Roomba E5 vs Roomba 960

We’ll compare Roomba’s entry options and average price, the E5 and 960.

Is the 960 worth its premium price, or is the E5 good enough to clean your house?

One thing is for sure, and both options are excellent at cleaning carpets thanks to iRobot’s patented anti-rotation straws and dirt detection.

A quick look at the Roomba E5 for 960

Roomba E5

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Introduction to Roomba E5 and 960 . models

iRobot has been busy adding new options to its product line for the past few years. The E5 and 960 are prime examples of this.

With anti-roll brushes, these robots are excellent alternatives to cleaning floors, and even more so on carpets.

Roomba E5 is the cheapest and least expensive option for Roomba with rubber extractors.

I think it uses the same type of premium I-Series robots.

This upgrade makes it a better alternative From Roomba 675 When brushing pet hair, these brushes do not attract much hair or dust.

In contrast, the 960 is the least expensive Roomba with smart navigation.

It uses the iAdapt 2.0 navigation system of iRobot. It can draw maps but can’t memorize them. So it navigates in straight lines.

Roomba E5: Better than 675

Roomba E5 is a recent release and addresses some issues with the 675. iRobot has improved two important parts – the dust container and the brush roll.

The Roomba 675 litter box is larger, has a capacity of 500ml, and is washable.

In addition, it has a high-efficiency filter, so the filtration is convenient – better than Roomba 675 and 690.

These two updates address the most obvious issues with the 600 Series bots.

However, the E5 does not have smart navigation in the 960, I6, I7 or S9.

Like 614, 675, and 690, it passes randomly. No SLAM, gyroscopes, and auto-resume.

Think of it as an entry-level Roomba with premium extractors and a dust container on the I Series models.

I think it’s a better deal than the 675 because the price difference is minimal.

Roomba 960: Cheapest Roomba with Smart Navigation

Roomba 960 is the least expensive option from iRobot with its smart navigation algorithm.

It has iAdapt 2.0, so it can draw maps. However, he cannot save it.

So users will not be able to access features such as restricted areas or selective room cleaning.

I like to call this the “simple” version of Roomba 980 Because it has a smaller battery and motor.

Like the E5, it is an excellent choice for carpeting due to its rubber suction and accuracy with a dirt-detection sensor.

Similarities Between Roomba E5 and 960

Next, we’ll look at how the Roomba E5 and 960 are similar.

1. Round shape

Both robots have round frames that you’ll see on most Roomba products.

This design has been a staple since iRobot started making robotic vacuum cleaners a few decades ago.

2. One side brush

You will notice that the E5 and 960 have a brush one side under it.

The layout remains the same across all variants, except for the . file Roomba S9 With the redesigned five-prong brush roll.

3. WIFI and iRobot Home APP compatibility

These variants are compatible with the iRobot Home app but with different levels of functionality.

The E5 has more basic features because it lacks the 960’s smart navigation features.

In contrast, the 960 has more features, such as the option to control the number of passes, turn off edge cleaning and the like.

But since it does not have map saving features, users do not have access to selective room cleaning.

4. Dirt Detection

One of the reasons Roomba products are excellent on carpets is dirt detection. This sensor tells the robot to focus more on dirty areas by making additional passes. It adds a layer of precision not found in other brands because it is iRobot’s patented.

However, both robots differ in how they make additional passes. The E5 does this in a spiral pattern, while the 960 makes straight, forward and backward strokes.

5. Interface

The button layout on the E5 and 960 is similar, but the placement is different.

In the 960, it’s slightly higher than the camera. For E5, it’s in the middle.

Differences between Roomba E5 and 960

1. Navigation

One feature that separates the E5 and the 960, why the latter is more expensive, is mobility.

While the E5 goes through a random pattern, the 960 is calculated further using the camera sensor and the VSLAM algorithm.

VSLAM is an acronym for Simultaneous optical localization and mapping.

According to iRobot, their technology uses a top-mounted camera that captures 230,400 data points, enabling the robot to determine its surroundings and determine its location.

The 900 series was the first to adapt VSLAM, but it doesn’t have Smart Imprint, so it can’t save maps.

2. Dustbin

The 900 Series has a large capacity in the Roomba line at 600ml.

In comparison, the E Series is 18% smaller at 500ml.

Aside from the size difference, the E5 enclosure is washable because the engine is not inside.

In comparison, the trash 960 isn’t because part of the engine is inside.

They both use a HEPA filter that is not washable, so it’s a good idea to stock up to prevent any pitfalls.

Check out what the Roomba E5 filter looks like below. It is located in the side of the trash can with a smaller profile.

The Roomba 960 filter.

3. Roll brush

Although the E5 and 960 use filamentless rubber extractors, the E5 has a newer version similar to the I6 and I7.

These newer extractors have redesigned grooves that iRobot says provide better aeration, reflected in deep cleaning tests, where the E5 Pick up more compact sand.

The 960 uses the older extractor design with shallow grooves.

It’s still excellent at picking up things included, but to a lesser degree than the newer E5 reels.

