Modern Castle is supported by readers. When you buy with our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Roomba S9+ vs i7+ vs i3+ vs. e5 vs. 675

Derek Hales

Written By: Derek Hales

Updated on:

The Roomba lineup continues to expand, offering new features and capabilities. With new models constantly rolling out, what Roomba is best for you?

Enter our full comparison review: Roomba S9+ vs i7+ vs i3+ vs. e5 vs. Roomba 675.

Roomba S9+ vs. i7+ vs. i3+ vs. e5 vs. 675
Roomba S9+ vs. i7+ vs. i3+ vs. e5 vs. 675

This guide is an expansive review of all 5 flagship Roomba. There’s a lot to cover so let’s get started.

The chart below is a full comparison of the Roomba S9+ vs. i7+ vs. i3+ vs. e5 vs. 675.

Roomba S9+
Roomba S9+
  • Cleaning: 99%
  • Runs: 75 mins.
  • Recharge & Resume? Yes
  • Smart Maps: Yes
  • Empties bin? Yes
  • Cleaning Path: Straight Lines
Roomba i7+
Roomba i7+
  • Cleaning: 99%
  • Runs: 75 mins.
  • Recharge & Resume? Yes
  • Smart Maps: Yes
  • Empties bin? Yes
  • Cleaning Path: Straight Lines
Roomba i3+
Roomba i3+
  • Cleaning: 99%
  • Runs: 75 mins.
  • Recharge & Resume? Yes
  • Smart Maps: Yes*
  • Empties bin? Yes
  • Cleaning Path: Straight Lines
Roomba e5
Roomba e5
  • Cleaning: 99%
  • Runs: 90 mins.
  • Recharge & Resume? No
  • Smart Maps: No
  • Empties bin? No
  • Cleaning Path: Adaptive
Roomba 675
Roomba 675
  • Cleaning: 95%
  • Runs: 90 mins.
  • Recharge & Resume? No
  • Smart Maps: No
  • Empties bin? No
  • Cleaning Path: Adaptive
Roomba S9+Roomba i7+Roomba i3+Roomba e5Roomba 675
Cleaning99%99%99%99%95%
Run Time75 mins.75 mins.75 mins.90 mins.90 mins.
Recharge & ResumeYesYesYesNoNo
Smart MapsYesYesYes*NoNo
Self-Empty BinYesYesYesNoNo
Cleaning PathsStraight LinesStraight LinesStraight LinesAdaptiveAdaptive
Imprint LinkYesYesYesNoNo
Suction**40x10x10x5xBaseline
Corner CleaningYesNoNoNoNo
FilterAdvancedAdvancedAdvancedAdvancedBasic
Keep Out ZonesYesYesNoNoNo
Clean ZonesYesYesNoNoNo

*i3+ navigates using a smart map and creates a map cleaning report. However, you cannot use that map for custom cleaning control like you can with the full-featured smart maps on the i7+ and S9+.

**Suction levels are relative to the Roomba 675.

If you’d rather watch instead of read, we’ve got our video comparison below:

YouTube video

Quick Picks

Best Budget

Roomba 675

Roomba 675

Best Value

Roomba i3+

Roomba i3 robot vacuum

Best Overall

Roomba S9+

Roomba S Robot Vacuum Thumb

How We Recommend & Test

All of the iRobot Roomba models first go through our standard cleaning tests. In these exams, we test each model on 3 different floor types and against 4 different debris types.

Roomba S9+ cleaning vs. hardwood floors
Roomba S9+ cleaning vs. hardwood floors

All of the cleaning scores you see on this page and elsewhere on Modern Castle show the total percentage of debris removed (see a list of our robot vacuum reviews here).

Roomba S9+ vs. i7+ vs. i3+
Roomba S9+ vs. i7+ vs. i3+

You can find our complete cleaning test data on each of these Roomba models below:

In addition to our cleaning tests, we also test the navigation, app, clean base (if applicable), maintenance, and other important features. Ultimately, we try to use the robot the same as any user would, putting it through a real world trial.

Best Roomba for Pet Hair

We bring our testing and usability data, alongside the specs and other features to make a recommendation on what models are best for what users. If you have any questions on how we test don’t hesitate to leave us a comment below or send us an email here.

Roomba Plus vs. Regular Versions

One of the most common questions we see is: what’s the difference between the Roomba plus versions vs. the regular versions?

The answer is simple, plus versions include a Clean Base that enables the self-empty dust bin, while the non-plus (regular) version does not. Beyond that, the plus and non-plus versions are exactly the same.

