Roomba Comparison Chart: 11 Models Compared and Tested

Roomba products have evolved over the years, and for the sake of this comparison, we’ll be comparing the latest models in their line – 615, 675, 690, E5, I3, I4, 960, 980, I7, S9, and the new J7+.

Selected model ranges such as the 700 and 800 Series options are no longer in production.

Here’s an overview of all the Roombas in this comparison (675 vs. 690 vs. E5 vs. I3+ vs. I4+ vs. I6+ vs. I7+ vs. S9+ vs. J7+)

Roomba options for beginners

All robots in this category do not have intelligent navigation. It just pinballs in a random direction.

The options here are divided into two groups – the 600-series and the E-series. 600-series Roombas are equipped with a set of rubber and bristles.

In contrast, E-Class robots have newer rubber extractors that require less maintenance.

Mid-level options

Next in the hierarchy are 900 series of bots. There are three options, I3, 960 and 980. Currently, only 960 are sold on the iRobot website, while the 980 are not.

All three robots cross in straight lines, but only the 960 and 980 have a top-mounted camera, while the i3 relies on a floor-tracking sensor.

The I3 (the “plus” variant) Presents the “Clean Base” station, which Saves users time Because it automatically empties the container for you.

However, it is more expensive than the non-plus alternative, which is its biggest drawback.

Another submodel is available – I4 +. It is similar to the I3+ with features but with different color schemes and accessories.

high end options

These are the best Roomba options, and there are three options available: m 6And I7 and S9.

These robots are the most expensive but have all the bells and whistles.

Each has VSLAM and a “smart fingerprint” feature – it can Save up to 10 map levels.

The Roomba I6 and I7 are similar products with the same motor, extractors, side brush and navigation. Both products are from the same robot but with a slightly different color scheme and accessories.

You won’t see the Roomba I6+ on the iRobot website because it’s an Amazon exclusive – part of iRobot’s marketing, I believe.

iRobot recently launched its latest product, Roomba J9+, with a front camera that helps it avoid obstacles.

I haven’t tested the J7+, so I can’t comment on its performance or snag-avoidance capabilities, but I’ll update this article as soon as I’m with the review.

Similarities Between iRobot Roomba

1. Anti-rotational brushes

All Roomba products come equipped with anti-rolling mats.

This feature has been a staple in all of their products since the previous generation of 500-class robots.

The difference is that the newer Roomba options have bristle-free rubber extractors, while the older options (the 600 series) have a mop and a set of bristles.

This combination has been proven in tests to clean carpets well.

The Roomba 690, even with below-average airflow, was able to pick up about 85.16% in deep cleaning tests with 100g of sand on a medium pile rug.

2. Dirt Detection

Roomba products perform well in cleaning tests because the dirt detection system directs the robot to focus on the most contaminated areas.

For example, the 690 will go in a spiral motion around areas with more debris. Newer models like the I7 and S9 will do an extra swipe back and forth.

3. One side brush

Currently, all Roomba robots come with one side brush. The design from 614 to I7 remains the same – three prongs with white bristle heads.

However, iRobot changed the design with the S9 due to the change in shape, using a pentagonal brush with shorter bristles.

You can see how the difference is in the image above. The Roomba S9+ It has a smaller diameter side brush versus the 980s long slit version.

I love the Roomba S9+ A side brush is better because it is in the perfect position to clean the edges. You’ll see later how much better it cleans up the edges.

4. Round shape

Except for the S series robots, all Roomba products have a round shape. Even the latest i3 robot retains this look as used by previous models.

I prefer the front box of Roomba S9 Due to its super clean edges. It has the widest brush of all Roomba products, which is a big reason why it works so well for picking up debris from corners and edges.

5. Spare parts availability

Finding ingredients for Roomba products will not be a problem.

It is undoubtedly an important factor for the popularity of iRobot. You will not only find consumables such as filter or brush, but also hard-to-find components such as the batterySide brush drive, wheel assembly, and more.

It doesn’t matter if you live in North America, Europe or Asia.

