ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo Review: 14 Objective Cleaning 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 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	97.1%
Hardwood Floor Test	98.9%
Low Pile Carpet Test	95.9%
High Pile Carpet Test	96.4%
Long Hair Test	100%
Pet Hair Test	96.0%
Crevice Test	100%
Edge Cleaning Test	99.1%
Mop Test	Excellent
Cleaning Speed	55 min.
Obstacle Avoidance	Partially
Build Quality Test	Exceptional
Noise Test	72 dB

Video Review

Across all cleaning tests, the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo had fantastic results. While it wasn’t perfect, it came quite close in multiple tests.

To test the debris removal performance of the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo, 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 T30S over the debris on the highest suction power, letting it perform 2 complete cleaning cycles. 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 T30S Combo:

In our debris tests, the T30S was able to remove 97.1% of debris by weight. This is 4.5% more debris than the average of 92.6%, based on all of our debris tests to date.

Across the board, the ECOVACS T30S cleaned well, removing the majority of the debris on every floor type. That said, I will note it took some time to fully clean the testing lane. On every floor type, two cleaning passes were required to remove the vast majority of debris. 

Debris removal performance for the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo was fantastic on hardwood flooring. Comparatively, the robot removed more debris on this floor than any other.

In our hardwood tests, the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo was able to remove 98.9% of debris by weight. This is 1.8% more debris than the average of 97.1%, based on all of our debris tests to date.

While performance wasn’t exactly perfect, it was only 1.1% from that 100% perfection. This test was performed in the “vacuum-only” mode and with the mops included, I am sure cleaning performance would be even better.

Low pile carpet performance was the worst out of the 3 floor types, albeit not by much.

In our low pile carpet tests, the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo was able to remove 95.9% of debris by weight. This is 6.1% more than the average of 89.8%, based on all of our debris tests to date.

Historically, low pile carpet has proven the hardest challenge for robot vacuums. On average, robot vacuums struggle the most on low pile carpets and this seems to be the same with the T30S. Again, it still removed the vast majority of debris and had much better performance than the average robot vacuum.

Overall, I am still impressed with the low pile carpet debris removal from the T30S Combo. 

High pile carpet performance was slightly better than low pile carpet for the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo, however, it took much longer to fully complete.

In our high pile carpet tests, the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo was able to remove 96.4% of debris by weight. This is 6.0% more debris than the average of 90.4%, based on all of our debris tests to date.

While the cleaning performance wasn’t perfect, it was still fantastic and better than average. However, that cleaning took time to complete. To perform 2 complete cleaning cycles it took the T30S 30 minutes. This isn’t a huge issue in most cases, but it will use more battery and require the robot to recharge more frequently.

To test how well the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo 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 ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo had only 0.0% long hair tangle by weight. This is 44.8% less long hair than the average of 44.8%, based on all of our long hair tests to date.

This exceptional performance is largely thanks to the impressively designed brushroll in the device. The brushes are robust and the anti-tangle channels cut into the brushroll itself prevent any tangling of long strands of hair.

Most robot vacuums struggle with long hair, but this isn’t the case with the T30S Combo. The robot has impressive performance in regards to long hair.

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 ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo removed 96.0% of pet hair by weight. This is 19.1% more hair than the average of 76.9%, based on all of our pet hair tests to date.

The T30S Combo has excellent performance in regards to hair. While not all of the pet hair was cleaned from the carpet, only 4.0% of the embedded hair remained.

For our edge cleaning test, we test to see how close to the edge the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo 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 ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo was able to remove 98.2% of debris by weight. This is 7.7% more debris than the average of 90.5%, based on all of our edge cleaning tests to date.

Edge cleaning performance was outstanding for the T30S. Practically all of the debris was removed and what remained was only a small amount of scattered sugar and kitty litter. 

This test was performed in the “vacuum-only” mode. Thanks to the extendable mopping pad, edge cleaning performance should be improved with mopping enabled.

To test the crevice cleaning capabilities of the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo, will 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 ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo was able to remove 100% of debris by weight from the crevices. This is 2.3% more debris than the average of 97.7%, based on all of our crevice tests to date.

Again, this test proved little challenge to the T30S Combo. 

To test the mopping capabilities of the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo, we check how well it can remove small-scale stains and remove dirt on a broader scale.

In our mop test, the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo showcased excellent performance. However, I will note that it wasn’t notably better than other high-end robot mop combo devices. This type of mopping performance is great for a daily mopping device, but not amazing enough to totally replace a standalone mop.

