Introduction
The Roborock QV 35A and the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra represent two distinct approaches within the brand's 2024-2025 lineup. The QV 35A, launched in 2025, positions itself as a more streamlined option with dual rotating mops and an 8,000 Pa suction power. The S8 MaxV Ultra, from 2024, sits firmly in the premium segment with its 10,000 Pa suction, dual AI cameras, and hot water mop washing capabilities. Both models feature multifunction bases that handle automatic dust emptying, mop washing, and drying, but the differences in their specifications reveal quite different target users.
For anyone considering a robot aspirador Roborock, understanding these distinctions matters. The QV 35A suits those seeking efficient cleaning without the complexity of advanced AI features, whilst the S8 MaxV Ultra appeals to users who want comprehensive automation and smart navigation.
Power and Vacuuming
The S8 MaxV Ultra delivers 10,000 Pa suction compared to the QV 35A's 8,000 Pa. This 2,000 Pa difference becomes noticeable when dealing with embedded dirt in carpets or stubborn debris in tile grooves. Both models share identical 5,200 mAh batteries providing 180 minutes of runtime, which typically covers homes up to 200-250 square metres on a single charge.
Where the main brush is concerned, the QV 35A uses a simple brush design, whilst the S8 MaxV Ultra employs Roborock's DuoDivide dual brush system. This DuoDivide configuration channels hair and debris towards the central suction point, significantly reducing tangling issues. For households with pets or long-haired residents, this makes a tangible difference in maintenance frequency.
The side brush configuration differs notably. The QV 35A features an anti-tangle side brush, whilst the S8 MaxV Ultra opts for an extendable version. The extendable brush reaches further into corners and along skirting boards, improving edge cleaning performance. Neither model offers side brush elevation during mopping, so both retract or adjust their approach when the mops are active.
An important distinction: the S8 MaxV Ultra can lift its main brush during mopping tasks, preventing carpet contamination and allowing the robot to focus purely on wet cleaning when needed. The QV 35A lacks this feature, making it less adaptable when transitioning between floor types during a mopping session.
Mopping
The mopping systems diverge considerably. The QV 35A employs dual rotating mops that spin to agitate floor surfaces, whilst the S8 MaxV Ultra uses a vibrating mop paired with a mini lateral extension. This extension allows the S8 MaxV Ultra to reach closer to walls and furniture edges, addressing a common limitation in robot mopping.
Mop elevation differs substantially: 10 mm on the QV 35A versus 20 mm on the S8 MaxV Ultra. That extra centimetre matters when crossing thicker rugs or transitioning onto carpets. The higher lift ensures the S8 MaxV Ultra can navigate mixed flooring without dragging wet mops across soft surfaces.
Both models return to their bases for mop washing, but the S8 MaxV Ultra heats the water during this process. Hot water proves more effective at breaking down grease and stubborn marks on the mops themselves, keeping them cleaner between sessions. The QV 35A manages with cold water, which still achieves reasonable results but requires more frequent manual mop replacement in heavily soiled environments.
Drying follows a similar pattern. Cold air drying on the QV 35A takes longer and may not completely eliminate moisture, potentially leading to odours if the base isn't well-ventilated. The S8 MaxV Ultra's hot air drying accelerates the process and reduces bacterial growth, a worthwhile advantage for maintaining hygiene.
The S8 MaxV Ultra introduces dirt detection for both mops and floors. When sensors identify heavily soiled areas, the robot can make additional passes or return to the base for mop cleaning mid-session. The QV 35A follows pre-programmed patterns without this adaptive behaviour, making it less responsive to unexpected spills or dirty zones.
Only the S8 MaxV Ultra includes a detergent dispenser in its base, automatically adding cleaning solution during mop washing. This eliminates the need to manually prepare cleaning fluid, streamlining the maintenance routine considerably.
Navigation System
Both robots use 3D LiDAR turret navigation, creating accurate floor plans and planning efficient cleaning routes. However, the S8 MaxV Ultra supplements this with dual AI cameras and a frontal 3D laser sensor. These cameras recognise 73 different object types, including pets, shoes, cables, and furniture. In practice, this means the S8 MaxV Ultra navigates around obstacles with greater precision, avoiding the tentative nudging that simpler systems employ.
Pet recognition specifically benefits households with animals. The S8 MaxV Ultra identifies dogs and cats, adjusting its approach to avoid startling them or getting tangled in pet toys. The QV 35A relies purely on LiDAR and basic obstacle detection, which works adequately but lacks this contextual awareness.
The S8 MaxV Ultra offers remote camera access through the app, allowing you to check on your home whilst the robot cleans or even when it's idle. LED lighting enables night vision functionality, making this feature practical in low-light conditions. The QV 35A provides no camera access, focusing solely on cleaning without surveillance capabilities.
Both models run SmartPlan 1.0 for intelligent cleaning routines, but the S8 MaxV Ultra's RR Mason 11.0 processing algorithm handles the additional camera and sensor data, enabling spot recognition and adaptive cleaning strategies that the QV 35A simply cannot replicate.
