Roomba S9 vs. I7: “Which Roomba is Better?”

When the first Roomba came out, it was an inefficient robot that required a lot of babysitting.

This is no longer the case with Roomba S9 and I7.

These two new products from iRobot It is the pinnacle of self-cleaning technology.

iRobot has been manufacturing these devices for over two decades and has slowly progressed with each model.

starting from Roomba 980, iRobot now uses a better and more efficient navigation system It is able to clean large areas with better proficiency.

So which robotic cleaner is the best option? do the upgrades in Roomba S9 Justify the astronomical cost? Or is the i7 a better deal?

Find out the answers to these questions and more in this review.

First, here Quick Overview Roomba S9 vs i7

Roomba I7

 

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presented to Roomba S9 and I7

Brought S9 and I7 Two important promotions In Roomba production line.

With I7It was The first Roomba with an “automated dirt disposal system” The iRobot has a second vacuum cleaner inside the charging dock that empties the container after it returns from the cleaning cycle. then in Roomba S9that they Forgo the circular design and follow the Neato D . structure.

make this switch Give Roomba S9 better results Since it has a wider brush roll that extends across the entire width of the robot.

Having a wider brush improves cleaning edges above the I7. The S9 also has a “Clean Base” Automatically empties the dustbin.

Of course, these promotions It will come at a premium.

Fortunately, iRobot gives you the option to purchase its products with or without self-discharge.

People who want to save money can choose the non-plus . option Comes only with Android.

Other than adding a clean pedestal sink, both options are the same.

The clean base station can be purchased separately and comes with a special dust box for this purpose. It’s an important upgrade that will cost several hundred dollars.

So it’s better to make up your mind before buying, because buying the upgrade separately will have a higher cost.

Advantages Roomba S9

• Better at cleaning edges: The new D-shaped design and wider brush allow the S9 to do just that Better performance in cleaning edges and corners. Tests show that it works best in such conditions.
• Rotating side brush slower: Another improvement that enables the S9 to clean better is Side brush rotates slower. The fast-spinning side brush on the i7 and earlier models tends to disperse debris more.
• 30% wider hoods: Having wider extractors allows this robot to cover more ground and Avoid tangles when brushing hair (pet or human).
• More power: The Roomba S9 It is the most powerful robotic vacuum cleaner to date, producing 22 CFM airflow.
• Best on hard floors: It gives you powerful airflow on low power and a better designed side brush S9 Excellent performance on hard floors.
• Deep cleaning on carpet will better: This model is one of the few selected robotic vacuums Capture more than 90% of sand on medium pile carpet.

Possible problems

• Insanely expensive: To give you some perspective on the cost of this robot. They cost more than three high-end Dyson vacuums! This is madness!
• Complaints about software problems: There are complaints about buggy programs that affect navigation (eg, crash or get lost).

Like the S9, the i7 also has two versions – the “plus” option with the clean base station and the entry level option without it.

This model is The first Roomba with an automatic cleaning station Which makes it really independent.

As you will read in the reviews, the older option, iRobot, has Corrected by program errors.

It retains the circular shape of previous Roomba robots. One of the reasons iRobot has stuck with this design throughout its existence is its agility. Moving around the furniture will not be a problem with the unlimited use of radium.

Features of Roomba I7

• Less expensive alternative: I7 It is a few hundred dollars cheaper from S9. Without a clean base berth, it’s a much better deal.
• Better at picking up big bits of dirt: This model does Best Cheerios Size Dirt Pickup Function. One reason may be that the extracts are higher. However, it comes at the cost of deep cleaning performance.
• Autonomous robot at lower cost: Roomba I7+ provides format Same hands-free convenience for so much less from S9+. It doesn’t have the S9’s bells and whistles and it won’t deep clean either.
• An excellent choice for pet owners: This robot has an airtight system that keeps fine dust, lint, and other types of allergens inside the container. It is also excellent at picking up pet droppings and hair.

Possible problems

• Still Expensive: Although less expensive, the i7 is still more expensive than most other high-end robotic vacuums.
• You Won’t Clean Deep As Well: The less powerful engine and narrower extractors won’t pick up built-in dirt like the S9.
• More tangles: Long hair wraps around the extractors and their axes. Be sure to check your main brush regularly for tangles if someone in your household has long hair.

