THE The iRobot company is the creator of Roombas.who burst onto the market in 2002 with a model of vacuum cleaner that did not exist until then: it was small and vacuumed on its own, without the need for human presence.
His name has gone viral, as have demo videos and videos of pets climbing into working robot vacuums.
Since then, many brands have launched similar models with varying degrees of success. Roomba remains the original robot vacuum..
Depending on what’s new, the Roomba options are grouped into different series or ranges:
- 600 series. The fourth generation of Roomba has been on the market since 2012. It is equipped with the AeroVacTM filter which retains fine dust and an improved cleaning head.
- e-series. Two multi-surface rubber brushes, greater suction than the previous series and a high-efficiency filter make it suitable for homes with pets.
- 900 series. The robot returns to the charging station when it runs out of energy and saves the schedule to continue cleaning when it has energy in the battery. It is equipped with a camera that records objects located up to 45° from the ground. From this distance, the vacuum can be connected to the Braava Wet Mopping Robot.
- i-series. It creates interactive maps of your home and has other advanced features. Plus, it empties automatically at the dump station, so you don’t have to worry about it for 30 days.
- s-series. Increased intelligence and suction power. It also cleans corners more efficiently and gets closer to objects more accurately.
Compared to its competitors, the Roomba is exclusively a robot vacuum cleaner. It does not mop the floor, except for a very specific model called the Combowhich performs both functions.
The iRobot brand also offers a robot mop-wringer called Braava, which syncs with the robot vacuum to perform a thorough cleaning together. However, not all models allow this synchronization.
Today, iRobot has so many robot vacuum models on the market – grouped into different series – that it’s hard to choose if you don’t know exactly what you need.
One thing is certain: all iRobot products are guaranteed and have a limited lifespan. proven robustness and durability. Whichever range you choose, the mechanical part of the vacuum works like clockwork, and you can be sure you’re getting a robot that will last for years.
Here are reviews and comparisons of our five favorite Roomba robots, chosen by our experts for their features and performance.
What’s in this guide?
Top 5 Best Roomba Robot Vacuums
5. iRobot Roomba 692
Autonomy: 90 minutes
Cleaning : random
Deposit : 600ml
Navigation: with sensors
This Roomba 692 has been on the market for a few years now. Although you have more advanced options, it is still a great seller and a great alternative to other more expensive models from the brand.
Like all Roombas, only aspire. In this case, it does it in three stages, which refers to its three brushes, since each of them adds up when it comes to transporting dirt to the tank of the robot.
Even though he is the brand’s most basic operating modelworks by connecting to your home’s WiFi network and is best operated by using the function iRobot HOME App that you can install on your mobile phone.
You can schedule cleanings and when you’ve been using it for a while, it learns your cleaning habits and schedules and makes suitable suggestions. It also gives you ideas, such as extra spring cleaning to reduce allergies or during your pet’s shedding period.
In the 600 series, the robot vacuums automatically return to their charging station to recharge between cleanings.so that they are always ready to work.
What they don’t do is resume cleaning if they run out of energy halfway through. As we said, their programming ability is very simple and you have to give them the command to start cleaning again.
It also has:
- 2 bristle brushes in the center and a side brush for edges and corners. This ensures that no speck of dust escapes.
- Large enough tank, 600 ml.
- 90 minutes of battery life, more than enough for an average-sized home.
- Manual, mobile app and voice control, compatible with Google Home and Alexa.
- Simple navigation by sensors, without creating real-time maps.
Cleaning
In this case, it is carried out by two brushes working together. The first picks up dust, debris and hair, the second draws all that dirt into the channel which sucks it inside.
His work is complemented by a special brush for corners and edges at an angle of 27°, which is very effective. The proof is that all top models are equipped with exactly the same brush.
This versatile brush allows you to obtain a good cleaning on all types of floorswhether it is carpet, parquet or tiles. However, we found its power to be a little underpowered on high-pile rugs and very soft carpeting. Keep this in mind if this is your case.
Transitioning from hard to fluffy floors is no problem, as the robot automatically adapts to each surface thanks to its self-adjusting cleaning head.which ensures that the brushes are always in contact with the floor.
It picks up both dust and large debris. However, the center brushes aren’t tangle-free, and you have to spend time cleaning them to keep Roomba in tip-top shape.
