Choosing a smart cleaning assistant in the Xiaomi ecosystem has become a challenging quest due to the sheer number of partner brands. Users are often lost in the acronyms Dreame, Roborock, Viomi and Mijia, not realizing that all of these devices are combined with a single Mi Home app and work on similar software platforms. A key mistake when buying is to focus only on price, ignoring the type of navigation and the presence of the automatic base cleaning feature.
In 2026, the market stabilized around a few clear standards: laser navigation LiDAR became mandatory for all models above the budget segment, and suction systems reached a capacity of 8000-10000 Pa. Xiaomi ecosystem offers solutions for both small studios and huge country houses with carpets and pets. In this article, we will discuss how not to get confused in the model range and buy a device that really facilitates everyday life, rather than becoming another dust collector in the corner.
The first thing a beginner needs to understand is that Xiaomi itself makes almost no vacuum cleaners, acting more as a quality guarantor and integrator for specialized factories. So the question of “which robot to choose” is transformed into “which partner manufacturer to prefer.” Roborock is traditionally strong in reliability and movement algorithms, Dreame sets trends in innovation (for example, retractable corner washing paws), and Mijia offers a better balance of price and quality. It is important to immediately decide on the budget, since the price range can be three times.
We understand the ecosystem: who is who
The main confusion is that a box can have one name written on it and the app will have a different name on it. This is normal practice for Xiaomi Youpin. Let's divide the major brands by their specialization so that you can easily navigate when choosing.
Roborock is the iPhone of the robot vacuum cleaner world, and they're often the first to get new navigation chips, and they're the most consistent mapping experience. If you want a set-and-forget technique, the Roborock S or G series is the perfect choice. They're rarely lost, even if you've rearranged furniture, and their obstacle-detection algorithms are considered industry benchmarks.
Dreame Technology is the main innovator that is constantly introducing features that later become the standard. They were the first to implement hot-drying and auto-domain water bases. Dreame L10s Ultra models or the newer X40 series are the choice for those who want maximum automation. Viomi often offers more affordable alternatives with good functionality, but sometimes their software is less stable than market leaders.
Importantly, all of these brands are managed through a single Mi Home interface, which means that by buying a Dreame robot, you can customize smart home scenarios with Yeelight light bulbs or Xiaomi air purifiers, for example, the robot can start automatically when you leave the house, and the air purifier can turn on after cleaning is completed.
Criteria of choice: navigation and passability
The most important technical parameter to look at is the type of navigation: Forget chaotic traffic or gyroscopic navigation in 2026; a LiDAR (laser rangefinder) is essential for a comfortable life. This sensor, usually arranged as a turret on the body, builds an accurate map of the room, allowing the robot to move in efficient parallel lines rather than beating on the legs of chairs.
The second critical aspect is patency and clearance. If you have high-pile carpets or spacing between rooms, standard 1.5cm clearance may not be enough. Xiaomi and Dreame's top models offer clearances of up to 2.2cm, allowing you to overcome most obstacles without getting stuck. Obstacle recognition is also important: AI Object Recognition cameras allow the robot to bypass wires, socks and even animal excrement.
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Notice the height of the LiDAR navigation tower. If you have a lot of low furniture (sofas, beds), check if the robot will get stuck underneath. Some models have a low-grade laser or use turretless navigation (VSLAM), but it is less accurate in the dark.
There is also a separation by floor cleaning type. Basic models simply carry a cloth that just lies on the bottom. More advanced ones use a vibration or rotational (rotating) washing system. Rotary discs, such as the Dreame L20 or Xiaomi X20+ models, are much more effective at erasing old spots, mimicking the circular movements of a person's hand.
⚠️ WARNING: If you have dark carpets or black tiles in your home, cheap models with height difference sensors may perceive them as staircases and refuse to come to the surface. Make sure the specification states support for dark surfaces or an AI camera that ignores false drop sensor signals.
Self-service stations: should you pay more?
Having a self-service base is not just marketing, it's actually changing the use case. Base stations just charge the robot. Auto-Empty stations let you forget about dust contact for 1-2 months. The robot drives up to the base, the powerful motor turns on, and the contents of the container fly into the bag in the base.
