Imagine having a helpful little robot buddy that scuttles around your home, quietly whirring away and magically keeping your floors spotlessly clean.
Well, that’s precisely what a Roomba is! A Roomba is a smart and autonomous vacuum cleaner with a personality all its own.
It’s like having a diligent, dust-busting sidekick that navigates your home, picking up dirt, crumbs, and pet hair, all while you sit back and relax. Let’s dive into the world of these intelligent cleaning marvels and see how they make your life much easier!
What is a Roomba?
Roomba is a lineup of robotic vacuum cleaners made by iRobot, and the range debuted in 2002. The Roomba models liberate you from the woes associated with operating manual vacuum cleaners.
The devices are equipped with advanced sensors, enabling the models to navigate inside the rooms without disturbing things around a lot.
The brush and suction mechanism soak in dirt and dust. Some of the high-end Roomba models are Smartphone app-compatible and support wifi.
Some of the models also support digital assistants like Alexa. The best iRobot Roomba vacuum models also feature a charging dock and Hepa filter.
How do Roomba Robot Vacuums Work?
Before ordering the best iRobot Roomba model, learning how these robotized vacuum cleaners work is important!
The basic working mechanism of the iRobot Roomba models is the same. Still, the high-end models come with advanced sensor and mapping techs that add to the precision and versatility of operation. The Roomba models ship with an inbuilt dust-swiping brush and a powerful suction mechanism.
The Roomba Robots can suck dirt, dust, pollen, and pet hair from different floors. The circular-shaped botvacs have two wheels at the bottom and, owing to their small footprint can sneak beneath chairs and appliances in the rooms.
Once instructed to clean, the entry-level Roomba models move randomly across the floors of the rooms and pick up traces of dirt as they move. The sensors on the models help them identify obstacles and numerous objects lying on the floor, and the botvacs evade those.
The best Roomba vacuums, notably the top-end models, have cameras and sensors that speed up and improve cleaning performance.
The latest Roomba models are shipped with a patented 3-Stage Cleaning System. They usually have Dual Multi-Surface Brushes that loosen dirt from carpets and rugs, and the suction system soaks it in.
The models also have an Edge-Sweeping Brush that comes in handy for cleaning the edges of rooms, walls, and objects on the floor.
The models have a special Dirt Detection system that detects areas with excess dirt and works harder to remove those. The Roomba virtual wall barrier is a feature that lets you define the floor area that you want the botvac to evade.
Most Roomba models use sensors and cameras to detect floor areas and objects. However, a few top models get a room layout mapping feature. These Roomba features help the models save room layout, enabling the users to clean rooms selectively.
Criteria to consider when choosing Best Roomba Models
Before selecting a Roomba, you have to learn about the various Roomba features. After that, you can compare Roomba models and pick the best one.
1. Roomba Filters
The best iRobot Roomba models feature any of the two patented cleaning techs – AeroForce or AeroVac. The Roomba 600 and 700 series models use the Aerovac system, which is older but still quite efficient.
The newer 800 and 900 series Roomba models come with more powerful AeroForce technology, which – as per the company does a better job of cleaning the floors.
The latter comes with advanced filters to trap and soak in allergens your eyes cannot see. Both technologies are capable of absorbing pet fur of varying lengths.
2. Types of Floor Roombas can Clean
- Tile.
- Linoleum.
- Vinyl.
- Marble.
- Slate.
- Stone.
When checking out a Roomba model comparison chart, most buyers want to see the types of floors a model can clean. However, you can use Roomba botvacs on most floor types and surfaces. They work on carpeted floors, including carpets with thick and thin piles. The models also work well on Hardwood and tiled floors without issues. You can also use them on stone or laminated floors minus any woes. As long as the floor surface is not uneven, the botvacs will glide through.
3. wifi Connectivity
The best iRobot Roomba models now come with Wi-Fi connectivity for easy operations. This paves the way for fully automated processes. While you can still use the Clean button on the Roomba models, wifi is way better. You must download the iRobot app from the Apple Store or Google Play and install it on your Smartphone or tablet. This will let you control the botvac using your phone. After unpacking, setting up the app and syncing it with the device is smooth. The Smartphone will double up as the remote for your Roomba vacuum.
4. Self Charging
When performing an iRobot Roomba comparison, you should check out the models featuring self-charging capability. A handful of models in the Roomba lineup have this convenient and time-saving feature. These models locate the charging dock automatically when the battery is depleted. This makes such models ideal for people living hectic lives. Some Roomba models find the port for recharging, while a few high-end models self-recharge and resume cleanup from where they left off! This enables a truly autonomous home cleanup experience.
5. Dirt Detection
While checking out any Roomba buying guide, you should look for the models featuring the company’s Dirt Detect Technology. As it is, most of the existing models in the lineup have this feature embedded.
This Technology helps the sensors in these botvacs detect floor areas with higher accumulation of dirt/dust. Upon detection, the Roomba models make passes over these areas until the debris is picked up completely. This usually works well in most real-life situations if the lighting is adequate.
