Ecovacs DEEBOT OZMO T8 AIVI vs N8 Pro Plus

Ecovacs T8 AIVI vs N8 Pro

Smart robot vacuums have vastly improved over the past few years. Brands have pushed the boundaries of technology by adding more features.

One manufacturer pushing the envelope is Ecovacs with their DEEBOT products I’ll compare in this article.

I’ll be comparing two specific models: the OZMO T8 AIVI and N8 Pro Plus. These two variants offer some of the latest technology Ecovacs has to offer with obstacle avoidance and navigation.

Ecovacs also will be releasing the T9 soon, but that’s a separate review.

As a bonus, I’ll answer some Frequently Asked Questions I see online on forums a the end of the article.

You can check the table of contents or scroll to the end.

Let’s take a quick look at specs and tests results for the Ecovacs T8 AIVI and N8 Pro Plus

Ecovacs DEEBOT OZMO T8 AIVI

Ecovacs T8 AIVI
  • Airflow: 23.1 CFM
  • Deep cleaning: 66.65%
  • Mopping: Yes
  • Auto empty: Yes
  • Bag capacity: 2.5-liters
  • Navigation: LIDAR & SLAM
  • Map saving: Yes
  • Number of maps: 2
  • Containment: Yes
  • Selective room cleaning: Yes
  • Recharge & Resume: Yes
  • Dustbin capacity: 420ml
  • Water tank: 230ml
  • Side brush: Two
  • Battery: 5200 mAh Li-ion
  • Run time: 180 mins
  • Noise: 67.1 dB

Ecovacs DEEBOT N8 Pro+

Ecovacs N8 Pro+
  • Airflow: 22.29 CFM
  • Deep cleaning: 66.16%
  • Mopping: Yes
  • Auto empty: Yes
  • Bag capacity: 2.5-liters
  • Navigation: LIDAR & SLAM
  • Map saving: Yes
  • Number of maps: 2
  • Containment: Yes
  • Selective room cleaning: Yes
  • Recharge & Resume: Yes
  • Dustbin capacity: 420ml
  • Water tank: 230ml
  • Side brush: Two
  • Battery: 3200 mAh Li-ion
  • Run time: 110 mins
  • Noise: 64.4 dB
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Introduction to the Ecovacs DEEBOT OZMO T8 AIVI and N8 Pro

Aside from Roborock, Ecovacs has been active with its product development, releasing several new products this year.

We’ll be looking at two of their latest offerings – the T8 AIVI and N8 Pro.

I’ll also guide you with sub-variant offerings with each model to help clarify the terminology confusion and make sense of it.

These two robots share many components and are basically identical products, with a few exceptions.

AI Obstacle Avoidance: Ecovacs T8 AIVI

Ecovacs T8 AIVI

The T8 AIVI is Ecovac’s flagship (may change with the T9 release) with the AI technology for obstacle avoidance.

This model is the first I’ve seen with an active obstacle avoidance system: a single-lens camera.

Roborock has since introduced the S6 MaxV with the twin-lens system after the AIVI release. You can check the comparison in this article to see which is better.

The front-facing camera aims to detect and avoid obstacles like a human eye does with artificial intelligence.

While the ideal is good, actual world tests reveal it has some work to do. I’ve tested it extensively and found it to have blind spots.

You cannot rely on it entirely to avoid obstacles. It does it to an extent, but leaving stuff such as wires scattered wouldn’t be a good idea since the side brushes will tangle on them.

Another feature that makes the T8 the premium option is a large capacity 5200 mAh battery, enabling it to run for 180 minutes (in the lowest setting).

You can purchase the T8 AIVI with or without the auto-empty station, but the latter entails spending more than the Roomba I3 and I6, Dreame Z10 Pro, Yeedi Vac Station, and Shark IQ.

All these brands are DEEBOT’s direct competition.

There are T8 variants that use the TrueDetect 3D lasers. In the video above, I’ve mentioned how to identify these, so if you haven’t watched, please take time and look.

T8 options with the 3D laser sensors are cheaper than the AIVI and actually better at avoiding obstacles.

But Ecovacs doesn’t offer the T8 (TrueDetect) with the auto-empty station, so you’ll have to purchase it separately for the added convenience.

