Deebot T30S vs. T30S AI – Comparison review

From budget cleaner, Deebot from Ecovacs company now holds a significant market share of high-end combo vacuum cleaners that can mop and vacuum at the same time and go with a hand-free maintenance docking station. You can hardly purchase budget cleaners from Deebot now, but you have a wide choice of the most advanced ones. And every year new models have appeared. High automation level, compact design, numerous smart features, efficient cleaning, and low maintenance, characterize all new models. You can be sure that you are purchasing a reliable robotic cleaner; since its foundation year in 1998, the company has produced millions of pioneering robotics and has opened numerous service centers worldwide.

Deebot T30S and T30S AI– Face-to-Face comparison

Recently, Deebot released the T30S series, and I want to compare the T30S and T30S AI in this article. The comparison includes their technical characteristics one by one and performance tests. I expect minor differences. Moreover, the price is also not the same.

Design and dimensions

Cleaning orientation

Both robots are mopping using OZMO 2.0 and TruEdge technologies to cover the mopping plate on the full floor.

The water tank is electronic to ensure water replenishment and dissolve all stains for removal even after 72 hours. The mopping pads are extendable to reach up to 1 mm from walls and obstacles. Using ultrasonic sensors, Deebot robots recognize the carpet, automatically lift the mopping pads, and maximize the suction power to vacuum carpets.

If sensors detect especially dirty areas, the Deebot T30S robot will automatically mop the same spot one more time. While for hard-to-remove spots, the Deebot T30S AI will automatically increase water output and mop the spot three times. The size of the cleaning spot and cleaning pattern is determined automatically.

Suction power

Navigation and Mapping

Using different sensors (bottom and side), it automatically recognizes floor type and steps to prevent accident falls and to create a precise home mop.

TrueDetect technology 3D 3.0 of Deebot T30S uses three-dimensional infrared light to detect various objects for a safe cleaning experience. While the AIVI 3D 2.0 technology of Deebot T30S AI adds to the three-dimensional infrared light, AI technology allows it to detect obstacles faster and even see small objects like cords or socks.

But honestly, during my tests, I did not see a significant difference in object recognition between robots. Moreover, Deebot does not promise pet waste like Roomba, so accidents can occur. For sensitive areas, you may set no-go or no-mop zones in the smartphone app.

Filtration

The filter net and cotton (sponge) layer should be cleaned with your own brush or any other available brush at home. Before using in the next cleaning cycle, all filters should be completely dried.

Tools and Brushes

I confirm the high efficiency of detangling technology of these brushes; for sure, there is some hair left, but considerably less than on many budget brushes.

Built-in tank features

To clean, you need to extract the bin and, with the release button, extract the filters. In my experience, the construction of the dustbin and water tank is convenient for maintenance.

Base Station features

The station performs automatic emptying and holding the dust for up to 90 days, auto refilling the robot water tank, and washing and drying the mopping pad. The mopping pad is automatically washed under 158 F, and the dirt sensors check the mopping pad during cleaning and repeat the process, if necessary. You can choose the duration of hot air drying – 2 hours (default), 3 hours, and 4 hours. For manual cleaning, the base plate is detachable.

All cleaning procedures are executed during fast charging for Deebot T30S (40% faster), but T30S AI is not equipped with this function (regretfully). Dirty and clean water tanks are accessible after the removal of the top cover. For manual control, you may use a button on the station to start/pause or self-clean. The LED indicator near the button informs about the current working mode.

Battery and working time

Control

Automation and smart features

You may check the detailed cleaning report status, send the robot to clean the room or zone, set cleaning parameters, or determine the cleaning schedule for the next month. The created maps of the home can be corrected, and no-mop and no-go zones can be added.

I miss cleaning suggestions and smart features, like cleaning while you are away. Nevertheless, Deebot T30S AI has a real-time video option to keep in touch with your pets and family and check the cleaning status and any upcoming troubles.

The results have shown excellent results on hard floors and carpets, and the difference between results is minor. Especially considering the same technical characteristics and the difference only in intelligent features, the Deebot T30S AI is better at detecting dirt and avoiding traps.

Setting up the robots

The setup process of Deebots is described in detail in the manual. Shortly, it consists of the installation of mopping pads and a side brush, assembly of a base station with a base plate, and connection to the electricity. Further, you need to fill the water tank with freshwater and set the robot to charge.

While the robot is charging, you need to download the ECOVACS HOME APP and pair it with the robot. After the battery is full, the robots make the map of the home on the first run. Further cleaning cycles will be performed in full. The customization features, including no-go zones, are available in the smartphone application.

Maintenance

Even though Deebot T30S and T30AI go with the all-in-one OMNI Station, which considerably reduces manual maintenance, you do not need to forget to clean some parts and follow the smartphone recommendations with manual guidance regarding replacement frequency. I summarized the recommendations here:

Based on my professional experience, I can strongly recommend all Deebot T30S series. These robots are on a budget and perform perfectly on all types of floors.

With their OMNI stations, you can forget about regularly filling the water tank and dirty hands after cleaning the dust bin. The strong suction, anti-tangling brush, and powerful scrubbing pressure of two mopping pads promise you the removal of all stains on the floor and carpets.

The sensors protect the robot from damage and your carpet from wet cleaning. There are not many differences between the Deebot T30S and T30S AI apart from some smart features in obstacle detection and additional mopping rounds, battery, and real-time video calls. If you want to have all features for some add-on price, choose Deebot T30S AI, but if you are not interested in these minor aspects, choose Deebot T30S – it will not regret you!