Dreame L40 Ultra vs L40s Ultra vs L40s Ultra AE vs L40s Ultra CE: Which Is Best for You?

All four robot vacuums in the Dreame L40 series will keep your floors immaculate and hands-free. They automatically lift mops and boost suction on rugs, then self-clean at the dock – all models can vacuum and mop in one go without manual intervention. However, each targets a slightly different user need in power, smarts, and price. What is the specific difference? 

In a Nutshell: Dreame’s L40 series offers four closely related robot vacuums with all-in-one cleaning docks. The original L40 Ultra delivers fully automated mopping and vacuuming at 11,000 Pa suction, while the refreshed L40s Ultra jumps to 19,000 Pa. It's the only model in the series that has more comprehensive obstacle crossing up to 1.57in (40mm) with Auxiliary Wheels, and introduces a dual-roller DuoBrush for zero hair tangles. 
The L40s Ultra AE (AI Edition) matches suction power and adds an AI camera for smarter obstacle avoidance (great for pet owners), including both a rubber main brush and a TriCut brush for hair. 
The L40s Ultra CE (Compact Edition) is the budget pick – it forgoes the camera and extreme suction (capped at 13,000 Pa) but still packs the same self-cleaning dock and a TriCut brush.
Read on for a full deep dive. 

Cleaning Performance

Each L40 variant excels at daily cleaning across hardwood, tile, and carpets – but there are subtle differences in their approach and efficiency:

Hard Floors

All four models easily pick up dust, crumbs, and even heavier debris on hard floors. The L40s series’ upgraded 19,000 Pa suction gives a noticeable edge in one-pass pickup of fine dust and larger bits. Even the lower-rated L40 Ultra (11,000 Pa) can grab pet hair and dirt effectively – Dreame’s tests show 100% particle pickup on hard floors for the L40s Ultra. 
One big perk is hair handling: the HyperStream DuoBrush system in the L40s Ultra uses two roller brushes working together to maintain constant contact and fling even 12-inch long hairs straight into the dustbin with zero tangles. 
In practice, that means you won’t be cutting hair off the brush every week. The other models rely on the TriCut brush (a single brush with built-in blades to cut hair as it’s sucked in) – it’s very effective too, slicing long hairs to prevent wraps, but the dual-brush design is the most foolproof for heavy shedders.

Carpets & Rugs

All versions automatically detect carpet and crank up suction to pull dirt from deep fibers. They also lift their mopping pads about 10.5 mm (~0.4″) when vacuuming carpet, so dry rugs don’t get wet. 
On thicker carpets, the robots can perform an Intensive Clean mode (slowing down and doing a double pass) for a more thorough result. The L40s Ultra and AE have an especially robust carpet routine – their dual rollers agitate fibers from two angles, improving dirt extraction. Even the L40 Ultra, despite lower suction, can handle medium-pile carpet well for day-to-day dust and pet fur. 
For very high-pile or plush rugs, all models might benefit from enabling the “avoid carpet while mopping” setting to skip them during mopping and then vacuum separately. Overall, expect clean, fluffy carpets with no residual pet hair. Dreame certifies 99.99% hair removal from carpet with the new brushes.

Edges & Corners

Robot vacuums traditionally struggle to reach wall edges and corners, but the L40 series has clever solutions. All models have an extendable side brush that swings out to pull in dust from edges, and the L40s Ultra/AE even lift and extend the brush dynamically. In practice, these robotic cleaners get extremely close to baseboards – within 1 mm.
If you often find dust bunnies in room corners, the L40 series will virtually eliminate that issue. In edge tests, the side brush’s ability to lift up when not needed is useful too – for example, when the robot is mopping near a wall, it can lift the side brush to avoid flicking dirty water around.

