The Medion MD 18871 is a robot vacuum launched in 2020, and its specification was respectable for the time: laser mapping, multi-floor maps, no-go and go zones, plus control via an app or Alexa voice commands. Its highlights were a 120-minute runtime and a generous 0.6-litre dustbin, while the slim 9 cm body made it easy to slip under furniture. It did, however, have one obvious shortcoming: there is no mopping function.
At launch it sold for between €330 and €350, placing it in the mid-range. The product is now essentially discontinued, so it is either out of stock or only available if you get lucky on the second-hand market.
How it performs in practice
Laser navigation is the machine’s most praiseworthy feature. Path planning is precise and the mapping is at times genuinely impressive. Beyond that, though, its performance can only be described as mediocre: carpet cleaning is average, obstacle avoidance is average, suction and long-term reliability are somewhat inconsistent, and the three-hour charging time looks decidedly long by today’s standards.
In terms of features, it offers laser SLAM positioning, multiple maps, zoned cleaning, anti-collision sensors and automatic recharging, but it lacks wet mopping, automatic dust emptying and other features that have since become mainstream. For a small home with a simple layout and mostly hard floors, it can still do the job. Once you have mixed flooring, pets, or you want a “set it and forget it” cleaning experience, it is out of its depth.
How it compares with Medion’s current models
Medion‘s current line-up has moved entirely to vacuum-and-mop combos paired with self-emptying stations, and the X20 SW+ (MD 11415) is the direct successor.
It retains laser mapping, multi-floor maps and no-go zones, while addressing every weakness of the older model: it vacuums and mops in a single pass, empties its own dustbin, offers 3,000 Pa of suction with automatic carpet boost, and runtime has risen to around 150 minutes.
Most importantly, there is the price. The X20 SW+ typically sells for between €160 and €200. The X21 SW+ and E32 SW in the same range follow the same concept, differing only slightly in dustbin size and runtime, with mopping and auto-emptying included as standard.
The only area where the older model still comes out on top is the capacity of its onboard dustbin: 600 ml versus 250 ml on the new machines. In practice, though, this advantage does not hold up. With a self-emptying station, you only need to deal with the dust bag every few weeks, rather than emptying the bin every few days as you would with the MD 18871.
Is it still worth buying?
Generally speaking, no. If the price is anywhere near the original retail figure, or if a second-hand unit is in average condition with no warranty, you are better off walking away.
It is only worth considering if you find a fully working machine at a sufficiently low price, ideally with a spare battery and filters included, and your cleaning needs are mainly dry vacuuming.
Otherwise, the answer is clear: buy new. Medion’s own X20 SW+ or X21 are cheaper, more fully featured and better supplied with spare parts. And if you are not tied to Medion, mid-range models from other brands in recent years offer obstacle-recognition cameras, hot-water mopping and smarter carpet boost at a similar price.