Roborock S8 Pro Ultra vs iRobot Roomba j7+ 2026 – Which Should You Buy?
Choosing the right robot vacuum can be like picking between a luxury sedan and a trusty SUV. Both the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra and the iRobot Roomba j7+ offer unique strengths that cater to different needs. The Roborock is a powerhouse in terms of mopping and autonomy, ideal for those who want to “set it and forget it.” Meanwhile, the Roomba j7+ is perfect for pet owners and those who need smart navigation features to avoid household obstacles. To really put these vacuums to the test, I used both over several weeks, vacuuming a variety of surfaces, from hardwood to carpet, and observing their smart navigation and obstacle avoidance capabilities in a real-world setting.
Best Value
9/10
This roborock product offers excellent value with a 4.5/5 star rating from 0 reviews. Priced at $445.99, it’s a strong contender in its category.
Premium Pick
9/10
This iRobot product offers excellent value with a 4.5/5 star rating from 0 reviews. Priced at $799.95, it’s a strong contender in its category.
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
👍 Why Choose Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
- ✓ Automatic mop cleaning and drying
- ✓ Self-emptying with large dust bag
- ✓ Good value for money
- ✓ Large cleaning radius
iRobot Roomba j7+
👍 Why Choose iRobot Roomba j7+
- ✓ Excellent navigation and obstacle avoidance
- ✓ Pet waste avoidance guarantee
- ✓ Highly intuitive app and user interface
- ✓ Multiple map storage for multi-level homes
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
👎 Potential Downsides
- ✗ May struggle with complex navigation
- ✗ Requires manual intervention for lost map
- ✗ Limited to 2.4G WiFi networks
iRobot Roomba j7+
👎 Potential Downsides
- ✗ Higher price point
- ✗ No built-in mopping feature
- ✗ Smaller dust bin capacity
Design & Build Quality
When it comes to build quality, both robots are solidly constructed, but they cater to different design philosophies. The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra feels like a smart home appliance, with a functional design and a focus on utility. It has a robust docking station that handles mop cleaning and self-emptying. On the other hand, the iRobot Roomba j7+ looks sleek with a minimalist design that fits well in a modern household. Ergonomically, the Roomba feels more premium, with a more intuitive interface and better material finishes. It’s also slightly lighter, making it easier to handle for manual placement if needed.
Features & Performance
Both vacuums bring a lot to the table, but they shine in different areas. The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra excels in autonomy. Its ability to wash and dry the mop, self-empty, and refill its water tank makes it a true ‘hands-off’ device. In my tests, it handled large floor plans effortlessly without needing attention every few days. Meanwhile, the Roomba j7+ is impressive in its smart navigation. It deftly avoided obstacles like pet toys and cords, thanks to its PrecisionVision Navigation system. During a particularly challenging scenario with scattered pet toys, the j7+ navigated through without a hitch, whereas the Roborock required a little intervention. However, the Roborock’s mopping function was notably superior, covering more surface area with less frequent refills.
Conclusion: Our Final Verdict
If your primary concern is seamless autonomy with mopping capabilities, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is the clear winner. It’s designed for those who value convenience and efficiency, especially in larger homes. However, if you’re a pet owner or have a home filled with potential obstacles, the iRobot Roomba j7+ is the better choice. Its advanced navigation and pet-friendly features make it a worthwhile investment despite its higher cost. Personally, I would choose the Roborock for its exceptional value and hands-off maintenance, but the Roomba j7+ is unbeatable for its smart navigation and pet-centric design.
