Introduction
We're looking at two of the most advanced robot vacuum cleaners from Roborock launched in 2024. The Roborock Qrevo Curv S5X and the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra represent two different philosophies within the high-end range of the world's leading cleaning robot brand. The former focuses on extreme suction power and a mopping system with rotating mops, whilst the latter integrates a comprehensive artificial intelligence system with dual camera and advanced obstacle recognition.
Both units include a multifunction base that washes and dries the mops automatically, which marks a clear difference compared to more basic models. The question is which approach suits each type of home best: maximum raw power or artificial intelligence applied to daily cleaning.
Power and Suction
The most striking difference in this robot vacuum cleaner comparison is the suction power. The Roborock Qrevo Curv S5X reaches 18500 Pa, almost double the 10000 Pa of the S8 MaxV Ultra. This figure isn't just a number on the spec sheet: in homes with carpets, pets or floors with deep grout lines, that extra capacity translates into visibly better results.
The brushing system also presents important nuances. The Qrevo Curv S5X features the DuoDivide Antienredos brush, designed to push hair towards the central gap and minimise tangles. The S8 MaxV Ultra uses a dual silicone brush, equally effective against hair but with an advantage: it can lift during mopping to avoid dirtying carpets. The Qrevo Curv lacks this main brush lifting feature.
As for the side brush, both models have an extendable one to better reach corners. However, only the Qrevo Curv S5X features anti-tangle technology on this side brush, a detail that can save maintenance if there's long hair at home.
Mopping
The mopping system marks another clear dividing line between these two Roborock robot vacuum cleaners. The Qrevo Curv S5X opts for two rotating mops with FlexiArm extension, which allows better reach to edges and corners. The S8 MaxV Ultra uses a vibrating mop with an additional mini side mop for edges.
The mop lifting works inversely to what might be expected: the S8 MaxV Ultra can lift them up to 20 mm, double the 10 mm of the Qrevo Curv. This is decisive if you have high-pile carpets or thick doormats, as the S8 MaxV will avoid them with greater clearance.
Where the Qrevo Curv S5X takes the lead is in mop washing. Its base washes with water at 75°C, a higher temperature than the S8 MaxV Ultra (which also uses hot water but without specifying degrees). Drying also differs: the Qrevo dries at 45°C whilst the S8 MaxV uses hot air without a specific temperature. Both systems detect dirt on the mops and floor to reinforce cleaning where needed.
A differentiating aspect is that the S8 MaxV Ultra includes a detergent tank in the base, something the Qrevo Curv S5X doesn't offer. This can be convenient for those who prefer to fully automate the process without adding product manually.
Navigation System
Here we find the greatest philosophical difference between both units. Both feature Lidar 3.0 turret for primary mapping, but the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra adds a comprehensive vision system: dual AI camera, front 3D laser sensor and LED for night vision. It recognises up to 73 different types of obstacles, including pets, and allows remote access to the camera to monitor the home.
The Qrevo Curv S5X dispenses with all this visual arsenal. It has no camera, no 3D sensor, no front LED. It relies solely on Lidar and its basic obstacle avoidance system. For many homes this is more than sufficient, but if you have young children who leave toys on the floor or curious pets, the S8 MaxV Ultra will dodge objects with much greater precision.
Both robots integrate RR Mason 11.0 algorithm and AI intelligent cleaning functions, although with differences: the Qrevo Curv uses SmartPlan 2.0 and the S8 MaxV version 1.0. Only the S8 MaxV Ultra incorporates AI stain recognition to automatically insist on dirtier areas.
Autonomy and Battery
In this section there are no surprises. Both robots feature a 5200 mAh battery with a declared autonomy of 180 minutes. This allows covering large homes in a single run, although actual autonomy will depend on the configured suction power and floor type.
Neither model specifies exact battery performance or full charging time, but sharing the same capacity, similar behaviour in daily use can be expected.
