Mova S20 Ultra Robot Vacuum

The Mova S20 Ultra punches well above its weight class. Priced around $499 (often dropping to $359-$399 during sales), this robot vacuum from Dreame’s sub-brand delivers features you’d normally find on $800+ machines. Hot water mop washing, automatic pad drying, dual rubber roller brushes, and sophisticated obstacle avoidance all come standard. For anyone tired of manually rinsing dirty mop pads or detangling hair from brush rollers, this robot offers genuine convenience at a surprisingly reasonable price.

Price and Availability

Mova launched the S20 Ultra in mid-to-late 2024, rolling it out first in Europe at €699 before hitting North American retailers. You’ll find it at the official Mova store, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and authorized dealers like Wellbots. The U.S. MSRP started around $599, but street prices have consistently hovered around $499, with holiday sales pushing it as low as $359.

A word of caution on gray-market imports: while cheaper units surface on AliExpress or unauthorized Amazon sellers, warranty support can be spotty. One buyer who purchased directly from Mova’s official site got signature-required FedEx delivery with no sales tax, but attempting a return proved complicated. Stick with authorized retailers if you value hassle-free support.

Design and Dimensions

The S20 Ultra comes in white only and features the typical circular robot vacuum design with a LiDAR turret on top. The robot measures roughly 350mm (13.8 inches) in diameter and stands 104mm (4.1 inches) tall. It weighs about 4.1kg (9 pounds) on its own, though the complete package with the Ultra dock tips the scales at around 14kg empty and over 19kg with full water tanks.

This height matters for furniture clearance. At just over 4 inches tall, it should slip under most sofas and beds with 4.5+ inches of clearance. One owner reported it navigated under an IKEA Poang chair (notorious for trapping robots) without getting stuck.

Vacuum Performance

Suction Power

The S20 Ultra generates 8,300 Pa of suction, a figure that puts it near the top of its class. Some marketing materials mistakenly claimed 18,000 Pa, but that’s incorrect. The verified specification is 8,300 Pa across four adjustable power levels from Quiet to Turbo. Real-world testing confirms this provides more than enough power for dust, crumbs, pet hair, and even small hardware like loose screws on hard floors.

Dual Roller Brush System

Here’s where the S20 Ultra genuinely stands out: twin counter-rotating rubber roller brushes instead of the typical single brush. This design tackles two common annoyances at once. The dual brushes lift dirt more effectively, and the rubber material significantly reduces hair tangling. Pet owners especially appreciate not having to perform surgery on wrapped hair every few days.

The brushes can also lift 7mm off the ground when mopping, preventing them from getting wet or spreading liquid messes around. No aftermarket brush options are available since this dual-brush design is specific to the S20 Ultra.

Dustbin and Filtration

The onboard dustbin holds 350ml, slightly larger than many competitors. The base station contains a 3.2-liter disposable bag that Mova claims can hold about 75 days of debris under normal use. Actual mileage varies with floor dirtiness and pet shedding.

A HEPA-class washable filter handles fine particles and allergens, making it suitable for homes with allergy sufferers or pets. Plan to clean it monthly and replace it every 3-6 months depending on use.

Side Brush

A single side brush handles edge sweeping on the right side. Unlike some newer Mova P-series models, there’s no extending side brush feature here. The side brush helps sweep debris toward the main rollers, though corner cleaning still relies primarily on the mop’s edge-cleaning behavior.

Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance

The S20 Ultra combines LiDAR laser navigation with a 3D structured-light sensor and RGB camera. The LiDAR provides precise 360-degree mapping, while the camera system identifies obstacles and floor types. An LED illuminator helps it see in dark rooms, a feature not all Dreame-based robots include.

This multi-sensor setup recognizes over 70 common objects: shoes, cables, pet bowls, socks, pet waste, and more. Users report it successfully avoids items that stumped older robots like the Roomba j7+. The navigation produces efficient, systematic cleaning paths rather than random wandering.

