Which robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi 2020 to choose: model comparison and expert recommendations

Choosing a robot vacuum cleaner in 2020 was a real headache for many buyers, and Xiaomi offered several models with different capabilities, from budget options to premium devices with laser navigation. But how can you not go wrong and choose the robot vacuum cleaner that will fit perfectly into your home?

In this article, we will analyze all the current models of Xiaomi 2020 release, compare their technical characteristics, highlight the key advantages and disadvantages. We will focus on such parameters as navigation type, suction power, operating time, compatibility with smart systems and mapping capabilities, and at the end you will find practical tips to help make the right choice.

Review of the model range of robot vacuum cleaners Xiaomi 2020

In 2020, Xiaomi introduced several models of robot vacuum cleaners, each of which was targeted at different categories of users.

  • πŸ”Ή Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop - budget models with hybrid cleaning (vacuum cleaner) + mop)
  • πŸ”Ή Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P - improved versions with laser navigation
  • πŸ”Ή Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 – flagship devices with advanced features
  • πŸ”Ή Viomi V2/V3 β€” Premium models with advanced cleaning algorithms

All devices supported control through the Mi Home app, but differed in mapping capabilities, suction power and additional features. For example, the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 could automatically raise the mop when switching to the carpet, and the Viomi could automatically raise the mop when switching to the carpet. V3 system-equipped LDS-centimeter-accurate navigation.

It is important to understand that even within the same series, there could be modifications with different characteristics. For example, the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P was available in versions with different suction power (from 1800 Pa to 2500 Pa).

πŸ“Š What type of navigation is more important to you?
Laser (LDS)
Gyroscopic
Optical (camera)
Whatever.

Laser Navigation vs. Gyroscope: Which is Best for Your Home?

One of the key parameters when choosing a robot vacuum cleaner is the type of navigation, and in 2020 Xiaomi offered devices with two main systems:

  • πŸ”¦ Laser navigation (LDS) β€” creates an accurate map of the room, better navigates in complex interiors, but more expensive
  • πŸŒ€ Gyroscopic navigation is cheaper but less accurate, and can get lost in large rooms.

LDS-based models (such as Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P or Viomi V3) were suitable for apartments with lots of furniture and partitions, they could memorize a map, divide the room into zones and even save several floors, while robots with a gyroscope (such as the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop basic version) were more likely to get stuck in narrow aisles and require manual route adjustment.

Another important point is smart home compatibility, where laser models were better integrated with Mi Home and Google Assistant, allowing you to customize cleaning by schedule or voice, and gyroscopic options usually had limited functionality in the app.

⚠️ If your apartment has mirrors or glass partitions, laser navigation can work unstable - the beam reflects off the surfaces and distorts the map.

Comparison of key Xiaomi models in 2020: Characteristics table

To make it easier to choose, we put the basic parameters of popular models into one table, and look at criteria like suction capacity, operating time and wet cleaning ability, which have a direct impact on cleaning efficiency.

ModelType of navigationSuction power (Pa)Working hours (min)Wet cleaningVolume of dust collector (l)
Mi Robot Vacuum-Mopgyroscope1800100Yeah (rag)0.42
Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop PLDS (laser)2500150Yeah (reservoir)0.55
Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2LDS (laser)3000180Yeah (mop lifting)0.6
Viomi V3LDS (laser)2700200Yeah (vibro castle)0.5

One important caveat: models with suction power below 2,000 Pa do not do well with medium-length carpets and animal hair. If you have furry pets at home, you should consider options from 2500 Pa and above.

For small apartments (up to 50 m2), 0.4 liters will suffice, and for houses with an area of 100 + m2, it is better to choose a model with a container from 0.5 liters, so as not to empty it after each cleaning.

Which model to choose depending on the type of room?

There is no universal robot vacuum cleaner that works equally well for a small studio and a two-story cottage. Let's see which model Xiaomi 2020 is better at handling different types of rooms.

For small apartments (up to 40 m2):

  • 🏠 Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop - budget version with a gyroscope, enough for the 1-2 room-room
  • πŸ’§ Suitable for daily cleaning without heavy pollution

For apartments of medium size (50-80 m2):

  • 🏑 Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P - laser navigation, power 2500 Pa, copes well with carpets
  • πŸ”‹ Hold the charge to 2.5 hours, manages to clean up 3-4 room-room

For large houses (100+ m2) or apartments with animals:

  • 🏒 Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 or Viomi V3 β€” Power from 2700 Pa, advanced navigation
  • πŸ• Effectively collects wool, maintains zoning and schedules

If you have a lot of high-pile carpets in your home, look for models with Carpet Boost (automatic power increase on carpets), which only the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 had in the Xiaomi 2020 lineup.

