Medion X41 SW+ in the test: Inexpensive vacuum robot with laser navigation

It doesn’t always have to be the big cinema: In addition to incredibly expensive vacuum-mopping robots with autonomous base stations, which undoubtedly do a great job, there is also demand for inexpensive vacuum robots that keep the apartment dust-free.

With the X41 SW+ (RRP: 329.95 euros, currently for 249.95 euros) Medion has a newcomer in its portfolio that meets the requirements. As a luxury feature, our test model comes with a suction station with a 2 liter bag into which the dirt from the robot automatically ends up after the work is done. However, anyone who values ​​wet cleaning will not be happy here. The X41 SW+ only offers a microfiber wipe that is attached to the bottom of the vacuum when needed. A small water container (0.3 liters) in the robot moistens the cloth more or less depending on the setting. You can’t get real dirt under control this way.

Accurate navigation with laser light

If you’re looking for dry cleaning, the Medion offers good functionality at a fair price. As usual, the vacuum cleaner is first connected to the manufacturer’s app and the home WiFi. This worked straight away in the test. Next step: The robot uses LiDAR, i.e. pulsed laser light, to quickly create a map of the apartment, with multiple floors possible. The necessary structure on top of the housing is comparatively low; the Medion also vacuums under furniture where others cannot fit.

Creates accurate map

In the test, the X41 SW+ quickly captured our floor plan and transferred it correctly to the app – the room layout was also perfect. We have had different experiences with significantly more expensive colleagues. The rooms are numbered in English (Room 1, Room 2 etc.), and they can be named in the app, with the common categories already pre-formulated for selection. You can also set up no-go zones under the “Edit map” icon and make separate specifications for the suction level and water quantity for each room under the “Edit map” sub-item of the same name. We would have expected the latter under the “Cleaning preferences” icon.

When you start the app, “Auto-cleaning” is always set. If you open the menu below, you can alternatively select individual rooms, zones or specific points. This worked well in the test. The Medion drives through the rooms in the specified order. He first cleans the edges and then works his way across the surface in zigzag mode.

Obstacle detection works well

The suction power of a maximum of 8,000 Pa is more than sufficient for hard floors and short-pile carpets, even at a medium level. The Medion is not made for flokatis and other bushy textiles. There is no automatic carpet detection (possibly with the wiping module raised), so wet cleaning is not an option for households with scattered carpets.

In dry mode, you can run the X41 SW+ throughout your home without worry. The obstacle detection works well, the vacuum cleaner carefully approaches furniture etc. and cleans around them. However, since the side brush cannot be extended, it cannot get into corners. On the other hand, it does a good job on edges. As mentioned, the LiDAR tower prevents passage under deep furniture. In the test, the X41 SW+ was always able to estimate well where it would fit through and where it wouldn’t. He sweeps away thicker cables and leaves them alone. During the test, he seemed to briefly get tangled up in the thin strip of a floor lamp, but solved the task without help and freed himself without any damage. He sometimes ran over our light shoe mats in the hallway without any problems cleaned, sometimes pushed away. It’s best to look over his shoulder on the first few trips and put difficult things aside.

Vacuums thoroughly and persistently

The Medion did its job as a vacuum cleaner very well: it also reliably collected coarse dirt and tangled tufts of hair along the way. The 5000 mAh battery offers plenty of reserves. If you don’t live too expansively, you’ll be able to make ends meet well. By the way, there is an “Auto Boost” function in the menu. If it is activated, the Medion temporarily switches to maximum power – we cannot say when the mechanism will take effect; Medion is silent on this. There is no sensor that detects the degree of contamination.

A remote control is included with which you can start auto mode at the push of a button. Alternatively, you can direct the vacuum cleaner to a specific point and also regulate the suction power and water output. Controlling via the app is more convenient and more comprehensive.

Conclusion: Simple robot vacuum with good performance

The Medion X41 SW+ vacuums hard floors and short-pile carpets reliably and thoroughly. The suction station is very useful as it saves you the hassle of knocking out the dust container. The battery performance is good, as is navigation and obstacle detection. The wiping function, on the other hand, is not very effective; it only drags a damp cloth through the apartment.

The Medion X41 SW+ is currently available with a discount of 80 euros just under 250 euros. It’s identical except for the suction station X41 SW costs just under 200 euros.