Xiaomi Mi 3H Vs Airdog X3 – Hands-on Comparison

At first glance, the Xiaomi Mi 3H and Airdog X3 air purifiers look quite similar with their tower-shaped, elegant designs. While appearances can indeed drive sales, let’s dive a little deeper this time.

This comparison could carry the SMART prefix, as both air purifiers are smart devices packed with advanced features. One standout feature is the air quality sensor—a real-time indicator providing instant information on the air pollution level in your space. Not only is it a useful feature, but in my opinion, it also provides reliable data.

However, aside from sharing the same rectangular shape and a few other design elements, the Xiaomi Mi 3H and Airdog X3 are unique and distinct appliances. Starting with room coverage, Xiaomi’s model covers nearly double the area of the Airdog. Although smaller in size, the Xiaomi Mi 3H can cover up to 484 sq. ft. (45 m²), while the Airdog X3 is suited for spaces up to 215 sq. ft. (20 m²).

This comparison will explore the opposite technologies: the innovative ionic air purification system in the Airdog X3 versus the traditional filtration system in the Xiaomi Mi 3H. It’s sure to be a fascinating journey, so keep reading!

Specs: Airdog X3 Vs Xiaomi Mi 3H

Performance Test – Comparison

When it comes to performance tests, it’s important to remember that both air purifiers are powerful. However, a challenge in testing them was that each is intended for a different room size.

The Xiaomi Mi 3H has a CADR of 223 CFM (380 m³/h), making it best suited for rooms up to 484 sq. ft. (45 m²). In contrast, the Airdog X3 has a CADR of 118 CFM (200 m³/h), covering rooms up to 215 sq. ft. (20 m²).

Don’t be misled by their nearly identical size—the Xiaomi’s motor is much more optimized, enabling it to cover larger rooms (higher CADR).

We tested both purifiers in several rooms, with the most interesting test being in a 320 sq. ft. (30 m²) room. In this test, both delivered excellent results, although the Xiaomi performed slightly better.

After 60 minutes at maximum speed, the Xiaomi improved air quality by 95%, while the Airdog X3 achieved a 91% improvement.

These results confirm that both are highly efficient air purifiers, with the Xiaomi Mi 3H being the stronger performer.

Smoke Box Test – Comparison

In addition to the particle removal test, we also measured how quickly each air purifier removes smoke from a glass box.

Both models delivered impressive results in this test; however, the Xiaomi performed slightly better, clearing all the smoke from the glass box in just 15 seconds.

In comparison, the Airdog X3 took 20 seconds to achieve the same result.

Once again, the Xiaomi Mi 3H demonstrated that its traditional filtration technology is more efficient than the filtration system inside the Airdog X3.

Noise Level Test – Comparison

When comparing noise levels, the first thing I do is check how many fan speeds the air purifiers have.

In this case, both devices feature five fan speeds, which allows for a more straightforward and precise noise comparison.

Overall, both the Xiaomi and Airdog air purifiers are well-optimized in terms of noise levels. At their lowest speeds (sleep mode), they are nearly identical in quietness. The Xiaomi Mi 3H produces 40.9 dBA, while the Airdog X3 produces 40.8 dBA.

At maximum speed, however, the Airdog X3 shows better noise optimization, producing 56.1 dBA compared to the Xiaomi Mi 3H’s 65.4 dBA.

Additionally, the Airdog remains quieter at nearly every other fan speed. Please refer to the chart above for a more detailed comparison.

One final point worth noting is that both air purifiers are equipped with well-built motors that don’t produce any buzzing or irritating sounds.

However, the Airdog X3 seems to be slightly quieter overall, likely due to its less powerful motor.

Operating Costs – Comparison

Let me start with the obvious: when it comes to maintenance, few air purifiers can match the Airdog X3.

The fact that its filters are washable effectively reduces filter replacement costs to zero. Compared to the relatively high filter replacement costs for the Xiaomi Mi 3H, it’s clear which device is more budget-friendly.

However, there’s still the matter of energy consumption, which we also factor into our operating cost rating.

For instance, if you used these two air purifiers at their maximum speeds, 24/7, for a month, the Xiaomi Mi 3H would increase your electric bill by about $3.42, while the Airdog X3 would add around $2.11.

This power cost further confirms that the Airdog X3 is generally more affordable to maintain than the Xiaomi Mi 3H.

Features Overview

A connection to a Smart App, Air Quality Sensor, Child Lock, Auto Mode are just some of the features that Airdog X3 and Xiaomi Mi 3H have installed. This proves my previous constatation of being challenged by two confronted Smart appliances and their advanced features. 

It is the modern technology that makes these appliances so attractive, and the producers are well aware of it. That is why the focus is on air quality improvement and easier device control.

With all the features that both appliances have preinstalled, out of which some are in common, this will be an interesting comparison.  

Air Quality Sensor and Indicator

As I already mentioned, this is one of the features that Airdog and Xiaomi have in common, but thanks to this advanced sensor many other options are also available, such as Auto Mode, Air Quality Indicator, etc. 

The Xiaomi Mi 3H air purifier has a laser particle sensor installed on the rear side. It can detect dust particles, as well as smoke and some VOCs. As expected, thanks to the same shape, Airdog X3 also has this sensor on the rear side. If you simply uncover the lid, you can approach both sensors, and wipe up the dust. As long as you keep your Xiaomi air purifier plugged in electricity, the sensor will continue to work, which means you will be able to track the air quality on your Smart App even when the air purifier is turned OFF. 

A joint thing for Xiaomi and the Airdog is that, while purifying, their sensors rely on multiple installed features. After that, the result is being displayed both on the appliance and the Smart App. Xiaomi Mi 3H shows the amount of PM2.5 particles, while the Airdog shows only the real-time AQI. Don’t get confused, for these data are equally related to the air quality. 

