Roomba 2023 Edition Buying Guide

Roomba Comparison 2023 Edition: 675, 690, 694, E5, I3, I6, S9 and J7.

Looking at the rumor product line specifically for the year 2023 and beyond. Let's overview where each model falls into the hierarchy. And which are the best options for specific needs.

So let's get into it a lot has changed since iRobot was launched a few decades ago. 

30 generation remote products all utilize a random navigational algorithm that was inefficient but with the influx of brands like Roborock Shark Dreamy and such, they were forced to develop their own smart robot vacuum which will look into in detail later in this article. 

These entry-level options still exist the 600 series to be specific but with one significant upgrade. All use an 1800 milliamp hour lithium-ion battery. Offering better longevity and a more consistent power band. 

Several iterations of these models existed with varying color schemes but all are similar under the hood using the same motor and brush layout underneath. The current one is the Roomba 692-694 which is basically the same robot as a 675 and 694. But with some cosmetic variances. 

iRobot Roomba 675

$255.0 on Amazon

For a brief period, the robot had a E-series which combine the features of the I-series and the 600 series.

The Roomba E5 utilizes the same frame and brushroll as the more premium I7 but with a random algorithm. Ultimately the I3 replaced the E5 as a premium entry-level option using more refined navigation. 

The Robot moves in straight lines but without level features like map-saving containment select your room cleaning and more. This model is part of the I-series iRobots first with a clean base station. So it has a self-emptying feature there are three options with or without the clean base stations. 

iRobot Roomba E5

$219.95 on Amazon

Models with it have a plus designation beside the I3 branding. While the robot-only models don't have the plus beside the model number. Obviously, options without it are cheaper than models with clean base stations.

Other sub-variants are available like the I2 and I4. But these are essentially the same robots as I3. 

When choosing between these variants opt for the cheapest one available a more refined option of the I3 is the I7 the first Roomba with a self-emptying feature. 

The I3 and I7 use the same body dustbin and brush layout but with the v-slam algorithm or a top-mounted Camera Plus slam. So it will draw maps and save them also map saving unlocks other helpful features like keeping out zones clean zones and selected room cleaning giving consumers more control. 

iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO

$269.99 on Amazon

Over robot vacuum deployment iRobot's most potent vacuuming option is the S9+ its first and only d-shaped robot with a square front and 9.5-inch wide extractors. 

This model is our what's best performing vacuuming option with its rare combination of a higher airflow motor and efficient pickup from the counter-rotating extractors. 

I'm not sure if this model was an experiment from iRobot since they reverted to the round shape frame with a J7 and Combo J7.

Airflow Comparison

Unlike Roborock UMO products don't have much variance with airflow.

There are two categories for Roomba: the high airflow options and the low airflow alternatives which make up most of the product line. 

Only the S9+ and 980 are the high airflow options with 25 and 19.74 CFM. 

It's hard to get actual power figures without disrupting their functionality. Since it has many sensors that can disable the robot when these are triggered. 

One consistent aspect I noticed when testing robot vacuums is that higher airflow options tend to pick up more debris than low airflow options. Outside the S9+ and 980 other Roomba options hover between a 6 and 8 CFM range. Not many variants to be honest and this is reflected in the cleaning tests.

One feature that benefits remote products is the dirty text system where the robot does additional passes if it detects more debris. It's one reason their products are some of the better options for deep-cleaning carpets. 

iRobot Roomba S9+

$599.99 on Amazon

Cleaning comparison

You could see a gap between the high and low airflow options. 

The Roomba S9+ and 980 are the best-performing options and the only ones to be above 90 in deep cleaning and above 99 on service debris pickup. 

Adorable options hovered in the mid-90s for surface debris and in the 80s for embedded sand. 

One issue with a 600 series is the inefficient navigation combined with the fast-fitting side brush that scatters debris. 

It's less of an issue with the I-series because of the more predictable back-and-forth navigation. But still, the side brush tends to scatter piles of dirty touches only the Roomba S9+ did not have the debris scattering issue because of its lower rotating side brush. It's also the best and most efficient option for edge-cleaning. 

Because of the square front and side brush placement at the edge, Roomba options with the newer counter-rotating extractors will be better at picking a pair. Although the Roomba 694 picked up well the bristle-less nature of these extractors is easier to clean versus the bristled brush of the entry-level where you'll need to use scissors to dislodge hair. 

iRobot Roomba 694

$249.0 on Amazon

Dustbin comparison

The dustbin capacity will vary depending on the model. 

