With its HydroSync mop roller technology, the MOVA Z50 Ultra promises a small revolution in the robot vacuum cleaner segment. Instead of classic rotating mops, the device uses a wide roller that continuously cleans itself with 36°C warm water – sounds interesting at first. As a subsidiary of Dreame, MOVA wants to prove that innovation doesn’t just have to come from the top players Roborock and Ecovacs. After many test drives, we can already say this much: the idea works better than expected. In our MOVA Z50 Ultra test, we find out whether the black newcomer can really upset the established competition.
MOVA Z50 Ultra: The technical data at a glance
| Category | Specification |
| Suction power | 19,000 Pa (max), 4 (+1) suction levels |
| Mopping system | HydroSync roller mop, 36°C hot water, mini edge mop |
| Navigation | LiDAR + RGB AI camera, Triple AI sensors |
| Overall height | 11.1 cm (rather high) |
| Obstacle overcoming | Up to 2.2 cm threshold height |
| Battery life | Up to 4 hours, 4h charging time (manufacturer’s specification) |
| Robot container | 300 ml dust, integrated water tank |
| Station tank | 4.5L fresh water, 4L dirty water, 4L dust bag |
| Special features | Extendable FlexBrush, EdgeXtend edge mop |
| App control | MOVAhome app, Alexa, Google Assistant |
| The price | RRP €1,199 |
First impression: Solid workmanship with well thought-out details
The MOVA Z50 Ultra makes a really high-quality impression when you unpack it. We like the workmanship throughout – all gaps are accurate to the millimeter, all components are sturdily mounted and the material quality is just right. The fine relief structures on the top are particularly attractive and give the design a classy touch. The three control buttons for power, home and spot cleaning have a precise pressure point and a pleasant, high-quality feel.
We like the matte black finish with the golden accents and it looks much higher quality than cheap high-gloss plastic. Visually, the Z50 Ultra clearly sets itself apart from the competition. MOVA has also thought about the details – everything is neatly organized under the magnetic cover, from the reset button to the clever QR code for app installation.
The underside is particularly interesting. The HydroSync wiping roller not only looks impressive, but is also technically well implemented. All the seals fit perfectly and the mechanism appears robust and well thought out. Although the additional mini mop is recognizably based on the Roborock model, it is also neatly finished and makes a stable impression.
However, one design detail on the station is annoying. While the robot is completely in matt black, the rear casing of the station is in gray. This breaks up the otherwise harmonious look and, in our opinion, looks like a minor design flaw. The duo would certainly have looked much more elegant in solid black.
This shows the design flaw of the station: while the robot is completely in matt black, the gray back breaks up the otherwise harmonious look of the duo.
Scope of delivery: Minimalist but sufficient
You shouldn’t expect a large accessories package here – MOVA focuses on the essentials. This is completely sufficient for everyday use, even if other manufacturers in this price range like to adorn themselves with mountains of spare parts. The MOVA Z50 Ultra comes with solid basic equipment that contains everything you need for immediate use. The box contains:
- MOVA Z50 Ultra robot hoover
- Multifunctional cleaning station in a matching design
- 400ml detergent cartridge
- Mini wiping pad for edge cleaning (included)
- Power cable and detailed documentation
One disadvantage is the detergent system. Unlike other MOVA models with refillable tanks, the Z50 Ultra uses disposable cartridges that cost around €25 for 400 ml and have to be disposed of completely. This is neither sustainable nor cheap.
However, the situation is quite relaxed when it comes to follow-up costs. There are already third-party accessories for the Z50 Ultra, from complete spare parts sets to individual components. The prices are much fairer than the original parts, even if you have to make small compromises in terms of quality.
The station: Impressive, but space-hungry
The cleaning station definitely catches the eye and takes up a lot of space. With its three tower-like containers for fresh water, dirty water and dust, it looks much more imposing than compact competitor stations. The dimensions of 46.6 × 54.5 × 39 cm are anything but restrained – you should measure the available space in advance.
Functionally, however, the station cuts a fine figure. The three-tank system is well thought out: The generous 4.5-liter fresh water tank sits on the left, the dirty water (4 liters) collects next to it, while the dust lands in the 4-liter bag on the right. The detergent cartridge is cleverly concealed behind the fresh water tank. Storage is also a practical solution: the cleaning brush supplied with the vacuum cleaner, with a hair cutter at the other end, is stored directly in the vacuum cleaner bag compartment.
Thanks to the large capacity, you have to refill much less often than with more compact stations – a real advantage in practice, even if the station takes up a lot of space as a result.
