated floor care. We purchased both models and have extensively evaluated them over the past few weeks.

Letโ€™s dive into the results and see which one came out on top.

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Dreame X40 Master


The Dreame X40 Master is a high-end robot vacuum and mop combo equipped with advanced automatic refilling and draining capabilities via an 8-in-1 hands-free base station that connects to the home’s plumbing. This multifunctional hub streamlines maintenance by managing water, self-cleaning, self-drying, and self-emptying tasks. Designed with a sleek, low-profile build at just 11 inches tall, the base station is crafted to blend seamlessly into modern home environments. In our in-studio evaluations, the X40 Master delivered excellent overall performance, particularly standing out in navigation efficiency and battery life. See additional info

$999.99 $1,999.99

Price as of May 5, 2025

Auto Empty Station: Self Empties Debris | Washes Mop Pad | Washes Mop Pad with Hot Water | Dries Mop Pad | Dries Mop Pad with Heated Air| Self Cleaning | Dirty Water Sensor | Plumbing Option

Mopping: Lifts Mop Pads on Carpets | Extending Mop Pad for Hard to Reach Areas | Can Leave Pads at Base while Vacuuming

Hardware: Auto Extending Side Brush for Hard to Reach Areas | 22mm Threshold Crossing

Performance: Carpet Boost Settings

Mapping / Navigation: Multi Level Maps | Virtual Barriers and No Go Zones

Obstacle Avoidance: 120 Objects Recognized

Pet Features: Live Video Monitoring | Pet Checkup or Similar

ScoresDreame X40 MasterAverage Robot Vacuum Tested
Vacuum Wars Overall4.92

2.84

Features4.45

3.58

Mopping Performance3.76

2.68

Obstacle Avoidance4.69

3.56

Pet4.35

2.85

Navigation4.04

3.31

Battery4.26

2.62

Performance4.19

3.59

Official Battery Life: 198 MinutesNavigation Type: Spinning Lidar
Official Suction Power: 12000 PaDust Bin Size: 350ml
Obstacle Avoidance Type: Single Camera & 3D Structured LightObjects Recognized: 120
Multi Level Maps: YVirtual Barriers: Y
Detergent Capacity: UnknownDisposable Bag: 3.2L

Roborock S8 MaxV Plumbot


The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is an advanced robot vacuum mop combo featuring the upgraded RockDock Ultra docking station, which uniquely offers an automated refill and drainage system not available in other versions. The dock empties the dustbin, washes and dries the mop pad with hot water and air, refills the water tank, and includes an auto detergent dispenserโ€”minimizing manual maintenance. It provides 10,000โ€ฏPa suction, a VibraRise 3.0 mopping system with dual lifting pads to avoid wetting carpets, and a FlexiArm side brush for edge cleaning. Intelligent navigation uses PreciSense LiDAR and a front camera for Reactive 3D Obstacle Avoidance, enabling pet care features like targeted cleaning, monitoring, and video calls via the app. See additional info

$1,099.99 $1,899.99

Price as of May 5, 2025

Auto Empty Station: Self Empties Debris | Washes Mop Pad | Washes Mop Pad with Hot Water | Dries Mop Pad | Dries Mops Pad with Heated Air| Self Cleaning | Dirty Water Sensor | Plumbing Option

Mopping: Lifts Mop Pads on Carpets | Extending Mop Pad for Hard to Reach Areas

Hardware: Auto Extending Side Brush for Hard to Reach Areas | 20mm Threshold Crossing

Performance: Carpet Boost Settings

Mapping / Navigation: Multi Level Maps | Virtual Barriers and No Go Zones

Obstacle Avoidance: 73 Objects Recognized

Pet Features: Live Video Monitoring | Pet Checkup or Similar

Controls: Virtual Assistant Options

ScoresRoborock S8 MaxV PlumbotAverage Robot Vacuum Tested
Vacuum Wars Overall4.57

2.84

Features4.68

3.58

Mopping Performance4.08

2.68

Obstacle Avoidance3.41

3.56

Pet3.74

2.85

Navigation3.45

3.31

Battery2.79

2.62

Performance3.46

3.59

Official Battery Life: 180 MinutesNavigation Type: Spinning Lidar
Official Suction Power: 10000 PaDust Bin Size: 470ml
Obstacle Avoidance Type: 3D Structured light & Single CameraObjects Recognized: 73
Multi Level Maps: YVirtual Barriers: Y
Detergent Capacity: 580mlDisposable Bag: 2.5L

Hardware and Suction

The Dreame X40 Master uses a single roller while the Roborock features a dual brush roller system. Both have automatically extending side brushes, which we found to actually improve corner coverage.

Underside view of both robots showing their brush types, mop pads, and layout: Roborockโ€™s dual rollers and VibraRise pad vs. Dreameโ€™s single roller and spinning pads.
The difference is in the details. ยฉ Vacuum Wars

In terms of suction power, the Dreame X40 Master leads with 12,000 Pascals compared to the Roborock’s 10,000 Pascals. So it was no surprise in our suction and airflow evaluation that the Dreame X40 offers more raw power.