Roomba i3+ clean base size
Roomba i3+ clean base size

If you purchase a non-plus version you can choose to buy a compatible standalone Clean Base in the future (find the clean base for i series here and s series here).

Roomba S9+ vs. S9 Differences

The difference between the Roomba S9+ and S9 is the Clean Base that Roomba empties the dust bin into. S9+ includes the Clean Base, while the S9 does not. All other functional differences are identical between the S9+ and S9.

Roomba i7+ robot vacuum Clean Base charging station
Diagram of how the CleanBase works

Roomba i7+ vs i7 Differences

The Roomba i7+ and i7 is the same story. The Roomba i7+ includes a Clean Base for self-emptying, while the i7 does not. Beyond that difference, the i7+ and i7 are identical to each other.

Roomba i3+ vs i3 Differences

The Roomba i3+ and i3 are functionally the same. The only difference is that the i3+ includes the Clean Base for auto self emptying, while the i3 does not.

Roomba S9+ vs. i7+

Roomba S9+
Roomba S9+
  • Cleaning: 99%
  • Runs: 75 mins.
  • Recharge & Resume? Yes
  • Smart Maps: Yes
  • Empties bin? Yes
  • Cleaning Path: Straight Lines
Roomba i7+
Roomba i7+
  • Cleaning: 99%
  • Runs: 75 mins.
  • Recharge & Resume? Yes
  • Smart Maps: Yes
  • Empties bin? Yes
  • Cleaning Path: Straight Lines

The Roomba S9+ and Roomba i7+ are two of the newest models to hit the Roomba lineup, both offering one of the most attractive features we’ve seen from any robot vacuum to date—auto empty dustbin.

Roomba S9+ Plus Robot vacuum

S9+ vs. i7+: Similarities

Complete list of similarities include:

  • Run Time: 75-minute with Recharge & Resume
  • Docking Station: self-emptying Clean Base; can hold up to 30 loads of debris from the on-board dustbin on the vacuum itself
  • Imprint Smart Mapping: ability to digitally map up to 10 floor plans within the vacuum’s memory as well as pair with Roomba mopping robots
  • Zoned Cleaning: can create zones to block off certain space or prioritize them for more frequent cleanings
  • Smartphone App: pairs the vacuum to the iHome Roomba smartphone app; allows you to control the vacuum, schedule cleanings, view the digital map, set up zones, or see maintenance issues / alerts remotely
Roomba i7+ robot vacuum on smart cleaning base
Roomba i7+ robot vacuum on smart cleaning base

What is Imprint Smart Mapping?

Both of these robot vacuums have Imprint Smart mapping, which is the most advanced digital mapping technology to be released from iRobot to date.

Imprint smart mapping allows for:

  • zoned cleaning cycles
  • ability to name rooms
  • smarter digital maps
  • more efficient cleaning cycles with straighter paths
  • ability to pair a robot vacuum with a robot mop (ie: Braava Jet m6 mopping robot)

Pairing a robot mop with a robot vacuum will allow them to work together to clean your home. First, the robot vacuum will run a cycle. Once the area is clean, it will return to the charging base, then send a signal to the robot mop that starts the mopping cycle.

Braava Jet m6 robot mop

MORE: Click here to read our full Braava Jet m6 review.

Aside from their similarities, there are also a few major differences to note.

S9+ vs. i7+: Differences

Differences between the Roomba S9+ vs. the Roomba i7+ include:

#1. Body Shape

The Roomba S9+ has a D-shaped body, while the Roomba i7+ sticks with the classic round body. We didn’t notice a real difference in performance between the two shapes, but if you’re concerned with edge cleaning, the D-style is preferable.

Roomba S9+

Roomba S Robot Vacuum Thumb

Roomba i7+

Roomba i7

#2. Central Brushroll

The brushroll on the S9+ is essentially edge-to-edge, while the brushroll on the i7+ is more of the standard length.

The longer brushroll on the S9+ can mean noticeably shorter cleaning run times, since it’s able to clean more area with a single pass.

#3. Edge Cleaning

Since the Roomba S9+ has a D-shaped body, it may be a bit easier for edge-to-edge cleaning since it can get right in the corners.

For stuck debris, there is also a 5-arm spinning side brush that pushes debris into the path of the brushroll. The Roomba i7+ uses a 3-arm spinning brush (with longer bristles) to pull debris from further away into the narrower brushroll.

