The Ultrasonic XL200 from ISOTRONIC made a good impression in our test. The product can be used in places that have a power connection, e.g. in living rooms, basements and garages. A standard power socket is sufficient. The device works with ultrasonic waves. The high-pitched sound is perceived by cats, but does not disturb them. Environmental protection and animal welfare are particularly important to the manufacturer, which is why no chemicals are used and the rodents are driven away without killing them. The manufacturer also emphasises that the company is a German company based in Baden-Württemberg .
Advantages
✅Small device
✅No habituation effect
Gentle on animals
✅German company
Disadvantages
❌Requires a power socket
❌Not suitable for outdoor use
❌Not splash-proof
The first impression
The packaging and labelling
ℹ️ Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be ensured.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Product protection | Carton is sturdy, product sufficiently protected | 100 points |
| Sustainability Packaging | Unnecessary packaging waste was avoided, items were packed compactly | 95 points |
| Product labelling | Labelling available on carton | 95 points |
| Total | 97 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The product was delivered in a standard cardboard box. It was undamaged and easy to open without tools. The device was protected by a paper wrapping and the instructions for use were enclosed loose in the box. The entire packaging is easily recyclable.
Product protection was the top priority during despatch so that the product could be delivered in perfect condition .
After unpacking
Package contents and instructions
ℹ️ Most people’s first impression after unpacking is immediately memorable. Are the contents of the pack complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Package contents & scope | Product included with 1.5m cable | 100 points |
| Instructions for use | Multilingual, clearly written | 95 points |
| Contact information | In the instructions and on the product | 90 points |
| Total | 97 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The product box contained the product itself and the instructions for use. The latter explains the handling of the product in seven languages and provides installation instructions. There were also various instructions for use on the product packaging. The company’s address is given and the e-mail address can be found by scanning the QR code on the packaging. Unfortunately, the customer has no way of contacting customer service by telephone . As the product was delivered undamaged and without unnecessary packaging waste, we are talking about a very customer-friendly and environmentally friendly way of sending a product.
Package contents
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
ℹ️ Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the product processing. How high quality are the materials used? Is the look and feel satisfactory?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Visual appearance | Visual appearance in order | 80 points |
| Processing | Lightweight plastic housing, angular at the corners | 75 points |
| Stability | Product relatively stable | 90 points |
| Sustainability of the product | No labelling of sustainability | 60 points |
| Total | 76 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The mouse & marten repeller is made of plastic. The product is rounded at the front and straight at the back.
The processed plastic has a good grip, only the edges of the stand are angular at the back. Overall, the product makes a good first impression. Unfortunately, there is no sustainability classification. The sustainability aspects of the manufacturing process are not apparent, at least not to the end consumer.
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
ℹ️ Our practical test is the most relevant and therefore the most important. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
| Criterion | Remark | Points achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Usability | Easy to use, also suitable for non-professionals | 90 points |
| Disturbance of other animals | No interference observed | 95 points |
| Volume | Not perceptible to humans | 90 points |
| Fastening | No fastening option available | 70 points |
| Total | 86 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
We enjoyed using the Ultrasonic XL200 during testing. The product is a smaller and therefore handy device that is easy to use. We were also impressed by the reaction of our pet cat, which reacted to the high-frequency sound but was not frightened. In the test, no sound was perceptible to the human ear. Unfortunately, the product can only be used indoors and at a maximum distance of 1.50 metres from a power socket. This limits the installation options somewhat. On the positive side, however, we believe that the product is environmentally friendly as it is powered by electricity.
Unfortunately, the product lacks a mounting option. Due to its low weight, there is a very high risk of it falling down, also due to the 1.5 m long power cable.
in use
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
ℹ️ Finally, we look at how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also analyse consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Price / performance ratio | Good | 90 points |
| Rating cut | 3.7 out of 5.0 on Amazon | 35 points |
| Total | 62 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
Prices of up to €54.95 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products. Cheaper products are available from €19.95. The mouse & marten repeller from ISOTRONIC is currently in the mid-price segment with a price of €32.95. The price ratio is good for the quality and scope of services you get.
Overall result
| Weighting | Score achieved* | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. packaging & labelling | 15% | 97 points |
| 2. package contents & instructions | 15% | 97 points |
| 3. product processing & appearance | 20% | 76 points |
| 4. in the practical test | 30% | 86 points |
| 5. price/performance & consumer reviews | 20% | 62 points |
| Total | 83 points |