Mapping happens quickly. One user reported a 110-square-meter home mapped in under 10 minutes during a quick-mapping run. The robot stores up to four floor maps for multi-level homes and offers a 3D map view in the app.

Mopping System

How It Works

The S20 Ultra uses a vibrating flat microfiber pad, what Mova calls the “VibroTurbo” system. The pad oscillates at roughly 4,050 vibrations per minute, scrubbing the floor while a spring-loaded plate maintains consistent pressure. It’s similar to Roborock’s VibraRise approach rather than the dual spinning mops found on some premium competitors.

Water Tanks

The robot carries a small 80ml water reservoir that the dock automatically refills during cleaning. The dock itself holds a 4.5-liter clean water tank and a 4-liter dirty water tank. This capacity can theoretically mop up to 400 square meters (about 4,300 square feet) before needing attention, though most homeowners will refill every day or two with daily mopping.

The dock supports automatic detergent mixing. Pour a robot-safe floor cleaner into the designated compartment, and the system dispenses it during mop washing cycles.

Mop Pad Lifting

When the ultrasonic sensors detect carpet, the mop pad lifts approximately 10.5mm off the ground. This is higher than the S10’s 7mm lift and sufficient to keep most medium-pile carpets dry. For very thick rugs, consider marking them as no-mop zones just to be safe.

Edge and Corner Cleaning

Mova’s “RoboSwing” feature addresses the eternal robot vacuum weakness: edges and corners. The robot angles itself and swings the mop pad outward to reach baseboards and wall edges. It works well but takes extra time. One user described it as “very effective but takes longer.” Tight 90-degree corners remain challenging for any round robot, though the S20 Ultra handles them better than most flat-pad systems.

The Ultra Dock

The included base station handles dust emptying, water management, mop washing, and pad drying. It measures approximately 340mm wide, 492mm deep, and 590mm tall (about 13.4 x 19.4 x 23.2 inches). You’ll need about a meter of clearance in front for the robot to dock properly.

Auto-Empty

When the robot docks after vacuuming, a powerful suction motor empties the onboard dustbin into the 3.2-liter disposable bag. This takes about 10 seconds and produces around 65 dB of noise. The bag self-seals when removed, minimizing dust exposure during replacement. Expect to change bags every month or two depending on use.

Hot Water Mop Washing

This is where the dock earns its “Ultra” designation. When the robot returns for mop cleaning, the dock pumps water heated to 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) onto a washboard-style scrubbing tray. The textured ridges scrub the mop pad clean, and the dirty water gets suctioned into the dirty water tank.

Hot water makes a real difference. It kills bacteria, dissolves oily dirt better than cold water, and users consistently report visibly cleaner mop pads compared to cold-water systems.

Pad Drying

After washing, the dock blows hot air to dry the mop pad. The default drying cycle runs about two hours, though you can adjust timing or set it to run during off-peak hours. Users confirm the drying works well, leaving pads only slightly damp with no sour smell even days later.

One Important Limitation

The dock’s ramp design struggles on thick carpet. At least one user found the robot couldn’t climb back onto the base when it sat on plush carpeting. The wheels sank into the soft surface, and the robot would stop partway up. The solution is simple: place the dock on hard flooring or a solid board. Once relocated to a hard surface, docking works reliably.

Software and App

The MOVAhome App

The S20 Ultra uses the MOVAhome app (iOS and Android), developed by the same team behind Dreame’s app. Features include scheduling, room-by-room cleaning selection, zone cleaning, virtual no-go and no-mop zones, and room-specific settings like extra suction in the kitchen or double-passes in the entryway.

You can adjust water flow across 32 levels and fine-tune most cleaning parameters. The app provides maintenance notifications for things like full dust bags, low water, and consumable replacement reminders.

The robot’s camera enables live video monitoring and even two-way voice communication. You can check on pets or speak through the robot’s speaker. The camera isn’t HD quality but works fine for basic monitoring.

