- Roomba i3 vs. i4 vs. i6 vs. i7 vs. s9 vs. j7
- Mapping technology & object recognition
- The self-emptying base
- What are the difference between the Roomba's i, s, and j series?
- i series
- s series
- j series
- What is the difference between the Roomba j7 and j7+?
- Roomba i3/i3+
- Roomba i7/Roomba i7+
- Roomba s9/s9+
- Roomba j7+
- Which Roomba is the best for you?
iRobot has been producing robot vacuums for more than 20 years. During the past few years, the company has released new models with a self-emptying base and since there are many new models, for someone, it might be confusing which one to buy. So the lineup has a more affordable model like the Roomba i3/i4, premium models like the Roomba i6/i7/i8, a unique one like the Roomba s9, and the most expensive and advanced, the Roomba j7+.
Roomba i3 vs. i4 vs. i6 vs. i7 vs. s9 vs. j7
| Features |  Roomba i4+ |
Roomba i3+ |
 Roomba i6+ |
Roomba i7+ |
 Roomba s9+ |
 Roomba j7+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suction power Compared to Roomba 600 Series |
10x the air power | 10x the air power | 10x the air power | 10x the air power | 40x air power | 10x the air power |
| Run Time (min) | 90 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 120 | 75 |
| 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 | N/A | N/A | iAdapt 3.0 (Imprint™ Smart Mapping) | iAdapt 3.0 (Imprint™ Smart Mapping) | Imprint and PerfectEdge Technology, 3D sensor + Mapping | iAdapt 3.0 (Imprint™ Smart Mapping + PrecisionVision Navigation) |
| Mapping Function | yes | yes | yes (camera-based) | yes (camera-based) | yes (camera-based) | yes (camera-based) |
| Object recognition | no | no | no | no | no | yes |
| Virtual Walls | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Keep Out Zones | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Clean & Schedule By Room | no | 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 |
| Deeper Carpet Cleaning | no | no | no | no | yes | no |
| Full Bin Indicator | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Built-in Camera | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Dimensions (dxh) | 13.26 in x 3.6 in / 33.68 x 9.14 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 | 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 |
| Weight (lbs/kg) | 7.44 / 3/26 | 7.44 / 3/26 | 7.44 / 3.37 | 7.44 / 3.37 | 8.15 / 3.69 | 7.49 / 3.4 |
| Warranty | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months |
| Accessories included |
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| Amazon price | $545.0 | $399.0 | $680.0 | $799.99 | $789.0 | $599.0 |
| Video Review | -- | Watch | -- | Watch | Watch | Watch |
Most models have the same filtration system, dimensions, cleaning mechanics, etc.
Mapping technology & object recognition
Each model with a self-emptying base has a mapping feature but there is a difference in mapping technology.
The Roomba i1/i2 and i3/i4 are being navigated only by a gyroscope which is enough to cover the whole cleaning area but lacks some additional features and is not as accurate.
The Roomba i6/i7/i8 uses a camera. In tandem with a gyroscope, a camera helps to build a more or less accurate map making navigation more precise. Those models have some extra features like zone cleaning and save up to 10 maps in memory.
The Roomba j7 has all those sensors, and additionally a built-in camera on a front bumper that recognizes small objects the main camera can't catch.
The Roomba j7 is the only robot vacuum in the lineup that has object recognition
All models can clean in the dark but would rely on a gyroscope more than on a camera. Basically in the dark, the i7 navigates the same way as the i3 or i1.
The self-emptying base
The self-emptying base for all models is the same except for the one that comes with the Roomba j7+. That one is more compact yet holds up to 60 dustbins content when the others can do for up to 30 (approximately 30 days).
The base has a disposable bag. It sucks the on board dustbin content inside that bag and holds debris for up to 30 or 60 days (like the Roomba j7+). The self-emptying base sets the user free of dumping debris for a month. Very helpful for pet owners and indeed a nice feature to have for everyone.
What are the difference between the Roomba's i, s, and j series?
i series
The i series include: Roomba i1/i2, i3/i4, i6/i7, and i8
All models have the same brushrolls, filtration system, about the same design, and a self-emptying base.
The Roomba i1 is similar to the i3 but lacks extra accessories and is not widely available. The Roomba i2 is basically the same model as the i1 except for the cover color and you can get it on Amazon.
The i3 and i4 are on sale on Amazon and are almost the same except for the battery life, the i4 lasts longer, and the accessory kit as the i4 includes more extra tools in the box.
