Navigating the world of robot vacuums can be challenging, especially when comparing different models and features. At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we simplify this process by offering a comprehensive comparison of Roomba models, helping you make an informed decision for your home cleaning needs. Discover the best Roomba robotic vacuum cleaners, self-emptying models, and advanced cleaning solutions available today.
1. Understanding the iRobot Roomba Range
iRobot’s Roomba lineup is diverse, featuring various models tailored to different needs and budgets. Each series offers unique features, from basic cleaning to advanced mopping and self-emptying capabilities. Understanding these differences is crucial in selecting the right Roomba for your home.
1.1. Key Features Across the Roomba Series
Before diving into specific models, let’s define some common terms and features found across the Roomba range:
- Combo: Roomba models with “Combo” in their name offer both vacuuming and mopping capabilities. Some require manual swapping of bins/tanks, while others can perform both functions simultaneously.
- Plus / +: A “Plus” designation indicates that the Roomba includes a self-empty dock. This dock automatically empties the robot’s dust cup into a larger bin, reducing the frequency of manual emptying.
- Suction Power: iRobot typically doesn’t provide specific suction stats in Pascals (Pa). Instead, they indicate whether a model has “standard” suction or extra cleaning power. For instance, the j9 and 10 Max models claim “100% more power-lifting suction” compared to standard models.
1.2. Quick Overview of Roomba Series
Here’s a brief overview of the Roomba series, including their launch year and starting price:
| Range | Launched | Pricing from |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Max | 2024 | $1,399.99 / £1,499 |
| Essential | 2024 | $274.99 / £269 |
| j9 series | 2023 | $899.99 / £699 |
| j5 series | 2023 | $529.99 / £599 |
| i5 series | 2022 | $349.99 / £399 |
| j7 series | 2021 | $599.99 / £599 |
| i1 series | 2020 | £379 |
| i8 series | 2019 | £599 |
| Braava jet | 2013 (acquired) | $499.99 / £699 |
2. iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max
The Roomba Combo 10 Max represents the pinnacle of iRobot’s innovation, combining advanced features with a comprehensive cleaning solution.
2.1. Key Features of the Combo 10 Max
- Latest and Most Advanced: The Combo 10 Max is iRobot’s newest flagship model, offering a complete feature set designed for thorough cleaning.
- Advanced Docking System: The standout feature is its advanced dock, which includes self-cleaning and mop washing capabilities.
- Simultaneous Vacuuming and Mopping: The robot can vacuum and mop simultaneously, eliminating the need to switch between functions manually.
- Retractible Mop Arm: The retractable mop arm prevents dampening carpets, ensuring effective cleaning on various floor types.
- Intelligent Cleaning: Features such as cleaning the dirtiest rooms first, adapting cleaning based on floor type, DirtDetect, obstacle recognition, and zone cleaning enhance the cleaning experience.
2.2. Detailed Specifications
| Model | Product Code | List Price |
|---|---|---|
| Combo 10 Max | US x085020 / UK x085840 | $1,399.99 / £1,499 |
2.3. Advanced Cleaning Capabilities
The Combo 10 Max boasts double the standard suction power and features SmartScrub, which doubles the scrubbing power compared to basic Roomba models. These features, combined with intelligent navigation and automatic detergent dispensing, make it a top-tier cleaning solution.
2.4. Distinguishing Features
While many features are shared with the j9 series, the Combo 10 Max’s unique selling point is its dock. This dock not only auto-empties dirt but also washes and dries the mop pads, featuring a self-cleaning cycle for optimal hygiene.
3. iRobot Roomba j9 Series
The Roomba j9 series offers a blend of advanced cleaning features and smart technology, making it a strong contender in the high-end robot vacuum market.
3.1. Key Features of the j9 Series
- Enhanced Suction and Scrubbing: The j9 series features double the standard suction and SmartScrub, providing powerful cleaning performance.
- Auto-Fill Dock Option: Select models include a dock that can auto-fill water tanks, adding convenience to the mopping process.
- Multiple Configurations: The j9 series is available in various configurations to suit different cleaning needs and preferences.
