When it comes to robotic vacuums, iRobot’s Roomba series is known for its reliable performance and smart technology. The Roomba e5 and Roomba 890 are both popular models in iRobot’s lineup, offering excellent cleaning abilities for homes of various sizes. While these two models share many similarities, they also come with distinct differences that might make one more suitable for your specific needs. In this article, we’ll compare the Roomba e5 and 890 across key areas such as design, cleaning performance, smart features, and more, so you can make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Size, Weight, and Appearance
Both the Roomba e5 and 890 have a similar round design, making them compact and easy to store in small spaces. They both feature a clean black design, with the Roomba 890 offering a slightly more polished look thanks to its silver trim. The Roomba e5 is slightly lighter, but the difference in weight is minimal.
| Feature | Roomba e5 | Roomba 890 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.4 x 3.6 inches | 13.9 x 3.6 inches |
| Weight | 7.8 lbs | 8.4 lbs |
| Finish | Black | Black with Silver Trim |
The Roomba 890 is slightly larger and heavier, likely due to its larger dustbin and more powerful battery. However, both vacuums are designed to fit under most furniture and can easily navigate through doorways and around obstacles.
Cleaning Performance
Suction Power and Brush System
Both the Roomba e5 and 890 feature iRobot’s AeroForce® 3-Stage Cleaning System, which uses Dual Multi-Surface Brushes, a high-efficiency filter, and powerful suction to clean effectively across various surfaces. However, there is a noticeable difference in suction power: the Roomba 890 has stronger suction, which makes it better equipped to handle tougher messes, particularly on carpets.
| Cleaning Aspect | Roomba e5 | Roomba 890 |
|---|---|---|
| Suction Power | High | Very High |
| Brush System | AeroForce® Dual Brushes | AeroForce® Dual Brushes |
While both vacuums work well on hardwood floors and low-pile carpets, the Roomba 890 excels at cleaning thicker carpets and picking up pet hair, thanks to its superior suction. The Roomba e5 is still highly effective, but its suction is better suited for lighter messes and low-pile carpets.
Performance on Various Surfaces
| Surface Type | Roomba e5 Performance | Roomba 890 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwood Floors | Excellent | Excellent |
| Low-Pile Carpets | Excellent | Excellent |
| High-Pile Carpets | Good | Very Good |
While both models perform excellently on hardwood floors and low-pile carpets, the Roomba 890 is better for high-pile carpets, making it a better choice for homes with plush rugs or thicker carpet areas.
Navigation and Mapping
iAdapt 2.0 vs iAdapt 2.0 with Visual Localization
Both the Roomba e5 and 890 use iRobot’s iAdapt® 2.0 Navigation system, which ensures efficient cleaning by mapping out rooms and navigating in systematic back-and-forth patterns. However, the Roomba 890 comes with an additional feature: it uses iAdapt® 2.0 with Visual Localization, which allows for smarter navigation and the ability to avoid obstacles more efficiently.
| Navigation Feature | Roomba e5 | Roomba 890 |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation System | iAdapt® 2.0 | iAdapt® 2.0 with Visual Localization |
| Mapping & Coverage | Systematic Cleaning | Systematic Cleaning with Enhanced Navigation |
The Visual Localization in the Roomba 890 enables it to perform more intelligently in more complex spaces and around obstacles, such as furniture. The Roomba e5, though effective, may occasionally bump into objects as it lacks the visual localization capability of the 890.
Battery Life and Runtime
Similar Runtime, but with Recharge Features
Both the Roomba e5 and 890 offer excellent battery life, providing up to 90 minutes of continuous cleaning. However, the Roomba 890’s additional smart features, like its enhanced navigation system, can make its runtime feel more efficient, as it tends to avoid unnecessary re-cleaning.
| Battery Aspect | Roomba e5 | Roomba 890 |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime | ~90 minutes | ~90 minutes |
| Recharge and Resume | Yes | Yes |
Both vacuums support the “Recharge and Resume” feature, meaning they will automatically return to their charging dock when the battery is low, then resume cleaning once they’re fully charged. This feature is especially useful for cleaning larger homes or multiple rooms.
Smart Features
App Control and Voice Integration
Both the Roomba e5 and 890 come with Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to control them via the iRobot Home app. They also support Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can control your vacuum using voice commands.
| Feature | Roomba e5 | Roomba 890 |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| App Control | Advanced | Advanced |
| Voice Commands | Alexa/Google | Alexa/Google |
The iRobot Home app allows you to schedule cleanings, check cleaning history, and adjust settings. The Roomba 890 offers a slight edge over the e5 in terms of app features, as it supports more detailed scheduling and cleaning reports, thanks to its enhanced navigation system.
Maintenance and Accessories
Dustbin Capacity and Filter System
Both the Roomba e5 and 890 feature a high-efficiency filter to trap allergens and small particles, making them great for homes with pets or allergy sufferers. The dustbin size is also nearly identical on both models, holding up to 600 ml of dirt and debris.
| Maintenance Aspect | Roomba e5 | Roomba 890 |
|---|---|---|
| Dustbin Capacity | 600 ml | 600 ml |
| Filter Type | High-Efficiency | High-Efficiency |
Both vacuums require regular maintenance, including emptying the dustbin and cleaning the brushes. Routine maintenance is easy, but the Roomba 890’s superior navigation may reduce the frequency of having to manually reposition the robot during cleaning.
Price and Value
| Aspect | Roomba e5 | Roomba 890 |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Moderate | Moderate to High |
| Value for Money | Excellent | Excellent |
Both the Roomba e5 and 890 offer great value for money, but the Roomba 890 typically costs slightly more due to its enhanced features, including better suction, advanced navigation, and app control options. Despite the price difference, both models offer excellent cleaning performance, making them strong contenders in the mid-range robotic vacuum category.
Who Should Choose Which?
| User Type | Recommended Model |
|---|---|
| Budget-Conscious | Roomba e5 |
| Small to Medium Homes | Roomba e5 |
| Homes with Pets | Roomba 890 |
| Larger Homes | Roomba 890 |
Final Verdict
Both the Roomba e5 and 890 are fantastic robotic vacuums, but they cater to different needs. The Roomba e5 provides solid cleaning performance at a reasonable price, making it an excellent choice for homes with primarily hard floors or low-pile carpets. It’s a great option for those on a budget who still want a reliable, effective robot vacuum.
The Roomba 890, on the other hand, offers more power and intelligence, with stronger suction, better navigation, and enhanced app features. This makes it a better choice for larger homes, thicker carpets, or users looking for more advanced cleaning control.
- Choose the Roomba e5 if you need an affordable yet highly effective vacuum that performs well on hardwood and low-pile carpets.
- Opt for the Roomba 890 if you need better suction, smarter navigation, and more control over your cleaning schedule, especially for homes with thicker carpets or larger spaces.
Both models are high-quality robotic vacuums, but the Roomba 890’s premium features make it the better choice for those seeking a more advanced cleaning experience.