Roborock S8 or S7 – Thoughts on new S8 vs my S7
Roborock S8
Roborock S7
Roborock S8
- Dimensions 3.9 x 13.8 x 3.8 inches
- Weight 10.8 lbs
- Cleaning Orientation 2-in-1 Cleaning (Vacuum & Mop)
- Carpet Boost Yes
- Bin Capacity 350Ml
- Water Tank Capacity 300Ml, Electric
- 3D Mapping Yes
Roborock S7
- Dimensions 13.9 x 13.8 x 3.8
- Weight 10.44 lbs
- Cleaning Orientation 2-in-1 Cleaning (Vacuum & Mop)
- Carpet Boost No
- Bin Capacity 400Ml
- Water Tank Capacity 300Ml, Electric
- 3D Mapping No
The Roborock debate has been rocking many Roborock vacuum conversations, especially on Reddit. It seems many buyers are not sure whether the newer Roborock S8 is worth the higher price tag or if they’d rather go for the cheaper S7.
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If you plan on getting one of the two but are not sure what’s the best choice, keep it right here. We have explained the similarities and differences in detail.
The main difference between the Roborock S8 and the S7 is the vacuuming performance, navigation/mapping, and charging. The newer S8 has better suction and a dual brush system translating into better carpet cleaning courtesy of the innovative CarpetBoost+ System. The S8 also has better obstacle avoidance, 3D Mapping, and a new battery management feature dubbed Off-Peak Charging which the S7 lacks.
For more regarding how they compare, read along.
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Roborock S8 vs. S7: Similarities and Differences Analyzed
The Roborock S8 is a round-shaped robot vacuum with a low-profile design allowing it to creep under most low-profile furniture.
Whether it is under the beds, sofas, or kickstands, the S8 is unrestricted. It boasts the same low profile and design as its predecessors. The dimensions are 3.9 x 13.8 x 3.8 inches, while the weight is 10.8 lbs.
Regarding aesthetics, it is sleek, to say the least, and interestingly, you get to choose from two colors, black or white.
The S7 is similar to the S8 in many ways. It is also round-shaped and sports a low-profile design.
It is thin enough to go under low-profile furniture unrestricted. The dimensions are also quite similar to Roborock’s, and so is the weight. The S7’s dimensions are 13.9×13.9×3.8 inches but is slightly lighter at 10.44 lbs.
Like the S8, it is also sleek and stylish and available in 2 color options; black and white.
In this first round of this Roborock S8 vs. S7 review, the round ends in a draw as both models are similar. They are round-shaped, have a low-profile design, and have great looks.
To keep up with the competition, the Roborock S8 is a 2-in-1 vacuum cleaner. It can vacuum and mop simultaneously. We really like its multi-surface cleaning versatility.
You can use it to sweep and vacuum all hard floors and carpets. If you have a hardwood floor alongside a carpet, this is the right robot vacuum. We also like that it can mop wet and dry messes.
Besides hard floors and carpets, the S8 is a reliable robot vacuum for pet hair and other messes created by our furry friends.
The S7 is also a 2-in-1 robot vacuum cleaner, so if you want a vacuum and mop combo, it still fits the bill. It’s also a multi-surface cleaner that can clean all hard floors and carpets.
It suits tile, hardwood, vinyl, concrete, and marble floors. It is still a great vacuum for carpets that can handle low-pile carpets, high pile, and even rugs.
Like the S8, This is also a suitable robot vacuum for pet hair and pet messes in general.
In this second round, it is quite hard to call a winner as both the S8 and S7 are vacuum and mop combos for multi-surface cleaning ad pet hair pickup. But all factors put into account, the S8 offers better cleaning overall, as we will see in our cleaning test results.
The Roborock S8 relies on a 3-stage cleaning system for vacuuming.
In the first and second stages, the brush loosens and lifts dirt before being sucked into the bin in the final stage. At the heart of this system is a powerful motor responsible for generating the required suction.
We really like the inclusion of a revised multispeed motor that can deliver a whopping 6,000Pa of suction when in CarpetBoost+ System, a mode designed for deep carpet vacuuming.
For the record, this is more powerful than any robot vacuum cleaner we have come across. It is a multi-speed motor with 4 suction levels: Quiet, Balanced, Turbo, and Max.
Roborock S7 is also a 3-stage vacuum cleaner that loosens, lifts, and sucks up dirt. That’s its working mechanism.
