The Ecovacs X2 Omni and Roborock S8 Pro Ultra are (two of the more) premium robot vacuum options.
Both are incredibly costly in the four-figure range, but these have do-it-all base stations that can empty the dustbin and wash the pads. Hence the high cost.
Which of these is better? I’ve put both through a grueling series of tests to find out.
A Quick Overview of the Ecovacs X2 Omni and Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
Airflow: 24.35 CFM 📝 Sand on Hard Floor: 99.28% 📝 Deep Cleaning: 63.6%
Side brush: One 📝 Brush roll: Single rubber brush
Navigation: Dual LIDAR + twin-lens front camera 📝 Map saving: Yes 📝 Number of maps: 3 📝 Containment: Yes 📝 Selective Room cleaning: Yes 📝 Recharge & Resume: Yes
Self-Empty: Yes 📝 Bag capacity: 3-liters 📝 Dustbin capacity: <400ml
Mopping: Yes 📝 Pad washing: Yes 📝 Clean water tank capacity: 4 liters 📝 Dirty water tank capacity: 3.5 liters 📝 Water tank (inside robot): 180ml
Battery: 5200 mAh Li-ion 📝 Run time: 210 minutes 📝 Noise: 70.8 dB
Airflow: 11.33 CFM 📝 Sand on Hard Floor: 98.6% 📝 Deep Cleaning: 85.15%
Side brush: One 📝 Brush roll: Twin rubber extractors
Navigation: LIDAR + Front IR Sensor 📝 Map saving: Yes 📝 Number of maps: 4 📝 Containment: Yes 📝 Selective Room cleaning: Yes 📝 Recharge & Resume: Yes
Self-Empty: Yes 📝 Bag capacity: 2.5liters 📝 Dustbin capacity: 350ml
Mopping: Yes 📝 Pad washing: Yes 📝 Clean water tank capacity: 3 liters 📝 Dirty water tank capacity: 2.5 liters 📝 Water tank (inside robot): 200ml
Battery: 5200 mAh Li-ion 📝 Run time: 180 minutes 📝 Noise: 70.8 dB
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Jump to: Intro, Similarities, Differences, App Features, Navigation, Obstacle Avoidance, Airflow, Cleaning, Mopping, Run Time, Noise, Specs, Where to Buy, Which is Better, Verdict
Introduction to the Ecovacs X2 Omni and Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
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The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra and Ecovacs X2 Omni are versatile robot vacuums that can vacuum and mop floors autonomously, thanks to their do-it-all base stations.
While their functionalities are similar, the designs are vastly different, and we’ll look at how these will affect your decision-making.
Squarish-Frame: Ecovacs X2 Omni
Pros
- Premium-level airflow
- Hot water pad washing cycle disinfects and cleans the pads
- Decent-sized water containers
- Obstacle avoidance capabilities
- Efficient at mopping stains
- Square-frame makes it efficient at cleaning edges
- Not noisy
Cons
- Expensive
- Subpar on carpets
- Not good at cleaning hair
The DEEBOT X2 Omni is Ecovac’s latest release, with significant design changes from the previous X1.
The most obvious is the squarish frame.
It’s not the D-shaped frame of the Neato or Roomba S9+, but it’s more of a rounded square with softer edges.
Why the change? Ecovacs says it’s to improve edge cleaning performance since the side brush is at the edge, providing better reach compared to a round-shaped robot.
One disadvantage of this design is that this robot tends to get wedged in tight spaces.
Another upgrade is the hot water pad washing, which is what to expect from the next generation of self-washing robot mops.
It does not only wash the pads with water but also uses hot water (140 degrees F) to help clean and disinfect the pads.
So there’s no need to remove the pads and throw them inside the washing machine.
The 8000 Pa suction is the highest, at least from the robot vacuums I’ve tested and confirmed in the airflow experiments (over 24 CFM).
With the high airflow, it has above-average cleaning performance on hard floors but subpar on carpets.
Other features include the dual LIDAR sensor on the front left corner of the robot, so it doesn’t have a protruding cover on top.
It has a twin-lens camera on the front for obstacle avoidance and surveillance.
Better on Carpets: Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
Pros
- Dual roller design is excellent on carpets
- The twin vibrating element on the mopping pad is highly efficient at removing stains.
