The Roborock S8 and S8+ are essentially the same robot — same 6,000Pa suction, same DuoRoller brushes, same LiDAR navigation. The only real differences are the self-emptying dock and a wider mop pad on the S8+. For most people, the S8+ is the better buy. Here is exactly why.
30-Second Summary
- Best pick: Roborock S8+ — the auto-empty dock alone makes it worth the small price premium
- Skip the S8+ if: You live in a studio apartment and genuinely do not mind emptying the dustbin every 2-3 days
- Price gap: Only ~\$60 separates them now (S8 ~\$230 vs S8+ ~\$290)
- One-line verdict: Same cleaning power, but the S8+ saves you from touching dust for weeks at a time
Quick Comparison Table
| Spec | Roborock S8 | Roborock S8+ |
|---|---|---|
| Suction Power | 6,000Pa | 6,000Pa |
| Battery | 5,200mAh | 5,200mAh |
| Runtime | Up to 180 min | Up to 180 min |
| Navigation | PreciSense LiDAR + ReactiveAI 2.0 | PreciSense LiDAR + ReactiveAI 2.0 |
| Brushes | DuoRoller (dual rubber) | DuoRoller (dual rubber) |
| Mopping | VibraRise 1.0 | VibraRise 2.0 (2x wider pad) |
| Mop Lift | Yes (auto-lift on carpet) | Yes (auto-lift on carpet) |
| Robot Dustbin | 0.4L | 0.35L |
| Dock Type | Charging dock only | Auto-empty dock (2.5L bag, ~60 days) |
| Obstacle Avoidance | 3D structured light | 3D structured light |
| Dimensions | 353 x 350 x 96.5mm | 353 x 350 x 96.5mm |
| Weight | 4.9 kg (10 lbs) | 4.9 kg (10 lbs) + dock |
| MSRP at Launch | \$749 | \$999 |
| Current Price (2026) | ~\$230 | ~\$290 |
The table tells the story — these robots are identical except for two lines: the dock and the mop width.
The 3 Real Differences
Let us cut through the noise. After reading dozens of professional reviews and hundreds of Reddit threads, the S8 vs S8+ debate comes down to exactly three things.
1. Auto-Empty Dock (The Big One)
The S8+ comes with the RockDock Plus — a self-emptying station with a 2.5-liter dust bag that holds roughly 60 days of dust. The standard S8 ships with a simple charging dock. That is the single biggest difference.
In practice, this means the S8 needs its dustbin emptied every 2-3 days (it is only 0.4L). The S8+ empties itself after every run, and you swap the bag roughly every two months. One Reddit user with an S8+ for nearly two years put it simply: "I clean twice a week and still going strong — I barely think about it."
If you have pets, this matters even more. Cat hair and dog fur fill up a 0.4L bin fast. A Redditor noted the S8's "dust bin is small and fills up quickly with carpet fibers" — and that is without pets.
2. VibraRise 2.0 vs 1.0 (Wider Mopping)
Both models use Roborock's VibraRise sonic mopping system — the mop pad vibrates 3,000 times per minute and lifts automatically when the robot detects carpet. But the S8+ gets VibraRise 2.0, which doubles the mop pad width.
What does that mean day to day? The S8+ covers more floor per pass when mopping, finishing faster. On a typical kitchen floor — crumbs around the stove, dried coffee drips near the counter — both do an acceptable job on light maintenance mopping. But the S8+ finishes faster because it covers a wider strip each pass.
Neither model is a serious deep-mopper though. A Reddit user with pets was honest: "The mop function does not do a perfect job but it is good enough to keep me satisfied." If deep mopping is a priority, look at the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra with its self-washing mop system instead.
3. Price Gap Has Collapsed
At launch in April 2023, the S8 cost \$749 and the S8+ cost \$999 — a \$250 gap. In 2026, with newer models like the Saros Z70 and S8 MaxV Ultra taking the spotlight, both have dropped dramatically. The S8 now sells for around \$230 and the S8+ for around \$290.
That \$60 gap changes the math completely. At \$250 apart, you could argue the S8 was the smarter buy. At \$60 apart, the auto-empty dock pays for itself in convenience within the first month.
Cleaning Performance
Identical. Both robots use the same 6,000Pa HyperForce suction and DuoRoller dual rubber brushes. On hard floors — kitchen tile, hardwood, vinyl — they pick up cereal, coffee grounds, and fine dust in a single pass without issue.
