- Roomba models comparison chart
- The difference between the Roomba i6+ vs. i7+ vs. i8+
- Roomba i3 vs. i4 differences
- Which Roomba would be the best for you? Editor’s choice:
- Will my Roomba fall off the stairs and bump into the furniture?
- What is Spot Clean Mode?
- Dirt Detect Series 1 vs. Series 2 with Persistent Pass
- What is 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?
- Why buy a Roomba with silicone brushes?
- Edge Cleaning Mode
- Will my Roomba return to cleaning after recharging automatically?
- How to control a Roomba?
- What you can do with the iRobot Home app?
- Dual Virtual Wall Barrier
- 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 614 vs. 640 vs. 675 vs. 690 vs. 692 vs. 694
- Roomba 900 Series
- Roomba 981
- Roomba 980 vs. 981 vs. 985
- Roomba e Series
- Roomba e5
- Roomba e5 vs. e6
- Roomba Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop
- Roomba i series
- Roomba i3 Review and tests
- Roomba i7/Roomba i7+
- Roomba i7 vs. 980: what has been improved?
- Roomba s9/s9+
- Roomba i7 vs. s9: the main differences
- Roomba j Series
- Roomba Combo j7+
- 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. They've made a lot of successful products that got famous around the world. If you are planning to buy a Roomba, it can be challenging to decide which model is better for your needs.
Do you really need to pay $1,299 for the high-end Roomba s9+ model, the newest Roomba j7 with object avoidance, or a budget Roomba 690 which you can buy for less than $300 will cover all your needs?
To understand better the important features of each device, let's take a look at the comparison chart below.
Roomba models comparison chart
| Features |  Roomba 690 |
 Roomba 890 |
 Roomba e5 |
 Roomba Combo |
 Roomba i3+ / i4+ |
 Roomba i7+ / i8+ / i6+ |
 Roomba s9+ |
 Roomba j7+ |
 Roomba Combo j7+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suction power Compared to Roomba 600 Series |
- | 5x the air power | 5x the air power | N/A | 10x the air power | 10x the air power | 40x air power | 10x the air power | 10x the air power |
| Run Time (min) | 90 | 60 | 90 | 110 | 90 | 75 | 120 | 75 | 75 |
| Cleaning Technology | AeroVac | AeroForce | 3-Stage Cleaning System | N/A | 3-Stage Cleaning System | 3-Stage Cleaning System | 3-Stage Cleaning System | 3-Stage Cleaning System | 3-Stage Cleaning System |
| Navigation Technology | iAdapt 1.0 | iAdapt 1.0 | iAdapt 1.0 | N/A | 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) |
| Mapping Function | no | no | no | yes | yes (gyroscope-based) | yes (camera-based) | yes (camera-based) | yes (camera-based) | yes (camera-based) |
| Object recognition | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
| Mopping Function | no | no | no | yes | no | no | no | no | yes |
| Auto mop lifting | - | - | - | no | - | - | - | - | yes |
| Virtual Walls | yes | yes | yes | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Keep Out Zones | - | - | - | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Clean & Schedule By Room | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Automatic Dirt Disposal | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Filter | AeroVac | HEPA | HEPA | N/A | HEPA | HEPA | HEPA | HEPA | HEPA |
| Auto Recharge | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Dirt Detect | yes | yes | yes | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Scheduling | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Smartphone App | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Tangle-Free Brush | no | yes | yes | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Recharge and Resume | no | no | no | N/A | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Deeper Carpet Cleaning | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | no | no |
| Full Bin Indicator | no | yes | yes | N/A | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Built-in Camera | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Dimensions (dxh) | 13 x 3.7 in / 33.78 x 9.39 cm | 13.8 x 3.6 in / 35.05 x 9.14 cm | 13.3 x 3.6 in / 33.78 x 9.14 cm | 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 |
| Weight (lbs/kg) | 7.8 / 3.53 | 8.4 / 3.8 | 7.2 / 3.26 | 7.07 / 3.32 | 7.44 / 3/26 | 7.44 / 3.37 | 8.15 / 3.69 | 7.49 / 3.4 | 7.49 / 3.4 |
| Warranty | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months |
| Amazon price | $484.99 | $293.99 | $308.99 | £349.99 | $399.0 | $799.99 | $789.0 | $599.0 | $899 |
| Video Review | Watch | Watch | Watch | -- | Watch | Watch | Watch | Watch | coming soon |
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, it does not come with a self-emptying bin, only the Plus modifications do.