- Smart Features: It can be set to clean the dirtiest rooms first and automatic solution refill if you opt for a dock version
3.2. Available Models and Pricing
| Model | Product Code | List Price |
|---|---|---|
| j9 | UK j915840 | £699 |
| j9+ | US j955020 / UK j955840 | $899.99 / £949 |
| Combo j9+ | US c975020 / UK C975840 | $1,399.99 / £1,249 |
3.3. Comparing the j9 to the j7
The j9 is similar to the older j7 series but offers better suction and additional features like the ability to clean the dirtiest rooms first and automatic solution refill. The j9 also tends to have better availability due to its newer release.
3.4. Differentiating Features
The j9 distinguishes itself with enhanced suction power and the ability to refill the bot’s onboard water tank when paired with a compatible dock, setting it apart from older models.
4. iRobot Roomba Combo j5 Series
The Roomba Combo j5 series is a mid-range option that combines affordability with essential cleaning features, making it a great choice for budget-conscious consumers.
4.1. Key Features of the Combo j5 Series
- Combo Models Only: The j5 series exclusively includes combo models, offering both vacuuming and mopping capabilities.
- Manual Swapping Required: A key difference from the j9 is that the mopping and vacuuming parts are completely separate, requiring manual swapping.
- Standard Suction Power: The j5 offers standard suction power, suitable for everyday cleaning tasks.
- DirtDetect: It offers DirtDetect for more intensive cleaning on dirtier areas of floor
4.2. Available Models and Pricing
| Model | Product Code | List Price |
|---|---|---|
| Combo j5 | US j517020 / UK j517840 | $529.99 / £599 |
| Roomba Combo j5+ | US j557020 / UK J557840 | $729.99 / £849 |
4.3. Cleaning Performance
The j5 series features standard suction power, dual rubber rollers, and DirtDetect, ensuring effective cleaning on various floor types. However, the manual swapping of mopping and vacuuming components may be less convenient for some users.
4.4. Differentiating Features
Unlike the j9, the j5 requires manual swapping of the dust bin and water tanks when changing functions, adding a level of interaction not found in higher-end models.
5. iRobot Roomba i5 Series
The Roomba i5 series is designed as a versatile mid-range option, offering various configurations to cater to different cleaning needs, but with some limitations in availability and advanced features.
5.1. Key Features of the i5 Series
- Manual Swapping Required: Like the j5, the i5 requires manual swapping of mopping and vacuuming components.
- Multiple Configurations: The i5 is available in various iterations, including combo models and options with or without a self-empty base.
- Standard Suction Power: The i5 offers standard vacuum suction power, suitable for general cleaning tasks.
- Smaller Homes: Recommended for smaller homes; no obstacle avoidance
5.2. Available Models and Pricing
| Model | Product Code | List Price |
|---|---|---|
| i5 | UK i515840 | £399 |
| Combo i5 | US i517020 / UK i517840 | $349.99 / £399 |
| i5+ | US i555620 / UK I565840 | $499.99 / £589 |
| Combo i5+ | US i557020 | $549.99 |
5.3. Cleaning Performance
The i5 features standard suction power, dual rubber rollers, and an edge brush. However, it lacks obstacle recognition or avoidance, making it a more basic model in the iRobot lineup.
5.4. Differentiating Features
The i5 is a more basic model with no obstacle recognition or hazard notifications. While it can clean a particular room, it lacks the ability to clean by zone or object.
6. iRobot Roomba j7 Series
The Roomba j7 series strikes a balance between advanced features and affordability, offering simultaneous mopping and vacuuming in combo models and intelligent navigation.
6.1. Key Features of the j7 Series
- Simultaneous Mopping and Vacuuming: Combo models offer simultaneous mopping and vacuuming, eliminating the need for manual swapping.
- SmartScrub: The j7 features SmartScrub for double the scrubbing power on its mop.
- Retractable Mopping Arm: The retractable mopping arm automatically avoids mopping carpet, and there’s the option to add no-mop zones.
- Standard vacuum suction, but more powerful mop scrubbing
6.2. Available Models and Pricing
| Model | Product Code | List Price |
|---|---|---|
| j7 | US j715020 / UK j715640 | $599.99 / £599.99 |
| Combo j7 | UK C715640 | £799 |
| j7+ | UK j755640 | £899 |
| Combo j7+ | US c755020 / UK C755640 | $999.99 / £999 |
6.3. Cleaning Performance
The j7 features standard suction power but compensates with SmartScrub, providing enhanced mopping capabilities. The simultaneous vacuuming and mopping, combined with a retractable mopping arm, make it a versatile cleaning solution.