This issue is fixed in higher-end Roomba models, so if you have furry pets in the home, check this section and make sure the brushes are silicone.
Additionally – and as with other models that do not drain on their own – it is recommended to empty the tank and clean the filter once a week (twice a week if you have pets) after each use of the robot. In return, this is big enough: 600 mlwhich is rarely filled in a single cleaning cycle.
It’s not synced with the Braava scrubber, so if that’s one of your goals, this model isn’t for you.
All of these physical elements are coupled with its Dirt DetectTM sensor technology. Thanks to them, the Roomba 692 locates the dirtiest areas of your home and tackles them more vigorously.. For example at the entrance, in the hallway or in the kitchen.
The cleaning is not uniform and you may be surprised to see it go over the same place several times, but its purpose is to leave it clean.
Have a height of less than 10 centimeters, allows it to pass under most furniturebut it is unlikely to fit under your sofa feet.
While you are cleaning, take the opportunity to purify the air thanks to its AeroVac filter.TMwhich retains the fine dust that the Roomba 692 has collected inside, so that it is not released into the environment.
Programming and operation
Roomba 692 Features Wi-Fi connectivityso you can control it from your smartphone. It works in sync with the iRobot Home app, the features of which are updated over time.
You can schedule cleaning up to 7 times a week. Plus, wherever you are, you can tell your robot to wake up and start cleaning. You can follow the cleaning progress from your mobile phone.
However, the navigation system is basic: the map it shows you is temporary and inaccurate.
You can also use it with the Google and Alexa voice assistantsSo he will start cleaning the place where you want just by talking to him. This is a nice feature of the Roomba 692; for its price, you can’t ask for much more.
Navigation system
Uses its own iAdapt® system, with sensors which allow the robot to move around all corners, even around furniture and very close to edges.
However, the sensors are not accurate. The robot often bumps into furniture and walls with quite a bit of force, so protected edges are welcome to avoid damaging delicate surfaces.
If you have fragile items in your home that could be damaged, such as plants or streetlights, put them away to avoid scaring yourself, or use the virtual fence.
Sensors too prevent him from falling down the stairsincluding slope detection devices, which prevent it from approaching it and other slopes which would endanger the mechanism.
Job a simple navigation system, which performs cleaning randomly. It’s not the most efficient, but it’s more than enough for low-traffic homes.
If you see your Roomba 692 getting a bit lost, it’s because it sometimes retraces its steps to to make sure there isn’t a corner left to clean.. Some people are a little nervous about doing so many “unnecessary” rounds (especially if you’ve tried a robot vacuum with mapping before), but if you’re not in a hurry, the house will be clean after several passes with the same place.
If you need more information, here you will find our iRobot Roomba 692 Review.
Pros
- Good price
- For all types of floors
- Voice command and mobile app
- Good transition between floors
- Ample waste deposit
Cons
- Limited suction power
- Brushes tangle easily
- Does not resume cleaning
- Trips over walls and objects
- Basic navigation system
4. iRobot Roomba e5154
Autonomy: 90 minutes
Cleaning : random
Deposit : 600ml
Navigation: with sensors
THE Roomba e5154 is better known as the Roomba e5, as it represents the brand’s e-series better than any other model. incorporates two rubber brushes and greater suction than the 600 series.. It is therefore a good choice for households with pets.
This robot vacuum cleaner is in the mid-range of iRobot, and already incorporates some technological innovations compared to the previous series. If you are looking for a simple robot vacuum because you don’t want to complicate your life with programmingthe Roomba e5 is one of the models to consider.
You have gathered here its main characteristics, which we will detail later:
- 2 central multi-surface, anti-tangle rubber pet hair brushes.
- 1 side brush for perfect edges and corners.
- 2 Virtual Wall barriers, which protect areas where you do not want the robot to enter.
- High efficiency filter, with three replacements so you always have clean air.
- Manual control and via mobile app and voice (Alexa and Google Home).
Cleaning
The suction power is 5 times greater than that of the Roomba 692, which is what it has to achieve. to keep floors free of pet hair..
The 2 brushes included are anti-tangle brushes, especially useful if you have long-haired pets. If you live with cats, they will also help you get rid of the grit they sometimes carry around in their paws.