You can find these components at stores like Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, Lazada, and more.

As long as you do your due diligence in terms of cleaning and maintenance, these robots will last you a long time.

6. Warranty

All Roomba products come with a 1-year warranty from iRobot. If you buy these products from stores like Amazon, you can benefit from extended coverage.

But I don’t think there is a need because these robots are easy to maintain and clean with their modular design as most components are easily accessible.

Differences between iRobot Roomba

1. Power / Air Flow

Since iRobot does not detect suction numbers (in PA), I used an anemometer to measure airflow directly at the nozzle.

Here are the results:

• Roomba 675: 8.37 cubic feet per minute
• Roomba 690: 8.2 CFM
• Roomba E5: 6.98 cubic feet per minute
• Roomba 960: 9.33 cubic feet per minute
• Roomba 980: 19.74 CFM (Maximum Setting)
• Roomba I3+: 7.27 cubic feet per minute
• Roomba I6+: 8.2 CFM
• Roomba S9+: 25 cubic feet per minute (maximum setting)

You can see in the above list that the file Roomba 980 and S9 + It has high airflow (above 17 CFM), while other variants are in the lower 10 range.

Cleaning results also underscore the contrast, with the S9 and 980 scoring the highest averages in Surface and deep cleaning experiments.

2. Navigation

Previous generation Roomba products such as the 614, 675, 690, 860, 890, and E5 use a standard random-moving algorithm.

It balls around until the battery drops to 20% and then recharges it. These models do not have recharging and resume, so they will not resume cleaning until you hit the clean button.

The first Roomba with smart navigation is the 980 with a built-in camera and SLAM algorithm.

Unlike older Roomba options, it runs neat rows back and forth and is recharged and resumed, so it will resume where it left off after recharging if it hasn’t finished the task beforehand.

However, it doesn’t have smart fingerprint technology, so it won’t save the map or has advanced features like block zones and virtual wall that enable users to block the bot from blocked areas by default (through the app).

The latest models like Roomba I7 and S9 Have map save (up to 10) and set disallowed areas. You can see the real-time location of the robot through the iRobot Home app.

Here is a summary of the terms iRobot uses for each generation and what they mean.

adaptive navigation [Roomba 614, 675, 690, E5]

It’s the basic navigation used by older Roomba models. The robot will move in a random direction and rely on a series of sensors around and below to avoid obstacles and not fall off cliff points.

iAdapt 2.0 [Roomba 960 and 980]

Roomba uses a camera mounted on top to accurately scan and determine its location. It cleans in neat rows, so it is more efficient.

It has a “Recharge and Resume” feature that automatically resumes cleaning if you haven’t finished the task beforehand.

However, it cannot save maps. Users will not be able to access convenience features such as selective room cleaning and exclusion zones.

iAdapt 3.0 [Roomba I7+ and S9+]

Step Up iAdapt 2.0. Roomba will remember and save the map. This feature unlocks advanced features such as selective room/area cleaning, blocking areas, and more.

3. WIFI, Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility

Not all Roomba bots have WIFI, these models include the 614 and 860.

Other variables such as 675And 690890, E5, 960And 980And I3, I4, I6, I7, and S9 have WIFI and are Alexa and Google Assistant compatible.

Also, users will have access to the redesigned iRobot Home app, but features will vary between models.

4. Banishment of restricted areas and areas

Roomba products only with smart fingerprint The advantage of accessing restricted areas.

This feature will prevent the bot from entering restricted areas. Instead of using a physical barrier, you can use virtual walls to talk through the app.

Unfortunately, the iRobot app does not have an invisible wall feature that is a staple of their LIDAR competitors, such as Roborock, Dreame, and Wyze.

5. Automatic dirt disposal

iRobot pioneered the self-discharge feature and is currently a staple in the latest versions – Roomba I3+, I4+, I6+, I6+, S9+, and J7+.

The “plus” version of these models has a self-unloading dock with a ramp that provides better stability versus the vertical port options.

All three options have a charging dock with a second vacuum cleaner that empties the robot’s dust container when docked.

