Compare Roomba Models: With Roomba Comparison Chart
This iRobot Roomba comparison is an in-depth overview of the brands best robot vacuums. As countless models have been released over the last 25 years, it can be hard to know where to even begin when it comes down to choosing one. We have written this overview article to help you compare models easily. Here is a quick rundown of our recommendations:
- Best Overall: The iRobot Roomba S9+ is the culmination of the best robotic vacuum technology. It has the most powerful motor, most advanced navigation technology and Automatic Dirt Disposal. You can purchase the Roomba S9(no “+”) without the self disposal for slightly cheaper. This is the best Roomba you can buy, although it has a large price tag.
- Recommended Pick: The iRobot Roomba i7+ is a very complete model that shares some of the best ablities that the S9 has, such as the Automatic Dirt Disposal. The major difference between the i7 and the S9 is the strength of the motor, making it very slightly less effective on thicker carpets and rugs, although it will still do a good job. The Roomba i7(no”+”) is this model without the self disposing technology, although this can be bought after. This is our recommended pick as it has some of the best features without the excessively price of the S9+.
- Best Balance: The iRobot Roomba 960 is a solid choice that balances cleaning performance and budget. This is one of the most recommended iRobot Roomba models as it is advanced yet reasonably cheap.
- Budget Option: The iRobot Roomba e5 is a new Roomba in the low to the mid-price range that has extra battery life and solid motor power, compared to other models at this price range.
As well as these top choices, there are other iRobot Roomba models featured;690, 980, 890 and 614, which we will also explore in detail.
Contents
- Roomba Comparison Chart
- Compare Roomba Models
- Roomba S9+ - The Best Roomba Model
- Roomba i7+ - Automatic Dirt Disposal & High Spec
- Roomba 960 - A Well Priced But Highly Effective Robot
- Roomba 980 - Used To Be The Best
- Roomba 690 - Budget Option
- Roomba 890 - Connected Roomba With Moderate Price
- Roomba e5 - New Roomba Similar to 690 & 890
- Roomba 614 - Cheap And Cheerful
- Roomba 650 - The Old Legend
- Roomba Model Comparison Final Word
- FAQ
- What is a Roomba?
- How does a Roomba work?
- How much is a Roomba?
- What is the difference between the Roomba models?
- Which Model of iRobot is the best?
- Which robot vacuum is best?
- What is self recharge and self resume?
- What is the best Roomba for Carpets?
- Is a Roomba good for hardwood floors?
- Which robot vacuum is best for pet hair?
- Can a Roomba clean an entire house?
- Can you use Roomba without WIFI?
- How long is a Roomba cleaning cycle?
- How long do Roomba batteries last?
- What kind of battery does a Roomba use?
- Do Roombas have a HEPA filter?
- What is a Virtual Wall Barrier for a Roomba?
- What is the full bin indicator?
- Are robotic vacuum cleaners worth it?
Roomba Comparison Chart
| Model | ROOMBA S9+ | ROOMBA i7+ | ROOMBA 980 | ROOMBA 960 | ROOMBA e5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design |  |  |  |  |  |
| iAdapt Version | iADAPT 3.0 | iADAPT 3.0 | iADAPT 2.0 | iADAPT 2.0 | iADAPT 1.0 |
| Mapping Technology | IMPRINT | IMPRINT | SMART | SMART | |
| Cleaning Motor | SUPERIOR (40x Stronger) | GEN 3 (10x Stronger) | GEN 3 (10x Stronger) | AEROFORCE (5x Stronger) | AEROFORCE (5x Stronger) |
| Recharge/ Resume Cleaning | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Automatic Dirt Disposal | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Bottom Line | The most advanced Roomba with the best features | Recommended Pick for the best features and balanced price | Good on Carpets | Recommended Pick for the mid price range | Recommended Pick for budget option |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Compare Roomba Models
Choosing your Roomba doesn’t have to be hard. This comparison is the culmination of hours and hours of research an in-depth thought into providing recommendations for different models based on different circumstances.
The Roomba S9+ has made its way onto the market pushing the limits of suction power and cleaning ability found in these devices. Having been released soon after Roomba i7+, the S9+ is unlike anything else seen from both iRobot or its competitors.
