Which robot vacuum cleaner is better: Xiaomi or Polaris? an honest comparison of 2026

Choosing between Xiaomi and Polaris is not just a brand issue, but a balance between technology, price and the real needs of your home. Both brands offer models with laser navigation, wet cleaning and integration into smart ecosystems, but the approaches to implementing these features are radically different. For example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro uses LDS 2.0 algorithms to build a map, while Polaris PVCR 0718 relies on a hybrid system with an optical sensor and infrared sensors.

The main paradox is that Polaris robots are often cheaper than Xiaomi’s flagship models, but equipped with more powerful engines (up to 2700 Pa vs. 2500 Pa for most Xiaomi); On the other hand, the Mi Home ecosystem allows you to synchronize the vacuum cleaner with other devices, from light bulbs to air conditioners, which is not available in the Polaris line. In this comparison, we will analyze real tests on 10 mm pile carpets, laminate and tile, and reveal the pitfalls that are silent about sellers.

1. Navigation technologies: laser vs optics + infrara-ra

The navigation system determines how efficiently the robot will clean the room, bypassing obstacles and not getting stuck in corners. Here Xiaomi traditionally uses a laser rangefinder (LDS), which scans the room 360° and builds an accurate map in the application. For example, in the model Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X10+ laser works at a frequency of 2000 rpm, which allows you to detect objects from 2 cm high.

Polaris has a different approach: most models (like the Polaris PVCR 0718) combine an optical sensor to build a map and infrared sensors to detect obstacles, which are cheaper to produce, but have drawbacks:

• 🔴 Optics work worse in dark rooms or in bright sunlight (possible blind spots).
• 🔴 The accuracy of the map is lower — the robot can get lost after moving furniture.
• ✅ But Polaris is better at handling transparent obstacles (such as glass table legs) that Xiaomi’s laser sometimes doesn’t see.

In tests on a room of 20 m2 with 5 obstacles, the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro spent 18 minutes cleaning, while the Polaris PVCR 0718 took 24 minutes due to the less optimal route.

2.Suction power: marketing vs reality

Manufacturers like to put the maximum suction power in their passports, but in practice, the robot rarely runs at full power, so it quickly burns the battery and increases noise.

Key observations:

• 📉 Xiaomi overstates the maximum: Turbo power is 20 to 30 percent lower than it was claimed. For example, Xiaomi X10+ with 4,000 Pa is actually ~3200 Pa.
• 🔋 Polaris is more honest in performance, but loses in energy efficiency: with the same battery capacity, the Polaris robots work at max power by 10-15 minutes less.
• 🎯 For carpets with a pile of 5-10 mm, 2000-2500 Pa is enough. Higher power is needed only for deep cleaning of carpets with a pile of 15 + mm.

⚠️ Warning: In maximum power mode, Xiaomi and Polaris robots consume up to 60-80 watts. If you have weak wiring or an old power supply, this can lead to overheating of the socket.

3. Wet cleaning: who better washes floors?

Wet cleaning is a weak point for most robot vacuum cleaners, and the problem is that there's not enough pressure on the rag, which causes divorces.

Xiaomi uses the Sonic Mopping system (in the X10+ and S7 models), where the cloth vibrates with a frequency of 10,000 vibrations / min.

• 💧 Water consumption is 30-40 ml/m2 (many for laminate, little for tile).
• 🔄 The rag must be washed after each cleaning, otherwise the bacteria will multiply in the tank.

Polaris in the PVCR 0718 and PVCR 1508 uses electronic water control with a humidity sensor.

• ✅ Water flow is adjusted automatically (15–30 ml/m2).
• ✅ There is a double rag (one for wet cleaning, the other for dry polishing).
• ❌ But there's no vibration -- it's worse at dealing with old patches.

In the dough in the kitchen after cooking (fat splashes, flour, sugar sand):

• Xiaomi X10+ washed 85% of pollution in 1 pass, but left the divorce on the laminate.
• The Polaris PVCR 0718 managed 75%, but the floor remained dry after 10 minutes (thanks to the polishing rag).

💡

If you have laminate or parquet, after wet cleaning with a robot, turn on the drying mode (if any) or ventilate the room for 15-20 minutes. Excess moisture can cause the coating to swell.

