When it comes to robotic vacuums, iRobot’s Roomba series is widely regarded as one of the best. Among its offerings, the Roomba e5 and Roomba 980 stand out as excellent models within the mid-to-high range. While both provide exceptional cleaning performance and smart features, they cater to different needs and preferences. This article will compare the Roomba e5 and 980 in terms of design, cleaning power, smart features, navigation, and more to help you determine which model is the right fit for your home.
Design and Build Quality
Size, Weight, and Appearance
The Roomba e5 and 980 share a similar round design, both featuring a sleek black body with minimalistic controls. However, the Roomba 980 is slightly more refined, with a silver trim that gives it a premium appearance. Both vacuums are compact enough to fit under furniture, but the Roomba 980 is slightly taller and heavier than the e5.
| Feature | Roomba e5 | Roomba 980 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.4 x 3.6 inches | 13.9 x 3.6 inches |
| Weight | 7.8 lbs | 8.7 lbs |
| Finish | Black | Black with Silver Trim |
While the difference in dimensions and weight is minimal, the Roomba 980’s slightly larger frame provides more room for a bigger battery, which contributes to its longer runtime.
Cleaning Performance
Suction Power and Brush System
Both the Roomba e5 and 980 are equipped with iRobot’s AeroForce® 3-Stage Cleaning System, which includes Dual Multi-Surface Brushes, a high-efficiency filter, and robust suction. However, there is a noticeable difference in suction power between the two. The Roomba 980 offers significantly stronger suction, which allows it to clean deeper into carpets and pick up more debris.
| Cleaning Aspect | Roomba e5 | Roomba 980 |
|---|---|---|
| Suction Power | High | Very High |
| Brush System | AeroForce® Dual Brushes | AeroForce® Dual Brushes |
The Roomba 980 has better suction, making it more effective at cleaning high-pile carpets, pet hair, and larger debris. While the Roomba e5 still offers strong suction, its performance on thicker carpets is not as efficient as the 980.
Performance on Various Surfaces
| Surface Type | Roomba e5 Performance | Roomba 980 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwood Floors | Excellent | Excellent |
| Low-Pile Carpets | Excellent | Excellent |
| High-Pile Carpets | Good | Very Good |
Both models excel on hardwood floors and low-pile carpets. However, the Roomba 980 is particularly advantageous for high-pile carpets, where its superior suction power can make a noticeable difference in cleaning efficiency.
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 is effective for systematic cleaning. It maps out the area in a basic back-and-forth pattern, ensuring that the vacuum covers a large surface area without missing spots. However, it does not include visual localization, so it may occasionally bump into obstacles.
The Roomba 980, on the other hand, uses iAdapt® 2.0 Navigation with Visual Localization, which enables it to map out and navigate spaces more precisely. The 980 can clean in a more organized way, avoiding obstacles more effectively and ensuring thorough coverage, especially in larger spaces.
| Navigation Feature | Roomba e5 | Roomba 980 |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation System | iAdapt® 2.0 | iAdapt® 2.0 with Visual Localization |
| Mapping & Coverage | Systematic Cleaning | Systematic Cleaning with Enhanced Navigation |
With Visual Localization, the Roomba 980 offers more reliable navigation, particularly in complex home layouts or larger spaces, while the Roomba e5 may require occasional manual reorienting.
Battery Life and Runtime
Longer Runtime on the Roomba 980
While both the Roomba e5 and 980 have strong battery life, the Roomba 980 has a longer runtime, making it a better choice for larger homes or more extensive cleaning sessions.
| Battery Aspect | Roomba e5 | Roomba 980 |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime | ~90 minutes | ~120 minutes |
| Recharge and Resume | Yes | Yes |
The Roomba 980 offers up to 120 minutes of continuous cleaning, which is particularly advantageous for large homes or multi-level homes. The e5, with a runtime of 90 minutes, is still impressive but may need to recharge more frequently during longer cleaning sessions.
Smart Features
App Control and Voice Integration
Both the Roomba e5 and 980 support Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling users to control them via the iRobot Home app. They are also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can control them with voice commands.
| Feature | Roomba e5 | Roomba 980 |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| App Control | Advanced | Advanced |
| Voice Commands | Alexa/Google | Alexa/Google |
Both models allow you to schedule cleanings, set cleaning preferences, and view cleaning reports. However, the Roomba 980 offers more features within the app, such as the ability to designate specific rooms to clean and more detailed cleaning history reports. This provides a greater level of control and customization, especially for users with larger homes or specific cleaning needs.
Maintenance and Accessories
Dustbin Capacity and Filter System
Both the Roomba e5 and 980 have the same dustbin capacity, meaning that users will need to empty the dustbin regularly. Both models feature a high-efficiency filter that captures dust, dirt, and allergens, making them ideal for allergy sufferers.
| Maintenance Aspect | Roomba e5 | Roomba 980 |
|---|---|---|
| Dustbin Capacity | 600 ml | 600 ml |
| Filter Type | High-Efficiency | High-Efficiency |
Both models are easy to maintain, requiring routine emptying of the dustbin and cleaning of the brushes. However, the Roomba 980 has the added benefit of offering the Clean Base® Automatic Dirt Disposal system (sold separately), which allows it to empty its dustbin automatically into a larger bag, providing a more hands-off experience.
Price and Value
| Aspect | Roomba e5 | Roomba 980 |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Moderate | High |
| Value for Money | Excellent | Excellent |
While both the Roomba e5 and 980 offer excellent value for money, the Roomba 980 is typically priced higher due to its longer runtime, superior suction, advanced navigation, and additional smart features. The Roomba e5, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly option while still offering impressive performance for everyday cleaning.
Who Should Choose Which?
| User Type | Recommended Model |
|---|---|
| Budget-Conscious | Roomba e5 |
| Small to Medium Homes | Roomba e5 |
| Homes with Pets | Roomba 980 |
| Large Homes | Roomba 980 |
Final Verdict
Both the Roomba e5 and 980 are exceptional robot vacuums, but they cater to slightly different needs. The Roomba e5 provides powerful suction and reliable cleaning at a more affordable price, making it a great option for smaller homes, those with hard floors, or those who don’t need advanced features like room-specific mapping or a longer runtime.
On the other hand, the Roomba 980 offers more powerful suction, longer battery life, and advanced navigation, making it the better choice for larger homes, high-pile carpets, or users who want more control over their cleaning preferences. The Roomba 980’s smart mapping and ability to clean specific rooms offer added convenience, especially for homes with multiple rooms or complex layouts.
- Choose the Roomba e5 if you need a cost-effective, reliable vacuum for general cleaning, especially in smaller homes or homes with mostly hardwood floors and low-pile carpets.
- Opt for the Roomba 980 if you have a larger home, more high-pile carpets, or if you want advanced navigation, longer battery life, and smarter control via the app.
Both vacuums are excellent choices, but the Roomba 980 offers more premium features for users who require the best in cleaning power, convenience, and smart capabilities.