Like the S8, it is also equipped with a motor that delivers the required suction for dirt and dust to be sucked into the bin. When working at full power, the Roboock S7’s motor can put up a cool 2,500Pa.
Well, this is lower than what the S8 offers, but it is enough for basic vacuuming, whether hard floors or carpets.
The S7’s motor is also multispeed with 4 modes: Quiet, Balanced, Turbo, and Max.
In this third round, the Roborock S8 is better than the S7. While they have 4 suction levels and a Balanced Mode that adjusts suction automatically, the S8 delivers twice as much suction as the S7. That means you get better and deeper vacuuming, especially on high-pile carpets and rugs. This is clear in the vacuuming test results below.
When it comes to mopping performance, the Roborock S8 is a beast. Mopping is powered by VibraRise® Sonic Vibration Technology.
The robot has an electronic water tank that can hold 300ml, enough to clean up to 2150 sqft (200 sqm). When it comes to mopping, the S8 is equipped with a high-speed scrubber attached to a solid cleaning head that vibrates at over 3,000 times per minute.
The result is an unforgiving scrubbing that leaves not even stains to chance. Interestingly, the mopping head raises 5mm with a 6N mop pressure for better agitation and consistent suction.
The S8 incorporates UltraSonic Carpet Detection and a Mop Lifting System to prevent the robot from wetting carpets.
The Roborock S7 is similar to the S8 regarding mopping performance. VibraRise® Sonic Vibration Technology also powers it, so it’s just as unforgiving to mud, stains, and other spoils and grime as the S8.
Under the hood, it packs a 300ml electronic water tank that releases water with high precision for efficiency and faster drying. You can mop up to 2150 sqft (200 sqm) with one full tank.
It also deploys Sonic Mopping Technology which leverages a high-speed scrubber that vibrates up to 3,000 times per minute, eliminating any stains and grime.
Like the S8, the S7 is also an intelligent robot mop that doesn’t wet carpets courtesy of UltraSonic Carpet Detection and a Mop Lifting System.
As far as mopping is concerned, the two Roborocks are at par. As you can see, there is no difference in either the components or the mopping performance in our mopping test results.
The Roborock S8 will be a great deal if you have high-traffic rooms. The robot leverages PreciSense Precision LiDAR Navigation, Roborock’s innovative navigation system that relies on a host of sensors for obstacle detection and a retractable bumper for impact absorption.
Three are also cliff detection sensors that prevent the robot from toppling off the stairs. But one outstanding feature is the Reactive 3D Obstacle Avoidance, a technology that uses 3D structured light and infrared imaging to help the robot detect and understands obstacles better.
The robot knows over 42 common obstacles, including socks, shoes, chargers, etc. This gives it better navigation ability and drastically reduces the chances of accidents.
Roborock S7 is also suitable for a high-traffic home as PreciSense Precision LiDAR Navigation also powers its navigation.
There are sensors for obstacle avoidance and cliff detection alongside retractable bumper that absorb impact when the robot bumps into obstacles.
However, Roborock didn’t incorporate Reactive 3D Obstacle Avoidance, so don’t expect it to have the ability to recognize most items on the floor, like the S8.
Here, the Roborock S8 is the better choice courtesy of Reactive 3D Obstacle Avoidance. This feature allows the robot to recognize and avoid even the smallest obstacles in high-traffic rooms preventing the robot from getting stuck.
Roborock S8 is an intelligent robot vacuum that creates hype-accurate maps of your home and cleans in systematic patterns courtesy of Adaptive Route Algorithms.
Inside the unit is a 32-Quadcore Processor that creates maps up to 6 times faster and has enough memory to store up to 4 maps. This makes it suitable for homes with multi-levels.
One of the pros of the S8’s mapping system is the addition of 3D Mapping, which gives the robot a better understanding of your house plan and the fittings, including the furniture.
We also like the addition of Custom Routines and Custom Cleaning Schedules that let you customize cleaning depending on how busy different rooms are.
Other features include Selective Room Cleaning, Automatic Room Recognition, Real-Time Robot Location, Route Tracking, No Go Zones, and Invisible Walls.
Roborock S7 has pretty many of the features the Roborock S8 comes with.
To start, it is also an intelligent robot vacuum with smart mapping meaning it leverages a sophisticated system (32-bit Quadcore processor) to create hyper-accurate maps of your home. It can also save up to 4 maps, so it is also suitable for homes with more than one level.
Unfortunately, the S7 doesn’t have 3D Mapping but still gets the job done courtesy of the Adaptive Route Algorithm that enables the robot to clean in a systematic pattern for entire-level cleaning.
