Tineco A11 Review

After reviewing the A10 and the Pure One S12, I’ll closely examine Tineco’s mid-priced option, the A11.

This model is in the same price range as the Dyson V8, and I’ve tested this vacuum extensively to see how it works on various types of messes, including its usability, noise level, ergonomics, and much more.

What to expect from the Tineco A11?

The Tineco A11 Master is the higher-end option of the A11 series that’s right in-between the Tineco A10 and Pure One S12.

This model is in the same price range as the Dyson V8 but slightly more expensive than the Shark ION P50.

Tineco sent me the sample, the A11 Master+, which comes with both the LED multi-tasker power brush and the soft roller power brush.

These tools work well at cleaning carpets and hard floors, respectively. One feature that separates this from a Dyson and Shark is the row of LED headlights, which help with visibility.

Three different A11 options exist– Hero+, Master, and Master+.

All these models have the same motor and battery (except for the Master, which comes with the larger 2,500 mAh Li-ion battery), so there isn’t much difference in cleaning performance.

The differences are the attachments and color scheme, with the Hero version having the blue and white combo and the Master having the green and white combo.

What are the improvements that the A11 has over the A10?

The A10 and A11 share the same design cues, but the A11 is a better product overall in several aspects.

One thing I noticed with the A11 is the transparent body casing. You can see what’s beneath the outer plastic shell except for the motor.

Even the batteries have a frosted, semi-transparent design where you can see the cells’ silhouette.

Like the A10, the A11 has a trigger lock that holds the switch at the on position, so there’s no need to squeeze it continually.

Improved build quality

One of my pet peeves with the A10 is the absence of a locking mechanism for suction-only tools.

Attachments like the crevice and combination tool do not have a quick-release latch.

Tineco addressed this issue by adding this to all the tools for the A11.

Thanks to the quick-release latch, everything will securely lock in place. Removing the tools will also be smoother, as they slide off easily.

Charging dock

The A10 did not have a charging dock but tool storage to fit most tools and the vacuum. Since it only had one battery, it only had a plug to charge the vacuum.

With the A11, things are different; this variant comes with the dual charging dock that can charge two batteries simultaneously. It also has slots to store three suction-only attachments.

One downside to the dock is the need to drill holes in the wall, which is purely subjective, in my opinion.

How much power does the Tineco A11 have?

To measure the amount of power the A11 has, I used an anemometer to measure airflow on the wand’s different power settings.

Airflow is a good barometer of how a vacuum will perform on various surfaces. The higher the airflow, the better it is at picking up different types of debris.

Here’s the result of the Tineco A11 on the low and max power settings at the wand and cleaning head.

The A11 has almost as much airflow as the Dyson V8 (31.9 CFM vs. 32 CFM) on the default setting. And nearly as much as the Dyson V10 (58 CFM vs. 59 CFM) at the max.

The A11 has more airflow in the max setting than the Dyson V8 (39.72 vs. 36.95 CFM) but is slightly lower at the low setting (24.35 CFM vs. 26 CFM).

This is impressive for a cordless vacuum at this price.

I did notice an airflow decrease as the battery neared empty, so there will be some airflow loss in the power cycle.

How long will the Tineco A11 Master run?

The A11 Master comes with two 2,500 mAh Li-ion batteries that Tineco claims will run for up to 60 minutes.

Please take note that the lower-end A11 Hero has a smaller 2,000 mAh Li-ion battery that runs for up to 50 minutes (combined)

To test if this claim is accurate, I ran the vacuum in different configurations to see how long it would run from full to empty.

Please check the table below for the results.

How Does the Tineco A11 Clean?

Thanks to its many tools, the Tineco A11 is one of the most versatile cordless stick vacuums on the market.

Depending on the attachment, it is usable in different configurations as a handheld or stick vacuum.

One advantage over the Pure One S12 is its more compact design, which makes it lighter on the arm if you use it to clean areas high above, such as ceiling vents.

However, the A11’s primary function is to clean floors, and it does it with high-efficiency thanks to the design of the primary cleaning attachments—the multi-tasker and the soft roller power brush.

The Tineco A11 has two main nozzles – the LED multi-tasker brush and the soft roller power brush.

Don’t let the terminology confuse you; these tools resemble the Dyson V8’s direct-drive and soft roller attachment.

One feature I like with these tools is the row of LED headlights that will help track dust.

All the tools are usable with or without the extension tube, giving this vacuum versatility.

Attaching and removing the different tools is easy with the quick-release latch.