These brushes are also multi-surface, they adapt equally well to hard floors such as sandstone and to soft floors. rugs and carpets thanks to their rubber reliefs.
The Roomba e5 has the 3 cleaning modes common to iRobot robot vacuums:
- Cleaning mode. The device automatically calculates the size of the room and sets the necessary cleaning time.
- Concentrated mode. For intensive cleaning in a specific area of one meter in diameter. It starts in a spiral from this place and returns in a spiral to the starting point. It is very useful for specific moments, such as cleaning the dining room after use, or vacuuming soil from an accidentally knocked over flowerpot.
- Scheduled cleaning mode. The robot vacuum is activated at the exact time you scheduled the activity.
To top it off, it has a air filter which captures 99% of dog and cat allergens, mold, pollen and dust mites. It is not a HEPA filter, as it is an own brand, but in practice it is very similar. We liked that the box included 3 extra replacement filters.
It does not have an automatic drain base (for this you will have to go to higher ranges), so you have to empty its filter yourself. wide 600ml tank.
However, it has a positive point: the tank is washable. After an intense suction session, you can run it under the tap to make it perfect with water.
Since this is a mid-range model, is also not compatible with the Braava Floor Cleaning Robot. If you intend to buy it in the future, we do not advise you to choose the Roomba e5. Look for a superior model.
Programming and operation
This robot vacuum cleaner is connected to WiFi and can be controlled by voice or with the iRobot HOME application. The latter option gives you the most possibilities, allowing you to monitor cleaning, view your cleaning history or watch maintenance videos, for example.
The same application takes care of update the robot with the latest softwareso that it expands its functions over time.
Through the app, it gives you personalized cleaning recommendations, which the Roomba 692 also does. But it goes a step further by creating favorite cleaning routines.
In this case, programming the Roomba e5. has a virtual wall mode which keeps the robot in the areas you want to clean and protects, for example, areas with cables or long curtains in which the vacuum cleaner could get stuck.
As you will see in the next section, the navigation system does not allow exact mapping, so to create these barriers you need a small device. In the box you will find two, and if you need more, they can be purchased separately.
This virtual barrier allows you to choose between two options:
- Block openings up to three meters. You can place it in front of a terrace door and prevent it from coming out.
- fence mode. Creates a circular protection zone with a radius of 60 centimeters. You thus protect a delicate vase placed on the ground or the bowls of your dog or your cat.
Navigation system
The Roomba e5154 uses the iAdapt 1.0 navigation system, which is powered by a series of sensors that help it make over 60 decisions per second.
Thanks to these sensors, it adapts to the different rooms and the shape of your objects, allowing you to clean even in the dark.
Navigation is random and unmapped, so it tends to pass the same location multiple times, consuming more power than necessary. Since it doesn’t have maps, it can’t optimize cleaning time (so it consumes more battery), and you can’t ask it to clean a specific room unless you take it there and you didn’t close the door.
For self-protection, the Roomba e5 comes with the following features. slope detection sensors which keep it away from stairs and slopes.
Still in the mid-range, the e5 is an excellent option for having a Roomba at home without breaking your budget.
Benefits
- Good suction power
- Picks up pet hair
- Anti-tangle caps
- 2 virtual barriers
- Washable tank
Cons
- Random browsing
- No mapping
3. iRobot Roomba 966
Autonomy: 75 minutes
Cleaning : in a straight line
Deposit : 600ml
Navigation: sensors and laser camera
The jump of the Roomba 966 and the 900 series is mostly about how it cleans. It goes from erratic behavior to suck in neat rows.
This allows for faster cleaning and battery savingso he supports longer work cycles. This is important because it only has 75 minutes of battery life compared to 90 minutes for the lower series.
Anyway, that’s no reason not to buy the 966: 75 minutes of optimized battery life is more than enough.
Since the Roomba only vacuums, the way to complete the cleaning is to buy a Braava robot. Roomba 966 already gives you the ability to connect to Braava to let it know which areas it has already vacuumed so it can mop the floor.
These are some of the other outstanding features of the Roomba 966:
- Two multi-surface anti-tangle rubber brushes + one side brush. Between them, they pick up all the dirt from the ground.
- Includes a virtual wall to protect specific areas of the house.
