Tineco A11 Hero vs. Master vs. Master+ vs. A11 Hero+
Tineco is among the best brands if you are looking for a reliable and affordable stick vacuum. Two of the most popular models are the Tineco Hero and Tineco Master.
If you are not sure which is the best model for you, this Tineco A11 Hero vs. Master vs. Master+ vs. A11 Hero+ face to face comparison review will come in handy. But before that, here are the highlights of the brand and the individual models.
Is Tineco a Worthy Brand?
Tineco is not a popular brand in the vacuum cleaners industry. But unlike the cheap models we have seen before, this one offers excellent value for money. The brand is owned by Ecovacs Robotics Group, a household name in the vacuums industry best known for their Deebot line of robot vacuums.
Tineco is famous for its stick vacuums that have so far rivaled reputable brands such as Dyson and Shark.
Interestingly, Tineco stick vacuums were crowned the best stick vacuums brand by Consumer Reports. Besides stick vacuums, Tineco has hairdryers, and smart wet/dry vacuums, among other products.
Tineco A11 Series
The Tineco A11 Series consists of the Tineco A11 Hero and Tineco A11 Master. These two models have received upgrades, namely A11 Hero+ and A11 Hero Master+. In this segment, find out the highlights of each model.
Tineco A11 Master vs. Master+
The Tineco A11 Master, the Tineco A10 Master’s replacement, a model designed for all-round cleaning. As far as design goes, it is similar to the previous series as it is also a 2-in-1 stick vacuum that transforms into a handheld.
But there are several improvements that the A11 Master has, including higher suction power, longer runtime, bigger dirt cup, and more accessories.
The Tineco Master+ is a recent release that has several differences from its base model. First, it has a smaller battery, but two units are supplied. Another difference is that the Master+ comes with a wall mount that doubles up as the charging base.
The last noteworthy difference is that the Master comes with the standard flexible multi-angle wand, while the Master+ has a multi-angle folding wand. Despite the differences, the Master and Master+ share the rest of the features.
Tineco A11 Hero vs. Hero+
The Chinese brand extended the Hero series with the A11 Hero designed for all homes except those with pets.
The difference between the A10 Hero vs. A11 Hero is the runtime, suction power and levels, dirt cup, charging station, and the fact that the A11 Hero comes with more accessories. There is also a difference in aesthetics and finish.
Just like in the Master series, Tineco also introduced the plus model in the Hero series. The Hero+ shares lots of features with the base Hero, for example, suction power, dirt cup capacity, filtration system, cleaning head, and more.
But the differences are profound. The new Hero+ has a shorter runtime but comes with two battery packs.
Tineco A11 Hero vs. Master vs. Master+ vs. A11 Hero+
Now, on to the main business of the day, how do these Tineco stick vacuums compare? Let’s find out.
1. Design and Aesthetics
In this section, find everything about the design and aesthetics of the four models in this comparison review. You definitely want a versatile cleaner that is compact and lightweight.
Hero
Starting this segment is the Tineco A11 Hero, which is primarily a stick vacuum but converts into a handheld vacuum in a breeze. When it comes to the dimensions and weight, this stick vacuum measures 0.4 x 11.2 x 43.7 inches and weighs 5.5lbs.
Of course, in the handheld mode, it is compact and lighter. It measures 17 × 8 × 5 inches and weighs just 4lbs.
When it comes to aesthetics, the Tineco A11 Hero has a futuristic design finished in emerald with grey, white and clear accents.
Hero+
Next up is the Tineco A11 Hero+, a 2-in-1 vacuum cleaner used as a stick vacuum or handheld.
The dimensions are just the same as that of the Hero, in both the stick vacuum mode and the handheld mode.
When it comes to aesthetics, this stick vacuum is just as sleek as its predecessor but has been finished in sky blue.
Master
When it comes to the A11 Master, the same A11 Series design has been maintained. Moreso, it transforms into a handheld vacuum.
The dimensions and weight are also the same as that of the Hero Series save for the color. This one has been finished in emerald.
Master+
Next up is the Master+, which is exactly the same as Master. You can use it as a handheld despite it being primarily a stick vacuum.
When it comes to dimensions and weight, the figures are just the same across all board. The finish of this model is also emerald.
2. Cleaning Performance
The most important consideration when choosing a stick vacuum is cleaning performance. In this section, find out how the four models compare.
Cleaning Orientation
Master
The Tineco A11 Master has been designed for all-round cleaning. You can rely on it to vacuum all kinds of dirt on bare floors and carpets as well.
It also features a hair cleaning tool, so it is still a great deal for homes with pets. Whether you want to pick up pet hair from the couch or in your car, the Master has got you covered.
Master+
The Tineco Master+ is not different from the Master in any way. This one, too, boasts all the attachments you will need to clean bare floors and carpets. It is also ideal for cleaning pet hair on a range of surfaces.
