Flagship robot vacuums are constantly evolving, boasting increasingly sophisticated features that often come with premium price tags. But do these advanced functionalities truly justify the extra investment? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the latest and greatest flagship robot vacuums of 2024 from leading brands like Roborock, Dreametech, Narwal, Ecovacs, and critically, eufy, to determine which models are genuinely worth the upgrade. We’ll pit them against the benchmark of 2023, the Dreametech L10S Ultra, to see how they stack up in terms of performance, features, and value, with a particular focus on understanding where eufy vacuums excel and where they might fall short.
Our rigorous testing process covers all crucial aspects of robotic vacuum performance. We begin by assessing their vacuuming prowess on both carpet and hard floors, followed by a detailed evaluation of their mopping capabilities in various scenarios. Pet and human hair management is a key concern for many, so we test their effectiveness in dealing with both. Maintenance requirements, object recognition, and obstacle avoidance are also put to the test. Finally, we examine the user experience, considering app interfaces, smart home integrations, and privacy features.
This in-depth review is designed to provide you with all the information necessary to make an informed decision when choosing the best robot vacuum for your needs. Whether you’re specifically looking to Compare Eufy Vacuums against the competition or simply seeking the top performer in the market, this analysis will offer valuable insights.
Carpet Vacuuming Performance: How Does eufy Stack Up?
To objectively measure vacuuming performance on carpets, we created a standardized test using a mixture of 10 grams each of rice, flax seed husks, salt, and flour. This combination simulates various types of dirt and dust commonly found in homes. Each robot vacuum was tested on its maximum suction setting in vacuum-only mode, performing two cleaning passes. We meticulously weighed the dustbins before and after each test, and again after the auto-dustbin emptying process, ensuring a clean and consistent testing environment by thoroughly vacuuming with a corded upright vacuum between each robot.
The Dreametech L10S Ultra, priced around $650 and our top pick from the 2023 robot vacuum comparison, set the benchmark. After the carpet test, it collected 27 grams, or 67.5% of the test mixture, leaving only 2 grams in the bin after auto-emptying.
Next, the Ecovacs X2 OMNI, a flagship model priced at $1099, presented a less impressive performance. Switching from a top-mounted 360-degree LIDAR to a front-facing LIDAR and camera system seemed to be a step back, as observed by its erratic cleaning paths and instances of getting stuck. In the carpet test, the X2 OMNI picked up only 21 grams (52.5%) and struggled with edge cleaning, pushing debris away rather than collecting it. Auto-emptying was better, leaving just 1 gram in the bin.
The Narwal Freo X Ultra, priced at $1199, and featuring a redesigned tangle-free brush roller, collected 18.5 grams (45%) of the mixture. Notably, the Narwal uses a dust compression system instead of auto-emptying, leaving all 18.5 grams in its internal bag.
The Dreametech X30 Ultra, at $1359, positioned as an upgrade to the L10S Ultra, surprisingly underperformed in carpet vacuuming. It picked up a mere 14 grams (35%). A smaller filter appeared to clog quickly with flour, significantly reducing suction and leaving behind larger particles. Although auto-emptying was effective, it couldn’t resolve the filter clogging issue.
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, the most expensive in the lineup at $1799 MSRP, managed to pick up 25 grams (62.5%) of the mixture, placing second to the L10S Ultra in this test. Despite upgrades like a side mop and extending side brush, its dual roller design didn’t surpass the single roller performance of the previous Roborock S7 MaxV. Auto-emptying left 4 grams in the dustbin.
Finally, we come to the eufy S1 Pro. While pricing was not finalized at the time of testing (Kickstarter debut price was pending), eufy has been striving to catch up with the latest robotic vacuum trends. The S1 Pro introduces a rectangular shape, front-facing LIDAR, and a unique roller mop with an onboard dirty water tank for continuous mop cleaning.
In the carpet vacuuming test, the eufy S1 Pro picked up 22 grams (55%) of the mixture. While not top-tier, this placed it in a respectable third place, outperforming several more expensive competitors. The auto-empty system was efficient, leaving only 1 gram of debris.
Image alt text: Ecovacs X2 OMNI robot vacuum struggling to vacuum carpet during performance test.
Image alt text: Dreametech X30 Ultra robot vacuum leaving behind debris during carpet vacuuming test due to filter clog.
Image alt text: eufy S1 Pro robot vacuum completing carpet vacuuming test, showing decent but not top-tier performance.
