Robot vacuum cleaners Xiaomi: what are the models different from each other and which to choose?

Xiaomi’s smart device ecosystem includes dozens of robot vacuum cleaners, and it’s not easy for even an experienced buyer to understand their differences. Some models are positioned as budget assistants for small apartments, others – as premium gadgets with laser navigation and self-cleaning. But what really affects the price and functionality? Why is the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro worth 2 times more than the basic version, and DreameBot (a Xiaomi sub-brand) sometimes surpasses the flagship models of the main line?

In this article, we will compare all the current Xiaomi series of robot vacuum cleaners (including Mijia, Viomi and Dreame), understand the technical details and help you choose a model for specific tasks, you will learn what parameters are really important (and which ones should not be paid attention to), how the navigation system affects the quality of cleaning, and why some models do not cope with carpets, paper characteristics, and we will also reveal the hidden limitations of budget models, which the manufacturer does not mention – for example, why cheap robots lose touch with the base or can not build a map of a room with mirrors.

1. The main lines of robot vacuum cleaners Xiaomi: who is who

Xiaomi is releasing robot vacuum cleaners under several brands, and this is the first thing that is confusing.

• 🔹 Mi Robot Vacuum - the main line, includes models from budget to flagship. 1C) Xiaomi (for example, Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite).
• 🔹 Viomi is a premium sub-brand with a focus on design and multifunctionality (e.g. Viomi) V3 UV-lamped).
• 🔹 Dreame is a separate direction focused on advanced navigation and high suction power (for example, DreameBot). D9).
• 🔹 Roborock is a former Xiaomi sub-brand, now an independent brand, but many models are still sold under a dual label.

Important: Despite the different names, all of these devices are operating in the Mi ecosystem. Home/Xiaomi Home (except for some Roborock models that have switched to their own software), but compatibility with other Xiaomi gadgets may differ. V3 It does not support voice control via XiaoAI, unlike Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop. 2 Pro.

Also note the generation of the device: models with the letter S in the title (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop). S6) Usually mean an improved version of the base model, and the numbers after the hyphen (e.g., 2 Lite, 2 Pro) indicate positioning in the lineup.

2. Navigation system: laser vs gyroscope vs camera

This is a key parameter that determines how accurately the robot will navigate the space, build a map of the room and avoid obstacles. Xiaomi models use 3 types of navigation:

• 📡 laser (LDS) — The most accurate and expensive technology. A robot scans a room with a laser beam, creating a new machine. 3D-The map is used in the flagships: Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, DreameBot D9, Viomi V3.
• 🌀 Gyroscopic is a budget-based motion sensor-based version, and the map is built approximately, the robot can get lost. 1C.
• 📷 Visual (camera) + AI is rare in Xiaomi, but it is in some Roborock models. Plus: it recognizes objects better.

What does that mean in practice? Laser-navigated robots:

• ✅ They remember the layout accurately and can clean up zones.
• ✅ Less often they encounter furniture and do not get stuck in corners.
• ✅ Support multi-room map (for example, you can save the maps of the kitchen and bedroom separately).

And here are the gyroscopic models:

• ❌ Often "drive chaotically", missing the plots.
• ❌ They cannot build a map if there are many mirrors or glass surfaces in the room.
• ❌ They lose orientation if they move to another room.

Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite (gyroscope) can drive 3 times on the same site, while DreameBot can drive on the same site. D9 (Laser cleans room in 1 pass on the optimal route.

⚠️ Warning: If your apartment has stairs without fences, don't buy a robot without laser navigation!

3. Suction power and coating types: what different models can do

Manufacturers like to specify the maximum suction power in the passport (for example, 3000 Pa at DreameBot). D9), But in practice, it doesn't say much:

• 🔋 Power adjustment - the ability to choose a mode depending on the coating (carpet, laminate, tile).
• 🌀 Turbobrush - the presence of a rotating brush for deep cleaning of carpets.
• 💧 Wet cleaning feature – not all robots can wash floors, and those that can do it in different ways.

Let's take an example of this.

• 🏆 DreameBot D9 (3000 Pa) – the best choice for carpets thanks to a rubber roller that does not get tangled in the hair, and automatic power increase on carpeting.
• 💰 Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro (2500 Pa) - wagon for laminate and tile, but can leave dust on high-pitch carpets.
• 🧹 Mijia 1C (2000 Pa) - weak power, suitable only for dry cleaning of smooth surfaces.

Many budget models (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite, Mijia) 1C) They don't have power adjustment, which means they'll be operating at maximum power even on laminate floors, scattering dust around the room. V3) Automatically reduce power on smooth surfaces.

Also pay attention to the volume of the dust collector:

• 🐶 For houses with animals, a container of 500 ml is required (otherwise you will have to clean after each cleaning).
• 🏠 For large apartments (100)+ m2) - from 600 ml.

⚠️ Note: Robots with wet cleaning function (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, Viomi) V3) They require a special wipe, and if you use a regular fabric, the humidity sensors can fail!

