Roborock S8+ Vs Q8 Max+ — Which One Is The Best?

Today’s focus is a head-to-head comparison between the Roborock S8+ and the Roborock Q8 Max+ robot vacuum and mop combos. These two models may share similar names, appearances, price points, and features, but they still have slight differences that could sway your decision on which of these is the best robot vacuum for you. And after putting them through extensive evaluations over the past few weeks, we found that one of these robotic vacuums emerges as the clear winner.

Roborock S8+ vs Q8 Max+: the basics

The Roborock S8+ and Q8 Max+ are advanced, LiDAR-based smart robot vacuums available in black and white colors. These models come equipped with auto-empty bins, obstacle avoidance systems, and advanced mopping capabilities. They also feature Roborock’s new dual roller system, which includes a floating brush housing and a side brush for enhanced cleaning performance.

Key differences between the Roborock S8+ and Q8 Max+

Mopping systems comparison

One of the most significant differences between the Roborock S8+ and Q8 Max+ lies in their mopping systems. 

Although both models feature similar-looking mopping pads and tanks, the Q8 Max+ offers a more basic mopping setup. It functions much like older-style robot mops, where the mop pad must be manually attached for mopping runs and removed when vacuuming carpets. That means you must do two separate cleaning cycles if your home has a mix of hard floors and carpets.

In contrast, the S8+ has an automatic mop pad lifting feature. That means the system automatically detects carpets and lifts the mop pad to prevent them from getting wet. So you can vacuum carpets and mop hard floors in a single run. This makes the S8+ not only more efficient but also far more convenient.

Additionally, the S8+ boasts superior mopping mechanics and hardware. It has a vibrating mop pad that applies six Newtons of downward pressure as it mops. In our evaluations, the S8+ consistently outperformed the Q8 Max+ on mopping tasks, effectively handling challenges like dried-on grape juice, dried coffee stains, and glow-in-the-dark residue.

Obstacle Avoidance Systems

Another major difference between the Roborock S8+ and Q8 Max+ is their obstacle avoidance systems. Both models are equipped with front-mounted sensors that use 3D structured light for obstacle detection. However, the S8+ goes a step further with additional side-mounted laser sensors and a built-in light to better navigate darker areas. 

In our obstacle avoidance evaluations, the S8+ emerged as the clear winner, earning an above-average score of nine. The Q8 Max+ scored a below-average score of six. 

Despite this difference, both models outperform the majority of robot vacuums that lack front-mounted obstacle avoidance sensors, offering a significant upgrade in navigation capabilities.

Navigation and Battery Life

When it comes to navigation, both the Roborock S8+ and Q8 Max+ use top-mounted LiDAR sensors for mapping and maneuvering around your home. These models could map floor plans in roughly five minutes, demonstrating better-than-average navigation efficiency. However, the S8+ excelled in this area, offering even more precise and reliable navigation.

In terms of battery life and battery efficiency, the Q8 Max+ takes the lead and can run for up to 240 minutes on low power, according to Roborock. In contrast, the S8+ is rated for 180 minutes, which is a significant difference. 

Plus, in our battery efficiency evaluations, where we ran the robots on all power settings on a fixed floor plan, the Q8 Max+ significantly outperformed expectations. However, the S8+ delivered an average performance.

Power and Performance

Both robot vacuum mop combos excel at their core task of sweeping up debris from hard floors and carpets. And Roborock’s reputation for strong performance holds true here. 

Both models effectively handled a range of debris, from fine particles to extra-large pieces. They also performed exceptionally well in picking up pet hair, though longer human hair did tend to accumulate on the rollers. It’s a common issue with all robot vacuums but worth mentioning.

In our carpet deep clean evaluation, where we embedded sand into medium pile carpets and then weighed the bins before and after a timed run, the S8+ stood out with a significantly above-average performance. The Q8 Max+, however, scored slightly below average.

This difference may be attributed to the S8+ having a higher stated suction power (6,000 Pascals vs. 5,500 Pascals). Despite this, the Q8 Max+ showed its strength in other areas. Particularly, in our power evaluation, the Q8 Max+ scored slightly higher than the S8+ in airflow and crevice pickup evaluations, revealing a mix of results in overall performance.

App and Auto Empty Bins

Both the S8+ and Q8 Max+ use the official Roborock app, renowned for being one of the best in the market. The app is user-friendly and packed with valuable features, including virtual barriers, no-mop zones, room and zone cleaning, multi-floor mapping, and the ability to clean along floor directions. 

Both models also offer Carpet Boost and allow customization of auto-empty bin behaviors. Their auto-empty bins are identical, designed to use disposable bags that can hold up to seven weeks of debris. In our evaluation, both bins performed nearly flawlessly. 

However, unlike the more expensive Roborock S8 MaxV and Max Ultra, these models do not automatically wash and dry the mop pads. So, you’ll still need to handle that task manually.

Roborock S8+ vs Q8 Max+: Value and recommendation

In our assessment, the Roborock S8+ robot vacuum and mop stands out as the clear winner, thanks to its advanced VibraRise mopping system, enhanced obstacle avoidance capabilities, and superior carpet deep cleaning performance. While both models offer excellent value, the S8+ offers more advanced features, making it the better choice for an automated vacuum cleaner, especially if you can find it at a similar price to the Q8 Max+.

The Roborock S8+ robot vacuum and mop stands out as the clear winner, thanks to its advanced VibraRise mopping system, enhanced obstacle avoidance capabilities, and superior carpet deep cleaning performance.

Vacuum Wars