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Roomba e5 vs. 675

Derek Hales

Written By: Derek Hales

Updated on:

Both of these robots are affordable, entry-level, but have wifi-connectivity and excellent cleaning performance. They are value-packed without driving up the cost on the fancy features that you may not necessarily miss.

Roomba e5 vs. 675
Roomba e5 (left) & Roomba 675 (right)

So what features set the Roomba e5 vs. 675 apart? Continue below to find out.

Roomba E Robot Vacuum Thumbnail
Roomba e5
  • Cleaning: 99% debris cleaned
  • Run time: 90 mins.
  • Filter: i Series
  • Digital Mapping: No
  • App Connectivity: Yes
Roomba Robot Vacuum
Roomba 675
  • Cleaning: 95% debris cleaned
  • Run time: 90 mins.
  • Filter: AeroVac
  • Digital Mapping: No
  • App Connectivity: Yes

Which is the better Roomba?

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Roomba e5 vs. 675

Comparing the Roomba e5 vs. 675, each model certainly has their advantages. But overall, the winner has to be the Roomba e5. While neither vacuum has digital mapping, the e5 uses a more high-efficiency filter, has updated brushrolls, better cleaning performance overall, a washable dust bin, and full bin indicator. It’s a little more expensive than the 675, but well worth the added costs, in our view.Check Price

If you’d prefer to watch rather than read we’ve got our full Roomba e5 vs. 675 video review below:

YouTube video

Roomba e5 & 675 Differences

Both the Roomba e5 and Roomba 675 are solid Roomba robots for users on a budget. They skip out on some of the nicer bells and whistles and instead just focus on good cleaning performance without all the extras.

Despite their similarities, there are some notable differences between these two models. Differences include:

Roomba e5Roomba 675
FilteriSeriesAeroVac
Dust Bin Capacity500 mL350 mL
Suction5x*Baseline
Cleaning Performance99%95%
BrushrollDual RubberizedSpiral Bristle
NavigationiAdapt 1.0iAdapt 1.0
Full Bin IndicatorYesNo
App ConnectivityYesYes
Virtual Wall CompatibleYesYes
Check PriceCheck PriceCheck Price

*Relative to the Roomba 675, which is the baseline measurement for comparative suction performance that iRobot provides.

Cleaning Performance

In addition to the specifications, actual cleaning performance plays a huge role in how well a robot vacuum works. Comparing the e5 to the 675, which model performs the best?

Roomba e5

99%

Roomba 675

95%

How do we test?

A full cleaning performance test here at Modern Castle consists of 12 different tests. We run tests against four different debris types:

  • Cereal
  • Kitty litter
  • Rice
  • Sugar

And test the vacuum on three different flooring types:

  • Hardwoods
  • Low pile carpet
  • High pile carpet

Here were our results for the Roomba e5 vs 675:

Hardwood Cleaning Tests

Roomba e5

100%

Roomba 675

99%

Both of these vacuums did a fantastic job of cleaning up the debris tested on the hardwood floors. The e5 cleaned up 100% of the debris tested and the 675 was right on its tail with 99% performance. Overall, I was satisfied across the board with both of these vacuums.

Roomba e5 hardwood cleaning performance test
Roomba e5 hardwood cleaning performance test
Roomba 675 hardwood floor cleaning tests
Roomba 675 hardwood floor cleaning tests

Low Carpet Cleaning Tests

Roomba e5

99%

Roomba 675

95%

On low pile carpet, the e5 left a tiny bit of cereal debris, but not much else. The Roomba 675’s performance dropped a bit, primarily due to missing sugar debris during clean up.

Missing ultra-fine debris isn’t entirely uncommon for a robot vacuum so this wasn’t too surprising, especially considering the budget price of the 675.