Another, I might say, the amusing thing is a color-changing indicator that both devices have. While Xiaomi has the indicator placed next to the control button, the Airdog has its indicator on the bottom side, almost as a lighting fixture. The important thing is that the indicators change colors depending on the measured air quality.  

Auto Mode

One more common feature for Xiaomi Mi 3H and Airdog X3 is the Auto Mode. This is one of those features I previously talked about, that is connected to the Air Quality Sensor. The thing is, once you set your air purifier to Auto Mode, the Air Quality Sensor will measure the real-time air quality. At the same time, based on the collected data, the air purifier’s motor will adjust the speed to the most efficient level. The important thing is that with this feature, you can entirely rely on and even forget about your air purifier, and it will keep the air you inhale up to the highest standards. 

Smart App

I have mentioned in previous sections Xiaomi’s and Airdog’s connectivity to a Smart App. Independently of what kind of smartphone you use, Android or iOS, you can connect both of these air purifiers to any of the Virtual Assistants available. Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, as you wish. 

These Smart Apps have the same function in each air purifier. The Airdog X3 has its own specifically designed app, while the Xiaomi Mi 3H is connected to a Mi Home app which can also be used by any of the Xiaomi family devices. I find that the Xiaomi Smart App is a pretty good developed app, with plenty of advanced features to make it easier for you to control your devices. For example, you can set the app to automatically control your air purifier in a way to turn on/off the device if the amount of PM2.5 particles rises above 25. This is just one of many options that this Smart App provides. 

Nevertheless, both Smart Apps are easy to connect to and easy to use. I’ve had apps crashing many times when I tried to connect it to an air purifier. This time it didn’t happen and both Xiaomi and Airdog turned up to be bug-free. 

Temperature and Humidity Meter

Having the ability to measure the temperature and humidity in the room is a feature that only Xiaomi Mi 3H has. The Airdog X3 is missing out on this option. This is just another additional feature that makes Xiaomi stand out and a very useful sensor for users who wish to have a complete picture of the air they breathe. 

Manual Mode

Once you connect your air purifier to a Smart App, you will automatically turn on the Manual Mode. This means you only get to use this mode through the App, and it is available at both Xiaomi Mi 3H and Airdog X3.

What you can do with this option is to monitor the motor speed, in terms of how it runs and how the noise it produces, reflects on your living or working space. A very handy utility, that leaves you in control of your device. 

Airflow

You would be right to expect that these two air purifiers have the same airflow, considering their look-alike shapes. Yet, there are minor differences and they are related to how the holes are distributed. Both Xiaomi Mi 3H and the Airdog X3 have suction holes on the bottom part of the device. The main difference is that, along with wide two-sided suction, the Xiaomi has holes on the front, while the Airdog has them on the rear part. Plus, the air openings are way smaller in Airdog than in the Xiaomi air purifier.

Warranty 

I was really disappointed to see that both producers, Xiaomi and Airdog, offer only 1-year warranty coverage. Considering all the air purifiers I have had tested, with five-ten years of warranty or even a lifetime coverage, this is extremely low protection and assurance. In my opinion, both Xiaomi Mi 3H and Airdog X3 should’ve been given a longer warranty by their manufacturers, at least to justify the brand. 

Filtration Technology

Unlike other features these two air purifiers have in common, the filtration technology is the most distinctive part between Xiaomi Mi 3H and the Airdog X3. 

While Xiaomi uses a three-stage filtration, the Airdog has four filters, out of which three are washable. 

The first place is assigned for the pre-filter, which in both cases is the first line of defense, that collects all the larger particles. This filter will prevent other filters from an excessive amount of pollutants. 

A True HEPA filter takes second place in Xiaomi’s filtration process, and being the most important filter, it can eliminate from the air the cigarette smoke, PM2.5 particles, pollen, dust, pet dander, and other allergens as small as 0.3 microns. The Electrode Generator is the second filter in Airdog X3, mostly dedicated to viruses and bacteria elimination. 

Designed to neutralize the odors, the carbon filter takes third place in the Xiaomi Mi 3H air purifier’s filtration process. While saving the fourth place to its carbon filter, the Airdog has a third-place reserved for Collecting Plates that can dry everything that previous filters didn’t, and do it in less than 20 minutes. The particles that this filter attracts are as small as 0.0146µm, which is six times more powerful than any other more traditional air purifier can do. 

If you could witness the amount of dust that these Collecting Plates can adsorb and hold during one-time usage, you would be as stunned as I was, the first time I used it. 

As the final filtration stage, the Airdog has a carbon filter installed, and as I previously said, it is the only filter that cannot be washed but can be replaced. But, before you do that, you can regenerate this filter by directly exposing it to the Sun rays. 

As you can see, bringing to a conclusion based solely on the filtration technology would be utterly ungrateful, which is why I will leave my final judgment to a post-performance summary. 

How To Replace Filter On Both These Devices?

Given the complete differentiation in filtration technologies, these air purifiers also have contrasting maintenance rituals. 

At first, you may wonder how will you know when should you clean or replace any of the filters in your air purifier. Well, both air purifiers have a Filter Reset Indicator, though very distinctive. In the case of the Airdog X3, the Filter Reset Indicator will warn you that you should clean the Collecting Plates, but in Xiaomi’s case, this indicator will light up when it’s time to replace all filters.  

Like I said before you decide it’s time to completely replace it, you should leave it in the sun every once in a while, if nothing else, then give it a second chance to reach its full potential. As for the other Airdog filters, just be regular at washing them, and you will have no problem whatsoever.  

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