Unitree R1
Unitree G1Quick verdict
The role decides the winner.
Choose R1 when a smaller body and lower entry cost matter most, or when the $10,500 R1 EDU configuration meets the project without G1's extra sensing and runtime. Choose G1 when a depth camera, 3D LiDAR, about two hours of listed runtime, and the broader G1 EDU configuration path justify the higher price. For custom development, compare EDU with EDU rather than the headline base prices.
Choose Unitree R1 if
- You want Unitree's lower-cost, lighter, and shorter complete humanoid
- About one hour of listed runtime and simpler sensing are sufficient
- R1 EDU provides the development interfaces and compute required by the project
Choose Unitree G1 if
- Depth sensing and 3D LiDAR are important to the research plan
- About two hours of listed runtime is worth the larger body and higher price
- The project benefits from G1 EDU's broader joint, compute, hand, and payload options
Side by side
Specifications with context.
| Decision point | Unitree R1 | Unitree G1 |
|---|---|---|
| Current entry price | $4,900 R1 Air; $5,900 R1 | $13,500 G1 |
| Developer version | $10,500 R1 EDU in official store | G1 EDU pricing by quote |
| Height | 123 cm | 132 cm |
| Weight | 27 kg Air; 29 kg R1 and EDU | About 35 kg; EDU may weigh more |
| Degrees of freedom | 20 Air; 26 R1; 26 to 40 EDU | 23 standard; 23 to 43 EDU |
| Primary sensing | Monocular Air; binocular R1 and EDU | Depth camera and 3D LiDAR |
| Listed arm load | About 2 kg | About 2 kg standard; 3 kg EDU |
| Listed runtime | About 1 hour | About 2 hours |
| Battery | Quick-release smart battery | 9000 mAh quick-release battery |
| Secondary development | R1 EDU only | G1 EDU configurations |
| Best fit | Compact entry and education | Richer perception and advanced research |
Current prices and availability were checked on September 2, 2026. Open the profiles and official sources before purchasing.
Decision analysis
The headline prices compare different levels of capability.
R1 starts at $4,900, but that price is for R1 Air. The standard R1 is $5,900, and the official store lists R1 EDU at $10,500. Air reduces degrees of freedom, head movement, camera capability, and development access relative to the upper configurations.
G1 starts at $13,500, while G1 EDU requires a quote. If the goal is custom robotics work, the useful budget comparison is R1 EDU against the required G1 EDU configuration, including hands, compute, batteries, support, shipping, and destination fees.
G1 earns its premium through sensing, runtime, and expansion.
G1 includes a depth camera and 3D LiDAR where R1 uses a monocular or binocular camera depending on version. It also doubles the listed runtime from about one hour to about two and offers an EDU family with up to 43 degrees of freedom and a higher listed arm load.
R1 remains attractive when the project does not need those capabilities. Its smaller 123 cm body and 27 to 29 kg weight can reduce space and handling demands, although it is still a powerful biped that needs controlled operation and a fall-recovery plan.
Neither base model should be mistaken for the full developer platform.
Unitree's current comparison tables mark secondary development for R1 EDU and G1 EDU. Developers should verify the exact SDK, firmware, interfaces, computing module, and hand configuration before treating any store price as a complete project budget.
Both robots are better understood as research platforms than as autonomous household assistants. A polished movement demonstration shows a hardware and control achievement, not a guarantee that the purchased configuration can independently perform open-ended home tasks.
Sources and provenance
Primary sources behind this comparison.
- Official specificationsR1 product and specification pageOpen source ↗
Unitree Robotics · Checked 2026-09-02
- Official storeR1 official store listingOpen source ↗
Unitree Robotics · Checked 2026-09-02
- Official documentationR1 app and manual directoryOpen source ↗
Unitree Robotics · Checked 2026-09-02
- Official documentationR1 developer documentationOpen source ↗
Unitree Robotics · Checked 2026-09-02
- Official specificationsG1 product and specification pageOpen source ↗
Unitree Robotics · Checked 2026-09-02
- Official storeG1 official store listingOpen source ↗
Unitree Robotics · Checked 2026-09-02
- Official documentationG1 app, tutorials, and manualsOpen source ↗
Unitree Robotics · Checked 2026-09-02
- Official documentationG1 developer documentationOpen source ↗
Unitree Robotics · Checked 2026-09-02