This model is a premium device and very exciting development in the industry. Whilst it is easy to get wowed by the most complex features and arguably the best Roomba, do not forget that this is not what choosing a Roomba vacuum is about.
The best model for you is the one that fits into your context. Your budget, the size of your home and your expectations will inform this decision. The type of floor in your home will also make a big difference as carpets are harder to clean.
Also Read: Best Roomba for Pet Hair
Roomba S9+ - The Best Roomba Model
Every inch of the iRobot Roomba S9+ uses the best technology of its kind and is accordingly the best model from iRobot. Coming down to the design and shape, navigation and motor, you have the super sports car version of the Roomba world. Here we will run down for you the most significant features found with the Roomba S9+, and explain why it is the best model from iRobot.
1.Perfect Edge
The D Shaped Design of the S9 was a major change for iRobot as it takes a step away from their iconic style and branding. iRobot has always used a circular shape on all of their previous Roombas. When the Roomba was first produced over 20 years, the rounded circular look was a memorable part of what was unique about Roombas. With the latest Roomba S9, they have had to let go of this circular design for improve performance.
Although it might seem like a minor change, it can actually make a large difference to the cleaning ability of the device. This D-Shaped design changed and its positive effects have been labeled by iRobot as PerfectEdge. Neato was the original brand to use this design and here is why iRobot has adopted it:
If you look at Point 1 you can clearly see the main brush (colored green) is far closer to the wall than in the case of the i7. Those inches make a difference to the performance nearer walls.
Point 2 looks at the edge sweeping brush which job it is to push dirt and debris into the main brush so it is sucked into the dust bin. Although it is not as big as the one of the i7, it doesn’t have to be. Instead, iRobot has increased the total number of side brushes from 3 to 5. Because they are shorter holding more flex and more of them in total, the edge sweeping brushes are that bit stronger when pushing heavier debris.
Finally, Point 3 sits in the middle of the two main brushes and highlights how the Roomba S9 main brush is 30% wider. Not just in the middle, but nearer the action of the edge sweeping brush. All in all, these changes are significant and make a difference to the performance of the Roomba S9 over previous models.
2.Automatic Dirt Disposal
Just as with its immediate predecessor the Roomba i7, the Roomba S9+ has an Automatic Dirt Disposal unit capable of holding up to 30 cleans worth of dirt and debris stored in the dust bin. The i7+ was the first model to have this game-changing feature. This feature will automatically empty its waste into a separate dust bin without needing any instruction from the user. The goal of these robots is to take as much effort out of cleaning the home as possible. The addition of the Clean Base unit takes this to a completely different level. Hands-on maintenance is reduced from being needed every few clean to less than once a month.
This is certainly a feature for those with large budgets as the unit adds to the total price. iRobot cleverly introduced it as a side option for their newer models, labeling those sold with the unit as a “+” model. When considering a purchase, the Clean Base should be thought of as a separate product sold with the device. For example, iRobot Roomba S9 (minus the +) is the same robot without this disposal unit although you can buy it at a later date. We talk about these two options in more detail in our Roomba S9+ vs S9 overview article.
3.Superior 3-Stage Cleaning System
The strength of the S9’s motor is second to none when compared to any other Roomba or robot vacuum. Labeled as the Superior 3-Stage Cleaning System, the maximum suction power is 40 times greater than the standard motor found in the Roomba 600 series. For comparison sake, the previous Roomba i7 has the Gen 3 Motor which is just 10 times more powerful than the 600 series.
At the core of every efficient cleaning system of a robotic vacuum cleaner is the strength of the motor and the suction it provides. Without any doubt, this power translates into more reliable and effective cleaning by the Roomba S9. This especially comes into its own when on carpets, as the carpet boost mode is especially powerful on the S9+.
As you can see in this image, the Roomba S9 maximizes the contact it has on the edge of carpets too. Effectively, this robot is more than deep clean ready.
4. iAdapt 3.0 & IMPRINT Mapping
Navigation technology used in the Roomba S9 is actually one area that has not seen improvement from the Roomba i7. At this stage, iRobots home mapping is actually getting seemingly flawless so it is hard to imagine where exactly it will go from here.
