We tested: Is the powerful DREAME X40 Ultra vacuum-mop worth its price?

Another one? What was wrong with the first?! I half-jokingly ask the PR representative who suggests I host the new DREAME X40 Ultra vacuum-mop robot in my home for a two-week trial. Just two months ago, I reviewed the L20 Ultra, the previous model from the same company. Now there’s a new one? What could possibly be better than the first, which vacuumed and scrubbed my apartment, even revealing the original color of the living room carpet?

It turns out there’s plenty of room for improvement. Even if my pace of life doesn’t match the rapid evolution of technology, the new DREAME model brings significant advancements. So, one warm morning, a large box arrived at my home containing “Levana,” the name my daughters chose for the new, white robot that replaced “Ruby,” the previous model. Ruby left a good impression, and parting with it was bittersweet.

After two weeks with the X40 Ultra, I can confidently say it sets a new standard in home cleaning automation. Combining advanced technology and exceptional performance, this device promises a more thorough and efficient cleaning experience, surpassing even the previous (and excellent) model—sorry, Ruby.

(Almost) Double the Suction Power

One of the X40 Ultra's standout features is its impressive suction power. With 12,000Pa of suction, it sets a new benchmark in the category. This is a significant improvement over the L20 Ultra, which had 7,000Pa. That was already great, but who can argue with a machine that nearly doubles its suction efficiency? Levana handled every crumb, hair, and speck of dust in its path. And if it missed anything, it would autonomously return to the area and pick up what it overlooked—thanks to AI.

This model also comes with an improved filtration system that, according to the manufacturer, filters out 99.99% of small particles. While there’s no practical way to verify this claim at home, I was impressed that the living room carpet, which had been cleaned by other means just two days earlier, required me to empty the dustbin nearly entirely after Levana was done with it.

Enhanced Mopping System

The X40 Ultra is equipped with an advanced mopping system that includes two rotating mops. Unlike traditional systems that use a static cloth, the rotating mops allow for more thorough cleaning of stubborn stains. Additionally, this model applies moderate pressure to the floor, aiming to eliminate even the toughest stains effectively.

One such stain was right next to the trash can. A chocolate milk bottle that had been thrown away dripped a bit on the floor, leaving a brown stain that had already dried. Initially, Levana passed over it, and the stain remained. But after finishing scrubbing the kitchen area, it detected that the stain was still there. Without complaint, it turned back and stood over the stubborn spot for several seconds. The result: a clean floor, free of chocolate milk drops. Impressive.

The new model also features a system that allows the robot to reach corners and along walls more efficiently. This is a significant improvement over the previous model, enabling a more thorough cleaning of the entire house—even the infamous baseboard edges.

Upgraded Docking Station

The docking station also received a significant upgrade compared to previous models. It includes a 4.5-liter clean water tank and a 4-liter dirty water tank, allowing for longer operation without user intervention. I also noticed that the tanks in this model have a higher level of sealing, making it possible to leave them without emptying or refilling for a month or two without them stinking up the house. Additionally, the station automatically cleans the mops, dries them with heat, and refills the robot’s water tank.

More Accurate Navigation and Scanning

The X40 Ultra uses an advanced navigation system that combines a laser beam and a camera. These components allow it to create an accurate map of the house and navigate efficiently while avoiding obstacles. The company claims that the improved navigation accuracy provides better cleaning coverage compared to previous models. Personally, I didn’t notice significant differences from the previous model. Both received excellent scores in navigation.

Smarter Surface Detection

One of the X40 Ultra’s impressive features is its ability to detect different types of surfaces and adjust its cleaning strategy accordingly. It can distinguish between hard floors and carpets, adjusting the suction and mopping power based on the surface. This makes it unnecessary to program the app for the type of floor or the location of the carpet in the room—the robot identifies it itself.

Unlike the previous model, when the robot is sent to clean carpets, it leaves the floor mops at the docking station, preventing any accidental drips on the carpet.

Much Quieter Operation

Compared to the previous model (and other brands I've seen in action), the X40 Ultra is remarkably quiet. So quiet, in fact, that you can sit and watch TV without hearing a thing while you relax on the couch as someone else does the work. It’s easy to mistake the silence for the robot getting stuck or deciding to stop mid-clean as some kind of protest. But no, it’s just very quiet. This is a significant improvement over the previous model. The previous one cleaned and polished to my full satisfaction, but it was loud—loud enough that it didn’t sync well with TV volume levels. A huge plus.

Smart App and Voice Control

These features were also present in the previous model, but the DREAME app still allows full control of the robot, including planning cleaning routes, setting no-go zones, and software updates. Additionally, the X40 Ultra supports voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant, making it easier to operate without physical contact. Unfortunately, the poor Hebrew translation in the app still hasn’t been fixed. With all due respect to Google Translate, some things require a human touch (or eye, to be exact).

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that the DREAME X40 Ultra represents a significant leap in vacuum-mop robot technology. Many review sites worldwide consider this model the pinnacle of vacuum-mops, and rightly so. With high suction power, an advanced mopping system, and a smart docking station, it offers a more powerful and efficient cleaning solution than its competitors.

Now, let’s talk about the cost of all this goodness. The official importer’s website lists it at NIS 5,790, though you can find it for slightly less in other stores. While it is priced NIS 100 lower than its nemesis in the vacuum-mop market (the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, which we also reviewed here), it’s still quite an investment. If you’re the type of person who seeks the most advanced technology in automatic cleaning, this will undoubtedly be a good and smart purchase from a reliable company that delivers on its promises. However, if you already own the previous model (which is no less good), upgrading to the new model seems unnecessary—at least for now.

One more thing that might bother some of you—the docking station. Despite its elegant design, the station takes up considerable space, especially in height. You could place it in a hidden spot in the apartment or house, and then the problem is solved. On the other hand, much of the device’s advantages (like the large water tanks) come from the relatively tall docking station.