4. Dimension

The Roomba E5 and 960 have the same height, but the E5 is narrower in terms of touch (13.3″ vs 13.6″).

I don’t think it has any effect at navigating through tight spots, although the 960 is better in this class.

Both can be placed under furniture with at least 3.7 clearance, so it is better than a Roborock or Neato Since there is no laser sensor cover to hang over it.

How does the Roomba E5 and 960 navigate?

One important difference between the E5 and the 960 is the navigation.

Roomba E5 uses an algorithm similar to that of the 600 series, spinning around at random.

By comparison, the 960 is more advanced with its top-mounted camera and iAdapt 2.0 navigation system.

Version 2.0 means it can draw maps but can’t save them. Unlike the E5 that wanders randomly, the 960 is more precise, moving in a straight back and forth motion.

I like the Roomba 960 better in this aspect because it is more efficient.

Once the cleaning cycle is completed, it automatically heads to the dock.

If it doesn’t cover the entire area, it recharges and resumes cleaning at the exact spot you left earlier.

E5 does not have this polish and wanders around randomly. It does this until the battery reaches the 20% mark and then docks.

Fortunately, iRobot’s standard navigation still covers the entire area.

Roomba 960 is better for larger spaces and cleaning several rooms between the two.

The E5 is better in smaller areas if you don’t mind moving it from room to room.

App Features of Roomba E5 for 960

While both robots have access to the iRobot Home app, the E5 has more basic features. The only thing you can do with the app is to schedule a run and check for error codes if they appear.

With the 960, there are even more customization options. Users can adjust power settings, number of passes, turn off edge cleaning, and schedule.

Unfortunately, there is no option to save maps. So there is no access to selective room cleaning or exclusion zones.

You will have to block the robot to keep it away from areas where it is not supposed to enter.

How much power does the Roomba E5 and 960 have?

The Roomba 960 has less capacity than its close sibling, the 980. It features an airflow of 9.33 feet per minute in the main nozzle. For 19 CFM from Roomba 980.

The E5 features lower airflow, with only 6.98 CFM on the single power setting.

The E5 performed better at cleaning built-in dirt on a medium pile carpet (more below).

Cleaning performance comparison

Next, we’ll look at how these robots clean hard floors and carpets.

One surprising result for me is the results of the cleaning tests on both surfaces.

First, let’s look at the results.

The Roomba E5 performed better in all tests, picking up more debris despite lower airflow and haphazard navigation. I will attribute this to the newer extracts with deep grooves.

It seems to have better agitation, picking up more debris. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done.

The Roomba 960’s low airflow hampers its performance on hard floors, primarily cleaning heavy debris like sand.

It will work well with lighter things like dust particles or light clumps of pet hair.

The fast spinning side brush will not be as problematic as the 675 and 690 because they move in straight paths.

Hair wrap comparison

Despite the lower airflow, the Roomba E5 was (slightly) better at cleaning hair, with more hair going into the trash after the five and seven-inch tests.

Results after the 5-inch test

The photo above shows the hair inside the trash (left) and wrapped in the brush (right).

• Inside the trash: 40%
• About the brush: 60%

Results after the 7-inch test

• Inner trash: 30%
• About the brush: 70%

Roomba 960 is not working well. I didn’t bother calculating the result because most of the hair is wrapped around the brush and hubs.

This was a surprise because the 960 has a slightly larger airflow. Newer extracts could be better at resisting crosslinking.

One silver lining is that hair removal from the rollers is easier than the bristle brush found on Roomba 600-series robots.

There is no need to use scissors to pry it out – all you have to do is pull it out.

Edge cleaning comparison

Next, we’ll look at how these robots clean edges.

One area where circular-shaped robots struggle is cleaning this area, but these robots are surprisingly decent.

First, this is the result of the Roomba 960.

and Roomba E5.

Both robots didn’t pick up everything, but they cleaned most of the coffee beans you sprinkled. It’s not as good as side brush robots like Ecofax T8 And ILIFE A10.

Which is better for hardwood floors?

The results showed that E5 performed better in all areas. I’ve picked up more of all kinds of debris – from light Quaker oats to heavy debris like sand.

I picked up a little more sand (97.3% vs. 97.01%), but the side brush scattered in parts of it.

My only concern is random hopping, which wouldn’t be effective for a larger space and cleaning several rooms.

Carpet cleaning

All Roomba products are excellent carpet cleaning options, and these robots are no exception.

Brushes with opposite rotation and “dirt detection” allow these robots to pick up debris under the carpet threads.

Surprisingly, the e5 performed better on both surface and compact dirt (see table above).

The E5 picked up more compact sand In deep cleaning tests by 89.66% against 85.6% of the 960.

Again, the newer extractor design is a factor in its increased volume.

Dustbin comparison between Roomba E5 and 960

One feature I love about these bots is the above average trash can size.

The E5’s bowl is up to 50% larger than the 675’s at 500ml, while the Roomba 960’s is more spacious at 600ml.