Lastly, only the T8 series is compatible with the OZMO Pro mopping system with the scrubbing feature.

It’s the more sensible option for folks looking to upgrade its mopping performance.

Cheaper Alternative with 3D Laser Obstacle Avoidance: Ecovacs N8 Pro

Ecovacs N8 Pro front 3D sensors

Ecovacs recently released a new product: the N8 Pro series-a budget alternative to the more costly T8 lineup.

One significant downgrade is the battery capacity; from the T8’s 5200 mAh, the N8 Pro uses a smaller 3200 mAh battery.

I’ve taken a photo of their batteries, and you can see the size difference.

Ecovacs T8 and N8 Pro battery comparison

 

This downgrade cuts the run time from 180 minutes to 110 minutes.

Not a big concern, though, for small homeowners (2000 square feet and less), since 110 minutes is more than enough with its smart navigation.

Recharge and resume also mitigate the shorter run time, since it resumes cleaning if it previously didn’t finish the cleaning cycle.

The good news is the 110 minutes is still longer than the Roomba S9, I6, and I3’s run time of 75 minutes, so it isn’t the shortest running robot vacuum.

There are two N8 Pro options: the robot-only N8 Pro and a variant with the auto-empty dock.

The latter will be costlier since it has that added self-emptying convenience.

Similarities between the Ecovacs T8 AIVI and N8 Pro

Don’t let the technical mumbo jumbo mislead you to think these are two different robots.

While there may be differences between the obstacle avoidance system and battery, everything else is the same, and we’ll look at them below.

1. Shape and Interface

Ecovacs T8 and N8 Pro shape

Put these robots side-by-side without showing the front, and you’d think they’re the same robots.

Both variants have the same color scheme, one-button layout, and top door revealing the dustbin and cleaning brush.

The dimensions are also exactly the same as Ecovacs utilized the same base framework for both products.

2. Dustbin design and capacity

Ecovacs T8 and N8 Pro dustbin

Naturally, using the same frameworks trickles down to other components and one of which is the dustbin.

The T8 AIVI and N8 Pro utilize the same dustbin with one slight variation depending on the sub-model of choice.

But the base shape and volume are identical – up to 420 ml of dry dirt.

That variation is these two outlet ports where debris flows from the dustbin to the auto-empty bag.

Ecovacs T8 and N8 Pro dustbin

All variants with the self-emptying dock will have these ports and these have notches.

Non-auto-empty dock models will have the standard dustbin with a flat base.

If you purchase the robot-only variant then decide to buy the auto-empty station, you’ll have to remove these two port-covers to make room for the new dustbin.

3. Brush configuration and design

Ecovacs T8 and N8 Pro underneath

Underneath, you’ll see another similarity – the brush layout and identical brushes used.

Both have the same side brush and combo brush without any visible differences.

There’s no difference between the T8 and N8 Pro, and these parts are interchangeable.

4. Two-in-one functionality

Ecovacs N8 Pro mopping module

These robots can mop floors in addition to their vacuuming functionality.

A rear-mounted water tank sits at the rear portion of these robots that doubles as a mop bracket holder.

Each water tank can hold similar volumes, at 230 milliliters. Ecovacs uses an electronic water tank for the T8 and N8 Pro series, so water usage is efficient.

5. LIDAR and Live Map

Despite the extra vertical space due to the LIDAR cover, laser robots are, in my opinion, the most efficient robots out there.

The Ecovacs T8 AIVI and N8 Pro are no exceptions since both use LIDAR or a laser distance sensor.

Since each utilizes such, both have live maps, where you’ll see the robot’s cleaning status in real-time.

Thanks to LIDAR, you’ll see these grid lines, symbolizing areas the robot has cleaned or mopped.

It’s one significant advantage LIDAR robots have over their camera-based counterparts like Roomba and Yeedi.

6. Navigational route

Ecovacs T8 vs N8 Pro live map

The T8 and N8 Pro utilize the same navigational route.

These robots move in precisely the same path – starting the run by cleaning the edges then moving towards the middle, taking the shortest route from end to end.