Brushes & Attachments

L40 Series brush systems differ slightly. Here’s a quick rundown of the cleaning attachments each comes with:

• HyperStream™ DuoBrush (dual roller): Only on L40s Ultra (base) and also the L50 Ultra in Dreame’s L lineup. This features two counter-rotating brush rollers that work in tandem. One roller has rubber fins plus bristles to dig into cracks, while the other is a full rubber brush for beating carpet. The duo design virtually guarantees no hair tangles and improved dirt pickup on both hard floors and carpets. It’s a self-cleaning brush system certified to detangle 100% of hair strands. 
  
• TriCut Brush 3.0 (anti-tangle single brush): Included with L40s Ultra AE and L40s Ultra CE (and optional for L40 Ultra). This is a brush roll with integrated “hair cutting” ridges that slice long hair as it rotates. The TriCut is excellent for homes with pets or long-haired occupants – it significantly reduces the need to pull hair off the brush manually. Upon the launch time, the AE model actually ships with two main brushes: a liftable rubber brush (ideal for general use and can raise/lower for carpets) and a TriCut brush as a complimentary spare. You can swap between them based on your floor type and cleaning needs. The CE model has a TriCut as its primary brush. 
  
• Side Brushes: All models use one side brush (on the right side) to sweep edges. On the L40 Ultra, it’s extendable and liftable, covering a wider radius. The L40s Ultra refine this with a Dual Flex Arm – effectively, the side brush extends 20 mm out and also retracts up when encountering obstacles or when mopping. This prevents the brush from dragging wet messes or tangling on rug tassels. 
• Mops: Each robot has two round spinning mop pads that attach under its belly. These rotate to scrub stains and are automatically cleaned at the base station. Notably, the mop pads on all L40 models can be automatically lifted ~0.41 in (10 mm) when carpet is detected, or you can set the robot to avoid carpets entirely while mopping via the app.  
  
  
  

Maintenance & Docking

One of the biggest advantages of these “Ultra” models is the hands-free maintenance. All four come with a self-servicing base station that automates dirty work – but there are some differences in what each dock does:

• Auto-Emptying Dustbin: Each model’s base has a 0.8 gal (3.2 L) dust bag that sucks out the robot’s debris after cleaning. Dreame claims up to 100 days of vacuuming before the bag needs replacing. Realistically, in a busy household with pets, you might empty it every ~6–8 weeks, but it’s far less frequent than a traditional vacuum. Replacement dust bags are inexpensive, and you’ll get spares in the box.
• Mop Self-Cleaning: After mopping, the robot returns to the dock, and the station washes the two mop pads automatically. The L40 Ultra and L40s Ultra/AE use warm to hot water for this – up to 149 °F (65 °C) on L40 Ultra and about 167 °F (75 °C) on the L40s/AE Ultra models. This hot wash dissolves sticky dirt and even oily messes off the pads. The pads then get scrubbed against a textured washboard in the dock (to physically dislodge debris) and spun dry. The L40s Ultra CE notably does not heat the water (“cool water wash”) to simplify the dock – it still scrubs the pads, just without the sanitizing heat. After washing, all docks blow warm air drying onto the pads for a couple of hours, so you’re not left with soggy mops that smell. 
• Clean/Dirty Water Tanks: The base station houses a clean water tank 1.18 gal (4.5 L) and a dirty water tank 1.05 gal (4.0 L) to manage the mop washing. You’ll need to refill the clean tank and empty the dirty one periodically – typically once a week under daily use. Conveniently, the system mixes in cleaning solution automatically (there’s a slot to add Dreame’s floor cleaning solution in the clean tank). The L40s Ultra adds an auto solution dispenser that meters detergent into the water, so your mops are always sanitized without guesswork.
• Self-Clean & Anti-Scale: These docks are designed to be low-maintenance themselves. About once a month, you’ll want to rinse the mop washing tray and maybe wipe sensors, but otherwise the system self-cleans. In the L40s models, there’s even a scale inhibitor to reduce hard water buildup in the lines. (If you have very hard water, you might still occasionally clean the internals or use a descaling solution, but the need is minimal.)
• Consumables: Long-term upkeep costs are modest. Besides dust bags, the main things are the HEPA filters (in the robot’s dustbin) which you rinse every couple of weeks and replace ~every 6–12 months, and the mop pads and brushes which last many months. The side brush and main brush usually last 9–12 months before bristles wear (rubber brushes can go even longer). Overall, maintenance is “set it and forget it” – you’ll mostly just top up water and swap a dust bag every few months.