6. Scheduled Cleaning Mode
What’s the use of buying the best-value Roomba model if it fails to automate most cleaning tasks? That is why iRobot has incorporated automated scheduled cleanup in most of the models in its lineup.
Some models have physical scheduling buttons, using which you can set a cleanup schedule for up to a week, once daily. However, the 800 and 900 series models that support the iRobot app make scheduling easier. You can use the app to specify cleanup scheduling using your Smartphone.
7. Multi-Room Cleaning Technology
The best affordable Roomba botvac may clean your rooms well but cannot simultaneously clean selected or multiple rooms! You should buy one of the higher-end models in the company’s lineup, such as the Roomba i7.
These models can save the layout of your rooms and use the iRobot app to direct the botvac to clean multiple rooms at one go using your Smartphone. For example, using a Smartphone or voice assistance, you can control the device to clean only the kitchen and the living room.
8. Tangle-Free Extractors
When you compare Roomba models, you will see that not all have the same cleaning bristles or brushes. The older and basic models have dual side brushes and bristles to soak in fur and dirt. The newer and advanced models are laden with tangle-free extractors.
The latter ensures the brushes do not get mired in long hair and fur much- thus requiring fewer cleanups. The cleaning efficacy is a little better as well.
9. H.E.P.A. Filter
Choosing a model that performs good cleanup makes sense when looking for the best iRobot Roomba for the money. However, some users have additional requirements.
In households where there are people with respiratory conditions such as asthma, just dust cleanup is not enough!
Users should choose the Roomba 800 or 900 series models with H.E.P.A. filters. Such filters soak in dust and invisible allergens better, making the rooms cleaner and safer for the respiratory organs.
10. Cliff Sensor
While checking the online Roomba comparison guides, you will find common features in every model. One of them is the cliff sensor. This sensor aids the botvac models to gauge the depth of the floor and prevents them from tripping from the top of staircases.
This is practical given that some rooms may lead to staircases in some households. This sensor has infrared beam-based depth detection. It would be best to periodically wipe the cliff detection sensors with a soft cloth for optimal performance.
11. Roomba Navigation Technology
The Roomba botvac models are all equipped with smart, automated navigation technology that negates the need to be guided by humans. However, not all Roomba models feature the same type of navigation tech.
The entry-level Roomba models use sensors that emit infrared beams, thus detecting depth and objects around. The cliff and wall sensors aid the devices in cleaning every inch of a room without knocking out various things.
The high-end models such as i7 feature cameras and advanced mapping. This helps the device save the layout of rooms for faster and better performance.
12. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa Compatible
You will find several smartphone-compatible models while checking out the best Roomba reviews. These models mostly feature support for digital assistants like Google Now and Alexa.
This is a must-have feature for geeks and gadget lovers! Imagine how cool it is to control your botvac without using your fingers. Once the app is installed and the device syncs with it, you can use voice commands to control most features of the Roomba cleaner while watching movies or lying on the bed!
13. Roomba 3-Stage Cleaning System
All the Roomba models feature the company’s patented, much-touted 3-Stage Cleaning System. The twin Multi-Surface brushes placed at the bottom of the botvac collect dirt and dust well.
One brush agitates the carpets or rugs to loosen dirt particles, while the other collects the debris. The powerful suction motor soaks dirt, dust, and pollens on the floor or carpet. However, the efficacy of all models on all types of beds is not the same, even if they all have this embedded feature.
14. Roomba Virtual Wall Barriers
The Virtual Wall feature in Roomba botvacs guides the devices to clean the rooms efficiently, without human intervention. It is a block of plastic with two switches that you need to place strategically in parts of the room where you do not want the robotic device to sneak in.
This could be where the pet dog stays or a very busy part frequented by family members! It creates an invisible barrier, and the botvac will not enter the barrier zone. The device also has a lighthouse mode, which helps the botvac clean rooms and automatically return to the charging dock.
15. Recharge and Resume
The Roomba botvacs are largely automated. However, the level of automation is not the same across the lineup. The entry-level models clean the floors automatically and return to the charging dock after the battery depletes. However, advanced models like the Roomba 980 take it one step further.
Such high-end Roomba models feature the ‘Recharge and resume’ function, negating human intervention.
Once you schedule the Roomba for periodic cleanup, it will clean the rooms, recharge by returning to the dock, and resume cleanup from where it left off! This can be useful in large houses where cleaning each room takes up a lot of time.
16. Remote Control
Select Roomba models come with infrared-based remote control units as with a T.V. Using these remote controllers, you can control the functioning of the devices.
However, the upcoming and newer models do not ship with remote control. These models support Smartphone apps so you can use your Smartphone as the remote. This is more convenient as you do not need a separate remote unit.
17. iRobot HOME Mobile App
The iRobot HOME Mobile App is what makes the Roomba devices automated. You can get it from Google Play and the Apple Store.
After installing the app on your tablet or Smartphone and syncing it to your Roomba device, cleanup is hassle-free!
The app can be used to clean the rooms and set schedules for weekly cleanup. Additionally, you can use the app in the higher-end models to get cleaning reports with various metrics. The app connects to the Roomba botvacs through wifi. It supports the Roomba 690 and higher models.
