TOP 9 rating of iRobot Roomba robotic vacuum cleaners. Selection tips, characteristics and review of models

The IRobot company produces some of the most reliable and durable robot vacuum cleaners that make the life of housewives much easier.

The range includes both budget models with a minimum of functions and very optional options that completely replace high-quality cleaning.

A robot vacuum cleaner is a reliable assistant for cleaning the house. It cleans floor coverings of large debris and fine dust, carries out wet cleaning (if the appropriate function is available) and even prepares the apartment for receiving guests while the owners are at work.

How to choose an IRobot robot vacuum cleaner and which models to pay attention to?

Rating of the TOP 9 best robotic vacuum cleaners iRobot Roomba

Important Features to Select

In any store, the robot vacuum cleaner section is overflowing with various options. All devices look approximately the same, but their characteristics and functionality are radically different.

This is what determines such a difference in price: the simplest assistants cost no more than 5,000 rubles, and the most richly stuffed ones cost several tens of thousands of rubles.

What should you pay attention to when choosing?

1. Navigation type. There are models on the market with one of 4 methods of orientation in space: IR sensors, gyroscope (both options with a mechanical soft-touch bumper), camera, laser rangefinder (lidar). Vacuum cleaners with lidar are the most “smart” in terms of navigation, but also the most expensive. Models with a mechanical soft-touch bumper belong to devices in the mid-price segment. Gadgets with a camera create a route and remember it, which is why they are also considered one of the best.
2. Operating time and area of ​​cleaned space. On average, robot vacuum cleaners work for 1.5-2 hours without recharging, but some cover 60 square meters during this time, while others cover 150. Therefore, you need to take into account the area of ​​your apartment when purchasing a device.
3. Battery type. The most reliable are lithium-ion and lithium-polymer, but nickel-metal hydride ones have more disadvantages than advantages.
4. Volume of the waste container. For a room of up to 50 square meters, 0.3 liters will be enough, from 50 to 80 square meters - half a liter, and for large apartments and private houses, a vacuum cleaner with a container of 0.5 to 1 liter is suitable.
5. Noise level. If you have small children in the house or are generally not comfortable with noisy work, it is better to buy a robot vacuum cleaner with a noise level of up to 50 dB.
6. Rich in functions. Timer, control from a smartphone, delayed start, wet cleaning - this is also worth paying attention to. The more functions, the better, but there is no need to buy a device that is too sophisticated if a number of functions will never be useful.
7. The ability to overcome obstacles. Cords, thresholds and walls will force some devices to turn around, while others will force them to smoothly go around or overcome. With the first one there will be many problems: it will have to be constantly guided manually and carried around the apartment. The better the robot vacuum cleaner copes with obstacles, the less human participation in cleaning.
8. Filter type. HEPA filters, which consist of several layers and have a denser material texture, are considered advanced.
9. Availability of replaceable nozzles included. Turbo brushes, electric brushes and other attachments allow you to clean different floor coverings (linoleum, carpet, long-pile carpet), as well as get into hard-to-reach places and clean in corners.

Functional

Harvesting process

The iRobot Roomba i7 robot vacuum cleaner is designed for daily dry cleaning of any type of surface: parquet, laminate, linoleum, carpet and high-pile carpet. For high-quality floor cleaning, a 3-stage AeroForce cleaning system has been created, the description of which is as follows:

• 1st stage. The side brush sweeps dirt out of corners, along baseboards, under furniture and directs it into the suction channel;
• 2nd stage. Extractors with different tread pitches scrape stuck and dried dirt from the floor, comb out hair and fur from the carpet;
• 3rd stage. The electric motor creates vacuum suction, which is increased 10 times compared to 600-series models. Suction power is controlled by the adaptive Carpet Boost system. When entering carpets, the vacuum cleaner automatically turns on the turbo mode and sucks in dust, sand and debris stuck in the lint;

Roomba i7 software, together with the Dirt Detect sensor system, determines the level of dirt in individual areas and, if necessary, lingers on them for more thorough cleaning.

