The world of cleaning technology has changed dramatically with the advent of the first standalone devices from the Chinese tech giant. Users are often lost in the endless stream of titles such as Mi Robot Vacuum, Dreame, Roborock and Viomi, not realizing that they all belong in one way or another to the Xiaomi ecosystem. Choosing the right model turns into a complex logical task requiring analysis of hundreds of characteristics, suction power and type of navigation.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what Xiaomiβs robot vacuum cleaners are today, and help you structure your knowledge of the different product lines. We wonβt just list the models, but delve into the technical nuances that really affect the quality of your apartment cleaning. Understanding the difference between the ecosystem brands is the key to buying that you wonβt regret.
It's worth noting that Xiaomi often has a lot of sub-brands, each with its own niche, some with basic dry cleaning, some with sophisticated LDS laser navigation systems, and some with pressure floor washing skills, and understanding this diversity is our main goal.
Key brands of the Xiaomi ecosystem
The first thing to learn for a beginner is that Xiaomi rarely makes machines on its own, preferring to invest in specialized companies. That is why you can find devices with different logos on the market, but with a common Mi Home management platform. The main players here are Roborock, Dreame, Viomi and 360. Each of these companies develops unique solutions that are then integrated into a single network of smart homes.
Roborock, for example, has long been considered a flagship partner, producing models with better navigation and reliability. At the same time, Dreame relies on high suction power and innovative floorwashing systems. Viomi often offers more affordable solutions with good functionality, and the 360 brand specializes in obstacle-avoidance algorithms inherited from the production of CCTV cameras.
It's important to understand that software is often unified across all of these devices, which means that the robot is controlled through a single application, regardless of which logo is on the case, but the functionality of the application may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer of the particular device.
β οΈ Note: When buying a device, pay attention to the version region (Global, China, EU). Chinese versions of robot vacuum cleaners may require a region change in the Mi Home app to China, sometimes resulting in delays in receiving notifications.
Why are there so many brands?
Budget segment: Mi Robot Vacuum series
Historically, it was the classic white robot with the characteristic "eye" of a laser rangefinder that became a symbol of the revolution in cleaning.The budget models of the Mi Robot Vacuum series (often referred to as "the "eye" of a laser rangefinder") 1S Or Essential, they offer basic but reliable functionality. LDS-navigation, which allows you to build an accurate map of the room, which is deprived of many competitors in this price range.
These devices are ideal for simple-plan apartments without many sills and complex obstacles. The suction power here is usually about 2000-2500 Pa, which is enough to maintain cleanliness on hard coatings and low-pile carpets on a daily basis. However, it is worth considering that basic models often lack the wet cleaning function or it is implemented in the format of simple wiping with a rag without vibration.
Users value these models for their ease of maintenance and availability of supplies. Filters, brushes and side brooms for the Mi Robot series can be found in any electronics store or marketplace at a very low price, making the cost of ownership of the device minimal for several years of operation.
- π€ Navigation: Laser (LDS) map-maker.
- π Autonomy: Up to 150 minutes of operation on a single charge.
- π± Control: Full support for Mi Home and voice assistants.
- π§ Wet cleaning: Often absent or basic (gravitational).
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Xiaomiβs budget models are the best entry ticket to the world of smart cleaning, offering laser navigation at the price of ordinary chaotic robots.
Middle Class: Roborock and Dreame lineup
If your budget allows you to spend more, it opens the door to a world of advanced cleaning technologies. The mid-range models from Roborock (S5, S6, Q) and Dreame (D9, L10) offer significantly expanded functionality. Here you can count on combined cleaning, where the robot simultaneously vacuums and washes the floor using smart algorithms to lift the brush on the carpet.
These models focus on suction power, which can reach 2700-3,000 Pa or higher, and allow for efficient collection of dust from deep carpet layers and fine debris from the slits of the boards, and many mid-range models are equipped with more capacious batteries, which is critical for cleaning large apartments or houses over 100 square meters.
Another important difference is the improved filtering system, which is often used in devices of this level. HEPA-High-efficiency filters that trap not only large dust, but also allergens, pollen and fine particles, making them an excellent choice for families with children or people with allergies.