Which Roomba would be the best for you? Editor’s choice:
- The cheapest for carpet: Roomba 690
- Best budget for pet hair: Roomba e5
- Best for pet hair: Roomba i7+
- Best overall: Roomba s9+
- The cheapest with a self-emptying bin: Roomba i3+
- The only one with object recognition, the best choice for pet owners: Roomba j7+
- For homes with mostly hard floors, a j7 with a mop: Roomba Combo j7+
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. Keep in mind, the Roomba occasionally will bump into objects anyway, do not expect it to be perfect.
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).
Dirt Detect Series 1 vs. Series 2 with Persistent Pass
Patented Dirt Detect sensors alert Roomba to work harder on concentrated areas of dirt, such as high-traffic zones of your home. The sensors recognize those areas and boost suction power to provide deeper cleaning.
Series 1 uses acoustic sensors to detect small particles whereas Series 2 uses optical and acoustic sensors. When the robot finds dirt in the first case it will make several passes until the area is clean, while the Series 2 models will automatically do concentrated cleaning (similar to spot cleaning).
What is Full Bin Indicator?
The newest Roombas have a Full Bin Indicator that alerts when the bin is full and stops the robot for 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 to 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 Roomba i7/s9/j7 use an advanced navigation system - iAdapt 3.0. These models are more sensitive to obstacles and are more efficient.
The Roomba i3+ follows a purposeful cleaning pattern and maps your house but not with the camera sensor.
The newest Roombas with mapping follow a purposeful back-and-forth navigation pattern.
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. (The Roomba 980, i7+, and s9+ automatically boost suction on carpet to provide deeper cleaning). The Anti-tangle system will not allow the robot to get stuck between cords, carpet fringe, or tassels. If it does, the system stops the side and main brushes of the vacuum and tries to escape.
Rotating Double Brushes. Does the Roomba resist hair tangling?
Two brushes located on the bottom rotate in the opposite direction to grab and break down dirt and debris. This technology was upgraded in the 800, 900 series, i series, e5, and s9 models. These models have silicone rollers that are ideal for pet hair and almost don’t require maintenance.
Why buy a Roomba with silicone brushes?
I have had the iLIFE V7S myself and faced the issue of hair wrapping around the brush after every cleaning. My wife has long hair, which means the brush needed to be cleaned after every session. By contrast, the silicon rollers are tangle-free and are much easier to maintain.
Edge Cleaning Mode
The 900s, i7+, and s9+ models have Edge Cleaning Mode. The newest ones go along the walls after they finish the job. This feature is always on default, but if you want your Roomba to end the job quicker, you can turn it off on your smartphone.
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.
The latest Roomba i7, s9, and j7 can be ordered (with Alexa and Google Home) to clean a particular room via using voice.
What you can 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 dust bin is full.
If you are a happy owner of the latest robots that have a mapping feature, you can see 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.
Dual Virtual Wall Barrier
The Dual Virtual Wall Barrier is another device that helps to keep the Roomba away from some areas. You need to place it somewhere in the room, and the Roomba won't cross it. Compatible with Roomba s, i, and e series.
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 map are: i7/i7+, s9/s9+, and m6.
Roomba 600 Series
These are some of the oldest models in the family and the most baseline. 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. The rollers have stiff bristles and are very hard to maintain (related to long hair mostly).
There are other models, like the Roomba 670, 675, 692, 694 that are basically the same machines, the only difference is in the cover case color or an included accessory kit.
What is the Roomba 690 good for?
- Small homes.
- Homes with a mixed surface. The robot does a good job on thin carpets and bare flooring and is not as good on thicker carpets nor suitable for homes with a mostly carpeted surface.
Roomba 614 vs. 640 vs. 675 vs. 690 vs. 692 vs. 694
There are four models available to buy. Keeping in mind that all of them have the same cleaning rollers and cleaning mechanism, there is not that much of a difference between the robots.
