- Roomba self-emptying models comparison chart
- Roomba Combo Series (with mopping)
- Which Roomba would be the best for you? Editor’s choice:
- What does the "+" mean?
- Will my Roomba fall off the stairs and bump into the furniture?
- What is Spot Clean Mode?
- What is the Full Bin Indicator?
- Can I schedule the Roomba to work every day at 10 AM?
- What technology does the Roomba use to navigate the robots? iAdapt Cleaning Technology & Navigation
- What is the AeroForce Cleaning System?
- Rotating Double Brushes. Does the Roomba resist hair tangling?
- Will my Roomba return to cleaning after recharging automatically?
- How to control a Roomba?
- What can you do with the iRobot Home app?
- How can I keep the Roomba off certain areas?
- Can I make my Roomba work in the bedroom and kitchen only?
- Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal / Empty the bin once a month
- What is Imprint Link Technology?
- What is Imprint Mapping?
- Roomba 600 Series
- The Roomba 690 - Affordable Robot with a Virtual Wall Barrier
- Roomba 630 vs. 671020 vs. 690 vs. 692
- Roomba Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo (Y0140)
- Roomba i series
- Roomba i3 Review and tests
- Roomba i7+
- Roomba s9/s9+
- Roomba i7 vs. s9: the main differences
- Roomba j Series
- Roomba Combo j5
- Roomba j7+
- Roomba Combo j7+
- Dirt Detective
- Roomba Combo j9+
- Roomba Combo 10 Max
- Maintenance
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Roomba
iRobot was founded 20 years ago and became the most significant and innovative player in the robot vacuum cleaners market. If you plan to buy a Roomba, it might be hard to decide which model would cover your needs. To understand better the important features of each device, let's take a look at the comparison chart below.
Those are the budget model line that uses random navigation, bump into things, and are overall good for small homes. That's about it.
Roomba self-emptying models comparison chart
| Features |  Roomba i5+ |
 Roomba i7+ |
 Roomba S9+ |
 Roomba j6+ |
 Roomba j7+ |
 Roomba j9+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suction power Compared to Roomba 600 Series |
10x the air power | 10x the air power | 10x air power | 10x the air power | 10x the air power | 20x the air power |
| Run Time (min) | 75 | 75 | 120 | 75 | 75 | 110 |
| Cleaning Technology | 3-Stage Cleaning System | 3-Stage Cleaning System | 3-Stage Cleaning System | 3-Stage Cleaning System | 3-Stage Cleaning System | 3-Stage Cleaning System |
| Navigation Technology | iAdapt 2.0 (Imprint™ Smart Mapping) | iAdapt 3.0 (Imprint™ Smart Mapping) | Imprint and PerfectEdge Technology, 3D sensor + Mapping | iAdapt 3.0 (Imprint™ Smart Mapping + PrecisionVision Navigation) | iAdapt 3.0 (Imprint™ Smart Mapping + PrecisionVision Navigation) | iAdapt 3.0 (Imprint™ Smart Mapping + PrecisionVision Navigation) |
| Object recognition | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Mopping Function | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Keep Out Zones | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Clean & Schedule By Room | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Zone Cleaning | yes | no | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Automatic Dirt Disposal | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Filter | HEPA | HEPA | HEPA | HEPA | HEPA | HEPA |
| Auto Recharge | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Dirt Detect | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Scheduling | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Smartphone App | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Tangle-Free Brush | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Recharge and Resume | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Carpet Boost | no | no | yes | no | no | yes |
| Full Bin Indicator | yes | no | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Built-in Camera | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Dimensions (dxh) | 13.26 in x 3.6 in / 33.68 x 9.14 cm | 13.34 x 3.63 in / 33.88 x 9.22 cm | 12.25 x 3.5 in / 31.75 x 8.89 cm | 13.3 x 3.4 in / 33.7 x 8.6 cm | 13.3 x 3.4 in / 33.7 x 8.6 cm | 13.3 x 3.4 in / 33.7 x 8.6 cm |
| Weight (lbs/kg) | 7.44 / 3/26 | 7.44 / 3.37 | 8.15 / 3.69 | 7.49 / 3.4 | 7.49 / 3.4 | 7.49 / 3.4 |
| Warranty | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months |
| Amazon price | $484 | $799.99 | $1047.0 | $580.0 | $599.0 | $895 |
| Video Review | Watch | Watch | Watch | Watch | coming soon |
Those are the robots with a camera which means they are efficient at navigation. The premium models are good at recognizing pet waste, cords, socks, etc. But if you are looking at a robot with mopping, the Combo series list is down below.