On carpets, the S8 series genuinely impresses. One experienced tester on Reddit stated the S8 "consistently outperforms higher-priced competitors on carpet." The dual rubber rollers do not tangle with hair the way bristle brushes do, which is a real advantage for pet owners.
A word of caution though: the same tester warned that "high suction settings can ruin carpets over extended use." For daily runs, stick to the balanced or quiet mode and save max suction for weekly deep cleans.
The How-To Geek review gave the S8 a 7/10, praising its cleaning but noting the value question — why buy the base model when the S8+ is barely more expensive?
Mopping
Both models mop and vacuum simultaneously. The mop pad vibrates ultrasonically and lifts automatically when the robot rolls onto carpet, preventing wet streaks. It works well on hard floors, but on thicker carpets the lifted pad might still graze the fibers.
The S8+'s VibraRise 2.0 mop is wider, so it finishes a room faster. But neither model washes or dries its own mop pad — you are pulling it off and rinsing it by hand after each session. An experienced reviewer actually recommends the base charging dock over fancier docking solutions, noting that "the mop washing system gets clogged with mud" on some all-in-one docks. Since neither the S8 nor S8+ has mop washing, this is not a concern here.
For serious mopping, consider the S8 MaxV Ultra or the Dreame X60 Ultra, both of which auto-wash and hot-air dry the mop.
Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance
No difference. Both use PreciSense LiDAR for room mapping and ReactiveAI 2.0 with 3D structured light for obstacle avoidance. They detect shoes, cables, pet bowls, and chair legs reliably. Multi-floor mapping supports up to four levels.
The S8 series navigation is solid but not class-leading by 2026 standards. Newer models like the Roborock Saros Z70 use upgraded AI with broader object recognition. But for the price, the S8/S8+'s navigation is more than adequate — it builds clean maps, rarely gets stuck, and handles furnished rooms efficiently.
Battery and Noise
Also identical. Both pack a 5,200mAh battery rated for up to 180 minutes in quiet mode. In practice, with mixed vacuuming and mopping on a balanced setting, expect around 120-140 minutes — enough for homes up to 2,000 sq ft in a single run. Both auto-return to charge and resume if the battery runs low mid-clean.
Noise sits at 67 dB on standard mode for both — roughly the volume of a normal conversation. Max suction mode gets noticeably louder. The self-empty cycle on the S8+ dock is the loudest moment — a brief burst that one Redditor described as quite loud. It lasts about 10 seconds and only happens when the robot docks, so schedule runs while you are out and it will not bother you.
App and Smart Features
Identical again. Both connect to the Roborock app (iOS/Android) and support Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri Shortcuts. You get:
- Custom room cleaning with individual suction and mop settings per room
- No-go zones and virtual walls
- Scheduled cleaning with multi-map support
- Remote viewing of the robot's camera feed (for obstacle avoidance calibration)
- Firmware updates over the air
The Roborock app is one of the best in the robot vacuum space — clean interface, responsive controls, and reliable push notifications. How-To Geek called it "best-in-class."
Price and Value in 2026
Here is the honest truth: both the S8 and S8+ are phenomenal value in 2026. These were \$750-\$1,000 robots with flagship-level cleaning that now sell for under \$300. The tech has not changed — they clean just as well as they did on launch day.
The S8+ at ~\$290 is arguably the best deal in robot vacuums right now. You get LiDAR navigation, dual rubber brushes, sonic mopping, and an auto-empty dock for less than most budget robots cost new. The only reason to pick the base S8 at ~\$230 is if you genuinely want a smaller footprint (no dock tower) or want to save every possible dollar.