App Quality

App Store ratings sit around 3.6/5.0 stars (iOS) and 3.0/5.0 (Android). Users praise the feature set but report occasional connectivity hiccups during initial setup. A common complaint: the app sometimes insists on 2.4 GHz WiFi even when the phone is already connected to one. This usually requires ensuring your router broadcasts separate network names for 2.4 and 5 GHz bands.

Once connected, mapping and control work well. The interface resembles Dreame’s app and feels more intuitive than older Xiaomi Mi Home systems.

Voice Control

Amazon Alexa and Google Home integration work for basic commands like starting or stopping cleaning. There’s no Apple HomeKit support and no built-in voice assistant on the robot itself (that feature is reserved for some P-series models).

Privacy Considerations

The camera and sensors do collect data. According to Mova, obstacle avoidance images are processed on-device and not stored in the cloud. Live camera feeds use end-to-end encryption.

A security vulnerability was discovered in mid-2025 affecting the Dreame/Mova apps, involving improper certificate validation that could expose data on public WiFi. Mova patched this by August 2025 in app updates (MOVAhome v1.2.4+ on iOS, v2.2+ on Android). Keep your app updated.

Battery Life

A 5,200 mAh battery powers cleaning sessions of 170-210 minutes depending on mode and floor type. One user reported a 70-minute vacuum-and-mop run used only 25% of battery capacity. The robot automatically docks to recharge when low and resumes cleaning afterward.

Full recharge takes about 3.5 hours, which is slower than some competitors. One owner noted it charged more slowly than a Dreame L10s.

Noise Levels

The S20 Ultra runs surprisingly quiet, officially rated at 63 dB in standard mode and 72-74 dB at maximum suction. One user noted each suction level was quieter than the equivalent setting on a Dreame L10S Ultra. The rubber brushes don’t produce the loud grinding sound bristle brushes can make on carpet. Pets seem less startled by it compared to louder robots.

Maintenance Requirements

Weekly Tasks

Check the main brushes for hair accumulation, though the dual rubber design minimizes this considerably. Remove each brush (they pop out with a latch) and clear any hair from the end caps. Wipe down cliff sensors, wall sensors, and the camera lens if visibly dirty. The side brush can accumulate hair at its spindle and should be removed for cleaning occasionally.

Monthly Tasks

Take out the robot’s dustbin and rinse it (let it dry completely before reinserting). Tap or rinse the HEPA filter. Empty and rinse the dock’s dirty water tank if you haven’t already. Check the dock’s washboard tray for buildup.

Consumable Replacement

The HEPA filter lasts 6-12 months. Side brushes typically need replacement every 6-12 months when bristles wear down. Mop pads last roughly 50 washes or 6 months with good care. The dual rubber main brushes are durable and can last 1-2 years. Dust bags need replacement when full, roughly every 1-2 months.

Parts Availability

Official Mova parts aren’t stocked at local stores, but Amazon and eBay carry both official and third-party options. An 18-piece replacement kit (2 main brushes, 4 side brushes, 4 filters, 4 dust bags, 4 mop pads) runs about $40-50 from third-party sellers. Official parts cost a bit more but ensure exact fit. Annual maintenance costs around $20-50 depending on whether you choose third-party or official supplies.

Warranty and Support

The standard manufacturer warranty is 1 year on the robot and typically 6 months on the battery. Some retailers advertise 3-year coverage, but this appears to be extended service plans or specific retailer offerings rather than Mova’s base warranty.

Support channels include email (support@mova-tech.com), phone (+1 866-977-5177 for US), and the official website. Mova maintains a support forum and has brand representatives active on Reddit who assist with troubleshooting. Given Mova’s connection to Dreame, support infrastructure benefits from Dreame’s global service centers.

For defective units within the return window, going through your retailer (Amazon, Best Buy, etc.) typically offers faster resolution than manufacturer support.

