If you think of a robot hoover brand that you associate with quality, efficiency and good performance, you will probably think of Roomba. However, Roborock is following in its footsteps very closely, and has undergone a great evolution over the last few years that has made it a very interesting competitor. Above all, because it is better value for money. And, so that you can check it, I show you the comparison between Roborock S7 vs Roomba i5 so that you can decide which one is better suited to your needs. Let’s go there!
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Roborock S7 vs Roomba i5: Elements that make them different
Although both the Roborock S7 and Roomba i5 are high-end robotic vacuums, they differ in their features and capabilities. Here are some of the main differences between the two:
Automatic Dirt Disposal: The Roomba i5 supports the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal unit, which allows automatic emptying of the bin after each cleaning cycle. However, the Roborock S7 does not have this feature, although the brand does offer other models in the S7 series, such as the S7+, which include an automatic dirt disposal unit.
Navigation technology: The Roborock S7 incorporates LiDAR navigation technology, while the Roomba i5 uses iAdapt navigation technology. LiDAR technology uses laser sensors to create a more accurate map of the home, while iAdapt uses a combination of sensors and cameras.
Suction power: The Roborock S7 has slightly more suction power (2500Pa) than the Roomba i5 (1700Pa). However, it should be noted that iRobot only provides approximate suction power values, and not as detailed as other brands, merely stating that it is more powerful than another robot in the same product line.
Multi-level mapping: The Roborock S7 has the ability to create up to four levels of maps, while the Roomba i5 can only generate and store one map.
Mopping function: Roborock S7 has a built-in mopping system with sonic vibration technology, while Roomba i5 lacks a mopping function.
Roborock S7 vs Roomba i5: Everything they have in common
Now, it’s time to tell you what similarities the two robots share:
Obstacle detection: Both vacuums have sensors that detect obstacles and prevent it from bumping into furniture or falling down stairs.
Mobile app: Both robot vacuums can be controlled and programmed through their respective apps, allowing you to customise cleaning schedules and preferences.
Recharge and resume: Both vacuums can automatically return to their charge base when their battery is low, and resume cleaning once the battery is fully charged.
Virtual barriers: Both vacuums come with virtual barrier functions that allow you to block off certain areas of your home that you don’t want the robot to clean.
Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility: Both vacuums are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control them by voice.
Edge cleaning: Both vacuums are designed to clean along walls and edges, using their side brushes to sweep dirt and debris towards the main brush.
Roborock S7 vs Roomba i5: The strengths of each robot
Next, I’d like to explain what I consider to be the most important features of the two robots. Each has its own strengths, the key is to know how to compare them and decide, as a whole, which one best meets your needs.
Roborock S7 – A more precise, more advanced ride
The Roborock S7 is a premium robot hoover with a number of cutting-edge features that set it apart from other robot vacuums available on the market. For starters, the S7 boasts a powerful 2500 Pa suction that can effortlessly pick up dirt, debris and pet hair from your floors. It has the ability to detect when it’s on a carpet and automatically increase the suction power for more intensive cleaning.
Another remarkable feature is its dual functionality: in addition to vacuuming, it can also mop the floor. It includes an intelligent scrubbing system that incorporates sonic vibration technology to remove stubborn dirt and stains from your floors. The mop cloth is also made of a unique material that quickly absorbs water and dispenses it evenly, allowing for deeper cleaning.
The S7’s LiDAR navigation system allows it to move precisely around your home, avoiding obstacles and cleaning efficiently. Users appreciate that it rarely gets stuck or lost during cleaning. The S7 is equipped with 32 sensors that help with precise navigation and obstacle avoidance. It can even detect variations in floor height, preventing accidental falls down stairs or overhangs. Thanks to this function, it can generate up to four map levels, making it ideal for cleaning multiple floors in your home.
Finally, the S7 can be managed via a mobile app, allowing you to schedule cleaning sessions, designate no-go zones, etc. It also works seamlessly with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control it with voice commands.
Roomba i5 – Unique sensors
Let’s face it, Roomba robots don’t come cheap. Or, at least, they don’t offer as much bang for your buck as Roborock. However, there’s no denying their exceptional performance. For example, the Roomba i5 uses iRobot’s patented iAdapt navigation technology, which uses a series of sensors to map your home and manoeuvre around obstacles. It also has a built-in camera that helps with landmark recognition and efficient navigation.
In terms of suction power, Roomba i5 has a powerful motor and efficient filter that can effortlessly pick up dirt, dust and pet hair from carpets and hard floors. It also has Dirt Detect sensors that identify areas with concentrated dirt, allowing you to spend more cleaning time in those areas.
With the ability to create and store maps of your home, Roomba i5 can clean multiple rooms. It is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for voice control.
Unlike the Roborock, it lacks a mopping function, although it can be paired with the Braava floor mop to work together. However, the downside is that you have to own the Braava beforehand, which is an additional cost for another appliance.
Reasons for choosing the Roborock S7
Based on user reviews and my own experience, I can guess what the reasons are for most users to choose the Roborock S7. The Roborock S7 uses LiDAR navigation technology, which is more accurate and precise than the iAdapt navigation used by the Roomba i5, yet it comes at a lower price.
Consequently, the Roborock S7 can create up to four levels of maps, which is beneficial for users who have multiple floors in their home. In addition, the Roborock S7 has a higher suction power than the Roomba i5, which can be useful for homes with more carpeted floors or pet hair.
As you can see, it outperforms the Roomba in the aspects that are most relevant in a robot hoover: suction power, navigation system and the ability to store maps for multi-storey homes. It also includes a mop mop, something the Roomba i5 doesn’t have.
Why should you get the Roomba i5?
Now, don’t think that the Roomba i5 doesn’t have its fans and its reasons for choosing it. The most important, from my point of view, is brand loyalty. If there is one thing iRobot has earned with its Roomba, it is a large following of fans who, unconditionally, continue to buy Roomba and don’t believe there is any other robot better. The brand’s ability to identify itself is admirable.
On the other hand, some users find the Roomba i5 quieter in operation than the Roborock S7. The same goes for maintenance, which is somewhat easier on the Roomba i5 than on the Roborock S7, which requires more regular maintenance.
In addition, Roomba i5 has a dirt detection feature that allows it to detect and focus on areas with higher levels of dirt and debris, resulting in more thorough cleaning.
Roborock S7 vs Roomba i5: My conclusion is…
In my review of both robots, I recommend the Roborock S7 due to its notable price difference and superior features. Specifically, the Roborock S7 has more suction power, smarter navigation with route planning capabilities and greater versatility with its mopping function.
While the Roomba has the advantage of Dirt Detect sensors, I don’t think it’s enough to sway me over it, especially given the price difference. However, your priorities may differ, so consider your needs and make a decision accordingly. Either option is a good one.
Remember, ultimately the decision is up to you and your particular circumstances, so weigh your options carefully before making a final decision.