Roomba Combo Series (with mopping)
| Features |  Roomba Essential Y0140 |
 Roomba Combo i3+ |
Roomba Combo i5+ |
 Roomba Combo j5+ |
 Roomba Combo j7+ |
 Roomba Combo j9+ |
Roomba Combo 10 Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning mechanics | |||||||
| Suction power Compared to Roomba 600 Series |
10x the air power | 10x the air power | 10x the air power | 10x air power | 10x the air power | 20x the air power | 20x the air power |
| Run Time (min) | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 110 | 120 |
| Brush type | single bristle brush | dual rubber brush | dual rubber brush | dual rubber brush | dual rubber brush | dual rubber brush | |
| Carpet Boost | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
| Dirt Detect | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Full Bin Indicator | N/A | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Dirt Detective | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
| Navigation & Mapping | |||||||
| Object recognition | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Navigation Technology | N/A | iAdapt 2.0 (Imprint™ Smart Mapping) | iAdapt 3.0 (Imprint™ Smart Mapping) | iAdapt 3.0 (Imprint™ Smart Mapping + PrecisionVision Navigation) | iAdapt 3.0 (Imprint™ Smart Mapping + PrecisionVision Navigation) | iAdapt 3.0 (Imprint™ Smart Mapping + PrecisionVision Navigation) | iAdapt 3.0 (Imprint™ Smart Mapping + PrecisionVision Navigation) |
| AutoWash dock | |||||||
| Automatical water refill | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
| Deep Scrubing with SmartScrub | - | - | - | - | yes | yes | yes |
| Automatic Solution Refill | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
| Automatic Dirt Disposal | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Auto washes & dries the pad | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes |
| Dock self-cleans | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes |
| Mopping | |||||||
| Mopping Technology | replaceable mop pad | interchangeable bin | interchangeable bin | interchangeable bin | retractable mop arm | retractable mop arm | retractable mop arm |
| Vacuums and mops simultaneously | yes | requires bin change | requires bin change | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Auto mop lifting | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Avoids Carpet In Mopping Mode | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| App | |||||||
| Keep Out Zones | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Clean & Schedule By Room | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Room Cleaning | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| No-Mop Zones | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Automatically cleans the dirtiest room first | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
| Filter | N/A | HEPA | HEPA | HEPA | HEPA | HEPA | |
| Auto Recharge | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Scheduling | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Recharge and Resume | N/A | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Other | |||||||
| Dimensions (dxh) | 14.01 x 3.2 in / 35.6 x 8.2 cm | 13.26 in x 3.6 in / 33.68 x 9.14 cm | 13.34 x 3.63 in / 33.88 x 9.22 cm | 12.25 x 3.5 in / 31.75 x 8.89 cm | 13.3 x 3.4 in / 33.7 x 8.6 cm | 13.3 x 3.4 in / 33.7 x 8.6 cm | 13.3 x 3.4 in / 33.7 x 8.6 cm |
| Weight (lbs/kg) | 7.07 / 3.32 | 7.44 / 3/26 | 7.44 / 3.37 | 8.15 / 3.69 | 7.49 / 3.4 | 7.49 / 3.4 | 7.49 / 3.4 |
| Warranty | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months |
| Amazon price | $249.99 | $329.0 | $479.99 | $556.0 | $899 | $767.0 | $1,395 |
| Video Review | -- | Watch | Watch | Watch | coming soon | Watch | |
Which Roomba would be the best for you? Editor’s choice:
- The cheapest for carpet: Roomba 690
- Best under $400 for pet hair: Roomba Combo j3+
- Best for pet hair: Roomba j9+
- Best overall: Roomba Combo j9+
- Smoothest mopping experience: Roomba Combo 10 Max
- The cheapest with a self-emptying bin: Roomba i3+
- For small homes with mostly hard floors: Roomba Combo j5+
What does the "+" mean?
The + only stands for a self-emptying base in the box. That is the only difference.
Will my Roomba fall off the stairs and bump into the furniture?
The cliff and anti-collision sensors prevent bumping into things and falling from stairs. The iRobot cleaners have these sensors as well as an auto-recharging function that automatically returns the robot to the dock when the battery runs out of energy.
What is Spot Clean Mode?