The garbage container is equipped with a fine filtration system. The HEPA filter traps the smallest particles of debris, dust and other types of allergens. The container must be cleaned every 1–3 days, depending on the number of cleanings, the area of ​​the room and the degree of contamination, but for convenience, the container is equipped with a fullness indicator.

Roomba i7 is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, and can be controlled by your voice!

Smartphone control

Another important factor in favor of purchasing the iRobot Roomba i7 is that it can be controlled from a smartphone. To do this, you need to download the iRobot HOME app. The application offers you the following control options:

• Set a scheduled cleaning schedule. Not only can you set a start time for each day of the week, but you can also choose which rooms to clean;
• Setting up cleaning cycle parameters (number of passes, use of the Carpet Boost function, control cleaning around the perimeter);
• Monitoring the current state of the robot (state of filters, fullness of the trash container, etc.);
• Detailed report on the work done Clean Map (displaying the most contaminated areas, treated area and other data);
• Determination of cleaning zones on a map of the premises;

Orientation in the cleaning room is implemented using the iAdapt 3.0 navigation system, which works seamlessly with vSLAM mapping. The system reads the readings of surveillance sensors, video cameras, and height difference sensors, and based on them, plots a route between obstacles. Do you want to physically limit the robot's movement? To do this, use the supplied Dual Mode Virtual Wall. It operates simultaneously in two modes: linear and circular limiter.

The best models of robotic vacuum cleaners IRobot

IRobot is an American robotics manufacturer that is known for producing multifunctional and reliable mid-price and premium robot vacuum cleaners.

All devices that belong to the IRobot brand are divided into vacuum cleaners for dry cleaning, wet cleaning and floor polishers.

We present the TOP 9 rating and review of the best devices based on customer reviews and ratings.

iRobot Roomba 676

A lightweight, compact device with a set of all necessary functions, it removes large debris, hair, animal hair and dust well.

The iRobot Roomba 676 robot vacuum cleaner is well suited for cleaning small spaces. It is designed for cleaning a 60-square-meter apartment, orients itself in space using an infrared sensor, and the operating cycle without recharging is 1 hour.

The vacuum cleaner overcomes heights, copes with long-pile carpets, and also supports control from a smartphone.

Specifications:

• type of cleaning: dry;
• filtration system: fine filter;
• dust container volume: 0.6 l;
• navigation: IR sensors;
• work without recharging: 1 hour, 60 sq.m.;
• battery type: lithium-ion;
• noise level: 58 dB;
• additional options: automatic cleaning, scheduled cleaning, notification when the dust container is full, improved AeroForce cleaning system, control from a smartphone, anti-tangle system, ability to work with a virtual wall.

Advantages

• there are side brushes;
• reliable battery;
• efficient cleaning;
• spacious dust container;
• There are collision sensors.

Flaws

• high noise level;
• outdated type of orientation in space;
• no wet cleaning function.

iRobot Roomba 981

A stylish, effective device with a camera not only at the top, but also at the bottom, thanks to which it overcomes almost all obstacles, is well oriented in space, and is capable of efficiently cleaning large rooms.

One of the most popular gadgets is iRobot Roomba 981, which is known for its power, high performance and optionality.

You can change its settings directly on your smartphone, set the automatic cleaning mode and not worry about it not being able to cope with the task: it remembers the route and can even continue cleaning from the place where it ran out of battery.

Specifications:

• type of cleaning: dry;
• filtration system: HEPA-12 (anti-allergenic);
• dust container volume: 0.8 l;
• navigation: camera, optical sensor;
• work without recharging: 120 minutes, more than 100 sq.m.;
• battery type: lithium-ion;
• noise level: 50 dB;
• additional options: automatic cleaning, scheduled cleaning, notification when the dust container is full, control from a smartphone, 5 operating modes, there is a step sensor, side brushes, brushless rubber rollers, route planning.

Advantages

• low noise level;
• good filtration system, suitable for allergy sufferers;
• there is a quick cleaning mode;
• suction power increases when moving from smooth flooring to carpet;
• can work without recharging for 2 hours.

Flaws

• no wet cleaning function;
• high price;
• heavy.

iRobot Roomba i7+

A smart, fully automated robot vacuum cleaner compatible with Google and Alexa voice assistants.