Hero
The Tineco A11 Hero has been designed to clean all surfaces except the fragile floors as it doesn’t include the bare floor soft roller brush.
When it comes to pet messes, you can rely on it to clean pet hair, dander, and kitty litter.
Hero+
The A11 Hero+ is also the same as the Hero model in terms of cleaning orientation. This one, too, is ideal for cleaning all surfaces except the delicate floors.
The Hero+ also works like magic when it comes to picking up pet hair and pet messes.
Suction Power
Hero
The Tineco A11 Hero comes with a powerful 450W digital motor that delivers an impressive 120AW in Max mode.
For the record, the A11 Hero has three suction levels; Normal I, Normal II, and Max mode. I and II are for basic vacuuming, while Max mode comes in handy when vacuuming stubborn dirt and carpeted areas.
Hero+
Next up is the Tineco A11 Hero+, which is exactly the same as Hero in terms of suction power.
It also puts up an impressive 120AW in Max mode courtesy of a 450W digital motor. The Hero+ also features three suction levels; I, II, and Max mode.
Master
Third on the list is the Tineco A11 Master, which also uses a 450W digital motor that delivers a maximum of 120AW.
The big difference is that this one is a two-speed motor that runs on Normal mode and Max mode. The former is ideal for light vacuuming, while the latter is for deep vacuuming.
Master+
Last is the Tineco A11 Master+, which boasts the same suction power as the A11 Master.
This one, too, is a two-speed 450W motor that delivers 120AW.
Cleaning Head
Hero
The Tineco A11 Hero comes with a full-size multi-tasker power brush featuring LED headlights for cleaning dark areas. According to ASTM-F608 standards, the A11 Hero offers 2.5 times more power than ordinary cordless vacuums.
Hero+
The Hero+, on the other hand, is not in any way different. It also features a full-size multi-tasker power brush with LED headlights. This one, too, has been tested to ASTM-F608 standards and offers 2.5 times better cleaning.
Master
The Master comes with two cleaning heads; a multi-floor motorized brushroll with LEDs for ordinary floors and a special soft roller brush for fragile floors.
The full-size multi-tasker power brush has been tested to ASTM-F608 standards, while the soft roller brush offers efficient cleaning of all delicate surfaces.
Master+
Last is the Tineco A11 Master+, which comes with two cleaning heads as well.
There is a multi-floor motorized brushroll with LEDs for the typical surfaces and a soft roller brush for delicate surfaces such as sealed hardwood floors.
Filtration
Hero
The Tineco A11 Hero is a bagless vacuum cleaner that comes with a 0.6L one-touch empty dustbin. This is 50% larger compared to the bin size of the predecessor, the Tineco A11 Series.
To ensure all allergens and other bad odor-causing elements are filtered out, the Hero comes with a 4-stage full sealed filtration system that captures 99.97% tiny particles for non-allergenic fresh air.
Hero+
The Tineco A11 Hero+ relies on the same 0.6L dust cup that offers easy emptying courtesy of the one-touch empty technology.
It also features the same 4-stage full sealed filtration system, so if you have allergies and pets, this is a perfect choice. The filtration system consists of cyclonic action, pre-filter, and two mechanical air filters.
Master
Third, the Tineco A11 Master comes with the same 4-stage full sealed filtration system and is a bagless vacuum cleaner with a 0.6L bin.
Maintenance is also easy courtesy of a one-touch empty dustbin.
Master+
Last is the Tineco A11 Master+, a bagged vacuum also with a 0.6L bin. When it comes to filtration, this one is a 4-stage fully sealed filtration system that guarantees that all pet-related dander, tiny dust particles, and dust mites are captured.
Cleaning Test Results
We tested these four vacuums just as is the norm with all our comparison reviews. We used a wide range of everyday household dirt on carpets, bare floors, and car upholstery. Below is a summary of our observations.
First, all the Tineco stick vacuums in this review exhibited the same results. The small dirt particles such as sugars, salt, rice, pet hair kitty litter, and Cheerios were vacuumed with ease in Max mode. However, there was a little strain in Normal mode, but all the same, the results were satisfactory.
3. Battery and Power Management
The Tineco A11 Hero/Hero+ and the A11 Master/Master+ are cordless stick vacuums. That means they are powered by an inbuilt battery and don’t have continuous cleaning capability. In this section, find out how these four vacuums compare as far as battery and power management are concerned.
Hero
The Tineco Hero comes with a detachable 2,500mAh lithium-ion battery that yields a 30 minutes runtime in Normal I mode, 20 minutes in Normal II mode, and 7.5 minutes in Max mode.
The recharge time is around 2 hours on the supplied Dual Charging Wall-mounted Dock. While the manufacturer states that the Hero comes with two battery packs, Amazon’s listing explicitly says that the package they sell comes with a single battery pack. You can, however, get an extra battery pack separately.