Real-World Performance

Cleaning Effectiveness

The S20 Ultra handles pet hair exceptionally well. The dual brush system actually grabs hair rather than pushing it around, and very little wraps around the rollers. Large debris like dry cat food or cereal gets sucked up easily. On carpets, the 8,300 Pa suction combined with dual agitators lifts embedded dust and sand effectively.

Floor Transitions

The robot climbs thresholds up to 20mm (about 0.8 inches), handling standard door transitions and most rug edges without trouble. The mop lifting and carpet detection work seamlessly. Users with mixed flooring report no wet carpet incidents.

Navigation Reliability

The systematic row-by-row cleaning covers areas thoroughly without leaving random missed spots. Users report precise, linear paths rather than the chaotic wandering of older robot vacuums. The obstacle avoidance handles cables, socks, and pet toys reliably. Thanks to good LiDAR mapping, the robot rarely gets stuck under furniture.

Mopping Results

For maintenance cleaning, the vibrating mop handles everyday dirt, footprints, and light stains well. Floors come out shiny and not overly wet. Truly stubborn dried spills may need multiple passes. The hot water washing and drying cycle keeps the mop pad sanitary without the musty smell that plagues cold-water systems.

How It Compares

Against the Dreame L10s Ultra

Since Mova is a Dreame sub-brand, this comparison makes sense. The L10s Ultra uses dual spinning mops and a single brush with 5,300 Pa suction. The S20 Ultra counters with dual brushes, 8,300 Pa suction, and the LED light for dark room navigation. The S20 Ultra runs quieter and includes hot water washing by default. At current prices (both often around $500-600), the S20 Ultra arguably offers better value unless you specifically prefer spinning mops.

Against the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra

Roborock’s 2022 flagship (around $899) has 5,100 Pa suction, a single brush, and a vibrating mop with only 5mm lift. The S20 Ultra beats it on suction (8,300 vs 5,100 Pa), brush design, and dock features. Roborock’s dock doesn’t hold water tanks, requiring manual water tank refilling on the robot. Roborock’s app is more polished and has better smart home integration. But feature-for-feature at roughly half the price, the S20 Ultra is hard to beat.

Value Assessment

At $400-500 (or less during sales), the S20 Ultra delivers about 90% of what $800-1,000 robots offer. The main trade-offs: a less established brand name, app polish that trails Roborock and Ecovacs, and the carpet docking limitation. If those don’t concern you, it represents exceptional value in the robot vacuum market.

Known Issues

Carpet Docking Problems: The most significant confirmed issue. On thick carpet, the robot struggles to climb the dock ramp. Solution: place the dock on hard flooring.

App Setup Quirks: Some users report the app insisting on 2.4 GHz WiFi even when already connected. Usually resolved by ensuring separate SSIDs for 2.4 and 5 GHz bands.

Floor Sensor Calibration: Early units sometimes had carpet detection issues (not detecting carpet, or falsely detecting hard floor as carpet). Firmware updates appear to have addressed this.

Camera Resolution: The RGB camera works for basic monitoring but isn’t HD. It’s adequate for checking on pets but won’t substitute for a proper security camera.

Suction Spec Confusion: Some retailers incorrectly listed 18,000 Pa suction. The actual verified specification is 8,300 Pa.

The Bottom Line

The Mova S20 Ultra delivers flagship features at a mid-range price. Hot water mop washing, automatic pad drying, dual anti-tangle brushes, and AI obstacle avoidance all work as advertised. The main caveats are minor: place the dock on hard flooring, expect a slightly rough app experience compared to premium brands, and verify warranty terms with your retailer.

For pet owners tired of hair-wrapped brushes, for anyone who wants automated mopping without musty mop pads, or for shoppers who want near-flagship performance under $500, the S20 Ultra makes a compelling case. It’s earned its reputation as the value champion in its segment.