Roomba e5 carpet cleaning performance test
Roomba e5 carpet cleaning performance test
Roomba 675 low pile carpet cleaning tests
Roomba 675 low pile carpet cleaning tests

High Carpet Cleaning Tests

Roomba e5

99%

Roomba 675

90%

We saw a similar story when cleaning high pile carpets as we did for the low pile carpet. The e5 was fantastic and the 675 continued to miss the ultra-fine debris, sugar, and some kitty litter.

This is likely due to the difference in brushroll design. It’s just a lot harder for finer debris to be captured through the bristle style brushroll.

Roomba e5 high carpet cleaning tests
Roomba e5 high pile carpet cleaning tests
Roomba 675 high pile carpet cleaning tests
Roomba 675 high pile carpet cleaning tests

How does it clean?

Neither of these Roombas offers any kind of digital mapping so the navigation of both feels a little sporadic and random.

Roomba e5 robot vacuum review

These random cleaning patterns may also be less efficient compared to a robot vacuum that has mapping and can run in straighter lines.

That being said, the cleaning performance proves that, although more random, these vacuums can still get the job done.

RELATED: For a Roomba with digital mapping, check out the Roomba i7+ and S9+.

The Design

The design of the Roomba e5 and 675 both look and feel pretty similar from the top.

They have all black bodies with a mix of matte and glossy components. There is a carrying handle on the top, a basic navigational sensor, and simple controls.

Roomba e5

Roomba e5 robot vacuum

Roomba 675

Roomba 675

The controls are the same on both vacuums although the design of the buttons is slightly different. There are physical buttons for the following functions:

  • Spot Clean
  • Auto Clean
  • Dock

On the E5, these controls are three separate buttons in a row and on the 675, the buttons are all located in the center.

App Control

Both of these vacuums offer app-based control through your smartphone when paired with your local WiFi network.

RELATED â€“ More Roomba Reviews and comparisons here.

The Underside

On the underside, there are some more significant differences between these two Roomba.

What’s the same?

Both of these vacuums have similar naviational wheels, a 3-arm side spinning brush, contact sensors (for charging) and edge sensors (for drop hazards).

The main differences here are the brushroll and the filter.

Roomba e5 uses a dual rubberized brushroll system that has lime green accents, basically identical to the brushes and filters used in the i Series.

The bottom of the e5 contains the rolling brushes, wheels, spinning brush, and dustbin
Roomba e5 brushroll and underside

MORE: The i Series is the newest collection of Roombas on the market that use an advanced high-efficiency filter, upgraded brushroll, and accented side spinning brush.

By comparison, the 675 uses an older bristle style brushroll. While it still maintains good cleaning performance, this brushroll does tend to tangle more and is harder to clean (based on our long-term experiences).

Roomba 675 underside
Roomba 675 brushroll and underside

The Filters

Roomba 675 uses a standard AeroVac filter, which is significantly larger (and thinner) than the i Series filter used on the Roomba e5.

Roomba e5

Roomba e5 filter - AeroForce 2.0
Roomba e5 filter

Roomba 675

Roomba 675 filter
Roomba 675 filter

Not only is the e5 filter much smaller, but it is also much more efficient.

Roomba e5 vs. 675 filter comparison
Roomba 675 filter (left) vs. Roomba e5 filter (right)

Higher efficiency means that it takes up significantly less space in the machine allowing for a larger dust bin capacity on the e5 as well.

Size Comparison

Concerning the overall size, both the e5 and 675 are extremely similar.

Roomba e5 vs. 675 size difference
Roomba e5 (left) vs. 675 (right)

The e5 is slightly wider and 0.1″ shorter than the 675. It is also 0.6 pounds lighter. Not a huge game-changer probably, but worth mentioning here.