Navigation & Mapping

All four vacuums use LDS (Laser Distance Sensor) navigation to map your home and plan efficient cleaning routes. In practice, they all create an accurate floor map on the first run and can save multiple maps (useful for multi-story homes). Key differences lie in obstacle avoidance capabilities:

RGB AI + 3D Structured Light (vision + depth)

Models: L40 Ultra, L40s Ultra AE

What it does: A front RGB camera works with a 3D structured-light depth sensor (plus LED fill) to recognize and route around small hazards like cords, socks, toys, and even pet accidents. The bots reroute in real time and almost never get stuck. Bonus on L40 Ultra: visual dirt detection that spots messy patches and triggers targeted “see-and-scrub” cleaning.

Single-Laser 3D Structured Light (depth-only, no camera)

Models: L40s Ultra (base), L40s Ultra CE

What it does: An infrared “single-laser” projects a depth pattern to detect and avoid obstacles without identifying what they are. It’s excellent in low light and reliably skirts larger items (chair legs, slippers, tangled cables). Extras: L40s Ultra adds EasyLeap to climb thresholds up to 1.57″; CE handles ~0.87″ bumps.

LDS / LiDAR mapping 

All four use LDS to map quickly and plan tidy, row-by-row routes. Expect accurate multi-floor maps, rock-solid no-go and no-mop zones, carpet detection/lift, and reliable recharge-and-resume. First-run mapping is fast; subsequent runs are efficient and thorough.

Which to pick?

If you’ve got pets/kids and lots of floor clutter, go RGB AI + 3D SL (L40 Ultra / L40s Ultra AE). If you prefer no camera but still want smart avoidance—especially for dark runs—choose Single-Laser 3D SL (L40s Ultra / CE).
All models support multi-floor mapping (up to 3–4 maps) and let you set virtual no-go zones, no-mop zones, and invisible walls in the app. These boundaries are very reliable because the LiDAR mapping is precise – if you draw a no-go zone over the kids’ play area or pet feeding station, the robot will remember and avoid those spots to the inch. 

While the AE and L40 Ultra can identify and avoid many objects, any robot vacuum works best in a moderately tidy environment. The good news is these Dreame robot vacuump learn – if you consistently mark an area as off-limits or they encounter trouble somewhere, you can fine-tune maps and they won’t bother that area going forward.

App Experience & Customization

All L40 models use the Dreamehome app (available for iOS/Android), which is your control center for the robot vacuum. The app experience is user-friendly and rich in features:

