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In my experience as a journalist testing dozens of robot vacuums, I have found that only a select few manufacturers are truly leading the way in innovation and quality cleaning machines. Among them are Roborock, iRobot, and Dreame, with their latest flagship models: the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, the DreameBot X30 Ultra, and iRobot’s Roomba Combo J9 Plus.
Having reviewed the Combo J9 Plus, I still stand by my recommendation of Roombas for those in the market for a high-end or budget-friendly robot vacuum due to their repairability, ease of use, and reliability. However, the competition in the robot vacuum market is growing stronger, especially with the uncertainty surrounding iRobot’s future after its split with Amazon. This prompted me to conduct a thorough comparison between the X30 Ultra and the S8 Max V Ultra to determine the superior choice.
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, priced at $1,799.99, boasts exceptional vacuuming performance, a side brush for corner cleaning, a user-friendly app, and built-in voice control capabilities. On the downside, the dock design is still unattractive, and the mopping tray can be challenging to clean.
On the other hand, the DreameBot X30 Ultra, priced at $1,699.99, offers excellent mopping performance, auto mop removal, and an innovative mop extension feature for cleaning baseboards and under low furniture. However, it falls short with a single roller brush, a confusing app interface, and a lack of support for Matter.
I conducted a 10-day battle between these two robots, evaluating their cleaning abilities, mopping functions, navigation skills, and unique features. Both models utilize lidar for mapping and obstacle avoidance, with the Dreame excelling in removing Cheerios but struggling with iPhone cables, while the Roborock had a penchant for eating pencils.
In terms of vacuuming power, the Roborock outperformed the Dreame on carpet with its dual-brush system and rubber roller design, resulting in less hair tangling. Additionally, both models offer AI-powered auto-cleaning modes for hands-free operation, with Roborock’s “Recommended Routines” proving to be a standout feature.
In conclusion, while both the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and the DreameBot X30 Ultra have their strengths and weaknesses, the former emerges as the superior choice for its powerful suction, innovative features like the flexi arm, and efficient cleaning performance. As the competition in the robot vacuum market continues to intensify, consumers can expect to see more advancements and improvements from these leading manufacturers.