Cleaning Performance

To test how the Tineco A11 performs on hard floors and carpets, I tested it on various types of debris, such as quaker oats (first photo), coffee (second photo), quinoa (third), and pet litter (fourth).

I also tested it on Fruit loops to see how it does on huge pieces of dirt.

First, let’s look at the overall scores.

• Overall: 99.8%
• Hard Floor: 99.88%
• Sand on Hard Floor: 99.4%
• Carpet (Surface pickup): 99.8%
• Carpet (Deep cleaning): 96.45%

The overall scores of the Tineco A11 are impressive with 98.6% and not far behind from the Pure One S12 (99.4%), that is the costlier option of the two.

Hard Floor Results

For testing on hard floors, I primarily used the soft roller brush, and as expected, the results were superb. Please check the photos below to see some before and after shots.

• Quaker Oats: 99.6%
• Coffee: 100%
• Quinoa: 100%
• Pet Litter: 99.9%

The scores were nearly perfect, as the soft roller attachment inhaled debris in front of it. I would say that the A10 and A11 versions are as good as the Dyson V8 version.

It’s too bad Tineco does not have a variant with only the soft roller as Dyson has with Fluffy.

It also did well at cleaning fruit loops, as it picked up everything in its path without the clogging issue I experienced with the Dyson V10.

Most of the debris went inside the dust cup, with only two pieces of fruit loops left underneath the tool.

The A11 standard brush roll can also clean on hard surfaces but is less effective at cleaning large piles of messes than the Dyson V10 or V11 because it lacks adjustable gates.

Sand on Hard Floor Test

Sand is one of the most challenging things to clean on hardwood surfaces for poorly designed vacuums. To see how well the A11 does, I scattered 50 grams of sand to check how much it picked up.

I did one test using the soft roller and the other using the standard brush roll. It was able to pick up an average of 99.4% on two tests which is an excellent score.

Edge Cleaning Test

To test how well the A11 cleans edges, I scattered pet litter in a corner with a quarter-inch crevice to see how much it picks up.

Here are the before and after shots.

The A11 standard brush roll cleaning edges.

Using the A11 soft roller on the edge.

The A11 did an excellent job picking up the pet litter on the edge.

There were tiny bits of pet litter in this area after the experiment.

But it’s in the upper right corner. The standard and soft roller attachments did an excellent job, though they’re not as efficient as the Dyson V8’s Fluffy attachment.

Hair wrap test on hard floors

• 5-inch: 100% inside the bin; 0% on the brush
• 7-inch: 100% inside the bin; 0% on the brush
• 9-inch: 100% inside the bin; 0% on the brush
• 11-inch: 40% inside the bin; 60% on the brush

I revised the hair wrap experiments for the cordless vacuums and added longer strands to check how well these machines can resist hair tangles.

The Tineco A11 doesn’t have an active anti-tangle system but performed (reasonably) well despite this.

It was excellent up until the eleven-inch experiment, where it only got 40%. 

You could see the hair wrapping on the brush (photo above).

Carpet Cleaning

To test the effectiveness of the A11 on carpets, I tested it on the same four debris types on both low and mid piles.

I also did a separate test where I rubbed 100 grams of sand on mid pile carpet to see how much it picks up [deep cleaning experiment].

Again, the scores are impressive for a vacuum at this price range.

It scores higher than the more expensive Dyson V8 Absolute. However, the Tineco filtration isn’t as excellent as a Dyson, so it’s a tradeoff you’ll need to consider.

Low Pile Results

• Quaker Oats: 100%
• Coffee: 99.6%
• Quinoa: 100%
• Pet Litter: 99.7%

The A11 was nearly perfect on low-pile carpet, showing that the multi-tasker power brush is good enough for this surface.

However, I noticed a bit of snowplowing when cleaning a pile of dirt, but this should not be an issue for regular daily cleaning tasks.

Mid Pile Results

• Quaker Oats: 99.9%
• Coffee: 99.2%
• Quinoa: 100%
• Pet Litter: 100%

One of the biggest surprises for the Tineco A11 is the results on pile carpet. It scores higher than the Pure One S12 across the board.

This might be a better option if you have a lot of mid-pile carpet at home.

Deep Cleaning Test

Next, we’ll look at how the A11 cleans embedded dirt.

For this test, I used 100 grams of sand on a medium-pile carpet, which I rubbed with my hand to embed it in the strands.