• Setup & Mapping: Connecting the robot via Wi-Fi is straightforward with voice-guided steps. Once connected, the app immediately shows a map as the robot cleans. You can edit room boundaries, name rooms, and add zones or virtual walls. The mapping is in real-time 2D (and you can view a 3D map as a fun extra).
• Cleaning Customization: You can schedule cleanings with a ton of flexibility – e.g., “vacuum living room and kitchen at 8 AM every day, mop the hallway on Tuesdays,” etc. Each room can have different cleaning preferences. For instance, set the kitchen to two-pass mopping with high water flow, and the bedrooms to one-pass vacuum only. The app lets you adjust suction power (Quiet, Standard, Strong, Turbo) and mop water flow (Low/Med/High) per room or for the whole house. On the L40s Ultra models, you’ll also find toggles for Intensive Carpet Clean and Carpet Avoidance modes, and options to customize how often the robot returns to the dock to wash its mop during a session (useful for larger homes or dirtier zones).
• Live Monitoring & Alerts: While cleaning, you can see the robot’s path on the map and its status (which room it’s in, battery level, etc.). If it encounters an issue (say a brush jam), the app pops up an alert and voice prompt. You can also use the app like a remote control to manually steer the robot or send it to spot clean a specific area on the map by tapping.
• Voice Control: The L40 series integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri shortcuts. This means you can set up commands like “Alexa, start vacuuming the kitchen” or “Hey Google, mop the house,” and the robot will execute predefined tasks. It’s a nifty convenience, especially if you have your hands full.
• Multi-User Support: The app allows multiple users to control the robot (so you and your family members can all have access).
• Reliability: Importantly, the Dreamehome app is well-reviewed (generally 4+ stars) – it’s stable and regularly updated. Users find it intuitive, even first-time robot owners. The mapping and scheduling interface is graphical and clear. Because the robots have on-board memory, if your Wi-Fi drops, they still finish the job; the app just syncs up later. 
  

Expect a bit of a learning curve to explore all features (like customizing the dock’s drying time or mapping a no-mop zone under the dog bowl), but the basics – start, stop, send to clean specific room – are very straightforward. Once set up, your daily interaction might be just checking the cleaned map or responding to an alert if the robot paused for some reason.

Noise Levels

Running a robot vacuum shouldn’t sound like a jet engine in your home. The L40 series is reasonably quiet given their power, especially in standard modes:

• Quiet Mode: In the lowest power setting, these robots hum around ~55–60 dB – about the level of a normal conversation. On hard floors, you might barely notice it from the next room. The trade-off is reduced suction, but even quiet mode can handle light dust and daily upkeep.
• Standard/Auto Mode: In their default cleaning mode, noise typically ranges in the low 60s dB (similar to background music or a dishwasher in the next room). It’s unobtrusive enough that you can watch TV or work in the same area.
• Turbo/Max Mode: At full 19,000 Pa blast (L40s Ultra/AE) or 13,000 Pa (CE), the vacuums will be louder – roughly in the 70–75 dB range, which is akin to a traditional upright vacuum or hairdryer. This is expected when powerful suction motors rev up. The good news: they typically only hit max power when needed (like on carpets with Suction Boost enabled). 
  

In an apartment, your neighbors likely won’t hear it at all in quiet mode. The docking process (auto-empty) is the loudest single event – the vacuum motor in the base sounds like a brief vacuum cleaner noise (~80 dB) for about 10 seconds when emptying the dust bin. This occurs at the end of cleaning or mid-way if the bin is full. If running overnight, you might prefer to have it skip auto-empty until morning (some robots allow scheduling the emptying or you can just empty manually in the morning).

In summary, the L40 series is quiet enough for daily use. Many owners run them while working from home without issue. Compared to older vacuums that roared constantly, these Dreame bots are impressively civilized – you’ll know it’s cleaning, but it won’t dominate your soundscape.

Battery Life & Efficiency

All four models come with a high-capacity 5,200 mAh lithium-ion battery, which gives them excellent runtime. Here’s what to expect:

• Per Full Charge: Newer models can run a bit above 4 hours straight in the quiet mode. In a mixed Normal/Auto mode, they usually get around 2 to 3 hours of cleaning per charge. The older L40 Ultra should be in the same ballpark. This is plenty to cover large areas – e.g., a 2,000 ft² (185 m²) home can be cleaned on one charge in standard mode.
• Charging Time: From 0 to 100%, these robots typically charge in around 4 hours. However, they rarely go to zero. Dreame’s dock also supports fast charging. So even a mid-clean recharge is efficient.
• Smart battery usage: These vacuums adjust power output dynamically, using more battery on carpet and less on easy hard floors. If you set it to also mop, the added drag of mops and water pump uses a bit more power, but not significantly. The app will tell you how much area was cleaned and battery used each run.
• Resume Feature: Importantly, all models have the resume function. So even if you have a mansion that exceeds one charge worth of cleaning, the robot will handle it in stages. This is an advantage over some cheaper bots that might stop when out of battery. Here, you truly get whole-home coverage automatically.
  

