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Deebot vs. Roomba

Derek Hales

Written By: Derek Hales

Updated on:

If you’re looking for a robot you have likely heard of Roomba and Deebot. As two of the largest companies, these two brands are going to be put to the test. Which is best? Let’s find out!

Deebot vs. Roomba robot vacuum comparison

This guide is going to be taking a closer look at the Ecovacs Deebot and iRobot’s Roomba. Each of these brands have a few different models that fall under the name, but we’ll break it down and help you decide which is right for you and your home.

Let’s get started.

First off, let’s highlight the top performers and most popular models for each brand.

Roomba vs. Deebot Comparision

PRODUCT DETAILS

BEST OVERALL

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Roomba 690
  • Run Time: 90 mins.
  • Price: $$
  • App Control: Yes
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BEST BUDGET

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Roomba 675
  • Run Time: 90 mins.
  • Price: $$
  • App Control: Yes
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BEST BIG FLOOR PLAN

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Roomba 960
  • Run Time: 75 mins.
  • Price: $$$
  • App Control: Yes
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moderncastle-table-__imageRoomba 890
  • Run Time: 90 mins.
  • Price: $$$
  • App Control: Yes
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moderncastle-table-__imageRoomba e5
  • Run Time: 90 mins.
  • Price: $$$
  • App Control: Yes
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BEST HIGH END

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Roomba i7+
  • Run Time: 75 mins.
  • Price: $$$$
  • App Control: Yes
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BEST BUDGET

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DEEBOT N79S
  • Run Time: 120 mins.
  • Price: $$
  • App Control: Yes
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moderncastle-table-__imageDEEBOT N79
  • Run Time: 100 mins.
  • Price: $$
  • App Control: Yes
Check Price

BEST HIGH END

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DEEBOT 900
  • Run Time: 110 mins.
  • Price: $$$
  • App Control: Yes
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BEST BIG FLOOR PLAN

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DEEBOT R95
  • Run Time: 90 mins.
  • Price: $$
  • App Control: Yes
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moderncastle-table-__imageDEEBOT M80
  • Run Time: 110 mins.
  • Price: $$
  • App Control: Yes
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moderncastle-table-__imageDEEBOT 601
  • Run Time: 120 mins.
  • Price: $$
  • App Control: Yes
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DEEBOT N79 vs. Roomba 690

Below we’re going to look at several Ecovacs Deebot vs. Roomba model comparisions side-by-side.

Or click here to jump down to the deep dive on Deebot or here for Roomba.

Deebot N79

If you’re looking for a great value, it’s hard to skip past the Ecovacs Deebot N79. This robot vacuum comes in at a reasonable price, while still boasting built-in wifi, a 100-minute run time, and excellent cleaning performance.

Ecovacs Deebot N79 best small robot vacuum review

This package includes a charging base, 4 spinning brushes, a wireless remote control, a HEPA filter, and a multi-purpose cleaning tool for basic maintenance.

What’s To Like About Deebot N79

  • Long run time: The 100-minute run time is plenty long enough for nearly all cleaning jobs.
  • Wifi-connectivity: The built-in wifi allows you to control the robot vacuum directly from your smartphone or tablet. You can also use the app to schedule future cleaning cycles.

What’s Not So Good About Deebot N79

  • Replacement parts: We found it to be difficult to track down replacement batteries for this model.
  • Difficulty with fine debris on carpet: During the carpet cleaning tests (see our tests here), we noticed some difficulty in capturing the finest debris type (sugar), only cleaning about half of the debris dropped.

Roomba 690

For a low-priced robot vacuum that still has wifi connectivity and a solid cleaning performance, the Roomba 690 could be an excellent option.

This model has dirt detection which helps it to clean longer on high-traffic areas, but lacks the fancy bells-and-whistles of voice control or advanced memory mapping.

Roomba 690

Nevertheless, it remains one of the best value robot vacuums on the market today. It’s cleaning performance was virtually flawless across the board (only really struggling with sugar).

What’s To Like About Roomba 690

  • Wifi-connectivity: Despite the lower cost, it still has wifi connectivity which makes it east to start, stop, or schedule a cleaning cycle directly from your smartphone or tablet.
  • Impressive cleaning performance: The 690 is an older model, however the cleaning performance was still comparable to newer models in terms of raw debris removal.

What’s Not So Good About Roomba 690

  • No advanced navigation: The Roomba 690 doesn’t offer memory mapping and drives around in a bit of a sporadic approach, softly bumping into obstacles and then continuing in a different directly until the whole area is clean. Random- yes, but still effective.
  • Struggle with fine debris on carpet: Like many other robot vacuums, we noticed a decline in cleaning performance when testing cleaning performance of the 690 on carpet vs. sugar.

Deebot R95 vs. Roomba i7+

The Deebot R95 and Roomba i7+ are two of the highest performing models from each of these brands. How do the two top-tiers compare? Find out below!

Deebot R95

For the best-of-the best, the Deebot R95 checks most of the boxes in terms of capability and performance.

It has a 90-minute run time, wifi connectivity, compatibility with Amazon Alexa devices, and even has the option for wet mopping (with attachment).