The S9 has a fine-tuned iAdapt 3.0 that includes VSLAM & Mapping technology. This allows the Roomba S9+ to navigate very efficiently around a living space. A camera builds up a map of your home accessible through the iRobot Home app which the S9+ uses to path its route.
Building on this, Imprint Mapping distinguishes each room and allows for them to be individually cleaned. In the Home app on your smartphone, you can select for the S9 to just clean the kitchen or living room. Alexa compatibility also enables this voice commanded, using the words along the line of “Alexa, clean the kitchen”.
The Roomba S9 also comes with an advanced virtual wall barrier, as do many of the other models in our list. A virtual wall barrier is a staple accessory that the Roomba sees as a real wall and won’t clean past. The virtual wall is useful for stopping the Roomba cleaning in any room you don’t want it to. Charging of the Roomba S9 takes around 4 hours, whilst it lasts for about 2 hours.
Standout Features
- Strongest Motor
- Best Navigation Technology
- D-Shaped design
- Automatic Dirt Disposal
- Self Recharge & Resume
- Voice Control
- Includes a virtual wall
- Schedule cleaning
Takeaway Points
An unmatched robot vacuum in the whole market and simply the best. If you’ve got the budget and many carpets then this is the Roomba for you. When looking at this model, it is the price that is the issue for many customers. If that isn’t a problem then Roomba S9+ and Roomba S9 is the best option:
- Large homes
- Large budgets
- Lots of carpets and rugs
- Pet hair
- Luxury features
- The highest spec Roomba and the best robot vacuum on the market
Roomba i7+ - Automatic Dirt Disposal & High Spec
The iRobot Roomba i7+ is a new model that did not get released too long before the Roomba S9. Many of the key features in the S9+ that make it so effective are found in the i7+, although the design, cleaning system and motor strength are not quite as good. The i7+ was a more of an upgraded product than the S9+, compare to the previous models, as it was the first Roomba that used an Automatic Dirt Disposal system. A good article to read if you’re interested in these models is our Roomba S9 vs i7 overview.
1.Automatic Dirt Disposal
The i7+ came out with the ability to self dispose of its waste, up to 30 cleans worth, using iRobots Clean Base. As mentioned with the Roomba S9+, the Clean Base should be viewed as a standalone product that is compatible with the Roomba i7 and S9 (adding the “+”).
If Automatic Dirt Disposal is something that you are particularly keen on, you can get the i7 or S9 model, without the Clean Base included. You could always start with the i7 as a standalone and buy it later if you are not sure. Read more about the differences between the Roomba i7 vs i7+ here.
2.iAdapt 3.0 & IMPRINT Mapping
iAdapt 3.0 and Imprint Mapping Technology are also consistent between the i7 and the Roomba S9. Effectively, these robot vacuums can navigate the home at the same rate and clean at a similar rate. The runtime may vary in a more carpeted home as the S9 has a stronger motor with greater suction.
It should also be noted that these models can self-recharge and self-resume cleaning. This technology makes the possible runtime of the Roomba as long as it needs to be. The i7 has Imprint Mapping so it can clean individual rooms in your home, making its effort more precise and able to deal with mess in certain rooms.
Just like the Roomba S9, the i7 has a virtual wall barrier that prevents the Roomba from going where it shouldn’t. Charging of the i7 is 3 hours and lasts for 75 minutes.
3. Gen 3 Motor
The Roomba i7 uses iRobots 3rd Gen Motor which achieves a maximum suction that is 10 times that of the 600 series. Although this isn’t close to the S9, which is able to achieve 40 times that, it is still more than enough for many homes.
It is important to remember that this doesn’t mean the S9 will always perform better in every clean as the i7 is more than capable on hard floors and lighter carpets. It is on the thicker and deeper carpets where the i7 won’t compete, although it can still do a good job. What is more likely to be different is the total clean time as the i7 will take longer on the harder to clean areas.
Standout Features
- Imprint Mapping
- Decent motor
- Auto Disposal
- Voice Control
- Recharge & Resume
- Includes a virtual wall
- Schedule cleaning
Takeaway Points
Until very recently the i7+ was the “wow” product from iRobot. Whilst the Roomba S9+ is more advanced, it will not necessarily do that much better of a job in many homes. For example, if your home has few carpets and is mostly hard floor, you should choose the i7 if you want a cheaper option for Automatic Dirt Disposal. That said, it is still a relatively expensive device. The Roomba i7+ and Roomba i7 are good for those with:
- Large homes
- Large budgets
- Lots of carpets and rugs
- Pet hair
- and who want luxury features
- This is our recommended pick, due to being cheaper than the S9+ but still having advanced features.