That said, the T30S Combo comes with a few features that assist with mopping. First, the mop pads can lift and lower automatically as carpets or rugs are detected. You can also have the robot avoid carpets or rugs completely by adjusting a setting in the app.

Additionally, the robot has an adjustable mop pad that can move beyond the base of the robot and clean closer to edges and corners. How much attention the robot gives to this extended mop depends on the settings in the app. 

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 T30S Combo navigates, we focus on these key factors.

Our cleaning speed test showed the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo was able to clean our ~1,000 sq. ft. office space within 55 mins.

The average cleaning speed we find, based on all robot vacuums we’ve tested to date is 62 min. The T30S Combo is 7 min. faster than the average.

Quick mapping and obstacle avoidance are available to the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo thanks to the inclusion of LiDAR, RGB cameras, edge sensors, and other internal sensors. In addition, ECOVACS includes their “TrueDetect 3D 3.0” technology which enables the robot to recognize and avoid obstacles.

To test the obstacle avoidance of the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo, 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.

Upon our initial testing, the T30S showed terrible performance, running into every obstacle and acting like they weren’t there. However, I was able to adjust the “Sensitivity” of the TrueDetect technology, increasing the sensitivity. This enabled much better performance for the robot concerning avoiding obstacles. 

All obstacles were avoided except for the cord. That said, once the robot recognized the cord and knew where it was, it never ran into it again throughout the cleaning cycle. If the floor of your house stays the same, the T30S Combo should become better at avoiding obstacles.

We also test how well the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo 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 T30S Combo had excellent navigational performance in our tests.

The robot successfully cleaned all the available space, never got stuck, and returned to base every time. I will note that app-settings can drastically change the cleaning cycle. 

My initial app settings had the robot using a lot of water while it cleaned. This required us to fill the clean water tank more frequently. In some cases, this lack of clean water ended the cleaning task early.

However, I was able to adjust the settings in the app and remedy this issue.

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.

Across the board the build quality is excellent. The robot, handheld vacuum, and dock are well-built and constructed of sturdy plastic.

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

I had two notes of concern for the build quality of the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo: the debris bag and the robot top cover.

Initially, the debris bag we received with the device failed to be recognized by the dock. This disabled the auto-empty features of the dock and robot. However, we were able to replace the debris bag, which solved this issue entirely.

The top cover of the robot itself attaches via magnets. That said, these magnetics aren’t especially strong and the top cover easily falls off, even when picking up the robot with care. In most cases, this shouldn’t be a major issue for the robot, but it is rather a factor you’ll need to keep in mind when handling the robot.

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	54 dB
Standard	60 dB
Strong	65 dB
Max	72 dB
Self Empty	72 dB

In our noise tests, the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo generated 72.0 dB of noise on the max power mode. This is 3.3 dB lower than the average of 68.7 dB, based on all of our noise tests to date.

While the T30S may be slightly louder than your average vacuum, this is only on the highest suction mode. The robot has a noise range from 53 – 72 dB based on the suction mode selected. If noise is a major concern, Do-Not-Disturb features and scheduling should mitigate those issues. 

The ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo has a few prominent features and a plethora of smaller features that improve usability. The most notable being the inclusion of the handheld vacuum and the extendable mopping pod called TruEdge.

TruEdge enables the mop to extend beyond the body of the robot. Thanks to intelligent pathing, this extended mop pad can clean better along edges and in corners. 

In addition, the T30S has a number of small usability features that enhance the cleaning experience. These include:

• Lifting mop pads
• Smart integration
• Foot control
• Quick mapping

Setting up the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo was easy and took no longer than 10 minutes to complete. The robot and handheld vacuum came partially charged out of the box and required some time before completely charging. 

For full control of the device, connecting to the ECOVACS HOME 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
• Manage YIKO settings
• Turn on do-not-disturb settings
• View a 3D map

Connecting to the app was a simple process that took no more than 5 minutes. The app itself felt intuitive to use and I was able to find all the settings I needed to adjust easily. The voice assistant YIKO was able to understand commands from me right out of the box, though getting it to hear me sometimes took a few attempts. 

The only thing that confused me about the app was the secondary maps it seemed to create during some cleaning cycles. During some of our tests, the cleaning cycle wasn’t displayed on our map, but instead on some pop-out window that showed a completely new map. While it wasn’t a major issue, it stopped me from using specific settings during that cleaning process. In most cases, I was able to end the current task and restart cleaning to avoid this problem. 