- It didn’t get jammed on any of the navigation experiments
- Three-pass run
- Efficient mapping run
- Tighter overlaps than the Ecovacs X2 Omni
- More consistent obstacle avoidance
Cons
- Very costly option
- Noisier
- Pad-washing isn’t as efficient as the X2 Omni
- Weak airflow
The S8 Pro Ultra is an upgrade over the S7 MaxV Ultra with two significant upgrades.
First is the twin roller design that enhances carpet cleaning to near-premium levels, even with low airflow.
This isn’t an industry first since Roomba pioneered this concept, which is a significant reason their products excel on carpets.
The next upgrade is the second agitating element on the mopping module, making it even more proficient at stain removal.
This dual vibrating design makes the S8 Pro efficient at mopping tough-to-clean juice stains like grape or prune juice.
However, its pad-cleaning module isn’t as good as the X2 Omni without the hot water cycle.
Note: Newer Roborock releases like the Q Revo MaxV will have this feature, so consider these newer (but more expensive) alternatives if you want this feature.
The photo above shows how the pad looks after the pad-washing cycle. It’s decently clean, but you can see residue on the edges.
One issue with the S8 Pro Ultra is its low airflow output at just 11 CFM, hampering its hard floor cleaning performance.
It wasn’t as good as the Ecovacs X2 Omni on hard floors (96.9% vs. 99.55%), proving its lower airflow.
These results are a dichotomy of what is standard – that high airflow robot vacuums should be better at cleaning carpets, but that wasn’t the case for these products.
So, the S8 Pro Ultra is an excellent option for folks who want something for cleaning carpets but with an efficient mopping feature.
Similarities between the Ecovacs X2 Omni and Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
Next, we’ll examine the similarities of these robot vacuums, starting with the base station.
1. Do-It-All Base Station
The first similarity is the base station – not the design, but the functionality.
These have the self-emptying and pad-washing features that more brands have integrated into their products.
However, there are several differences. First is the bag position.
The S8 Pro Ultra bag is on top beside the water tanks, while the X2 Omni bag is in the middle.
The following variance is the pad washing element, where the S8 Pro uses a brush that scrubs back and forth, while the X2 has a ribbed tray that the pads scrub.
2. Hybrid Function
These robot vacuums can vacuum and mop. Their apps enable consumers to select different options – vacuum only, mop only, mop+vacuum, or mop then vacuum.
Both have the same pad position, which is behind the brush roll.
However, the pad design varies. The X2 Omni uses a dual disc system, where two pads spin to agitate and remove stains, while the S8 Pro Ultra has one pad with two vibrating elements.
3. Obstacle Avoidance
Another similarity is obstacle avoidance. The Ecovacs X2 Omni and Roborock S8 Pro Ultra have obstacle avoidance sensors, enabling both to evade objects.
But these sensors vary. The S8 Pro Ultra uses an all-laser system, while the X2 Omni combines a twin-lens camera and dual LIDAR sensors.
Based on tests, the S8 Pro Ultra got better results since it was more consistent with evading obstacles, whereas the X2 Omni was inconsistent, particularly with wires and pet feces.
Nonetheless, I don’t recommend leaving wires scattered or pet feces uncleaned since these robots risk touching them.
Differences Between the Ecovacs X2 Omni and Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
This section will examine the differences between the X2 Omni and S8 Pro Ultra.
1. LIDAR Sensor
While these robots utilize LIDAR, they are placed in different locations. The X2 Omni uses what Ecovacs calls a dual LIDAR sensor in the front left corner, while the S8 Pro Ultra’s LIDAR sensor is on top.
One (supposed) benefit of Ecovac’s sensor is that it enables the robot to have a flat surface to fit under furniture below 3.9 inches.
However, this advantage is negated by its tall body, and the difference between these robots is only 0.6″, so it isn’t much.
2. Mopping Module
The mopping systems of the Ecovacs X2 Omni and Roborock S8 Pro Ultra are (vastly) different.
The X2 Omni uses dual rotating discs that spin for agitation, whereas the S8 Pro Ultra uses a single pad with two vibrating elements.
I’ve tested both extensively, and the S8 Pro Ultra is (slightly) more efficient, especially with juice stains, removing everything after the first pass.
The X2 Omni was also efficient but needed the extra pass to clean everything.
3. Pad-Washing
The pad washing modules of these products differ. Ecovacs uses a detachable tray with ribbed components that the pads scrub against during the pad-cleaning cycle.
The Roborock S8 Pro uses a bristled brush that slides back and forth.
I like the Ecovacs design better since there’s nothing to replace, and the tray is made from good quality plastic.