I initially thought that this path was inefficient, but it was actually more efficient than the Roborock S7 and finished 3 minutes faster, at least in my home office.

Both are adept at passing through, even in tight areas, and did not wedge against our office chair legs – an issue with random navigating robots.

7. Auto empty feature

Ecovacs N8 Pro auto empty dock

Consumers can opt for a T8 or N8 Pro variant with an auto-empty station that empties the robot’s dustbin for you after every cleaning cycle.

The T8 AIVI and N8 Pro offer robot + auto empty dock sets if you don’t want to deal with multiple packaging.

Unfortunately, the T8 (with TrueDetect) does not, and you’ll have to purchase the self-emptying base station separately.

9. App features

Both variants have identical app features, from the power setting options to the number of maps it can save.

There will be variations between auto-empty and non-auto-empty options, such as this empty dust icon on the N8 Pro app that engages the self-emptying cycle.

Ecovacs N8 Pro empty dust icon

Mopping results, not surprisingly, are identical as both robots needed two runs to remove the red wine stains.

But the good news is there wasn’t much residue, if any, after the run.

Differences between the Ecovacs DEEBOT T8 AIV and N8 Pro

Let’s go through the differences between these robots.

1. Battery

Ecovacs T8 vs N8 Pro battery

The most significant variance between the T8 and N8 Pro series is the battery.

You could see the size difference in this shot.

The T8 utilizes a larger 5200 mAh lithium-ion battery, while the N8 Pro uses a smaller 3200 mAh battery.

Due to the capacity difference, the T8 runs longer, up to 180 minutes, and the N8 Pro runs for 110 minutes.

But with recharge and resume, run time shouldn’t be a sticking point unless you live in a large 10000+ square foot mansion.

2. Obstacle Avoidance sensors

Ecovacs T8 and N8 Pro obstacle avoidance sensors

The T8 model I have is the AIVI, so it has a front-facing, single-lens camera and artificial intelligence.

In comparison, the N8 Pro uses front 3D laser sensors, which is my preference since it has better precision.

There are T8 models with the 3D sensors –look for the non-AIVI versions in shopping sites with the “TrueDetect 3D” written.

Please note that T8 models with 3D sensors are cheaper than the AIVI but still use the same 5200 mAh battery.

3. CCTV functionality

Ecovacs T8 CCTV functionality

AIVI models with the camera have Close Circuit Television functionality where you can check what’s happening at home, even remotely.

Ecovacs says that the images captured are encrypted and not stored in the cloud.

Also, the camera functionality is password-protected, so a security layer protecting it.

Ecovacs T8 video password

App features of the Ecovacs T8 AIVI and N8 Pro

The T8 AIVI and N8 Pro share many of the same app features.

There will be variations depending on what variant you choose, specifically if you opt for the sub-variant with an auto-empty dock. But the core features will be identical.

1. Live map

Ecovacs T8 vs N8 Pro live map

 

My favorite feature of any smart robot vacuum I’ve reviewed is the live map.

It’s a visual representation of your home’s layout on the app.

Not only does it show the layout, but it also shows where the robot is during the cleaning cycle in real-time.

Using LIDAR is most beneficial since you can see grid lines representing the areas cleaned and what’s left.

Users will also see other information such as area cleaned and elapsed time.

These robots are actually a good way of measuring the exact floor size of your home.

2. Map saving

Ecovacs N8 Pro map saving

Upon app installation, it will prompt users to run a cleaning cycle to create a map.

There won’t be access to the other features until this initial run is commenced.

Make sure to open all doors and remove any obstacles for the best results.

Once the map is created, consumers can save and use a custom name for quick identification.

The app can save up to two map levels, and within each map, it’s possible to set partitions and add containment to prevent the robot from going into off-limit areas.

3. Map detect

Another feature worth noting is the map detect feature that is a rarity and something I don’t see in other brands.

As the robot backs out of the dock, it performs an initial scan, hence the slight delay before starting the edge cleaning run.

LIDAR does the scan to determine the perimeter shape, then loads the correct map.

This feature is useful since there’s no need to manually load the map.

With the Ecovacs app, it’s a need since users cannot choose the map manually.