The carpet vacuuming test revealed surprisingly underwhelming results overall, with the previous year’s Dreametech L10S Ultra outperforming all the 2024 flagships. The eufy S1 Pro demonstrated mid-range carpet vacuuming capability, holding its own against more established brands.
Image alt text: Chart summarizing carpet vacuuming performance test results for flagship robot vacuums, highlighting Dreametech L10S Ultra as top performer.
Hard Floor Vacuuming Performance: eufy Shows Strong Results
Fortunately, hard floor vacuuming performance across the board was significantly better. Using the same 40-gram mixture and testing methodology (maximum suction, two passes, vacuum only) on LVP flooring, the Dreametech L10S and X30 Ultra both achieved a perfect 40-gram pickup. The Narwal Freo X Ultra and eufy S1 Pro closely followed, each collecting 39 grams. The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra picked up 37 grams, and the Ecovacs X2 OMNI trailed with 31 grams (approximately 78%).
Image alt text: Chart displaying hard floor vacuuming performance of various robot vacuums, showing excellent results for Dreametech and eufy models.
For vacuuming alone, the Dreametech L10S Ultra emerged as the winner for both carpet and hard floors. Roborock S8 MaxV secured second place, and the eufy S1 Pro took a solid third. However, it’s worth noting that none of these 2024 models quite matched the exceptional dirt and dust pickup performance of the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra from the previous year. The eufy S1 Pro, however, demonstrated strong hard floor performance, positioning it as a capable contender.
Mopping Performance (Dirt): eufy’s Roller Mop Excels
Moving on to mopping performance, we began with a realistic test using dried mud tracked onto floors. 10mL of Florida mud was spread across a 2×2 ft area and dried. Each robot vacuum was set to maximum water flow, two passes, and a combined mop and vacuum run. After each run, the area was sprayed, wiped with a paper towel, and examined. Microscopic analysis was also used to assess cleaning effectiveness in textured areas and grout lines.
The eufy S1 Pro delivered the most impressive mopping performance, visually, by feel, and according to the paper towel test. Microscopic examination confirmed that the eufy was significantly more effective at removing dirt from surface indentations and cleaning grout lines compared to the competition.
Image alt text: Microscopic view showing eufy S1 Pro’s superior mopping performance in removing dirt from floor indentations.
The Dreametech L10S Ultra and Ecovacs X2 OMNI performed next best in mopping, but were not close to the eufy S1 Pro’s level. The Dreametech X30, Roborock S8 MaxV, and Narwal Freo X Ultra ranked 4th, 5th, and 6th respectively in this dirt mopping test.
Image alt text: Paper towel test comparison after mopping dried mud, indicating eufy S1 Pro’s superior dirt removal.
The Narwal Freo X Ultra’s poor mopping performance was unexpected, especially considering the original Narwal Freo’s strong mopping capabilities. The Freo X Ultra’s “Freo Mode” for heavily soiled floors disappointingly underperformed, seemingly opting for a single pass clean instead of the selected two passes.
Edge Mopping: eufy’s Rectangular Design Advantages
Edge mopping is a heavily promoted feature for the Dreametech X30 and Roborock S8 MaxV. The X30 uses “mop extend” to push a mop pad outwards, while the Roborock S8 MaxV features a mini side mop.
To test edge and corner mopping, ketchup smears were placed in hard-to-reach areas – under kitchen cabinets, in corners, and under stools. Each robot performed a single-pass mop-only run.
In this test, the Ecovacs X2 OMNI, Narwal Freo X Ultra, and Roborock S8 MaxV achieved initial contact with the ketchup, but cleaning results varied. The X2 OMNI cleaned well in corners and under one stool but left streaks elsewhere. Roborock and Narwal primarily cleaned under stools, leaving ketchup under cabinets.
Image alt text: Edge mopping test results showing ketchup smears before and after cleaning by Roborock S8 MaxV, demonstrating partial cleaning.
The Dreametech X30 cleaned well under stools and in corners but missed areas near the oven and sink, underutilizing its mop extend feature.
The eufy S1 Pro excelled in corner and under-sink cleaning, partially cleaned near the oven and under one stool, and missed the second stool on the first run (corrected on a second attempt). eufy’s rectangular design appears to offer an advantage in reaching corners and edges compared to round designs.
Image alt text: eufy S1 Pro edge mopping performance, showing effective cleaning in corners and under cabinets.
