Comparing Roomba models: What you need to know

The future of iRobot becomes very interesting now that the maker of Roomba has been acquired by Amazon, but for now, they are still a household name for robotic vacuums and everything they can do around the house. Buyers, however, have an additional problem: There are many different Roomba models, and the price variations can be quite large. Wondering which one is right for you, or should you consider other brands besides Roombas? We’re here to help with our review of the most popular Roomba models, how they’re different, and which ones might be right for you.

What is the difference between the main Roomba models?

roomba s9+

iRoomba S9 screen.

Best for: manual cleaning with automatic soil removal and electric carpet cleaning.

Roomba s9+ is one of the most advanced models that Roomba has created. It features the latest enhancements common to many current Roombas, including vSLAM navigation, improved suction power, which iRobot claims is 40 times stronger than previous models, and a combination of an angled brush plus a double rubber brush for multiple surfaces below. It also has a design that can clean corners and carpets.

The S9+ also has the expected support for apps and technology. On board you’ll find the ability to give voice commands (Alexa and Google Assistant), smart mapping with the ability to create avoidance modes, dirt detection, automatic adaptation to hard floors or carpets, and much more.

Aside from its power, one of the biggest things that sets the s9+ apart is the ability to go back and empty the trash bin at your charging station, which is why the charging station is so big. Your Roomba can clean for months without having to worry about emptying it.

room s9

Roomba S9 in action.

Best for: The s9 has been largely deprecated in favor of the s9+, but it can save you money.

If you guessed that the s9 is similar to the s9+, you were right. In fact, the two models have a lot in common, including their powerful suction technology, design, and navigation. The smart app features are still there too. But there’s one big difference: the s9 doesn’t have the ability to automatically dump dirt from its own bin to the larger version, which isn’t included. To add this feature, you need to purchase an alternative clean base. The s9 has been mostly replaced by the s9+ since iRobot decided to merge the two.

roomba j7+

iRobot Roomba j7+ in charging base.John Velasco / Digital Trends

Ideal for: Busier homes where Roombas may need to navigate objects and clutter.

The J7+ is an interesting alternative to the s9+ with a different set of benefits that might be better for busy households. It has lower suction (improved 10x instead of 40x), so it won’t do as well deep-cleaning carpets, and the design isn’t as corner-friendly. But in return, the j7+ has better navigation skills and smarter decision-making: it can detect new objects and avoid them, then add them to your map and send you a notification about that object. This feature makes it ideal for homes where toys or other items are often left behind, or where Roombas may need to avoid cat hair or similar pet misdeeds.

room j7

iRobot Roomba j7+ on a wooden floor.John Velasco / Digital Trends

Best for: Saving money compared to the j7.

Here is a very similar comparison with the s9+ and the s9. In other words, while the j7+ comes with its own clean dock that supports automatic dirt removal, the j7 doesn’t. Could be a way to save some money, but then again, the j7 isn’t as common as the j7+ upgrade.

Roomba i3+ EVO

Roomba i3+ EVO.

Best for: Roomba fans on a budget who still want automatic dirt removal.

The i3+ is a completely different take on the s9 and j7 lines. For the i3, iRobot does not include much of its advanced intelligent navigation and guidance capabilities. Roomba can still avoid cliffs, clean certain rooms on demand, and move furniture, but more precise navigation is beyond its capabilities. Like the j7+, the i3+ has 10 times the suction power of the previous 600 models. So what’s the draw here? The i3+ is much more affordable than the s9 or j7 lines, a budget option that still includes automatic dirt removal and Roomba app options.

Roomba i3 EVO

Roomba i3 EVO.

Best For: Those who want a Roomba closer to the price of a traditional vacuum and don’t mind skipping the automatic dirt removal.

You guessed it: the i3 EVO omits the clean base and the ability to automatically dump Roomba’s litter box into its station. In this case, that’s another big drop in price that may make it a good option for those looking to save even more.

Roomba E5

Best for: Not a very viable option when the i3 EVO exists

While you can still find the E5 on sale, it currently outsells previous Roomba lines. Suction is 5 times less than the original lines, and the price is not significantly different from the i3 EVO. Roomba doesn’t even sell the E5 on its own website anymore, so we can’t really recommend buying it if you’re giving up a lot just to save $30 or so.

Roomba 600 Series

Best For: Those interested in a budget Roomba who don’t mind outdated models.

You can still find the 600 series on sale in a few places, including the 614, 675, and 690. These are generally budget models, older versions of Roombas that lack the advanced vacuum and navigation options that all the other models have. Now, there aren’t many reasons to pick one of these models, though you might be able to find some great deals on these Roombas.

Which Roomba model is the best?

The S9+ and j7+ are the best Roombas, but in different ways. The S9+ provides more power for carpets and is better designed for corners, while the j7+ is better at navigating new obstacles.

What are the different levels of Roomba?

Currently, the main levels of Roombas are the s9, j7 and i3. Older models may still be available, but iRobot is not actively selling them. There’s also a Braava robot mopping option. Of course, it’s currently unclear which products may remain on sale with the recent Amazon purchase.

What is the difference between i3 and j7 Roomba?

The i3 line is a more affordable option with less suction and fewer smart navigation features than the j7.

editor’s recommendations

Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn

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