✅ Best Overall for Most Users
Guard L1 (base or AllFloor)
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This gives you a step up from the M1 line in performance, noise, and premium features without paying the full premium for the smart Electro model.
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The AllFloor version is particularly attractive if your home has a mix of carpeting and hard surfaces and you don’t want to switch nozzles.
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You’d get many benefits of the L1 platform (better airflow, quieter operation, bag/filtration improvements) at a somewhat lower price.
🐾 Best for Pet Owners
Guard L1 Cat & Dog (or M1 Cat & Dog if you want a lower-cost option)
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The Cat & Dog variants include features like a turbo pet-hair nozzle and the Active AirClean filter to neutralize pet odors.
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The L1 Cat & Dog gives you the best mix: advanced L1 features plus pet-specific tools.
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If your budget is limited, the M1 Cat & Dog is a compelling value.
🤖 Best for Tech / Smart Features
Guard L1 Electro
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If you want IoT integration, app monitoring, auto surface detection, and LCD feedback, this is the only model in the Guard line offering those features.
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This is ideal if you’re a gadget lover or want more diagnostics and automation in your cleaning.
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However, many will find that the base L1 lineup gives 80–90% of the real-world performance without needing all the smart bells and whistles.
💸 Best Budget / Value (in Guard Line)
Guard M1 (base or Cat & Dog)
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If you chiefly want a modern Miele bagged vacuum with good filtration, solid performance, and build quality at a lower cost, M1 is the entry to the Guard line.
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You’ll give up things like advanced airflow tuning, lower noise, and smart features, but get excellent “core vacuuming” for less.
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For many households (especially smaller ones or homes without heavy rugs), M1 will be adequate.
| Model | Positioning / Use Case | Filtration & Bag System | Unique Features / Smart / Connectivity | Pros | Trade-offs / Possible Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guard M1 (base) | All-purpose everyday use | HyClean Air / ComfortFit bag, ~99.99% filtration | LED-backlit interface, 4 suction modes, built-in accessory storage | Strong value, solid filtration, Miele build quality | Lacks advanced features like automatic surface detection or smart connectivity |
| Guard M1 Cat & Dog | Homes with pets | Same bag & filtration as base M1, plus Active AirClean filter to reduce odors | Same interface, core “M1” features | Better handling of pet hair and odors | Slight premium cost, still not smart-enabled |
| Guard L1 (base / “standard”) | For users wanting more performance and features | ComfortFit bag system, high-level filtration | Faster motor, side vents, lower noise, refined air circulation | Strong suction, refined airflow, quiet operation | Higher-end; base L1 may lack smart mode |
| Guard L1 AllFloor | Best all-floor performance | Same bag / filter as L1 line | Universal “AllFloor” nozzle for hard and carpet surfaces | Versatility across surfaces | Might not match top carpet-special models for deep carpet cleaning |
| Guard L1 Cat & Dog | Performance + pet hair / odor control | L1 bag + Active AirClean filter | Advanced L1 features + pet hair turbo nozzle | Great for pet owners | Higher-end vs “plain” L1 |
| Guard L1 Electro (Wi-Fi / “smart” model) | Tech / smart enthusiasts, premium users | HEPA AirClean, 99.999% filtration | LCD touchscreen, Wi-Fi connectivity, auto suction/surface detection, app integration | Advanced features, automation, remote monitoring | Highest-end; may be overkill for simpler needs |
