Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra vs iRobot Roomba Combo j9+

Both run dual rubber rollers and both posted elite lane scores — 97%/91% for the Roborock, 96%/90% for the Roomba. On pet hair they're the two best systems we've tested. The Roomba's edge is consistency on thick carpet; the Roborock's is raw suction headroom. Call it even and move on.

No contest. The Roborock's vibrating sonic pad and FlexiArm cleared 7 of 12 dried stains; the Roomba's SmartScrub managed 5 of 12, takes longer doing it, and its dock doesn't wash the pad — that's a weekly hand-wash chore the Roborock simply doesn't have.

The Roomba's party trick is decisive here: its mop pad swings fully onto the robot's roof, making wet carpet physically impossible rather than software-prevented. Its PrecisionVision avoidance also carries the pet-waste guarantee. The Roborock lifts its mop a few millimeters — fine for low pile, not plush rugs.

The Roborock dock empties, washes, dries, and refills — full automation in exchange for floor space. The Roomba's dock is better furniture (the wood-top design genuinely passes for a side table) but does less: empty and refill only. If you'd rather maintain nothing, Roborock; if you'd rather look at nothing, Roomba.