Roomba 960 - A Well Priced But Highly Effective Robot
The iRobot Roomba 960 is a real gem of a robot vacuum as it is much more reasonably priced yet still highly capable, it may no longer be top of the range but it is possibly the best option for most customers. When looking across this comparison, this vacuum is a standout in terms of the quality for the price.
1.iAdapt 2.0, Smart Mapping & VSLAM
iAdapt 2 is in the mid-range level of navigation tech from iRobot but isn’t actually that far behind the capabilities of the newer version. The principal difference is the lack of Imprint mapping and targeted room cleaning.
Beyond this, the iRobot Roomba 960 has Smart Mapping & VSLAM technology allows for the most efficient routes. When navigating around, there are no substantial differences in the efficiency of the route taken between iAdapt 2.0 and 3.0. The Roomba 900 series was the first that build up a Map of the home, something that only the i7 and S9 can also do. Check out our article overview of the Roomba i7 vs Roomba 960, for more information.
The Mapping & VSLAM technology introduced a camera on in the body of the Roomba that collects data on the location of all furniture and objects in the home. It translated this data to create a map that is accessible in the iRobot Home app on your smartphone. There are also a variety of other metrics that are recorded by the Roomba. This is where the user can set their own cleaning preferences and settings.
The benefit is that the Roomba knows your homes inside perfectly and accordingly create a cleaning path that is efficient. This was a huge step up from other Roombas who use a more random and sensor driver approach that increases the total cleaning time by a huge amount. Anyone looking for a Roomba for multi room cleaning should opt for a model with this.If you look below you can see how to create the perfect line that does not go over areas multiple times:
The Roomba 960 is one of the only models with the recharge and resume function, as this is enabled by the complex mapping. Just as with the other models that have it, the robot uses this mapping technology to pick up cleaning exactly where it left off. Map Reports of the home are displayed on the iRobot Home app and in detail clean statistics are shown through this platform. This smartphone app also allows for setting cleaning preferences such as scheduling. Charging of the 960 takes about 3 hours and the device runs for 1 hour 15 minutes.
2.Aeroforce 3-Stage Cleaning Motor
A lagging point of the Roomba 960 compared to the latest and best from iRobot is the Aeroforce 3-Stage Motor. It is still fairly decent with 5 times the strength of the 600 series motor. Although it doesn’t compare to the Gen 3 or Superior 3-Stage Motor, it is still highly capable of cleaning hard floors and some carpeted surfaces.
Where it will lag behind, is messier situations on deep and thick carpets. The navigation system and Dirt Detect can identify these areas so it can spend more time cleaning them. The 3-Stage system is an approach used in many Roombas and reflects how different brushes work with the motor of the vacuum.
The side brushes push dirt and debris into the way of the main brush which is sucked up into the dust bin. Between models, the varying factor is the strength of the motor.
Standout Features
- Advanced Mapping & vSLAM for multi room cleaning
- Voice recognition
- Recharge and Resume
- Includes a virtual wall
- Schedule cleaning
Takeaway Points
The iRobot Roomba 960 is one the best and most suitable Roombas for many users. It has the best balance of cleaning performance whilst being reasonably priced compared to the newer models. The Roomba 960 is a good choice for:
- Large homes
- Medium to large budgets
- Lots of hard floors and some carpets
- Pet hair
- One of our top recommendations
Related: Shark Ion Robot vs Roomba
Roomba 980 - Used To Be The Best
The iRobot Roomba 980 used to be the powerhouse of iRobots range, thanks to the Gen 3 Motor, the same as in the Roomba i7. When comparing within the Roomba range, if your thinking about getting a Roomba 980, the models which you would consider it against are the 960 and i7, as their features most closely cross over. On the other, you have the i7 with the same new motor power but enhanced navigation and cleaning technology. The Roomba 980 takes the edge over the 960 by some feature improvements which include; a better motor, 45 minutes more battery and a carpet boost function. On the other, you have the i7 with the same new motor strength but enhanced navigation and cleaning technology. All of these features are better in terms of specifications, but whether this is necessary for a practical living is a different matter.
