Introduction
The Mova E30 Ultra arrives from 2024 as a balanced proposition within the mid-to-high range, whilst the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum 5, launched in 2025, represents a notable leap in power and technical features. Both units incorporate a multifunctional base with auto-emptying, mop washing and drying, which positions them as complete solutions for those seeking to delegate both vacuuming and mopping without constant intervention.
The Mova model opts for a navigation system with 3D LiDAR turret and front laser sensors, along with pet recognition. The Xiaomi unit, on the other hand, integrates a retractable LiDAR and improves various aspects of the mopping system, as well as almost tripling the suction power. This robot vacuum comparison analyses the real differences between two options designed for homes with demanding cleaning needs.
Power and Suction
The most striking difference between these models lies in the suction power. The Xiaomi robot vacuum reaches 20,000 Pa, a figure that triples the 7,000 Pa of the Mova E30 Ultra. This gap translates into greater capacity to extract ingrained dirt from carpets or tile joints, especially useful in homes with pets or high traffic.
The brushing system also marks distances. The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum 5 features a TriCut 3.0 brush, which combines bristles with blades to cut tangled hair, reducing maintenance. The Mova E30 Ultra uses a single brush, less effective against long pet hair or human hair. Additionally, the Xiaomi's side brush is extendable and anti-tangle, which improves cleaning in corners and reduces hair knots. The Mova lacks these functions in its side brush.
Neither lifts the main brush during mopping, something common in this range. Nor do they lift the side brush. The real difference is that the Xiaomi robot vacuum offers a more advanced brushing system prepared for complicated situations.
Mopping
Both robots employ a dual rotating mop system, but the Xiaomi adds edge extension, allowing the mops to better reach skirting boards and corners. The Mova E30 Ultra does not have this feature.
Mop lift also differs: the Xiaomi raises the mops up to 15 mm, compared to the Mova's 10.5 mm. Those extra millimetres can make the difference when detecting carpets or avoiding wetting unwanted surfaces. Neither automatically removes the mops at the base to perform vacuuming only, nor incorporates dirt detection in mops or floor.
Mop washing at the base is where the Xiaomi takes clear advantage. Whilst the Mova E30 Ultra washes the mops with cold water, the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum 5 uses hot water, which improves the removal of grease and adhered stains. Drying is also carried out with hot air in the Xiaomi, speeding up the process and reducing the risk of bad odours. The Mova dries with cold air, less efficient in this aspect.
Additionally, the Xiaomi includes self-cleaning of the washing tray, a function absent in the Mova. This reduces manual maintenance and ensures that the base remains more hygienic without constant intervention.
Navigation System
The Mova E30 Ultra integrates a visible 3D LiDAR turret, whilst the Xiaomi opts for a retractable LiDAR, which reduces the robot's height and facilitates access under low furniture. Both have a front 3D laser sensor to avoid obstacles, although they do not incorporate an artificial intelligence camera or LED for night vision.
A relevant difference: the Mova robot vacuum recognises pets, which can be useful to avoid areas where animals rest or adapt cleaning routes. The Xiaomi lacks this specific function. Neither detects curtains nor offers remote camera access.
Both models boast intelligent cleaning with AI. The Mova mentions CleanGenius, whilst the Xiaomi also integrates intelligent algorithms without specifying a commercial brand. In practice, this translates into automatic power adjustment and optimised routes according to the type of floor or detected dirt.
Autonomy and Battery
Both robots feature 5,200 mAh batteries, but only the Xiaomi specifies autonomy: 140 minutes. The Mova does not provide this data, which makes it difficult to estimate its real performance. With 140 minutes, the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum 5 can cover large homes without the need for intermediate recharging.
Neither indicates charging time nor maximum recommended surface area, although with that battery capacity it is usual that they can manage homes of up to 200-250 m² without problems, provided the layout is not excessively fragmented.
Smart Functions
Both robots overcome obstacles up to 20 mm in height, sufficient to navigate most thick carpets or small level differences between rooms. Neither incorporates a robotic arm nor its own voice assistant, but both are compatible with external assistants such as Alexa or Google Home, allowing basic voice control.
Multifunctional Cleaning Base
Both bases perform auto-emptying of the dust container, mop washing and drying. The main difference lies in temperature: the Mova washes with cold water and dries with cold air, whilst the Xiaomi employs hot water and air, improving hygiene and shortening drying times.
The dust bag capacity favours the Mova E30 Ultra with 3.2 litres versus the Xiaomi's 2.5 litres, which reduces the frequency of changes. The clean and dirty water tanks are slightly larger in the Mova: 4.5 litres of clean water and 4 litres of dirty water, compared to 4 litres and 3.8 litres respectively in the Xiaomi. Minor differences that barely influence daily use.
Neither includes a detergent tank, UV disinfection, automatic mop changing nor connection to plumbing. Nor do they offer an optional kit for plumbing connection.
Dimensions
The diameter is identical: 350 mm in both cases. The height marks a difference: the Mova measures 97 mm, whilst the Xiaomi remains at 88 mm. Those 9 mm less allow the Xiaomi robot vacuum to slip under furniture or beds with less clearance, something that can be decisive in homes with low furniture.
The bases have similar dimensions. The Mova's measures 340 mm wide, 590.5 mm high and 456.7 mm deep. The Xiaomi's is somewhat wider (360 mm), less tall (572 mm) and deeper (470 mm). In practice, both occupy comparable space and do not present significant placement differences.
Real-world experience
The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum 5 adapts better to homes with pets thanks to its TriCut 3.0 brush and its 20,000 Pa power, capable of extracting hair embedded in carpets. The extendable and anti-tangle side brush reinforces this advantage. The Mova E30 Ultra, with a single brush and lower power, may require more maintenance in these environments.
For large houses, the Xiaomi's specified autonomy (140 minutes) provides peace of mind. The Mova does not indicate this data, which generates uncertainty. Both have 5,200 mAh batteries, but without confirming the Mova's real performance, the Xiaomi proves more predictable.
Mopping is more effective on the Xiaomi. Hot water washing and hot air drying of the mops, combined with tray self-cleaning, reduce maintenance and improve the final result. The mop extension for edges completes a superior mopping system. The Mova performs adequately, but with more basic features.
If the home has low furniture, the Xiaomi's 88 mm height facilitates access to areas that the Mova, at 97 mm, might not reach. The retractable LiDAR contributes to this advantage.
The Mova's pet recognition can be useful to avoid disturbing animals during cleaning, although the Xiaomi compensates with better hair management thanks to its advanced brushing.
Conclusion: Which to choose?
Choose the Mova E30 Ultra if: you're looking for a complete solution with a multifunctional base at a presumably more competitive price, you value pet recognition to adapt cleaning routes, and the larger dust bag capacity (3.2 litres) interests you to space out maintenance. Also if the 7,000 Pa power covers your needs in homes without thick carpets or pets that shed a lot of hair.
Choose the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum 5 if: you prioritise high suction power (20,000 Pa) for carpets or difficult dirt, you live with pets and need an effective anti-tangle brushing system, you value more complete mopping with hot water and air washing and drying, mop extension and tray self-cleaning, or you have low furniture and need an 88 mm height robot that accesses more spaces. The confirmed autonomy of 140 minutes also provides security in large homes.
In short, the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum 5 offers a more advanced package in almost all technical aspects, especially in power, brushing and mopping. The Mova E30 Ultra presents a more basic but functional proposition, with specific advantages such as greater bag capacity and pet recognition. Which robot to choose depends on whether you're looking for superior features or a balanced option with somewhat more spaced-out maintenance.