- Online cleaning so you don’t forget anything.
- Recharge and resume system, which picks up where it left off when the battery is depleted.
- High efficiency AeroForce® filter, which keeps the air free of dust and allergens.
- Manual and voice control compatible with the main virtual assistants and the application on your smartphone.
Cleaning
The cleaning performed by this robot vacuum cleaner is suitable for homes with petsthanks to its anti-tangle rubber brushes and high efficiency filter.
Rubber brushes are not only suitable for all types of soil, but they are able to stick to it, whether it is large debris or tiny dust.
In this case, the suction power is not different from that of the Roomba e5, but the cleaning is more effective, since it moves by drawing neat rows. So if you’re worried about the robot getting “stuck” in an area, that won’t happen with the 966.
The 966 also has another improvement over the lower range: it can be used if the power goes out in the middle of cleaning, returns to its charging base and resumes work where it left off. until he is done. This is interesting if you have a large house and its 75 minutes of autonomy are not enough for you.
As it also features Dirt DetectTM technology, it can clean the dirtiest areas it detects in multiple passes, such as the kitchen, under the table or areas reserved for pets.
This is the first model on our list that can be connected to the iRobot household scrubber-dryer.. The robot vacuum and the scrubber sync with each other, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning anymore.
Programming and operation
It is the iRobot GeniusTM platform that is used here (as usual with the brand, the technology of its models is specific to it). From the mobile application, you control all the automation part to decide where, how and when the robot cleans.
If the higher models allow you to regulate the cleaning in a much more detailed way, with the Roomba 966 we are now in the field of personalized recommendations and favorite routines.
Here are some cleaning preferences you can adjust (only through the app):
- Mat BoosterRoomba automatically increases suction power when in front of a rug or carpet, and decreases it on hard floors. You can turn it on constantly for deep cleaning.
- Number of passesThe robot performs a single pass by default, except in areas where it detects more dirt. You can choose two passages if you have pets, if you have a lot of people at home, or if you want regular extra cleaning.
- Edge cleaningis enabled by default. You can skip it to speed up the cleanup.
As we said, this model is movement oriented and does not create exact maps. Therefore, it does not allow you to choose specific rooms or areas to clean, as it has not recorded them.
This means that the robot moves randomly to clean each section, and it will go around a room several times to make it spotless; if you have a big house, be prepared for some pretty long vacuuming sessions.
The “homemade” solution we found to make it vacuum specific areas is to turn it on and place the virtual wall to cut it off or block off the area with something physical.
Like its simpler companions, you can tell her by your voice that she needs to start cleaning. or return to base.
If you’re wondering if you can operate this robot vacuum without using the app, the answer is yes. It’s just that the app lets you get the most out of itYou can even set it to work when you’re away from home or specify your cleaning preferences.
Navigation system
The Roomba 966 also incorporates a technology called vSLAM®, which is based on a motion detection system. optical sensor with laser which allows a more precise localization.
How does it work? Create a detailed map of your environment every time it starts. In this way he always knows where he is, what he’s cleaned up and what he has left to do.. Note, however, that the map is not saved between sessions.
You can follow cleanliness areas from your smartphone and see the activity summary. Additionally, the app alerts you if the tank is full and that you need to empty it, as well as if it is blocked somewhere in the house.
As you can see, the Roomba 966 lets you start customizing your cleaning, without the hassle of complicated schedules.
If you need more information, here you will find our iRobot Roomba 966 Review.
Pros
- Straight line cleaning, more efficient
- Performs well in homes with pets
- Air filter for allergy sufferers
- Compatible with Braava purifier
- Notifies you when the tank needs to be emptied
- If the battery is discharged, it saves the programming
- Navigation with sensors and laser
Cons
- Less autonomy than other simple models
- Does not save maps between sessions
- The trajectory of the robot is quite random
2. iRobot Roomba 981
Autonomy: 75 minutes
Cleaning : in a straight line
Deposit : 600ml
Navigation: sensors + laser
Like all other Roomba models on this list, the Roomba 981 vacuums your entire home in one cleaning cycle.
And like all 900 series vacuums, it does it neatly and efficiently. returns alone to its loading point and resumes cleaning. where it had been left until the entire installation was complete.
As a novelty, the 981 has much more suction power. Specifically, 10 times more than any 600 series model.
