We are used to thinking that Roomba robots are excellent, although somewhat more expensive than other brands. However, the range of Roomba robots is very wide, so there are different types of robots, each with its own particular characteristics, and in different price ranges. To find out which one best suits what you are looking for, it is advisable to compare how they are similar and how they differ from each other. In this article we analyse the performance of the Roomba j7 Vs i3 Vs i7 Vs s9 so that you have all the complete information. Don’t lose detail!
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Roomba j7 Vs i3 Vs i7 Vs s9: The most complete buying guide
Below, we will explain in detail how each of the protagonists of our review performs in different aspects that are important when evaluating the performance of a robot:
1) Suction capacity
We don’t usually have trouble seeing this information, but Roomba doesn’t usually provide it in a clear way. Just so you know what we mean, companies usually express suction power in AirWatts or Pascals. However, according to the brand itself, it achieves 40 times more power compared to the Roomba® 600 Series AeroVac system. Meanwhile, the Roomba j7, i7 and i3 increase the power 10 times.
As you can see, we know that the Roomba s9 has more power than its rivals, but it is less clear how much better it is than other competing robots. This lack of information may make some users wary.
Winner: Roomba s9
2) Scrubbing to complete the vacuum
We continue with clear areas of improvement that iRobot could implement, and in this case, we focus on mopping. None of the Roomba’s incorporate scrubbing functionality on their own, something that could make them less competitive in the market.
In fact, it is becoming increasingly common to find robots from different brands that integrate both functionalities in the same appliance. The company is committed to integration between its own devices.
In other words, Roomba robots can be synchronised with the Braava floor cleaner, also from iRobot, via Imprint coordination technology. The result is very satisfying, we won’t deny it, but you need to combine two different devices. And therefore double the cost.
Winner: Tie
3) Self-emptying station
When you go to buy the robot, you may find yourself with a double version, the standard and the plus.
You should know that the four robots we are talking about have a Plus version (j7+, i7+, i3+ and s9+), in which, in addition to the robot hoover, a self-emptying base is included. Thanks to this accessory, the robot empties itself into this base at the end of each cleaning. Thus, the self-emptying base has a capacity of about 30 tanks, which translates into approximately 60 days without emptying it.
Please note that the price of robots with a self-emptying base is higher, so you can also choose to buy the robot only.
Winner: Tie
4) Automatic dust detection and power adjustment
All of the robots we are looking at feature Dirt Detect sensors, a system that enables the robot to identify areas where there is more dirt build-up, and act on it more intensively.
In addition, all the robots have a function that automatically adjusts the suction power when they detect that they are on a carpet.
Winner: Tie
5) Navigation system
The navigation technology determines how the robot will orient itself and move. It is therefore closely related to the intelligence it applies when defining cleaning routes.
Focusing on our protagonists, it varies slightly between the four. The Roomba i3 moves by combining gyroscopic navigation with the RCOM sensor, allowing it to move in straight lines and in an orderly fashion. However, navigation is less precise than the three rival models.
Secondly, the Roomba i7 features the iAdapt 3.0 intelligent navigation system combined with vSLAM technology, where its main weapon is a camera that allows it to create more accurate visual references than the i3.
If we look at the Roomba s9, it also uses iAdapt 3.0 navigation together with vSLAM, but adds a new 3D sensor that is able to recognise objects at higher speeds.
Finally, the Roomba j7 uses PrecisionVision navigation technology, based on a highly accurate front-facing camera.
Winner: Roomba s9
6) Real-time maps
In case you’re not familiar with how robots work, let us tell you that the ones that move by laser or camera systems are able to create maps of the space by identifying it in real time. From there, not all of them draw equally accurate maps, nor do they necessarily have the capacity to store them.
The i3 creates maps instantly based on the visual landmarks it detects, but these maps are not interactive and are not saved afterwards. In contrast, the Roomba i7, j7 and s9 are equipped with Imprint Smart Mapping, a technology that allows them to create interactive maps with the option to manage cleaning on a room-by-room basis.
Winners: Roomba i7, j7 and s9
7) Remote control
We’d wager that one of the main reasons users choose a robot hoover is the independence they have and, therefore, the convenience they bring.
In this sense, the four protagonists of our review can be operated remotely, either through a mobile app or by synchronising with the virtual assistants Alexa and Google Home to issue voice instructions.