Both robots have the same motor, navigation system and brush, so expect the same performance.

The difference between positive and non-positive versions is maintenance.

There is less room for babysitting with the “+” version Because the second void in the dock will empty the container. Inside the clean base station is a bag It can hold up to “30 baskets of dirt” according to iRobot.

So it is a truly hands-free device that keeps the house clean with minimal babysitting.

Of course there is Some maintenance Take part in cleaning the brush roller and filters (more on that in a later section).

But the point is Roomba I7 and S9 are the first truly automated robots Smart enough to clean an entire level without any human intervention.

Roomba S9 Design

The Roomba S9 It is a drastic change from i7. Gone are the circular disc shape design iRobot used in the past few decades.

It now has a square interface with a rounded background – D-shaped design similar to Neato D7.

I think iRobot did this to help their bots Matches the outstanding performance of their main competitor.

In the center is a golden disc that represents the lid of the larger dust cup.

Behind the dial is the camera sensor that the S9 uses to set its location.

It has a matte charcoal finish that I like because it resists dirt better than anything glossy.

Interface and controls

The new look of the S9 necessitates a change of interface.

The three buttons are not in a new position in the top right, unlike the previous version in the middle.

It’s the same three buttons – home, clean, and spot. The The rest of the features can be accessed through the iRobot Home app You can download it through the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

This Roomba retains the simple simplicity of the vintage models that make their products so popular.

Roomba I7 design

Roomba I7 retains the circular design seen in previous versions.

In the middle is the camera that the i7 uses for mapping purposes. An infrared sensor on the front helps track the location of the charging base when it needs to be docked.

This model has a glossy two-tone charcoal and gray finish.

I’m not a big fan of the glossy finishes as they are prone to fingerprints, but that’s just my opinion.

Interface and controls

The i7 has only three buttons – home, clean, and location.

Since this model has Alexa and an app, it doesn’t need anything more than that as all the functions can be accessed through the software you can download.

It’s simple design eliminates clutter. You can use voice or scheduling the robot through the app for cleaning.

How does the Roomba S9 And i7 clean?

There are several layers to unpack to understand how to clean these robots.

It is essential to understand how it works so that you can maximize its functionality.

The first thing to look at is mobility.

How do the S9 and i7 navigate?

These two robots have the same camera-based navigation paired with iRobot’s new “mapping technology”.

This term means the maps that the robot creates through its various sensors They are saved in the iRobot cloud servers.

The presence of this feature It allows these robots to plan a more efficient route In subsequent cleaning cycles it contains saved maps.

It also gives these machines the ability to clean a specific room at a specific time.

This feature is usable with Alexa, so there is an option to use voice and you can say, “Roomba, go clean the master’s bedroom.”

Both too What iRobot calls “running training,” The robot rotates around the house with the vacuum motor turned off.

The purpose of this feature is for the robot to collect data about the interior design of the house.

Since the motor is switched off, it will be able to scan your entire home without having to recharge.

Cleaning the base charging station

If you get the “plus” option, both models come with a “Clean Base” charging station that automatically recharges and empties the dustbin.

It’s not an original design, but Roomba I7 is the first commercially available robot vacuum with this feature.

The automatic unloading system developed by iRobot is very convenient because Takes the task of emptying the trash out of the equation.

There is no need to touch the bot for weeks on end, Except for maintenance tasks Such as checking the filters or the brush for any accumulated debris.

This device and smart map technology gives consumers many options, such as cleaning certain areas on specific days.

When the battery power is low, the robot docks, recharges, and then resumes where it left off, making it possible for Roomba S9 or i7 to clean larger homes.

A quick look under it

Next, let’s look under these robots to see how they pick up dirt.

Roomba S9

One look at the latest version of Roomba shows us the radical change that iRobot has brought about.

Gone are the narrow extractors and three-pronged side brush.

The The main abstracts are now in front of the robot With a shorter side brush with more prongs.