It has a bag system capable of storing the equivalent of 30 full dirt bins. iRobot says the bag will last for 30 days. However, this may vary depending on the size of your home and the frequency of running.

6. Dimension

Unlike Neato BotVac, Roomba bots differ in their dimensions.

For example, the Roomba I7 has a diagonal of 13.34 inches. In contrast, the S9 is narrower – just 12.25 wide, so it fits in more space.

The older Roomba 690 is about 13.5 inches wider than the i7 and S9.

7. Run time

Roomba products will have different run times.

Roomba 980 has the longest running time of 120 minutes thanks to the large capacity lithium-ion battery (3600mAh).

Unfortunately, the S9+ doesn’t only run for 75 minutes, because it uses a more powerful motor that drains the battery faster.

If you use the maximum setting, this number will be reduced to 45 minutes.

Please note that Roombas with the latest iAdapt navigation system [960, 980, I3, I6, I7, S9, J7] Recharge and resume, which means that it will resume cleaning after recharging.

So uptime shouldn’t be an issue with these bots except for big houses.

8. Roll brush

While all Roomba products use two brushes with opposite rotation, there are differences. Older models such as the 614, 675, and 690 use a combination of rubber and bristles.

iRobot has updated the design of the 800-class robots, incorporating rubber extractors that do not contain bristles.

iRobot used the same extractors as the 900 series and upgraded them further in the newer deep-groove I and S series robots.

The Roomba S9 It has the widest brush of all Roomba products that spans the width of the robot.

Its position at the front and its width make it more efficient with the amount of dirt it vacuums on each pass.

9. Dust container capacity

Dust container capacity will vary between Roomba models. The larger-volume options are the 960 and the 980 – at around 600ml.

In contrast, the robots of the 600 series (614, 675 and 690) have the smallest volume – only 300 ml.

E5 and I3 have the second largest capacity after the 900 series at 500ml.

Finally, I6, I7, and S9 can hold 400 and 500 ml of dirt, respectively.

Again, the size of the dustbin doesn’t matter much for Roombas with the “automatic dirt disposal system” because a second vacuum cleaner in the dock will empty it when it’s recharged.

So it frees you from this task after each run. Bags have an additional cost, but I think it’s worth it to save time.

Cleaning performance comparison

Another difference between these robots is the cleaning performance.

First, let’s look at the results.

One problem with first-generation variants like the Roomba 675 or even the E5 is the fast-rotating side brush that disperses debris to a larger radius.

Combine it with random navigation, and you’ll see why these bots don’t clean as well as the next generation options [960 and later].

Deep cleaning results are a good indicator of airflow variance, and only the Roomba S9 and 980 picked above 90%.

It’s no surprise because these variants have the highest airflow out of the bunch.

Other options with lower airflow weren’t bad, Pick up in the 80’swhich is a grade suitable for robots, and better than other brands with similar airflow.

This is where anti-roll and dirt-detection extractors come into play, as these features help pick up debris, especially on carpet.

Roomba products are also suitable for hardwood floors. However, the rear exhaust tends to blow out more delicate things like pet hair. It is more prevalent in earlier options such as the 690.

The lower options (600 and E) will not do well in deep cleaning a carpet because it lacks airflow.

Which is better for hardwood floors?

no doubt that Roomba S9 The 980 stood out in this category.

The higher airflow and expected mobility helped capture more debris than any variant on this list.

These are the only two options that get a score of 100% in the sand-on-hard floor test. Good measure of air flow on hard floors.

Edge cleaning comparison

The Roomba S9+ It is the top choice for all Roomba products thanks to its square front, repositioned side brush, wide cleaning path and high airflow.

The wide suction tools and side brush make it very effective for cleaning this area.

Other variants will work fine too but won’t be as effective Roomba S9.

First, we’ll take a look at the Roomba I6+ before and after edge-cleaning shots.

Then the Roomba I3 +

The Roomba 960 fared slightly worse, leaving more debris.

Next, we’ll look at the Roomba 980, which had the same results as the 960.