In addition, all of them can be configured directly from your smartphone with the iRobot Home app. There you can set the cleaning schedule, check the battery or maps, and review the history of previous cleanings.
Winner: Tie
8) Battery life and “Recharge and Resume”
To put this in context, the first thing we want to clarify is that all the robots we are analysing have a “Recharge and Resume” function, which dilutes the importance of their battery life. The reason for this is that the robot will always make sure it finishes cleaning, even if the battery runs out.
But if we ignore this option, we see that the roomba j7, i7 and i3 can run for approximately 75 minutes.
This time rises to 120 minutes in the case of the Roomba s9, although it is true that Roomba is not the brand that provides the longest autonomy for its robots. For this reason, we proclaim the s9 as the winner.
Winner: Roomba s9
9) Ability to detect obstacles
Another of the qualities that Roomba robots cannot be without is that they have a set of sensors that allow them to detect unevenness caused by steps, thus preventing them from suffering damage if they fall down them.
Similarly, they include a set of sensors that can identify obstacles, such as sofas or furniture, and orientate themselves to clean underneath them, steering in straight lines. And, in this respect, it’s a technical tie.
Winner: Tie
10) Main brush
Robot hoovers don’t usually come with as many accessories as broom hoovers, but in this case, we want to highlight one of them.
Among the accessories available on the Roomba j7, i7, i3 and s9 are the two multi-surface rubber brushes that work together to increase cleaning efficiency.
The way they work is simple: one brush descales the dirt while the other directs it into the bin.
And, if you have pets at home, you’ll be interested to know that they are designed with anti-tangle technology to prevent them from becoming ineffective or pet hair from clogging the brush.
Winner: Tie
11) Value for money
The last aspect we compare, unsurprisingly, is the value for money of the four protagonists. Roomba is probably not perceived by consumers as a cheap brand. However, it is one of the brands that offers a wider price range.
The s9 is the most expensive model, followed by the j7 and the i-series robots. The price may vary depending on the offers available, but the difference between the four ranges from 450 euros for the i3 to 1,200 euros for the s9.
Winner: Roomba j7
Which Roomba robots are the best sellers on Amazon?
You already know that Amazon is the most widespread product distribution network in the world today, and what happens there is, increasingly, a reflection of reality. For this reason, if you are hesitating between two robots and you don’t know which one to choose, it may help to know which of the two sells best on Amazon:
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Keys to getting the perfect Roomba robot right
Not all robots are the same, and not all brands follow the same procedures. In fact, Roomba is one of the brands with the most personality on the market. The good positioning and high reputation they have achieved has allowed them to develop some aspects that make their robots unique. Here are some recommendations so that you can compare them properly:
- Automatic battery recharge: most Roomba robots incorporate the “Recharge and resume” function, which is very interesting in this case, as it is not a brand that is characterised by the long-lasting autonomy of its robots.
- Synchronisation between iRobot devices: another of iRobot’s particularities is that it designs different types of devices so that they can act in coordination with each other. For example, none of the Roomba robots have vacuuming and mopping capabilities, but they can connect with iRobot’s Braava floor cleaners.
- Automatic sensors: Despite all the areas for improvement, Roomba’s level of innovation and technology is one of the highest on the market. You can see this in the movement system, the set of obstacle detection sensors it incorporates, the automation when it comes to regulating the power or the detail of the maps it creates.
- Comparison of suction power: we admit that this is the weakest aspect we found in the brand, and the way it communicates suction power does not convince us. Instead of reporting airWatts or Pascals, as most companies do, Roomba limits itself to comparing how much suction power is improved compared to Roomba’s other ranges. You should therefore take this into account when evaluating various options.
Roomba j7 Vs i3 Vs i7 Vs i9: the best Roomba robot is…
Any of the four offer excellent performance, although the choice will depend, above all, on your needs and your budget. Overall, we would say that the Roomba j7 (and its Plus version) offers the best value for money, matching the s9 in almost every feature and at a lower price. In fact, the j-series of robots raises the level of sophistication over the i-series.
If you prefer to opt for the robot with the highest degree of innovation, even if it is more expensive, we advise you to choose the Roomba s9. At the other end of the spectrum are the i3 and i7, which will suit users who prioritise price over more advanced features.
As we said at the beginning, you have seen that there is a Roomba for every user. The important thing is to know what you need, what your limitations are and, from there, decide which one best suits them. What we can guarantee is that any of them will be the right choice, as they are all Roomba.
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