One feature that pushes the X2 Omni over the top is its hot water cycle, which uses 140F water to help dislodge stains and sanitize the pads.
4. Water Tank & Bag Placement
There are apparent variances in the water tank and bag placement. The Roborock S8 Pro water tanks are on top, with no cover, so they’re easily accessible.
And the bag is beside these two water containers.
The Ecovacs water tanks are on top, underneath the top door, and the bag is below these containers in the middle portion.
Underneath these containers sits the bag.
5. Robot Shape
A potential deciding factor for consumers is the robot’s shape. The Ecovacs X2 Omni uses a squarish frame, while the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra has a round frame.
I say this since squarish robots are better at cleaning edges but are at a higher risk of getting stuck in cramped spaces, which isn’t an issue with round-shaped robots.
So, this is a trade-off that consumers need to consider.
6. Brush Design
With the squarish frame, the Ecovacs X2 Omni has a wider brush roll (8″) and a smaller diameter side brush since it sits in the corner.
Both have an all-rubber brush, but the S8 Pro has a dual brush roll design, giving it more agitation and better cleaning performance on carpets.
App Features
These robot vacuums have apps to maximize their functionality. Consumers can download these apps by scanning the robot’s QR codes.
I’ll highlight the most helpful features, but check the individual reviews for a detailed rundown.
1. Live Map
The Ecovacs X2 Omni and Roborock S8 Pro have a live map feature, showing the robot’s real-time location during the cleaning run.
Both have the 3D map feature, giving consumers a three-dimensional perspective of the map.
2. Mapping Run
These apps have a mapping run that takes advantage of LIDAR’s 360 scanning to create maps in a fraction of the time compared to a standard run where the robot has to go through every nook and cranny.
This feature cuts map creation time significantly and is most beneficial inside large homes.
3. Map Saving
After map creation, consumers can save these in the cloud through the map saving feature.
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra can save up to 4 levels, one more than the Ecovacs X2 Omni.
Nonetheless, I don’t think this should be a big issue since most consumers will use these robots at a dedicated level.
4. Containment
Consumers can set off-limit areas on the app using two different tools – invisible walls and no-go zones.
The X2 Omni and S8 Pro Ultra have the same containment features but different names.
An invisible wall is a line drawn on the app that acts as a virtual wall, preventing the robot from going past it.
Another containment feature is the no-go zone, where consumers can draw boxes to block an area.
5. Surveillance [Ecovacs X2 Omni only]
Only the Ecovacs X2 Omni has the surveillance feature with its twin-lens front camera, which is integrated into the primary interface, so consumers can see what the robot sees during the cleaning cycle.
The S8 Pro doesn’t have this feature since it doesn’t have a camera.
6. Vacuum & Mop Settings
Mostly, these brands have similar settings for vacuuming and mopping, with some minor variances.
Here are the options for the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra.
So, the Roborock app has three options – vac & mop, mop only, and vacuum only.
And here are the options for the Ecovacs X2 Omni.
The Ecovacs app has four options – vacuum only, mop only, vacuum + mop, and vacuum then mop.
Both have four different power settings and three water level settings, but the Roborock app has more options with the scrubbing intensity, whereas Ecovacs only has one.
Roborock has these settings since it has the two vibrating elements on the mopping module. So consumers can adjust the vibrating intensity, making it more efficient.
The Ecovacs X2 Omni doesn’t have this feature since the pads spin at a constant 200 rpm.
Navigation Comparison
There’s little difference between the S8 Pro Ultra and X2 Omni with their navigation.
Both will start their run, cleaning the edges before moving toward the middle sections in a back-and-forth pattern.
These robots have multi-pass runs, but one advantage of Roborock is it can do a three-pass run, which is one more than Ecovacs.
It also has a tighter turning radius, but the lower airflow affects its debris pick-up on hard floors.
Coverage Test
The Ecovacs X2 Omni completed the two-pass run faster than the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra, returning to the base station in under 13 minutes, while the S8 Pro Ultra needed 17:34 minutes to finish the two-pass run.
However, the X2 Omni wasn’t as thorough and left more debris during this experiment. So, I had to vacuum these afterward.
Obstacle Avoidance
Next, we’ll examine how these robots compared with obstacle avoidance. One difference between these brands is the sensor.
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra uses an IR sensor flanked by lasers to identify and evade obstacles.
Ecovacs uses a camera sensor plus a dual LIDAR sensor for obstacle avoidance.