The Dreametech L10S Ultra showed the weakest edge mopping performance, missing corners and under-sink areas, and only fully cleaning under one stool.
Stain Smearing: eufy’s Continuous Cleaning Advantage
During edge mopping tests, the Narwal and Roborock left sticky floors. The eufy S1 Pro was rerun to clean up the stickiness left by other robots, highlighting its superior stain management. eufy’s continuous mop washing and onboard dirty water tank prevent stain smearing, as it lifts stains and cleans the roller immediately, unlike robots that absorb stains into pads for later washing.
A soy sauce test on white paper demonstrated this difference. The eufy S1 Pro tracked minimal soy sauce, proving significantly cleaner compared to pad-based mopping systems.
Image alt text: Soy sauce stain smearing test on white paper, highlighting eufy S1 Pro’s minimal stain tracking compared to competitors.
Mop Lifting: Roborock Leads, eufy Adequately Lifts
Mop lifting is crucial for homes with mixed carpet and hard floors. All robots tested lift their mops, but the Roborock S8 MaxV boasts the highest lift at 20mm, while the Dreametech L10S Ultra offers only 7mm.
Moisture meter tests on high-pile carpet during combined vacuum and mop runs revealed the Dreametech L10S Ultra and Ecovacs X2 OMNI as the worst performers, wetting the carpet. The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra was the only robot to complete the run without wetting the carpet. The Dreametech X30 and Narwal had navigation issues.
The eufy S1 Pro, while generally effective at mop lifting, needs software adjustments to lift the mop earlier when approaching carpet edges. However, its mop lift was otherwise sufficient to keep high-pile carpet dry.
Image alt text: Mop lifting test on high-pile carpet, showing Roborock S8 MaxV successfully avoiding carpet wetting.
While mopping rankings might appear similar for eufy, Ecovacs, and Roborock based on lift height alone, the eufy S1 Pro’s roller mop system stands out as a significant advancement, suggesting a future trend in robot vacuum mopping technology.
Pet Hair Pickup: eufy Struggles Slightly
Pet hair pickup was tested using cotton ball tufts scattered on carpet. Most robots struggled. The eufy S1 Pro left the most tufts behind, followed by the Ecovacs X2 which scattered hair with its exhaust. Narwal Freo X Ultra and Dreametech X30 performed similarly, leaving clumps. Roborock S8 MaxV and Dreametech L10S performed best, leaving minimal hair behind.
Image alt text: Pet hair pickup test on carpet, showing eufy S1 Pro leaving behind more cotton tufts compared to some competitors.
Long Hair Tangles: eufy and Roborock Show Issues
Long hair tangling was assessed using 1 gram of hair spread on a bathroom floor. Roborock S8 MaxV performed worst, jamming its brushes. The eufy S1 Pro also had significant hair tangles, though not enough to stop operation. Ecovacs X2 OMNI, Dreametech X30 Ultra, and Narwal Freo X Ultra had noticeable hair wrap but remained operational. Dreametech L10S Ultra performed best, with minimal problematic tangling.
Image alt text: Robot vacuum brush rollers after long hair tangle test, highlighting significant tangling in Roborock and eufy models.
Image alt text: Close-up view of hair tangled on eufy S1 Pro’s brush roller after long hair test.
Repeating the test with only 20 hair strands showed expected results, with Narwal collecting nearly all strands and other robots collecting hair on roller sides for easy removal during maintenance.
Long Term Maintenance: Narwal’s Bag System a Miss
Long-term maintenance is crucial for robot vacuum convenience. Routine tasks include dust bag changes, filter swaps, and hair tangle removal, typically every 1-2 months, depending on household conditions.
All robots are similar in maintenance needs except the Narwal Freo X Ultra, which uses disposable bags in the robot itself instead of auto-emptying, claimed to last up to seven weeks. However, this duration is likely shorter in homes with pets or carpets.
Image alt text: Narwal Freo X Ultra robot vacuum showing internal dust bag system, highlighting lack of auto-empty bin.
Auto-Empty Bin Clogging: eufy Performs Well
Narwal argues against auto-empty bins due to clogging and odor concerns. However, clogging is not a significant issue in modern robots. Cotton ball clogging tests showed all robots cleared 4-5 cotton balls before clogging. The eufy S1 Pro clogged at 6 cotton balls, an impressive capacity unlikely in normal use.