The Roomba 640 has a longer runtime compared to the Roomba 614 (90 minutes vs. 60 minutes). Despite the design, these are very similar robots that do not have wifi and all the following features such as app connectivity and integration with a smart home.
The Roomba 675 has the same cleaning mechanics as the Roomba 640 but is Wi-Fi-enabled. That means you can schedule the robot and control it from your phone. It is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. The Roomba 675 does not have a dual virtual wall barrier in the box but it is compatible with one so you can buy it separately.
When comparing the Roomba 675 with the 690, you might not see many things that make these robots different. The Roomba 690 comes with a dual virtual wall barrier and is a bit more expensive.
The Roomba 692 seems to have the same cleaning performance and specifications as the Roomba 690. The only difference between the two is that the Roomba 692 lacks a virtual wall barrier that can be bought optionally if needed. As a result, the Roomba 692 is cheaper.
The Roomba 694 has the same features as the 692 but instead of the AeroVac filter, it has a HEPA.
Verdict: If you don't want to spend more, have a look at the Roomba 690. We recommend getting a model up with newer rollers.
Roomba 900 Series
The Roomba 900 Series is the first line that has a camera onboard and is capable of remembering floor layout. Also, these robots support resumption which makes them suitable for bigger homes. The last update of the 900 series was in June 2018. These Roombas might not get a software update in the future with added no-go zones, and room selection.
Roomba 981
The same as the Roomba 960, Roomba 980 is equipped with a camera to build a map of the room and also has an advanced Gen 3 motor inside that gives more suction power on high settings or when the robot detects carpets. Once it identifies carpet, it boosts suction providing deeper cleaning.
The Roomba 980 is the only model that automatically boosts suction on carpets
What is the Roomba 980 good for?
- Homes with a mixed surface. Even though the Roomba 980 has stronger suction than the 960 series, it would not vacuum high-pile carpets.
- Pet owners. With brushless rollers, the Roomba 980 is good for pet and long human hair.
- Thanks to 120 minutes of battery life, the machine covers a bigger area on one charge.
- The camera helps to navigate in cluttered homes.
Roomba 980 vs. 981 vs. 985
The Roomba 980 and 985 are basically the same robots, the differences come in what is included in the box and the cost. The Roomba 985 has a charging dock & cord, an extra filter, one dual virtual wall barrier, and a manual. The Roomba 980 includes the same things + additionally an extra side brush and two dual virtual wall barriers.
The Roomba 981 is no different from the Roomba 980. The color option has been slightly changed, other than that there is no difference. They were made for different markets but you can also find the Roomba 981 in the US.
To conclude:
The Roomba 981 is better for average and bigger homes, suitable for medium-pile carpets, and pet owners. Since it's under $300 it is a great buy with a camera and bristles rollers.
Roomba e Series
Roomba e Series has a few modifications: Roomba e5 (5150 and 5134) and e6. These are upgraded versions of the 800s but are more powerful and suitable for medium-pile carpets. The Roomba e5 does not remember your floor plan however it is equipped with advanced tangle-free rollers the same type as the Roomba i7 has.
Roomba e5
Roomba e5
The best for carpet for under $400
In our opinion, the Roomba e5 is the most underrated robot in the model line. This model provides the best cleaning performance among other Roombas that do not have mapping. In short, it has the same platform as the Roomba i7 only with no premium features.
The Roomba e5 is the best model in the line among others with random navigation
What is the Roomba e5 good for?
- Homes with low-pile and medium-pile carpets.
- Hard flooring.
- Pet owners.
- Small homes.
Roomba e5 vs. e6
Despite the color options, there is not much of a difference between the two. The Roomba e6 includes more accessories such as an extra filter and two virtual wall barriers.
The Roomba e6 is only available at select retailers and has a retail price that is less than the listed price of the Roomba e5. The manufacturer says: «the e6 has dirt detect 2 (Optical and Acoustic sensor for detecting dirt and debris) where the e5 has Dirt Detect 1 (Acoustic sensor)».
Roomba e5 5150 vs. 5134: the 5134 has a silver and black color scheme while the 5150 is completely black. Other than the color modifications, these are identical models.