The Roborock app is more advanced in that the infrared imaging technology can identify objects (quite) accurately, while Ecovacs doesn’t have this feature.
Since it identifies obstacles better, the S8 Pro Ultra offers more consistent results with evading objects.
It avoided obstacles like pet feces (large ones), footwear, coiled wires, and a weighing scale at a much higher rate.
The Ecovacs X2 Omni was decent but not as consistent as Roborock and got too close, increasing the risk of touching obstacles.
Airflow Comparison
Power setting | Roborock S8 Pro Ultra | Power setting | Ecovacs X2 Omni |
---|---|---|---|
Quiet | 6.49 CFM | Quiet | 10.49 CFM |
Balanced | 7.27 CFM | Standard | 20.35 CFM |
Turbo | 9.33 CFM | Strong | 20.35 CFM |
Max | 11.33 CFM | Max+ | 24.35 CFM |
Max+ | 11.33 CFM |
Based on airflow tests, the Ecovacs X2 Omni has more power, maxing at over 24 CFM, which is more than doubles the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra output (11.33 CFM).
The higher airflow results are reflected in the hard floor cleaning tests (more below), where the Ecovacs X2 Omni got better results.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t as good as Roborock in cleaning carpets, where the latter was much more efficient.
Cleaning Comparison
Model | Roborock S8 Pro Ultra | Ecovacs X2 Omni |
---|---|---|
Overall | 94.95% | 89.15% |
Hard Floor | 96.9% | 99.55% |
Sand on hard floor | 98.6% | 99.28% |
Carpet (Surface Pickup) | 99.15% | 94.18% |
Carpet (Deep Cleaning) | 85.15% | 63.6% |
These results reveal two things. First, the Ecovacs X2 Omni excelled at vacuuming hard floors.
Second, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra was much better at cleaning carpets despite the lower airflow – a testament to the dual brush roll agitation.
One metric that dragged the Ecovacs score down is its poor deep cleaning performance (only 63.6%).
Which Option is Better on Hard Floors?
The Ecovacs X2 Omni is the clear winner here since it got a higher percentage in nearly all the cleaning experiments on this surface (99.55% vs. 96.9%).
Its high airflow and wider brush roll are factors why it picked up more debris.
Here’s a before and after shot of the X2 Omni sand experiment.
The X2 Omni got an average of 99.28% in two tests.
And here are the before and after photos of the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra.
The results were slightly lower at 98.6% but still decent for a robot vacuum.
Edge Cleaning
Cleaning this area is where the X2 Omni square frame shines. It was efficient at picking up coffee grounds and getting nearly everything out.
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra was decent but left (noticeably) more debris in this area. Again, this is an issue with most round-shaped robot vacuums.
Hair Wrap Comparison
Model | Roborock S8 Pro Ultra | Ecovacs X2 Omni |
---|---|---|
5-inch strands | 48.5% | 46% |
7-inch strands | 24% | 21% |
Neither of these robots did well during the hair wrap experiments, where I tested how much hair these would pick up (five and seven-inch strands).
The S8 Pro Ultra was slightly better, but only by a slim margin.
I don’t recommend either for cleaning long hair strands since these will wrap on the brush.
And axles.
The hair wrap on the X2 Omni was worse – look at the photo below.
Somehow, the hair tangled on the side brush and brush guard!
Which Option is Better on Carpets?
Based on tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is the better option for cleaning carpets.
It picked up more debris on the surface (99.15% vs. 94.18%) and deep cleaning experiments (85.15% vs. 63.6%) than the X2 Omni.
The cleaning performance gap between these robots is bigger on carpets than on hard floors.
If vacuuming carpets is a high priority, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is better.
Mopping Comparison
Next is the mopping comparison, specifically how these vacuums handle two stain types – red wine and juice.
Both were above average at removing these stains, but the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra was more efficient at cleaning juice stains, needing only one pass.
Here’s a before and after for the S8 Pro Ultra on juice stains.
The X2 Omni needed a second pass to remove all the prune juice stains.
However, it only needed one pass to remove red wine stains.
Likewise with the S8 Pro Ultra.
Another aspect is how well the pad-washing module cleans the pads.
The Ecovacs X2 Omni is better thanks to its hot water pad washing cycle, which helps remove gunk and residue on the pads.
Here were the pads after a mopping experiment.
And here’s how the pads look after one pad-washing cycle.