In Spot Clean, the robot moves by spiraling about 3 ft (1 m) in diameter, ensuring intense coverage (supported by all Roombas).
What is the Full Bin Indicator?
The newest Roombas have a Full Bin Indicator that alerts when the bin is full and stops the robot until the dustbin is empty. The Roombas with an auto-emptying base automatically return to the charging dock when the container gets full, empty themselves, and resume cleaning.
Can I schedule the Roomba to work every day at 10 AM?
You can program a Roomba to work at a specific time up to 7 times per week by using the iHome app.
The new Roomba i7+, s9+, and j7+ can be also ordered to clean a particular room or two at a specific time if needed.
What technology does the Roomba use to navigate the robots? iAdapt Cleaning Technology & Navigation
iAdapt Navigation is a set of sensors that help the robot cleaner move around without falling using a random navigation pattern. Roomba prevents hitting walls and other solid barriers by using Light-Touch bumper technology.
The newest Roombas use an advanced navigation system: iAdapt 3.0. These models are more sensitive to obstacles and are more efficient.
iAdapt 3.0 clean, learn, and adapt to your environment
What is the AeroForce Cleaning System?
The robot has two cleaning brushes that rotate by agitating dust and dirt off the carpet channeling it right into the dustbin. The side sweeper catches debris along the walls and in the corners.
The latest models use a powerful vacuuming system with more suction.
Rotating Double Brushes. Does the Roomba resist hair tangling?
This technology was upgraded in all models above the 600s. These models have silicone rollers ideal for pet hair and almost don’t require maintenance.
Will my Roomba return to cleaning after recharging automatically?
Once the battery runs out of energy, a Roomba returns to the charging dock and after powering up, the robot resumes cleaning from the spot it left off to finish the job. Supported by the I, j Series, and s9.
How to control a Roomba?
The app and voice command. The robot vacuum cleaners that support Wi-Fi can also be controlled via the iRobot HOME app and are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home so if you have any of these you can also control your Roomba via voice.
What can you do with the iRobot Home app?
The app helps to set a cleaning schedule directly from the phone or switch between cleaning modes. The app also alerts you when the dustbin is full.
If you are a happy owner of the latest robots that have a mapping feature, you can see the cleaning history at the end.
The Roomba i7+ and s9+ are different. When the map is created, you can divide it into separate rooms, so the robot knows where each room is located. If you want the Roomba to clean a kitchen, you can choose the kitchen in the app or simply say: «Roomba, clean the kitchen» (if you have an Alexa-enabled device or Google Home) and let the vacuum do the job. Also, those models store up to 10 different maps, and you can interact with them by setting keep-out zones, naming each room, or choosing which one you want to be cleaned.
With the latest Roomba i3+, the app intelligently suggests extra cleaning during shed and allergy season.
How can I keep the Roomba off certain areas?
iRobot is the first manufacturer that introduced digital restricted areas on camera-guided robots. It is only presented in the Roomba i7+, j7+, and s9+. In the map, you can set zones that you don’t want the robot to clean.
Can I make my Roomba work in the bedroom and kitchen only?
The Roomba i series, j7+, and s9+ have a new option that allows cleaning a separate room or two instead of the whole house. Some rooms get dirtier sooner than others like a kitchen or living room, so there are times when you need to clean only one room. By simply tapping on the map, you can make the Roomba clean a certain room and schedule the robot to clean the room at a specific time.
These are the first models that are compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Home in a way that allows them to command to work within a particular room. By saying: «Roomba, clean the living room,» you let the cleaner know what to do.
Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal / Empty the bin once a month
The latest Roombas come with a self-cleaning base. It has a disposable bag that holds up to 30 Roombas bins. When the robot’s container gets full, or it has finished the job, the Roomba returns to the base where the dirt gets sucked up into the bag. The base sets you free from emptying the dustbin for about a month depending on usage.
The self-emptying base is a perfect solution for pet owners
What is Imprint Link Technology?
If you have a Roomba i or s series and the Braava jet m series robot mop, you can order the latest to mop after the Roomba has finished vacuuming.
What is Imprint Mapping?
Imprint mapping or Imprint Smart Map is a technology that creates a map that learns and adapts to your home layout as a Roomba cleans and remembers this map for future cleaning jobs. With this, you can order the Roomba to clean a particular room or multiple rooms or make it clean a second level. The current models that support imprint smart mapping are: i7/i7+, s9/s9+, and m6.
