ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI Review: 14 Data-Driven Tests

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

Performance Summary

At Modern Castle we put vacuums to the test.

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	97.3%
Hardwood Floor Test	97.1%
Low Pile Carpet Test	98.1%
High Pile Carpet Test	96.8%
Long Hair Test	33.3%
Pet Hair Test	84.0%
Crevice Test	96.7%
Edge Cleaning Test	89.9%
Mop Test	Excellent
Cleaning Speed	50 min.
Obstacle Avoidance	Partially
Build Quality Test	Exceptional
Noise Test	66 dB

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Cleaning performance was excellent for the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI. It struggled more with hair types, especially long hair. However, across all debris tests the T20 showcased fantastic results. 

To test the debris removal performance of the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI, 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, laying it in rows on the floor for the vacuum to clean. Next, we run the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI over the debris on the highest suction power with a single forward and backward pass. After, 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 ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI:

Overall debris removal performance was excellent. In our debris tests, the T20 OMNI was able to remove 97.3% of debris by weight. This is 5.0% more debris than the average of 92.3%, based on all of our debris tests to date.

I will note that the T20 OMNI took a considerable amount of time to clean our testing lane, especially on high pile carpets. That said, robot vacuums tend to not navigate optimally in an enclosed space. Most likely this shouldn’t be an issue for most users, as the robot will be cleaning full homes and not trapped in a box.

Debris removal performance on hardwood flooring was fantastic for the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI. In our hardwood tests, the T20 was able to remove 97.1% of debris by weight. This is 0.2% more debris than the average of 96.9%, based on our debris tests to date.

What remained on the hardwood was only the smallest debris: sugar and kitty litter. Due to the spinning side brush, debris can occasionally be swept away from the vacuum, causing it to disperse to other areas of the floor.

In most cases, the robot will later cover that area removing that debris from the floor, but on rare occasions, it can be missed. I suspect this is the likely cause of the missing debris as mentioned previously, as our testing lane can cause robots to navigate differently than they would on a more open floor.

Regardless, 97.1% debris removal is excellent and I can only foresee that improving in a more natural setting.

Low pile carpet showed the best performance for the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI. In our low pile carpet tests, the T20 was able to remove 98.1% of debris by weight. This is 8.6% more debris than the average of 89.5%, based on all of our debris tests to date.

In general, we find robot vacuums tend to struggle on carpets, especially low pile carpets. In contrast, the T20 had its best debris removal performance across all 3 floor types. It had little issue with all debris, only leaving behind a small amount of sugar and kitty litter. Overall, we were impressed with the low pile carpet performance.

High pile carpet was the worst performing category for the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI, but only by a small amount. In our high pile carpet tests, the T20 was able to remove 96.8% of debris by weight. This is 6.9% more debris than the average of 89.9%, based on all of our debris tests to date.

Again, robot vacuums tend to struggle more on carpets, so this is expected. However, the T20 only had a difference of 1.3% debris removal across all floor types. Even at 96.8% debris removal, I would consider it an excellent performance from the T20.

To test how well the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI manages long hair and avoids tangles, we pit it against 1.0 grams of long hair. We lay the strands of hair on hardwood flooring and run the vacuum over it on the maximum suction power with a single forward and backward pass. After cleaning, we check the floor for hair and the brush roll for tangles.

Long hair performance was not great for the T20. In our long hair tests, the T20 had 66.6% of the long hair tangled by weight. This is 12.1% more hair tangled than the average of 54.5%, based on all of our long hair tests to date.

Practically all of the hair got tangled around the brush roll, with a few strands that caught on the spinning side brushes. The real issue was the hair getting wound around the axle of the brush roll. This is a common issue among robot vacuums and something that is prevalent with the T20 as well.

That said, it is relatively easy to clean the hair from the brush roll, which is a huge plus. The axels can be easily removed and the hair wasn’t so tightly wound that it needed scissors to cut the hair.