4. Containment

Ecovacs offers three different containment systems – invisible wall, no-go zones, and no-mop zones.

Invisible wall

Ecovacs N8 Pro invisible wall

It’s a virtual wall or barrier that prevents the robot from going past it.

Invisible wall’s most significant benefit is users can draw diagonal lines, which adds a lot of flexibility to the areas they can block.

No-go zone

Ecovacs N8 Pro no-go zones

These are square or rectangular zones that are off-limit areas. The robot will not venture into these four-cornered zones.

It’s most helpful in blocking areas, let’s say, a pet zone where your dog or cat feeds or sleeps or a child’s play area

No-mop zone

Ecovacs no mop zone

It’s a similar feature to the no-go zone – square or rectangular off-limit areas, but it’s meant to block the robot from mopping carpet.

However, this feature is redundant since the T8 and N8 Pro have carpet sensors that prevent the robot from going over carpets or rugs with the mopping pad attached.

5. Edit map

Ecovacs N8 Pro edit map

Users can also perform edits on the map – merge, divide, name rooms, and add containment.

I’ve already discussed containment in the previous section, so we’ll focus on the other aspects here.

The merge function will simply combine partitions of choice into one larger area.

LIDAR is quite precise in determining partitions, especially on areas with doorways. So I don’t think you’ll be using the merge function as much.

But it’s always nice to have that option in case the divisions aren’t accurate.

This brings me to the next feature, which is divide. Folks can manually create segregations and name these areas to identify them quickly.

Unfortunately, custom naming isn’t available, so you’re limited to a list.

6. Selective room cleaning and zoned cleaning

Another benefit of Ecovac’s map saving feature is the ability to clean specific areas.

There are two options – selective room cleaning and zoned cleaning

Selective room cleaning tells the robot to clean a particular room or area on the map.

Ecovacs N8 Pro selective room cleaning

Being compatible with the scheduling feature enhances its helpfulness to consumers.

Users can schedule specific time frames to clean areas at the best times they see fit.

Zoned cleaning is similar to selective room cleaning, but it focuses on a specific rectangular or square area that you draw on the map.

Ecovacs N8 Pro zoned cleaning

Unfortunately, consumers can’t save these zones, so they must draw them repeatedly on the map to use.

So far, only the iRobot app has the savable zoned cleaning zones.

7. Scheduling

Ecovacs T8 AIVI app scheduling

Lastly, consumers can set cleaning schedules to automate the vacuuming cycles.

One aspect I like with the Ecovacs app scheduling feature is it can schedule unlimited runs.

Plus, there’s no minimum gap between runs, so you can schedule as many runs as needed, enhancing the self-emptying benefit.

Navigation comparison

Not much difference here since both use the same navigational sensors and algorithms – LIDAR and SLAM.

Obstacle avoidance may vary, depending on the sub-model.

I’ve already said this earlier, but I’ll repeat it here – the TrueDetect 3D is better than the AIVI since laser sensors have better precision.

These robots will start cleaning the edges first before moving towards the middle zones in straight lines.

The Ecovacs algorithm will choose the shortest possible route from end to end.

So in the screenshot, you’ll see it picked the path from east to west.

Coverage comparison

Again, not much difference since both variants use the same motor and brush layout.

The twin side brushes tend to scatter debris, and it needed the two-pass cycle to pick up litter.

Still, it still left trails of dirt after the cleaning cycle. It’s a notch below the Roborock S7 and Roomba S9 in this category.

Efficiency comparison

The similarity of these robots will spill over to their efficiency.

Since the T8 and N8 Pro move in basically the same pattern, both will finish the run at a similar time frame.

I did an efficiency test with the N8 Pro, and it completed the run in 17 minutes – 3 minutes faster than the Roborock S7 that utilizes the dynamic cycle.

The T8 finished the run faster (13 minutes and 46 seconds), but that’s due to some variations in the test area.

My point is these robots are efficient and make the most out of their run time.

Airflow comparison

Ecovacs says these robots have 2500 Pascals of suction but based on my independent tests, pascals aren’t an accurate gauge of power.

One tool I use to measure power is an anemometer that gauges air turbulence. With robot vacuums, I stick it directly on the cleaning nozzle (or brush roll area).

