iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum vs Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop is the smarter buy for most people - its 180 minutes of runtime crushes the iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum's 120 minutes. If you want hands-off maintenance, the Roborock's auto-empty feature is a game-changer, while the iRobot falls short with no such capability. In real-world use, the Roborock's 6000 Pa suction power ensures a deep clean that the iRobot just can’t match. Plus, with VibraRise 2.0 mopping, you can tackle spills and stains effortlessly, making it an ideal choice for homes with pets or kids in 2026. Key specs: Weight: 93.44 oz vs 169.32 oz and Runtime: 120 min vs 180 min.
Why compare these? The iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum (entry-level) and Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop (premium flagship) represent different approaches to robot vacuums. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | iRobot Roomba | Roborock S8 |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4★ (51,777 reviews) | 4★ (861 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Methodical row-by-row cleaning with smart navigation | Truly hands-off maintenance with the all-in-one RockDock Ultra (Washes, Dries, Refills, Empties) |
| Main Drawback | No mopping capability | High price point places it firmly in the luxury tier |
| Market Position | Entry | ✓Flagship |
iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
Smart navigation (Gyroscopes/Optical) cleans in neat rows; sensors navigate around furniture and avoid stairs.
Clean Map® report (View-only coverage report in iRobot Home App; no persistent mapping).
Basic sensor-based avoidance for furniture/stairs (no camera/LiDAR AI object recognition).
Not specified (3 suction power levels)
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop
PreciSense LiDAR Navigation (Systematic route planning with adaptive algorithms).
LiDAR mapping (3D Mapping, Matrix Map, Quick Mapping, Multi-level mapping up to 4 floors).
Reactive 3D Obstacle Avoidance (Structured light + 3D infrared imaging; privacy-focused).
6,000 Pa (HyperForce Suction)
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum vs Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop
iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop
| Criterion | iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum | Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4(51,777)Amazon | ★4(861)Amazon |
Navigation | Smart navigation (Gyroscopes/Optical) cleans in neat rows; sensors navigate around furniture and avoid stairs. | PreciSense LiDAR Navigation (Systematic route planning with adaptive algorithms). |
Mapping | Clean Map® report (View-only coverage report in iRobot Home App; no persistent mapping). | LiDAR mapping (3D Mapping, Matrix Map, Quick Mapping, Multi-level mapping up to 4 floors). |
Obstacle Avoidance | Basic sensor-based avoidance for furniture/stairs (no camera/LiDAR AI object recognition). | Reactive 3D Obstacle Avoidance (Structured light + 3D infrared imaging; privacy-focused). |
Suction Pa | Not specified (3 suction power levels) | 6,000 Pa (HyperForce Suction) |
Brush System | 3-Stage Cleaning System with Multi-Surface V-shaped main brush + Edge-Sweeping brush. | DuoRoller Riser Brush (Dual counter-rotating rubber brushes that automatically lift for mopping-only mode). |
Mopping | No | VibraRise 2.0 Sonic Mopping (Dual vibration modules scrubbing at 3,000 times/min with consistent pressure). |
Mop Lift | N/A (No mopping) | 0.20" (5 mm) Automatic Mop Lifting |
Carpet Boost | No automatic boost (Manual control: 3 suction levels). | Carpet Boost+ System (Ultrasonic detection, brush lifting, and suction boost). |
Battery | Lithium-ion (2600 mAh) | 14.4V / 5200 mAh Lithium-ion |
Runtime | Up to 120 min | Up to 180 min (Quiet Mode) |
Charging Time | Approx. 4 hours | Approx. 4 hours (Supports 30% Fast Charging) |
Dustbin | 0.10 gal (approx. 400 mL) | 0.09 gal (350 mL) — Internal bin |
Water Tank | N/A (No mopping) | 0.05 gal (200 mL) — Internal tank (Auto-refilled by dock) |
Auto Empty | No | Yes |
Dock Type | Charging Dock (Standard Home Base) | RockDock Ultra (Emptying, Washing, Drying, Refilling, Self-Cleaning). Tanks: 3.5L Clean Water, 2.9L Dirty Water, 2.5L Dust Bag. Dims: 16.8" x 20.2" x 17.7". |
Mop Wash | N/A (No mopping) | Yes (Automatic mop washing during and after cleaning) |
Mop Dry | N/A (No mopping) | Yes (Warm Air Drying for mop and dock base) |
Filtration | High-Efficiency Filter | E11 Rated Washable Filter |
Noise Level | Not specified | 68.5 dB (Balanced Mode) |
App Features | iRobot Home App: Clean While I'm Away, suggested schedules, Clean Map® report, spot cleaning. | Roborock App (Smart No-Go Zones, Deep Carpet Cleaning, Floor Direction Cleaning, Off-Peak Charging). |
Voice Assistants | Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri | Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Siri Shortcuts. |
Multi Floor | No (Does not store maps) | Yes (Up to 4 map levels). |
Threshold Climb | 0.625" (5/8 in) | 0.79" (20 mm) |
Height | 3.15" | 3.80" (96.5 mm) |
Dimensions | 13" (L) x 13" (W) x 3.15" (H) | 13.90" (L) x 13.80" (W) x 3.80" (H) |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
Smart navigation (Gyroscopes/Optical) cleans in neat rows; sensors navigate around furniture and avoid stairs.