For our pet hair test, we embed 1.0 grams of pet hair into high pile carpet. Next, we run the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI over the carpet with a single forward and backward pass on the highest suction power. Finally, we measure the amount of remaining pet hair in the carpet, the amount that got tangled, and compare it to the starting amount to determine performance.

In our pet hair tests, the T20 removed 84.0% by weight. This is 16.0% more hair than the average of 65.0%, based on our pet hair tests to date.

Seeing this level of performance is fantastic, especially considering how the previous ECOVACS robots we’ve tested haven’t performed as well. Both the X1 OMNI and the T10 OMNI were able to remove 61% of the pet hair. This is a massive step up in performance for the T20. 

For our edge cleaning test, we test to see how close to the edge the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI can clean. To test this, we place 0.6 oz of debris (sugar, kitty litter, and a little bit of rice) directly along the edge of the wall, about 4.0″ away from the wall. 

We then run the vacuum over the debris, towards the wall, on the highest suction power with a single forward and backward pass. 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.

The T20 showed great results in this test. ECOVACS has designed its mop pads to reach slightly beyond the body of the robot. This allows it to reach into edges or corners by slowly rotating its body when against a wall. 

This type of navigation worked well allowing the robot to reach all of the debris right along the edge. However, thanks to the spinning side brush it swept some of the debris away from the edge. This is what caused the T20 to only remove 83.2% of the debris in this test. As stated in the debris tests, I suspect this wouldn’t be an issue in a natural home setting. 

To test the crevice cleaning capabilities of the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI, we fill crevices in our tile testing lane with 0.3 oz of sugar. Next, we 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.

The T20 had practically no issues with this test. 96.7% of all debris was removed by weight leaving only trace amounts left on the floor. 

Keep in mind, this test was performed with the mop off. Having the mop would ensure the plush material of the mop pads would sink down into these crevices removing even more debris. 

To test the mopping capabilities of the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI, we check how well it can remove small scale stains and remove dirt on a broader scale.

In our mop test the T20 OMNI showcased excellent performance. On average, based on all of the robot-mop devices we’ve tested to date, we find they have slightly worse performance than the T20.

During multiple cleaning cycles of our office & studio space, the DEEBOT T20 was able to remove a healthy amount of dirt and debris. However, I wouldn’t trust any substantial mess to the robot as it seems more suited towards lighter and more maintenance type mopping.

The robot uses 2 spinning mop pads that have the ability to raise / lower to avoid getting carpet or rugs wet. This is a major improvement from the T10 and X1, which instead fully avoids carpets while the mop pads are attached. 

In addition, these mop pads extend out slightly from the robot, allowing it to maneuver itself to get deeper cleans along edges and corners. While this process isn’t perfect yet, it is possible it can be improved with future software updates. 

How well a robot vacuum can navigate and clean the home can greatly impact the overall user experience. To check how well the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI navigates, we focus on these key factors.

Our cleaning speed test showed the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI was able to clean our ~1,000 sq. ft. office space in 50 minutes.

The average cleaning speed we find, based on all robot vacuums we’ve tested to date, is 64 min. The T20 is 14 minutes faster than the average. In addition, the vacuum has access to recharge & resume features for extended cleaning operations. 

Thanks to a combination of LiDAR and dToF the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI can avoid obstacles. They call this technology “TrueDetect 3D 3.0”, which allows the robot to recognize obstacles, clean around them, and avoid them. 

To test the obstacle avoidance of the T20, 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 T20 OMNI had exceptional obstacle avoidance performance in our tests. On average, based on all the robot vacuums we’ve tested to date, robots seem to struggle the most when avoiding cords and the mug. In both cases, the T20 performed better.

However, the T20 OMNI did have partial contact with the cord. It wasn’t the cord we had laid down in the testing area, but a different cord that was connected to one of our studio lights. Even in this case, the contact wasn’t enough to displace the cord or get stuck. 

We also test how well the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI 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 T20 OMNI had exceptional navigational performance in our tests. On all fronts, the robot was able to fully clean the space and return to base successfully, every time.

This is in spite of the floor commonly being changed due to new products we are testing and moving film equipment. 

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.