Roomba 600 Series
These are some of the oldest models in the family and the most basic. There is no mapping nor smart navigation, just random-bouncing robots that are good for hard floors and thin carpets. Each has dirt detect technology and similar specifications, the same goes for cleaning abilities.
The Roomba 690 - Affordable Robot with a Virtual Wall Barrier
The Roomba 690 (or 692 or 694) is the first robot vacuum in our list that supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and can be managed by the iRobot Home app. The 690 comes with a Virtual Wall accessory which makes the Roomba 690 different from the Roomba 614.
Roomba 630 vs. 671020 vs. 690 vs. 692
The 600 series has many modifications that have different color bases, box content, filters, etc. They all have the same navigation technology, and old-style bristle brushes, and are not suitable for medium or big homes. Better to go with a model up like the Roomba Combo i3+.
Roomba Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo (Y0140)
Roomba Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo (Y0140)
Can do mopping and vacuuming
The Roomba Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo (Y0140) is the first robot vacuum in the lineup that can do mopping and vacuuming. The robot comes with two microfiber cloths and 2 extra filters.
A basic robot vacuum with a mopping feature that is good enough to clean surfaces, but is not for you if you want less maintenance and a more hands-free experience.
Roomba i series
It includes the Roomba i3, i4, i5, i6, i7, and i8. Those support a self-emptying base and have the same cleaning mechanics, bristles rollers, and filtration system.
The Roomba i3+ and i5+ have Combo modification which has mopping.
The difference between the Roomba i6+ vs. i7+ vs. i8+
I didn’t include the iRobot Roomba i8+ and Roomba i6+ in the comparison chart since they are almost identical to the Roomba i7, but the i8+ is made to be sold exclusively by Costco, and the i6+ is only for Amazon. Worth to mention, that the i8+ has a larger battery (2,210mAh) than the i7+ model.
Roomba i3 vs. i4 differences
The Roomba i4 (4150) is almost the same i3 that was made for Costco. The Roomba i4 also lasts 20% longer. Keep in mind, that it does not come with a self-emptying bin, only the Plus modifications do.
The Roomba i3+ is the cheapest model in the lineup that is equipped with an auto-empty base. It has the same motor as the Roomba i7+ which makes it as powerful as the high-end model.
The Roomba i3+ is affordable and has a self-emptying bin
It does not have a built-in camera but has other sensors that help it to navigate around and map your house.
The robot is ideal for those who want a cleaner with a self-emptying base but don’t want to spend more on the Roomba i7+ or s9+.
Roomba i3 Review and tests
Roomba i3+ vs. Combo i3+ what is the difference
The Combo means that the robot comes with an interchangeable bin for mopping and also an upgraded self-emptying base.
Roomba i5+ vs. Combo i5+
The Combo i5+ is the same, only comes with a mopping module.
Roomba i7+
This model is very similar to the Roomba 980 but has a few innovations such as advanced brushless rollers, a quieter motor, improved navigation technology iAdapt 3.0, selected room cleaning, a washable dustbin, etc.
Roomba i7+
Self-emptying Roomba
The Roomba i7+ was the first robot in the lineup with a self-emptying station, keep-out zone, and other smart features that are presented in the high-end models.
To conclude: The Roomba i7+ is a good buy for small homes and pet owners, but not really good for mostly carpeted surface.
The Roomba i5+ vs. i7+
The Roomba i5+ is the newer model but technically is about the same as the i7+. The i5+ has a full bin indicator, zone cleaning but lacks a camera which means it is not as efficient at navigation.
The Roomba i5+ is not on Amazon but if you are looking for a robot with mopping, consider getting the Combo version. It is not as smart as an i7+ but has a shorter station, and costs about the same.
Roomba s9/s9+
Roomba s9+
The most powerful robot vacuum cleaner in the lineup
The Roomba s9 is the most powerful model iRobot has ever been released. It has a D-shape similar to a Neato’s body. This model gets new brushless rollers that are 30% wider (compared to the Roomba 600 Series).
The Roomba s9+ is the strongest robot vacuum in the model line
The Roomba s9/s9+ has the same features as the Roomba i7. It has a new shape, wider rollers, and extended battery life. Whereas the Roomba i7 only has one cleaning mode, the s9+ allows adjusting suction depending on your needs. Because of the redesigned construction, the cleaning rollers get closer to the floor providing deeper cleaning on carpets.