It also retains all the other features, including Custom Routines, Custom Cleaning, Selective Room Cleaning, Automatic Room Recognition, Real-Time Robot Location, Route Tracking, No Go Zones, and Invisible Walls.
Here, the Roborock S8 is the ultimate winner. While they share a lot, the S8 comes with 3D Mapping, which takes mapping to a whole new level, giving the robot a better understanding of your home.
The Roborock S8 doesn’t just keep the floor clean. It is also designed to freshen up the atmosphere a little bit. It has washable E11-rated filters that capture 95% of allergens, talk of dust and pollen. However, these are not real HEPA filters; they filter down to just 0.6 microns, while true-HEPA filters can filter down to 0.3 microns. But they are still, a worthy addition to the S8.
Nothing is different from the S8 when it comes to filtration. The S7 has also been designed to keep allergens and other bad elements in the bin and not lurking around the atmosphere. It also comes with washable E11-rated filters that capture 95% of allergens and filter down to 0.6 microns.
As far as filtration is concerned, there is no better model than the other. They both feature E11-rated filters, which are washable, meaning they cut down maintenance costs. So, the round ends in a draw.
Roborock S8 comes with a 350 Ml onboard bin that has to be emptied when full.
It is not a self-emptying robot vacuum though it is compatible with the technology when you buy the Roborock Auto-Empty Station, which doubles up as the charging dock.
If you want a model that comes with all accessories for automatic self-emptying, grab the Roborock S8+, which is exactly the same as the S8 in terms of features and cleaning performance.
The Roborock S7, on the other hand, comes with a 400Ml onboard bin.
Like the S8, it is not a self-emptying robot vacuum, but if you pair it up with a Roborock Auto Empty Station, you can relax as it will empty itself.
For those who want the S7 variant that comes with the empty dock, check out the Roborock S7+.
It is hard to call a winner as both vacuums come with a large onboard bin and are compatible with automatic self-emptying technology. But all said and done; we will go for the S7 as it has a larger 400Ml bin.
One of the differences between the Roborock S8 and S7 is the brush system. The S8 comes with a new dual main brush system dubbed DuoRoller.
As the name suggests, it features two brushes like Roombas. The all-new rubber brush system enhances agitation and dirt pickup. In addition, it is gentle on fragile floors such as hardwood.
We also like how it performs on carpets as part of the Roborock Carpet Boost+ System, which effectively removes embedded dirt and pet hair from the deepest parts of the carpet, guaranteeing 30% better pet hair pickup with minimal tangling.
The DuoRoller brush system is assisted by a single spinning brush that reaches the wall edges and deep corners.
On the other hand, the S7 has the older Roborock brush system. This Roborock all-rubber brush is designed for effective agitation on hard floors and dirt pickup, from small and large debris to pet hair.
It also minimizes tangling but is not as effective in handling pet hair on carpets.
The all-rubber main brush is assisted by a single side sweeping brush that reaches the wall edges and deep corners.
Here, it is hard to call a winner as both models have effective brush systems., However, the Roborock S8's brush sounds like a better deal courtesy of the new design and the better agitation and pet hair pickup on carpets.
Roborock S8 has a lithium-ion battery, the same technology used in previous models. This is a high-capacity 5200mAh battery that can power the robot for a cool 180 minutes when it is in Quiet mode.
This is enough to handle up to 300㎡ of floor space. However, when you step up suction, the runtime dips, but it still offers decent runtime even when firing on all cylinders.
As one of the latest models, the Roborock S8 is intelligent to know when it needs to recharge and head to the dock. The normal recharge time is 3 hours on average.
However, it features Top-Up Charging, a quick charge mechanism that recharges the robot to 80%, allowing the completion of the cleaning session faster. One great addition is the Off-Peak Charging function which saves power consumption and reduces energy costs during peak hours.
Roborock S7 is similar to the S8 in many ways. It is also powered by a 5,200mAh lithium-ion battery that offers up to 180 minutes of runtime in Quiet mode.
Like the S8, expect runtime to dip, but it can still clean a 300㎡ apartment.
As for power management, this is also a self-charging robot, so it will dock and recharge when the power goes down and resume cleaning.
Recharge time is 3 hours on average, and there’s also the Top-Up Charging function. However, the S7 doesn’t come with Off-Peak Charging like the S8.
The S8 is a great idea now that it has an extra feature, Off-Peak Charging. But we don't find this feature practical enough to rule the S8 as the ultimate winner in this round now that they both have the same battery and runtime and are self-charging robot cleaners.