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

Across the board the build quality is excellent for the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI.

Most of the robot and dock’s components are constructed of plastic that seems sturdy and well made. Both the front wheel and the two rear wheels are durable and provide enough traction to direct the robot across the floor. 

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	50 dB
Quiet	55 dB
Standard	60 dB
Strong	62 dB
Max+	66 dB
Self-Empty	80 dB

In our noise tests, the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI generated 65.9 dB of noise on the max fan speed. This is 3.0 dB lower than the average of 68.9 dB, based on all of our noise tests to date.

That said it isn’t much louder than the average robot vacuum. In addition, the dock generates 80.1 dB of noise while self-emptying. This is louder than the average dock we test, which generates 75.6 dB of noise. If noise is a concern, you can utilize the scheduling tool or do-not-disturb modes to avoid cleaning during quiet hours. 

Across the board, usability is excellent for the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI. It builds upon the features available to its predecessors and improves the overall design. 

Most notably, are the lifting mop pads. On previous ECOVACS robots we’ve tested, the robot would avoid carpets or rugs while the mops were attached. This meant you needed to remove the mop pads if you wanted the robot to clean the carpet. However, this isn’t the case with the T20. The mop pads can raise and lower to avoid getting carpet or rugs damp. 

This, in combination with all of the other great features available, make the T20 OMNI an incredibly hands-off device. 

Set up was incredibly easy for the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI. It took me 10 minutes to remove all of the packaging, attach the spinning side brushes, and get the device plugged in. 

Most likely the robot will come partially charged out of the box and ECOVACS recommends fully charging the device before first use. It takes 6.5 hours to fully charge the battery, according to ECOVACS.

The majority of the controls and features come through the ECOVACS HOME app. 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
• Manage YIKO or other voice assistant settings
• Turn on do-not-disturb settings

Connecting to the app was quite simple and I completed it in 5 minutes by following the in-app instructions. From there, the app felt intuitive and the majority of the features I cared about were accessible from the main screen. It provides maps of your home in both 3D and 2D versions. While 3D is neat, I have found it isn’t 100% accurate.

Unique to ECOVACS is their built-in voice assistant named YIKO. Right out of the box, the robot is able to understand and respond to a multitude of voice commands. I have found in practice that getting the robot to respond could be difficult at times, but once you got it to respond, it carried out commands effectively. In addition, you can also connect to Alexa or Google Assistant, if you’d rather use that instead. 

Controls on the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI are quite simple, only having a single button on the robot and the dock. In addition, there is a switch on the robot to turn it on / off.

The button on the robot can start / stop a cleaning cycle and, when held for 3 seconds, will send it back to the station. 

The button on the station has the same functions, in addition to filling / emptying the cleaning sink when held down for 5 seconds. 

In The Box

• ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI
• Mop pad (2x)
• Docking Station
• Cleaning Brush
• Hair Tool
• Spinning Side Brush (2x)
• Power Cord
• Manuals

The ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI has an estimated yearly maintenance cost of $56. The following are the major maintenance tasks for the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI.

Task	Description	Est. Annual Cost
Dustbin	Empty dust bin as needed	$0
Brushroll	Remove tangles and any obstructions	$0
Filter	Periodically clean and replace as needed	$18
Vacuum Body	Remove any obstructions as needed	$0
Dock Debris Bag	Replace as needed	$20
Battery	Replace as needed	$12
Spinning Side Brush	Remove tangles, replace as needed	$6
Wheels	Remove tangles, replace as needed	$0
Dock Base Plate	Clean as needed	$0
Dock Water Tanks	Fill the clean tank and empty the dirty tank as needed	$0

Like many high-end robot vacuums released today, the docking station for the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI is robust. It automatically empties the debris from the robot, refills the water supply, and washes and dries the mop pads. 

The new twist added by ECOVACS is the ability to wash the mop pads with hot water. It uses the water provided by the clean water supply, heats it up internally, and washes the mop pads with that water, providing a more effective self-clean. 