1.Gen 3 Motor & Carpet Boost
The highlight of the Roomba 980 is the Gen 3 Motor and Carpet Boost function. Previously, it was the only Roomba with the power it had, and now this has changed with the release of the i7 and S9. The maximum power is twice that of the 960, making it a worthwhile choice for those with deep and thick carpets. These functions are still useful and work very well making the 980 somewhat of a powerhouse.
2.Compared to the Roomba 960
The Roomba 980 and 960 are very similarly matched when comparing all of the other specs. Together they introduced the revolutionary Smart Mapping & VSLAM navigation system. Both models work with the iRobot Home smartphone app and are connectable to Wi-Fi, equalling each other on the features they have.
The only other true difference between these two is the battery life. The Roomba 980 has a battery run time of 120 minutes, whilst the 960 can dish out 75 minutes of cleaning. Self-recharge and resume cleaning of these models has made this difference in battery duration much less significant.
If your home takes less than 75 minutes to clean then there is no effective difference. If it is longer, the 960 can just recharge and resume cleaning extending the runtime. Chargining of the 980 takes around 2 to 3 hours.
3.WiFi Connectivity
The 980 is Wi-Fi enabled with the use of the iRobot Home App, along with many of the other model’s mention. In fact, pretty much all Roombas released now have this as a staple feature for setting their cleaning prefences. If you want the convenience of scheduling, monitoring activity, pausing and playing your robot, viewing stats and many more functions from the ease of your smartphone then these models are for you.
Standout Features
- Advanced Mapping for multi room cleaning
- 3rd Gen Motor is strong
- Voice recognition
- Recharge and Resume
- 75 minutes battery life
- Includes a virtual wall
- Schedule cleaning
Takeaway Points
All in all, the 980 is a great device but perhaps not the best choice. For example, the Roomba 960 is almost as good for a significantly cheaper price. Those spenders who want to spend a fair bit but for Automatic Dirt Disposal, stick to the i7 or S9. The Roomba 980 is a powerful robot vacuum, but perhaps doesn’t fit into the range due to the other options available.
- Large homes
- Medium to large budgets
- Lots of carpets and rugs
- Pet hair
Roomba 690 - Budget Option
At the top of 600 series is the iRobot Roomba 690, a capable piece of equipment for a much more realistic price tag for most people. It was released in 2017 to fill in a gap in the iRobot product line, a mid-range robot vacuum cleaner. While the other models are better, they are also much more expensive and for some slightly more modest features, you can still get the job of cleaning your home done.
1.Compared to 900 Series
When you compare the Roomba 690 with the 900 series, the major differences comes from motor strength and mapping technology. The motor is weaker compared to the 900 series and may struggle with high pile rugs and carpets. The Roomba 690 is a good choice of Roomba for homes with hard floors.
As a cheaper Roomba, the 690 just uses Dirt Detection so cleaning routes will not be as efficient. This makes it a better choice for those who have smaller homes and cleaning areas. For less than half the price of 980, the 690 can still connect via Wi-Fi to the iRobot Home app in order to access many of the benefits associated Accordingly, this is a popular choice due to its lower price balanced with Wi-Fi connectivity.
2.Home App
The Roomba 690 is practically the same as the classic 650, just with Wi-Fi connectivity and access to the Home smartphone app. For the relative price, this is very impressive and worthwhile as the iRobot Home app is the point of control, setting cleaning preferences, scheduling, and monitoring of Roombas. This model also has the potential to use voice recognition assistants Amazon Alexa & Google Home, a much sought after feature.
3.Battery life
It has a 1-hour battery life and charging takes 3 hours, so relying on dirt detection only with one hour each round may not be enough if you have a large house. This is the first model featured to not have Self Resume cleaning function, which makes the ion battery run time far more relevant. Those with larger homes and cleaning areas will fare much better with a model that has the self resume cleaning features. It still has Self Recharge, so when the battery runs out it will automatically head back for charging.