However, the design also has disadvantages: The narrow, tall tanks are impractical when filling, as you have to stand at an angle under the tap and take up a lot of space. The open design also means that dust collects in the corners of the station, which is difficult to remove. A more closed design would be desirable here.
The HydroSync technology works thoroughly and cleans the mop roller after each run with hot water at up to 75°C. Hot air then dries everything. Hot air then dries everything, which reliably prevents the dreaded muff formation. The entire cleaning cycle runs fully automatically and takes different lengths of time depending on the degree of soiling.
As already mentioned, the only drawback is the inconsistent design with the gray plastic elements, which somewhat spoil the otherwise successful appearance. Otherwise, the station makes a solid and well thought-out impression.
Setting up the Mova Z50 Ultra: Uncomplicated thanks to proven Dreame DNA
Set-up is pleasingly straightforward. Practical: The most important components are already pre-assembled, all you have to do is fill in water and you can get started straight away. The MOVAhome app is practically identical to the tried-and-tested Dreame software – no wonder given the close relationship between the companies. This means sophisticated technology without any major teething troubles.
The app guides you through the process step by step – from the Wi-Fi connection to the first mapping. Even beginners should have no problems here.
The first mapping of our 50 m² test apartment took only 4 minutes and delivered precise results. The automatic room division worked correctly for the most part, only minor adjustments were necessary.
Navigation: Solid technology with minor weaknesses
The Mova Z50 Ultra navigates using a LiDAR sensor combined with an RGB AI camera. This tried and tested combination proves to be largely well coordinated in everyday use. The path planning is logical, the robot works systematically and avoids unnecessary double trips. However, there are still minor weaknesses in practice: Occasionally, the Z50 Ultra seems disoriented and pauses a little longer before moving on. Docking to the station is also not always successful straight away – sometimes it takes several attempts, even though nothing has changed in the set-up.
In the test, the Z50 Ultra’s obstacle detection was convincing in most situations. Cables, socks and shoes were reliably detected and avoided with ease. In dark areas, LED lighting helps with orientation – a very useful detail for cleaning under furniture.
The bold driving style is particularly positive. The Z50 Ultra dares to get into tight spaces and navigates through narrow passages that other robots would often avoid. This ensures more thorough coverage and fewer unworked areas. It occasionally needs a moment to find its bearings, but this is bearable.
The overall system of LiDAR and camera harmonizes well with each other. The sensors complement each other well and ensure safe navigation through everyday life. The coordination between the various components is just right.
Suction power of the in the test: The 19,000 Pa are convincing in practice
The 19,000 Pascal suction power certainly lives up to its promise. In our test with confetti and oatmeal on carpet and laminate, the Mova Z50 Ultra did a very good job. It also works thoroughly on normal everyday dirt and the surfaces are clean at the end.
The suction levels offer sensible gradations for every need. “Quiet” is sufficient for everyday maintenance and works pleasantly unobtrusively. “Standard” quickly becomes the favorite for normal cleaning. “Turbo” and “Max” also tackle more stubborn dirt, but are correspondingly loud – here the Z50 Ultra sounds like a conventional vacuum cleaner. As a bonus, there is also a “Max+” one-time mode for particularly stubborn dirt, which takes the suction power to the absolute top.
Carpet detection works reliably and uses the clever CleanLift system. In the case of carpets, both mopping components are automatically lifted (roller by 7mm, mini edge mop by 6.5mm) to keep the carpets as dry as possible. However, the 7mm lift of the roller is not always sufficient – with thicker carpets or longer fibers, the damp roller can still come into contact with the fabric. Conversely, the brushes are lifted during pure mopping so that only the mopping modules work and no residue is whirled up
Various carpet modes can be set in the app – from complete avoidance to intensive carpet cleaning, in which the machine runs more slowly and cleans twice. This takes time, but produces noticeably better results.
HydroSync mopping system: really impressive
This is the heart of the Mova Z50 Ultra – and we are thoroughly impressed by its implementation. The HydroSync roller wiper technology brings noticeable advantages: During cleaning, the roller is continuously supplied with 36°C warm fresh water, while an integrated scraper simultaneously removes dirty water.
This permanent self-cleaning prevents the annoying spreading of dirt – a common problem with conventional mop systems. Instead of always dragging the same dirty mop across the floor, clean water is always working on the surface. In our practical test, the warm water temperature made a considerable difference, both with everyday stains and more stubborn dirt.
The dirt guide on the underside is also well thought out: a special rubber strip directs the dirt sucked up to the main brush and prevents the mopping roller from getting dirty.
The additional mini edge mop ensures that edges are also treated properly. However, as with all roller systems, the outermost 1-2 cm often remain untreated – this is where rotating mops have a physical advantage.