The Roomba E5, despite its random navigation, wasn’t too far from Roomba 960 and 980.

What’s the best Roomba on a rug?

The Roomba models that clean this surface are the Roomba 980 and s9 models, which isn’t a surprise given that they both have the highest airflow of the group.

These variants scored the highest on both surface and deep cleaning results, making them the best options for cleaning this surface.

There are several factors to consider, the first of which is mobility.

While Roomba 980 has smart navigation, it lacks smart mapping, so it can’t save maps.

Without it, users will not be able to access external areas.

Post-delete is the clean base station, which means consumers will have to empty the trash manually.

The last determining factor is the price. The Roomba S9+ Currently it is the most expensive option for iRobot and hundreds more expensive than the 980.

Are you willing to spend on it?

Which Roomba is best for cleaning hair?

Once again, the Roomba S9It’s the best at brushing hair strands, capturing the highest rates with hair that’s five and seven inches long.

You’ll notice by these scores that the older Roomba bristle brush versions performed poorly, hardly picking anything out.

Most of the hair strands are stuck to the bristle part of the bobbins, and I wouldn’t recommend any Roomba option with this type of brush for cleaning pet hair.

Best at avoiding obstacles: Roomba J7 +

Positives

• Avoids objects (including pet feces): The Roomba J7+ is the first Roomba with a front camera, which helps it avoid obstacles.
• Self-discharge feature: The “extra” variant comes with a clean base station that empties the trash for you.
• Holds up to 60 days of debris: iRobot says a single bag can hold up to 60 days of trash.

Negatives

• expensive: It’s a bit cheaper than the S9+ although the same cleaning performance is noted.
• Substandard Air Flow: iRobot says the J7+ has up to 10x more capacity than the 600 Series bots, which is the same claim as the I Series bots. So it still lags behind the S9+.

The Roomba J7 + It is the latest iRobot product and the first with obstacle avoidance technology.

iRobot calls this “PrecisionVision,” and it comes with a bold claim — you’ll avoid poo, or you’ll replace it for free.

And after testing it extensively, it works! The front camera and laser sensor allow it to avoid wires and pet poo better than any robotic vacuum cleaner I’ve tested.

It’s better than Roborock S6 Max VAnd Dream Z10And Ecovacs N8 Pro and T8 AIVI.

Unlike PrecisionVision, the J7+ comes with improved automation through iRobot Genius, as it learns your habits and provides a custom schedule based on it.

The robot has a similar design to the Roomba I6 + / I7 +, and according to iRobot, it has the same power output.

It retains the same brush design as the Series I robots, so the iRobot retracts to the round frame.

However, iRobot has reworked the clean base station. The bag still offers a capacity of 2.5 liters, but the J7+ base station has storage slots for extra bags, which is a nice touch.

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Roomba J7+ will have the same performance as i6 and i7 since it has the same specs.

But with its advanced obstacle avoidance system, things should be avoided better than any other Roomba on this list.

iRobot makes an official Pet Owner Promise (POOP), but it only applies to dry cat and dog poo.

If avoiding obstacles is a top priority and you don’t mind paying extra expensive cost, the J7+ can be an excellent choice.

Better overall: Roomba S9+

Positives

• Outstanding Floor Cleaning: The Roomba S9+ Score the highest in cleaning tests.
• Fingerprint smart navigation: This technology allows the S9+ to save up to 10 map levels and unlocks many features such as selective room cleaning and blocking areas.
• wide hoods: The square front of the S9+ increases its efficiency, especially cleaning the edges where it picks up better than other Roomba options.
• Automatic unloading: This feature is available in the “plus” version and automatically empties the robot’s dustbin after every run.
• Excellent for pet hair: Another benefit of wider hoods and higher airflow is their ability to resist tangles. Once again, I picked up the highest averages with strands of five and seven inches.
• Recharge and resume: Resume cleaning automatically if it did not cover the entire area in the previous cycle.

