ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 PLUS Review

Pros

• Built in voice assistant
• Optional air freshener
• Auto empty base for reduced maintenance

Cons

• Failed to avoid cables in our obstacle avoidance test
• Need to remove mop for robot to clean carpet or rugs

Scoring

In This Review

Cleaning Test | Mop Test | Long Hair Test | Pet Hair Test | Navigation | Obstacle Avoidance | Cleaning Speed | Usability | Noise | Specs | Summary

Performance Tests

To test the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 PLUS, we put it through a series of 9 different tests.

Our testing series includes:

• Cleaning test
• Mop test
• Hair test
• Pet hair test
• Obstacle avoidance test
• Navigation test
• Cleaning speed test
• Usability test
• Noise test

Cleaning Test

To test the cleaning performance of the X1 PLUS, we use 4 different debris types (sugar, kitty litter, rice, and cereal) on 3 different floor types (hardwood, low pile carpet, and high pile carpet). We then run the robot on max suction power and check to see how much debris is removed by weight. Here are the results:

Overall, cleaning performance was great for the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 PLUS. It removed the majority of the debris on all floor types, only slightly struggling on low pile carpet with sugar. 

Otherwise, the 5,000 Pa of suction power was more than enough for most of the debris. 

Mop Test

In our mopping test, we had the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 PLUS mop our office and studio space, which has mild foot traffic over time. After we ran the mop, we noticed a decent amount of dirt and debris on the mop pad, but nothing overly impressive.

The oscillating mop pad was able to scrub off dirt and debris from the floor, but for more serious jobs, you will want a dedicated mop. 

For those worried about the robot getting carpet or rugs wet, it will avoid those areas while it has the mop attached to avoid any unwanted messes. 

Long Hair Test

To test the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 PLUS’s capabilities to manage long hair, we place strands in the direct cleaning path of the robot vacuum. We then run the vacuum over the hair and check to see if any hair remains on the floor, and if any is tangled in the brushroll. 

All of the long hair was easily removed by the X1 PLUS. However, a good amount of hair remained tangled around the brushroll after.

Luckily, ECOVACS included a cleaning tool that can easily remove tangled hair. 

Pet Hair Test

For our pet hair test, we placed pet hair into high pile carpet until it is nestled within the fibers. We then ran the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 PLUS on the highest suction power and checked to see how much of the pet hair was removed. 

Overall, the X1 PLUS did a great job. The majority of the fur was removed, with a few strands of hair remaining in the carpet after cleaning. If your dog doesn’t shed a lot, the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 PLUS should be more than capable. 

Obstacle Avoidance Test

For obstacle avoidance we wanted to see how well the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 PLUS could avoid common objects that may be lying on the floor while cleaning. The X1 PLUS has an RGB camera and 3D structured light sensor, which is able to pass visual information to the on-board AIVI 3D software. 

The software is able to recognize multiple objects and then direct the robot to avoid these hazards.

To test these features, we placed a shoe, a mug, a cord, and some fake pet waste on the floor. We then ran the vacuum in that area and watched to see how well it avoided the obstacles. 

Overall, the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 PLUS was able to avoid most of the objects, except the cord. Near the end of the test, the robot ran over the cord, which it had previously avoided. 

However, the software will continuously receive updates via the app, so I would expect improved performance over time. 

Navigation Test

Our navigation test occurs over a period of multiple tests. We run the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 PLUS in our office and studio space, and test to see how well it can navigate. We measure this with 3 core requirements: did it get stuck, can it fully clean the space, and did it make it back to the base? 

The X1 performed well, successfully navigating our office.

This is no easy task to do as we have film equipment and other products scattered across the room. So, seeing the robot fully clean and make it back to base is fantastic to see. 

Cleaning Speed Test

Our cleaning speed test showed the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 PLUS was able to clean out 1,000 sq. ft. office space within 40-50 minutes. 

This is on par with other robot vacuums we’ve tested. In addition, the robot can return, recharge, and resume cleaning, so cleaning speed isn’t a huge issue, unless you’re in a rush. 

Usability Test

Usability is excellent for the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 PLUS. Setup was quick, it is simple to use, and easier to maintain thanks to the auto-empty dock. 

One of the more unique features included with the robot is the ability to attach an air freshener to the robot so it can fill your house with a pleasant smell as it cleans.

In order to use this feature, you need to remove the mop pad, which is a downside in my view. 

Setup

Setting up the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 PLUS is incredibly easy. There aren’t many accessories, and the complete setup takes 5-10 minutes to complete with a single person. 