This brush rotates slower Doesn’t kick as much dirt as i7 or earlier Roomba models.

square front of Roomba S9 In addition to wide hoods (by 30%) Brings better cleaning of edges and corners of the table.

iRobot also adds a new 3D time-of-flight sensor in the front bumper that helps it navigate around tight areas.

This sensor also helps the S9 “embrace” walls better, which means it’ll come close to cleaning these areas better than any Roomba bots before it.

Roomba I7

Roomba I7 retains the circular shape of its predecessors and has the same brush design.

The narrower hoods are located in the center behind the side brush and flanked by two self-adjusting wheels.

Having a shorter cleaning path means that cleaning will take a little longer.

The main side brush has three prongs that rotate faster than the S9, Which tends to scatter dirt around hard surfaces.

Despite this flaw, the i7 cleans well On surfaces such as hardwood.

Dust cup comparison

There isn’t much difference between these two robots in terms of the amount of dirt they can hold.

S9 with redesigned top-loading trash Can accommodate up to 0.4 liters While the i7 that slides in from the back has a coil Capacity 0.3 liters.

If you decide to get the ‘plus’ version, the size difference will be irrelevant since the clean primary dock automatically unloads it from this task.

How strong do you do Roomba S9 And your i7?

A critical measure of how well your vacuum cleaner cleans is the air flow.

Unfortunately, manufacturers don’t have a universal power meter, so let’s take a look at the airflow numbers in this section.

I used an anemometer to measure the airflow in the nozzle where the brush roll is.

Note that there is always a margin of error for these types of tests, but it’s a good comparison without any biases.

to me Roomba S9 And the i7, it’s a fundamental difference.

S9 In High Power Mode Produces up to 22 CFM of airflow and 8 CFM on low while I7 It has 17 CFM in carpet reinforcement mode (or higher setting) and Less than seven low CFM.

Note that the i7′ has only one power setting, Auto mode, which automatically adjusts the suction based on the surface and the amount of dirt it detects.

Roomba S9 vs i7: cleaning performance

Let’s now look at how to clean these bots.

When it comes to picking up surface dirt, there isn’t much difference between the S9 and the I7.

Roomba I7

One of the main problems with the i7 is its lack of airflow in low power mode. For some strange reason, it’s lower than the airflow numbers on Roomba 690 at 8.2 feet per minute.

Hard floor cleaning

negatively affects the performance of the i7, Especially in sand cleaning, where you didn’t Roomba S9.

If you live near the beach and have to deal with sand constantly, the S9 will be the best choice.

Other than sand, it can pick up all the dirt in the cleaning tests carried out – Much better than Roomba 980.

Another potential problem is brushing long hair strands. In tests, I7 Only 25% of one gram of human hair is 7 inches long. Most are either wrapped around the hubs or the extractors themselves.

Short pet hair will not be a big problem.

The long brush spins quickly, which may spit out more dirt, but the i7 will eventually pick it up.

Carpet cleaning

The i7 did well in carpet cleaning tests with the fast-rotating side brush, which isn’t an issue on this surface.

One feature on the S9 is The ability to pick up larger pieces of debris without grinding noises that the S9 has.

It won’t clean as deeply as the S9 due to the less powerful motor. In tests, I7 I only managed to catch 79% of 100 grams of sand On a medium pile carpet. Remember that this result was one of the best before Roomba S9 went out.

Roomba S9

The S9, with its more powerful motor, does just that Offer advantages over the i7 in select areas, which we will look at in this section.

Hard floor cleaning

When cleaning the usual household dirt like dust, lint, cheese, etc., the S9 and I7 produce similar results. Both have enough power for such a task.

However, the S9, with its power upgrade, does a much better job when it comes to things like sand.

Stronger airflow and wider hoods You will pick up more sand.

This is proven in cleaning tests where the S9 picked up just about everything with tracking bits left on the corners and edges.

The redesigned side brush and slower rotation speed don’t disperse dirt as much with shorter arms and more prongs. It does best at directing it towards the main extracts.

Carpet cleaning

There is not much difference between the S9 and the i7 in terms of surface cleaning.