Battery and Autonomy
With matching 5,200 mAh batteries and 180-minute runtimes, both robots handle extended cleaning sessions without interruption. This autonomy suits homes up to approximately 250 square metres, assuming mixed vacuuming and mopping tasks. Neither model specifies charging times in the available data, but typical recharge cycles for this battery capacity range between 3-4 hours.
The similar battery performance means your choice between these models won't hinge on runtime concerns. Both return to base automatically when power runs low, recharge, and resume cleaning where they left off.
Smart Features
Both robots manage 20 mm obstacle climbing, sufficient for standard door thresholds and low-pile rug edges. This capability ensures they transition between rooms without getting stranded on minor elevation changes.
The S8 MaxV Ultra distinguishes itself with a built-in voice assistant alongside compatibility with external systems like Alexa and Google Home. The QV 35A supports external voice assistants only. Having an onboard assistant means the S8 MaxV Ultra responds to direct voice commands without requiring internet connectivity or third-party devices, adding a layer of convenience for quick instructions.
Multifunction Base
Both bases handle automatic dust emptying, mop washing, and mop drying, but the execution differs. The QV 35A's base features a 2.7-litre dust bag compared to the S8 MaxV Ultra's 2.5-litre capacity—a marginal difference that translates to perhaps one extra week between bag changes, depending on household dirt levels.
Water tank capacities match exactly: 4 litres for clean water and 3.5 litres for dirty water. This provides sufficient capacity for several mopping sessions across large homes before requiring refills or emptying.
The absence of automatic base tray cleaning on both models means you'll need to manually rinse the washing tray periodically to prevent residue buildup. Neither offers UV disinfection or integrated plumbing connections, though neither provides optional connection kits either.
The S8 MaxV Ultra's hot water washing and hot air drying, combined with its detergent dispenser, create a more thorough and automated maintenance cycle. The QV 35A's cold water and cold air approach remains functional but demands more user intervention to maintain optimal hygiene.
Dimensions
Both robots share a 353 mm diameter, standard for models with LiDAR turrets. Height differs: 96.5 mm for the QV 35A versus 103 mm for the S8 MaxV Ultra. That 6.5 mm advantage allows the QV 35A to slip under slightly lower furniture—sofas, beds, or cabinets with minimal clearance. If your furniture sits particularly low, this becomes a practical consideration.
Base dimensions tell a different story. The QV 35A's base measures 340 mm wide, 521 mm tall, and 487 mm deep. The S8 MaxV Ultra's base spans 409 mm wide, 470 mm tall, and 419 mm deep. The S8 MaxV Ultra's base is wider but shorter and less deep, potentially fitting better in certain alcoves or under counters. The QV 35A's taller, narrower profile suits corner placements where width is limited.
Neither base is particularly compact, so allocating appropriate space matters regardless of which model you choose.
Real-World Usage
For larger homes with mixed flooring, the S8 MaxV Ultra's superior mop lift, hot water cleaning, and AI navigation provide a noticeably smoother experience. The dirt detection ensures heavily trafficked areas receive adequate attention without manual intervention, whilst the 73-object recognition reduces the need for pre-cleaning tidying.
Pet owners benefit significantly from the S8 MaxV Ultra's DuoDivide brushes and pet recognition. Hair management becomes less of a chore, and the robot's ability to navigate around animals reduces cleaning disruptions. The QV 35A's anti-tangle side brush helps, but the simpler main brush requires more frequent maintenance when dealing with shedding pets.
In homes with low-clearance furniture, the QV 35A's reduced height grants access to spaces the S8 MaxV Ultra cannot reach. This advantage matters if you have platform beds, low-slung sofas, or custom cabinetry with minimal floor clearance.
The S8 MaxV Ultra's remote camera access appeals to users who travel frequently or want to monitor their homes. This isn't a primary cleaning feature, but it adds value beyond simple floor maintenance.
For straightforward homes without pets, minimal obstacles, and standard furniture heights, the QV 35A delivers capable cleaning at a presumably lower price point. The dual rotating mops handle routine mopping tasks adequately, and the 8,000 Pa suction manages everyday dirt and debris without issue.
Conclusion: Which to Choose?
Choose the Roborock QV 35A if you want a competent robot aspirador with multifunction base capabilities without paying for advanced AI features you won't use. It suits smaller to medium homes with minimal furniture clutter, standard flooring, and no pets. The lower profile helps if you need to clean under low furniture regularly. This model provides solid fundamentals—automatic dust emptying, mop washing and drying, decent suction—without the complexity or cost of premium navigation and smart features.
Choose the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra if you're seeking the mejor robot aspirador 2025 experience with comprehensive automation. The hot water mop washing, hot air drying, and detergent dispenser reduce maintenance significantly. Homes with pets benefit enormously from the DuoDivide brushes and pet recognition. The dual cameras and 73-object recognition make this robot genuinely autonomous in cluttered environments, whilst the 20 mm mop lift handles mixed flooring with ease. Remote camera access and built-in voice assistant add convenience layers that justify the premium positioning. For large homes demanding minimal user intervention, this represents the more capable choice.