Here’s how the S8 Pro pad looks after a mopping experiment.
And here’s the after photo.
You’ll notice dirt and grime at the edges, but the middle portions are relatively clean.
One downside of the S8 Pro Ultra is it doesn’t have a hot wash cycle, so the pad isn’t disinfected.
Run Time Comparison
The Ecovacs X2 Omni uses a larger battery (6400 mAh) and will run further – up to 210 minutes in the lowest power setting. The Roborock S8 Pro uses a smaller battery (5200 mAH) with a shorter claimed run time of 180 minutes.
However, run time shouldn’t be a deciding factor between these robots since these are highly proficient thanks to LIDAR and advanced algorithms.
Both have recharge and resume, enabling them to clean even large homes.
Noise Comparison
Power setting | Roborock S8 Pro Ultra | Ecovacs X2 Omni |
---|---|---|
Quiet | 58.1 dB | 56.7 dB |
Balanced | 62.1 dB | 60.1 dB |
Turbo | 64.8 dB | 60.5 dB |
Max | 70.1 dB | 67.2 dB |
The Ecovacs X2 Omni wins this category since it wasn’t as noisy in all the settings, only maxing at 67 decibels, while the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra breached 70 decibels.
Product Specifications
Model | Roborock S8 Pro Ultra | Ecovacs X2 Omni |
---|---|---|
Width | 13.89" | 12.6" |
Height | 3.79" | 3.76" |
Filter | Washable E11 Rated Air Filter | HEPA Filter |
Navigation | LIDAR + Front IR | Dual LIDAR + Front camera |
Run time | 180 mins. | 210 mins. |
Recharge and Resume | Yes | Yes |
Map Saving | Yes | Yes |
Number of Maps | 4 | 3 |
Dustbin capacity | 350 ml | 420 ml |
Water tank | 200 ml | 180 ml |
Auto empty capacity | 2.5 liters | 3 liters |
Airflow | 11.33 CFM | 24 CFM |
Warranty | 1-year limited | 1-year limited |
Price |
Where Can I Purchase These Robot Vacuums?
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra and Ecovacs X2 Omni are available in online stores like Amazon. Check the links below for the latest pricing information.
Disclaimer: I will earn a commission if you click on any of the links above, but at no extra cost, so it’s a win-win for us!
Which Option is Better?
Choosing between the Ecovacs X2 Omni and Roborock S8 Pro Ultra will boil down to your preferences.
The X2 Omni’s higher airflow enables it to pick up more debris on hard floors, but the S8 Pro is much better on carpet.
Both are efficient at mopping stains, but the S8 Pro Ultra is better at mopping tough-to-clean juice stains.
However, the X2 Omni’s hot water washing cycle gives it an advantage with pad washing since the hot liquid will disinfect the pads.
5 Reasons to Choose the Ecovacs X2 Omni
- High airflow: The X2 Omni has over 24 CFM of airflow, which is premium level.
- Better on hard floors: This high airflow enables it to pick up more dirt on hard floors.
- Hot water pad washing: Hot water helps this robot clean the pads more efficiently.
- Voice activation: The YIKU feature gives consumers the option to use voice.
- Efficient navigation: This robot completed a two-pass run in my tiny room in less than 13 minutes.
5 Reasons to Choose the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
- Dual roller: The twin brush roll system of the S8 Pro Ultra picks up more debris on carpets.
- Efficient at mopping stains: This robot can mop tough-to-remove juice stains in one pass.
- Extra pass: Consumers can opt for the three-pass run if they need a more thorough clean.
- More stable navigation: The S8 Pro’s top-mounted LIDAR sensor offers better stability with its navigation since it can fire signals in a 360-degree pattern.
- Better obstacle avoidance: This model offers more consistent obstacle avoidance results.
The Verdict: Each Brand Has Its Strengths, Know Them Before Buying
These do-it-all robot vacuums are versatile and efficient autonomous machines with their own strengths.
The Ecovacs X2 Omni excels at vacuuming hard floors with its high airflow, and the hot water pad washing offers an extra wrinkle that disinfects the pads.
Despite the lower airflow, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra’s dual rollers give it better carpet pickup. The two vibrating elements improve its efficiency at mopping stains, but the bristled component increases its running costs.
So these are trade-offs to consider between these brands.
Change log:
- Added image descriptions to help readers better understand what they’re looking at, offering a better user experience. Also added a video comparison for these robot vacuums for those who prefer watch than read.