Would you like to have an overview of the characteristics of the Roomba 981?
- Two central anti-tangle rubber brushes that work together to descale and transport dirt inside.
- A side brush to reach every nook and cranny.
- A virtual wall module to block off areas or rooms.
- iAdapt 2.0 navigation system with visual localization that locates the robot in each room.
- High amplitude optical sensor to move with greater agility.
Cleaning
The Roomba 981 double the suction power of the 966which, while retaining the same rubber brushes and the same side brush, improves the cleaning experience.
It is also equipped with the high-efficiency AeroForce ® filter, which does more than just trap airborne particles. 99% of dog and cat allergens. as well as particles of dust, mold and dust mites.
Like all models of the 900 series, it has the function of reload and resumeas well as with the booster Carpet Boost, which allows you to automatically recharge your computer. Automatically increases air power on carpets or rugs.for deep cleaning.
The Roomba 981 follows the cleaning system patented by iRobot, which is developed at the University of Ottawa’s Research and Development Institute. three phases:
- Extraction: a rubber brush is used to loosen the dirt encrusted at the bottom of the water.
- Brushing: The second rubber brush removes airborne debris.
- Suction: takes the powder from the hopper.
And yes, this model is also compatible with the Braava scrubber.
Programming and operation
While just pressing the power button will make your Roomba work on its own, don’t miss the chance to connect it to the iRobot HOME app.
It’s generally easy to pair, easy to use, and it expands the possibilities dramatically. From anywhere with a WiFi connection, you can start your Roomba 981, find out how much cleaning is left to do, and which areas of your home are already clean.
Here are some of the functions of the Roomba 981 functions that the application allows you to:
- Register your Roomba with the official service, to have automatic access to updates and receive direct assistance in the event of a problem during the warranty period.
- Schedule, start, pause or cancel cleaning cycles.
- Customize cleaning preferences
- Monitor bot activity
- Automatically receive software updates
- Contact customer service
As it is used, the program draws conclusions about your cleaning preferences. and recommends cleaning schedules or frequencies adapted to your habits.
However, the programming options are quite simple and it doesn’t allow you to interact with cards, which we expected from an advanced model.
It works with your voice, thanks to its compatibility with Google and Alexa (Amazon) voice assistants.
You can also use your Roomba 981 to clean a specific area that has been stained.. To do this, place the robot on the dirt and press the Spot button. This activates a one meter diameter spiral motion for deep cleaning of the area.
This robot is ideal for localized stains, for example if you drop something in the kitchen. On the other hand, it is less effective for cleaning the dining room after lunch or dinner. In this case, you will not have enough space and you will have to give the command to clean the whole room… or repeat Spot mode several times, manually placing Roomba in the right place.
Robot vacuums, like all mechanisms that incorporate software, sometimes produce errors that you don’t know how to fix. Is it serious or not? Is it related to the physical mechanism or to the programming?
In this case, Roomba will let you know something is wrong by emitting a two-tone sound and telling you that there is no problem. tells you the error number. The instructions or the app tell you how to solve the problem. It usually works pretty well and if you need technical support they answer the call pretty quickly and give you solutions.
Navigation systems
As soon as a cleaning cycle begins, the Roomba 981 activates its iAdapt 2.0 navigation system with visual localization.
Meanwhile, vSlam technology combines a high-amplitude optical sensor that uses laser to collect thousands of data points per second.
Therefore creates a map for orientation, pretty accurate, but you can’t interact with it.
However, while the sensors are pretty accurate, they still hit room edges, chair legs, and some furniture. If you have something delicate to protect, it is better to activate the image protection function. virtual wall module included in the box.
To ensure the proper functioning of the navigation systems, it is advisable to clean the sensors every month with a clean, dry cloth, as well as the interior and exterior doors of the sensors in order to eliminate any traces of dust.
In summary: the Roomba 981 retains the characteristics of the 900 series but it gains power. You’ll appreciate it if your home gets a lot of traffic or you have shag carpets.
