Introduction
The Dreame L40s Pro Ultra and the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra represent two high-end propositions in the robot vacuum market for 2025 and 2024 respectively. Both units integrate a complete multifunctional base with mop washing and drying, advanced navigation systems with dual cameras and 3D laser sensors, as well as mopping capabilities that go beyond the basics.
The Dreame model arrives as a recent update with specifications that aim to set itself apart in power and autonomy, whilst the Roborock unit maintains the brand's reputation as a global benchmark in reliability and user experience. We are looking at two options designed for users seeking complete automation of floor maintenance, with medium to large-sized homes and who value not having to intervene in the cleaning process.
Power and Suction
The most striking difference appears in suction power. The Dreame L40s Pro Ultra reaches 19000 Pa with Turbo Extreme mode, almost double the 10000 Pa of the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra. In practice, this translates to better capacity for extracting embedded dirt from carpets and for vacuuming heavier particles or those adhered to the floor.
Both integrate a dual anti-tangle main brush, albeit with different technologies. The Dreame features the HyperStream system with two brushes anchored at one end that significantly reduce hair tangles, whilst the Roborock uses its DuoDivide brush that pushes hairs towards the central gap for direct suction. Both systems are liftable during mopping.
Regarding the side brush, the Dreame model incorporates automatic lifting during mopping and an anti-tangle system, features that are not present on the S8 MaxV Ultra. Both have an extendable side brush to improve corner cleaning. This combination of lifting and anti-tangle design on the Dreame proves especially useful in homes with long-haired pets, where tangles on the side brush can be frequent.
Mopping
The mopping system shows different approaches. The Dreame L40s Pro Ultra uses two rotating mops with 3.0 extension that includes Roboswing, a lateral movement of the robot that allows the mop to reach under ledges and furniture. The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra opts for a vibrating mop with an additional mini side mop for edges.
Mop lift marks an important difference: 20 mm on the Roborock versus 10.5 mm on the Dreame. This means the Roborock model can climb better onto carpets without wetting them during mopping, although the Dreame compensates for this by allowing the mops to be left directly at the base when only vacuuming is desired.
Mop washing reaches 75°C on the Dreame, a specific temperature that helps eliminate grease and bacteria more effectively. The Roborock also washes with hot water, although it doesn't specify the exact temperature. Drying operates at 45°C on the L40s Pro Ultra and with hot air on the S8 MaxV Ultra, both effective systems for preventing bad odours.
A clear advantage of the Dreame is the third-generation self-cleaning of the washing tray, which comes pre-installed. This notably reduces manual maintenance of the base. The Roborock doesn't incorporate this system. Both detect dirt on both the mops and the floor to adjust cleaning intensity.
Navigation System
Both robots feature a 3D Lidar turret, dual camera with artificial intelligence, front 3D laser sensor and LED for night vision. Navigation is precise in both cases, with quick mapping and room recognition.
The difference lies in the number of obstacles recognised: 180 on the Dreame L40s Pro Ultra against 73 on the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra. This means the Dreame model can identify and name more specific objects, which improves avoidance precision and allows more detailed configurations from the app.
The Dreame detects curtains, something the Roborock doesn't do. It may seem minor, but it prevents the robot from getting tangled or attempting to climb them. Both recognise pets and allow remote access to the camera for home monitoring.
The intelligent cleaning system is CleanGenius on Dreame and SmartPlan 1.0 on Roborock. Both adjust routes and power according to the type of dirt detected, with AI-powered stain recognition.
Autonomy and Battery
Both feature a 5200 mAh battery, but performance varies. The Dreame L40s Pro Ultra offers 220 minutes of autonomy, whilst the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra reaches 180 minutes. That's an additional 40 minutes which in large homes can make the difference between completing cleaning in a single run or having to return to charge.
This greater autonomy of the Dreame is consistent with its higher suction power, suggesting optimised energy management. For homes over 150 square metres with several scheduled cleaning levels, those extra minutes are noticeable.
Smart Features
The Dreame L40s Pro Ultra can overcome obstacles between 22 and 40 mm with an extra lifting system, compared to the 20 mm of the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra. This allows it to navigate higher thresholds, thick cables or small uneven surfaces without getting stuck.
Both include a simple voice assistant, without being a complete conversational assistant, but sufficient for basic commands such as start, pause or return to base.
Multifunctional Cleaning Base
Both bases are complete multifunctional units: they auto-empty dust, wash and dry mops, and have a detergent tank. The main difference lies in the washing tray self-cleaning, present only on the Dreame with its third-generation system pre-installed from the factory. This reduces the need to manually clean the tray where the mops are washed.
The Dreame's dust bag has 3.2 litres versus the Roborock's 2.5 litres. It may seem minor, but it means changing the bag less frequently, especially in homes with pets where hair accumulation is constant.
Water tanks also favour the L40s Pro Ultra: 4.5 litres of clean water and 4 litres of dirty water, against 4 and 3.5 litres respectively on the S8 MaxV Ultra. For large homes requiring several mopping cycles, this extra capacity reduces refills.
The plumbing connection kit is available for the Dreame, although purchased separately. It allows the base to be connected directly to the water supply and drainage, completely eliminating tank maintenance. The Roborock doesn't offer this option.
Dimensions
The Dreame L40s Pro Ultra measures 350 mm in diameter and 103.8 mm in height. The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra has 353 mm in diameter and 103 mm in height. Practically identical, with barely millimetres of difference that don't affect the ability to pass under furniture.
The Dreame's base is taller (590.5 mm against 470 mm) but narrower (340 mm versus 409 mm). It occupies less horizontal space, which can be useful in tight corners or next to furniture, although it requires more clearance height.
Real-World User Experience
For large homes, the Dreame L40s Pro Ultra offers clear advantages: greater autonomy, larger tanks and a dust bag with more capacity. This translates to fewer interruptions and lower maintenance frequency. The 19000 Pa power proves especially useful in homes with carpets or with pets that shed a lot of hair.
The Dreame's liftable and anti-tangle side brush system makes a difference in homes with animals. Less time spent untangling hair means greater ease of use. The washing tray self-cleaning reinforces this idea of minimal intervention.
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra compensates with superior mop lift (20 mm), which works better if there are thick carpets that the robot must avoid wetting. Roborock's reliability as a brand and its app, considered a benchmark in the sector, provide peace of mind regarding updates and technical support.
For users who value total automation, the Dreame's optional plumbing connection kit represents an additional step towards zero maintenance, although it involves extra investment and requires installation.
Conclusion: Which to Choose?
Choose the Dreame L40s Pro Ultra if you have a large home (over 120 m²), live with pets that shed hair, value maximum autonomy and suction power, and want to minimise base maintenance thanks to tray self-cleaning. Also if you're interested in the future option of connecting to plumbing to completely forget about tanks.
Choose the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra if you prioritise the reliability of an established brand, need greater mop lift for thick carpets, prefer a less tall base that fits better under shelving, and value Roborock's proven user experience with its app and technical support ecosystem. It's a solid option for those seeking balance between features and brand confidence.