The robot stores up to 10 different floor plans, can be scheduled to work within one or more certain rooms, and identifies carpet flooring by boosting suction to provide deeper cleaning.
With the new wider silicone rollers and self-cleaning charging base, the Roomba s9+ is almost maintainless
Who is the Roomba s9+ for?
The Roomba s9+ is powerful yet has a D-shape that is good and as good especially for cluttered homes. Great for homes with carpets and pets but gets stuck more or less often so better for minimalist homes.
Roomba i7 vs. s9: the main differences
- s9 has a longer battery life (120 min vs. 75 min);
- Roomba i7 is round whereas the s9 has a D-shape;
- The newest model has stronger suction;
- The Roomba s9+ allows adjusting suction depending on cleaning needs.
To conclude:
The Roomba i7/i7+ is better for small homes with pets, low and medium-pile carpets, and multi-story houses.
The Roomba s9/s9+ is more suitable for bigger multi-story houses with low and medium-pile carpets and pet owners. It handles carpet cleaning better because of stronger suction.
Roomba j Series
The j series is the most-featured lineup that includes Combo modifications (with mopping), the newest mopping pad system, the best object recognition (and the first among the Roombas), and the upgraded self-emptying station.
The series includes Roomba j5+, j6+ j7+, and j9+. All of them (except for the j6+) have a Combo modification that includes mopping.
SmartScrubbing is the new feature presented in the Roomba Combo j7+ and Combo j9+ that makes the robot go forth and back when sees dirty areas like stubborn stains in mopping mode.
Roomba Combo j5
The Roomba Combo j5+ is the most affordable in the lineup. Unlike the Combo j7+ and Combo j9+, this one comes with an interchangeable bin which means it is not as efficient at mopping as the other two. It doesn't avoid carpets in mopping mode and lift the bin.
Roomba j7+
Roomba j7 vs. Combo j7
The Combo j7 additionally has mopping attachments and lifts the mopping pad when detects carpet while the standard Roomba j7 is synced with the Braava jet m6 that starts mopping when the j7 is done vacuuming.
Roomba j6+ vs. j7+
Those two are almost the same. The j7 recognizes up to 40 objects while the j6+ is learnt to see pet waste and power cords only.
The Roomba j7+ has a smaller auto-empty base and a front camera that recognizes small objects. It also has a full bin sensor and dirt detection as others do. Compared to the s9+, this one has a weaker suction and a smaller battery but is the only model that can recognize and avoid cables, dog's and cat's poop, and other small things on the floor.
In terms of cleaning performance, this model is almost the same as the i series as all these models use the same suction motor and dual-brush design. Underneath, you will barely find the difference between them.
Roomba Combo j7+
Roomba Combo j7+
Lifts the mopping pad when detecting carpet
The newer Roombas generation does two things at once, mopping and vacuuming. It lifts the mopping pad when the sensors detect carpets. In short, the Roomba Combo j7+ has all the same things as the standard j7+ yet additionally mops the floors and is not syncing with the Braava jet.
So far, this is the most advanced Roomba that sees small objects, mops, and vacuums, and deals with pet hair
The only downside is a small battery, the robot only lasts for up to 75 minutes.
Dirt Detective
Dirt Detective creates a cleaning plan based on how often each room is cleaned and how frequently dirt is detected in each room. The current state of cleaning will be visualized in the iRobot Home App. Selecting Dirt Detective to start cleaning will enable your robot to automatically prioritize the dirtiest rooms and use the most optimal cleaning settings for each.
Supported by Roomba j9+ & Roomba Combo j9+, and Roomba Combo 10 Max.
Roomba Combo j9+
The Roomba Combo j9+ also has a standard j9+ modification.
Roomba Combo j9+
The only that fills the water tank automatically
The Roomba Combo j9+ is the most advanced robot vacuum in the lineup. It refills the water tank, automatically adds detergent, and has a longer battery life.
The robot intelligently cleans the dirtiest rooms first and boosts suction on a carpet which is the only after the s9+ robot can do.
Roomba Combo 10 Max
The Roomba Combo 10 Max is a perfect option for a smooth mopping experience with an upgraded AutoWash Dock.
The new docking station:
- self-empties;
- refills liquid for up to 30 days;
- washes and dries the pad;
- washes itself automatically after every mopping.
This Roomba is a companie's fresh start, made for the best cleaning experience.
Who is the Roomba Combo j9+ best for?