Key Features
- Basic navigation
- Dirt Detect sensors
- Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant compatible
- Includes a virtual wall
- Schedule cleaning
Takeaway Points
A budget option that does a good job on hard floors but may struggle on carpets. The price tag will probably make this model one of the preferred choices of Roomba. The iRobot Roomba 690 is a good choice for:
- Small to medium-sized homes
- Small to medium budgets
- Hard floors
- Pet hair
Roomba 890 - Connected Roomba With Moderate Price
The iRobot Roomba 890 offers a Wi-Fi connectable vacuum which is a middle ground between the 690 and 980 in terms of price and motor power. Sharing the same motor as the Roomba 960 but the same navigation system as the Roomba 690, the 890 is really for those who want some power from motor and aren’t fussed about the advanced navigation technology seen in newer models.
1.How the Roomba 890 fits in
In reality, the Roomba 890 is closer to the 690 than the 900 series. This is because the more recent models have a far more advanced navigation system. Whilst you can use the iRobot Home app with the 890, the features and functions you get from it are more basic.
Overall, the app is a more of a remote control extension for the 890, rather than a portal to a new set of features as seen with the newer models. The Map reports and detailed metrics are only available with those models with iAdapt 2.0 or 3.0. If you want better home mapping and motor strength go for a 900, i7 or S9 model.
If you would sacrifice motor strength for a low price go for the 690 instead. If you want a decent price and motor, the 890 is a solid option.
The Roomba 890 motor uses the Aeroforce 3-Stage system, about half the strength of the 980’s max output and five times the 690 ‘s output. The critical differences here will be how effective this model is with dealing with the mess on carpets, especially thick ones.
The Roomba 890 can return to Home Base for charging but it will not resume on its own like the newest models. With 60 minutes of runtime, the same as the 690, the Roomba 890 is limited in its ability to finish a longer clean in one charge. The 890 charging time is normally around 2 hours. It is recommended that those with larger homes and cleaning areas should opt for a model with iAdapt 3.0 or 2.0 in order to ensure that job is finished in one clean, even if the Roomba needs to recharge.
Standout Features
- Dirt Detect sensors, Stair fall prevention
- Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant compatible
- Includes a virtual wall
- Schedule cleaning
Takeaway Points
The iRobot Roomba 890 is pretty slap down the middle of iRobots range. We have written an overview of the Roomba 890 vs 690 in greater depth. The Roomba 890 is a good choice for:
- Small to medium-sized homes
- Medium budgets
- Hard floors and some carpets
- Pet hair
Related: Eufy vs Roomba
Roomba e5 - New Roomba Similar to 690 & 890
The iRobot Roomba e5 was an odd addition to iRobots product line when it was released at the same time the i7. Although it is very new, it has relatively limited technology and doesn’t really differentiate itself much from the Roomba 890. Apart from a sleeker design, the Roomba e5 has a slightly longer battery life which most likely defines what its purpose is, as the section below on the ion battery will explain. This extra battery run time and sleek design actually make it a very good option to go for. We compare them in more detail in this comparison of the Roomba e5 vs 890.
1.Older features
Most of the Roomba e5 features are slightly older. For example, it has the most basic iAdapt 1.0, a relatively random sensor-driven form of navigation. This makes the Roomba e5 a good choice for smaller homes. The e5 uses the Aeroforce 3-Stage motor, which is in other older models like the Roomba 890, making it suitable for hard floors and some carpets.
2.Modern Design
The design of the Roomba e5 is undoubtedly more modern and slick compared to the older models of iRobot. For quite some time, iRobot has had a similar look, using matte browns and silvers along with black. More recently the company has gone for more modern look shiny and sleeky looks with more of a focus on black.
3.Battery Life
With an ion battery that lasts 90 minutes, the Roomba e5 has a clear improvement over 690 and 890, which have just 1 hour. The charging time of the e5 is around 2 hours.. It almost seems that iRobot recognized that without recharge and resume functions, 1 hour runtime was not enough to do a thorough cleaning job in one session for some medium to larger sized homes.
Roombas e5 has seemed to address this issue to provide an option that doesn’t need to be overly expensive with the best navigation, but can still do the job in one round.