Smart Functions
The ability to overcome obstacles is identical: 20 mm in both cases. Sufficient to pass over cables, small uneven surfaces or medium-thickness carpets without getting stuck.
The S8 MaxV Ultra includes a simple built-in voice assistant, absent in the Qrevo Curv S5X. It's not a revolutionary feature, but it can be practical for giving quick commands without opening the app.
Multifunction Cleaning Base
The bases of both robots share essential capabilities: 2.5-litre dust bag, 4-litre clean water tank and automatic mop washing and drying systems. Neither offers UV disinfection nor integrated plumbing connection.
The most relevant difference lies in the tray self-cleaning. The Roborock Qrevo Curv S5X incorporates 2.0 self-cleaning system already installed, which keeps the washing tray in better condition without manual intervention. The S8 MaxV Ultra lacks this function, which means greater long-term maintenance.
The dirty water tank is slightly larger in the S8 MaxV Ultra: 3.5 litres compared to 3 litres. A small difference that's barely noticeable in daily practice. As mentioned earlier, only the S8 MaxV includes a detergent tank in the base.
Dimensions
The Roborock Qrevo Curv S5X measures 98 mm in height, 5 mm less than the 103 mm of the S8 MaxV Ultra. It may seem insignificant, but those millimetres determine whether the robot passes under certain low furniture or not. The diameter is practically identical: 352 mm compared to 353 mm.
As for the bases, the Qrevo Curv has a square format of 450 mm in all three dimensions, whilst the S8 MaxV Ultra is somewhat more compact in width and depth (409 x 419 mm) but taller (470 mm). It's advisable to measure the available space before deciding, although both bases take up quite a bit of room.
The robot's internal tanks also vary: the Qrevo Curv has 325 mm of dust and 80 ml of water, whilst the S8 MaxV offers 270 ml of dust and 100 ml of water. These differences barely affect actual use, as both return automatically to the base.
Real-World User Experience
For large homes with carpets and pets, the Qrevo Curv S5X offers clear advantages: its brutal suction power and anti-tangle side brush make maintenance easier. The 75°C mop washing and tray self-cleaning reduce cleaning tasks for the robot itself.
If there are young children at home, scattered toys or pets that the robot must carefully avoid, the S8 MaxV Ultra is more suitable. Its vision system with 73 recognised obstacles and the ability to lift the main brush 20 mm make it more adaptable to changing environments. Remote camera access adds an extra security benefit.
In homes with low furniture, the 5 mm less height of the Qrevo Curv can make the difference between cleaning under the sofa or not. For those who prioritise absolute convenience, the S8 MaxV's detergent tank eliminates a manual step.
Both models work well on hard floors, parquet and medium-thickness carpets. The power difference is especially noticeable on dense carpets or tile grout, where the Qrevo Curv extracts more dirt. The S8 MaxV compensates with intelligence: it detects stains and adjusts mopping automatically.
Conclusion: Which One to Choose?
Choose the Roborock Qrevo Curv S5X if: you're looking for maximum suction power on the market, you have demanding carpets or pets that shed a lot of hair, you value high-temperature mop washing and prefer to reduce base maintenance thanks to 2.0 self-cleaning. Also if you need the robot to pass under very low furniture or if the budget is somewhat tighter, as it usually positions itself below the S8 MaxV in price.
Choose the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra if: you prioritise artificial intelligence applied to cleaning, you have a home with many changing obstacles (toys, shoes, cables), you want to monitor your home via the robot's camera or you live with pets that the unit must recognise and avoid. The 20 mm lifting of the brush and mops is key if you have high-pile carpets. The integrated detergent tank and stain recognition provide extra convenience in day-to-day use.
In the end, this Roborock robot vacuum cleaner comparison comes down to raw power versus refined intelligence. Both are excellent options within the best on the market in 2025, with complete multifunction base and cutting-edge technology. The choice depends on whether your home needs more suction muscle or more brains to navigate obstacles.