Roomba e5 vs. Roomba 890
The Roomba e5 has longer battery life but lacks the virtual wall barrier. The e5 is also equipped with the advanced silicone rollers the latest Roomba i7 has.
Why do you need to buy the Roomba e5?
Even tho the Roomba e5 is affordable, considering that the Roomba 981 has mapping, it is probably a better option for bigger homes.
Roomba Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop
Roomba Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop
Can do mopping and vacuuming
The Roomba Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop 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. It follows a back-and-forth navigation pattern which helps it not miss a spot as it cleans. There are three mopping modes that allow customized cleaning.
The app recommends doing extra cleaning during allergy or shedding seasons based on your cleaning habits.
Roomba i series
It includes the Roomba i3, i4, i6, i7, and i8. Those support a self-emptying base and have the same cleaning mechanics, bristles rollers, and filtration system.
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.
Another cool feature is that the robot supports Imprint mapping. It integrates with the Braava jet m6 and once the i3+ finishes vacuuming, the Braava starts mopping.
The difference between the Roomba i7+ and i3+ is that with the Roomba i7+ you can set keep-out zones and it also saves up to 10 maps. The i3+ does not allow interaction with the map other than selecting a specific room to clean.
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. i7+
- The i3+ does not save a map of the cleaning area; the i7+ stores up to 10 different maps
- The i7+ supports keep out zones
- It also has a room-cleaning feature which means you can send it to a particular room
- Because of not having a camera, the i3+ can work in the dark
Roomba i3+ vs. i4+ what is the difference
The only difference between the two is accessories coming in the box and also the i4+ having a 20% bigger battery. The Roomba i4+ is the Costco-exclusive version of the i3. Key differences between the Roomba i3+ and Roomba i4+ are a Li-ion 2210 mAH battery (longer runtime), a dark faceplate, and an increased pack out.
Note: none of the i3+ or i4+ has keep-out zones. These models probably will not get these options with future updates.
Roomba i7/Roomba i7+
The iRobot Roomba i7 is one of the most efficient robot vacuums from iRobot. 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
Roomba i7 vs. i7+
The Roomba i7+ comes with a self-emptying dock station that automatically empties the robot’s bin each time it docks or whenever its container is full and is designed to hold 30 robot bins of dirt and debris so you can forget about vacuuming for weeks at a time. Alternatively, you can buy the self-emptying dock separately later. Other than the included auto-emptying bin, there is no difference between the two.
Keep the Roomba i7+ out of certain areas by using the new «Keep Out Zones» feature
With the Roomba i7, you can divide a created map into zones, name each to make the robot clean in a particular room further. The i7 can remember up to 10 floor maps, which is a useful feature for multi-level houses. The new feature called «keep out zones» allows you to set restricted areas in the app. iRobot is the first company that has this feature in camera-based robot cleaners.
The Roomba i7+ stores up to 10 floor plans
A new feature allows cleaning a certain room or two.
Say «Roomba, clean the kitchen» to make the robot work within the kitchen only
What/who is the Roomba i7+ best for?
- Small and average homes.
- Cluttered homes.
- Homes with many rooms.
- Alexa and Google Home owners. Because of more voice commands, the Roomba i7+ is useful in terms of controlling it by voice.
- Pet owners. With the full dustbin indicator, the Roomba i7+ automatically returns to the dock to empty itself once the dustbin gets full which happens often if you have pets.
- Parents and busy people. Since the Roomba i7+ empties itself, it is an ideal choice for those who don’t have time for chores.
- Suitable for both: homes with carpets and bare floors.
- Multilevel houses.
Is the Roomba i7 worth buying? The Roomba i7+ is suitable for small and medium homes. Thanks to carpet identification, good climbing ability (0.79 in / 20 mm), and strong suction, the robot is perfect for homes with low and medium-pile carpets. With the newest charging base and brushless rollers, you don’t have to spend time maintaining the machine, it takes a few seconds to clean the rollers and empty the disposable bag about once a month. Also, if you own a multiple-level house, the Roomba i7+ would be ideal since it stores up to 10 different floor plans and knows where it is if being manually placed upstairs.