Roomba e5

  • 13.3″ diameter
  • 3.6″ tall
  • 7.2 pounds

Roomba 675

  • 13″ diameter
  • 3.7″ tall
  • 7.8 pounds
Roomba 675 size
Roomba 675 size

Accessories & Parts

What all is included with each of these vacuums? Here’s a complete list of exactly what you’ll get with the Roomba e5 and the Roomba 675:

Roomba e5

  • Rubberized brushrolls
  • Spinning brush
  • iSeries filter (x2)
  • Charging station
  • Battery
  • Cleaning tool
  • User guide

Roomba 675

  • Spiral brushroll
  • Spinning brush
  • AeroVac filter (x2)
  • Charging station
  • Battery
  • Cleaning tool
  • User guide

The main difference between the contents of each vacuum is that the e5 includes the upgraded i Series brushroll and filter. In addition, some retailers still include the virtual wall with the e5, though it does vary.

Two rubber brushrolls are used to agitate dirt and debris off of the floor
Two rubber brushrolls are used to agitate dirt and debris off of the floor

Roomba Usability

The usability of any robot vacuum tells a lot about what it will be like to use a certain vacuum in your daily life. Features that boost a robot’s usability include:

  1. Setup
  2. App control
  3. Maneuverability
  4. Maintenance

#1. Setup

First, let’s discuss setup. Out of the box, the e5 and the 675 are easy to get going. They come with minimal parts to assemble and with a partial charge.

Simply snap in the side spinning brush and you’re ready to start cleaning in most cases.

To start a cleaning cycle…

  1. Press “CLEAN”. This is the fastest way to start any cleaning cycle and basically starts a cleaning run in Auto Mode with no necessary intervention from you. Once the area is clean, the vacuum will automatically return to the docking station to charge.
  2. Schedule a cleaning. You can also link up the vacuum to your smartphone and schedule a cleaning for a time in the future using the iRobot app.
  3. Spot clean. This mode is good for small messes, as the Roomba will clean a small area using a radial pattern until the zone is clean. Once clean, the vacuum will turn off and you will have to manually return the robot to the docking station.
  4. Voice command. Both of these models are also compatible with Amazon Alexa if you prefer to start a cleaning cycle using voice commands.

#2. App Control

The ability to control a device directly from your smartphone can be an attractive feature and earn major points concerning usability.

Both the e5 and 675 offer app control and use the same iRobot app which allows for some advanced app controls.

Remotely from your smartphone, you can:

  • Start or stop a cleaning cycle
  • Schedule a cleaning in the future
  • Turn on push notifications to receive real-time notifications
  • View a battery level indicator 
  • Receive automatic software updates
  • Maintenance alerts
  • Change the spoken language of your robot vacuum
  • Name or register your vacuum

RELATED: Looking for more features? Roombas in the i series, s series, and m series are equipped with the iRobot Genius technology. This update introduces target cleaning cycles, event-based automation, recommended keep out zones, and more. Full list of robot vacuum reviews here.

#3. Maneuverability

The maneuverability of these two Roombas is nearly identical. They both are basically the same size and have the same navigation system.

iRobot iAdapt 1.0 cleaning navigation paths
Roomba iAdapt 1.0 navigation path

They will essentially drive around in a star-shaped zig-zag pattern, softly bumping into things and redirecting, until the area is clean.

#4. Maintenance

Maintenance is an important job to ensure that the Roomba is running smoothly at operating at peak performance. Between the e5 vs. the 675, maintenance is similar.

Regular maintenance includes:

  • Empty the dust bin as needed.
  • Clean or replace the filter as needed.
  • Clear out any tangles from the brushroll as needed.

Although the “to-do” list may be the same, there are some distinguisbale factors between the two vacuums in this area.

First of all, the Roomba e5 has a better dust bin. The bin itself is washable and has a larger capacity (500 mL vs. 350 mL). Also, the e5 has a full bin indicator light, meaning that you can know when its time to empty the bin.

Removing the dust bin on the Roomba e5
Removing the dust bin on the Roomba e5

All of these factors combined result in a dust bin that is more user-friendly and easier to maintain.

NOTE: The bin is not dishwasher safe.