Make sure the model supports your type of coating (carpet/laminate/tiles)|

Check the volume of the dust collector (minimum 400 ml for a 1-room apartment)|

Estimate battery life (less than 90 minutes for small spaces only)|

Check if there are spare brushes and filters in the kit.-->

Battery and operating time: how long will the robot work on one charge

The battery life depends on three factors:

1. Battery capacity (measured in mAh).
2. Suction power (the higher the battery goes down faster).
3. Area and type of coating (carpets drain the battery faster).

Compare the popular models:

Pay attention to the function "return to base and continue cleaning" (there is a DreameBot). D9 And Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, which means that the robot can do it:

1. Return to charge yourself if the battery is drained.
2. After recharging, continue cleaning from the same place.

In the budget models (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite, Mijia) 1C) This function is not there – the robot either stops or starts cleaning again, losing progress.

Also important: full charge time varies from 3 to 6 hours.If you need daily cleaning, choose models with fast charging (for example, Viomi). V3 charge in 3 hours).

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If the robot is getting lost and is not returning to base properly, check the location of the station. It should stand on a flat surface, 0.5 m from walls and furniture, and not under direct sunlight (laser sensors can malfunction).

5. Wet cleaning functions: what robots wash the floors

Not all Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners support wet cleaning, and even those that do support it, there are significant differences:

• 💦 Electronic water control (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro) – the robot adjusts the intensity depending on the type of coating.
• 💧 Manual adjustment (e.g., Viomi) V3) — User selects the level of humidification in the application.
• 🧽 A simple wipe without control (e.g., Mijia) 1T) — Water is constantly supplied, which can damage the laminate.

Key differences:

One important caveat: wet-cleaning robots require special detergents, and using regular water or household chemicals can:

• 🚫 Clog the water supply system.
• 🚫 Damage to humidity sensors.
• 🚫 Leave divorces on the floor.

Example: DreameBot D9 It has a vibrating mop that cleans up pollution better, but uses water faster, and the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro is more economical, but it does less well with dried spots.

⚠️ Attention: If you have long-pile carpets in your home, turn off the wet cleaning function when cleaning these areas. Water can penetrate the pile and cause mold to appear!

6.Smart features and compatibility with the Xiaomi ecosystem

All Xiaomi Robot Vacuums are Managed Through the Mi App Home/Xiaomi Home, but the level of "smartness" is very different:

• 📱 Voice control – works through Alice, Google Assistant or XiaoAI (e.g. Clean the Kitchen) and is not available in all models (e.g. Viomi). V3 Doesn't support XiaoAI).
• 🗺️ Area cleaning – the ability to specify in the application specific areas for cleaning (for example, only near the sofa.
• 🔄 Automatic map update – the robot remembers changes in layout (e.g. rearranged furniture) D9 Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro.
• 🚫 Virtual walls — the ability to specify "no-go zones" in the app. In budget models (Mijia) 1C) You have to buy physical beacons.

Also note the compatibility with other Xiaomi devices:

• 🔌 Self-cleaning robots (e.g. DreameBot) D9) can automatically empty the dust collector, but require connection to the socket.
• 💡 Some models (Viomi) V3) support integration with Xiaomi smart lamps – for example, you can configure the lights on when you start cleaning.

Example: If you already have a Xiaomi-based smart home (door opening sensors, cameras), choose models that support Mi Home Automation. For example, you can set the rule: "If no one is home, run a robot vacuum cleaner."

7.Price and what affects it: analysis of price categories

The cost of Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners varies from 10,000 to 60,000 ₽. Let’s see what you pay for in each price segment:

• 💰 Budgetary (10 000-20 000) ₽): Mijia 1C, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite. Here you get basic dry cleaning, gyroscopic navigation and a minimal set of features. Suitable for small flats without carpets.
• 💵 Mid-segment (20 000-35,000) ₽): Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, DreameBot Z10 Pro. Laser navigation, wet cleaning, zonal control, optimal choice for most users.
• 💎 Premium (35,000-60,000) ₽): Viomi V3, DreameBot D9. Maximum suction power, self-cleaning, UV lamp, advanced cleaning algorithms.

What you should not overpay:

• ❌ Color of the body - the functionality does not affect.
• ❌ Additional brushes included – they can be bought separately for 500-1000 ₽.
• ❌ UV lamp (in Viomi) V3) — The effectiveness against bacteria is questionable, and the lamp quickly fails.

What to pay attention to:

• ✅ Availability of spare parts - some models (Mijia) 1C) It is difficult to repair due to lack of spare parts.
• ✅ Guarantee – official Xiaomi dealers have a 12-month warranty, “gray” sellers have 3-6.
• ✅ Noise – budget models work at 65-70 dB (like a vacuum cleaner), premium models – at 55-60 dB (like a quiet conversation).

Example: DreameBot D9 worth ~45 000 ₽, But its suction power (3,000 Pa) and self-cleaning justifies the price for big houses. And the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite for 15,000. ₽ Suitable only for cleaning dust on the laminate in a one-room apartment.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions