Introduction
This comparison brings together three high-end robot vacuum cleaners launched between 2024 and 2026. The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra arrived on the market in 2024 as one of the brand's flagship models, whilst the Roborock Saros 20 Sonic represents the company's most recent evolution, introduced in March 2026. The Dreame X50 Ultra Blanca, from 2025, completes this analysis as a competitive alternative.
All three models feature a complete multifunction base: automatic dust emptying, mop washing and drying. They are designed for users seeking total automation in home cleaning, with advanced navigation systems and professional mopping capability. The differences between them define distinct usage profiles that merit detailed analysis.
Power and Suction
The most striking difference in this section is marked by the Roborock Saros 20 Sonic with its 36,000 Pa of suction power, a figure that amply doubles the 20,000 Pa of the Dreame X50 Ultra and multiplies by 3.6 the 10,000 Pa of the S8 MaxV Ultra. In practice, this superior power translates into better capacity to extract ingrained dirt from carpets and vacuum heavy particles.
The main brushing system also presents important variations. The Saros 20 Sonic incorporates the DuoDivide anti-tangle brush, specifically designed to push hair towards the central suction gap and prevent tangles. The other two models use a double brush, effective but without this specific anti-hair technology.
All three robots lift the main brush during mopping, preventing it from getting wet and ensuring more hygienic mopping. However, there are notable differences in the side brush: whilst the Saros 20 Sonic and the X50 Ultra lift the side brush in mopping mode and feature an anti-tangle function, the S8 MaxV Ultra incorporates neither of these two characteristics. All three models do share the extendable side brush to improve corner cleaning.
Mopping
The mopping system varies between the three units. The S8 MaxV Ultra and the Saros 20 Sonic use a vibrating mop, whilst the Dreame X50 Ultra opts for two rotating mops. Edge extension also differs: the S8 MaxV Ultra integrates a mini side mop, whilst the other two models feature full mop extension. The X50 Ultra adds Roboswing movement, which allows the mop to reach under furniture and overhangs more easily.
Mop lift reaches 20 mm on the S8 MaxV Ultra, the highest figure of the three. The Saros 20 Sonic offers variable lift between 8-18 mm, and the X50 Ultra sits at 10.5 mm. These differences are relevant for protecting carpets during mopping.
A standout feature of the Saros 20 Sonic is warm water mopping, which improves effectiveness on difficult stains. The other two models mop with cold water. Additionally, both the Saros 20 Sonic and the X50 Ultra automatically remove the mops at the base when only vacuuming is needed, something the S8 MaxV Ultra does not do. All three detect dirt both on the mops and on the floor to adjust the cleaning process.
Navigation System
The Roborock Saros 20 Sonic sets itself apart in navigation with capacity to recognise up to 300 different objects, compared to 200 for the Dreame X50 Ultra and 73 for the S8 MaxV Ultra. This difference is substantial for homes with many obstacles or families with young children who leave toys on the floor.
All three robots integrate LiDAR for mapping, although the S8 MaxV Ultra uses a traditional LiDAR turret whilst the other two incorporate retractable LiDAR, which reduces the total height of the robot. All feature dual AI camera, front 3D laser sensor and LED for night vision. Pet recognition is present in all three, as is remote camera access.
A function that distinguishes the Saros 20 Sonic and the X50 Ultra is curtain detection, absent in the S8 MaxV Ultra. This prevents the robot from getting tangled or dragging fabrics during cleaning. As for processors, the S8 MaxV Ultra mounts RR Mason 11.0, whilst the X50 Ultra integrates AI Sage 13.0, both with AI-based intelligent cleaning systems.
Autonomy and Battery
The Roborock Saros 20 Sonic and the Dreame X50 Ultra share a 6,400 mAh battery, superior to the 5,200 mAh of the S8 MaxV Ultra. This 23% difference provides greater autonomy margin, especially useful in large homes where the robot needs to complete the entire surface without intermediate recharges.
In terms of declared autonomy, both the S8 MaxV Ultra and the X50 Ultra offer 180 minutes of continuous operation. The Saros 20 Sonic does not specify this data in the table, although its larger battery capacity suggests similar or superior performance. The combination of ample battery and multifunction base allows these robots to manage large homes without user intervention.
Smart Functions
The ability to overcome obstacles presents notable differences. The S8 MaxV Ultra can negotiate steps of up to 20 mm, whilst the Saros 20 Sonic and the X50 Ultra are designed to overcome simple steps without specifying exact height. In practice, this affects the robot's ability to pass between rooms with small level changes or climb onto thick carpets.