- Suction power from 2500 Pa

- Working hours β‰₯ 150 minutes

- Dust collector volume β‰₯ 0.5 litres

- Support for keeping multiple cards (for multi-storey houses)-->

Which is better: Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P or Viomi V3?

The two most popular models of 2020, the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P and the Viomi V3, are often compared, so let’s see what their key differences are and which model to choose depending on your needs.

Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P:

  • βœ… Suction power of 2500 Pa – good for carpets
  • βœ… Support for wet cleaning with electronic water supply control
  • ❌ Smaller volume of the dust collector (0.55 l vs. 0.6 l in Viomi)

Viomi V3:

  • βœ… More advanced navigation system with improved algorithms
  • βœ… Vibrocaster for mop - better wash the floors
  • βœ… Longer working on a single charge (up to 200 minutes)
  • ❌ Higher price. 20-30% More expensive than Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P)

If you want maximum cleaning efficiency and you're willing to pay too much, the Viomi V3 is the best choice, but for most users, the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P will be enough, especially when you consider the price difference.

⚠️ Attention: Both models require regular cleaning of sensors and brushes, and if maintenance is ignored, the accuracy of navigation will deteriorate over time, and the suction power will decrease.

Operational tips: how to extend the life of a robot vacuum cleaner?

Even the most expensive robot vacuum cleaner will not last long if you do not follow simple rules of operation, here are some tips to help avoid breakdowns and maintain the efficiency of cleaning:

  1. Clean the brushes and filters after each cleaning, and the hair and thread are wound on the rollers, which reduces the suction power.
  2. Check the sensors once a week, and the dust on the sensors can cause navigational errors.
  3. Do not use aggressive detergents for wet cleaning – they can damage rubber seals.
  4. Keep the robot in a dry place. Humidity causes the charging station contacts to corrosion.

Pay special attention to the battery. Lithium-ion batteries in Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners lose capacity if the device is constantly on charge. Optimal mode: discharge to 20-30% and then recharge.

πŸ’‘

If the robot is getting worse at spatial orientation, try resetting the map in the Mi Home app and restarting the mapping process, often solving the problem without going to the service.

Also, it is worth remembering that robot vacuum cleaners do not replace full cleaning. They are great at maintaining daily cleanliness, but every 1-2 weeks it is still recommended to conduct a general cleaning with a vacuum cleaner or mop.

Where to buy and what to look for when buying?

In 2020, Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners were officially sold through several channels:

  • πŸ›’ Xiaomi official store (mi.com) – a guarantee of original goods, but often inflated prices
  • 🌍 AliExpress, Gearbest – cheaper, but the risk of running into counterfeit or β€œgray” imports
  • 🏬 Local retailers (M.Video, Citilink) - convenient for checking before buying, but the range is limited

When buying, be sure to check:

  1. Availability of Russian firmware (some "gray" models are supplied with Chinese software)
  2. Warranty card – official guarantee in Russia usually 12 months
  3. Completement (should be a charging station, spare brushes, filters)

Prices for 2020 models have fallen significantly by 2026, such as the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P, which cost about 30,000 rubles in 2020, now you can find it for 15,000-20,000 rubles in the secondary market. But before buying a used device, be sure to check the status of the battery - its capacity could be greatly reduced.

πŸ’‘

When buying with AliExpress, choose sellers with a rating of at least 98% and orders from 1000+.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's 2020 robot vacuum cleaners

Can you use Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner on dark floors?
Yes, but some models with gyroscopic navigation (such as the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop) may have trouble determining height on black or dark surfaces, and the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P, Viomi V3, is better at this task.
How often should you change your filters (brushes)?
The side brushes are recommended to be changed every time. 3-6 months, the main brush - once in a while 6-12 months. HEPA-The filter lasts about a year with regular cleaning, and the Mi Home app has a depreciation meter to help keep the replacements in check.
Can you operate a robot vacuum cleaner without the Internet?
Yes, basic functions (enable, select cleaning mode) work without Wi-Fi connection, but for schedule settings, zoning and other advanced features, the Internet is mandatory.
Is Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaner suitable for cleaning animal hair?
Models with a suction power of 2500 Pa (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P, Viomi V3) cope well with wool, but require regular brush cleaning. For long-haired breeds, it is better to choose devices with rubber rollers - they wind the hair less.
What if the robot doesn’t return to base?
Check: Location of the charging station (should stand on a flat surface, without obstacles within a radius of 1 m) Base charge (the indicator should burn green) Robot sensors (wipe them with a dry cloth) Settings in the application (sometimes the "home" point is knocked off) If the problem remains, try to restart the device (hold the power button for 10 seconds).