The Roomba i5 and Roomba i7 are two of iRobot’s most popular robotic vacuums, offering a great balance of performance, features, and value. Both models come equipped with intelligent navigation, efficient cleaning systems, and smart connectivity. However, the Roomba i7 is positioned as a slightly more advanced model with a few notable upgrades. This article will compare the Roomba i5 and Roomba i7, examining their key features, differences, and similarities to help you determine which vacuum is the right choice for your home.
Key Specifications: Roomba i5 vs i7
| Feature | Roomba i5 | Roomba i7 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.34 x 3.63 inches | 13.34 x 3.63 inches |
| Weight | 7.44 lbs | 7.44 lbs |
| Suction Power | 10x the suction of 600 Series | 10x the suction of 600 Series |
| Brush System | Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes | Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes |
| Navigation System | iAdapt® 2.0 Navigation with Smart Sensors | iAdapt® 3.0 Navigation with Smart Sensors |
| Mapping | No | Yes (iAdapt® 3.0 with Smart Mapping) |
| Battery Life | ~75 minutes | ~75 minutes |
| Recharge and Resume | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Clean Base™ Compatibility | No | Yes (Available as an accessory) |
| Price | Mid-Range | Premium |
Design and Build Quality
Roomba i5: Compact and Efficient
The Roomba i5 features a sleek, round design that is well-suited for a variety of home layouts. Measuring 13.34 x 3.63 inches and weighing 7.44 lbs, the i5 offers a compact build, making it agile and effective in navigating smaller to medium-sized homes. The i5’s design also incorporates iRobot’s proven Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes, which work well on both carpets and hard floors.
Roomba i7: Advanced Design with Mapping
The Roomba i7 shares the same dimensions and weight as the i5, yet it distinguishes itself with a key feature: it’s equipped with iAdapt® 3.0 Navigation that allows for more advanced mapping capabilities. The i7 can create a detailed map of your home, enabling it to clean in an efficient pattern and remember specific areas for future cleans. This feature makes the i7 better for larger homes or spaces with multiple rooms, as it can create specific room layouts for smarter cleaning.
| Design Feature | Roomba i5 | Roomba i7 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.34 x 3.63 inches | 13.34 x 3.63 inches |
| Weight | 7.44 lbs | 7.44 lbs |
| Brush System | Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes | Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes |
| Navigation System | iAdapt® 2.0 with Smart Sensors | iAdapt® 3.0 with Smart Mapping |
| Mapping | No | Yes |
Cleaning Performance
Suction Power and Brush System
Both the Roomba i5 and i7 feature 10x the suction power of iRobot’s 600 Series models. This provides excellent cleaning performance across various floor types, including hardwood, low-pile carpet, and medium-pile carpet. The Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes on both models work together to agitate dirt and debris, ensuring effective cleaning, while reducing tangles, especially with pet hair.
Navigation and Efficiency
One of the key differences between the Roomba i5 and i7 lies in their navigation systems. The Roomba i5 uses iAdapt® 2.0 Navigation, which employs smart sensors to help the vacuum detect obstacles and clean systematically. While it navigates effectively, it is not as efficient at mapping and planning its cleaning route compared to the Roomba i7, which uses iAdapt® 3.0 for more advanced navigation and mapping.
- The i7 can map your home using its Smart Mapping system, allowing it to clean specific rooms and set No-Go Zones. This makes the i7 ideal for homes with multiple rooms or complex layouts, as it can efficiently plan and optimize its cleaning routes.
| Cleaning Aspect | Roomba i5 | Roomba i7 |
|---|---|---|
| Suction Power | 10x the suction of 600 Series | 10x the suction of 600 Series |
| Brush System | Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes | Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes |
| Navigation System | iAdapt® 2.0 with Smart Sensors | iAdapt® 3.0 with Smart Mapping |
| Mapping | No | Yes |
Smart Features and Connectivity
Wi-Fi Control and Voice Commands
Both the Roomba i5 and i7 offer Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control the vacuums remotely using the iRobot Home app. The app provides a variety of features, such as cleaning scheduling, custom cleaning preferences, and viewing cleaning history. Additionally, both models support voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling hands-free control.
Clean Base™ Compatibility
One notable difference between the i5 and i7 is that the Roomba i7 is compatible with iRobot’s Clean Base™ Automatic Dirt Disposal, a feature that allows the vacuum to empty its dustbin into a larger bag after each cleaning session. The Roomba i5 does not have this feature but can still function well with its regular dustbin.
| Smart Feature | Roomba i5 | Roomba i7 |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| App Control | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control | Alexa/Google Assistant | Alexa/Google Assistant |
| Clean Base™ Compatibility | No | Yes (Optional) |
Battery Life and Runtime
Both the Roomba i5 and i7 offer around 75 minutes of runtime on a single charge, which is sufficient for most medium-sized homes. Once their battery runs low, both models will return to their charging dock, recharge, and resume cleaning from where they left off. This Recharge and Resume feature ensures uninterrupted cleaning, even in larger areas.
| Battery Feature | Roomba i5 | Roomba i7 |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime | ~75 minutes | ~75 minutes |
| Recharge and Resume | Yes | Yes |
Price and Value
The Roomba i5 is a more affordable option, providing excellent value for money. While it does not have the Smart Mapping feature or Clean Base™ compatibility, it still offers robust cleaning power and smart connectivity. The Roomba i7, on the other hand, is a more premium model that justifies its higher price tag with advanced mapping capabilities, better navigation, and the option for automatic dirt disposal with the Clean Base™.
| Feature | Roomba i5 | Roomba i7 |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Mid-Range | Premium |
| Value for Money | Excellent | Excellent (for advanced features) |
Final Verdict: Roomba i5 vs i7
- Choose the Roomba i5 if you’re looking for a reliable, high-performing robot vacuum at a more affordable price. The i5 is an excellent choice for homes with simpler layouts and fewer complex cleaning requirements.
- Choose the Roomba i7 if you want more advanced features, such as Smart Mapping, room-specific cleaning, and the Clean Base™ Automatic Dirt Disposal. The i7 is perfect for larger homes or multi-room environments where detailed mapping and more personalized cleaning are important.
Both the Roomba i5 and Roomba i7 offer exceptional cleaning power and smart connectivity, but your choice will depend on the level of advanced functionality you need in your robot vacuum.