Chart comparing max suction and airflow values: Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra with 0.11 kpa/12 cfm, Dreame X40 Master with 0.87 kpa/20 cfm, and average values for reference.
Suction and airflow power stats. ยฉ Vacuum Wars
Four photos showing suction and airflow measurement tests on the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and Dreame X40 Master using digital meters and test rigs.
Real-time suction and airflow readings. ยฉ Vacuum Wars

Vacuuming

When cleaning hard floors and carpets, both models excelled in picking up various sizes of debris without any issues.

Side-by-side comparison showing Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and Dreame X40 Master picking up different types of debris like cereal, sand, and dirt on carpet and hard floors.
A head-to-head debris showdown across multiple surfaces. ยฉ Vacuum Wars

However, in our Carpet Deep Clean evaluation, which we evaluate by embedding sand in carpets and weighing their dustbins after a timed run, the Dreame outperformed the Roborock, removing more embedded sand.

Chart showing the Dreame X40 Master scoring 84% and the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra scoring 76% in a carpet deep clean test, with an average also listed as 76%.
Dreame edges ahead in the deep clean showdown. ยฉ Vacuum Wars

Additionally, Dreame’s single roller resisted pet hair tangles better than Roborock’s dual rollers, with only 26% of hair caught compared to Roborockโ€™s 59%.

Side-by-side view of the undersides of the Dreame X40 Master and Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, showing hair tangling in roller brushes.
The Dreame X40 Master (left) demonstrated fewer hair tangles than the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra (right) in our evaluation. ยฉVacuum Wars
Comparison chart showing the Dreame X40 Master with 26% hair tangling, Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra with 59%, and an average benchmark of 40%.
Dreame handles long hair better. ยฉ Vacuum Wars

Mopping Features and Performance

These robot vacuums use different hardware to mop floors: The Roborock uses VibraRise technology with a vibrating single mop pad, while the Dreame employs dual spinning mop pads.

Bottom view of the Dreame X40 Master and Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra showcasing their different mopping systems: dual spinning vs. vibrating pad.
A closer look at what scrubs your floor. ยฉ Vacuum Wars

Both robot vacuums also have edge-mopping capabilities, but only Dreame’s mop pads extend. The Dreameโ€™s auto-extending mop pad provided better coverage, even reaching under doors and furniture.

Close-up view of the mop pads on the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and Dreame X40 Master, highlighting the edge design differences for reaching into corners and along walls.
Although both models feature edge mopping (Roborock on the left and Dreame on the right), the X40 Master’s extended mop pad provided better coverage. ยฉVacuum Wars
Dreame X40 Master shown reaching tight corners with its mop pad extended, demonstrating enhanced edge mopping coverage.
Dreameโ€™s edge coverage is a standout feature. ยฉ Vacuum Wars

Both models also allow water dispensing control via their apps.

Side-by-side comparison of the Dreame X40 Master (left) and Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra (right) app interfaces, showcasing cleaning mode, suction power, and scheduling options on smartphones.
Exploring the app controls for the Dreame X40 Master and Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra robot vacuums. ยฉVacuum Wars

In our dried-on stain evaluations, the Dreame slightly edged out the Roborock, scoring 92 versus 88, although with the margin of error, those scores might as well be a tie.

Visual comparison of Roborock and Dreame robots during controlled mopping tests on white flooring with colored residue.
Mopping performance on display. ยฉ Vacuum Wars

What really sets these mopping systems apart are their fully featured charging docks. Both mopping systems have charging docks that handle nearly every aspect of cleaning and maintenance:

  • Recharge the robots
  • Empty the dustbins into a disposable bag
  • Automatically wash and dry mop pads
  • Refill onboard water tanks
  • Use hot water to wash pads and hot air to dry them
  • Dirty water sensors with self-cleaning options

Plumbing Integration

Compared to most robot vacuums, the primary distinction between these two models is that they both feature tubing and plumbing connections, allowingย you to connect them to your homeโ€™s plumbing system. They both come with a remarkably similar three-way diverter valve and roughly the same amount of tubing, so there wasn’t much difference in terms of what was included.

Four images showing plumbing accessories and waterline components included with the Roborock and Dreame docking stations, such as tubing, adapters, and connectors.
Both systems include similar plumbing components. ยฉVacuum Wars

There are many ways to connect these to your homeโ€™s plumbing, but the simplest option is to place them near a sink or toilet. Alternatively, you could build a custom cabinet or similar enclosure. While the installation is relatively straightforward, having some basic plumbing know-how is helpful. So if youโ€™re unsure, itโ€™s best to ask someone handy for assistance.

Dock Size Differences

Another important note is that the Dreameโ€™s dock is slightly longer than the Roborockโ€™s dock. And depending on where you want it placed, it can easily stick out too far if not built into a custom cabinet or a similar structure. The Roborock dock is shorter and taller, and would fit well just against a wall.