The S8 is a smart robot vacuum that works with 2.4GHz WiFi for smartphone app operation and syncs with Alexa.
You can access all controls on the mobile app, available for Android and iOS devices, from setting cleaning schedules to accessing advanced controls such as boundary marking.
You can sync the S8 with voice assistants such as Google Assistant and Siri. There is also an inbuilt voice control function. Upgrades are Over-The-Air (OTA).
Like the S8, the Roborock S7 is also a smart robot vacuum that supports app operation and voice assistant compatibility courtesy of 2.4GHz WiFi.
You can operate the robot from the mobile app available on Android and iOS apps or use voice assistants such as Alexa, Assistant, and Siri.
It also comes with inbuilt voice control and supports Over-The-Air Upgrades (OTA).
This round has no winner, as both Roborock vacuums share the same features. They are powered by 2.4 GHz WiFi, support mobile app and voice assistant control, have inbuilt voice control, and allow for OTA upgrades.
Roborock may be a Chinese brand, but it is known for high-quality robot vacuums, including the S8, which boasts a premium, durable design.
Besides, it is covered by a 1-year warranty, so you are protected if it develops a manufacturing defect within the first year of purchase.
When it comes to support, the team at Roborock, despite operating from miles away, is easily accessible and resourceful on all matters. Last, replacement parts and supplies are readily available and at affordable prices.
The S7 is also a robust robot vacuum that can take the abuse from the unprecedented falls and scratches.
The company also offers a 1-year warranty on manufacturer’s defects.
Being from the same brand as the S8, you can get the same level of support, and moreso, Roborock S7 parts and supplies are readily available.
Here, it is clear there is no winner as both brands have the same 1-year warranty, support is available, and so are parts and supplies such as filters, brushes, and mopping pads, among others.
Roborock S8 comes with the following items:
- Roborock S8 Robot Vacuum
- Charging Dock
- 2 Dustbags
- Power Cable
- Screwdriver
- User Manual
Roborock S7 package includes the following:
- Roborock S7 Robot Vacuum
- Charging Dock
- 2 Dustbags
- Power Cable
- Screwdriver
- User Manual
No model is better than the other here, as they are all well-equipped. So, the round ends in a draw.
Cleaning tests
Vacuuming Test on Hardwood Floor
Vacuuming Test on Hardwood Floor
- Sugar
- 99%
- 98%
- Flour
- 99%
- 97%
- Coffee
- 99%
- 98%
- Rice
- 99%
- 98%
- Kitty Litter
- 99%
- 97%
- Dried Mud
- 98%
- 96%
- Pet Hair
- 98%
- 97%
- Sand pebbles
- 99%
- 98%
Vacuuming Test on High Pile Carpet
Vacuuming Test on High Pile Carpet
- Sugar
- 94%
- 92%
- Flour
- 94%
- 90%
- Rice
- 96%
- 94%
- Coffee
- 94%
- 92%
- Kitty Litter
- 95%
- 93%
- Dried Mud
- 93%
- 90%
- Pet hair
- 95%
- 92%
- Sand pebbles
- 97%
- 95%
Mopping Performance on Hardwood
Mopping Performance on Hardwood
- Vinegar
- 95%
- 95%
- Water
- 99%
- 99%
- Soda
- 99%
- 99%
- Porridge
- 96%
- 96%
- Margarine Smears
- 92%
- 92%
- Cooking Oil
- 94%
- 94%
- Urine Stains
- 99%
- 99%
- Wet Paw Marks
- 99%
- 99%
- Honey
- 95%
- 95%
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between Roborock S7 vs. S7+?
2. What is the difference between Roborock S8 and S8+?
3. Who is noisier, Roborock S8 or S7?
4. Can you use a cleaning solution in the Roborock S8 and S7?
Wrapping Up
That’s the end of this Roborock S8 vs. S7 comparison review. As you have seen, both models are very similar in that they are 2-in-1 cleaners that can vacuum and mop. They also have excellent runtime and perform well on both hard floors and carpets, picking up all kinds of dirt, including pet hair.
However, the S8 being the new model, has some worthy extras, including higher suction for deep carpet cleaning (Roborock CarpetBoost+ System) 3D Mapping, and obstacle avoidance. These three key extras make the S8 the best choice. You can check out all the latest Roborock S8 deals on Amazon. There are also plenty of Roborock S7 deals on Amazon if you are on a budget!
