Roborock F25 Ultra Review: Wet-Dry Power or Gimmick?

Does the Roborock F25 Ultra finally make wet-dry robot vacuums practical — or is it an overpriced gimmick?

Hook: If you’re tired of jumping between a robot vacuum, a mop, and the noisy upright to clean pet messes or dried spills, the promise of a single machine that vacuums, mops, and picks up liquid is irresistible. But does the Roborock F25 Ultra deliver real-world wet-dry performance, and does Amazon’s aggressive launch discount change the math for value shoppers in 2026?

Quick verdict — the TL;DR

The Roborock F25 Ultra is one of the most capable hybrid robots Roborock has released: excellent hard-floor pickup, convincing wet pickup for fresh spills, and an improved carpet-washing mode that cleans low- to medium-pile rugs well. It still doesn’t replace a heavy-duty upright wet-dry cleaner for large soaked areas or deeply embedded high-pile carpet stains. However, with the Amazon launch sale (reported near 40% off at introduction), it becomes a compelling buy for busy households that want consistent daily maintenance and occasional wet pickup without hauling out a separate machine.

What I tested and why it matters (methodology)

Real-world testing focused on the cleaning scenarios value shoppers care about in 2026: everyday dust and debris, pet hair, cereal and crumbs, fresh spills (water, coffee, juice), sticky dried spills, and carpet washing. Tests were run on sealed hardwood, glazed tile, low-pile wool rug, and a medium-pile living-room carpet. I evaluated:

• Dry pickup efficiency (crumbs, pet hair)
• Wet pickup for fresh liquid spills and its residue
• Carpet-washing — stain lift and drying time
• Navigation, mapping, and integration with smart home routines
• Maintenance friction: tank cleaning, filter changes, consumable costs

Headline features: What makes the F25 Ultra different

The F25 Ultra carries forward the Roborock Ultra line DNA — a multi-tank, multi-function base station that handles automatic emptying and tank management. In 2026, hybrid robots increasingly ship with:

• Dual tanks for clean and dirty water
• Automated mop cleaning/wringing cycles
• Improved wet pickup suction and drainage systems
• AI-driven mapping that detects floor type and adjusts cleaning intensity

The F25 Ultra integrates these trends and adds a slightly beefed-up wet-suction pathway and a more aggressive brush roll for mixed debris — both intended to improve wet pickup and carpet washing performance.

Performance: Hard floors (tile and hardwood)

On sealed hardwood and tile, the F25 Ultra is excellent. Dry debris pickup is consistent: cereals, pet kibble, and dust were removed in one pass in the majority of tests. For fresh liquid spills (a cup of water, diluted juice), the F25 picked up most of the fluid in one pass and left surfaces visibly drier than older hybrid robots.

Two practical notes:

• Surface recovery: After wet pickup, the F25’s wringing system left less streaking than last-gen models thanks to a drier mop pad when finishing.
• Edge cleanup: Corners and baseboard joins still need a targeted pass with a cloth for very sticky residues; robots aren’t perfect at tight crevices.

Wet pickup vs traditional upright wet-dry vacuums

Here’s the core question for shoppers: can the F25 Ultra replace a dedicated wet-dry upright like a Bissell CrossWave or a heavy-duty shop vacuum in everyday life?

Where the F25 wins

• Convenience and automation: schedule daily maintenance, and the robot handles crumbs, light spills, and mopping without intervention.
• Noise and disturbance: quieter than uprights and usable during daytime without disruption.
• Floor finish safety: engineered mop operation is safer for sealed wood and tile than aggressive upright brushes.

Where the F25 falls short

• Large-volume wet messes: if a container spills liters of liquid, an upright wet-dry vacuum will extract moisture faster and more completely.
• Deep carpet saturation: for soaked carpets or heavy, embedded pet messes, a portable extractor with hot water and stronger agitation still outperforms robots.
• Stain chemistry: enzymatic pet stains and dried sugary spills often need manual pre-treatment for optimal results.

Bottom line: the F25 is a superior daily-maintenance tool and handles most household wet incidents well, but it doesn’t fully replace a heavy-duty upright extractor for extreme wet or deep-carpet work.

Carpet washing: What to expect

The F25 Ultra’s carpet-washing mode is one of its headline features. In tests on low- to medium-pile carpets, it improved appearance and lifted recent spots effectively. For older, set-in stains the robot reduced contrast but did not fully eliminate deep discoloration.

Key practical findings:

• Drying time after a cleaning cycle is generally 2–6 hours for low- to medium-pile, depending on ventilation.
• High-pile rugs absorb more cleaning solution and are slower to dry; use a standalone extractor for large shag rugs.
• Rubbing or pre-treating with the correct detergent improves outcomes — the robot’s on-board agitation is limited compared to manual scrubbing.

Navigation, mapping, and smart features (2026 expectations)

The F25 Ultra inherits Roborock’s up-to-date mapping engine released in late 2025: fast LiDAR mapping, multi-floor memory, and AI-based floor detection. It automatically reduces water/pressure on carpets and increases suction at thresholds. In 2026, these software-driven improvements are expected and make a measurable difference in everyday autonomy.

Useful behavior I observed:

• Automatic no-mop zones for carpets and rugs worked reliably once maps were set.
• Smart scheduling allowed a sequence: vacuum-only daytime runs and wet-mop overnight when humidity is lower.
• Integration with voice assistants and routines is straightforward for those invested in smart homes.