Power setting
Ecovacs T8 AIVI
Ecovacs N8 Pro+
Quiet
8.2 CFM
9.33 CFM
Standard
22.58 CFM
21.94 CFM
Max
22.93 CFM
21.94 CFM
Max+
23.1 CFM
22.29 CFM

There’s not much difference between these two models. I’d say the differences could be margin for error, but regardless, it’s too small to declare an outright winner.

I’ve tested robot vacuums with a higher Pascal figure but ended up having lower airflow results.

Case in point, the Dreame L10 Pro and Z10 Pro, with a claimed 4000 Pascals.

Higher Pascal figures don’t translate to better cleaning performance. Other factors include brush roll design and navigational algorithm.

Cleaning comparison

The cleaning results further confirm the airflow test results as there isn’t much difference with debris pick up.

Model
Ecovacs T8 AIVI
Ecovacs N8 Pro+
Overall
90.11%
90.55%
Hard Floor
98.15%
98.8%
Sand on hard floor
99%
99.5%
Carpet (Surface Pickup)
97.72%
97.75%
Carpet (Deep Cleaning)
66.65%
66.16%

Based on these results, the Ecovacs N8 Pro did better, but I can’t declare it a clear winner since the difference is less than a percent.

It’s too little for it to be considered the better cleaning robot.

The eye tests also show several quirks, including the side brushes scattering debris, a common theme for robots with twin side brushes.

Which is better for hard floors?

My go-to test to determine which robot is better on hard floors is how much sand it picks up.

Here’s the Ecovacs N8 Pro before and after shots on sand.

Ecovacs N8 Pro sand on hard floor

And here’s the Ecovacs T8 AIVI results.

Ecovacs T8 AIVI sand on hard floor

The N8 Pro picked up more sand (99.5% vs. 99%), and the eye tests show that it picked up a good chunk at the initial pass.

It’s a toss-up with other experiments, and the difference is too small to proclaim a clear winner.

Edge cleaning comparison

Both the T8 AIVI and N8 Pro did well in edge cleaning tests, picking up a majority of debris scattered in this test area.

Here’s the before and after shot for the T8 AIVI.

Ecovacs T8 AIVI edge cleaning

And N8 Pro.

Ecovacs N8 Pro edge cleaning

This is the trade-off you’ll need to consider with twin side brush robots. These products are great at edge cleaning but tend to scatter large piles of debris.

But for everyday cleaning tasks, the latter shouldn’t be an issue since it deals mostly with dust or hair.

Hair wrap comparison

Model
Ecovacs T8 AIVI
Ecovacs N8 Pro+
5-inch strands
37%
70%
7-inch strands
37%
45%

Surprisingly, the Ecovacs N8 Pro is the better option for cleaning hair, picking up a higher percentage on both the five and seven-inch tests.

You can see how much more hair is wrapped on the T8 AIVI brush.

Ecovacs T8 AIVI hair around the brush

This much wrapped on the N8 Pro brush after the five-inch test.

Ecovacs N8 Pro hair wrapped on the brush - 5 inch test

And seven-inch test.

Ecovacs N8 Pro hair wrapped on the brush - 7 inch test

I’m not sure why the N8 Pro picked up more since both use the same brush, but these are the results for the trials.

Which is better on carpets?

Again, the results on carpet nearly mirror one another both on surface debris and deep cleaning embedded sand.

The T8 AIVI actually did slightly better with deep cleaning, but only less than half a percent (66.65% vs 66.16%).

It’s safe to say that these robots will yield similar results on carpets.

Mopping comparison

Looking at the N8 Pro’s mopping module, there isn’t an upgrade done by Ecovacs.

Both utilize the same 230-ml water tank that doesn’t have any scrubbing element, but only the T8 is compatible with the OZMO Pro mopping system.

Here are the results for the T8 AIVI with red wine stains.

Ecovacs T8 AIVI Mopping before and after

And the results for the N8 Pro.

Ecovacs N8 Pro mopping test

The mopping results are identical in the sense that they left remnants after the first two-pass cycle.

These robots needed a second run to clear the stains completely – a notch below the S5 Max since it only has a two-pass cycle versus the latter with a max of three passes.

