Roborock S8 vs S8 Pro: Comprehensive Comparison and Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the right robot vacuum can be overwhelming, especially when faced with two models that seem very similar. That’s the case with the Roborock S8 and Roborock S8 Pro—both of which are part of Roborock’s highly regarded S8 series. While these models share many advanced features, there are also distinct differences that can influence which one is the best fit for your home. This comprehensive comparison and buyer’s guide will dive deep into the details, highlighting their similarities, differences, and which one you should choose based on your cleaning needs.
Overview of Roborock S8 and S8 Pro
Both the Roborock S8 and S8 Pro are designed to simplify home cleaning with high-end features like powerful suction, advanced navigation, and intelligent mopping capabilities. However, the Pro version offers a few additional features that justify its higher price tag. Before diving into the specifics, let’s summarize what you can expect from these two models.
Key Similarities:
- Suction Power: Both models offer up to 6,000 Pa of suction power, making them capable of handling dust, dirt, and debris on various surfaces.
- Dual Rubber Brush System: The new dual rubber brush system in both models prevents hair tangling and ensures a deep clean on carpets and hard floors.
- LiDAR Navigation: Both models are equipped with precision LiDAR navigation, enabling them to create accurate maps and navigate efficiently around your home.
- Sonic Mopping Technology: With sonic vibration mopping, both the S8 and S8 Pro provide superior mopping performance by scrubbing floors up to 3,000 times per minute.
Key Differences:
- Self-Cleaning Features: The S8 Pro includes a more advanced self-cleaning dock, which empties the dustbin and washes the mop pad automatically.
- Mop Lifting Mechanism: The S8 Pro has an automatic mop lifting feature, which allows it to raise the mop when it detects carpets, preventing them from getting wet.
- Price: The S8 Pro comes at a premium price due to its added functionalities and smart features, making it more suitable for those who want a more hands-off experience.
Detailed Comparison: Roborock S8 vs. S8 Pro
1. Design and Build Quality
When it comes to aesthetics, both models have a sleek and modern design that complements any home décor. The Roborock S8 and S8 Pro are nearly identical in terms of size and shape, with a low-profile design that allows them to glide under furniture and reach tight spots.
However, the S8 Pro’s build quality is slightly more robust, thanks to its enhanced components like the advanced docking station and improved mop module. The S8 Pro is also slightly heavier due to these additional features, which might be a consideration if you plan to move it between multiple floors.
2. Suction Power and Cleaning Performance
Both models boast impressive suction power, with the ability to generate up to 6,000 Pa. This level of power makes the S8 series one of the most powerful robot vacuums available today, ensuring a thorough clean even on high-pile carpets and rugs.
Carpet Cleaning
The S8 and S8 Pro excel at carpet cleaning due to their high suction power and dual rubber brushes. These brushes rotate in opposite directions, which helps to agitate the carpet fibers and lift dirt more effectively than a single brush system.
Hard Floor Cleaning
Both models perform exceptionally well on hard floors, picking up fine dust, pet hair, and even larger debris like cereal or crumbs. The sonic vibration mopping feature enhances their cleaning abilities on hard floors, ensuring that sticky spills and stains are thoroughly scrubbed away.
3. Mopping Efficiency and Technology
While both models feature sonic mopping, the S8 Pro has a clear advantage due to its mop-lifting mechanism. This feature allows the S8 Pro to detect when it’s on a carpeted surface and automatically raise the mop, avoiding any risk of soaking your carpets. The standard S8, on the other hand, requires manual intervention to avoid carpets during mopping, making the Pro version more convenient for mixed-floor homes.
4. Navigation and Mapping Capabilities
The S8 and S8 Pro both use LiDAR navigation to create precise maps of your home, ensuring efficient cleaning paths and avoiding missed spots. They can detect obstacles, avoid stairs, and navigate around furniture with ease.