Clean Map® report (View-only coverage report in iRobot Home App; no persistent mapping).
Basic sensor-based avoidance for furniture/stairs (no camera/LiDAR AI object recognition).
Not specified (3 suction power levels)
3-Stage Cleaning System with Multi-Surface V-shaped main brush + Edge-Sweeping brush.
No
Pros
- Methodical row-by-row cleaning with smart navigation
- Up to 120 minutes runtime with auto-docking recharge
Cons
- No mopping capability
- No auto-empty dock (standard charging dock only)
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop
PreciSense LiDAR Navigation (Systematic route planning with adaptive algorithms).
LiDAR mapping (3D Mapping, Matrix Map, Quick Mapping, Multi-level mapping up to 4 floors).
Reactive 3D Obstacle Avoidance (Structured light + 3D infrared imaging; privacy-focused).
6,000 Pa (HyperForce Suction)
DuoRoller Riser Brush (Dual counter-rotating rubber brushes that automatically lift for mopping-only mode).
VibraRise 2.0 Sonic Mopping (Dual vibration modules scrubbing at 3,000 times/min with consistent pressure).
Pros
- Truly hands-off maintenance with the all-in-one RockDock Ultra (Washes, Dries, Refills, Empties)
- DuoRoller Riser brushes resist hair tangles and lift up for quiet mopping
Cons
- High price point places it firmly in the luxury tier
- Lacks an RGB camera for live video monitoring (unlike the S7 MaxV)
Which one is better?
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop is the better buy for most people - its 180-minute runtime crushes the iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum's 120 minutes. That said, grab the iRobot if you want a straightforward, budget-friendly option without all the bells and whistles - it's easier on the wallet.
Who should buy each?
Choose the iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum if: you want a budget-friendly cleaner, prefer basic vacuuming without mopping, or need simple scheduling features. (93.44 oz weight)
Choose the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop if: you desire advanced cleaning capabilities, want hands-free maintenance, or have a large home with mixed floor types. (169.32 oz weight)
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 51,777 reviews vs 861
→ Choose iRobot Roomba
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Roborock S8
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose iRobot Roomba
Methodical row-by-row cleaning Priority
Methodical row-by-row cleaning with smart navigation
→ Choose iRobot Roomba
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: Both products share a 4★ rating, making this comparison particularly close. Your decision should come down to which specific features matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum or Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop?
iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum is the better choice if you prioritize methodical row-by-row cleaning with smart navigation. Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop wins if you value truly hands-off maintenance with the all-in-one rockdock ultra (washes, dries, refills, empties). Both are rated highly (4★ vs 4★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum and Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop?
Key differences: iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum offers methodical row-by-row cleaning with smart navigation, while Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop stands out with truly hands-off maintenance with the all-in-one rockdock ultra (washes, dries, refills, empties). Consider that iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum no mopping capability. Meanwhile, Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop high price point places it firmly in the luxury tier. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 26, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.