Run time comparison

The T8 AIVI has the advantage in this category thanks to the 5200 mAh lithium-ion battery that can run for up to180 minutes.

In comparison, the N8 Pro only runs for 110 minutes (lowest setting) since it uses a smaller 3200 mAh li-ion battery.

One positive aspect of these robots is both have usable power even in the standard setting, so the run time figures are realistic.

Noise comparison

Power setting
Roborock S7
Ecovacs N8 Pro+
Quiet
58.2 dB
56.8 dB
Medium
61 dB
59.6 dB
Max
66.6 dB
64.4 dB
Max+
67.1 dB
64.4 dB

Another outlier result for these robots is the noise test.

Despite both variants using the same motor, the T8 AIVI is noisier, maxing out at 67.1 decibels.

The N8 Pro is quieter, across the board with a max of 64.4 decibels.

Maintenance

Next, we’ll look at what’s needed for the upkeep of these robots.

Maintenance is a critical aspect of robot vacuum ownership and could be the difference between a robot lasting for a year or many years.

I’ll show you which components need cleaning or replacing plus the suggested time frame.

  1. Combo brush: A robot’s most abused component is the primary brush. Clean it once a week to remove any accumulated hair wrapping on the bristles and axles to prevent unnecessary friction.
  2. Side brush: Next to the combo brush, this is the next abused part. Hair will wrap on the arms and base, so pop it off to clean at least once a week.
  3. Dustbin and filter: Even if you get the variant with the self-empty dock, it’s essential to check and clean the dustbin and filter. The recommended interval is once a week to give it a thorough clean. Tap the filter on a solid object (e.g., trash bin) to dislodge any dirt trapped within the folds. Replace it once every two or three months to ensure the robot will function at its peak.
  4. Drop sensors: Use a clean cloth to wipe these sensors underneath the robot once or twice a month to prevent an error code from firing and crippling the robot.
  5. Wheels: Wipe the wheels (side and caster) to remove any accumulated dirt twice a month.
  6. Body: Dust will stick on the body over time, so use a clean, dry microfiber towel to clean and remove any fingerprints.
  7. Auto-empty station: There’s not much involved here but ensuring to replace the bags if it reaches full capacity and to keep the two ports clear from any debris, potentially clogging them.

Availability of parts

Ecovacs is one of the more popular brands outside of iRobot, prompting more third-party manufacturers to sell components such as filters, side brushes, and combo brushes.

Parts like the battery is also available on sites like Amazon and eBay. But more obscure, harder-to-find stuff like the side brush motor or side wheel assembly may be more difficult.

This is what separates iRobot from other brands – the sheer availability of parts.

Product Specification

Model
Ecovacs T8 AIVI
Ecovacs N8 Pro+
Ecovacs N8 Pro+
Ecovacs N8 Pro+
Width
13.7"
13.7"
Height
3.51"
3.51"
Filter
High Efficiency
High Efficiency
Navigation
Smart Navigation
Smart Navigation
Battery capacity
5200 mAh Li-Ion
3200 mAh Li-Ion
Run time
180 mins.
110 mins.
Recharge and Resume
Yes
Yes
Map Saving
Yes
Yes
Number of Maps
2
2
Dustbin capacity
420 ml
420 ml
Water tank capacity
230 ml
230 ml
Airflow
23.1 CFM
22.29 CFM (Max)
Warranty
1-year limited
1-year limited
Price

Where can I buy these robots?

The Ecovacs T8 AIVI and N8 Pro are available in stores like Amazon. Check the links below for the latest pricing.

  • Ecovacs T8 AIVI on Amazon (no auto-empty station)
  • Ecovacs T8 on Amazon (TrueDetect 3D)
  • Ecovacs Auto Empty station on Amazon (compatible with T8 series)
  • Ecovacs N8 Pro+ on Amazon (w/ auto-empty dock)
  • Ecovacs N8 Pro on Amazon (no auto-empty dock)

Disclaimer: I will earn a commission if you purchase through any of the links above, but at no extra cost to you, so it’s a win-win for us!

Which is the better option, the Ecovacs T8 AIVI or N8 Pro?