For
- Straight line cleaning
- High suction power
- Air filter for allergy sufferers
- Recharge and resume function
- Good cartography
- Compatible with Braava
Cons
- Less autonomy than other simpler models
- Non-interactive maps
- Very simple programming
1. iRobot Roomba i7+
Autonomy: 75 minutes
Cleaning : in a straight line
Deposit : 400ml
Navigation: sensors + laser
THE Roomba i7+ The Roomba i7+ is a step up in controlling your robot vacuum from your mobile phone and customizing functions.
To do this, it has a a laser optical sensor and an integrated artificial intelligence.. In sync, they create a map of your home from which they design room cleaning.
To start, free up your home as much as possible, let the light in and let it explore your domain. From there, a map is drawn and Roomba makes cleaning decisions to optimize time and battery life and focus where it needs it most.
As far as suction is concerned, it retains the most efficient functions of the previous series. In other words, the the highest brand power iRobot and the three-stage cleaning system.
And on top of that:
- The 2 central rubber brushes + 1 side brush, the brand’s usual system.
- Washable tank with automatic drain so you don’t even have to bend down.
- Interactive mapping, with up to 10 different maps for multi-storey houses or different residences.
- Recharge and resume function, which allows to save the programming in case of battery depletion.
- Manual, voice and mobile app control.
- Equipped with artificial intelligence.
Cleaning
In terms of suction, the Roomba i7+ has not changed much compared to the 981, since it has the same characteristics as the latter. 10 times the power of the 600 series models.
That’s a lot, sure, but for that price (it’s Roomba’s most expensive line) we expected the cyclonic suction that other brands offer in cheaper models. In its defense, the cleaning results are very similar, and iRobot isn’t keen on using other brands’ technology; he prefers to patent his own.
When it comes to vacuuming, always uses the three-phase system which works so well for them: extraction, brushing and suction. In this case, the extra power is also noticeable in the noise, which can be annoying if you are in the same room.
It is equipped with rubber brushes that save you from having to remove tangled hairs by hand, and a cleaning head that automatically adjusts its height according to each type of floor.
THE The air filter is high efficiency (not HEPA, iRobot’s own technology) and prevents the spread of bacteria and viruses in the air.
One of the strengths of the Roomba i7+ is that it has a vacuum system. automatic dump stationso you don’t have to bend over to clean the filter manually after each cleaning session.
These bags have four layers of blocking material that traps 99% of the pollen and mold collected and rejected by the robot inside. So the dirt stays inside, where it belongs.
We recommend that you use the day you replace the bag to clean the inside of the device. reservoir for the Roomba i7+, which is water washable.
As a system, the automatic emptying is very practical, but from our point of view, there are two disadvantages: you have to make sure you have spare bags. In addition, the charging and emptying base takes up much more space than conventional bases.
Cleaning is done in a straight line, makes good use of the battery. If you have a small or medium-sized home, you’re unlikely to need to reload until you’re done.
But if so, this model is equipped with the technology recharge and resume functionso you don’t have to monitor the device or cleaning. If the battery is discharged during the cycle, the device will continue cleaning when it has been recharged.
We noticed that this vacuum is a bit louder than the 900 series. Although it’s not much louder, keep that in mind if quietness is important to you.
Programming and operation
The difference between the 900 series and the i series is mainly in this section. There is a substantial change in the handling of the application here, which now allows the user to much more customization in cleaning.
In addition to the suggestions made by the rest of the Roombas, you can directly choose the rooms you want to clean, or program the week by stays.
From the application, you have a exact view of the plan of your house and you can interact with it.create for example permanent restricted areas, without the need to use the virtual wall.
What you cannot do is create closed areas inside a room, for example to protect cables on the floor. For this you can use Virtual Wall® physical modules.One of them is included as standard in the package.
Voice control has also been improved, allowing you to not only activate the robot, but also operate it. to send your Roomba i7+ to a specific place in the house to clean.. The plan of the house allows him to recognize each area and to navigate alone.
The use of interactive maps in the cloud poses the problem of privacy protection. Specifically, iRobot guarantees you that all data collected is private and are secure.
That’s one of the reasons it’s right for you. register your Roomba on the official website as soon as you bought it.
Navigation system
The Roomba i7+ is guided by vSLAM laser technology, which replicates the experience of the human eye. In other words, he picks up visual cues that help him know where he’s cleaned and what he needs to do.using the same criteria as you.