6.4. Differentiating Features
The j7 stands out with its SmartScrub feature and simultaneous mopping and vacuuming, offering a more convenient and effective cleaning experience compared to models requiring manual swapping.
7. iRobot Roomba Essential Series
The Roomba Essential series is a budget-friendly option designed for basic cleaning tasks, offering a straightforward approach to robot vacuuming and mopping.
7.1. Key Features of the Essential Series
- Cheapest Combo Model: The Roomba Combo Essential is the most affordable combo robot vacuum and mop in the iRobot lineup.
- Basic Feature Set: The Essential series offers a basic set of features, focusing on essential cleaning tasks.
- Bristle Brushroll: Unlike other models with dual rubber rollers, the Essential features a single bristle roller.
- Vacuum-only model exists, but not sold at iRobot direct
7.2. Available Models and Pricing
| Model | Product Code | List Price |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | US Q0120 (Amazon link) | $249.99 |
| Combo Essential | US y014020 / UK Y011040 | $274.99 / £269 |
7.3. Cleaning Performance
The Essential series offers three suction levels and three water levels, along with basic navigation and object avoidance. However, it lacks advanced features like DirtDetect and the ability to differentiate between hard floors and carpets.
7.4. Differentiating Features
The Essential series stands out with its single bristle roller and basic feature set. It vacuums and mops simultaneously but lacks smart mopping features found in pricier models.
8. iRobot Roomba i1 Series
The Roomba i1 series is the most basic vacuum-only option in iRobot’s current lineup, designed for straightforward cleaning tasks without advanced features.
8.1. Key Features of the i1 Series
- No Combo Option: The i1 series does not offer a combo option with mopping capabilities.
- Cheapest Vacuum-Only Option: It is the most affordable vacuum-only option in the Roomba range.
- Standard Suction: The i1 features standard suction power suitable for everyday cleaning.
8.2. Available Models and Pricing
| Model | Product Code | List Price |
|---|---|---|
| i1 | US i115220 / UK i115640 | No US pricing / £379 |
| i1+ | US i1plus / UK i155640 | No US pricing / £549 |
8.3. Cleaning Performance
The i1 features two multi-surface rubbery brushrolls and a side brush. It promises a logical cleaning route using tracking sensors to cover the entire area. DirtDetect technology enables the robot to sense dirtier areas and clean them more thoroughly.
8.4. Differentiating Features
The i1 stands out as a basic vacuum-only option with DirtDetect technology. It lacks advanced object identification capabilities but offers essential cleaning features at an affordable price.
9. iRobot Roomba i8 Series
The Roomba i8 series is a UK-only model with limited availability, offering a balance of basic and advanced features for vacuuming and mopping.
9.1. Key Features of the i8 Series
- UK Only: The i8 series is exclusively available in the UK.
- Manual Swapping Required: The mop part is separate and must be manually swapped in.
- Basic Navigation: The i8 can be set to clean a specific room and offers basic navigation capabilities.
9.2. Available Models and Pricing
| Model | Product Code | List Price |
|---|---|---|
| Combo i8 | UK I817640 | £599 |
| Combo i8+ | UK i857840 | £799 |
9.3. Cleaning Performance
The i8 features dual rubber rollers, an edge brush, and standard suction. It allows cleaning by zone or object and setting no-mop zones, offering more control than the i5 series.
9.4. Differentiating Features
The i8 offers the ability to clean by zone or object and set no-mop zones, providing more advanced control compared to the i5 series, though it lacks obstacle avoidance.
10. iRobot Braava Robot Mop
The iRobot Braava is specifically designed for hard floor cleaning, offering mopping and sweeping capabilities without vacuuming functionality.
10.1. Key Features of the Braava Robot Mop
- Hard Floor Cleaner: The Braava is designed exclusively for hard floor cleaning, with mop and sweeping pads.
- No Vacuum Function: The Braava does not have any vacuuming capabilities.
- Coordinated Cleaning: It can link up with certain compatible Roombas to deliver a coordinated floor clean.
10.2. Available Models and Pricing
| Model | Product Code | List Price |
|---|---|---|
| Braava jet m6 | US m611320 / UK m613840 | $499.99 / £699 |
10.3. Cleaning Performance
The Braava jet m6 comes with interchangeable mopping and dry sweeping pads. It can recognize and avoid mopping carpet and offers cleaning by room, zone, or object.