Hero+
On the other hand, the Tineco Hero+ features the same lithium-ion battery but, this time, a smaller 2000mAh battery. A single battery pack has a 20 minutes runtime in Normal I, 15 minutes in Normal II, and 6 minutes in Max mode.
Regarding charging, the turnaround time is just like that of the Hero, and more so, you get the same Dual Charging Wall-Mounted Dock. For the record, the Hero+ tags along with two battery packs, so you can be sure of getting double the runtime if you buy the Amazon package.
Master
Next up is the Tineco A11 Master, which is the base model. It comes with the same 2,500mAh battery pack, the same one in the Hero. This battery powers the robot vacuum for 30 minutes in Normal mode and 7.5 minutes in Max mode.
When it comes to power management, you also get a Dual Charging wall-mounted docking station. Nothing has been left in doubt; the Tineco Master comes with two battery packs, so you get double the runtime.
Master+
Last is the Tineco A11 Master+. This model comes with the same smaller battery Tineco designed the Hero+ with. This is a 2,000mAh lithium-ion battery that offers 20 minutes runtime in Normal mode and 6 minutes in Max mode.
The recharge time is just the same across all boards, and more so, the Dual Charging Wall-mounted Dock has been included in the package. Here again, it’s certain that Tineco has supplied two battery packs with the Master+.
4. What’s in the Box?
One of the biggest distinctions between these models is the accessories. In this what’s in the box segment, find out what you should expect in each package. Make sure to match the specific accessories depending on your cleaning needs.
Master
The Tineco A11 Master comes with the following items;
- Full-size LED Multi-tasker Power Brush
- Full-size LED Soft Roller Power Brush
- Mini Power Brush
- (2) Pre-Filters
- Pre-Filter Cleaning Tool
- 2-in-1 Dusting Brush
- Crevice Tool
- Flexible Long Crevice Tool
- Hair Cleaning Tool
- Full-size LED Soft Roller Power Brush
- Dual Charging wall-mounted docking station
Master+
When it comes to the Tineco Master+, below are the accessories supplied:
- Full-size LED Multi-tasker Power Brush
- Full-size LED Soft Roller Power Brush
- Mini Power Brush
- (2) Pre-Filters
- Pre-Filter Cleaning Tool
- 2-in-1 Dusting Brush
- Soft Dusting Brush
- Crevice Tool
- Flexible Long Crevice Tool
- Hair Cleaning Tool
- Dual Charging Wall-Mounted Dock
Hero
The Tineco A11 Hero tags along with;
- Full-size LED Multi-tasker Power Brush
- Mini Power Brush
- Pre-Filter(2)
- Pre-Filter Cleaning Tool
- 2-in-1 Dusting Brush
- Crevice Tool
- Hair Cleaning Tool
- Dual Charging Wall-Mounted Dock
Hero+
Last is the A11 Hero+, which has the same accessories as the Master;
- Full-size LED Multi-tasker Power Brush
- Full-size LED Multi-tasker Power Brush
- Mini Power Brush
- Pre-Filter(2)
- Pre-Filter Cleaning Tool
- 2-in-1 Dusting Brush
- Crevice Tool
- Hair Cleaning Tool
- Dual Charging Wall-Mounted Dock
Tineco A11 Hero vs. Master vs. Master+ vs. A11 Hero+
Now that we have stripped down the four models, it’s time to compare the two matches, i.e., the old models vs. the updated models. Find out which is the best deal between A11 Hero vs. Master and A11 Hero+ vs. Master+.
Tineco A11 Hero vs. A11 Master
Tineco Hero and Master are quite similar, save for a few differences.
First is the fact that Hero comes with three power levels offering a more customizable cleaning. That’s the main advantage of the Hero model.
But then, the Master tops in this comparison as it features extra attachments; bare floor soft roller brush, soft dusting brush, flexible extension hose, flexible multi-angle wand, and the long flexible crevice tool. These are accessories that the Hero model lacks.
Here, it’s with no doubt that the Tineco A11 Master is the best bang for the buck. You can rely on it to clean a wide range of surfaces, including the delicate bare floors.
Tineco A11 Hero+ vs. A11 Master+
Like the base models, the Tineco A11 Hero+ and A11 Master + are very similar, but there are several differences.
The Hero+, just like the A11 Hero, comes with three suction levels; I, II, and Max mode. This is one feature that makes the A11 Hero+ superior to the A11 Master+.
But then, the Master+ is still the best bang for the buck, courtesy of the extra attachments that the A11 Hero+ lacks. These are bare floor soft roller brush, soft dusting brush, flexible extension hose, flexible multi-angle wand, and the long flexible crevice tool.
In the Hero+ vs. Master+ comparison review, the latter carries the day as it includes more attachments for all-round cleaning.