Controls for the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo were quite simple. 3 buttons on the robot itself can start/stop the device. In addition, there is a spot-cleaning button and a return to base button. 

In addition, there is a single multi-functional button on the dock that can start/stop a self-cleaning cycle or start/stop a cleaning cycle.

Finally, the handheld vacuum has some simple controls. A trigger to turn the device on/off and a single button to switch between the different modes. Additionally, it has a simple display that shows the remaining battery life of the vacuum. 

In The Box

• Base Station
• Clean / Dirty Water Tanks
• Debris Collection Bag
• X2 OMNI Robot
• X2 – Mopping pads

The ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo has an estimated yearly maintenance cost of $26.14. The following are the major maintenance tasks for the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo.

Task	Description	Est. Annual Cost
Dust Bin	Empty dust bin as needed	$0
Brush roll	Remove tangles and any obstructions	$0
Filter	Periodically clean and replace as needed	$3.50
Vacuum Body	Remove any obstructions as needed	$0
Dock Debris Bag	Replace as needed	$12.64
Mop Pads	Wash and replace as needed	$6.00
Spinning Side Brush	Remove tangles, replace once a year	$4.00
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

Automated maintenance is improved with the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo. The dock can automatically empty the debris containers from both the robot and handheld vacuum, wash the robot’s mop pads with hot water, refill the water supply, and heat dry the mop pads. 

In addition, the dock itself can perform a self-cleaning cycle and the base plate can be removed for easy access to clean. 

Size & Dimensions

In terms of size, the ECOVACS DEEBOT T30S Combo is large. The robot and handheld vacuum are about your average size, but the dock is significantly larger to accommodate both devices and the automated features. 

Size	Measurement
Dustbin Capacity	10 oz. (300 mL)
Water Tank Capacity	2 oz. (55 mL)
Dock Debris Capacity	0.8 gal. (3.0 L)
Dock Clean Water Tank Capacity	1.1 gal. (4.0 L)
Dock Dirty Water Tank Capacity	0.9 gal. (3.5 L)
Height	4″ (10 cm)
Diameter	14″ (35 cm)
Weight	9 lbs. (4 kg)

Specifications

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

Manufacturer Specifications
Type	Robot Mop Combo
Manufacturer	ECOVACS
Model	T30S Combo
Height	4″ (10 cm)
Diameter	14″ (35 cm)
Weight	9 lbs. (4 kg)
Floor Type	all (indoor)
Sensors	LiDAR, RGB Camera
Dustbin Capacity	10 oz. (300 mL)
Water Tank Capacity	2 oz. (55 mL)
Dock Debris Capacity	0.8 gal. (3.0 L)
Dock Clean Water Tank Capacity	1.1 gal. (4.0 L)
Dock Dirty Water Tank Capacity	0.9 gal. (3.5 L)
Run Time	290 min.
Suction Power	1371 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 a history of making high-quality robot vacuums designed with the latest tech. Robots like the DEEBOT T20 and T10 are the previous versions of the T30S. Each previous version has fewer features related to the time it was released. Additionally, ECOVACS has their X series which is their highest-end vacuum with the newest designs and features. They also have their N series, which is a robot vacuum only. 

Their newest robot vacuum, the T30S, introduces many of the same features seen with the DEEBOT X2 OMNI. In addition, the Combo addition has been added to the T30S, which includes a handheld vacuum. The Combo Complete makes it a stick vacuum, and the standard T30S does not include the extra vacuum. 

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	97.1%	92.6%
Hardwood Floor Test	98.9%	97.1%
Low Pile Carpet Test	95.9%	89.8%
High Pile Carpet Test	96.4%	90.4%
Long Hair Test	100%	55.2%
Pet Hair Test	96.0%	76.9%
Edge Cleaning Test	99.1%	88.5%
Crevice Test	100%	97.7%
Mop Test	92.0%	89.1%
Cleaning Speed	55 min.	63 min.
Obstacle Avoidance	Yes	Yes
Cleaning Efficiency	Exceptional	Exceptional
Build Quality	Exceptional	Exceptional
Noise Test	72 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. (447.1 mL)
Weight	9 lbs. (4 kg)	8.4 lbs. (3.8 kg)

Across the board, the ECOVACS T30S Combo beats the average. Cleaning performance was consistently above average, usability was incredible, and the build quality was high.

Compared to other high-performance robot vacuums like the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra and ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 OMNI it matches their level of performance. Long and pet hair management is better with both ECOVACS robots, but they are otherwise comparable across most other categories.

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