Those models are being navigated via a gyroscope which is not as accurate as a camera but still helps the robot to cover the whole cleaning area but might not be as fast as the premium models do. Unlike the i1, the Roomba i3 and i4 recently received a new update that allows the robot to save one map and divide it into separate rooms in order to be able to clean a specific area, like only the kitchen. The i1/i2 does not have such a feature.
The Roomba i6/i7 and i8 is a different thing. Those have a built-in camera that helps a gyroscope to navigate around by taking many shots and creating a more accurate map of the house. They also support keep out zones (restricted areas), a specific zone cleaning, and multiple map saving.
s series
The s series only includes one model, the Roomba s9 which is completely different compared to the other models in the lineup. It has a D-shape design, 30% wider brushrolls, longer battery life, and stronger suction. This one is navigated by a camera and is suitable for bigger houses.
j series
The j series is the latest series that has one model, the Roomba j7. This is the most advanced Roomba with object recognition which in fact, is one of the best on the market. Its self-emptying base is the smallest in the lineup but despite a compact size, its disposable bag collects the amount of debris collected in 60 days depending on usage while the i7 only does for up to 30 days. Other than object recognition and a compact base, there is almost no difference between this and the i7.
What is the difference between the Roomba j7 and j7+?
The "+" in a robot's name states a self-emptying base the robot comes with. The same goes for other Roomba models.
Roomba i3/i3+
The Roomba i3+ is the robot vacuum you would want to get if you are looking for something like the i7+ but don't really need extra features like multiple maps saving or zone cleaning. The cleaning performance is the same but the i3's navigation is not as precise compared to the i7 because of lacking a camera.
The Roomba i3+ vs. i4+
The two are basically the same machine with a few minor differences.
- The two have a different accessory set
- The Roomba i4 has a bigger battery and as a result, works for longer.
Roomba i7/Roomba i7+
The iRobot Roomba i7 was released at the end of 2018. It is one of the most expensive robot vacuums on the market and 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, washable dustbin, etc.
Roomba i7+
Self-emptying Roomba
The Roomba i7 is a more advanced product with a camera to map a house and a few extra features. Even tho it has a recharge & resume feature, its battery is small and the robot is not suitable for big houses.
The Roomba i6 vs. i7 vs. i8
The three have a few differences like a cover color, and an accessory kit. The Roomba i6 doesn't come with extra tools and was made for Amazon specifically. As a result, it is cheaper than the Roomba i7. The Roomba i7 is a standard retail model which you can find in most stores. The Roobma i8 has a bigger battery, a bigger accessory kit, and is made to be sold at COSTCO.
- Different color options
- The Roomba i8 has a bigger battery and accessory kit and only can be found at COSTCO
- A different accessory kit for each model
Roomba s9/s9+
Roomba s9+
The most powerful robot vacuum cleaner on the market
The Roomba s9 is the only robot in the lineup with a battery life of up to 120 minutes and the strongest suction. It also has a unique D-shape design and wider rollers. In terms of features, there is no difference between this model and the i7/i6 but the Roomba s9 is more suitable for homes with a minimalist design and mostly carpeted surface.
Roomba s9 vs. s9+
The Roomba s9 is the same as the Roomba s9+ but does not include a self-emptying base. Instead, it comes with a standard charging station.
Roomba j7+
Roomba j7+
The only model with object recognition technology
The Roomba j7+ is the most-featured robot vacuum in the model line equipped with a front camera for small object recognition. It has the same specifications as the Roomba i7 including suction power and cleaning mechanics but has more advanced navigation, and a compact yet capacious self-emptying base. This is the ideal robot for homes with a complex layout, pet owners, or kids.
Roomba i7+ vs. j7+
Those two have about the same cleaning mechanics and specifications but the Roomba j7+ has a built-in front camera for object recognition and a smaller self-emptying base with a bigger disposable bag.
Which Roomba is the best for you?
The Roomba i3+ or i4+ is less advanced in terms of navigation yet still a very good machine. Basically, you get the Roomba i7 without bells and whistles. Suitable for small homes with a minimalist design.
The Roomba i6/Roomba i7+ would be ideal for small to medium homes with more than one level, pet owners.
For big homes with mostly carpets, get the Roomba s9+ as the most powerful machine in the lineup with the biggest battery too.
If you are looking for something more advanced with more efficient navigation and a smaller size, have a look at the Roomba j7+.