After cleaning, the station completely cleans the rollers with hot water up to 75°C, followed by hot air drying for hygienic cleanliness without odors.
App control of the MOVA Z50 Ultra in the test: familiar Dreame quality in a new guise
The MOVAhome app clearly benefits from the Dreame relationship. Practically all functions are identical to the tried-and-tested Dreame software – that means sophisticated technology without experimentation:
- Precise map creation with automatic room division
- Individual schedules per room with different modes
- CleanGenius automatic vs. full manual control
- Flexible cleaning modes (vacuum only, mop only, combined)
- Restricted zones and virtual walls
- Live tracking with camera images
- Detailed maintenance instructions and status displays
- Voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant
The German translation is largely successful, minor weaknesses are hardly noticeable. The navigation is logically structured and even more complex settings are easy to access.
Particularly practical: CleanGenius mode does the thinking for you and automatically adapts the cleaning to each room. If you want more control, you can choose between 4 suction levels and 30 water flow rates – very detailed.
Loudness in the test: The Mova Z50 Ultra is not necessarily for sensitive ears
The Z50 Ultra is definitely not the quietest of its kind. When just vacuuming, the background noise is still within acceptable limits, but as soon as the mopping roller becomes active, the noise level increases noticeably. Particularly annoying is the penetrating beeping during the mopping process, which can quickly get on your nerves.
The station itself, on the other hand, is within the usual volume range and is not noticeable in a negative way. If you are sensitive to noise or would like to run the robot when you are present, you should definitely take this into account. In any case, the Z50 Ultra is not the first choice for use during working hours.
Battery life: Realistically speaking
The advertised 4 hours of battery life are rather theoretical. In our test, the MOVA Z50 Ultra lasted around 90-120 minutes, depending on the cleaning intensity. The battery lasts longer when only vacuuming, but when combined with active mopping and frequently extending the side brush, the runtime is reduced accordingly.
This is easily sufficient for most homes. If the juice does run out, the Z50 Ultra automatically docks onto the charging station and recharges fully in around 4 hours. Practical: After just 15 minutes, it has enough energy for more than 20 percent capacity so that it can continue quickly if required.
Competitive comparison: Strong position in a competitive market
With a current retail price of €899-999, the Mova Z50 Ultra plays in the highly competitive mid-range premium league. Heavyweights such as the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra, Dreame L40 Ultra and the in-house MOVA P50 Pro Ultra are all competing here.
Compared to the P50 Pro Ultra, the Z50 Ultra offers innovative mopping roller technology and better edge cleaning with identical suction power. The HydroSync system is indeed a unique selling point that justifies the extra price.
Compared to global players such as Roborock and Dreame, MOVA often scores with more features for less money. The price for this: slightly less brand awareness and a smaller community. However, the hardware quality is in no way inferior to the established giants.
The comparison with the Ecovacs X9 Pro Omni as a direct roller competitor is particularly interesting. Here, the Z50 Ultra offers significantly better mopping performance at a fairer price – but without the flat design of the Ecovacs.
Test summary of the MOVA Z50 Ultra: Innovation with compromises
The MOVA Z50 Ultra is a thoroughly successful robot vacuum with a real trump card up its sleeve. The HydroSync mop roller technology actually works noticeably better than classic mop systems and justifies the extra cost. The continuous self-cleaning with warm water makes a noticeable difference with stubborn stains.
The solid 19,000 Pa suction power is impressive on all floor coverings, the extendable side brush ensures decent corner results and the MOVAhome app benefits from the tried-and-tested Dreame technology. The black design is a welcome change from the standard white design.
However, the weaknesses must also be recognized: The high design of 11.1 cm is a real drawback for low furniture. The mop lift of only 7 mm can be problematic with thicker carpets and, like all roller systems, the Z50 Ultra also struggles with incomplete edge cleaning.
For the current price of under €900, the Z50 Ultra is quite competitive and really does offer something unique with the mopping roller. If you mainly have hard floors and value the best mopping performance, this is an innovative helper. However, households with lots of low furniture or thick carpets should consider more classic alternatives.
- innovative HydroSync mopping roller technology with 36°C
- Continuous roller cleaning while driving
- powerful 19,000 Pa suction power in practice
- extendable FlexBrush for better corner results
- Generous station capacities (4+ liter tanks)
- proven MOVAhome app thanks to Dreame DNA
- Attractive price for the technology on offer
- Elegant black design
- High construction (11.1 cm) limits application possibilities
- outermost 1-2 cm remain untreated when wiping
- Very large station, takes up a lot of space
- annoying beeping during mopping
- rather meagre scope of delivery for the price
- weak climbing ability (only 2.2 cm)