Roomba S9+

Roomba S9 spinning brush

Roomba i7+

Spinning brush included with the Roomba i7+ robot vacuum

#4. Suction Power

The Roomba S9+ has greater suction power (approx. 2200 Pa) compared to the Roomba i7+ (approx. 1800 Pa).

Despite the difference in suction power, I will note that cleaning performance was not impacted during our tests between these two models.

Cleaning Performance: S9+

99%

Cleaning Performance: i7+

99%

#5. Filter Acess

While this is more of a design difference and not really a performance difference, the way you access the filter on the S9+ is pretty unique to anything Roomba has done before.

Instead of having a dust bin and filter release latch on the side, the S9+ has a simple flip-up top that exposes the filter for regular cleaning or replacement.

Under neither the hood on the Roomba S9+
Under the hood of the Roomba S9+ robot vacuum

It reminds me a bit of how they access the filter on the Roborock line. Again, not really a performance spec, but certainly a usability feature.

MORE: Roborock S6 vs. S5 vs. S5 Max vs. S4 vs. E35 vs. E25

Roomba i7+ vs. i3+

Moving down the line, Roomba also launched the Roomba i3+. Let’s see how the Roomba i7+ compares to the i3+.

Roomba i7+
Roomba i7+
  • Cleaning: 99%
  • Runs: 75 mins.
  • Recharge & Resume? Yes
  • Smart Maps: Yes
  • Empties bin? Yes
  • Cleaning Path: Straight Lines
Roomba i3+
Roomba i3+
  • Cleaning: 99%
  • Runs: 75 mins.
  • Recharge & Resume? Yes
  • Smart Maps: Yes*
  • Empties bin? Yes
  • Cleaning Path: Straight Lines

Features also vary between these two different series types so let’s jump in.

i7+ vs i3+: Similarities

Similarities between the Roomba i7+ vs. Roomba i3+ include:

  • Docking Station: self-emptying Clean Base; can hold up to 30 loads of debris from the on-board dustbin on the vacuum itself
  • Digital Mapping: although capabilities within the map are different (see below), both models can effectively create a digital map as it cleans
  • Smartphone App: pairs the vacuum to the iHome Roomba smartphone app; allows you to control the vacuum, schedule cleanings, see maintenance issues / alerts, etc
  • Cleaning Performance: Both the i7+ and i3+ had excellent cleaning performance on all floor types, resulting in an average cleaning score of 99% across all floor types.
iRobot Roomba App
iRobot Roomba App (3 primary screens)

i7+ vs. i3+: Differences

Similarities between the Roomba i7+ vs. i3+ include:

#1. Run Time

The Roomba i7+ has a 75-minute run time and the Roomba i3+ has a 90-minute run time. Both vacuums have Recharge and Resume as well.

Roomba i7+

75 mins

Roomba i3+

90 mins

Recharge + Resume technology allows the vacuum to return to the charging base in the middle of a cleaning cycle, juice up, and then go back to the last spot it cleaned to finish the job.

#2. Digital Mapping

While both vacuums can make a digital map, they are a little different in the result. The map generated by the Roomba i3+ simply shows where the vacuum has been during a clean and you can use that report to know if it is getting stuck anywhere.

Roomba i7+ Mapping

Roomba I Robot Vacuum App

Roomba i3+ Mapping

Roomba i3+ digital map

By comparison, the map generated by the Roomba i7+ is more of a “smart map”. Not only does it show where the vacuum has been, but you can also use said map to create cleaning zones, block off boundaries with “no go zones” or send the vacuum to a specific spot in the house.

#3. Zoned Cleaning

The Roomba i7+ can generate zoned cleaning cycles, allowing you to send the vacuum to one specific room or skip over an entire zone in the house.

Meanwhile, the Roomba i3+ does not have the technology to zone exact rooms or areas and you cannot execute targeted cleaning cycles that go to one specific spot.

Roomba i3+ vs. e5

The Roomba i3+ vs Roomba e5 compares two Roombas that were launched around the same time, but are pretty different in terms of price and even performance.

