Dreame Robot Vacuum Comparison: Does the New X30 Measure Up?

Last year, the Dreame L20 Ultra was our top choice for the Best Robot Vacuum. Since then, the manufacturer has broadened its range to include the Dreame L30 Ultra and Dreame X30 Ultra. We acquired these new models and tried them out in our studio. In this in-depth Dreame robot vacuum comparison, we’ll detail their features, compare similarities and differences, and ultimately share our favorite for keeping your floors spotless.

Let’s dive in and see how these robot vacuum mop combos stack up.

Dreame X30 vs L30 vs L20

Before getting into the details of our Dreame robot vacuum comparison, addressing a point that might cause confusion is essential. The Dreame L30 should not be confused with the X30, as it came out after the L20 but before the X30 and is priced in the middle compared to the two. 

However, the L30 has become somewhat elusive on Dreame’s website for some reason. Whether this absence is due to discontinuation or a stock issue remains unclear. So, while this review will touch upon all three models, the primary focus will be on contrasting the L20, the previous flagship model, with the latest addition to Dreame’s lineup—the X30 Ultra.

Dreame Robot Vacuum Similarities

Here are the commonalities among the Dreame robot vacuum models—the X30, L30, and L20.

Vacuuming and mopping

Kicking off with their shared features, the X30, L30, and L20 models are all efficient at vacuuming and mopping. Plus, they can all be used on both carpets and hard floors. 

All three use the same mopping hardware, which includes two spinning brushes for comprehensive cleaning. They also have an innovative feature called “mop extend,” where the right mop pad extends to improve reach for wall edges and corners during cleaning. 

However, there are some software distinctions, which we’ll cover shortly.

Mopping capabilities

In our evaluations, the X30, L30, and L20 demonstrated impressive mopping capabilities. They easily handled tough challenges such as dried-on coffee and grape juice stains. And their performance in these evaluations was remarkably consistent across the board.

All three models can tackle stubborn messes very well.

Docking station

The X30, L30, and L20 all feature a large docking station designed for comprehensive maintenance. Upon returning to the clean base, these stations facilitate the automatic emptying of the robot vacuum’s dustbin content into an included bag. They also automatically wash and dry the mop pads and refill the mop tanks, ensuring your robot vacuum is ready for the next session.

Mop pad management

These robot vacuum combos really excel in mop pad management. For example, each model can automatically raise its mop pad by 10.5 millimeters (which is above average) whenever it detects carpets. So they can seamlessly transition between vacuuming carpets and mopping hard floors within a single cleaning cycle. 

Not having to do two separate runs is one of the best advancements in recent years for efficiency.

Also, these models take things a step further with a unique feature within their app. It lets you tell the robot vacuums to leave their mop pads at the docking station using a magnetic system, vacuum the carpets first, and then return to attach the mop pads for hard floor cleaning. 

It’s an advancement that further minimizes the risk of wetting carpets and rugs, and the feature is unique to Dreame—as far as we know.

Obstacle avoidance

All three robot vacuum and mop combos have excellent obstacle avoidance systems. They feature various sensors, including a front-mounted camera, 3D structured light, and lasers. 

As specified in their library, they can recognize over 70 types of objects, and each model has a front LED light that allows these functions to work in the dark. 

Our obstacle avoidance evaluations revealed slight variations in performance among the models. But all scored above average, demonstrating similar proficiency in navigating around obstacles.

App

The app used by the Dreame X30, L30, and L20 Ultra robot vacuums is the same. It’s well-designed, very responsive, and full of the latest features—such as multilevel and 3D mapping, virtual wall barriers, and extensive customization options for bin emptying and mopping operations. It even provides comprehensive scheduling functionalities and much more.

With an app like this, you can certainly tailor your cleaning sessions to fit unique needs.

Vacuuming hardware

All three models feature the same core vacuuming components, including a single side brush and a floating main brush. They are also compatible with a new brush that actively detangles hair, which we first saw at CES this year.

However, the brush is not currently included in the X30 Ultra, L30, and L20 packages, though it’s available as an optional purchase.

Main differences between the Dreame X30 Ultra, L30 Ultra, and L20 Ultra

Hot water washing

A critical distinction between the models is the hot water washing feature exclusive to the L30 and X30, as the L20 uses cold water to clean its mop pads. 

However, this feature does not mean those models will mop your floors with hot water, which is a common misunderstanding.

Robo Swing technology

The X30 has RoboSwing technology, which is a sophisticated software feature that enhances mopping efficiency. This technology allows the mop pad to swing into tight spaces for improved coverage, and it’s a notable upgrade from the L20’s straightforward mopping path.

Size and shape of docking stations

The X30’s docking station is more compact than its predecessors. It also has a slightly different detergent tank than the L30 and L20. It also seems to offer flexibility in detergent choice, allowing you to use any brand you want. Previously, you had to use Dreame-specific detergent. 

All models also include removable drip trays, so you can clean areas likely to collect dirt and hair over time. 

However, the X30 has a new automatic cleaning mechanism in its drip tray. This mechanism employs a motor and squeegees to self-clean. 

The technology marks a significant step towards complete automation.

Other notable differences: dustbin and battery

Dreame X30 has a marginally larger internal dustbin and a bigger battery, promising longer runtimes on low power according to official specifications. However, our practical assessments revealed that the actual difference in runtime across all power settings was negligible (or too small to matter) when compared to the L20. Surprisingly, the L20 had superior battery scores than the X30.

Navigation

In our real-world navigation trials, where we evaluate the robot vacuums on a fixed floor plan across various power settings, the X30 and L30 did slightly better in efficiency. They covered our floor plan 10 to 15 minutes faster on average compared to the L20. 

Despite this, all three models demonstrated competent navigation abilities, effectively covering the designated areas without significant issues, such as getting stuck.

Dreame X30 vs L30 vs L20 Ultra: performance evaluation

Our comparative performance evaluations found that the X30 had slightly higher suction power than the L20, which aligns with Dreame’s official statement or promotional material. 

However, the older and cheaper L20 seemed to do a bit better with most of the other performance evaluations than the newer X30. For instance, the L20 outperformed the X30 in our airflow and carpet deep clean evaluation. 

We couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason for this, and despite our repeated assessments, it could potentially be a user error. Nonetheless, this discrepancy didn’t impact each model’s fundamental ability to pick up various types and sizes of debris on hard floors and carpets. That’s arguably the most crucial aspect of any robot vacuum, and all models performed admirably.

Price

With the introduction of the X30 as the new flagship model, the L20 has seen a significant price reduction. 

This makes it an even better value than when we first named it our favorite vacuum last year. The price adjustment greatly enhances its appeal.

Dreame robot vacuum comparison: value and final thoughts

Wrapping up our Dreame robot vacuum comparison, it’s evident that the X30 introduces enhanced navigation and features, such as hot water washing, the RoboSwing, a self-cleaning dock, and a few other upgrades. However, the L20 model holds its ground in raw performance. It has most of the same important features and is arguably slightly better in performance, according to our evaluations. 

Since the L20 still retains a slight edge in essential functions, the last difference now is that it’s more attractively priced. So, for now, the Dreame L20 Ultra continues to lead, though competition is heating up on the market.