The Tineco A11 scored an impressive 96.45% which is slightly lower than the A10 that scored 94.7%. It is actually not for behind the Dyson V8 that picked up an average of 97.7% and the V10 (97.03%). Again, the Dyson may have a lower score but you’ll have to clean the Tineco filter more frequently because it has the inferior cyclonic system.

The A11 did not perform as well as the Dyson V8 because it lacks stiff bristles. It uses a combination of soft bristles and rubber blades.

Hair wrap test on carpet

• 5-inch strands: 95% inside bin; 5% on the brush
• 7-inch strands: 72% inside bin; 28% on the brush
• 9-inch strands: 59% inside bin; 41% on the brush

Unfortunately, the A11 standard brush didn’t do well in the hair wrap test.

Hair was wrapped on the brush in all the experiments. 

I wouldn’t recommend relying on this cordless vacuum for cleaning hair on carpets.

One reason why so much hair is tangled on the brush is the lack of mass. Unlike the Dyson V10, V11, and Tineco S12, the A11 brush is narrow.

How Does the Filter Look After the Cleaning Tests?

I put the A11 through many tests with different types of debris, so I was curious to see what the filter would look like afterward.

You can see traces of pet litter and coffee left on it. Despite the accumulation, the vacuum still perexceptionallyd quite well. Because of this, you’ll need to clean the filter more often (once or twice a month).

Fortunately, the A11 Master and Master+ come with an extra filter, so you’ll have something to use while waiting for the other filter to dry up if you decide to clean it with water.

How Noisy is the Tineco A11?

To measure how much noise the A11 produces, I use a sound meter from a few feet away.

Here are the results of the test.

Even at the default setting, the A11 produces over 72 decibels, which can be annoyingly loud for some people.

At the highest setting, the noise level rises to 75 dB, equivalent to loud music.

The A11 has that high-pitched whiny noise, which is more noticeable at the highest setting.

All of these tests are with the primary brush roll attached, which is the configuration you’ll likely use most of the time.

Dust Cup Capacity and Design

Tineco says that the A11 can hold up to 0.6 liters of dry dirt – which is up to the fill line.

It is slightly bigger than the Dyson V8’s dust cup, which has a 0.54-liter capacity.

However, it is smaller than the Pure One S12’s 0.77-liter capacity.

One issue with the A11 dustbin is it lacks a hygienic system that helps push the dirt down.

The lack of it makes emptying the bin messy, but the good news is that the whole dust cup can be disassembled if you need a thorough cleaning.

Did it pass the fog test?

One critical experiment I do for cordless vacuums is the fog test, in which I use a fog machine to see if there are leaks.

If there are visible leaks, smaller dirt particles will leak through the exhaust or seals.

What’s Inside the Box?

One unique feature of the Tineco A11 Master is its sheer number of attachments. It has more than the Dyson V8 Absolute, which costs roughly the same.

You’ll get 13 tools, which I’ll summarize in this section.

The A11 comes with the multi-tasker (left) and the soft roller (right) power brushes.

1. LED Multi-Tasker Power Brush: Tineco’s standard brush roll attachment works best on carpets. However, the larger motor’s high airflow enables it to work well on hard surfaces (except for extra-large stuff).

Here’s how the multi-tasker and soft roller power brush looks underneath.

2. LED Soft Roller Power Brush: A purpose-built tool by Tineco for cleaning hard surfaces. One feature that separates it from Dyson’s version of the soft roller brush is the row of bright LED lights.

3. Mini Power Brush: This small powered brush tool is best for cleaning fabric upholstery.

4. Crevice Tool: An excellent tool for cleaning hard-to-reach areas around the upholstery.

5. 2-in-1 Dusting Brush: This attachment combines a brush and an upholstery tool.

6. Flexible Long Crevice Tool: This is the extended version of the crevice tool, with bristles at one end that can extend further for extra reach and flexibility.

7. Multi-Angle Folding Adapter: One of the unique tools Tineco has developed that helps significantly with cleaning areas high above, such as cabinets and ceiling fans. This tool can fold at a multitude of angles, so it provides many options for users.

8. Flexible Extension Hosetoolol that improves the usability and reach of the A11 around tight spots. It is one of my favorite tools for cleaning inside the vehicle.

9. Dual Charging Powerhouse/Dockwall-mountable dockck that can simultaneously charge two batteries and hold three extra attachments.

10. Two Lithium-Ion Batteries: The A11 Master has two detachable Li-ion batteries that will run for up to 60 minutes combined. The Hero version of the a has the smaller 2,000 mAh Li-ion battery that will run up to 50 minutes (combined).