The benefit of the wider brushes and more powerful motor was demonstrated in deep cleaning tests with the S9 rated Very impressive score of 94.5% (average of two tests) When cleaning 100g of sand on a medium pile carpet.

You’ll hear a grinding sound when he’s handling very large objects like fruit rings, but he’s picking them up nonetheless.

Notable app features

The Roomba S9 And the i7 use the iRobot Home app to unleash an arsenal of the goodies that make these Rosy products modern.

Most of these features are available for both models.

1. Getaway areas: It’s the Roomba version of Neato’s restricted areas Acts as a virtual wall that prevents the robot from entering “restricted” areas. Initially, this feature is only available with the S9, but I7 users will take advantage of it in the latest version.
2. Advanced scheduled cleaning: It is now possible to schedule the bot to clean a specific room on a specific day. For example, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the robot can clean the living room, and on Tuesdays it can arrange the master’s bedroom.
3. Smart fingerprint mapping: This technology is the robot The ability of the program to save maps for the entire level of the house (up to 10). The robot can use this data to plan a better route and to feature its own area cleaning.
4. Area cleaning: It works well with the scheduling feature that tells the bot to clean certain rooms or areas.

Roomba S9 vs i7: maintenance and operating costs

Like any other vacuum, there is a certain level of maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape.

Be aware that these machines have different filters, sensors, and brushes that need regular maintenance.

How much money is spent depends on whether you get the ‘plus’ or the basic version.

High Efficiency Filter [once or twice a month]

Roomba S9 purifier

Choice price

Roomba I7 . filter

Choice price

iRobot recommends one-time replacement Every one to two months. Make sure to check it out At least once a week for any accumulation of dust.

You can use a portable vacuum cleaner or a Stick a vacuum cleaner that converts to a handle like the Tineco Pure One S12 or Dyson V.8 to remove any stuck debris and extend the intervals by a week or so.

These filters are not washable, so please avoid doing this to prevent voiding the warranty.

clean base bags [depends]

Roomba S9 I7 Clean Base Bags

Choice price

Purchase of these bags is only applicable If you purchase the “plus” alternative with the Clean Base Station. The intervals will depend on how often you run the robot and what kind of dirt it cleans.

Obviously, pet owners will have to replace them more often because pet hair and dander take up a lot of space.

The good news is that there are countless brands selling cases for the S9 and I7. Both options use the same type of bag, so there is less confusion.

side brush [depends]

Roomba S9 side brush

Validation Verification

Roomba I7 Side Brush

Choice price

Check the side brush for any hairs wrapping around the base. The S9’s side brush rotates slower, so it won’t wear less than the I7’s side brush.

rubber extracts [depends]

Roomba S9 extractors

Roomba I7 . Hoods

Choice price

The Rubber extractors on S9 and I7 will last longer From a traditional brush in 675 or 690.

Spare parts are widely available if damaged. As of now, alternative S9 extraction tools are still not available for sale, but there will be resellers selling these parts soon.

While iRobot may declare that it does not require maintenance, it still needs to be verified, Especially at axles where hair and dust can accumulate.

Replacement battery [depends]

The Li-Ion batteries inside these robots will last for at least a few years. These parts are better designed, and previous versions used a Ni-Cad battery.

Another advantage of buying Roomba over other brands Is the availability of parts like this. Roomba provides easy battery access with simple tools.

With the new I7 and S9 there aren’t many options available, but soon.

full box sensor [every two weeks]

Inside the dirt, the container is a sensor that detects and signals the application if it is full. Clean this part at least once every two weeks.

castor wheel [depends]

One part that takes a lot of abuse is the castor wheel. This part is responsible for guiding the robot. The i7 wheel rim is at the front, while the S9 is at the rear.

iRobot recommends Replace it once a yearBut I think it will last longer with proper maintenance.

Clean it regularly with a microfiber towel. So dirt does not accumulate which could damage the bearings.

sensors

The robot has turned on a set of sensors that help it move around the furniture and determine its exact location.

If any of these sensors get dirty, it is detrimental to how these bots navigate. Use a clean microfiber towel to wipe the main camera sensor above and the cotton to wipe the fine sensors around and below it.

