I’m a huge fan of Blueair air purifiers, especially their Blue Pure series. I also like how Xiaomi continually innovates its air purifiers and improves their features.
In this article, I will compare the Blueair 411 Auto and the Xiaomi 4 Compact, two small air purifiers with similar coverage but different features. The Xiaomi 4 Compact covers rooms up to 206 sq. ft. (19 m²), while the Blueair 411 Auto covers rooms up to 190 sq. ft. (18 m²). Both air purifiers can clean the air 4.8 times per hour in their recommended room sizes.
The Xiaomi 4 Compact uses a three-stage filtration system, including a pre-filter, Xiaomi’s High-Efficiency Filter, and an activated carbon filter. The Blueair 411 Auto, on the other hand, doesn’t have a True HEPA filter; instead, it uses a lower-grade filter called the Particle Filter. However, it includes a washable pre-filter and utilizes HEPASilent technology.
When it comes to features, the Xiaomi 4 Compact is the clear winner. It offers many innovative options, can be connected to a smart app, and more. The Blueair 411 Auto is somewhat minimalistic but has its own advantages. Both purifiers have an air quality sensor, air quality indicator, and auto mode—some of my favorite features in an air purifier.
Our Verdict
Thanks to its better-optimized 10W motor, the Blueair 411 Auto won the power usage test. It also has a superior pre-filter and is a more visually appealing air purifier.
These are the reasons why the Blueair 411 Auto would be a better buying option. However, if you’re looking for an air purifier that is almost as good as the Blueair 411 but with additional smart features and innovations, then the Xiaomi 4 Compact would be a fantastic choice as well.
Please use the comment box below the article to ask any questions you may have about these two air purifiers.
Specs: Blueair 411 Auto Vs Xiaomi 4 Compact
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Blueair | XIaomi |
| Model | 411 Auto | 4 Compact |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 16.7 x 7.8 x 7.8 inches (42.5 x 20 x 20 cm) | Φ8.6 x 14 inches (Φ22.0 x 35.5 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | - | 4.85 lb (2.2 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 123 CFM (210 m³/h) | 135 CFM (230 m³/h) |
| Coverage (4.8 ACH)
Room Coverage Explanation: ACH is a measurement used in indoor air quality management to indicate how many times the air within a defined space is changed/moved through the filter media.
For more details, visit our ACH calculator tool. | 190 sq. ft. (18 m²) | 206 sq. ft. (19 m²) |
| Performance Ratings Performance Ratings Score Summary: 8.4 - Average Score (71 products) 9.8 - Best Score (2 products) 2.5 - Worst Score (2 products) We use the Temtop LKC-1000S laser particle meter to test the particle removal efficiency of every air purifier. It measures PM2.5 (µg/m3), PM10 (µg/m3), Particles (per/L), and HCHO (mg/m3) in the air, and also calculates the AQI. You can read more about our testing methodology here. | ||
| Filtration Technology | Washable Pre-filter, Particle Filter, and Carbon Filter | Primary Filter, Xiaomi’s High Efficiency-Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | about 6 months | 6-12 months |
| Power Consumption
Power Usage Summary: Our extensive testing of 71 air purifiers revealed the following power consumption insights:
Check out our power consumption calculator tool. | 10W | 27W |
| Operating Costs Ratings Operating Costs Ratings Score Summary: 9 - Average Score (71 products) 10 - Best Score (2 products) 1.7 - Worst Score (1 products) We measure the power usage at all speeds using an energy meter, after which we calculate how much it would cost to use the device at a particular fan speed for one month. For reference, we use an energy price of $0.12 per kWh. You can read more about our testing methodology here. | ||
| Number of Fan Speeds | 3 – Night Mode, Everyday Mode, Boost Mode | 3 – Automatic Mode, Sleep Mode, and Manual Mode |
| Air Quality Sensor Air Quality Sensor Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 33 have the air quality sensor. | Yes | Yes |
| Air Quality Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Mode Auto Mode Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 34 have auto mode functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Smart App Smart App Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 22 have smart app functionality. | No | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 22 have voice control functionality. | No | Yes |
| Other Features | Smart Plug | Light SensorDisplay Lock |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 41.6 – 61.2 dBA | 41.3 – 60.4 dBA |
| Noise Ratings Noise Ratings Score Summary: 9.3 - Average Score (71 products) 10 - Best Score (1 products) 8.2 - Worst Score (1 products) We use a special noise measurement tool to test the noise level of the air purifier at all speeds. We measured the noise level on the dBA scale. You can read more about our testing methodology here. | ||
| Best Suited For | Bedrooms Allergies Small Spaces Dust Low Energy Cost | Bedrooms Small Spaces Portable Use Smart Home Integration |
| Warranty | 2-year | 1-year |
| In-Depth Review | Blueair 411 Auto | XIaomi 4 Compact |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Performance Test – Comparison
We tested the efficiency of these two air purifiers in capturing airborne particles, and the first thing I’d like to say is that they both made excellent results.
