Deutsch
Español
Français
Italiano
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Русский
Türkçe
Svenska
Chinese
MagyarEcovacs Deebot X1e Omni reviewed: How does it distinguish itself from the flagship Deebot X1 Omni robot vacuum cleaner?
Ecovacs recently launched the Deebot X1e Omni, a new flagship robot vacuum cleaner with a mopping function and cleaning station. With an inconspicuous letter '"e", this particular model distinguishes itself from the Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni which has been available for some time and can currently be had for £999 on Amazon. A few months ago, we showcased this device and were left impressed with its wide array of functions.
This now poses the question: what are the real differences between the Deebot X1e Omni and the Deebot X1 Omni? After all, at first glance, they look unerringly similar. But, some differences must exist otherwise the £100 price difference (based on the RRP) makes no sense. This is exactly the area I will cover in my Ecovacs X1e Omni review. In addition to those differences, I focus on all this clever cleaning aid has to offer and reveal whose needs are better served by which model.
First impressions of the Ecovacs Deebot X1e
Small but insignificant changes in the box
According to the manufacturer, the Ecovacs Deebot X1e Omni comes boxed with the same contents as its more premium counterpart. In addition to the generously sized, multi-function cleaning station and the robot itself, the package includes two side brushes, two round mopping plates, four cleaning cloths, cleaning tools as well as the usual paperwork in the shape of a user manual and a quick start guide.
However, our review device possessed one small difference as I only found two cleaning cloths in the packaging. It's hard to say definitively whether this comes as standard or is only limited to my review sample. Ultimately, the missing two cloths fit quite well with the Deebot X1e Omni as there is not a particularly strong focus on the mopping function.
Less attention has been paid to the mopping function
This brings me to the biggest difference between the Ecovacs Deebot X1e Omni and the Deebot X1 Omni. Both are equipped with the OZMO Turbo 2.0 mopping system. However, the manufacturer has done away with the water tank in the robot reviewed here.
What are the consequences? That's easy to explain: Before cleaning with the mopping function activated, the X1 model fills up its built-in cleaning station water tank and then goes about its work with a set amount of water regulated via the app. This doesn't happen on the X1e. Instead, both rotating mops are soaked with water. It then sets off, initially resulting in a rather wet mopping experience. As time goes by, moisture left on the floor decreases until the robot returns to its station to "re-soak" the wipes.
In our 30-square-meter test area on the first floor of a terraced house (uncarpeted), the robot made two stops during its test runs. In the end, that is just one more than the Deebot X1 Omni which also makes its way from work to home to occasionally clean the mops. As a consequence, the time difference is manageable. By contrast, there is a noticeable difference in the quality of the Deebot X1e Omni's mopping function as a result of the fluctuating amounts of water it uses, even if it still does a sterling job.
Flagship robot vacuum cleaners are more or less pretty identical
An additional difference can be found in the front sensor area. Here Ecovacs has "only" gone with AIVI 3.0 and not AIVI 3D. This area is equipped with an RGB camera with AI-computing power for obstacle recognition. In my opinion, the slimmed-down obstacle recognition works well in comparison with other robot vacuum cleaners but falls short in terms of reliability compared to the top model with AIVI 3D. In this respect, the Deebot X1 Omni, with its RGB camera, AI and TrueDetect 3D 2.0, is slightly better.
In addition, there are also a few optical differences but ultimately these should be viewed subjectively. Ecovacs sells the Deebot X1 Omni in black/silver and white/silver. Back then, I reviewed the black version. By contrast, Ecovacs only sells the Deebot X1e Omni in white. It looks very smart and the robot vacuum cleaner really shines in this color. However, I don't think it would be long before the first signs of use appear on the light-colored surface. In my opinion, dirt is also more visible on the station's base plate. As far as I'm concerned, the white model looks smarter but is not as practical as the darker version of the Deebot X1 Omni.
Apart from these featured points, there are no additional differences between the Ecovacs Deebot X1e Omni and the Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni. The cheaper model also offers all of the flagship functionality. Likewise, that means the robot vacuums at 5000 Pa and is able to navigate intelligently through its environment thanks to TrueMapping 2.0 technology. In practical tests, there's little to complain about in terms of vacuuming and navigation performance and everything has already been covered regarding the mopping function.
The manufacturer's own Yiko voice assistant for voice control and voice response is on board - as a working alternative to Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri Shortcuts. In addition, there is also an almost identical, similarly space-consuming but practical cleaning station. After the work is completed, it not only empties the robot's dust container into a three-litre sized bag (resulting in add-on costs) but also thoroughly cleans and subsequently dries the mopping unit. On top of the device, underneath the lid, there are two water tanks - one for fresh water and one for dirty water as well as a cleaning set for occasional manual cleaning.
Apart from being able to adjust the amount of water when using the mopping function, Ecovacs' app provides the same functionality for the slightly slimmed-down model. In other words, several virtual maps, restricted zones and many settings options. Thanks to the smartphone display-based video function, it is possible to "virtually" accompany the robot on its travels.
The setup was also just as easy and identical. The screenshots below provide additional impressions (in German) of the app.
Pros
+ Good suction power and navigation
+ Multi-functional app (e.g. Live Video)
+ Cheaper than the Deebot X1 Omni (RRP)
+ Feature-packed cleaning station
+ Premium build quality
Cons
– Mopping function slightly worse than the costlier model
– Slimmed-down obstacle recognition
– Sensitive design
– Station space requirements
Review verdict of the Ecovacs Deebot X1e Omni: Which model is best suited to whom?
The only real difference between the more expensive Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni and the Deebot X1e Omni reviewed here, is the robot's missing water tanks and the subsequent consequences of non-adjustable amounts of water. Therefore, the Deebot X1 Omni is better suited to anyone in possession of sensitive floor surfaces that shouldn't be mopped too damp.
Even if it doesn't apply to you, or if you don't generally attach great importance to the mopping function, one of the Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni's strengths, you can confidently go for the minimally slimmed-down and £100 cheaper (according to the RRP), Ecovacs Deebot X1e Omni.
Two differences come in the form of the design and the slightly pared-back but still well-performing obstacle recognition. Otherwise, the cheaper model does everything just as well as the top-of-the-range model. Suction power, navigation and functions are identical.
Next to the video function, with which the vacuum robot also transforms into a mobile surveillance camera, a special highlight is and remains the cleaning station. It carefully and comprehensively takes care of the vacuum and mopping robot's supplies and cleaning in such a way that the user has significantly less work than a classic model with only a charging station.
Price and availability of the Ecovacs Deebot X1e Omni
At the end of the day, it doesn't come cheap - even if the Deebot X1e Omni is a little cheaper than the Deebot X1 Omni. According to the manufacturer, the recommended retail price is £1399. In stores, the device can usually be had for significantly less. For example, it is currently available on Amazon for £1199.
Transparency
The present review sample was made available to the author as a loan by the manufacturer or a shop for the purposes of review. The lender had no influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review.