Having a large litter box is important for these robots because it enables the robot to clean a larger area without having to dispose of the contents.

The only difference is that the E5 dust container is washable. 960 is not because part of the engine is in it.

Runtime comparison

Next, we’ll look at the runtime. The E5 has a 1800 mAh battery. For up to 90 minutes. In contrast, the 960 will only run for up to 75 minutes.

I’m not sure why the E5’s battery is more powerful given that they both have a 1800mAh Li-ion battery.

maintenance

All Roomba products require a level of maintenance to operate at their peak. I’m going to enumerate the list of tasks applied to both variables.

1. brushes: The brush takes the most abuse and needs constant TLC. Any hair or dirt build up inside will cause friction and abrasion. It is essential to check these components regularly to ensure that they are working efficiently.
2. Sensors: Check the sensors around and below and wipe with a clean microfiber towel to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating. These components are necessary for the robot to avoid obstacles and not fall from the stairs.
3. Dustbin and filter: Empty the trash after each cleaning cycle and check the filter. The filters are not washable, but you can use a hand vacuum or vacuum cleaner to remove the accumulated dirt.
4. Wheels: Do not forget to clean the wheels – side and wheels. Debris will also collect and can burn the engine.

Below are instructions for more information on cleaning these bots.

1. How to clean Roomba E5
2. How to clean Roomba 980

Availability of spare parts

One of the reasons for the popularity of iRobot is the abundance of spare parts.

You won’t have any problem Find components like batteryFilter, wheel and brushes. Even things like the side brush and wheel unit are available online.

Replacing these parts is easy. You can check out many of my guides on Replace components such as the battery here.

Other Roomba comparisons

I’ve written other Roomba comparisons to help you decide which is the best option since there are so many variables to consider.

Roomba comparison with other brands.

Product Spec.

Model	Roomba E5	Roomba 960
an offer	13.3 inches	13.5 inches
Height	3.6 inches	3.6 inches
purifier	hiba	hiba
virtual wall	no	yes
Mobility	random	Clever
Runtime (Turbo Mode)	90 minutes	75 minutes
Energy	Unavailable	9 cubic feet per minute
Guarantee	ONE YEAR LIMITED	ONE YEAR LIMITED
price	Check Price	Check Price

Where can I buy these bots?

You can buy Roomba E5 and 960 from online stores like Amazon and Walmart. Check the links below for the latest prices.

• Roomba E5
  

BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

• Roomba 960

BUY NOW FROM Amazon

Disclaimer: If you purchase through any of the links above, I’ll earn a commission, but at no additional cost to you, so it’s a win for us!

Which is better, Roomba E5 or 960?

Choosing between these two robots will suit the size of your home and your budget.

Roomba 960 is a better alternative for larger homes thanks to its smart navigation system. It can navigate larger spaces with better proficiency versus the E5.

However, the Roomba 960 is more expensive, but it’s a trade-off you should consider.

The E5 is the cheapest and, in my opinion, the best economical Roomba option with upgrades for 675.

It doesn’t have smart navigation but just randomly pin balls.

Surprisingly, it performs better than the 960 at cleaning built-in dirt, despite the lower airflow, making it a more compelling choice.

But random navigation hampers its ability to clean smaller spaces. It can’t match the more intelligent 960 algorithm.

So it’s a choice between a cheaper Roomba without VSLAM or a more expensive one with better efficiency.

4 reasons to choose Roomba E5

1. Cheaper alternative: The E5 is one of the least expensive Roomba options with I Series extractors. I like it better than any 600 Series robots because of the larger dust bin and bristle-free brush.
2. Less maintenance: Another benefit with straws is that they are not tedious to clean.
3. Washable litter box: The dust container is washable, which makes it easy to clean completely.
4. Excellent for small homes: The Roomba E5 is an excellent choice for people who are looking for an economical robot vacuum that cleans well in a small home or apartment. It is not effective but comprehensive.
5. I picked up more dirt included:

4 reasons to choose Roomba 960

1. Intelligent navigation: Roomba 960’s algorithm is more efficient and skips straight lines.
2. Best for large homes: Intelligent Mobility (iAdapt 2.0) makes this an ideal choice for larger homes. The ability to recharge and resume eliminates the shorter operating time.
3. Bigger litter box: The capacity of the 600ml dust container is 100ml larger than that of the E5 dust container.
4. Decent in the embedded dirt: The 960 picked up less built-in sand in our deep cleaning test (85.6% vs. 89.99%) than E5.

Verdict: Roomba 960, better for larger homes, E5 is enough for smaller spaces

In conclusion, Roomba 960’s intelligent algorithm was able to traverse several rooms within a larger house. There is less risk of not being docked because it can locate it using the SLAM and camera sensor.

If you live in a three-bedroom house with a lot of carpeting, Roomba 960 is the best option because it is more efficient.

The Roomba E5 is an excellent, less expensive alternative for smaller homes. It doesn’t have the 960’s smart navigation, but it should fit inside small homes.