Standout Features
- Dirt Detect sensors, Stair fall prevention
- Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant compatible
- 90 minutes battery life
- Includes a virtual wall
- Schedule cleaning
Takeaway Points
When you the e5 to the 690 and 890, the clear differences are the battery life and the sleek design. The additional 30 minutes of cleaning time makes the difference when finishing a round of cleaning in one go, which is needed without a self recharge and resume function. The Roomba e5 is a good choice for:
- Medium-sized homes
- Medium budgets
- Hard floors and some carpets
- Pet hair
- Recommended budget option
Relate: Overview of Roomba e5 vs 690
Roomba 614 - Cheap And Cheerful
The iRobot Roomba 614 vacuum cleaning robot is a cheap and cheerful device relative to the other products explored here. Unfortunately, Roombas are highly technological pieces of kit that are in general expensive. The 614 is an older budget option that will still perform well in a small cleaning area without excessive costs. However, it is true that these older 600 series models are a little outdated.
1.Low price but limited features
At a price under a third of the top of the range Roomba models, the 614 is certainly a much more comforting purchase decision compared to the other models. If you are looking to buy a Roomba for pet hair without being fussed about WiFi compatibility, this is your best option. The tangle free brushes, as with any of Roomba, prevent the risk of the system clogging up.
The Roomba 614, is in essence, the same as the 690 with no WiFi connectivity. It shares the same motor, edge sweeping brushes, automatic recharging, navigation method, and dirt detect technology. What you can’t do is schedule cleans, connect to the iRobot Home App and therefore voice recognition.
A simple click of the “Clean” button on the Roomba 690 gets it going. We recommend getting a model which can connect to the Home App. Due to its price, we believe the 614 is a choice that must be mentioned.
One benefit is that the Roomba 614 has a runtime of 2 hours with a charging time of 3 hours, which is very decent for an older model.
2. Who is this suitable for?
The weak motor and basic navigation method make this suitable for homes with a small cleaning area or perhaps one large room. It is also recommended to use this on hard floors mostly, although it has the same motor as the Roomba 690 and can have a go at some carpets.
Takeaway Points
The super cheap budget option from Roomba. The iRobot Roomba 614 is by no means flashy, yet very appealing compared to the very high typical costs of Roombas.
Roomba 650 - The Old Legend
The iRobot Roomba 650 robotic vacuum cleaner is the best-known model of Roomba there is and quite possibly the best selling. Having first been announced in 2012, this model is slightly outdated with new models outshining it with their cleaning and technological ability.
The reliable and sturdy Roomba 650 robotic vacuum cleaner is still a great choice for a tidy price compared to its older siblings and a great choice if you want something to get the job done. A comparison of the 650 and 690, shows the only difference is the Wi-Fi connectivity found in the newer version.
One distinct disadvantage of the Roomba 650 robotic vacuum cleaner is the lack of Wi-Fi connection and therefore lack of access to the Home App, making this model less efficient than the 690. When you compare the Roomba 650 with the latest release by iRobot there is quite a difference. The battery life is around 60 to 90 minutes and the charging time is 3 hours or so and it has tangle free brushes for cleaning pet hair.
Now it would be much wiser to go for one of the newer models. But please, stand with us in recognizing the other models in this overview article heritage found with this absolute classic of the 600 series, the Roomba 650.
Roomba Model Comparison Final Word
The iRobot Roomba vacuum product range offers enough variety to make it attractive to quite a range of customers. The Roomba S9+ is without a doubt the best in every aspect, and it has a unique disposal system as well as iAdapt 3.0 Navigation. However, it is expensive and another Roomba may suit you better because of the price aspect. But given all factors we recommend the Roomba i7+ for most people. Next, the Roomba 960 is the top choice for those who want a decent price aren’t fussed about the Automatic Dirt Disposal. Finally, the Roomba e5 is the best budget option.
Also Read: Best Roomba for Hardwood Floors
FAQ
This section answers some questions you may have about iRobot Roomba vacuums in a short concise manner.
What is a Roomba?
Roombas are robotic vacuum cleaners manufactured by robotic company iRobot. They have been leading the market for the last 15 years. Such devices are aimed to replace any human effort put into vacuuming.
How does a Roomba work?
Roomba vacuums use a mixture of technologies to navigate around floor spaces, suck up dirt and debris off the floor and store it until it needs to be disposed of.
How much is a Roomba?