Roomba i7 vs. 980: what has been improved?
- Multimapping. The i7 stores up to 10 different floor plans and is suitable for multi-story houses;
- Now it can recognize rooms automatically;
- Interaction with the map added. Now you can set no-go zones in the app and also send the robot to clean a particular room or two;
- Schedule the i7 to work in a bedroom or/and kitchen at once;
- Improved washable dustbin;
- The newer model is quieter;
- Automatic dirt bin makes the i7+ better value and is ideal for pet owners or anyone who doesn’t want to spend time maintaining the robot.
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 i7+ vs. i6+ vs. i8+
The Roomba i6+ is going to be selling on Amazon while the i8+ was exclusively made for Costco. The Roomba i8+ also has an extra 45 minutes of battery life. There is also a minor change in the accessory kit for each model. The Roomba i6+ comes with an extra disposable bag yet lacks an extra filter and side brush.
Roomba s9/s9+
Roomba s9+
The most powerful robot vacuum cleaner on the market
The Roomba s9 is the newest and 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 industry
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
Roomba s9 vs. s9+
The Roomba s9 is a bit cheaper than the Roomba s9+; the base can be bought separately. The only difference is the self-emptying base the Plus model includes.
What/who is the Roomba s9+ best for?
- Big homes. With 120 minutes of battery life, the Roomba s9+ is ideal for bigger homes.
- Multi-level houses.
- Allergy sufferers (thanks to HEPA filtration).
- Houses with many rooms.
- Pet owners. The new system allows maintaining the rollers even easier than before.
- Homes with carpets. The Roomba s9+ is the most powerful robot vacuum in the industry and is good at deep carpet cleaning.
- Hard surface. The s9+ rollers do a superb job on bare flooring.
- Houses with minimum furniture. The Roomba s9+ shape is good at getting to the corners but struggles in cluttered homes, however, digital virtual walls (keep-out zones) partially solve this issue.
Who is the Roomba s9+ for?
The Roomba s9+ is ideal for those who have carpets and pets. With 120 minutes of battery life, the Roomba s9+ is ideal for big homes. Because it stores up to 10 maps, the robot is essential for those who live in a multi-level house. In the end, keep out zones feature gives the machine much more value than any other camera-guided robot vacuum.
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
Includes the Roomba j7, j7+, Combo j7, and Combo j7+. They have the same self-cleaning base that is different from the i and s series. It is the first series with a visual sensor that recognizes small things the main camera does not see. For now, the Roomba's object recognition technology is the best on the market.
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.
The newest Roomba 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.
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+ and S9+ store up to 10 different floor plans and can be used in a multi-level house.
The Roomba 960, 980, and i3+ do not save a map after cleaning so you can manually move it upstairs and start the cleaning.
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.
- What is a virtual wall for? Where do I use it?
A virtual wall keeps the Roomba from entering certain areas where it can get stuck. It can be a zone with cords, pet's bowl, kid's room, etc.
The latest Roomba i7 and s9 support digital virtual walls that are not limited by size and how many you can set. Those are handier to use.
- Can a Roomba be used in a big house?
The Roomba 980 and s9 last for up to 120 minutes on low power settings which might not be enough for big homes especially if they are covered with carpets. In this case, the Roomba returns to the dock, spends 2 hours on recharging, and then gets back to finish cleaning. If you don't mind the Roomba taking 3+ hours to finish cleaning in a big house, then the Roomba 980 or s9+ would be a good buy.
- Is a Roomba good for carpet?
The Roomba 980, i series, and s9+ have strong suction and additionally sense carpets by boosting suction when steps 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 i7+, i3+, 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 i series and s9+ are essentials in this case.
If you don't want to buy a high-end machine, have a look at the Roomba e5, 800 Series, and also Roomba 960/980. Those have silicone brushless rollers that are easy to maintain as they are tangle-free. With pets, it is important to have rollers that are not challenging to clean. Keep in mind, those are not suitable for thicker carpets (except for the Roomba 980) but would be ideal for a mixed surface.
- I live in a big house, will my Roomba return to finish its chores after its battery dies?
The Roomba 960, 980, i7+, i3+, 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?
None 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.