The increase in robot hoover sales continues to rise, and there are several factors contributing to this. On the one hand, the little time we usually have available during the week, between work, family obligations and leisure. On the other hand, the increasingly ingrained technological habits among people, who prefer to delegate certain tasks to smart devices and thus optimise their time. If you identify with this profile, this article is of interest to you. In it, we compare the performance of two well-known robot hoover ranges: Roomba Vs Conga. Don’t miss out on the details!
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Roomba Vs Conga: the 10 key factors
As you can imagine, the variety of models that make up each product range is very wide. To take a representative sample and cover a wider range of robots, including some more basic and others more technological, we have chosen Roomba’s i7, e6, 981 and 692 models, and Conga’s 2290, 1790, 3890 and 9090 to focus our analysis.
1. Operating time
Robot hoovers are powered by a battery, and battery life is one of the most important decisive aspects of robot hoovers. This may vary in the case of models that incorporate a recharge and return function, which allows them to automatically charge the battery to finish cleaning. However, Roomba models have a run time of approximately 75 minutes, while Cecotec models have a range of 150 to 240 minutes. Even so, the power level chosen for each surface can also influence the battery life.
2. Suction power
It would not be fair to say that Roomba does not offer optimal performance in this regard, but it does not provide enough information. Its benchmark for measuring the power of its robots is its own 600 series. For example, the i7 is 10 times the power of the 600 series, although we do not know exactly how many Pascals this corresponds to.
Users perceive more transparency on the part of Conga, where there is also a clear commitment by the company to the evolution of the range itself. Thus, the Conga 1790 reaches a power of 2100 Pascals, against the 10,000 Pascals of the Conga 9090, one of its most recent additions. Bearing in mind that the average power of a robot hoover can range from 1500 to 3000 Pascals, Cecotec is clearly ahead of its rivals in this respect.
3. Navigation system
The type of navigation of each robot influences the subsequent cleaning routes it defines. In most of its models, Roomba opts for visual navigation by means of a front camera that photographs the entire space. As for Conga, the simpler robots include a gyroscopic navigation system, while the more advanced robots such as the Conga 9090 are laser-driven. In this case, laser navigation offers more precision and intelligence than camera navigation. It is true that Roomba does combine cameras with a laser sensor in some models, such as the 7090, but this is not the case for the models on which this review is based.
4. Mapping
It is important to note that the simpler models, including the Roomba 692 and 981, and the Conga 1790 and 2290, create real-time maps with each use. However, these maps cannot be stored and are not interactive, but act as something more informative. The Roomba i7 and Conga 9090, on the other hand, are able to create interactive maps.
Using your mobile phone, you can view these maps, define no-go zones on them, or schedule cleaning by room. If you opt for a Roomba, you can store up to 10 maps. If you choose a Conga, the figure drops to 5 maps.
5. Self-emptying
The incorporation of a self-emptying base gives the robot more autonomy and independence. It is the device itself that deposits its waste in the base, so you don’t have to worry about having to do it yourself. It also means greater storage capacity than robots that do not have this station.
In both product ranges there are versions that have the option of acquiring the self-emptying base. This is the case of the i7 robots, whose i7+ version includes a self-emptying base, with a capacity of approximately 60 days. On the other hand, the Conga 2290 Ultra Home model includes a base with a capacity of approximately 4 litres. In addition, the company offers the possibility of purchasing an additional base on the Conga 9090, although it is not included as standard.
6. Vacuuming and mopping
As you know, some robot vacuums also include mopping functionality, although in this case the clear winner is the Conga. None of the Roomba robots are designed to mop as well as vacuum. Failing that, they are compatible with the iRobot Braava floor mopper, but it does not integrate the functionality into the Roomba itself.
All four Conga robots in this review are equipped with a mop and an additional or mixed tank to hold water. In addition, you can regulate the water flow in 3 levels for more sustainable and intelligent mopping.
7. Central rollers
The cleaning operation of the robots is simple: the main central brush is complemented by side brushes to successfully absorb more debris. It is worth noting that both Roomba and Conga robots have central brushes that can be used on hard floors and carpets. However, Cecotec incorporates its own Jalisco and BestFriend Care brushes, the results of which are slightly superior. The combination of a bi-material brush with an anti-tangle silicone brush provides highly satisfactory results. Roomba also has two central brushes, although both are made of rubber.
8. Connectivity
We have already mentioned that actions such as scheduling cleaning, checking the maps or checking the robot in general can be carried out directly from your smartphone. Both Roomba and Conga connect with apps that you can find for iOS and Android operating systems. And if you have virtual assistants at home, they are also compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa.
9. Sensors
The sensors in the robots help to optimise navigation and avoid collisions and falls, as well as to avoid different obstacles. In this sense, both brands have anti-crash and anti-fall sensors, although Roomba is equipped with DirtDetect sensors. These are sensors that detect large concentrations of dirt so that the robot automatically intensifies its power at that moment.
10. Value for money
Roomba has a high reputation worldwide, and many of its products are not exactly cheap. Cecotec, on the other hand, has managed to carve out a niche for itself in the market by offering appliances and home appliances that are very good value for money. In the case of the robots, they are between 30% and 40% cheaper than the Roomba. However, it is worth keeping an eye out for seasonal bargains.
The best-selling Roomba robots on Amazon
If you’re on the fence about which Roomba is right for you, you might find it useful to see which are the most popular on the world’s biggest marketplace.
[amazon bestseller = “robot vacuum roomba” items = “3”]
Top sellers: the most popular Conga robots
In case you’re wondering about Conga robots, here are the top sellers on Amazon.
[amazon bestseller = “robot vacuum Conga” items = “3”]
Which robot vacuum should we choose?
You already know that the decision of which robot to buy is a personal one, as each user has different needs. However, in our opinion, Conga offers better value for money without sacrificing the high performance comparable to Roomba. For example, its models are capable of vacuuming and mopping at the same time, and the autonomy of use is at least double that of Roomba.
The economic criterion also plays an important role in this decision. To give you an idea, the most expensive Conga model is 40% cheaper than the Roomba. The only downside is that the reputation and reliability that Roomba generates is much higher than in the case of Cecotec. Therefore, the last word is up to you.