Dreame X40 Ultra Review – The Ultimate Robot Vacuum?

In This Review
Cleaning Performance | Navigation | Build Quality | Noise Test | Usability | Maintenance | Size | Specs | Product Evolution | Comparison | FAQs

Performance Summary

At Modern Castle we test 14 different factors that impact the performance, build quality, and usability of the vacuum. Below is a complete list of our testing categories and their performance.

Test Type	Test Data
Overall Debris Tests	97.2%
Hardwood Floor Test	100.0%
Low Pile Carpet Test	96.0%
High Pile Carpet Test	95.8%
Long Hair Test	83.3%
Pet Hair Test	87.0%
Crevice Test	100%
Edge Cleaning Test	92.8%
Mop Test	Excellent
Cleaning Speed	34 min.
Obstacle Avoidance	Yes
Build Quality Test	Exceptional
Noise Test	70 dB

Video Review

Overall, the cleaning performance on the Dreame X40 Ultra was excellent. It collected nearly all the debris on the hard surfaced flooring, and left only a small amount of debris on both the low and high pile carpet.

To test the debris removal performance of the X40 Ultra, we put it through a series of 12 different cleaning tests consisting of 3 different floor types and 4 different debris types.

We measure 0.5 oz. of each debris type, spreading it evenly across the floor for the vacuum to clean. Next, we run the X40 over the debris on the highest suction power, letting it perform 2 complete cleaning cycles. Finally, we measure how much of the debris remains by weight and compare it to the starting amounts to determine cleaning performance.

Here are the overall results for the Dreame X40 Ultra:

In our debris tests, the X40 was able to remove 97.2% of debris by weight. This is 4.7% more debris than the average of 92.5%, based on all of our debris tests to date.

What we observed when inspecting the testing area was leftover kitty litter, sugar, and the occasional cereal piece.

Hardwood performance received a perfect score. The vacuum was able to collect all the debris on the testing surface with no issue.

In our hardwood tests, the X40 Ultra was able to remove 100% of debris by weight. This is 2.8% less debris than the average of 97.2%, based on all of our debris tests to date.

WhiBoth the brush and the roller were able to collect all the material on the first pass.

The X40 began to struggle slightly as the granular debris was still left in the testing field.

In our low pile carpet tests, the Dreame X40 Ultra was able to remove 96.0% of debris by weight. This is 6.1% more than the average of 89.9%, based on all of our debris tests to date.

The X40 did perform better than our testing average, but you might want to run it on an additional clearing cycle when it’s on carpeted surfaces.

Overall, it is still an impressive score for the X40 Ultra. 

Unfortunately, we experienced similar issues with high pile carpet as we had on the low pile. It struggled to collect the smaller debris from the deep carpet.

In our high pile carpet tests, the Dreame X40 Ultra was able to remove 95.8% of debris by weight. This is 5.7% more debris than the average of 90.1%, based on all of our debris tests to date.

Even though it struggled to collect the granular debris, it still performed better than our current testing average. Another observation we had was it struggled to collect larger debris on the first pass. It would push the cereal to the side, then collect it on a follow up pass.

To test how well the X40 Ultra manages long hair and avoids tangles, we pit it against 0.3 grams of long hair. We lay the strands of the hair on the hardwood flooring and run the vacuum over it on the maximum suction power completing 2 cleaning cycles. After cleaning, we check the floor for hair and the brush roll for tangles

In our long hair tests, the X40 had only 17.7% long hair tangle by weight. This is 26.1% less long hair than the average of 43.8%, based on all of our long hair tests to date.

The long hair we observed was tangled, but not by much. The X40 had a small amount of hair tangled, and the rest was in the vicinity around the roller. It most likely would have made its way into the onboard collection bin eventually.

For our pet hair test, we embed 1.0 grams of pet hair into high pile carpet. Next, we run the vacuum over the carpet completing 2 cleaning cycles on the highest suction power. Finally, we measure the amount of remaining pet hair in the carpet and compare it to the starting amount to determine performance.

In our pet hair tests, the Dreame X40 Ultra removed 87.0% of pet hair by weight. This is 9.8% more hair than the average of 77.2%, based on all of our pet hair tests to date.

It’s important to note that not all pet hair is the same, and we recommend you observe how your robot collects the hair. The pet hair we used was not long enough to tangle around the roller, but a small amount did again linger around the roller.

For our edge cleaning test, we test to see how close to the edge the X40 Ultra can clean. To test this, we place 0.3 oz of debris (sugar, kitty litter, and a little bit of rice) directly along the edge of the wall, to about 4.0″ away from the wall. We let the vacuum complete 2 cleaning cycles in our enclosed testing lane.

Finally, we measured in inches how close the vacuum was able to clean in proximity to the wall and how much of the debris remained by weight.

In our edge cleaning tests, the Dreame was able to remove 98.0% of debris by weight. This is 9.3% more debris than the average of 88.7%, based on all of our edge cleaning tests to date.

The X40 Ultra had no problem getting close to the edge. It skillfully navigated to the edge and used its side brush to remove all visible debris.

Please note, we performed this test in vacuum only mode. With the extendable mop pads attached, the robot would be able to clean more deeply along edges.