After carefully evaluating and crunching the measured and eye test results, the Ecovacs N8 Pro offers more value for your hard-earned dollar.

Both robots are the same robots (under the hood) except for the battery, which is the only plus for the T8 model.

Cleaning performance is too close, and even with the measure tests, the N8 Pro still picked up more.

With all that being said, I’ve enumerated reasons for you to consider each model.

3 Reasons to choose the Ecovacs T8 AIVI

  1. Lengthier run time: The larger 5200 mAh li-ion battery will run longer, up to 180 minutes, 70-minutes longer than the N8 Pro.
  2. Better suited in large homes: A long run time makes it a better alternative inside large than 6000 square foot homes with many rooms. It’ll finish sooner since it doesn’t have to recharge and resume.
  3. Efficient navigation: Ecovac’s choice of using the shorter end-to-end path makes this robot highly efficient. It finished the efficiency test in under 15 minutes – one of the best to date.

3 Reasons to choose the Ecovacs N8 Pro

  1. Better value-for-money: Even with the auto-empty dock, the N8 Pro offers better value since it’s less expensive.
  2. TrueDetect 3D better than AIVI: The 3D sensors in the N8 Pro are better than the AIVI at obstacle avoidance since lasers are more precise.
  3. Better at cleaning hair: One of the surprises during the cleaning tests is the N8 Pro’s better hair cleaning results as fewer hair strands are wrapped on the brush.

The Verdict: The N8 Pro+ is the Better Deal Unless

All the tests point to the N8 Pro being the better alternative to the more expensive T8 AIVI.

It cleans better, picks up more hair, and is less expensive than the T8.

The only reason why I’ll pick the Ecovacs T8 is if you need the extended run time.

And if you need the range, I suggest going for the cheaper T8 with the TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance system since it’s cheaper than purchase the auto-empty dock separately for the self-emptying convenience (if needed).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the  DEEBOT T8 and T8 AIVI?

The primary difference is the obstacle avoidance system each one uses. The T8 (no AIVI) uses the front 3D laser sensors Ecovacs calls “TrueDetect” that fires infrared signals to detect objects upfront.

In comparison, the T8 AIVI has a single-lens camera with artificial intelligence (Artificial Intelligence Vision, hence the term AIVI). An AI software processes all the images it captures to determine an obstacle and which isn’t.

While the latter sounds more high-tech, it’s not perfect and prone to misreads. It doesn’t always avoid obstacles and has more blind spots.

After testing the two obstacle avoidance sensors extensively, I’d go with the simpler TrueDetect 3D sensors. Lasers are more precise, have fewer blind spots, and avoids obstacles better.

If you have privacy concerns with the camera, go with the non-AIVI model.

What’s the purpose of AIVI technology in the Ecovacs DEEBOT OZMO T8?

AIVI is an acronym for Artificial Intelligence and Vision. Artificial intelligence takes the images captured by the front-facing camera (or Vision in AIVI) and tells the robot whether to avoid the obstacle or not.

Another function is suggesting extra cleaning on areas where the obstacles are previously.

How does DEEBOT map your house?

It relies on a top-mounted laser sensor or LIDAR, firing signals in a 360-degree pattern around while it goes around. Upon installing the app, it prompts users to do an initial run to draw the map. You’ll have to open all doors and clear obstacles to get the best results. Once the run is finished, you can save the map and customize it.

How many maps can DEEBOT save?

Currently, it can save up to two map levels, and it has an auto-detect feature where it loads the correct map after the initial scan, so it’s usable on multi-level homes.

You can move this between different levels, but make sure to have a designated spot for the auto-empty station.

Does DEEBOT need WIFI?

Yes, it needs WIFI to pair the robot and app. Take note that the Ecovacs app is only compatible with 2.4G WIFI networks and not 5G.

About the author: Garrick, the visionary behind Cordless Vacuum Guide, brings over a decade of hands-on expertise in cordless vacuum testing to his insightful reviews showcased on this platform. Beyond his passion for empowering consumers with informed choices, he cherishes precious moments with his family, exploring global cuisines and exploring different horizons with his beloved wife and son. Follow him on Youtube, Tiktok, Facebook, and Instagram.