18. Carpet Boost Technology
Not all households have the same types of flooring, and to tackle the issue, iRobot has incorporated the Carpet boost technology in select Roomba models.
When the feature is activated, the botvac will enhance the vacuuming power on carpets. This helps the device to soak in more dirt and dust trapped in the rugs and carpets. This can be done through the app. However, it also drains the battery life of your Roomba faster.
19. Clean Map Reports
The Roomba botvacs operate automatically- to a large extent. Once you initiate or schedule the scan- intervening is not much required.
However, a section of users is a little more demanding. There is the Clean Map report feature for them- which is pretty neat. Available in the Roomba 900 series models, it lets you see the details of cleanup performance and track record of your botvac.
It shows metrics like cleaned-up areas, cleanup duration, and more. The reports can be zoomed in as well using the app.
20. Custom Cleaning Preferences
The Roomba botvacs not only clean your rooms automatically, but they also offer great customization. This is handy for particular users about cleaning rooms for their specific needs. A few cleaning features can be tweaked using the app for customized cleaning.
For example, you may choose to deactivate the edge clean feature. You can also select the default action when the device bin becomes full. However, in most cases, sticking to default settings and automatic mode leads to the best cleanup results.
Which is the Best Roomba Model for these Specific Areas?
While scouring the Roomba comparison chart, you will come across many botvac models, but not all are suited for all tasks. Listed below are the top Roomba models for performing specific types of cleanup:
Best Roomba for Pet Hair
The Roomba e5 and Roomba i7 are ideal for getting rid of pet hair, owing to their twin Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes that are not entangled in long fur. The Roomba 690 is fine if you have shorter fur pets.
Best Roomba for Hardwood Floors
The Roomba 960 is ideal for cleaning hardwood surfaces.
Best Roomba for Carpet
High-end Roomba models with better suction power for cleaning carpets, like Roomba 980 or Roomba i7, will be the best.
Best Roomba for Small Apartments
You can opt for either Roomba e5 or Roomba 675 to clean small apartments. These apartment owners typically do not have large, long-haired pets. So, investing in high-end Roomba models may be overkill for such users.
Best Roomba for Large House
The best Roomba for a large house is the Roomba i7, with its floor layout mapping feature. This negates the need to operate the botvac manually for cleaning specific rooms in such setups.
Best Roomba for Multiple Floors
The Roomba 980 is ideal for cleaning floors with multiple household surfaces. However, the Roomba i7 is also a good contender in this regard.
Best Roomba for Tile Floors
Nearly all Roomba models fare well on tiled floors. However, the Roomba 690 is good for those not looking for expensive solutions.
Wrapping Up: Which Roomba is Best for You?
It is difficult to say which Roomba model is the best for a user! Every user has a specific budget range, and cleaning needs differ from buyer to buyer.
Per the best iRobot Roomba reviews, the 960 is ideally the best buy among buyers as it comes with all the special features of the 900 series and is an upgrade from the 800 series.
However, the most affordable one – Roomba 770, also scores well overall.
The Roomba i7 is the ideal choice for gadget lovers with deep wallets.
With so many choices available, you can choose from the best Roomba models based on your needs and budget! Happy Cleaning!
F.A.Q.s
Is Roomba prone to falling downstairs?
Roomba never falls down the stairs. Cliff sensors prevent the device from falling off cliffs by sensing edges. Nevertheless, a physical barrier must be used if the room is cleaned with a balcony.
Is Roomba compatible with Google Home and Alexa?
Google Home and Alexa are both compatible with Roomba. Using these apps, you can instruct your Roomba to stop cleaning, move to its charging area, or clean your house using your voice.
Do Roombas damage Hardwood Floors?
Not at all. Romba is best suited for cleaning hardwood floors. Its dual brush and suction system can capture dust, collect debris, and clean your hardwood floors. For cleaning hardwood floors, the Roombas feature a navigation feature called iAdapt and an Aeroforce vacuuming feature.
Is Roomba a Noisy vacuum?
The Roomba is somewhat noisy, but not as much as an upright vacuum cleaner. For those who find the noise distracting, you can program it to do the cleaning when you are not at home. It may become louder on thick surfaces, such as a thick carpet since cleaning them takes more energy.
Is Roomba Capable of Cleaning Pet Hair?
Roomba is one of the best models for pet hair cleaners. There are multi-surface rubber brushes that pick up pet hair from any surface. Pet hair can be removed from your home using the iRobot Roomba periodically.
How Does a Virtual Wall Work?
Virtual walls prevent Roomba from accessing areas it should not clean, such as doorways, which are out of bounds. Using it can also help divide a large room into sections, making cleaning more efficient.
Walls can block a maximum of 3 meters of space. Having the virtual wall means reducing the work that needs to be done around the area defined by the homeowner.
Which Roomba has the best suction?
According to a case study published on Forbes, a great Roomba S9+ built with excellent suction capability exists. It offers 40 times more suction power than the 600 Rooma series.
It can suck up even the finest dust particles that embed in the carpet or floor. Moreover, it can dug in the dirt with its suction tool.