iRobot’s Roomba series has become synonymous with high-performance robotic vacuum cleaners, offering a variety of models to suit different cleaning needs. Among these, the Roomba e5 and Roomba 960 stand out as excellent mid-range options, boasting strong suction, smart features, and reliable navigation. If you’re deciding between the two, this article will compare the Roomba e5 and 960 in terms of design, cleaning performance, smart features, and more to help you make an informed choice.
Design and Build Quality
Dimensions and Weight
Both the Roomba e5 and 960 have similar designs—sleek, round, and compact with a black finish and minimalistic controls. They are both designed to fit easily under furniture and are lightweight for easy handling. However, the Roomba 960 has a slightly more polished appearance with a silver trim, making it appear more refined compared to the e5.
| Feature | Roomba e5 | Roomba 960 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.4 x 3.6 inches | 13.4 x 3.6 inches |
| Weight | 7.8 lbs | 8.4 lbs |
| Finish | Black | Black with Silver Trim |
While the size is virtually identical, the Roomba 960 is marginally heavier than the e5, but this difference is unlikely to impact performance or maneuverability.
Cleaning Performance
Suction Power and Brush System
Both models feature iRobot’s AeroForce® 3-Stage Cleaning System, which includes Dual Multi-Surface Brushes, a high-efficiency filter, and powerful suction. The main difference lies in the suction power, with the Roomba 960 offering slightly higher suction compared to the e5, making it a better choice for homes with thicker carpets.
| Cleaning Aspect | Roomba e5 | Roomba 960 |
|---|---|---|
| Suction Power | High | Very High |
| Brush System | AeroForce® Dual Brushes | AeroForce® Dual Brushes |
Both models are highly effective on hard floors, low-pile carpets, and high-pile carpets, but the Roomba 960’s slightly stronger suction makes it better for homes with pet hair or deeper carpet fibers. However, the Roomba e5 still offers solid performance and is more than capable of handling everyday cleaning tasks.
Performance on Various Surfaces
| Surface Type | Roomba e5 Performance | Roomba 960 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwood Floors | Excellent | Excellent |
| Low-Pile Carpets | Excellent | Excellent |
| High-Pile Carpets | Good | Very Good |
Both models perform excellently on hardwood floors and low-pile carpets. However, the Roomba 960’s superior suction allows it to clean more effectively on high-pile carpets, making it a better choice for those with plush rugs or homes with more carpeted areas.
Navigation and Mapping
iAdapt 2.0 vs iAdapt 2.0 with Visual Localization
The Roomba e5 uses iRobot’s iAdapt® 2.0 Navigation system, which allows it to clean in an efficient, systematic manner by following a back-and-forth pattern across rooms. It is effective at covering a large area without missing spots, but it doesn’t use visual localization, which means it may occasionally bump into obstacles.
In contrast, the Roomba 960 features iAdapt® 2.0 Navigation with Visual Localization, which helps it better map and navigate around your home. This means it’s able to avoid obstacles more effectively and clean more methodically, ensuring a thorough job even in larger spaces.
| Navigation Feature | Roomba e5 | Roomba 960 |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation System | iAdapt® 2.0 | iAdapt® 2.0 with Visual Localization |
| Mapping & Coverage | Systematic Cleaning | Systematic Cleaning with Enhanced Navigation |
The Roomba 960’s Visual Localization provides an advantage when cleaning large or complex spaces, making it a more efficient choice for bigger homes or homes with lots of furniture.
Battery Life and Runtime
Longer Runtime on the Roomba 960
Both the Roomba e5 and 960 offer excellent battery life, with each model providing up to 90 minutes of continuous cleaning. However, the Roomba 960 has the edge in terms of energy efficiency, providing a more consistent cleaning experience before needing a recharge.
| Battery Aspect | Roomba e5 | Roomba 960 |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime | ~90 minutes | ~90 minutes |
| Recharge and Resume | Yes | Yes |
Both models support the “Recharge and Resume” feature, which means they will automatically return to their charging dock when the battery is low and resume cleaning once charged. This is especially useful for larger areas or multi-level homes.
Smart Features
App Control and Voice Integration
Both the Roomba e5 and 960 support Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling you to control the vacuum via the iRobot Home app. They also integrate with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, offering voice control.
| Feature | Roomba e5 | Roomba 960 |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| App Control | Advanced | Advanced |
| Voice Commands | Alexa/Google | Alexa/Google |
The iRobot Home app for both models allows you to schedule cleanings, view cleaning history, and customize preferences. The Roomba 960 has slightly more advanced app features, including more detailed cleaning reports and the ability to clean specific rooms, thanks to its enhanced mapping technology.
Maintenance and Accessories
Dustbin Capacity and Filter System
Both the Roomba e5 and 960 come with a similar-sized dustbin, meaning they both require emptying approximately once per cleaning session, depending on the level of debris in your home.
| Maintenance Aspect | Roomba e5 | Roomba 960 |
|---|---|---|
| Dustbin Capacity | 600 ml | 600 ml |
| Filter Type | High-Efficiency | High-Efficiency |
Both models feature a high-efficiency filter that captures small particles, such as dust and allergens, making them a good choice for homes with allergy sufferers or pet owners. Routine maintenance involves cleaning the brushes and emptying the dustbin regularly.
Price and Value
| Aspect | Roomba e5 | Roomba 960 |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Moderate | Moderate to High |
| Value for Money | Excellent | Excellent |
Both the Roomba e5 and 960 are priced similarly, with only a slight difference in cost. The Roomba 960 is typically a bit more expensive due to its enhanced navigation system and slightly better performance on high-pile carpets. However, both models offer excellent value for the price, given their feature sets and performance.
Who Should Choose Which?
| User Type | Recommended Model |
|---|---|
| Budget-Conscious | Roomba e5 |
| Small to Medium Homes | Roomba e5 |
| Homes with Pets | Roomba 960 |
| Larger Homes | Roomba 960 |
Final Verdict
Both the Roomba e5 and 960 are excellent choices for anyone looking for a high-performance robot vacuum. The Roomba e5 provides solid suction power and reliable cleaning, making it a great option for homes with primarily hard floors or low-pile carpets. It is particularly well-suited for budget-conscious buyers who want an efficient robot vacuum at a reasonable price.
On the other hand, the Roomba 960’s superior suction power, enhanced navigation, and ability to clean larger or more complex spaces make it a better option for homes with high-pile carpets, multiple rooms, or more challenging cleaning areas. The Roomba 960’s Visual Localization and smarter mapping capabilities ensure a more thorough, efficient cleaning experience, especially for larger homes.
- Choose the Roomba e5 if you need a reliable, efficient vacuum that works well on hard floors and low-pile carpets without the need for advanced features like enhanced mapping or stronger suction for deep carpets.
- Opt for the Roomba 960 if you have larger spaces, high-pile carpets, or prefer smarter navigation and app control features that let you customize your cleaning experience.
Ultimately, both models offer great value, with the Roomba 960 being a slightly better choice for those seeking enhanced navigation and deeper carpet cleaning. The Roomba e5 remains an excellent, cost-effective alternative for those with simpler cleaning needs.