Considering their similar CADR—123 CFM (210 m³/h) for the Blueair and 135 CFM (230 m³/h) for the Xiaomi—we tested them in two rooms of the same size.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Blueair 411 Auto and Xiaomi 4 Compact in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In the first test, in a room of 194 sq. ft. (18 m²), both air purifiers improved air quality by 94% in just 60 minutes while operating at maximum speed the entire time.
In the second test, performed in a room of 320 sq. ft. (30 m²), which is much larger than the recommended size, both air purifiers improved air quality by 91%.
These results were extremely surprising, and the fact that they achieved the exact same outcome in both tests makes this comparison a draw.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
The Xiaomi 4 Compact has a slightly larger CADR, and it was faster by 5 seconds in our smoke test.
It took only 22 seconds to remove all the smoke from the glass box, while the Blueair 411 Auto took 27 seconds.
Although the difference isn’t significant, the Xiaomi still performed better in this test. It not only has a higher CADR but also a superior pellet-based carbon filter.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
When it comes to noise level tests, the results are fairly clear. The Blueair 411 Auto has more fan speeds, making it easier to adapt to your needs.
The Blueair 411 Auto offers three fan speeds and an auto mode, while the Xiaomi 4 Compact has just two fan speeds and an auto mode.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Blueair 411 Auto and Xiaomi 4 Compact air purifiers.
At the lowest speeds, the Xiaomi 4 Compact is slightly quieter, producing 41.3 dBA, while the Blueair 411 Auto produces 41.6 dBA. At maximum speeds, the situation is similar: the Xiaomi produces 60.4 dBA, while the Blueair produces 61.2 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Blueair 411 Auto (dBA) | Xiaomi 4 Compact (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | - | 60.4 dBA |
| Sleep Mode | 41.6 dBA | 41.3 dBA |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 42.9 dBA | - |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 61.2 dBA | - |
What bothers me the most is that the Blueair sometimes emits strange and annoying noises at maximum speed, which is why I rated the Xiaomi 4 Compact as slightly quieter and better optimized for noise.
Operating Costs – Comparison
As I’ve mentioned many times, the Blueair 411 Auto is one of the most energy-efficient air purifiers. It uses a motor of just 10W and consumes only 9.1W at maximum speed.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Blueair 411 Auto and Xiaomi 4 Compact air purifiers at all fan speeds.
On the other hand, the Xiaomi 4 Compact uses a 27W motor. Considering that they have almost identical CADR, we can say that the Blueair did a much better job in optimizing its motor.
If you were to use these two air purifiers at their maximum speeds, 24 hours a day, for one month, your electric bill would increase by about $0.80 for the Blueair and by about $2.12 for the Xiaomi.
| Fan Speed | Blueair 411 Auto (W + $/month) | Xiaomi 4 Compact (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0W ($0) | 1.8W ($0.15) |
| Sleep Mode | 1.9W ($0.17) | 2.6W ($0.22) |
| Max Speed | - | 24.2W ($2.12) |
| Speed 1 (Low) | 2.3W ($0.2) | - |
| Speed 2 (Medium) | 9.1W ($0.8) | - |
In addition to these costs, there’s also the cost of replacement filters, which is cheaper for the Blueair 411 Auto, making it overall a more affordable air purifier for annual maintenance.
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