• Place the base down
• Place the dust container on base
• Attach side brushes onto robot

With that done, ECOVACS recommends charging the robot completely before first use. 

From there you can attach the desired accessories, but there aren’t too many to choose from. Here is what comes with the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 PLUS:

• DEEBOT X1 robot
• Dust container
• Base
• Power Cord
• Dust bag
• Dual Side brushes (2x)
• Water tank
• Washable mop pad
• Disposable mop pads (2x)
• Air freshener attachment
• Air freshener capsule
• Multi-function cleaning tool

Controls & YIKO

Physical controls for the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 PLUS are incredibly basic. There is a single touch button for starting / stopping a cleaning cycle and a switch under the cover that powers the device itself.

Built into the vacuum is a voice assistant named YIKO. You can command this voice assistant to do various tasks that you wouldn’t be able to do with other voice assistants like Alexa. It can be told to “Clean here” to clean on your location or clean under furniture in a specific room.

This may be a benefit for those who like to use their voice to start smart tasks, however, we found it wasn’t always the most responsive in testing.

In most cases, the robot did respond to our voices and completed the assigned task.

If you would rather use a different voice assistant, the X1 is also compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri with less functionality. 

App

The ECOVACS HOME app will be the main way to control the robot. With the app you get access to a wide range of features like map controls, custom schedules, and more.

It has multimap management, and the map is easy to interact with and customize.

In addition, you get access to standard controls like adjusting the suction power, adjusting the water flow for mopping, and a “Do-not-disturb” mode for nighttime hours. 

Maintenance

Maintenance is greatly improved for the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 PLUS thanks to the auto empty base. The base will automatically empty the robots dustbin as needed, reducing the amount of time you need to spend dealing with an on-board dustbin.

Instead, you will need to less frequently replace the dust bag in the base. You will still need to wash the mop pads, fill the water tank, and maintain various pieces of the device. But the most frequent task of emptying the dustbin is taken care of for you. 

Noise Test

To test the noise level of the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 PLUS we let it run on each mode and measure the level of noise created by the device. We use a sound meter and measure from about 3’ away for 30 seconds.

Here are the results:

Power Mode	Decibel Level
Quiet	32.5 dB
Standard	45.6 dB
Max	50.8 dB
Max+	51.5 dB
Self-Empty	63.0 dB

Our testing showed the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 PLUS to have a noise range of 32-52 dB while cleaning. This is fairly standard with other robot vacuums we’ve tested, albeit a little quieter than average. 

Common noise levels:

• 20 dB – rustling leaves
• 30 dB – whisper
• 40 dB – quiet library, babbling brook
• 50 dB – refrigerator, moderate rainfall
• 60 dB – normal conversation, dishwashers
• 70 dB – traffic, showers
• 80 dB – alarm clock, telephone dial tone

Specifications

Specifications
Type	Robot vacuum
Manufacturer	ECOVACS
Model	DEEBOT X1 PLUS
Diameter	13.9″
Height	4.1″
Weight	9.4 lbs.
Floor Type	All (indoor)
Sensor	LiDAR, RGB camera, 3D structured light
Suction Power	5,000 Pa1
Charging time	~6.5 hours
Dust Bin Capacity	400 ml
Water Tank Capacity	240 ml
Dust Bin Base	0.8 gallons / 3.2 liters
Noise Level	45.6 dB
Obstacle Avoidance	Yes
Zone Cleaning	Yes
Room Cleaning	Yes
Digital Mapping	Yes
Returns	Varies by retailer
Warranty	1 Year
Price	Check Price

Should you buy the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 PLUS Robot Vacuum?

I would recommend the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 PLUS if you’re looking for the following features:

• Voice controlled robot vacuum & mop: The on-board voice assistant YIKO provides access to a wider range of commands. For messes under furniture you can tell it to clean there. If you need it to clean in your location, you can call it and it will come. If voice control over your home is important to you, this is a great addition. 
• Great cleaning performance with a pleasant smell: In our tests the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 PLUS had great results removing 97.2% of all debris. Additionally, the air smelled better after the test thanks to the air freshener capsule. While it may not be important to everyone, it is a unique addition to the robot vacuum.
• Reduced maintenance: Thanks to the self empty docking station, maintenance is significantly easier. It automatically empties the dustbin on the robot as needed. Meaning you only need to replace the dust bag in the base, which is much less frequent.

For more information or to buy the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 PLUS, click here.