Entry-level options like the 694 have white dustbins but the low beltline door limits its capacity to 300 ml. 

The E-series uses the same dustbin as the I-series and J-series. So this will have a slightly larger capacity between 400 and 500 ml. Depending on whether it has a clean base station option without a clean base station will have a 500 ml capacity. While options with it go down to 400 ml. 

Because of this indentation housing, the auto empty port and the S9+ are around 20 more volume with the clean base station at 500 ml. 

The larger container and scissor-type hinges make it easy to empty and clean. 

But the largest dustbin capacity belongs to the 900 series robots with a whooping 600 ml capacity. 

Unfortunately, these options don't have a clean base station with a 2.5-liter bag which more than quadruples the big capacity of options with other self-emptying features. 

Another benefit of models with a self-emptying feature is it empties the dustbin for you.

So it's more autonomous than options without it.

Navigation comparison

The intro early generation Roomba options exclusively utilize a random algorithm meaning it pinballed around randomly until iRobot unveiled the Roomba 980 their first with a v-slam algorithm. 

Currently, most Roomba products utilize v-slam. 

I3 v-slam combines a top-mounted camera and slam options with it including the Roomba I6 I7 I8 S9 J7 and Combo J7. 

iRobot Roomba i6+

$394.99 on Amazon

Note that iRobot moves the J-series camera from the top to the front to combinator obstacle-avoiding sensors the front sensors also double as primary navigational sensors of this J-series robot. 

Both are the only Roomba options with obstacle avoidance and the best with their ability to evade stuff like pet feces and stretch wires.

iRobot Roomba J7

$445.0 on Amazon

Battery and run time comparison

All latest generation 600 series E-series and I-series robots use the same 1800 mAh lithium-ion battery with a 75-minute run time. 

The J-series has a slightly larger battery and runs slightly longer at 90 minutes. While the S9980 uses a larger 3600 mAh battery. But since these robots use a high-powered motor the range is shortened to 75 minutes more so in the max setting at 45 minutes. 

Fortunately, for the smart navigating Roomba options a recharge and resume feature negates the below-average run time. Because it resumes cleaning automatically after recharging. 

All slow v-slam options have a mapping run where the vacuum mode is shut off to extend range focusing solely on map creation.

Noise comparison

Outside the high airflow options, the S9+ and 980 most remote options aren't that noisy. Most hover in the mid-60s decibel level.

That's one advantage of low airflow options if noise is a deciding factor. 

But the aggressive edge-cleaning algorithm of these Roomba options except for the J-series means it may bump into the furniture hard and scrape them. 

App comparison

Options are compatible with the iRobot home app and their features will vary depending on the model and feature specifications. 

Entry-level 600 series E-series 900 series and I3 have basic features. Mostly involving scheduling and remote access to the robot through its Wi-Fi connectivity. Thanks to the slam algorithm options v-slam come with more features like keep-out zones to clean zones and map saving.

Unfortunately, the iRobot app doesn't have a live map feature in other brands like Roborock. Only time will tell if they will implement this feature. 

The rumor J7's obstacle avoidance system has some additional features to complement it.

It iRobot calls it obstacle areas where it collates all the objects detected and allows consumers to convert these into keep-out zones. 

Another update with the iRobot app is the cleaning history tab. 

It shows a list of cleaning runs along with the corresponding Maps duration and more. 

Choosing a Roomba will depend on factors like budget feature needs home size. Whether you want or need a self-emptying feature the best vacuuming and most efficient Roomba options are the Roomba S9+ and 980. Since these are the only higher airflow options with smart navigations.

One variance is that the S9+ has a clean base station while the Roomba 980 is an older model without it also the latter doesn't have map saving. 

So features like keep-out zones or clean zones aren't available. 

The Roomba J7+ and Combo+ are the best of obstacle avoidance may be in the industry. 

The Roomba J7+ is the only robot vacuum tested that can avoid pet feces and stretch wires consistently and it's the only option with a pop guarantee. So if it touches thread pad feces iRobot will replace it for free.

Also really cool the J7 base station because of the low profile design and the space for the extra bag. 

The I3 is the best cheaper option for you. Because it has gyroscope-based navigation, it moves in neat rows and its price isn't far off the Roomba 694. 

The Roomba 694 is a decent performing robot but its navigational limitations mean it won't clean multiple rooms well and may get lost. So I don't recommend it vacuuming on a per-room basis.