If you are looking for a wet dry vacuum in 2026, the Tineco Floor One S5 is likely the first model you saw. It is the “iPhone” of floor washers—popular, stylish, and easy to use.
But then you saw the Dreame H12 Pro. It costs less, yet it claims to have features that Tineco only puts on their $700 models: Hot Air Drying and Dual-Edge Cleaning.
Is the Dreame H12 Pro the ultimate “hidden gem,” or is there a catch to its lower price tag?
In this vacuum mop comparison, we test the drying tech, corner cleaning, and long-term reliability to help you choose.
Table of Contents
Quick Verdict: Which Floor Washer Should You Buy?
- Buy the Dreame H12 Pro if: You hate maintenance and smells. Its “Hot Air Drying” dock dries the brush roller completely in 1 hour, preventing that mildew smell common with wet vacs. It also cleans flush against the wall on both sides, unlike the Tineco.
- Buy the Tineco Floor One S5 if: You value reliability and weight. It is lighter and easier to push than the Dreame. Tineco’s “iLoop” sensor is also more responsive, and because it is the most popular model on the market, finding replacement filters and rollers is incredibly easy.
Comparison: Dreame H12 Pro vs. Tineco S5
Feature | Dreame H12 Pro | Tineco Floor One S5 | Winner |
Drying Tech | Hot Air (131°F / 55°C) | Centrifugal (Spin Only) | Dreame |
Edge Cleaning | Dual-Sided (Left & Right) | Single-Sided (Right only) | Dreame |
Suction Power | ~16,000 Pa | ~12,000 Pa | Dreame |
Clean Water Tank | 0.9 Liters | 0.8 Liters | Dreame |
Dirty Water Tank | 0.7 Liters | 0.7 Liters | Tie |
Smart Sensor | Auto-Suction | iLoopâ„¢ (Red/Blue Ring) | Tineco |
Weight | ~10.8 lbs | 9.9 lbs | Tineco |
Price | Dreame |
Key Differences Between These Wet Dry Vacuums
1. Hot Air Drying vs. Spin Drying (The Smell Factor)
This is the biggest reason to buy the Dreame.
- Dreame H12 Pro: After self-cleaning, the dock blows hot air (131°F) onto the brush roller for 60 minutes. It leaves the brush bone-dry and fluffy. You never have to touch a wet roller.
- Tineco S5: Uses “Centrifugal Air Drying.” It just spins the brush really fast to fling water off.
- The Problem: The brush stays damp. If you don’t physically remove the roller and set it on the drying rack, it will start to smell like a wet dog within 24 hours.
2. Edge Cleaning (Dual vs. Single)
- Tineco S5: Has a “borderless” design on the right side only. To clean the left side of a hallway, you have to turn the vacuum around.
- Dreame H12 Pro: The brush roller extends to the edge on both sides. You can clean down a narrow corridor or between chair legs without awkward maneuvering.
3. The Smart Sensor Experience
- Tineco (iLoop): The giant LCD screen has a ring that glows Red (Dirty) or Blue (Clean). It is incredibly satisfying and trains you to slow down over dirty spots.
- Dreame (Auto Mode): It also detects dirt and adjusts suction, but the interface isn’t as intuitive. It just changes the color of a small icon. Tineco feels “smarter” to use.
What’s In The Box? (Unboxing Comparison)
Dreame H12 Pro Box Contents
- H12 Pro Main Body.
- Charging Base: (With Hot Air Drying).
- Spare Brush Roller: (1 installed + 1 extra).
- Replacement Filter: (1 installed + 1 extra).
- Cleaning Solution: (Small bottle).
- Cleaning Brush.
Tineco Floor One S5 Box Contents
- S5 Main Body.
- 3-in-1 Docking Station.
- Replacement Brush Roller: (1 extra included).
- Replacement HEPA Filter: (1 extra included).
- Tineco Deodorizing Solution: (Small bottle).
- Cleaning Tool.
Winner: Tie. Both companies are generous enough to include a spare roller and filter, which gives you about 6–12 months of use before you need to buy parts.
Real User Complaints: What Do People Hate?
Common Complaints: Dreame H12 Pro
- “Water Pump Failure.” Some users on Reddit report that after 6–12 months, the clean water pump stops spraying. This seems to be a quality control issue with the H12 series.
- “It feels heavy.” At nearly 11 lbs, the Dreame is heavier than the Tineco. While it pulls itself forward, pulling it backward requires more muscle.
- “Small Dirty Tank.” Despite the large clean tank, the dirty tank sensor triggers early, forcing you to empty it frequently during big jobs.
Common Complaints: Tineco Floor One S5
- “The Smell.” We mentioned this above, but it is the #1 complaint. If you forget to remove the roller after cleaning, your kitchen will smell musty.
- “Leaves a gap.” Users find it annoying that they can only clean edges on the right side. It forces you to plan your cleaning path carefully.
Maintenance & Ongoing Costs
1. Brush Rollers
- Dreame: The rollers are proprietary. You must buy H12 Pro specific rollers.
- Tineco: Because the S5 is so popular, you can find cheap generic rollers on Amazon (pack of 4 for $20) easily. Tineco parts are cheaper and easier to find.
2. Cleaning Solution
- Both brands require you to use their specific non-foaming solution to protect the warranty. Both cost about $20 per bottle.
FAQ
Yes. The hot air drying cycle is whisper-quiet. The cleaning volume is similar, but the Tineco has a slightly higher-pitched whine compared to the Dreame’s lower hum.
Yes. Both machines have a button on the back to mute the “Please clean dirty water tank” voice if you find it annoying.
No. Neither of these models can lay flat to go under beds (the water would leak). If you need to clean under a sofa, look for the Dreame H14 or Tineco Stretch S6.
Final Recommendation
This is a battle of Features vs. Trust.
If you want the best specs for your money, buy the Dreame H12 Pro. The Hot Air Drying alone is worth the price of admission. It solves the biggest headache of wet vacs (maintenance) and cleans edges better than the Tineco. It is the superior machine on paper.
If you want the safest, most reliable purchase, buy the Tineco Floor One S5. It has a proven track record, it is lighter to use, and spare parts are available everywhere. It is the “safe bet” for a reason.
- Best Value & Features: Check Price for Dreame H12 Pro
- Best Reliability: Check Price for Tineco Floor One S5