11. Automatic Pre-Filter Cleaning Tool: Another first from Tineco, the automatic pre-filter cleaning tool, will clean the pre-motor filter without you having to physically remove it from the vacuum.

13. Soft Dusting Brush: This soft-bristled tool works excellently on delicate surfaces like lampshades.

14. Extension Wand: This tool gives the A11 its versatility, allowing it to function in different configurations. It has a handheld or stick vacuum.

Different Tineco A11 Options: A11 Hero+ vs. A11 Master vs. A11 Master+

There are a total of four different variants for the A11. All four have the same motor, but the Master version has the larger cell Li-ion battery that runs longer. Another difference is the color combo, with the Hero having the blue and white scheme and the Master with the more eye-catching green and white combo.

Cleaning performance will be the same because all models have the same power output and tools.

Please refer to the table below to see how these options differ and the attachments accompanying them.

Model	A11 HERO+	A11 MASTER	A11 MASTER+
Battery	2 x 2,000mAh	2 x 2,000mAh	2 x 2,000mAh
Direct Drive LED Multi-tasker Power Brush	Yes	Yes	Yes
LED Soft Roller Power Brush	No	Yes	Yes
Automatic Pre-filter Cleaning Tool	Yes	Yes	Yes
Mini Power Brush	Yes	Yes	Yes
Flexible Long Crevice Tool	No	Yes	Yes
Long Soft Crevice Tool	No	Yes	No
2-in-1 Dusting Brush	Yes	Yes	Yes
Crevice tool	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hair Cleaning Tool	Yes	Yes	No
Soft Dusting Brush	No	Yes	Yes
Flexible Extension Hose	No	Yes	Yes
Additional Microfiber Pre-Filter	No	Yes	Yes
Multi-Angle Folding Tool	No	Yes	Yes
Flexible Multi-Angle Tool	No	Yes	No
Dual Wall Mountable Dock	Yes	No	Yes
Storehouse	No	Yes	No
Li-ion Battery	2	2	2
Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Availability of Parts

Despite being new to this field, it isn’t hard to find replacement Tineco parts. Items such as the battery, filter, and adapter are available on Amazon.

However, like the Li-ion battery, some of these parts aren’t cheap, but having them available is better than not having any options. However, it’s better to have the option to purchase an extra battery rather than not having the option, so it is a plus for me.

Because Tineco is a new brand, I’m quite pleased with the parts availability.

Product Specifications

Where Can I Buy The Tineco A11?

The Tineco A11 is available in online stores like Amazon. Please check the links below for the latest prices.

• Tineco A11 Hero on Amazon
• Tineco A11 Master on Amazon

Please note that when you purchase through any of the links, I’ll earn a commission, but at no additional cost, so it’s a win-win for both of us.

Does the Tineco A11 provide good value?

While the Tineco A11 isn’t cheap and at the same level, price-wise, as the Dyson V8 and Shark IONFlex 2X, it brings a lot of value to the table.

First, the A11 Master+ version has more attachments than the other two premium brands I mentioned, which means more options and flexibility.

The two detachable Li-ion batteries will run for up to 52 minutes combined, so this stick vacuum can cover a lot of ground.

The charging dock’s ability to charge two batteries simultaneously translates to zero downtime (if you don’t use up the battery in one cleaning cycle), as you can use the vacuum while the other battery is charging.

Regarding cleaning, the A11 is at par with the Dyson V8 regarding vacuuming surface and embedded dirt.

I would say that the A11 has the better standard brush roll as it can pick up Quaker oats better than the V8.

If the Tineco Pure One S12 is too expensive, then the A11 would be an excellent alternative that’s lighter without the bells and whistles.

All three variants will perform equally well on hard floors and carpets, so choosing one will depend on your needed tools.

4 Reasons why you should buy the Tineco A11 Master

The Verdict: Who Should Buy the Tineco A11?

Based on tests, the Tineco A11 is an excellent stick vacuum that performs exceptionally well on hardwood and carpet.

Airflow numbers are impressive, which is a big reason why the A11 did great in cleaning tests.

Between this model and the Tineco A10, I would spend a little more for the A11 since it has better tools and a quick-release latch, making it much easier to attach and detach.

There isn’t much of a difference between the A10 and A11 when it comes to cleaning performance. So, my deciding factor would be the better set of tools in favor of the A11.

Even in deep cleaning tests, the A10 and A11 are incredibly close, and the difference is negligible.

It has bright LED lights that are absent in high-end options like the Dyson V8 and Shark IONFlex 2X.