Narwal’s hair compression system in its bag was partially effective, but after multiple cotton balls, suction decreased significantly. The lack of an auto-empty bin is a major drawback for the Narwal Freo X Ultra, requiring more frequent dust system maintenance compared to other models, including the eufy S1 Pro with its auto-empty feature.
Mopping Capacity: eufy in Mid-Range
All robots require manual dirty water tank emptying and clean water refilling every 7-14 days, depending on usage and tank capacities. Narwal Freo X Ultra and Dreametech X30 Ultra have the largest clean water tanks at 4.5L. Water usage varies, with Narwal using the most water per wash and Dreametech X30 the least. Dreametech L10S Ultra uses the most water per 100 sq ft, and X30 the least.
Image alt text: Chart comparing clean water tank capacities of different robot vacuum models, highlighting Narwal and Dreametech X30 as leaders.
Image alt text: Chart showing water usage per 100 sq ft for robot vacuums, indicating Dreametech X30’s efficient water use.
For mopping 300 sq ft three times a week, Dreametech L10S Ultra, eufy S1 Pro, and Ecovacs X2 OMNI need weekly water tank maintenance. Narwal Freo X Ultra can last 1.5 weeks, and Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and Dreametech X30 Ultra can last two weeks. The eufy S1 Pro offers a reasonable mopping capacity, falling in the mid-range for maintenance frequency.
Mop Drying and Bacteria Growth: All Feature Heated Drying
Longer intervals between dirty water emptying increase bacteria growth and potential odors. Automatic detergent dispensing, present in all robots except Ecovacs X2 OMNI, helps mitigate bacterial growth.
Image alt text: Robot vacuum base stations showing detergent cartridges and tanks, emphasizing bacteria control features.
All 2024 models include heated mop drying to prevent bacteria and mold growth on mop pads. Drying cycles last 2-5 hours and are effective, but drying noise is noticeable. Sound samples of drying noises are available in the video. The eufy S1 Pro rotates its mop during drying, creating a distinct sound.
Vacuuming Noise Levels: eufy Mid-Range
Vacuuming noise levels at three-quarter suction power were measured. Noise levels from loudest to quietest are available in the video. The eufy S1 Pro falls in the mid-range for noise levels, offering a balance between suction power and quiet operation.
Image alt text: Noise level chart for robot vacuums at three-quarter suction power, showing comparative loudness.
Dock Maintenance: Dreametech X30 Automates
Dock maintenance involves cleaning the mop washing area periodically. All bases are relatively easy to clean. The Dreametech X30 Ultra uniquely automates this with spinning rubber wipers that push debris into a drain, a feature likely to become standard in future flagship models.
Object Avoidance: Roborock and eufy Excel
A major concern with robot vacuums is getting stuck and requiring intervention. High-end models use LIDAR, structured light, and cameras for mapping and obstacle avoidance. In general use, these 2024 models rarely get stuck, except for the Ecovacs X2 OMNI.
Object avoidance was tested with a shoe, power cord, and fake dog poop. Roborock S8 MaxV performed best, avoiding poop and shoe, and running over the cord without getting stuck.
Image alt text: Object avoidance test setup with shoe, power cord, and fake dog poop, demonstrating Roborock’s superior avoidance capabilities.
The eufy S1 Pro also performed well, seeing the shoe but tangling shoelaces in the side brush. It avoided poop and cord effectively. However, some users might prefer vacuums to completely avoid areas with pet waste rather than cleaning close to it.
Dreametech L10S and X30 touched the poop and got stuck on shoelaces. Ecovacs X2 OMNI touched everything due to poor navigation. Narwal Freo X Ultra plowed into all obstacles, as expected without cameras, relying on structured light which is less effective for object recognition but better for privacy.
Furniture and Baseboard Damage: eufy Shows Precision
Navigation around furniture legs and baseboards was tested for bumping and damage. The eufy S1 Pro demonstrated exceptional precision, cleaning close to edges without touching walls or furniture.
Ecovacs X2 OMNI was the worst, clumsily bumping into everything and causing scuff marks. Roborock S8 MaxV avoided walls but its side brushes caused swirl marks on white baseboards. The eufy S1 Pro’s precise navigation stands out as a significant advantage in preventing furniture and baseboard damage.
Map Creation and No-Go Zones: eufy, Dreametech, Roborock Apps Top
Setting no-go zones and virtual boundaries is crucial for preventing robot vacuums from accessing problematic areas. eufy MACH app (soon to be eufy Home app), Dreame Home app, and Roborock App are excellent for map creation, room editing, flooring type detection, and no-go zone placement. These apps and robots accurately locate themselves within created maps.