But the revolution was brought by the All-in-One, which not only sucks dust, but also washes cloths, dries them with hot air and pours water into the robot tank. Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20+ or Dreame L10s Ultra series are equipped with these bases, which saves the user from having to wash a dirty cloth with his hands and monitor the water level in the tank every day.
Why is drying rags important?
The only disadvantage of such systems is the dimensions. The complex base occupies a significant place and requires connection to the power grid (and models with a water dowsing also have proximity to the water supply or frequent manual pouring into the tank). In addition, the cost of such complexes can be 2-3 times higher than that of a conventional robot.
Comparison of popular models 2026-2026
To make it easier to choose, we have compiled a comparative table of current models that can be found on the market, based on specifications and real-world performance tests in different environments.
| Model | Suction force | Type of washing | Navigation | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20+ | 6000 Pa | Rotation + auto-lift | LiDAR + Camera | Base with water drain, lifting rags on carpets |
| Dreame L20 Ultra | 7,000 Pa | Rotational + MopExtend | LiDAR + AI Camera | Retractable foot for corners, unfastening base |
| Roborock S8 Pro Ultra | 6000 Pa | Vibrational (VibraRise) | LiDAR + 3D Structured Light | Two silicone brushes, better passability |
| Mijia 1S | 4000 Pa | Wipe (no vibration) | LiDAR | Budget entry into the ecosystem, no base |
| Dreame D10s | 5000 Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa | Wipe | LiDAR | Optimal balance of price and quality, quiet |
As you can see from the table, the Dreame L20 Ultra is benefiting from MopExtend technology, which allows you to clean perfectly along the boards, which is the Achilles heel of round robots. At the same time, the Roborock S8 uses a unique double brush that practically does not wind hair, which is critical for owners of long-haired animals.
The Mijia 1S, a low-end model, lacks many “chips” like a base and cameras, but offers honest laser navigation and good suction power, a choice for those who just need a reliable “worker” who will drive around and collect dust while you do your business.
Wet cleaning: myths and reality
Many users expect a robot vacuum cleaner to clean out dried coffee or footprints in the same way as a human with a mop. This is a misconception. Xiaomi robots are designed for maintenance cleaning: removing light dust and fresh stains. For age-old contaminants, no model, not even the top-end one, can cope perfectly without pre-machining.
But technology has gone a long way: the Mop Lift system allows the robot not to wet the carpets. When the sensors detect the pile, the robot lifts the rags module a few millimeters upwards, which solves the problem of wet carpet corners, which was a scourge of the first generations of robots.
☑️ Check before buying a robot with a cleaning function
And also, we should mention the self-dose of detergent, because in advanced tanks, there's a liquid tank that puts it into the water in a very normal way, and you can't use regular soap, because it creates a foam that can knock out the pump's electronics, and you can only use special tools for robotics.
⚠️ Warning: Never put chlorine, bleach or aggressive chemicals in the robot tank, which destroys rubber seals, pumps and plastic parts of the tank. Use only neutral detergents recommended by the manufacturer.
Smart home and Mi Home app
The software part is your robot's brain. The Mi Home app allows you to create virtual walls, divide a map into rooms, and adjust a schedule. For example, you can say, "Kitchen 2 aisles, Suction Force Max," and for the bedroom, you can set a quiet mode and a single aisle.
Integration with voice assistants Alice, Google Assistant or Siri (via HomeKit for some models) adds another level of comfort: The phrase "Alice, turn on the kitchen vacuum cleaner" will start cleaning in a specific area, which is especially convenient if you need to quickly remove the crumbled cereal before guests arrive.
For advanced users, you can set up automation scenarios. The robot can start when the smartwatch detects that you are asleep, or when the door opening sensor shows that everyone has left the house. The logic of the work is configured in the Profile → Settings → Automation section.
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Main conclusion: Do not chase the maximum suction force (Pa). For smooth floors and carpets with low pile, 3000-4000 Pa is enough.