In day-to-day use, it’s unlikely you’ll worry about the battery. The cleaning sessions are typically far shorter than the max runtime because the robots finish the job efficiently. For example, a moderate 3-bedroom home (around 1200 ft² of cleanable area) might take 60–80 minutes, using roughly 30–40% battery – leaving plenty in reserve. 

Price & Value

With cutting-edge features comes a higher price tag, but Dreame has positioned the L40 family at different price points to suit various budgets:

• Dreame L40 Ultra: Originally $1,299, now often on sale. For a flagship robot with a full self-empty/self-mop dock, this is actually a fantastic value right now. You get hot water mopping, drying, and AI obstacle avoidance at a mid-range price. Its main limitation is the 11 kPa suction and single brush – which in real use is still plenty for most homes. If you find the L40 Ultra heavily discounted, it’s worth considering as it still outperforms many newer competitors in the $600–800 range.
• Dreame L40s Ultra: MSRP is ~$1,399. This is the priciest of the bunch because it has every feature maxed out: highest suction, DuoBrush system, 167°F mop cleaning, etc. If you want the absolute best cleaning performance and automation Dreame offers, this model is the top choice. It’s ideal for large households, heavy traffic floors, or if you simply want the newest tech that “just works” with minimal intervention.
• Dreame L40s Ultra AE: MSRP $1,099, currently on promotion. The AE is slightly cheaper than the base L40s because it doesn’t include the expensive dual-roller brush system; instead you get the standard brush plus TriCut (which many users might prefer for its simplicity). What you do get is the advanced AI obstacle avoidance. For pet owners or anyone who worries about things like robot vs. pet accidents, the AE provides peace of mind. It hits a sweet spot – you still get 19 kPa suction and the full-featured dock, making it arguably the best value for most first-time buyers who want high-end features without the absolute top price.
• Dreame L40s Ultra CE: MSRP $899. The CE is the budget-friendly variant, essentially offering the core L40s experience for hundreds less. For small apartments or budget-conscious buyers, the CE delivers tremendous bang for your buck: you still get the self-emptying, self-washing convenience that truly sets these products apart. When on sale, it’s competing with mid-range robots that often lack mopping or have no auto-empty – so the value proposition is strong. Who shouldn’t buy CE? Maybe those with lots of carpet (since the lower suction means slightly less deep clean, though still very good) or those who absolutely want the AI obstacle avoidance or hottest mop wash. Otherwise, CE covers the needs of most users.

First-Time Buying a Robot Vacuum?

If you’re new to robot vacuums, the choices can be overwhelming. Here’s a quick take – the L40s Ultra AE gives you nearly everything (top suction, smart avoidance, full automation) with fewer compromises. It’s a model that you won’t need to upgrade for a long time. If your budget is tight, the L40s Ultra CE will still blow you away coming from a manual vacuum – just realize it’s 90% of the experience for a lot less money. 
(For a visual take, check out a YouTube review comparing Dreame L40s Ultra models – the reviewer shows the CE and standard model in action, helping you gauge if the extras are worth it.)