Recommended frequency of filter replacement:
HEPA-Filter: every 6-12 months
Side brush: every 3-6 months
Main brush: every 6-12 monthsThis segment also includes virtual walls and exclusion zones right in the app, so you can stop the robot from going into a wired area or under the couch where it can get stuck, and the precision of positioning here already allows the robot to stay in the dark and effectively clean the room in complex trajectories, such as a snake or along the walls.
Flagship solutions: S MaxV and Ultrasonic series
At the top of the pyramid are flagship models like the Roborock S7 MaxV or Dreame L10s Ultra, which represent the pinnacle of home robotics engineering, and are equipped with AI systems to recognize objects, allowing them to bypass toys, shoes, and even pet excrement without smearing them on the floor.
A key feature of the top models is the presence of self-cleaning docks. Once the cleaning is complete, the robot automatically drives to the base, where a powerful vacuum cleaner pumps all the garbage from the container into a large bag. You have to throw out the garbage once a month, not after each cleaning. Some models also know how to add water to the tank on their own and even wash and dry the floor cloth.
The vibratory floorwashing system is another feature of flagships. The rag does thousands of micro-movements per minute, simulating manual cleaning. The pressure on the floor can be as high as 3 kg, allowing you to wipe off dried coffee stains or footprints. It's not just dusting, it's full washing.
- ποΈ AI-Camera: Recognizes and bypasses obstacles in the dark.
- ποΈ Auto-cleaning: Docking station emptying container itself.
- π§Ό Self-cleaning of cloth: Automatic washing and drying of the module.
- π£οΈ Voice control: Advanced support for Siri and Alice.
β οΈ Warning: Flagship models with automatic washing function require connecting the docking station to the water supply and sewerage for full autonomy, or regular manual water replacement in the tanks of the base.
Comparison of characteristics of popular models
To make a final decision, you need to compare the technical parameters of different devices in one place. The table below will help you quickly navigate the key differences between the popular series of robot vacuum cleaners of the Xiaomi ecosystem.
| Model/Series | Type of navigation | Power (Pa) | Wet cleaning | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Robot Essential | LDS Laser | 2500 | No. | Basic model, only dry cleaning |
| Roborock S5 Max | LDS Laser | 2000 | Yes (Flow Control) | Reliable classic, electronic tank |
| Dreame L10 Pro | LDS Laser | 4000 | Yes (Vibration) | High power, AI-camera |
| Roborock S7 | LDS Laser | 2500 | Yes (Sonic vibe) | Raising the brush on the carpets |
| Dreame L20 Ultra | LiDAR + AI | 6000+ | Yeah (car wash) | Full autonomy, expansion of the mops |
If you look at the table, you can see a direct correlation between price and automation. If you're critical about the lack of manual intervention, you should look at models with the prefix Ultra or Pro. At the same time, conventional models of the S or L series without consoles require more frequent user attention, but are much cheaper.
Flagship models with self-cleaning bases often have larger dimensions, which can be a problem for placement in niches or under low cabinets. Standard robots are usually about 9-10 cm tall, whereas complexes with bases may require more space in width and depth.
Setup and maintenance of the device
Once you buy a Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner, you need to set it up properly to work efficiently. The initial installation process takes no more than 10-15 minutes and involves charging the device, installing the application and linking it to the Wi-Fi network. It is important to use a 2.4 GHz network, since many models still do not support the 5 GHz standard.
The first cleaning should be done in map-building mode, which is when you don't interfere with the robot, rearrange the furniture, or carry it around, and the device has to travel the entire perimeter of the room so that the algorithms can create an accurate digital twin of your apartment, and only after you create the map can you specify virtual walls and zones.
βοΈ The primary setting of the robot
Regular maintenance is the key to a long life for your assistant. You need to regularly clean the main brush of wound hair and hair, shake the dust container and wipe the sensors. Cliff (fall sensors) and LDS (laser rangefinder) sensors require special care when cleaning, so that the robot does not lose orientation in space.
Cleaning algorithm of LDS-module:
1. Turn off the robot.
2. Carefully remove the cover of the laser module (if removable).
3. Blow the holes with compressed air.
4. wipe the lens with a soft dry napkin.π‘
To remove tightly wound hair from the main brush, use a special knife, which often comes with a kit, or a regular stationery knife. Be careful not to damage the bearings of the brush.