Image alt text: eufy MACH app interface showing map creation and no-go zone setting features.
Narwal app was slightly less user-friendly, with room division issues. Ecovacs app was the worst, with room division problems and poor navigation causing the robot to get lost, ignore no-go zones, and fail to clean specific areas reliably.
App Scheduling: Dreame Home App Leads
All apps offer easy scheduling, but the Dreame Home app is slightly superior with customizable settings per room and cleaning sequencing. This allows users to prioritize vacuuming carpeted rooms before mopping, and with the X30 Ultra, even leave mop pads at the base during vacuuming.
Privacy Issues: Narwal Offers Camera-Free Option
Privacy is a growing concern with robot vacuums using cameras for object recognition. Ecovacs, Roborock, and Dreametech offer camera-based remote viewing and two-way audio. Roborock even includes a pet-finding feature.
Roborock and Dreametech’s remote video features are not enabled by default and require physical button presses on the robot for activation, unlike Ecovacs which is more easily enabled. The eufy S1 Pro, while having a front camera and manual driving control in the app, currently lacks live video feed access, offering enhanced privacy. Narwal Freo X Ultra, without any camera, provides the highest level of privacy.
Alexa and Google Home: eufy Lacks Integration
eufy S1 Pro currently lacks voice assistant integrations, controllable only via the app or base station buttons.
Dreametech and Roborock offer fully functional Google Home integrations for room-specific cleaning commands. Ecovacs Google Home integration was unreliable in testing.
Image alt text: Google Home integration interface showing control options for Roborock robot vacuum.
All robots except eufy offer Amazon Alexa integrations, but only Roborock reliably performed room-specific cleaning via Alexa; others were limited to start/stop commands. Roborock and Ecovacs have built-in voice assistants (Yiko and Rocky), which may raise further privacy concerns for some users.
Home Assistant Integrations: Roborock and Dreametech Lead
For Home Assistant users, Roborock integration is built-in and works flawlessly. Ecovacs also has built-in integration but is less reliable with newer models like X2 OMNI. Dreametech has a strong custom integration via HACS. However, Dreametech and Roborock robots cannot be fully blocked from internet access without causing reconnection issues, and all robots appear offline in their apps when internet access is blocked.
Conclusions: Comparing eufy and the Competition in 2024
So, which flagship robot vacuum is the best in 2024?
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra achieved the highest overall score with a B+ average, but the Dreametech L10S Ultra closely followed in second place at a third of the price. Roborock excelled in object avoidance, edge mopping, and mop lifting, but the significantly cheaper L10S Ultra outperformed in carpet and hard floor vacuuming and dried mud mopping – arguably more crucial cleaning tasks.
However, if mopping is your primary concern, the eufy S1 Pro stands out in a class of its own with its onboard dirty water tank and roller mop system. It delivered exceptional mopping performance, particularly with stain management and edge cleaning, though its vacuuming performance was mid-range. Its features and final pricing were still somewhat uncertain at the time of review due to its Kickstarter launch.
Image alt text: eufy S1 Pro robot vacuum highlighting its unique roller mop and rectangular design, emphasizing its mopping strengths.
For currently available robots, the Dreametech L10S Ultra remains the most well-rounded, affordable, and likely the best option for most users.
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, while innovative with its side mop and extending side brush, feels overpriced for its cleaning performance and is hard to recommend at nearly $2000.
Image alt text: Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra robot vacuum highlighting its premium features but questioning its value proposition at high price point.
The Narwal Freo X Ultra and Dreametech X30 Ultra were disappointments, showing potential performance downgrades from previous models despite new features and higher prices. The expected upgrade to the X30 Ultra from the L10S Ultra was not justified by testing results.
And finally, the Ecovacs X2 OMNI was consistently problematic, achieving the lowest average score and suffering from navigation and reliability issues during routine cleaning. Older Ecovacs models with top-mounted LIDAR offered superior navigation, suggesting a potential misstep in Ecovacs’ current design direction.
Image alt text: Ecovacs X2 OMNI robot vacuum showing its less effective front-facing LIDAR navigation system and overall disappointing performance.
The next major advancement in robot vacuums is plumbed base stations for automatic water tank refilling and emptying. Narwal, Dreametech, Roborock, and SwitchBot are all developing plumbed solutions for release later in 2024, which will be covered in future reviews.
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