Alternatives to L40 Series

Dreame’s L40 lineup is impressive, but it’s worth mentioning a few alternatives:

• Dreame L10s Ultra (2022): If you don’t need the absolute latest, the L10s Ultra is still one of the best robot vacuums out there and often costs less. It has 5,300 Pa suction, an auto-empty/auto-mop dock (though without water heating), and an AI camera for obstacle avoidance. It lacks the extending side brush and the newer DuoBrush, so hair tangles could be a bit more frequent and edge cleaning not as perfect, but it’s very capable.
• Dreame L20 Ultra (2023): The L20 Ultra introduced some innovations like auto pad removal and a 7,000 Pa motor with dual pads. It sits between the L10s and L40s in Dreame’s lineup. It has hot water mopping (158 °F) and advanced navigation, but suction is actually lower than the L40s series. It might appeal if you find a good deal or specifically like the pad lifting/removal feature (which avoids dragging dirty mops onto carpet by actually lifting them off). For most users, the L40s Ultra series, being newer, provides higher suction and the DuoBrush, which likely cleans better overall.
• Dreame X50 Ultra (2024 Flagship): If you’re open to spending more, the X50 Ultra is Dreame’s absolute top-tier model – boasting 20,000 Pa suction, 2.4 in (60 mm) obstacle climbing, and every bell & whistle (it basically outshines even the X40). It’s priced around $1,079.99 - 1,699.99. For that premium, you get the cutting edge of tech. For most, the L40s Ultra hits the sweet spot of price to performance. But if you have a large home with tricky thresholds or want the ultimate, Dreame X50 Ultra is the one.

For more, you might read our Robot Vacuum Buying Guide. Additionally, the in-depth X50 Ultra vs X40 Ultra comparison article shows how Dreame’s flagship improvements trickle down – many of which you now find in the L40s series. 

Final Verdict

Which L40 model is “the best” depends on your priorities, but you really can’t go wrong. For most first-time buyers, the L40s Ultra AE strikes the perfect balance. The L40s Ultra (base) is a close second – choose it if you value maximum cleaning performance. The L40s Ultra CE is the budget hero. And the original L40 Ultra remains a very strong cleaner – if you snag it on sale, you’re getting flagship automation that can still outperform many 2025 mid-tier robotic vacuum cleaners.
Dreame’s L40 series is a win for busy households. They vacuum, mop, empty, and clean themselves with minimal fuss from you. The differences come down to how much performance and AI intelligence you want to pay for. Small apartment or tight budget? The CE will likely exceed your expectations. Big family with pets and clutter? The AE or L40s Ultra will feel like a housekeeping revolution.

FAQ about the Dreame L40 Ultra Series

1. Is the Dreame L40s Ultra really worth it?

If you value your time and a consistently clean home, yes, it’s worth it. The L40s Ultra series combines vacuuming, mopping, and self-maintenance in one device – effectively replacing a cleaning service for your floors. Think of it this way: it not only cleans, but cleans itself – something even many high-end robots can’t do fully. 

2. What’s the difference between L40 Ultra and L40s Ultra? Should I upgrade?

The “s” in L40s Ultra denotes a sub-generation refresh with some upgrades. Key differences: the L40s Ultra has much stronger suction (19,000 Pa vs 11,000 Pa), a new brush that practically ends hair tangles, and improved obstacle climbing. If your L40 Ultra is working fine and you’re happy, you don’t need to upgrade – it’s still a very competent model. But if you struggle with lots of pet hair or mostly carpets, or you simply want the latest improvements, the L40s Ultra is a noticeable step up in performance. 

3. How good are these models if I have pets (shedding dogs/cats)?

They are excellent for pet owners. Dreame specifically designed the brushes to handle pet hair – the DuoBrush on L40s Ultra can pick up and detangle fur with 0% getting wrapped, and the TriCut on the AE/CE cuts through hair to avoid clogs. The strong suction also grabs dander and fine dust that pets bring in. The robot’s mopping is useful for pet paw prints or the occasional accident.

4. Can a robot like the L40s Ultra really replace manual mopping?

In most scenarios, yes – it comes very close to replacing it. The L40 series uses dual spinning mop pads with pressure, which scrub the floor more like an electric mop than the old wipe-style robots. For everyday grime, footprints, spills, the Dreame robot mop is excellent. 

5. How do I maintain the robot and dock long-term?

The good news is, maintenance is mostly automated. Read our Robot Vacuum Maintenance Tips to learn more.