Negatives

• very expensive: The S9+ costs the equivalent of buying three or four high-end Dyson vertical vacuums.
• short term time: It only runs for 75 minutes in the lowest setting. If you use the maximum, this number will drop to 45 minutes.
• no scan: Roomba products do not have a scan option like Roborock S5 Max and S6 MaxV. You will need to purchase the iRobot Braava, which is an additional cost.

The S9+ is Roomba’s most expensive option, but one of its best options when you consider mobility, cleaning performance, containment features, and convenience.

You may not have the scanning capabilities of a file Viomi V3 or Roborock S5 Maxbut he’s very good at what he does, which is sweeping debris across the floors.

This model is a complete redesign of Roomba I7 +. The circular bezel used by all Roomba products before the S9 is gone.

I never thought iRobot would use a design similar to its main competitor, Neato, but its version is unique in many ways.

First, the S9+ uses wider, reverse-spin brushes, which give them better agitation on carpets.

If you compare a file High-end Neato D7 Roomba S9+The latter has better pickup scores in the combined sandblasting tests.

Second, iRobot’s dirt-detection technology forces the bot to focus on the soiled area—another reason Roomba performs so well on carpet.

Finally, it has an automatic emptying feature not found in any of the Neato robots, freeing up the task of manually emptying the dust container.

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The Roomba S9+ Currently Roomba’s best choice for cleaning debris. It offers superior performance over other variants (except 980) in cleaning different surfaces.

But a high-powered motor has a cost, and this is the shortest running time (between 45 and 75 minutes).

So the question is, are you willing to spend on it?

Cheaper than S9+: Roomba I7+ (or I6+)

Positives

• Less expensive than S9+: An excellent option for people who want to enjoy the benefits of the S9+ without having to spend four figures on a bot.
• Intelligent navigation: The i7+ retains the smart navigation and map saving features of the S9+
• Automatically empty the container: A second vacuum cleaner inside the charging base to clean the contents of the dust container.
• Still excellent at cleaning carpets: The i7’s lower airflow makes it inferior to deep cleaning, but it’s still decent, capturing a high percentage of built-in sand.

Negatives

• Still Expensive: Even if it’s cheaper than the S9+, the i7+ is still more expensive than most robot vacuums out there.
• Not cleaning edges well: The I7’s rounded shape hampers its ability to clean edges versus the S9’s. Still decent but not quite as efficient in this area.
• Quick spin side brush: One of the problems with round-shaped Roombas is the fast-rotating side brush that disperses debris.

Another Roomba option with a “Clean Base” terminal is the Roomba I7 +.

Like the S9+, it empties the trash automatically after every turn on.

It has the same navigation as iAdapt 3.0, so it will not only draw maps, but also save them.

But the most significant difference between the S9 and the i7 is the cleaning dynamics.

The I7 (or I6) retains the circular bezel found on most Roomba products, while the S9 has a D-shaped body.

One of the problems with a circular frame is that it will not be as efficient. I mentioned earlier that a file Roomba S9+ It is the most efficient vacuuming robot I have tested, and this is the case for comparing the two.

What is the difference between Roomba I7 and I6?

You’ll notice that I mentioned I6 earlier, and I’ll explain the difference between it and I7.

There is not much in the product specification as they both use the same motor, battery and extractors.

But the i7 is more expensive because it comes with more accessories, such as an extra filter and a side brush.

Don’t expect a huge difference in performance as these are basically the same robots apart from some cosmetic differences.

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if it was Roomba S9+ Too expensive, I7+ or I6+ would be good alternatives.

No, it won’t clean like the S9+, especially on carpet, but it’s a few hundred dollars cheaper and has many of the same features.

Cheapest auto-discharge option: Roomba I3 + (or I4 +)

Positives

• Least expensive with the “Clean Base” station: I3+ offers consumers an affordable Roomba with a self-discharge feature.
• Cleans in neat rows: Despite the lack of VSLAM, the i3 navigates efficient ranks thanks to a floor-tracking sensor similar to the Roborock E4.
• Decent container capacity: I3 can hold up to 500ml of dry dirt.
• Recharge and resume: Like the i7 and S9, the i3 has recharging and resume, making it the cheapest hands-free option if combined with an automatic discharge system.