Please visit this page For more information on how to service Roomba.

Size difference between Roomba I7 vs S9

The Roomba S9 It measures 12.5 inches wide and 3.5 inches long, While the i7 is a bit bigger It measures 13.34 in width and 3.63 in length.

So the S9 has a lower profile and will fit under more furniture better than the I7. The narrower shape helps them fit between furniture legs while reducing the risk of getting stuck.

How long do you do the Roomba S9 And i7 running?

The Roomba S9 With larger cell Li-ion batteries, they’ll run for up to 120 minutes on the low setting and 49 minutes on the high setting. Roomba I7 has only one power setting and will run for up to 75 minutes.

On a side note, these numbers only matter if you’re getting the base version without the clean base station. The “plus” version is almost non-functional because both variants have the recharge and resume feature.

Noise level comparison

The engineers did a tremendous job dampening the noise levels of the i7 and S9 despite the shock’s power.

The I7 produces only 62 decibels, and the The S9 tops out at 64 decibels. To be honest, the difference is negligible.

Specifications Comparison

Model	Roomba I7+	Roomba S9+
Width	13.34″	12.25″
Height	3.63″	3.5″
Self-Emptying Base	Yes	Yes
Recharge & Resume	Yes	Yes
Smart Mapping/Warranty	Yes/1-year limited	Yes/1-year limited
Run time (Turbo mode)	75 mins.	120 mins.
Power (Turbo mode)	17 cfm	22 cfm
Power (Eco mode)	< 7 cfm	8 cfm
Price	Check Price	Check Price

Which one offers the best value?

I have no doubt that Roomba I7 and S9 are too Two of the best robotic vacuums available right now When it combines its efficiency and its ability to be completely receptive.

I understand the price difference is significant, with the S9 quickly becoming a few hundred dollars more expensive.

So is the premium worth it?

Let’s look at four reasons why you should consider Roomba S9:

1. Better at cleaning built-in dirt: Wide straws and the extra power make the S9 an excellent choice for People who are looking for something that can deeply clean carpet. There is no other bot available right now, other than Neato D7, could come close to S9 Built-in dirt cleaning.
2. Super Edge Cleaning: Another benefit of the square front end is its ability to clean edges better. It has a new sensor inside the bumper that hugs the walls and navigates better in small spaces.
3. Do not intertwine too much: The A larger whisk strip better resists tangles from longer strands of hair from i7. If you live with someone who has long hair, you may want to consider getting it via an I7.
4. Best at sand picking: People who live near sandy areas will benefit from the S9’s ability to do this more efficiently.

Click here to check out Roomba S9 Latest Price on Amazon

Now, let’s look at three reasons why you should consider Roomba I7:

1. least expensive: Roomba i7 is A few hundred dollars cheaper than the S9. If price is a primary concern, the choice is clear.
2. Same effective navigation: Aside from the S9’s bumper sensor, the i7 has the same efficient navigation pattern as the S9. It has the same recharge and resume feature and Smart Imprint Mapping system that saves maps in the cloud.
3. Excellent on Surface Dirt: The only advantage that the S9 has over the I7 is its ability to deeply clean carpets. Regardless, the i7 and S9 are nearly identical when it comes to picking up surface debris (aside from sand). If deep cleaning isn’t a concern, save a few hundred dollars with an I7.

Click here to check out Roomba I7 Latest Price on Amazon

To summarize, here are the differences between Roomba I7 vs S9:

1. Design: The S9 is the first Roomba to feature a square-shaped front that matches the wide hoods and new side brush. The i7 retains the round shape of the previous generation 980.
2. It works longer: The S9 will run for up to 120 minutes in eco mode, while the I7 will run for up to 75 minutes (only one power setting).
3. Side brush: The S9 side brush has a smaller diameter with more sensors, and rotates at a slower pace than the I7. This prevents dirt from splashing onto hard surfaces.
4. price: Buying an S9+ with a clean base station would be the same as buying more than three Dyson poles. It is expensive. The i7, especially the non-plus version, is much cheaper.
5. Edge cleaning: The wide extractors and square front allow the S9 to better clean the edges.