These robotic vacuum come in old and new versions, as well as varying in technology. Their range is typically priced between $200-$900. Older and more basic Roomba vacuum cleaners such as those in the 600 series are cheaper, whilst the most recent i7 and S9 are expensive.
What is the difference between the Roomba models?
The main differences between models is the strength of the motor, efficiency of navigation, included accessories, and the ability of Roombas to recharge, resume and self dispose. The higher the series number the generally better, except the S9+ which is the best.
Which Model of iRobot is the best?
There is no one size fits all approach to choosing a model. The Roomba S9+ has the best features objectively, but it also the most expensive. A cheaper Roomba will be perfectly adequate for a smaller home with hard floors. It all depends on what you are needing from your Robot vacuum.
Which robot vacuum is best?
The Roomba is the most solid brand and the Roomba S9+ is leading the market at the moment. There are other brands of robotic vacuum cleaners such as Dyson, iLife, Neato, and Bobsweep although they are not as well-reviewed as Roombas.
What is self recharge and self resume?
All Roombas can return to charge without needing any instruction. However, some can also resume cleaning without needing any orders. Included are the Roomba 960, 980, i7 and S9.
What is the best Roomba for Carpets?
The models with the most powerful motors; the Roomba S9, i7 & 980. If you have carpets, especially thick ones, you should go for one of these models to make sure everything is sucked up. The overall best for carpets is the Roomba S9 as it has the Superior Cleaning Motor which is four times as powerful as the Roomba i7 and 980 Gen 3 Motor. The superior navigation technology, D-Shape, and Automatic Dirt Disposal make it an even better choice.
Any Roomba starting with 6 has the older motor which may struggle on carpets.
Is a Roomba good for hardwood floors?
Hard floors present an easy task for a Roomba. All models will help picking up debris on harder surfaces, even the cheaper ones such as the 614.
Which robot vacuum is best for pet hair?
All Roombas are designed to capable of cleaning up pet hair thanks to their tangle free brushes. Inevitably, when you compare these models, the newest and best Roomba vacuums will be the most consistent for picking up fur.
Can a Roomba clean an entire house?
This depends on the size of your home and floor area it will clean, which Roomba you buy, and how many floor levels their in your home. In general, the newer models with better mapping technology will be able too.
Can you use Roomba without WIFI?
The Roomba S9, i7+, 960, 980, 890 and 690 all connect to WiFi but can be used without it. You can still use some advanced features such as scheduling without the app too.
How long is a Roomba cleaning cycle?
This depends on the floor area size being cleaned how much debris needs to cleaned. Typically you can expect the runtime around 60 - 120 minutes.
How long do Roomba batteries last?
The runtime of Roombas is anywhere between 45 - 120 minutes before needing a recharge.
What kind of battery does a Roomba use?
Roombas use a lithium ion battery.
Do Roombas have a HEPA filter?
All Roombas have a HEPA filter or high efficiency filter. The role of a high efficiency filter is to catch the smallest particles such as allergens. When cleaning the home, a HEPA filter is especially important to help those who are most sensitive to fine particles. You can buy an additional HEPA filter for your Roomba later on. It is important to note the filter needs regular maintenance to keep it working.
What is a Virtual Wall Barrier for a Roomba?
Virtual walls are an important accessory. When vacuuming, the Roomba interprets the virtual wall as a real a wall and therefore will not clean past. The benefits of a virtual wall barrier are that they prevent the Roomba from going in any room you don’t want it too. Virtual walls usually come includes with Roomba models. However, you can purchase an additional virtual wall separately if you need them.
The larger your home and the more the areas you want to avoid, the more virtual wall barriers you will need. Before you start is difficult to know exactly how many virtual wall barriers you will want, so it is recommended to start with the included accessory before you buy any more.
Virtual wall barriers have two modes; Halo mode and light house mode. Halo mode works by putting a 4 foot zone around an object you want to keep the Roomba away from. There is also virtual wall lighthouse mode that acts as a gate to rooms. This virtual wall lighthouse mode is best used in doorways.
What is the full bin indicator?
Each Roomba has a full bin indicator which simply lights up when it runs out of space in the dust bin.
Are robotic vacuum cleaners worth it?
In our opinion, absolutely!