Next, the Roomba e5 filter is less than half the size of the AeroVac filter on the 675 and significantly more efficient.

The filter used is the same one as on the new i Series robots so it’s not going anywhere any time soon. This could be a deal-maker if you’re concerned about availability or ease of finding replacement parts.

Lastly, the brushrolls are different and the e5 brushroll will likely mean less maintenance compared to the 675 brushroll.

Roomba e5 brushroll
Roomba e5 brushroll

Any spiral bristle roller will tend to get hair and other debris wrapped around the bristles or clogged in the axel. The dual rubberized rollers don’t have this issue and since they rotate counter-directionally, they are constantly working against each other to keep debris from tangling.

Which is the Better Value?

Okay, so let’s talk value. Roomba e5 vs. 675—which robot is the better bang for your buck?

I would say the winner has got to be the Roomba e5.

While the price is a little higher than that of the 675, I think it comes with a range of value-adding features that the 675 just doesn’t have.

Here are some of the advantages of the e5 over the 675:

  • Washable dust bin
  • Higher-efficiency filter (smaller in size)
  • Larger dust bin capacity
  • Improved rubberized brushroll (fewer tangles)
  • Includes virtual wall
  • Full bin indicator

For a relatively small increase in price, you get quite a lot more out of the Roomba e5 vs. the 675.

Roomba e5 vs. 675 Specifications

Below you’ll find a complete comparison of important specifications on the Roomba e5 vs. Roomba 675.

Check out the specifications here:

Roomba e5Roomba 675
Size13.3" dia. x 3.6" H13" dia. x 3.7" H
Weight7.2 lbs.7.8 lbs.
Price$$$$
Runtime~90 mins~90 mins
SchedulingYesYes
Self-ChargingYesYes
Drop DetectionYesYes
Full Bin IndicatorYesNo
Dirt DetectionBasicBasic
NavigationiAdapt 1.0iAdapt 1.0
Technologyi SeriesAeroVac
Roller BrushesDual rubberizedBristle style
Remote ControliRobot HOME App, Amazon Alexa, Google AssistantiRobot HOME App, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Virtual Wall CompatibleYesYes
Score99%95%
PriceCheck PriceCheck Price
ReviewRead ReviewRead Review

Which Roomba is Right for You?

So which Roomba is right for you? There are certainly advantages to each model. Both the e5 and the 675 are good value-packed Roombas for users on a budget.

Roomba 675 cleaning

They come with some nice features, like great cleaning performance and app-based controls, but lack fancier specs like digital mapping or zoned cleaning (which helps keep the cost low).

I would recommend the Roomba e5 if you’re looking for:

  • Better cleaning performance: While the difference is minimal, the e5 is the better performer, capturing 4% more debris overall than the Roomba 675.
  • User-friendly features: The Roomba e5 also offers some nice features that improve the overall usability. The e5 includes a full bin indicator light, a larger dust bin over the 675, and virtual wall (depends on retailer package, so double check).
  • A good choice for pets: Dual rubberized brushrolls were a nice upgrade on the e5 and definitely improves performance when picking up both pet and human hair. Also, the high-efficiency filter is (as it sounds) more efficient, while also allowing for a larger dust bin capacity.
Roomba e5 robot vacuum
Roomba e5 robot vacuum

I would recommend the Roomba 675 if you’re looking for:

  • The best price: Unless there’s an amazing sale, the price of the 675 will usually beat the price of the e5. If you’re looking to leave more money in your pocket, the Roomba 675 is a great option. Beyond that, everything else on the 675 is the same or worse than the e5. So if price is key, go 675.

ChangeLog

  • January 29, 2021 â€“ Initial version of the comparison was published.

About Derek Hales

Derek HalesDerek Hales is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of ModernCastle.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, She Knows, and other major publications. Derek has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Kansas State University. Hales has been testing and reviewing products for the home since 2014.