To test the crevice-cleaning capabilities of the X40 Ultra, we fill 3 crevices in our tile testing lane with 0.1 oz of sugar each, totaling 0.3 oz. We then let the robot complete a single cleaning cycle on the highest suction power and check how much of the sugar remains by weight to determine performance.

In our crevice tests, the Dreame was able to remove 100% of debris by weight from the crevices. This is 2.2% more debris than the average of 97.8%, based on all of our crevice tests to date.

Collecting the debris was no issue for the X40. Its suction power, side brush, and new advance roller were able to collect it all.

To test the mopping capabilities of the X40, we check how well it can remove small scale stains and remove dirt on a broader scale.

In our mop test the X40 Ultra showcased excellent performance. It has some additional features that set it apart from other high-end robot mop combos that help it mop the floor

The X40 is built with some unique features to help improve its mopping capabilities. First, both the mopping pads and side brush can extend out. This allows the X40 to get a more precise cleaning in hard-to-reach areas.

Next, the mopping pads have a lift feature when the robot detects carpet. This helps prevent the wet mop pads from getting the carpet wet during cleaning.

And finally, the mopping pads auto-detach at the base station. If your X40 is just vacuuming, or just got done mopping, it will auto-detach the pads at the base station to help keep your carpet clean and dry.

How well a robot vacuum can navigate and clean the home can greatly impact the overall user experience. To check how well the Dreame X40 Ultra navigates, we focus on they key factors.

Our cleaning speed test showed the X40 Ultra was able to clean our ~1,000 sq. ft. office space within 34 minutes.

The average cleaning speed we find, based on all robot vacuums we’ve tested to date is 62 min. The T30S Combo is 28 min. faster than the average.

The Dreame X40 Ultra comes with a top mounted LiDAR sensor, a front-facing RGB camera, and a operating software Dreame calls “Clean Genius”. With all the sensors and cameras working together, the X40 maps obstacles, recognizes objects, and finds dirt / stains on the floor that need to be attended to.

To test the obstacle avoidance of the X40 Ultra, we place 4 objects in an area on the floor and send the robot to clean around them. We observe the cleaning cycle, checking to see how well the robot vacuum navigates the space and avoids objects.

The X40 ultra had a perfect run during the obstacle avoidance test. It identified and maneuvered around all the testing objects. After it identified the objects, it carefully navigated around the objects, ensuring the entire area got the best cleaning as possible.

We also test how well the X40 Ultra cleans on a broader scale. We have the robot perform multiple cleaning cycles in our office and studio space, focusing on 3 core requirements: can it fully clean the space, can it not get stuck, and can it return to the base.

The Dreame X40 Ultra is arguably one of the best robots to navigate our office.

It cleaned our entire office and studio space, never got stuck, and returned to the dock every time. To simply put it, the X40 does the job you need it to do.

Our build quality test is a subjective test where we examine and assess the major material and design components of the robot vacuum. Specifically, we are looking for build and design issues that are more likely to break and/or be difficult to use.

Our first impression of the X40 is that the build quality is outstanding. The plastic body has a matte black finish with what feels like thick paneling.

Part	Build Quality
Overall	Exceptional
Body	Exceptional
Dustbin	Exceptional
Display / Controls	Exceptional
Spinning Side Brush	Exceptional
Wheels	Exceptional
Brush Roll	Exceptional
Charging Dock	Exceptional

As we tested and moved the robot around the office, it felt sturdy and firm.

The base station had a similar feel with its low center of gravity base station and thick plastic. It looks and feels like a top-of-the-line robot mop combo.

Vacuums are loud while in operation. To measure how loud, we run them on high pile carpet on each power mode and measure the noise generated with a sound meter. Before the test, we take a measurement of the ambient noise in the room to use as a baseline comparison to the vacuum.

Power Level	Noise Level
Ambient	40 dB
Quiet	52 dB
Standard	66 dB
Turbo	67 dB
Max+	70 dB

In our noise tests, the X40 Ultra generated 69.7 dB of noise in the max power mode. This is 0.9 dB higher than the average of 68.80 dB, based on all of our noise tests to date.

While testing the different noise levels, we did notice that between the standard, turbo and max, there was not a significant noise change that we could measure. It was only when operating the vacuum on quiet or max+ that we noticed a significant change in dB measurements between the settings.

The Dreame X40 is an impressive robot with user-friendly features and customizable settings that will make cleaning your flooring worry-free.

Between the instructions and app connection, this robot is friendly for all users.

The total time to set up was no more than 10 minutes. We noticed there was an abundance of packaging and protective cardboard, so be ready to break down some boxes.

For full control of the device, connecting to the Dreame app is required.

With the app you can:

• Manage maps
• Adjust cleaning settings
• Adjust mopping settings
• Adjust cleaning sequence
• Change smart settings
• Create a custom cleaning schedule
• View cleaning history
• View through camera and speak through device
• Manually control the robot
• Turn on do-not-disturb settings
• Adjust docking settings

Most app-connected robots give you a standard set of adjustment features to help customize your robot vacuum cleaning experience. In our opinion, the Dreame X40 ultra takes it a step further.