10.4. Differentiating Features
The Braava stands out as a dedicated hard floor cleaner, offering specialized mopping and sweeping capabilities. It can link up with compatible Roombas for a coordinated cleaning approach.
11. Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right Roomba model depends on your specific cleaning needs, budget, and preferences. Consider the following factors:
- Floor Type: Determine whether you need a vacuum-only, mop-only, or combo model based on your predominant floor types.
- Home Size: Opt for models with longer battery life and self-emptying capabilities for larger homes.
- Features: Prioritize features such as obstacle avoidance, smart mapping, and simultaneous cleaning based on your lifestyle and cleaning requirements.
- Budget: Balance your desired features with your budget to find the best value for your money.
12. Expert Recommendations
- Best Overall: Roomba Combo 10 Max for its advanced features and comprehensive cleaning capabilities.
- Best Mid-Range: Roomba j9 series for its enhanced suction and smart features.
- Best Budget: Roomba Essential series for its affordability and basic cleaning functionality.
- Best for Hard Floors: iRobot Braava jet m6 for its dedicated hard floor cleaning capabilities.
13. Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Roomba Not Charging: Ensure the charging contacts are clean and properly aligned.
- Navigation Problems: Clear any obstacles that may be interfering with the robot’s navigation sensors.
- Poor Cleaning Performance: Check and clean the brushes, filters, and dustbin regularly.
- Connectivity Issues: Ensure your Wi-Fi network is stable and the Roomba is within range.
14. Maintenance Tips for Longevity
- Regular Cleaning: Clean the brushes, filters, and dustbin regularly to maintain optimal performance.
- Battery Care: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for battery charging and storage.
- Sensor Maintenance: Keep the sensors clean to ensure accurate navigation and obstacle avoidance.
- Software Updates: Keep the Roomba’s software updated to benefit from the latest features and improvements.
15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
What is the difference between Roomba and Roomba Combo models?
Roomba models are primarily vacuum cleaners, while Roomba Combo models offer both vacuuming and mopping capabilities. -
Do all Roomba models have self-emptying capabilities?
No, self-emptying capabilities are typically indicated by the “Plus” or “+” designation in the model name. -
How often should I clean the Roomba’s brushes and filters?
It is recommended to clean the brushes and filters at least once a week, depending on usage. -
Can Roomba models climb stairs?
No, Roomba models are equipped with cliff sensors to prevent them from falling down stairs. -
What is the DirtDetect feature?
The DirtDetect feature allows the Roomba to sense dirtier areas and clean them more thoroughly. -
How long does the Roomba’s battery last?
Battery life varies depending on the model and cleaning mode but typically ranges from 60 to 120 minutes. -
Can I control the Roomba with my smartphone?
Yes, most Roomba models can be controlled via the iRobot companion app on your smartphone. -
Do Roomba models work on all floor types?
Yes, Roomba models are designed to work on various floor types, including hardwood, carpet, and tile. -
What is the SmartScrub feature?
The SmartScrub feature provides double the scrubbing power on the mop, enhancing the mopping performance. -
How do I reset my Roomba to factory settings?
The process varies by model, but typically involves holding down certain buttons for a specific duration.
16. Customer Reviews and Testimonials
- John S.: “The Roomba Combo 10 Max has revolutionized my cleaning routine. The self-cleaning dock is a game-changer.”
- Emily R.: “I love the Roomba j9 series. The enhanced suction power makes a noticeable difference in cleaning performance.”
- David L.: “For the price, the Roomba Essential series is unbeatable. It’s perfect for my small apartment.”
- Sarah M.: “The Braava jet m6 is fantastic for keeping my hardwood floors clean. It’s a must-have for pet owners.”
17. The Future of Roomba
iRobot continues to innovate in the robot vacuum market, with ongoing developments in AI-powered navigation, enhanced cleaning capabilities, and more integrated smart home solutions. Keep an eye out for future Roomba models that promise even more advanced cleaning and convenience.
18. Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Roomba
Selecting the right Roomba model involves careful consideration of your specific cleaning needs, budget, and preferences. By understanding the key features, capabilities, and differences between the various models, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a cleaner, more convenient home.
Still unsure which Roomba is right for you? Visit COMPARE.EDU.VN for detailed comparisons and reviews to help you make the best choice. Our comprehensive guides and customer reviews will assist you in finding the perfect cleaning solution for your home.
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