That said, the base plate of the dock is not removable in a way that makes cleaning the cleaning sink easy. Instead, the docking station can fill that cleaning sink with water allowing the user to use the provided brush to scrub away at grime and debris. While this is a nice touch and in practice it works well, it is still inconvenient to get on your hands and knees in order to clean the station. 

Size & Dimensions

The size of the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI is about average compared to other robot vacuums we have tested.

The docking station is fairly large and hosts 4 liter water tanks for both clean and dirty water. 

Size	Measurement
Dustbin Capacity	10.1 oz. (300.0 mL)
Water Tank Capacity	0.0 oz. (0.0 mL)
Dock Debris Capacity	0.8 gal. (3.0 L)
Dock Clean Water Tank Capacity	1.1 gal. (4 L)
Dock Dirty Water Tank Capacity	1.1 gal. (4.0 L)
Height	4.1″ (10.4 cm)
Diameter	14.3″ (36.2 cm)
Weight	9.7 lbs. (4.4 kg)

Specifications

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

Manufacturer Specifications
Type	Robot Mop Combo
Manufacturer	ECOVACS
Model	DEEBOT T20 OMNI
Height	4.1″ (10.4 cm)
Diameter	14.3″ (36.2 cm)
Weight	9.7 lbs. (4.4 kg)
Floor Type	All (indoor)
Sensors	LiDAR, dToF
Dustbin Capacity	10.1 oz. (300.0 mL)
Water Tank Capacity	0.0 oz. (0.0 mL)
Dock Debris Capacity	0.8 gal. (3.0 L)
Dock Clean Water Tank Capacity	1.1 gal. (4 L)
Dock Dirty Water Tank Capacity	1.1 gal. (4.0 L)
Run Time	170 min.
Suction Power	Unknown AW
Obstacle Avoidance	Yes
Zone Cleaning	Yes
Room Cleaning	Yes
Digital Mapping	Yes
Bagless	No
Warranty	1 years
Price	Check Price

Product Evolution

ECOVACS has been producing robots under the DEEBOT name for many years now. Their models have evolved over time from their more basic DEEBOT to what we see today. In more recent years ECOVACS has primarily focused on 3 different series: N, X, and T. 

The N series is more budget friendly and less feature packed, while the X1 OMNI is their premium option. Despite having the highest price, it lacks some of the newer features introduced in the T series released later. 

The differences between the T10 and T20 are minimal, but impactful. Unlike the T10, the T20 is able to raise / lower its mop pads. In addition, the T20’s docking station utilizes hot water for self-cleaning and has improved mapping and recognition capabilities. 

How does Ecovacs Deebot T20 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%	92%
Hardwood Floor Test	97%	97%
Low Pile Carpet Test	98%	89%
High Pile Carpet Test	97%	90%
Long Hair Test	33%	46%
Pet Hair Test	84%	69%
Edge Cleaning Test	92%	91%
Crevice Test	97%	95%
Mop Test	92%	89%
Cleaning Speed	50 min.	63 min.
Obstacle Avoidance	Yes	Yes
Cleaning Efficiency	Exceptional	Exceptional
Build Quality	Exceptional	Exceptional
Noise Test	66 dB	69 dB
Type	Robot Mop Combo	Robot Mop Combo
Bagless	No	Yes
Self-Empty	Yes	No
Auto-Wash	Yes	Yes
Dustbin Capacity	10.1 oz. (300.0 mL)	12.0 oz. (355.0 mL)

Compared to the average, the ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI had better performance in some categories and worse in others. Cleaning performance was notably better, removing 4.5% more debris than the average robot vacuum, based on all of our tests to date. Long hair performance was slightly worse, but pet hair performance was improved. 

Mopping performance matched our average performance, however, the navigational performance across the board was superior. 

Compared to other high-end robots we’ve tested like the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra and the ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 OMNI, the T20 OMNI matches their performance. The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra has slightly better debris removal, but worse pet hair performance. In our pet hair tests the X1 OMNI had worse performance than both the S8 and the T20. By all accounts, the T20 is an improvement upon their previous models and a top performer compared to our average to date. 

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