What I mean by this is Dreame added another layer of customization within the settings. You can control how long you want the robot to dry on the dock. The app allows you to adjust the side brush swing length. To help save you money during peak energy cost hours, you can tell the robot to not charge during peak hours. There are many more detailed user functionality features and we highly recommend you explore the app upon setup.

As mentioned, most of the functionality of the robot is controlled through the app. The app gives status, mapping, and system-related functionality.

On top of the robot itself, there are three buttons.

• Spot cleaning – Performs a spot cleaning on the current location of the robot
• Power Button – starts/stops its current operation and turns the robot on/off
• Home Button – Returns the robot to the docking base station.

In The Box

• X40 Ultra
• Docking Station
• Cleaning Solution
• Side Brush
• Debris Bag x2
• Mop Pads x2
• Power Cord

The X40 Ultra has an estimated yearly maintenance cost of $20. The following are the major maintenance tasks for the Dreame.

Task	Description	Est. Annual Cost
Dust Bin	Empty dust bin as needed	$0
Brush roll	Remove tangles and any obstructions	$0
Dock Debris Bag (10-Pack)	Replace as needed	$20
Mop Pads	Wash and replace as needed	$0
Spinning Side Brush	Remove tangles	$0
Dock Base Plate	Clean as needed	$0
Dock Water Tanks	Fill the clean tank and empty the dirty tank as needed	$0

With the X40 Ultra docking station, maintenance is something that you’ll rarely have to perform. The clean and dirty water tanks manage the water supply, the dock automatically manages debris, and the mop pad servicing features help keep the pads clean and bacteria free.

Size & Dimensions

Most robot vacuum mop combos come with a tall base station to help accommodate the water tanks. In our opinion, the size and dimensions of the X40 Ultra are comparable to other robot mop combos on the market today.

Size	Measurement
Dustbin Capacity	10 oz. (300 mL)
Water Tank Capacity	3 oz. (80 mL)
Dock Debris Capacity	0.8 gal. (3.0 L)
Dock Clean Water Tank Capacity	1.2 gal. (4.5 L)
Dock Dirty Water Tank Capacity	1.1 gal. (4.0 L)
Height	4″ (10 cm)
Diameter	11″ (28 cm)
Weight	11.7 lbs. (5.3 kg)

Specifications

The following table details the product specifications according to the manufacturer.

Manufacturer Specifications
Type	Robot Mop Combo
Manufacturer	Dreame
Model	X40 Ultra
Height	4″ (10 cm)
Diameter	11″ (28 cm)
Weight	11.7 lbs. (5.3 kg)
Floor Type	all (indoor)
Sensors	LiDAR, RGB Camera
Dustbin Capacity	10 oz. (300 mL)
Water Tank Capacity	3 oz. (80 mL)
Dock Debris Capacity	0.8 gal. (3.0 L)
Dock Clean Water Tank Capacity	1.2 gal. (4.5 L)
Dock Dirty Water Tank Capacity	1.1 gal. (4.0 L)
Run Time	Unknown
Suction Power	12000 AW
Obstacle Avoidance	Yes
Zone Cleaning	Yes
Room Cleaning	Yes
Digital Mapping	Yes
Bagless	No
Warranty	1 year
Price	Check Price

Product Evolution

Dreame’s new X40 Ultra is the latest model in their “X” series. The previous model, the X30, has similar features when comparing their spec sheet. Notable differences on the X40 are the improved suction, multi-spectrum camera, liftable side brush, extendable side brush, and hotter water while the base station is cleaning the mopping pads.

However, you do get a slightly smaller debris bin with the X40 by about 50ml.

How does ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo compare?

Below is a complete list of our vacuum tests and critical product data compared side by side to the average based on all of our vacuum tests to date.

Test Type	Test Data	Avg. Data
Overall Debris Tests	97.2%	92.6%
Hardwood Floor Test	100.0%	97.2%
Low Pile Carpet Test	96.0%	89.9%
High Pile Carpet Test	95.8%	90.5%
Long Hair Test	83.3%	56.2%
Pet Hair Test	97.0%	77.2%
Edge Cleaning Test	92.8%	88.7%
Crevice Test	100%	97.8%
Mop Test	92.0%	89.2%
Cleaning Speed	34 min.	62 min.
Obstacle Avoidance	Yes	Yes
Cleaning Efficiency	Exceptional	Exceptional
Build Quality	Exceptional	Exceptional
Noise Test	70 dB	69 dB
Type	Robot Mop Combo	Robot Vacuum
Bagless	No	Yes
Self-Empty	Yes	No
Auto-Wash	Yes	No
Dustbin Capacity	10 oz. (300 mL)	15.1 oz. (445.4 mL)
Weight	11.7 lbs. (5.3 kg)	8.4 lbs. (3.8 kg)

Comparing this to our testing averages, the X40 Ultra is a top competitor in the high-end robot mop combo market. While the price of the Dreame X40 is high, you get excellent cleaning performance, exceptional navigation performance, a highly customizable and user-friendly app, and hands-free maintenance.

Other Vacuums to Consider

FAQs