| Consideration | S8 (~\$230) | S8+ (~\$290) |
|---|---|---|
| Daily dustbin emptying | You do it | Dock does it |
| Mop width | Standard | 2x wider |
| Dock footprint | Tiny charging pad | Taller auto-empty unit |
| Dust bag costs | None | ~\$15 for 6 bags (lasts ~1 year) |
| Value rating | Great | Best |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lowest price entry into the S8 series (~\$230)
- Compact charging dock takes minimal floor space
- Same 6,000Pa suction and DuoRoller brushes as the S8+
- No ongoing dust bag costs
- Auto-empty dock — 60 days hands-free
- VibraRise 2.0 wider mop pad cleans faster
- Incredible value at ~\$290 in 2026
- Same cleaning power as the base S8
Cons
- Must empty the small 0.4L dustbin every 2-3 days
- Narrower mop pad means slower mopping
- Hard to justify when S8+ is only \$60 more
- Auto-empty cycle is loud (~10 seconds)
- Dock takes more floor space than a simple charging pad
- Ongoing dust bag costs (~\$15/year)
- No mop self-washing (manual rinse required)
Who Should Buy Which
Buy the Roborock S8 if:
- You live in a small apartment (under 800 sq ft) where the dustbin fills slowly
- You prefer the smallest possible dock footprint
- You want to spend the absolute minimum
- You do not mind a 30-second daily dustbin empty routine
Buy the Roborock S8+ if:
- You have a medium to large home (800+ sq ft)
- You have pets — hair fills the 0.4L bin fast
- You want a truly set-and-forget cleaning routine
- You value the wider mop pad for faster mopping
- You want the best value per dollar in 2026
For most people reading this, the S8+ is the right answer. The \$60 price difference buys you two months of not touching dust.
The Verdict
The Verdict
8.2/10The Roborock S8+ wins this comparison — not because it cleans better (it does not), but because the auto-empty dock and wider mop pad make daily life measurably easier for a trivial price premium. At ~\$290 in 2026, it is one of the best robot vacuum deals available. The base S8 at ~\$230 is still a solid robot, but the \$60 you save comes at the cost of emptying the dustbin by hand every few days. For pet owners especially, the S8+ is the obvious choice.
Most homes looking for a reliable, affordable robot vacuum with auto-empty convenience
Alternatives: 3 Competitors to Consider
Roborock Q Revo — ~\$400 — 7.5/10
A newer mid-range option with an all-in-one dock that washes and dries the mop automatically. Best for buyers who want better mopping than either the S8 or S8+ can offer. Learn more about Roborock models →
Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra — ~\$800 — 9.0/10
The full flagship experience with 10,000Pa suction, self-washing hot-water mop, and advanced AI obstacle avoidance. Worth it if your budget stretches higher. Read our review →
eufy X10 Pro Omni — ~\$550 — 8.5/10
A strong competitor from a different brand with 8,000Pa suction and an all-in-one self-wash dock. Best if you want a fresh start outside the Roborock ecosystem. Read our review →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Roborock S8+ worth the extra money over the S8?
Yes, for most buyers. The price gap has shrunk to roughly \$60 in 2026. For that small premium, you get an auto-empty dock that holds 60 days of dust and a wider mop pad. Unless you live in a very small space and truly do not mind daily dustbin emptying, the S8+ is the better value.
Can you buy the auto-empty dock separately for the S8?
Roborock does sell the auto-empty dock as a standalone accessory. However, the S8's dock port is designed for its simple charger. The S8+ dock is compatible with the S8 robot itself, but purchasing it separately often costs more than the price difference between the two models. It is usually cheaper to just buy the S8+ outright.
Is the Roborock S8 still worth buying in 2026?
At ~\$230, absolutely. The cleaning performance — 6,000Pa suction, dual rubber brushes, LiDAR navigation — is the same tech that cost \$750 at launch. It cleans just as well as it did in 2023. The main trade-off is the manual dustbin emptying and lack of auto-empty convenience. For budget-conscious buyers who do not mind that, it remains an excellent robot vacuum.
How does the S8/S8+ compare to the S8 Pro Ultra?
The S8 Pro Ultra adds a full-service dock that self-empties dust, self-washes the mop, self-fills the water tank, and self-dries the mop pad. It also has a larger 6,400mAh battery. The cleaning robot itself is very similar. The Pro Ultra launched at \$1,400 and targets buyers who want a completely hands-free experience — no rinsing mop pads, no refilling water. If your budget allows, the S8 MaxV Ultra is an even better step up with 10,000Pa suction.
How loud is the S8+ auto-empty dock?
The self-emptying cycle produces a brief, loud burst that lasts about 10 seconds. It is noticeably louder than the robot's normal operation. The best strategy is to schedule cleaning runs while you are away from home — the robot cleans, docks, empties, and everything is done by the time you return. If you run the robot at night, the emptying noise could wake light sleepers in nearby rooms.