The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra dock is stacked on top of the Dreame X40 Master dock, highlighting the size difference between the two automated cleaning systems.
Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra (top) and Dreame X40 Master (below) size differences. ยฉVacuum Wars

Obstacle Avoidance

Both have front-mounted obstacle avoidance cameras and structured light sensors to recognize and avoid objects. While the Roborock got a respectable, average score in our obstacle avoidance evaluations, the Dreame was significantly better, earning one of the highest scores weโ€™ve seen.

The Dreame has also been programmed to recognize a higher number of objectsโ€”120, compared to only 73 on the Roborock. If obstacle avoidance is important to you, the Dreame X40 Master is definitely better.

Roborock S8 MaxV UltraDreame X40 UltraAverage Robot Vacuum Tested at Vacuum Wars
Obstacle Avoidance Score162217
Objects Recognized73120N/A
These are Vacuum Wars evaluation results only and should not be considered official specifications.
Black-and-white comparison image of both robots navigating a cluttered floor with socks, cords, and other objects, testing obstacle avoidance.
Dreame X40 Master and Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra are taking on our obstacle course. ยฉVacuum Wars
  • How Vacuum Wars Tests Robot Vacuums: Step into the world of Vacuum Wars, where real-world tests, straight-forward reviews, and no sponsored products redefine robot vacuum evaluations.

Battery Life

We found the Dreame X40 Master to have better battery life overall, despite having similar official numbers on low power. In our evaluations, which we run on all power settings, the X40 Master was more efficient and had a much higher square-foot-per-charge estimation. While both of their battery scores were above average, the Dreame X40 was better.

Battery Scores

Roborock S8 MaxV UltraDreame X40 UltraAverage Robot Vacuum Tested at Vacuum Wars
Official Battery Life Minutes (Low Power)180189154
Battery Efficiency
Minutes per %
1.663.441.36
Square Foot Per Charge (Estimated)148925911007
These are Vacuum Wars evaluation results only and should not be considered official specifications.

Both robot vacuums navigate the house in a similar way, using a top-mounted LiDAR sensor. They both featureย multi-level mapping andย fast mapping, and in our navigation and coverage evaluations, they demonstrated an amazing ability to efficiently cover the space without getting stuck. However, the Dreame X40 Master ultimately achieved a higher navigation score.

Bar chart showing navigation scores with Dreame X40 Master at 4.55, Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra at 4.25, and an average score of 3.28.
Both bots excel at navigation, but Dreame takes the edge. ยฉ Vacuum Wars

Apps and Software

Both brands have what we consider some of the best apps in the business, with seemingly every possible advanced software feature you can find on a robot vacuum. Plus, they both maintain excellent app ratings on the app stores.

The main difference between the apps is that the Dreame doesnโ€™t have a built-in virtual voice assistant, whereas the Roborock does. However, the Dreame can still be used with Amazon Alexa and similar devices.

Side-by-side comparison of the Roborock and Dreame app interfaces on smartphones, showing Roborockโ€™s detailed scheduling controls and Dreameโ€™s settings menu with smart features.
While both apps have advanced features and high user ratings, the Roborock app has an integrated voice assistant ยฉVacuum Wars

Final Verdict: Which one is better?

After adding up all the scores, the Dreame X40 Master (Amazon Link) beat out the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra (Amazon Link) by a significant margin. However, both of their final Vacuum Wars scores were above average. As of the time of writing, the Dreame X40 Master is currently ranking #4 on our Vacuum Wars Top 20 list with 4.5 stars, while the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is in 11th place with 4 stars.

Update 1/27/25: The Dreame X40 Master is currently ranking 2nd with 4.7 stars, while the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is now 8th with 4.4 stars.

Dreame X40 Master
Comes out ahead!

Dreame X40 Master at the Vacuum Wars Studio

$999.99 $1,999.99

See at Amazon

Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra

$1,099.99 $1,899.99

See at Amazon
Though both models performed well, the Dreame X40 Master emerged the winner ยฉVacuum Wars
Though both models performed well, the Dreame X40 Master emerged as the winner. ยฉVacuum Wars

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Christopher White

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Christopher White CEO
Christopher White is the CEO of Vacuum Wars, the premier YouTube channel dedicated to vacuum cleaner reviews. Over the past eight years, Vacuum Wars has become a trusted resource, meticulously reviewing hundreds of robot vacuums, cordless vacuums, carpet cleaners, and various floor care products. Known for their comprehensive in-house testing, Vacuum Wars has built one of the most extensive databases of vacuum cleaner metrics available. Under Christopherโ€™s leadership, the channel has maintained a strict no-sponsorship policy, ensuring that all reviews remain unbiased and trustworthy. This dedication to integrity has garnered a loyal following of over 300,000 subscribers who rely on their expert advice. Christopher is also a recognized authority on robot vacuums, boasting one of the largest private collections of these devices worldwide. Learn more.

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