Negatives

• iAdapt 3.0 No Navigation: This robot does not have the camera on the I7 – users will not be able to access restricted areas or selective room cleaning.
• Maps cannot be saved: The i3 will not save maps because it lacks a camera or VSLAM.

The Roomba I3+ is the least expensive auto-discharge option from iRobot.

One of the features it lacks is the top-mounted camera and VSLAM, so it can’t determine its location or save maps.

But it retains the optical sensor underneath, plus it has gyroscopes, which help it traverse straight lines, unlike the Roomba E5, which scrolls haphazardly.

My preference between Roomba E5 and I3 would be the latter because it is more efficient.

Mobility makes a huge difference plus the self-discharge feature adds the missing aspect of comfort with the E5.

Cleaning performance is on par with the Roomba I6+ based on my tests. There is not much difference between these variants with wreck capture.

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iRobot introduced the I3+ processor to compete with other brands such as Shark IQ.

However, it does not have a SLAM and a top-mounted camera, so it cannot track its location and save maps.

So it’s limited in this category, but if you don’t mind the commission, it’s a better option than the E5 shuffle.

Intelligent navigation, maps cannot be saved: Roomba 960

Positives

• Excellent carpet option: The 960 is one of Roomba’s best carpet cleaning options. It got an average of 85.6% in the deep cleaning tests – better than the I7.
• Large dirt capacity: The Roomba 960 and 980 It has the largest dirt volume capacity of all the options here at 0.6 liters.
• The cheapest option with smart navigation: This model is the least expensive with the top-mounted camera and VSLAM, so it moves in straight lines.
• Recharge and resume: Besides the i3, the 960 is the cheapest Roomba with recharge and resume.

Negatives

• double airflow: With roughly 9.33 CFM airflow, the 960 doesn’t clean hard floors like other Roomba options with higher airflow like the S9 and 980.
• Maps cannot be saved: The 960 only has iAdapt 2.0, which means you can’t save maps.

Roomba 960 is a “light” version of the Roomba 980 with less airflow and a smaller battery. These reductions affect cleaning performance and scope.

I tested the 960 extensively and found it to be lower than the 980 in both surface cleaning and built-in dirt.

For example, the Roomba 980 picked up 100% of sand on hard surfaces and 91.9% in deep cleaning tests—higher than the 960’s score of 97.06% and 85.6%, respectively.

It only has iAdapt 2.0 which has a camera mounted on top that enables this robot to cross in straight lines. But it doesn’t have smart fingerprint technology, so you can’t save any plans.

You will also not be able to access in-app containment features such as exclusion zones and exclusion zones.

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The Roomba 960 is a mid-priced Roomba option with above-average cleaning performance on carpets.

But it lacks Imprint Smart Mapping, so it can’t save maps, and users won’t have access to features like exclusion zones.

Better value than 960: Roomba 980

Positives

• high air flow: With over 19 CFMs, the 980 can clean different types of debris – surface or embedded.
• Excellent at cleaning dirt Included: It has an average score of 91.9% in our deep cleaning tests – one of the best robot vacuums in the industry.
• Large litter box: It can hold up to 600ml of dry dirt.
• Great for hard floors: Another benefit of higher airflow is its capture on hardwood floors.

Negatives

• Maps cannot be saved: It lacks Imprint Smart Mapping, so it cannot save maps.

The Roomba 980 It is an underrated option that does not make many “best robot vacuum” lists.

It has more power than the 960 (more than twice the airflow), which cleans more debris with better efficiency.

The high airflow shows itself during our cleaning tests, scoring one of the highest marks of any robot vacuum cleaner I’ve tested—better across the board than the 960.

I’m not sure why iRobot didn’t promote this model on their website over the 960 because it’s the top performing product.

The Roomba 981 And 985in certain seasons, cheaper than the 960. If you can find it at a lower cost, that’s an easy decision for me.

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The Roomba 980 is a better option than the 960 because it offers better performance for almost the same price.