Ecovacs Deebot R95 robot vacuum

What’s To Like About Deebot R95

  • Great for large floor plans:  The 90 minute run time + recharge and resume functionalty means the R95 keeps on cleaning for a long long time, making it great for even large floor plans.
  • Tons of features for the money:  The Deebot R95 comes packed with features (ex. wifi compatible, voice compatible, laser navigation, mop attachement) at a surprising reasonable price.

What’s Not So Good About Deebot R95

  • Can get stuck more easily:  Relative size of the R95 makes it more likely to get stuck at various obstacles around the home (many 3rd party reviewers have attested to this issue)
  • Chinese Headquarters:  Ecovacs is based in China, which can make getting customer support more difficult

Roomba i7+

The Roomba i7+ is arguably the most advanced and best performing robot vacuum on the market today. The cleaning performance was nearly flawless and it’s the only model we’ve tested to date with a self-emptying dust bin. If you’re looking for hands-free cleaning (and don’t mind the high price tag), the i7+ is a great option.

Roomba i7+ robot vacuum and smart base

What’s To Like About Roomba i7+

  • Self-emptying dust bin: The i7+ has an on-board dust bin that self-empties into the charging base. The base can hold up to 30 loads from the vacuum itself.
  • Exceptional cleaning performance: The i7+ is one of the only models to score a 99% in cleaning performance against all debris types and all flooring types. Even sugar in high pile carpet was no match.

What’s Not So Good About Roomba i7+

  • High price tag: It’s no surprise that all of these bells-and-whistles are really going to cost you. The high price of this vacuum may certainly be a critical deciding factor for many people.

DEEBOT 900 vs. Roomba e5

The Deebox 900 and Roomba e5 are two comparable models that are designed to meet performance needs while still being an economical choice for many users. So where are the differences. Find out here.

Deebot 900

The Deebot 900 robot vacuum strikes a nice balance between price an performance. This model is compatible with Amazon Alexa (check out our Echo Dot review), has wifi connectivity, and advanced smart home mapping for improved navigation. Using the app from your smartphone, you can start or schedule a cleaning, check the status of the vacuum, or view the cleaning map.

Ecovacs Deebot 900 robot vacuum

What’s To Like About Deebot 900

  • Smarter navigation: The advanced navigation creates a digital map of your home and allows you to block off sensitive areas by simply drawing a line on the map- no physical barriers needed.
  • Interchangeable suction inlet: This accessory lets you easily switch between a rotating, agitating brushroll (best for smaller debris on carpet) to an open suction inlet (best for larger debris on hardwood floors).

What’s Not So Good About Deebot 900

  • Smaller dust bin capacity: Compared to the Roomba e5, the dust bin capacity is about 30% smaller (350 ml on the Deebot 900 vs. ~500 ml on the Roomba e5).
  • Trouble staying connected: Third party reviewers state that this model sometimes has trouble staying connected to the wifi network, which can in turn, cause complications with the cleaning cycle.

Roomba e5

The Roomba e5 is the most budget-friendly Roomba launched from the new i Series. It has wifi connectivity, a long 90-minute run time, excellent cleaning performance, and is less expensive than the i7 and i7+ robot vacuum

Roomba e5 cleaning cereal on hardwood floor

What’s To Like About Roomba e5

  • Long run time: Although the e5 doesn’t have the Recharge and Resume feature, the long 90 minute run time feels more than sufficient for the majority of cleaning jobs.
  • Budget-friendly: The e5 is a great option if you’re looking for the newest model and style (with the I series) but don’t want to foot the bill for the i7 or i7+ models.

What’s Not So Good About Roomba e5

  • Struggle with sugar: The Roomba e5 still struggles a little with cleaning up sugar from carpeted floor types (something that was addressed and corrected with the i7 models.)
  • Lacks an on-board camera: Not having an on-board camera does mean that the e5 could struggle with complicated floor plans or advanced mapping.

Ecovacs DEEBOT

The Ecovacs Deebot line features 16 different models, with an assortment of different features, run times, and cleaning performance. For reference, we’ve listed them out below:

Ecovacs DEEBOT N79 robot vacuum accessories
Ecovacs Deebot N79 Parts: 1) Remote control 2) Charger 3) Spinning brushes 4) Cleaning brush 5) HEPA filter

All of the models listed above include some or all of the following Ecovacs technologies:

1. Smart NAVI

Smart Navi is an advanced navigation system that the Deebot uses to intelligently navigate your space. It starts by scanning and creating a virtual map of your home. The “Area Clean” feature lets you choose where Deebot cleans by separating specific zones within your home. There is also a “Virtual Boundary” feature that tells the robot where not to clean.

Current Deebots with Smart NAVI include: Deebot Ozmo 930Deebot 900Deebot 901Deebot R95Deebot R98

2. App Control

App control is exactly as it sounds—it’s the ability to control your robot vacuum from an app on your smartphone or tablet. App control can generally allow you to start or stop a cleaning cycle, schedule a cleaning ahead of time, or other various settings from the convenience of your smartphone.