It’s the same system as the 900 series, but it has more sensors and artificial intelligence software. So it’s the same system as the 900 series, accurately moves around your home and recognizes objects much more accurately. and clean up around them.
The most interesting thing is that the software will continue to be updated and will have more and more functions over time.
He has memorize up to ten plans. If you live in a one-story apartment, you can use the others for a second home, a townhouse or a relative’s house.
In addition to the optical sensor that allows it to communicate with the charging base, it has a temperature sensor. to detect friction against objects.Infrared sensors that measure the distance to obstacles, slope sensors and ground tracking sensor.
Overall, the Roomba i7+’s navigation is very precise and allowed us to customize the cleaning in detail.
Please note, however, that the price is quite high. You pay here for the possibility of working with interactive maps (for us, very interesting) but above all for the innovation of not having to empty the tank after each use.
You’ll need to assess whether these two features are worth the Roomba i7+’s price jump over lower ranges.
Benefits
- Up to 10 interactive maps
- Detailed programming
- Automatic drain
- More precise voice command
Cons
- High price
- Louder than other models
Comparison of the best Roomba robot vacuums
For you to see more clearly, we have compiled a comparison of the most important characteristics of each Roomba robot vacuum cleaner on this list.
Noticed : if you are using your mobile phone, scroll the table with your finger to see all the columns.
Our recommendation: which one to choose?
From our point of view, Roomba robot vacuums have several very important assets… and another that should not be overlooked.
In favour ? Technology that works like clockwork, durability and comfort. when it comes to delegating an often tedious part of house cleaning.
Against ? Without a doubt, the price. You deprive yourself of a flagship brand and you pay the price. If you want our opinion, some models like the i7+ are too expensive. That said, if money is no object, any Roomba you bring home will be a good investment.
If you already know you want to stick with an iRobot Roomba, here are some tips to help you choose the model that’s right for you.
Without a doubt, the Roomba i7+ is the most complete model of the selection because it allows you to create interactive maps and is equipped with all the cleaning accessories.. It also empties on its own, so you can forget about it for a month.
But, as we said, the price is top of the line. If you have a limited budget and are not afraid to do without cards, you can opt for the model Roomba 981. In terms of cleaning, it is exactly the same (without automatic emptying).
In the same series is the Roomba 966, which cleans in a straight line. without forgetting a corner and continues with the reload option and resumes.. In this case you lose energy: this is a thing to appreciate, because the price is lower than that of the 981 and, if you do not have a carpet at home, you may not have one no need.
If you go upscale, you have the Roomba e5which incorporates rubber brushes and a powerful filter. This is an option designed for households with pets, with a large tank and plenty of range and power. On the other hand, the navigation is quite basic.
Going down the range, you have a simple but robust model: the Roomba 692. It behaves like all other models that do not have mapping. and the suction mode is the same as all its brothers.
The advantage is that this model has been on the market for a while, so you can find it at an affordable price (for Roombas).
- You like to invest in state-of-the-art devices.
- You want maps so you can customize your programming down to the smallest detail.
- You want to forget emptying the dust from the robot for a month.
- You don’t want to complicate the application
- You want a powerful vacuum cleaner
- You have rugs at home
- Are you looking for good value for money?
- You plan to buy Braava later and don’t want to invest a lot in the robot vacuum.
- You don’t want the robot to run out without finishing cleaning.
- You want a simple mid-range model
- You have a pet and you don’t want the brush to get tangled in the hair.
- You will be using virtual barriers a lot (including two).
- You don’t want to spend a lot on a Roomba
- You are looking for a robot vacuum cleaner with great cleaning autonomy
- You don’t give up voice control and apps
Furthermore, it is interesting to know that the Roomba after-sales service has the for the best customer service in the vacuum industry in 2021..
Each of the five models we have selected is a good buy. If you want to invest in a robot vacuum “for life”, Roomba is the ideal brand in terms of quality and performance.
What about the Roomba e-series? Why do we not recommend any model from this range?
We are already at the high end, and prices are increasing exponentially. It is clear that as a robot vacuum it is a great option, but we think it exceeds the possibilities of a “normal” house.
That’s why we preferred to focus on the following The 5 Most Versatile iRobot Roomba Modelswith different characteristics and prices. If you want to compare them with models from other brands, you can read our guide to the best robot vacuumsWhich will you choose?