It lacks the self-discharge feature of Roomba I3+ and I6+. But it cleans as well as the S9+ for a fraction of the cost.

A Step Above 600 Series: Roomba E5

Positives

• sTangle has better: The rubber extractors on the E5 are the same as those on the I7 and I3 which resist knots better than conventional brushes in the 600 series.
• Dirt capacity 5 liters: The Roomba E5 Dust container larger than Roomba 675 or 690. It will cover more area before you have to empty it.
• Washable dust container: You can wash the E5 dustbin under running water thanks to the repositioned motor.
• Excellent on carpet: Rubber extractors enable this robot to pick up dirt on carpet better (89.66%) than Roomba 675 (85.1%) or 690 (85.16%).

Negatives

• Passive Mobility: This Roomba lacks the smart navigation algorithm for more premium options (960, 980, I7, and S9), so it’s just a little ballpark.

Roomba E5 is a Upgrade via 675With rubber straws and a larger dust container.

These upgrades address some of the issues with the 675 and 690 – hair tangles and small dirt capacity.

And you don’t need to pay a huge premium for it. If you buy it from Amazon, you’ll only have to pay a little extra for these upgrades.

As long as it’s under $300, the E5 is better than the 675.

Rubber straws will resist tangling better, and the litter box will withstand Nearly 50% more dirt against 675.

Unfortunately, it keeps the same random navigation pattern, so don’t expect it to be effective.

But the upgraded brush and airflow should give this robot a better overall performance on carpet or hard surfaces.

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The Roomba E5 adds a sophisticated touch to its entry level features with rubber extractors.

It won’t navigate as efficiently as the i3, i6, or S9, but the brushing upgrades make it a better hair-cleaning option.

Entry level options: Roomba 675 and 690

Positives

• Excellent on carpet: Both robot vacuums are excellent at deep cleaning carpets.
• Comprehensive Mobility: The standard algorithm may be random, but it will cover the entire region with a few missing points.

Negatives

• Side brush spins very fast: One big problem with the 675 and 690 brushes is the fast spinning side brush that spins very quickly. In many of the tests, it scattered large piles of debris.
• hair magnet: The bristle part of the brush is prone to getting hair on it. I would not recommend this model to pet owners.

I put these two models together because they are both almost the same robots. Each has the same motor, battery, brush and dust box capacity.

There are differences in the color scheme and dustbin latch, but they are just cosmetic.

The Roomba 675 and 690 You’ll travel the same way, and both will struggle with hair (pet or human) because the brush’s more traditional design is an attraction for those types of debris.

One thing with Roomba products, no matter the price, is how well the carpets clean.

The 690 and 675 models were excellent at picking up embedded sand on a mid-pile carpet (85.16% and 85.1% respectively).

These scores are at the top level for robotic vacuums and are a good reason for the popularity of these models.

The 690 is no longer available on the iRobot website, and the 675 replaces it as the main entry-level option.

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Consumers looking for an entry-level Roomba without the bells should consider the 675 or the 690. It’s the least expensive robot vacuum option from iRobot.

However, it only has standard navigation, which means that it will only do pins. It won’t remember maps and won’t recharge and resume so it’s just a basic bot.

Most basic: Roomba 614

Positives

• The least expensive option: 614 is the cheapest and simplest Roomba option.
• Clean carpets well: The 600 Series robots are excellent at cleaning this type of surface with dirt detectors and anti-roll extractors.

Negatives

• No WIFI or APP: Users cannot access the iRobot Home app. You will have to press the Clean button on the bot to engage in the virtual cleaning cycle.
• Passive Mobility: Like the 675 and 690 above, 614 will be displayed randomly.
• Terrible for hair cleaning: Don’t expect the 614 to clean the hair well because most strands will get wrapped up in the brush.

Finally, in this comparison, we are going to take a look at the basic Roomba option – 614. It is the basic variant offered by iRobot.

This model does not have WIFI, so users will not be able to access the iRobot Home app.