Current Deebots with app control include: All models

Ecovacs smart app

3. Voice Report

Voice Report is the ability to control the Deebot using your voice, when paired with a voice control device like Amazon Alexa. This is a newer technology and only currently compatible with the most advanced Deebots.

Alexa Echo Dot 3rd generation review

Current Deebots with voice report include: Deebot R95 and Deebot R98 only

4. Automatic Charging

When the Deebot is finished with a cleaning cycle it will automatically return to the charging station to juice up for the next cycle. Automatic charging helps a robot to always be ready for a cycle, whether it’s a regularly scheduled cycle or intermittent spot cleaning.

Ecovacs DEEBOT N79 robot vacuum battery

Current Deebots with automatic charging include: All models 

5. Optional Mop

Deebots are unique in that quite a few of their models have an optional mop. The mop attachment basically includes a microfiber cloth that wets and cleans the floor as the robot navigates. This technology allows the robot to vacuum and mop at the same time, as shown below on the Deebot R95 robot vacuum.

Ecovacs Deebot R95 optional mop

Current Deebots with optional mop include: Deebot Ozmo 601Deebot M81 ProDeebot M88Deebot R95Deebot R98,Deebot Slim NeoDeebot Slim 2Deebot Mini 2

6. Tangle-Free Suction

Some Deebots include a dual suction system that allows you to use a spiral bristle brushroll or an alternate suction inlet (brushless). The suction inlet is designed without brushes or a central axel so it’s more likely to produce tangle-free suction.

Current Deebots with tangle-free suction include: Deebot 900Deebot 901Deebot Ozmo 601Deebot M81 ProDeebot Slim NeoDeebot Slim 2Deebot Mini 2

iRobot Roomba

Roomba currently has 8 flagship models, 3 of which are represented in the new i Series.

These flagship models include:

The Roomba i7+ comes with enough battery to clean right out of the box

And 4 models that span a few different series. These include:

And two Roomba robot mops:

Braava 240 Jet vs. Braava 380t

While the exact features of each of these models may vary, there are a few technologies that are familiar across many different models of Roomba.

1. Recharge & Resume

The Recharge & Resume feature allows the Roomba to recharge in the middle of a cleaning cycle. The Roomba can do this twice, extending the overall run time by 3X the original run time. Navigational sensors even help Roomba to return to the exact area where it had to stop cleaning, which makes each extended cycle more efficient and timely.

Current Roombas with Recharge & Resume include: Roomba i7Roomba i7+Roomba 980Roomba 960

irobot roomba 690 battery

2. Automatic Charging

Similar to the Deebot lineup, automatic charging is a generic feature that can be expected from all current Roomba models.

Current Roombas with automatic charging include: All models

3. iAdapt Navigation

Roombas navigate through a space using iAdapt mapping technology. Older models while tended to navigate in randomized paths and diagonal lines were generally apart of the iAdapt 1.0 family. Slightly more advanced robots learned how to navigate in straighter paths and map places they had been before.

This was named iAdapt 2.0. The newest iteration is iAdapt 3.0, where the Roomba can navigate in straighter paths, remember where it has been, and also identify popular space by name, like kitchen, bedroom, or living room.

iRobot iAdapt 2.0 Roomba navigation cleaning paths

4. Wifi Connectivity

Although not completely unique to Roomba, wifi-enabled robot vacuums really enhance the overall usability of the vacuum. With wifi connected, you can control the  Roomba from your smartphone, tablet, or even using your voice (when paired with a voice control device like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant).

Current Roombas with Wifi connectivity include: Roomba i7+Roomba i7Roomba e5Roomba 980Roomba 960Roomba 890Roomba 690, Roomba 675

iRobot Roomba smartphone app
iRobot Roomba smartphone app

5. AeroForce System

The AeroForce system is a brushroll and filtration system that includes a newer, more efficient filter, as well as an upgraded brushroll (over the AeroVac system). The AeroForce filter is smaller and allows for a slightly larger capacity dust bin.

Current Roombas with the AeroForce system include: Roomba i7+Roomba i7, and Roomba e5

New brushrolls used on the e5 - one is used to lift while the other is used to loosen

6. i Series System

With the newest launch of Roomba, the i Series, also came an upgraded system beyond the AeroForce system. Roomba doesn’t give this technology a specific name, but it’s currently only found in the i Series Roombas.

You’ll notice these vacuums have distinctly different lime green accents, an advanced brushroll, and an even smaller filter (about the size of a cassette tape (half the size of the AeroForce filter).

Current Roombas with the i Series system include: Roomba i7+Roomba i7, and Roomba e5

Which Deebot vs. Roomba is best?

So among the selection of Roombas and Deebots, there is no shortage of options.

Whether you’re looking for something affordable, like the Deebot N79 or the Roomba 690, or something high-end, like the Deebot R95 or the Roomba i7+, there are options on both sides of the fence. 

Check the features of each model and decide which are most important to you. If you have any additional questions, feel free to drop us an email or comment down below and we’ll be glad to make a recommendation.

Updates

  • April 18, 2019 – Made a few minor updates to content and formatting.
  • March 12, 2019 – Overhauled page formatting and layout.

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.