In this article, I will compare two popular air purifiers: the Smartmi P1 and the Xiaomi 4 Compact. Both devices are made by renowned companies and come equipped with three-stage filtration technology.
They are CARB certified, donćt produce ozone and are 100% safe to use. I prefer Xiaomi’s carbon filter, which uses carbon pellets—a more reliable technology than the fibrous filters coated with carbon, as found in the Smartmi’s carbon filter.
These two devices are fully smart-oriented. You can control them entirely through the smart apps available for Android and iOS devices. The Smartmi has a standalone app designed specifically for the air purifier, while Xiaomi uses the Mi Home app, which is their general app for all devices in the Xiaomi ecosystem.
Both air purifiers are energy-efficient, exceptionally quiet, and offer outstanding performance. It was a pleasure comparing them. Keep reading to find out which one is the winner and my personal buying recommendation!
Our Verdict
Frankly, this is one of the toughest comparisons Iv’e ever made. The Smartmi P1 and Xiaomi 4 Compact are so similar; they performed almost identically in all tests and share nearly the same specifications.
However, if I had to choose an air purifier right now, I would go with the Smartmi P1 over the Xiaomi 4 Compact. While I like Xiaomi’s smart app, the Smartmi P1 performed slightly better. It’s quieter in sleep mode, and I prefer its design.
If you have any questions about these two air purifiers, please use the comment box below the article.
Specs: Smartmi P1 Vs Xiaomi 4 Compact
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Smartmi | XIaomi |
| Model | P1 | 4 Compact |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 8.6 x 14.2 inches (21.8 x 36.1 cm) | Φ8.6 x 14 inches (Φ22.0 x 35.5 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 6.6 lb (3 kg) | 4.85 lb (2.2 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 147 CFM (250 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. | 230 sq. ft. (21 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 | Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Carbon-infused Filter | Primary Filter, Xiaomi’s High Efficiency-Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | 6-12 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. | 30W | 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 – Sleep Mode, Normal Mode, and Max Speed | 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. | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 22 have voice control functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Other Features | TimerLight Sensor | Light SensorDisplay Lock |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.9 – 62.3 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 Low Energy Cost Portable Use Smart Home Integration Quiet Operation | Bedrooms Small Spaces Portable Use Smart Home Integration |
| Warranty | 1-year | 1-year |
| In-Depth Review | Smartmi P1 | XIaomi 4 Compact |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Performance Test – Comparison
Although the Smartmi P1 is designed for slightly larger rooms, we tested both purifiers in the same room sizes.
We measured how much they improved air quality after running at maximum speed for 60 minutes.
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Smartmi P1 and Xiaomi 4 Compact in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In the first test, conducted in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room, the Smartmi P1 improved air quality by 95%, while the Xiaomi 4 Compact improved it by about 94%.
In the second test, in a larger 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room, both devices achieved the same result, improving air quality by about 91%.
As you can see, the Smartmi P1 performed slightly better in particle removal tests.
Smoke Box Test – Comparison
We tested these two small air purifiers in our smoke removal test, and what’s most interesting is that they produced identical results.
Both air purifiers removed all the smoke from the glass box in just 22 seconds.
I expected similar results, but achieving exactly the same outcome was a true surprise.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
When discussing noise levels, the first thing to note is that these two air purifiers operate differently in terms of fan speed options.
Both air purifiers have a sleep mode and a turbo mode, but the Smartmi P1 also has a normal mode, which is a speed setting between sleep and turbo. However, they both primarily rely on auto mode, which is why they don’t offer more manual fan speed options.
Noise Levels - Comparison
Comparison of noise levels at all fan speeds between the Smartmi P1 and Xiaomi 4 Compact air purifiers.
At the lowest speeds, both are relatively quiet, but the Smartmi P1 is slightly quieter, producing a noise level of 40.9 dBA compared to the Xiaomi 4 Compact’s 41.3 dBA.
On the other hand, at maximum speed, the situation is a bit different. The Smartmi P1 is slightly louder, with a noise level of 62.3 dBA, while the Xiaomi 4 Compact produces 60.4 dBA.
| Fan Speed | Smartmi P1 (dBA) | Xiaomi 4 Compact (dBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 62.3 dBA | 60.4 dBA |
| Normal Mode | 46.8 dBA | - |
| Sleep Mode | 40.9 dBA | 41.3 dBA |
Overall, the Smartmi P1 is a bit quieter at the lowest speed and offers an additional fan speed option, making it better optimized for noise control.
Operating Costs – Comparison
These two air purifiers are almost identical in power consumption. The Smartmi P1 uses a 30W motor, while the Xiaomi 4 Compact has a slightly smaller 27W motor.
If we compare their power usage at all speeds, the Smartmi P1 is overall a slightly higher power consumer.
Monthly Power Consumption Cost - Comparison
Comparison of monthly power consumption costs for the Smartmi P1 and Xiaomi 4 Compact air purifiers at all fan speeds.
If you used it at maximum speed, 24 hours a day for one month, your electric bill would increase by about $2.39, whereas with the Xiaomi 4 Compact, it would increase by $2.12.
Regarding the replacement filter price, both filters have the same lifespan, and the prices are very similar.
| Fan Speed | Smartmi P1 (W + $/month) | Xiaomi 4 Compact (W + $/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 0.8W ($0.07) | 1.8W ($0.15) |
| Sleep Mode | 2.1W ($0.18) | 2.6W ($0.22) |
| Max Speed | 27.3W ($2.39) | 24.2W ($2.12) |
| Normal Mode | 7.2W ($0.63) | - |
While we could say that the maintenance costs for these two are nearly identical, I would still argue that the difference is minimal, with Xiaomi potentially being slightly more affordable to maintain than Smartmi.
Any alternative filter for smartmi p1? because it is hard to find filter replacement for p1
I can only recommend monitoring the availability of replacement filters on Amazon, as they are in stock sometimes.
I hope the manufacturer restocks the filters soon.
Might they actualy be the same product? Just updatet some parts? They look very similar, share the same dimensions and exchanging the filter is exactly the same procedure… and lastly, Smartmi is a brand of Xiaomi. Since the filters for the P1 aktually are hard to find, I wonder if a filter from Xiaomi 4 Compact would fit into the P1. Have you ever tested that?
Greetings from Switzerland
Arodon
Hi Arodon,
Unfortunately, the Xiaomi 4 Compact filter is a bit smaller than the Smartmi P1 one, so it’s not compatible.