It’s moving like 675 and 690 – in a random direction. All 600 Series robots use the same rubber and bristle brush, so cleaning performance won’t be far behind.

minimum

Roomba 614 is the primary option for Roomba, and it doesn’t even have WIFI, so lower your expectations.

If you don’t mind not having access to the iRobot Home app, it’s an excellent cheap alternative that I’d recommend for small homes with lots of carpet.

Where can I buy these Roomba bots?

You can buy these bots from online stores like Amazon and Walmart. Please click on the links to check the latest prices.

• Roomba J7+ on Amazon
• Roomba S9+ on Amazon and Walmart.
• Roomba I7+ on Amazon and Walmart
• Roomba I6 + on Amazon
• i3+ on amazon.
• 980 on Amazon.
• 960 on Amazon.
• E5 on Amazon and Walmart.
• 690 at Amazon and Walmart.
• 675 on Amazon.
• 614 on Amazon.

Disclaimer: I’ll earn a commission when you buy through any of the links above, but at no additional cost to you, so it’s a win-win for both of us.

Is the rumbas worth the money?

Yes, Roombas are quite expensive compared to the features you will get from other brands. However, it has two features that other bots don’t have, which I think are worth paying more.

This is the dirt detector and dual brush system. Since iRobot has a patent for these features, other brands won’t be able to copy them. And based on tests, this is what makes iRobot products great, especially at cleaning carpets.

Another reason Roombas are worth the money is the aftermarket support.

You can buy almost any spare parts, even for old models.

The modular design makes it easy to replace components such as the battery, side brush motor and side wheels. You can even buy hard-to-find parts like drop sensors on eBay.

The sheer availability of these components makes Roomba products an ideal choice if you are looking for a long-term robotic vacuum.

Do Roombas make noise?

Unfortunately, Roomba products are some of the noisier options compared to other brands like Roborock. For example, Roomba 980 exceeded the 74 dB mark, which is the Dyson area.

The Roomba 690, even with lower airflow, produced more than 65 decibels.

It’s a trade-off to keep in mind as Roombas will clean floors really well.

How does the Roomba deal with bumps and carpets?

Roomba products do not have much climbing ability. I tested it on a five-and-eight-inch mat.

She’s been able to get past the shorter five-inch rug, but getting past the eight-inch thicker rug is a struggle—you have to get close to the right angle.

You may also want to remove the light area rugs or use the protection areas (only available with the S9 and I7) because it will push out these objects.

How does Roomba handle wires?

The short answer is that it can’t. My advice is to arrange those wires. None of the Roomba models can avoid cables or wires.

I’ve never seen or tested a robotic vacuum cleaner that can completely avoid wires. The Roborock S6 MaxV comes close, but it has blind spots, so if the wire gets caught in these areas, it won’t avoid them.

Which Roomba is the best?

In terms of total performance, convenience, navigation, and ease of use, the Roomba S9+ is the best option available from Roomba.

However, the S9+ is quite expensive, and not everyone can afford to buy such a high-tech robot.

You will have to find the right compromise between the price and the basic features of the house.

The I7+ or I3 are excellent alternatives to the S9 if you want a cheaper bot with a “Clean Base” that automatically empties the trash for you.

The i7 (or i6) is more expensive because it has a camera-based navigation system capable of saving maps. You will have access to advanced features such as selective room cleaning.

In contrast, the i3 does not have a camera and relies only on the floor tracking sensor for navigation.

It cleans in straight lines, but can’t save maps, and there are no access containment features in the app.

The i3+ is an excellent option with or without a blank base.

Prices drop into the entry level ranges without it, making it a more compelling option than the E5.

Roomba 960 and 980 are next level, with smart navigation but without map saving features. These two bots can save maps, and the exclusion zone and exclusion zones cannot be accessed.

Finally, the next level is the entry level options – E5, 690, 675 and 614.

These forms will only pin around the area. It doesn’t have the floor tracking or camera sensor found in more Roomba’s premium options.

But these options are cheaper. Choosing one will depend on how much you are willing to spend.

For me, the Roomba E5 is the best option in this category for beginners because it has the largest trash can, and the bristle-free extractors resist tangles well.