The advanced model IRobot Roomba i7+ with a soft bumper, additional side brushes, an auto-search function for a charger and powerful operation.

The device is ideal for busy people who don't have time to clean, as it not only supports automatic cleaning programs, but also empties the dust container itself.

Specifications:

• type of cleaning: dry;
• filtration system: HEPA-12 (anti-allergenic);
• dust container volume: 1 l;
• navigation: camera, optical sensor;
• work without recharging: 75 minutes;
• battery type: lithium-ion;
• noise level: 50 dB;
• additional options: control from a smartphone, compatibility with the Smart Home system and voice assistants Google, Alexa, the ability to automatically empty the dust collector in a disposable bag, auto-search for a charger.

Advantages

• voluminous dust collector;
• fully automated control system;
• high suction power;
• automatically collects debris from the dust collector;
• works almost silently.

Flaws

• expensive;
• does not support wet cleaning;
• no collision protection.

iRobot Braava 390T

A robot floor polisher with an unusual design and modest dimensions at an affordable price.

A very quiet, lightweight, miniature assistant for housewives, it has a simple control system and a wet cleaning mode.

The Braava 390T is suitable even for older people: it is easy to use, removes debris and dust, and also cleans floors, runs up to 4 hours without recharging and is very durable.

Specifications:

• type of cleaning: dry, wet;
• filtration system: HEPA-12 (anti-allergenic);
• navigation: IR sensors;
• operation without recharging: 4 hours, up to 186 square meters;
• battery type: nickel-metal hydride;
• noise level: 36 dB;
• additional options: creates a floor plan, turns off when overheated.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• works silently;
• wipes floors well and removes dust;
• can work without recharging for up to 4 hours;
• responds well to collisions with obstacles and changes in height.

Flaws

• few functions;
• cannot be controlled from a smartphone;
• no automatic cleaning mode;
• The water tank needs to be filled several times during one cleaning.

iRobot Roomba e5

Reliable, affordable, optional assistant with the highest suction power, soil detection and washable container.

Roomba e5 is a small but powerful robot vacuum cleaner with good characteristics, which is suitable for regular cleaning of medium-sized apartments.

Sensors help the robot navigate in space, overcome obstacles and heights, and also mitigate collisions with walls and furniture.

Specifications:

• type of cleaning: dry;
• filtration system: HEPA-12 (anti-allergenic);
• dust container volume: 0.6 l;
• navigation: optical sensors;
• work without recharging: 90 minutes;
• battery type: lithium-ion;
• noise level: 58 dB;
• additional options: compatible with voice assistants Google, Echo and Alexa, control from a smartphone, drawing up a floor plan, delayed start, 4 operating modes, shutdown when overheated.

Advantages

• is well oriented in space;
• three-stage carpet cleaning system;
• automatically moves to the charger;
• has high suction power;
• recognizes particularly contaminated areas.

Flaws

• high price;
• no wet cleaning;
• does not cope with carpets with a pile of more than 2 cm;
• noisy at work.

iRobot Roomba 960

A smart, reliable, powerful device with high cleaning quality and the ability to control from a smartphone.

One of the best robot vacuum cleaners Roomba 960 both in its price segment and among other IRobot models.

It is distinguished by its stylish appearance, compact size, versatility, practicality, robust body and good orientation in space.

Specifications:

• type of cleaning: dry;
• filtration system: HEPA-12 (anti-allergenic);
• dust container volume: 1 l;
• navigation: infrared sensors;
• work without recharging: 75 minutes;
• battery type: lithium-ion;
• noise level: 36 dB;
• additional options: 3 operating modes, navigates in space using a virtual wall, supports control from a smartphone, has a dust bin full indicator, delayed start function, and automatic installation on the charger.

Advantages

• spacious dust container;
• very quiet in operation;
• copes with carpets with pile up to 3 cm;
• Charges quickly from the mains (up to 1.5 hours).

Flaws

• high price;
• heavy;
• no wet cleaning function.

iRobot Braava Jet 240

A budget robot floor polisher with many useful functions, a well-functioning navigation system and a stylish body made of durable plastic.