Multi-Level Mapping
If you have a multi-level home, both models support multi-floor mapping, allowing you to create separate maps for different levels. This means you can carry the vacuum to a different floor, and it will remember the layout and clean accordingly without needing to remap the area.
Obstacle Detection
The S8 Pro offers slightly better obstacle detection and avoidance thanks to its upgraded sensor system. It can identify and avoid small objects like socks, cables, and even pet waste, reducing the chances of getting stuck or damaging items.
5. Smart Features and App Control
Both the S8 and S8 Pro come with robust app control through the Roborock app, which is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The app allows you to control the vacuum remotely, set cleaning schedules, adjust cleaning modes, and view real-time maps.
Voice Control
Voice control is supported on both models via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri Shortcuts, enabling you to start, stop, or locate the vacuum with a simple voice command.
Custom Cleaning Routines
You can customize cleaning routines for different rooms and set specific cleaning sequences, such as vacuuming before mopping. This level of customization ensures that your home is cleaned exactly the way you want it.
6. Maintenance and Docking Station
Self-Emptying and Self-Cleaning
The S8 Pro comes with a more advanced docking station that not only empties the dustbin but also washes the mop pad. This feature reduces the frequency of manual cleaning and maintenance, making it a true hands-free experience. In contrast, the standard S8 has a basic dock that supports self-emptying but lacks the self-cleaning capabilities.
Dustbin and Water Tank Capacity
Both models have ample dustbin and water tank capacities to handle larger homes. However, the S8 Pro’s dock can store more dirt and debris, making it more suitable for homes with pets or larger floor areas.
7. Battery Life and Charging
Both the S8 and S8 Pro offer excellent battery life, with the ability to clean for up to 3 hours on a single charge. This makes them ideal for larger homes or extended cleaning sessions. When the battery runs low, they automatically return to their dock to recharge and then resume cleaning where they left off.
8. Noise Levels
The noise levels for both models are relatively low, especially when operating in standard mode. However, due to the more powerful motor and advanced mopping mechanism, the S8 Pro might be slightly noisier in max suction or intensive mopping modes.
Which Model Should You Choose?
Roborock S8: Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers
The Roborock S8 is an excellent choice if you want a high-performing robot vacuum with advanced mopping capabilities and powerful suction without breaking the bank. It’s suitable for homes with mostly hard floors and low-pile carpets.
Roborock S8 Pro: Best for Advanced Features and Convenience
The Roborock S8 Pro, with its enhanced mopping technology, self-cleaning dock, and intelligent mop lifting, is perfect for those seeking the latest technology and a more hands-off cleaning experience. If you have mixed floor types or simply want the best Roborock has to offer, the S8 Pro is worth the investment.
Final Verdict: Roborock S8 vs. S8 Pro
Both the Roborock S8 and S8 Pro are exceptional robot vacuums that provide outstanding cleaning performance. If budget is a concern, the S8 offers nearly all the features of the Pro version at a lower price point. However, if you want the ultimate in convenience and technology, the S8 Pro’s additional features make it the clear winner.
FAQs
1. Can both the Roborock S8 and S8 Pro handle pet hair?
Yes, both models are excellent at handling pet hair, thanks to their dual brush system and powerful suction. The Pro’s additional self-cleaning capabilities make it more suitable for homes with multiple pets.
2. How often do I need to empty the dustbin?
With the self-emptying dock, you rarely need to empty the dustbin manually. The dock can hold up to 60 days’ worth of debris, depending on usage.
3. Do both models support voice control?
Yes, both the S8 and S8 Pro are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri Shortcuts.
4. Which model is better for homes with carpets?
The S8 Pro is better suited for homes with carpets due to its automatic mop lifting feature and enhanced cleaning performance on mixed surfaces.
5. Is the Roborock S8 Pro worth the extra cost?
If you value added convenience, hands-free maintenance, and the latest technology, the S8 Pro is definitely worth the extra investment. However, the S8 still offers excellent value for those who want advanced features at a lower price.
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