Roomba i3+
Roomba i3+
  • Cleaning: 99%
  • Runs: 75 mins.
  • Recharge & Resume? Yes
  • Smart Maps: Yes*
  • Empties bin? Yes
  • Cleaning Path: Straight Lines
Roomba e5
Roomba e5
  • Cleaning: 99%
  • Runs: 90 mins.
  • Recharge & Resume? No
  • Smart Maps: No
  • Empties bin? No
  • Cleaning Path: Adaptive

i3+ vs. e5: Similarities

Similarities between the Roomba i3+ vs. e5 include:

  • Run Time: up to 90-minute run time
  • Smartphone App: pairs the vacuum to the iHome Roomba smartphone app; allows you to control the vacuum, schedule cleanings, etc.
  • Cleaning Performance: Both the Roomba i3+ and the Roomba e5 had excellent cleaning performance on all floor types, resulting in an average cleaning score of 99% across all floor types.
  • Virtual Wall: includes one virtual wall to block off sensitive areas; note – not all versions of the Roomba e5 include this so be sure to double-check the package prior to purchasing
  • Lacks Zoned Cleaning: does not include any type of zoned cleaning

i3 vs. e5: Differences

Differences between the Roomba i3+ vs. e5 include:

#1. Docking Station

The Roomba i3+ comes with the smart, self-emptying charging dock, while the Roomba e5 uses the standard charging station.

Roomba i3+ Clean Base

Roomba i3+ clean base

Roomba e5 Standard Base

Roomba 981 charging base

Of course, if you want to save a buck and don’t need the self-emptying dust bin feature, you can opt for the Roomba i3 (without the “+”). This vacuum has all of the same features of the i3+, but includes a different docking station.

If the time comes and you want the feature, you can always purchase the Roomba Clean Base charging station separately.

Roomba i3+ Clean Base
Roomba i3+ Clean Base

#2. Recharge & Resume

Although both of these vacuums have the same run time, the Roomba i3+ also has the ability to recharge in the middle of a cleaning cycle, return for a quick charge, and then back to the last spot it cleaned.

This feature allows for longer cleaning cycles, which can be a real asset for larger floor plans or complex layouts.

#3. Digital Mapping

The Roomba e5 cannot generate any kind of digital map. Its navigation is less advanced; the e5 drives around lightly bumping into things and redirecting until the area is clean.

Roomba i3+ Digital Mapping
Roomba i3+ Digital Mapping

By comparison, the Roomba i3+ can create a map as it cleans, creating a digital footprint or cleaning report of where it has been. This also means that it can run in straighter lines with more logical cleaning paths.

Unlike the S9+ or i7+, you cannot use the map of the i3+ to generate cleaning zones or mark digital “keep-out” boundaries, but you can quickly see where the Roomba has been cleaning.

Roomba e5 vs. Roomba 675

Comparing the Roomba e5 and Roomba 675 will reveal two of the top-performing, yet budget conscience Roombas on the market currently.

Roomba e5
Roomba e5
  • Cleaning: 99%
  • Runs: 90 mins.
  • Recharge & Resume? No
  • Smart Maps: No
  • Empties bin? No
  • Cleaning Path: Adaptive
Roomba 675
Roomba 675
  • Cleaning: 95%
  • Runs: 90 mins.
  • Recharge & Resume? No
  • Smart Maps: No
  • Empties bin? No
  • Cleaning Path: Adaptive

e5 vs 675: Similarities

Similarities between the Roomba e5 vs. Roomba 675 include:

  • Docking Station: includes standard charging base; lacks self-emptying dust bin feature
  • Digital Mapping: lacks digital mapping in any form
  • Smartphone App: pairs the vacuum to the iHome Roomba smartphone app; allows you to control the vacuum, schedule cleanings, etc
  • Cleaning Performance: Both the e5+ and the 675 had excellent cleaning performance on all floor types. The e5 had an average of 99% and the Roomba 675 had an average of 95% across all floor types.

Cleaning Performance: e5

99%

Cleaning Performance: 675

95%

e5 vs. 675: Differences

Differences between the Roomba e5 vs. Roomba 675 include:

#1. Brushroll

The brushroll is one of the biggest differences between the e5 and the 675.

What’s similar? The length of the brushrolls and the spinning brushes, which pull debris into the brushroll path are nearly identical.

The biggest difference comes in the material used between the two styles.

Roomba e5 Brushroll

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

Roomba 675 Brushroll

Roomba 675 underside
Roomba 675 brushroll and underside

On the E5, there are dual-rubberized brushrolls that rotate in counter directions from each other. This helps to increase suction power and prevents hair from tangling.

New brushrolls used on the e5 - one is used to lift while the other is used to loosen
New brushrolls used on the E5 – one is used to lift, while the other loosens

The 675 uses a more traditional stiff bristle brushroll combined with a composite paddle brushroll. The performance is definitely good, but it doesn’t have the same cleaning performance against pet hair (or any long hairs really).