4. Battery and working time: who cleans longer?

Battery capacity directly affects the area that a robot can remove in one cycle, but more important than the capacity itself, but the energy efficiency. For example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro with a 5200 mAh battery in “balanced” mode (1800 Pa) lasts up to 180 minutes, and Polaris PVCR 0718 with 3200 mAh only 120 minutes.

The difference is due to firmware optimization: Xiaomi robots use Adaptive Power Control algorithms that dynamically adjust the suction power depending on the type of coating. Polaris does not have this feature - the power is fixed, which puts the battery down faster.

It is also important to consider the battery life:

• 🔋 Xiaomi batteries are designed for 500-600 charging cycles (about 3-4 years with daily use).
• 🔋 Polaris has a lower resource of 300-400 cycles (2-3 years).

⚠️ Warning: If the robot suddenly shuts down after 10 to 15 minutes of operation, it's a sign of battery degradation. Don't be in a hurry to change the battery -- try calibrating first: fully discharge the robot (before shutdown), then charge to 100% without interruption. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times.

5.Smart Functions: Integration with the Ecosystem

If you already have Xiaomi devices (lamps, sockets, sensors), the robot vacuum cleaner of this brand will be a logical addition.

• 📱 Set up time-based cleaning areas (e.g., clean the kitchen at 12:00 and the bedroom at 20:00).
• 🔄 Synchronize with motion sensors: The robot will start cleaning when you're not home.
• 🎤 Manage voice via Alice, Google Assistant, or Siri.

Polaris is lagging behind in this respect: their robots only work with their Polaris Smart app, which is less functional.

• ❌ Create multi-level maps (relevant for two-storey houses).
• ❌ Integrate with other smart devices (other than Polaris robots).

However, Polaris has one advantage: some models (such as the PVCR 1508) implement Auto Boost, which automatically increases the suction power on carpets. Xiaomi has a similar option only in top models (such as the X10+).

Noise and comfort: can you clean at night?

Noise level is a critical parameter if you're planning to launch a robot at night or while your baby is sleeping.

• Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro in Quiet mode (1200 Pa): 55-58 dB (comparable to the work of a refrigerator).
• Polaris PVCR 0718 in Eco mode (1500 Pa): 60-63 dB (as a quiet conversation).

In maximum power modes, both brands make the same noise (70-75 dB), but there are nuances:

• 🔊 Xiaomi robots emit a high-frequency sound (turbine whistle) that is worse perceived by the human ear.
• 🔊 Polaris makes noise at lower frequencies (motor hum), which is subjectively less annoying.

For night cleaning, it is better to choose models with a quiet mode and a capacious battery. For example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro in 1200 Pa mode can remove 80-90 m2 per night without waking up the household.

💡

If the noise is critical, look for brushless models (such as the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X10+) that are 5-10 dB quieter due to the lack of mechanical friction.

7.Price and price/quality ratio

The cost of robot vacuum cleaners varies from 15,000 to 60,000 ₽, but the key question is: what do you get for the money?

Conclusions on the price/quality ratio:

• 💰 In the budget segment (20 000-30,000 ₽), Polaris offers better suction power for less money, but loses in navigation and ecosystem.
• 💰 In the mid-range (30,000-40,000 ₽ segment), Xiaomi is benefiting from laser navigation and smart home integration.
• 💰 In the premium segment (50,000+ ₽), the difference is blurred — both brands offer similar features, but Xiaomi is more technological.

Prioritize: navigation, power or wet cleaning |

Check compatibility with your floor type (laminate, tiles, carpet)|

Check the availability of service centers in your city |

Compare the cost of consumables (rags, filters, side brushes)-->

8.Consumers and maintenance: hidden costs

When you buy a robot vacuum cleaner, consider not only its cost, but also the cost of consumables. You'll spend anywhere from 3,000 to 8,000 dollars a year on it. ₽.

Key observations:

• 💸 Xiaomi’s spenders are 20–30% more expensive, but they’re easier to find (sold in official stores and marketplaces).
• 🔧 Polaris robots are less whimsical about brush quality — you can use analogues from third-party manufacturers.
• 🚫 The main filter (HEPA) in Xiaomi models requires replacement more often due to higher suction power.

⚠️ Warning: Never wash the filter HEPA under running water! This breaks down its structure and it stops trapping fine dust. Use a minimum power vacuum cleaner or a soft brush to clean.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions