In this comparison, I analyzed test results and specifications of two air purifiers from Xiaomi’s fourth generation.
The Xiaomi 4 Lite and Xiaomi 4 Compact are two small, powerful air purifiers with many advanced features and high-quality filters.
We tested their performance, noise levels, and power consumption to determine which of the two models is the better buying option.
Keep reading to find out all the pros and cons of these two air purifiers. Below, you will find a table with a detailed comparison of all their specifications.
Our Verdict
Xiaomi makes truly exceptional air purifiers. We’ve tested some of their models, and each got a high rating.
With the fourth generation, they’ve raised the bar even higher. The Xiaomi 4 Lite and 4 Compact are the smallest models in the compact series. They are almost entirely different, from design and filters to advanced features.
Based on test results, the Xiaomi 4 Lite stood out as the far superior choice compared to the Xiaomi 4 Compact. It performed better in performance tests, cleared smoke faster in the smoke test, has many more advanced options, uses a better-optimized motor, and offers a higher CADR.
If you have any questions about these two devices, feel free to leave them in the comments section below this article.
Specs: Xiaomi 4 Lite Vs 4 Compact
| Product Image |  |  |
| Manufacturer | Xiaomi | XIaomi |
| Model | 4 Lite | 4 Compact |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 9.4 x 9.4 x 21 inches (24 × 24 × 53.4 cm) | Φ8.6 x 14 inches (Φ22.0 x 35.5 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 10.6 lb (4.8 kg) | 4.85 lb (2.2 kg) |
| Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) | 212 CFM (360 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. | 330 sq. ft. (31 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, Xiaomi's High Efficiency Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter | Primary Filter, Xiaomi’s High Efficiency-Filter, and Activated Carbon Filter |
| Filter Replacement Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Life | up to 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. | 33W | 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 | 15 - Through Manual 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. | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control Voice Control Summary: Out of 71 air purifiers tested, only 22 have voice control functionality. | Yes | Yes |
| Other Features | Humidity & Temperature Sensor | Light SensorDisplay Lock |
| Noise Level (low – high) | 40.1 - 61.6 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 | Living Rooms Bedrooms Offices Allergies Dust Smart Home Integration | Bedrooms Small Spaces Portable Use Smart Home Integration |
| Warranty | 1-year | 1-year |
| In-Depth Review | Xiaomi 4 Lite | XIaomi 4 Compact |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Performance Test – Comparison
When it comes to performance, it’s important to note before diving into test results that the Xiaomi 4 Lite is a significantly larger and more powerful air purifier than the Xiaomi 4 Compact.
The Lite version has a CADR of 212 CFM (360 m³/h), while the Compact version has a CADR of 135 CFM (230 m³/h). This means the Xiaomi 4 Lite can cover rooms up to 330 sq. ft. (31 m²), whereas the Xiaomi 4 Compact is suitable for rooms up to 206 sq. ft. (19 m²).
Although the Xiaomi 4 Lite covers much larger spaces than the 4 Compact, we tested both in a room of identical dimensions, 320 sq. ft. (30 m²).
Particle Removal Tests - Comparison
We placed the Xiaomi 4 Lite Vs 4 Compact in two separate tests and measured their performance using the Temtop laser particle meter.
In this test, after just 60 minutes of operation at max speed, the Xiaomi 4 Lite reduced PM2.5 particulate matter from 106.5 to 5.3 µg/m³, improving air quality by an incredible 95%.
On the other hand, the Xiaomi 4 Compact improved air quality in the same room by approximately 91%.
For results in other room sizes, I recommend checking individual reviews for these two devices that are available on the Air Purifier First website.
Overall, the Xiaomi 4 Lite is a much stronger air purifier, which explains why it performed better in the performance tests.
Noise Level Test – Comparison
Before diving deep into noise level tests, I’ll mention that it’s very challenging to outperform a device like the Xiaomi 4 Lite in a noise level test, mostly because of its incredible 15 fan speeds.
For this reason, I compared the two devices only at their lowest and maximum speeds; for results at other speeds, please refer to individual reviews.
Noise Level Comparison
Comparing the Xiaomi 4 Lite and 4 Compact noise levels at minimum and maximum speeds.
At the lowest speed, the Xiaomi 4 Lite produced noise at 40.1 dBA, while the Xiaomi 4 Compact produced a sound of 41.3 dBA. At maximum speed, the difference in noise levels was also minimal.
The Xiaomi 4 Lite produces a sound of 61.6 dBA, while the Xiaomi 4 Compact produces 60.4 dBA.
Overall, the Xiaomi 4 Lite is better optimized for noise levels, especially considering its range of fan speeds and the sound it produces at the lowest speeds.
Operating Costs – Comparison
When discussing operating costs, I always sum up the price of replacement filters and power consumption.
In the case of the Xiaomi 4 Lite, the situation is similar to that of the noise test. Because of its fifteen fan speeds, you can easily adapt this air purifier to your needs.
The Xiaomi 4 Lite uses a well-optimized 33W motor, while the Xiaomi 4 Compact features a 27W motor but has a significantly lower CADR than the Xiaomi 4 Lite.
If you were to use both devices at maximum speed, 24 hours a day, for a month, your electricity bill would increase by approximately $2.12 for the Xiaomi 4 Compact and $3.25 for the Xiaomi 4 Lite.
Power Usage Comparison
Comparing the Xiaomi 4 Lite and 4 Compact power use at minimum and maximum speeds.
Beyond electricity costs, there’s also the cost of replacement filters, which are slightly more expensive for the Xiaomi 4 Lite but also more durable. The Xiaomi 4 Lite filter needs replacement about once a year, whereas the Xiaomi 4 Compact filter requires replacement up to twice a year.
Summing up energy consumption, filter costs, filter lifespan, and the power-to-CADR ratio, we can conclude that the Xiaomi 4 Lite is somewhat more cost-effective to maintain annually.
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