Maintenance, consumables, and cost of ownership

Hybrid robots always introduce more maintenance steps than dry-only vacuums. The F25 Ultra is better than previous models but still requires attention:

• Emptying and cleaning the dirty-water tank after wet cycles is mandatory to avoid smell and bacterial growth.
• Filters and mops are consumables; budget for replacements (filters every 3–6 months with heavy use; mop pads monthly for households with pets).
• Roborock’s refill packs and antimicrobial mop pads are available via subscription — convenient but adds yearly cost.

Actionable maintenance schedule:

1. After any wet-cleaning session: empty dirty tank and rinse with warm water.
2. Weekly: wash reusable mop pads and check brush roll for hair build-up.
3. Quarterly: replace primary filter if you run wet cycles often; inspect seals and hoses for residue.

Safety, warranty, and longevity

The F25 Ultra follows industry-standard safety for wet electronics: sealed water pathways, float sensors, and auto-shutdown on low water. Roborock’s 2-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects; extended protection plans are offered at point-of-sale. For long-term reliability, expect routine parts (brushes, wheels, seals) to need replacement in 2–4 years depending on use.

Amazon launch sale — how the 40% discount changes the value proposition

When Roborock launched the F25 Ultra on Amazon in January 2026, outlets reported discounts close to 40% off MSRP. That kind of introductory pricing shifts purchase calculus for bargain-focused shoppers.

“Roborock’s Wet-Dry Vac Is 40% Off, Now Selling Close to Cost as It Launches on Amazon” — Kotaku, Jan 16, 2026

Here’s how to think about the discount strategically:

• If you need a hybrid now (pet messes, kids, frequent spills), the sale makes the F25 Ultra a clear value — you get premium features at mid-range pricing.
• If you’re unsure whether a wet-dry robot solves your problem, a near-40% discount reduces risk and improves return-on-investment if you sell or trade in later.
• Watch for bundled deals: Amazon’s launch promotions frequently include accessory kits, extra mop pads, or extended warranties that increase lifetime value.

Practically: buy during the launch sale if your household matches the use cases above. If not, wait for post-launch price stabilization and seasonal sales where bundles may be more favorable.

Who should buy the Roborock F25 Ultra?

Buy if you:

• Want hands-off daily maintenance for mixed-floor homes
• Have pets or kids and need frequent spill management
• Value mapping, scheduling, and multi-floor capability
• Prefer a hybrid solution to reduce trips to the closet for an upright

Skip or wait if you:

• Routinely deal with large-volume spills or soaked carpets (use a dedicated extractor)
• Require industrial-strength stain removal on high-pile rugs
• Don’t want the additional maintenance wet systems demand

Alternatives to consider in 2026

If the F25 Ultra doesn't fit your needs or the launch price isn’t compelling, consider:

• Roborock S-series Ultra models — proven dry performance with reliable mopping add-ons (if deep wet pickup is less important).
• Bissell CrossWave and Hoover upright wet-dry models — better for heavy wet extraction and deep rug cleaning.
• Standalone extractors (Bissell Big Green or rental units) for one-off heavy-duty jobs — cheaper over time if you rarely need wet cleaning.

Practical tips to maximize the F25 Ultra’s value

Make the most of the F25 Ultra with these actionable, test-backed strategies:

• Pre-treat sticky residues with a small spray of cleaning solution before the robot’s carpet-wash cycle.
• Use the robot’s schedule to run dry-vacuum cycles daily and reserve wet cycles for softer, less-frequent deep cleans to reduce consumable wear.
• Place rugs with fringe or long tassels out of the robot’s path; these can tangle brush rolls.
• Empty the dirty tank immediately after wet runs and store clean tanks dry to avoid odors.
• Buy extra mop pads in the launch bundle for the lowest per-pad cost and swap frequently to preserve floor finish.

Future-proofing and 2026 trends to watch

By 2026, the category is moving toward subscription consumables, better multi-function longevity, and smarter stain detection. Roborock’s F25 Ultra already points at that future with its dual-tank base and AI mapping. Expect firmware improvements over the next 12–18 months that further tune wet/dry transitions and stain-handling routines — another reason the launch sale can be attractive: you buy an improving platform at a discount.

Final verdict — is it wet-dry power or gimmick?

The Roborock F25 Ultra delivers meaningful wet-dry capability that bridges the gap between daily robotic maintenance and occasional wet extraction. It is not a full replacement for a professional-grade extractor in extreme cases, but for most households the convenience and automated cleaning it provides are real, measurable benefits. The Amazon launch discount reported in January 2026 makes this model particularly compelling for value-driven shoppers who want high-end features without flagship pricing.

Actionable takeaway — buy decision roadmap

1. If you deal with frequent small spills and want hands-off maintenance: buy the F25 Ultra during the Amazon launch sale.
2. If you occasionally need deep wet extraction: consider pairing the robot with a portable extractor and treat the F25 as your daily workhorse.
3. If you primarily need heavy-duty carpet restoration: stick with uprights or rental extractors and wait for a deeper hybrid performance win from future generations.

Call to action

Want a personalized recommendation? Tell us your floor types, pet situation, and how often you clean — we’ll suggest whether the Roborock F25 Ultra on sale is the best fit, or which alternative gives you better long-term value. Click to get a tailored buying checklist and the best current deals.

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