It is the only robot with water auto-fill so is good for homes with lots of hard floors. Since it has more power than the previous j7+, this one is good for pet owners and homes covered with carpets.
Roomba Combo j5+ vs. Combo j7+ vs. Combo j9+
The Roomba Combo j5+ has a basic mopping system with an interchangeable bin. Perfect if you are looking for a smart robot but don't want to spend more on a Combo j7+.
The Roomba Combo j7+ comes with a retractable mop arm but the station doesn't fill the water bin nor adds detergent.
The Roomba Combo j9+ has all these things, efficient on carpet, and is the best as a mopping robot solution if you are looking for something with mopping but don't want to maintain the robot a lot.
Maintenance
Even though iRobot does everything for you to make floor cleaning more manageable than ever before, you still need to do some maintenance to make your Roomba work longer. Clean the dustbin from all the dirt and dust collected. Try to do it after every cleaning or as often as possible if you want your machine to last longer. The most important point is to clean the bristle brushes (hello to the newest rubber ones), especially if there is a pet running around your home or your family member has long hair. This is pretty much it. Not much effort to spend on, huh?
The newest Roomba i, j, and s series are even easier to maintain. They do not need a dustbin to be emptied after every cleaning and the silicone rollers are made in a way that does not get hair tangled so it’s convenient to maintain these models.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Roomba
- Do the Roomba avoid pet waste?
Only two robot vacuums on the market are able to avoid pet waste. Roomba does not have a model that would do so.
- Can I use a Roomba in a multi-level house?
The Roomba i7+, j series, and S9+ store up to 10 different floor plans and can be used in a multi-level house.
Other models can be used in multi-level houses if you are okay with random navigation and the fact that they might miss some areas as they vacuum.
- I don't have Wi-Fi, can I still use a Roomba?
Yes, you can start and stop the Roomba without WiFi but you'll miss other features such as scheduling, seeing cleaning history, etc.
- How does the Roomba return to the dock if I don't have WiFi?
It will automatically dock itself in any scenario when the battery is out of charge.
- Can a Roomba be used in a big house?
Those that have battery life longer than 100 minutes can be used in a big house but honestly, most of the robots would need to return to the station to recharge as they don't cover a large cleaning area.
- Is a Roomba good for carpet?
The Roomba s9+ and j9+ have strong suction and additionally sense carpets by boosting suction when stepping on one. Those models are suitable for low and medium-pile carpets.
The older Roombas can do carpets too but only low-pile ones. We do not recommend using them on thicker carpets as they would not be able to deep clean.
- I have two dogs and a cat, which Roomba should I go for?
The Roomba i/j series and s9+ are the best for pet owners as they come with a self-emptying bin. Most pets shed a lot and you need to empty the bin in the middle of the cleaning cycle. The j series is essential in this case.
- I live in a big house, will my Roomba return to finish its chores after its battery dies?
The Roomba I and j series, and s9+ support resumption which means they return to the charging station as the battery runs out of charge, recharge, and then get back to finish cleaning just from the same spot they have left.
Other models do not have this feature. They just return to charge and if you want the robot to clean again, you have to start it manually. Keep in mind, the robot does not remember where it has been so it might go over the same areas again.
- Can I run the Roomba at night? How quiet is it?
The newer Roombas are quieter than the old models but still not enough to sleep as they work in the same room. If you want the Roomba to map the cleaning area, you have to leave some lights on (related only to those that have a built-in camera).
In general, a Roomba can work in the dark. The 900, i, and s series have a sensor that tracks the floors allowing the robot to understand where to go. It follows a back-and-forth navigation pattern but might not be as accurate as when the light is on. In the dark, the Roombas can navigate as efficiently as when there is light. They also can clean specific rooms and avoid keep out zones (if the robot starts from the dock). The Roomba can not avoid keep out zones nor clean a specific room if being started from somewhere else other than the charging station.
- Can I run it over wet spills like sauces etc?
We do not recommend using a Roomba on wet spills as it might damage the motor.
- My kids leave small stuff on the floor all the time, will the Roomba have issues with it?
We highly recommend picking up things off the floor before turning on the Roomba. It might avoid bigger objects but would be safe if small things would not lay on the floor.
- I have shaggy carpets, will the Roomba work on those?
No robot vacuum works on shaggy carpets and the Roomba is no exception.
- How often do I have to clean the filter?
We recommend cleaning the filter after every cleaning as a clogged filter causes suction loss. For better performance wipe the dust out before running your Roomba.