Roomba 675 brushroll
Roomba 675 brushroll

In addition, if a debris clog does happen, it’s more difficult to clean out the bristles compared to the rubberized style on the e5.

#2. Filter

The filter system is also different between these two models. The Roomba e5 uses a more advanced and efficient filter that is less than half the size of the filter in the Roomba 675.

Roomba e5 Filter

Roomba e5 filter - AeroForce 2.0
Roomba e5 filter – AeroForce 2.0

Roomba 675 Filter

Roomba 675 filter
Roomba 675 filter – AeroVac 1.0

There have been big changes to the Roomba filter between the original AeroVac filter and the release of the the AeroForce 2.0.

The new efficiency creates a smaller filter that:

  • Is more compact
  • Easier to replace
  • And allows for a larger dust bin

#3. Dust Bin Capacity

The change in filter leads right into the next big difference and that is dust bin capacity. Neither the Roomba e5 or the Roomba 675 have the self-emptying dust bin so on-board capacity can be a big factor.

e5: Dust Bin Capacity

500 mL

675: Dust Bin Capacity

350 mL

As a side note, both of these Roombas also lack a ‘Full Dust Bin’ indicator so you may need to check capacity more often to make sure it is performing at its peak.

#4. Navigation

The Roomba e5 has smarter navigation, which allows it to drive in straighter paths and bump into fewer obstacles. It’s not perfect, but it certainly a step up from the random navigating pattern on the Roomba 675.

e5: Navigation

Better

675: Navigation

Basic

Roomba 675 cleaning rug
Cleaning pattern of the Roomba 675

Which Roomba Should You Buy?

All of the Roombas listed above have some clear pros and cons. Depending on what exactly you’re looking for in a robot vacuum, you may prefer a different model over another.

Roomba S9+ vs. i7+ vs. i3+ vs. e5 vs. 675
Roomba S9+ vs. i7+ vs. i3+ vs. e5 vs. 675

Here’s a quick rundown of our recommendation based on the Roomba specs and our experience testing these five models.

If you want the self-emptying dustbin…

For a dust bin that can empty itself, it’s hard to be disappointed with the Roomba S9+, i7+, or i3+. These are the only three Roombas currently that offer this feature.

Outside of the Roomba lineup, Shark recently launched a robot vacuum with this feature, the Shark IQ. You can read our full comparison of these three models right here.

Shark Iq vs Roomba i7+ vs Roomba S9+ robot vacuum comparison
Shark Iq vs Roomba i7+ vs Roomba S9+ robot vacuum comparison

RELATED: Check out the Roborock S7 for another self-emptying dust bin option launching in 2021.

If you want the best digital mapping…

For great mapping, the Roomba S9 and Roomba i7 take the cake again. These two models include zoned cleaning, efficient cleaning paths, and Imprint Mapping.

iRobot Roomba app smart mapping
iRobot app making a digital map of the Modern Castle home

If mapping is a top priority, you may check out the S9 and i7 without the “+”. These vacuums are identical to the S9+ and i7+, but skip out on the self-emptying Clean Base.

Opting out of this advanced docking station can be an easy way to save some cash without sacrificing overall performance.

The Clean Base is sold separately and can be added later if you decide it is worth the cost.

If you want the best value…

For a nice mix of performance and price, I’d have to recommend the Roomba e5 or the Roomba e5.

Roomba e5 cleaning cereal on hardwood floor

The benefit of the E5 is that it uses the newer style of brushroll and filter. It lacks digital mapping and the fancier bells and whistles, but it was a solid performer, and skipping out on those top-dollar specs also helps to keep the price low.

Roomba i3+ Clean Base
Roomba i3+ Clean Base

If you want the value, but also want the self-emptying dust bin, check out the Roomba i3+. This is the most affordable Roomba on the market right now that includes the Clean Base self-emptying docking station.

If you want the best budget option…

If the bottom dollar is the main aim, the Roomba 675 is a good option. It is a part of the Roomba flagship lineup meaning that it will continue to have serviceable parts and easy to find replacements, as needed.

The brushroll and filter are older and it has a bit of a random navigating pattern, but the performance was still solid. If you don’t care how it gets the job done, the 675 can be a good option to save some bucks.

Questions?

Still have questions? It’s a lot of information to digest. For help deciding which Roomba is best for you, feel free to ask us a question down below in the comments.

We do our best to respond to all questions within around 24 hours.

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.