The Braava Jet 240 is easy to operate, a fairly reliable device with a wet cleaning function, disposable wipes included and the ability for daily cleaning.

It is designed for small spaces and is suitable for use by older people, especially in apartments where there are small children and animals.

Specifications:

• type of cleaning: dry, wet;
• filtration system: HEPA-12 (anti-allergenic);
• dust container volume: 150 ml;
• navigation: optical sensors;
• work without recharging: 4 hours, 25 square meters;
• battery type: lithium-ion;
• noise level: 58 dB;
• additional options: 3 operating modes, liquid collection function, control from a smartphone, soft bumper.

Advantages

• stylish design;
• lightweight and compact;
• affordable price;
• can work up to 4 hours without recharging;
• easy to manage.

Flaws

• very small water tank;
• you need to buy replacement rags and napkins;
• does not suck up large debris: it is only capable of wiping dust.

iRobot Roomba 606

A budget-friendly, simple device for daily cleaning that copes with animal hair, fine dust and litter.

Roomba 606 assistant, which does not replace full-fledged house cleaning, but is well suited for small apartments where there are pets.

There are several operating modes, automatic installation on the charger and jam indication.

Specifications:

• type of cleaning: dry;
• filtration system: HEPA-12 (anti-allergenic);
• dust container volume: 600 ml;
• navigation: IR sensors;
• work without recharging: 60 minutes;
• battery type: lithium-ion;
• noise level: 60 dB;
• additional options: 3 operating modes, additional microfilter, automatic installation on the charger, shutdown when overheating.

Advantages

• budget;
• small and light;
• large volume of dust collector;
• There are additional side brushes.

Flaws

• no smooth collision with obstacles: may damage furniture or walls;
• takes a very long time to charge;
• cannot be controlled from a smartphone;
• There is no automatic cleaning function.

iRobot Roomba 980

A stylish device with movement limiters and additional rubber brushes, compatible with various types of floor coverings.

The Roomba 980 is a premium robot vacuum cleaner with many useful features, including a special carpet cleaning mode. It can work in the Smart Home system and cleans surfaces well, including from dust mites and allergens.

Specifications:

• type of cleaning: dry;
• filtration system: HEPA-12 (anti-allergenic);
• dust container volume: 1 l;
• navigation: IR sensors, 2 video cameras, gyroscope;
• work without recharging: 120 minutes;
• battery type: lithium-ion;
• noise level: 60 dB;
• additional options: control from a smartphone, work in the Smart Home system, unique technologies AeroForce, Dirt Detect, iAdapt, work with voice assistants Google and Alexa.

Advantages

• large dust container;
• many cleaning modes;
• performs high-quality cleaning on different floor coverings;
• several brushes included;
• independently builds a cleaning route.

Flaws

• high price;
• no wet cleaning function;
• noisy at work.

Control

Formally, the vacuum cleaner doesn’t even need a smartphone app to operate. It is enough to install the charging dock in a place where there is free space of about 1 meter on the right and left, charge the vacuum cleaner battery and press the cleaning button. After this, the vacuum cleaner itself will begin to scan the room and clean the free space.

But, if you want to get maximum control over the vacuum cleaner, then for this you will need the proprietary iRobot Home application (Android, iOS), which has undergone a noticeable redesign and a more convenient interface than at the time of our last acquaintance with the products of this manufacturer.

In the application, you can create different profiles, enable scheduled cleaning, and receive notifications when the container is full. I found the function of automatically starting cleaning the moment you leave the apartment very interesting. This feature works by tracking the geolocation of your smartphone. You can also set a time interval before you return before iRobot Roomba i3 finishes cleaning.

Roomba i3 can be integrated into a smart home system thanks to IFTTT support. For example, the start or end of cleaning can be tied to the operation of certain sensors. This is in theory. During testing, I did not have the opportunity to check the operation of this function.

What was a little confusing was the support for the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi standard, without support for 5 GHz. This is not to say that this is a drawback, but the older i7+ model supported 5 GHz.