All three models incorporate their own voice assistant and compatibility with external assistants such as Alexa or Google Home. None features a robotic arm, a function that has not yet become widespread at these range levels.
Multifunction Cleaning Base
All three bases perform automatic dust emptying, mop washing and drying, but with important differences in the process. Mop washing is carried out with hot water on the S8 MaxV Ultra and the Saros 20 Sonic, whilst the X50 Ultra uses cold water. Drying, on the other hand, employs hot air in all three cases to accelerate the process and prevent bad odours.
Self-cleaning of the washing tray is absent in the S8 MaxV Ultra, whilst the Saros 20 Sonic performs it with hot water and the X50 Ultra incorporates third-generation self-cleaning. This function significantly reduces the necessary manual maintenance.
The Dreame X50 Ultra is the only one that integrates UV disinfection in the base, adding an extra level of hygiene. It also offers an optional kit for connection to plumbing, although this must be purchased separately and does not come integrated as standard in any of the three models.
In terms of capacities, the X50 Ultra offers the largest dust bag with 3.2 litres, compared to 2.5 litres for the two Roborock models. The clean water tank reaches 4.5 litres in the X50 Ultra, 4 litres in the Roborock models. The dirty water tank varies: 4 litres in X50 Ultra, 3.5 litres in S8 MaxV Ultra and 3 litres in Saros 20 Sonic. These differences determine the frequency of manual emptying and filling.
Dimensions
The Roborock Saros 20 Sonic stands out for its reduced height of 79.8 mm, notably lower than the 103 mm of the S8 MaxV Ultra and the 89 mm of the X50 Ultra. This difference of more than 2 centimetres compared to the S8 MaxV Ultra allows the Saros 20 Sonic to access under low furniture, sofas and beds where the other two would not fit.
The diameter is practically identical in all three: 353 mm in the Roborock models, 350 mm in the Dreame. The bases present similar measurements in width (409 mm for the Roborock models, 340 mm for the Dreame), but differ in height: 470 mm for the Roborock models versus 590.5 mm for the X50 Ultra. The Dreame base is taller but less wide, a factor to consider depending on available space.
Real-World Usage Experience
For large homes, the Roborock Saros 20 Sonic and the Dreame X50 Ultra offer advantages due to their 6,400 mAh battery and more generous tanks. The X50 Ultra, with its 3.2-litre bag and 4.5-litre clean water tank, requires fewer maintenance interventions on large surfaces.
If there are pets at home, the DuoDivide brush of the Saros 20 Sonic makes a difference by preventing hair tangles. The 36,000 Pa power is also decisive for extracting hair embedded in carpets. The X50 Ultra and the S8 MaxV Ultra, whilst effective, do not feature this specific anti-tangle system on the main brush.
For passing under furniture, the Saros 20 Sonic with its 79.8 mm height is clearly superior. It can clean spaces inaccessible to the other two models, reducing dead zones in the home.
In homes with young children or many obstacles, the Saros 20 Sonic's capacity to recognise 300 different objects minimises jams and improves the robot's real autonomy. Curtain detection, also present in the X50 Ultra, avoids common problems in living rooms and bedrooms.
The Saros 20 Sonic's warm water mopping represents a real advantage in kitchens and bathrooms with stuck-on stains. Tray self-cleaning, absent in the S8 MaxV Ultra, reduces the weekly maintenance required in the other two models.
Conclusion: Which to Choose?
Choose the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra if you're looking for a reliable 2024 robot with 20 mm mop lift, the highest of the three, and you don't mind carrying out somewhat more manual maintenance on the base. Suitable for medium-sized homes without extreme autonomy requirements, although its lower suction power and 103 mm height limit its performance on thick carpets and under low furniture.
Choose the Roborock Saros 20 Sonic if you want the most advanced 2026 technology with 36,000 Pa power, DuoDivide anti-tangle brush, 300-object recognition and warm water mopping. Its 79.8 mm height allows cleaning under virtually any furniture. Ideal for homes with pets, large homes, users seeking maximum autonomy and minimum maintenance. It represents the best robot vacuum cleaner 2025-2026 in this robot vacuum comparison.
Choose the Dreame X50 Ultra Blanca if you value the quality-price ratio of the Dreame brand, need the largest tanks (3.2 L dust, 4.5 L clean water) and appreciate UV disinfection in the base. Its rotating mops with Roboswing and third-generation self-cleaning offer excellent mopping. A good option for large homes that prioritise tank autonomy and do not need the ultra-low height of the Saros 20 Sonic. The optional plumbing connection kit adds future versatility.
