When it comes to robotic vacuums, the Roomba i7 and Roomba S9 stand out as two of the most advanced models from iRobot, offering a host of intelligent features and top-tier cleaning performance. The i7 is an excellent choice for those looking for a well-rounded, mid-range option, while the S9 is designed for users who need the utmost power and precision in their cleaning tasks. In this article, we will compare the Roomba i7 and Roomba S9 across various aspects, helping you choose the right model for your cleaning needs.
Key Specifications: Roomba i7 vs S9
| Feature | Roomba i7 | Roomba S9 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.34 x 3.63 inches | 12.25 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 7.44 lbs | 8.15 lbs |
| Suction Power | 10x the suction of 600 Series | 40x the suction of 600 Series |
| Brush System | Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes | Advanced Dual Multi-Surface Brushes |
| Navigation System | iAdapt® 3.0 with Smart Mapping | iAdapt® 3.0 with Smart Mapping |
| Mapping | Yes, Room-Specific | Yes, Advanced Mapping with Corner Cleaning |
| Battery Life | ~75 minutes | ~120 minutes |
| Recharge and Resume | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Clean Base™ Compatibility | Yes | Yes (Included) |
| Price | Premium | High-End |
Design and Build Quality
Roomba i7: Sleek and Efficient
The Roomba i7 features a sleek, round design that is slightly larger than the more compact i3 and i4 models, measuring 13.34 x 3.63 inches and weighing 7.44 lbs. Its size strikes a balance between performance and maneuverability, making it ideal for homes with medium to large floor plans. The i7 uses Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes, which effectively pick up dirt, debris, and pet hair on both hard floors and carpets.
Roomba S9: Premium and Powerful
The Roomba S9 is a more advanced and powerful robot vacuum, offering a refined design that’s slightly smaller in diameter but taller at 12.25 x 3.5 inches and weighing 8.15 lbs. The S9 is engineered for users with high cleaning demands, including large homes, heavy pet hair, or deeply embedded dirt. The vacuum’s design incorporates Advanced Dual Multi-Surface Brushes and a Power Boost feature, which increases suction for more difficult tasks, particularly on carpets.
| Design Feature | Roomba i7 | Roomba S9 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.34 x 3.63 inches | 12.25 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 7.44 lbs | 8.15 lbs |
| Brush System | Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes | Advanced Dual Multi-Surface Brushes |
| Navigation System | iAdapt® 3.0 with Smart Mapping | iAdapt® 3.0 with Smart Mapping + Corner Cleaning |
| Mapping | Yes, Room-Specific | Yes, Advanced Mapping |
Cleaning Performance
Suction Power: A World of Difference
One of the most significant differences between the i7 and the S9 lies in their suction power. The Roomba i7 provides 10x the suction of iRobot’s 600 Series models, which is more than sufficient for cleaning low-pile carpets, hardwood floors, and medium-pile carpets. On the other hand, the Roomba S9 delivers a remarkable 40x the suction power of the 600 Series, making it ideal for homes with heavy pet hair, deep carpets, and larger debris. This level of suction ensures that the S9 can thoroughly clean high-pile carpets and pick up dirt that’s more deeply embedded in fibers.
Advanced Cleaning System
Both vacuums feature the AeroForce® 3-Stage Cleaning System with Dual Multi-Surface Brushes, which work in tandem to loosen, lift, and suction dirt from a variety of surfaces. However, the Roomba S9 takes it a step further with its Power Boost feature. When the S9 detects carpeted areas, it automatically increases suction for a deeper clean, especially beneficial for homes with high-pile carpets or stubborn dirt.
| Cleaning Aspect | Roomba i7 | Roomba S9 |
|---|---|---|
| Suction Power | 10x the suction of 600 Series | 40x the suction of 600 Series |
| Brush System | Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes | Advanced Dual Multi-Surface Brushes + Power Boost |
| Carpet Cleaning | Excellent for Low to Medium Pile | Excellent for All Carpet Types (with Power Boost) |
| Pet Hair | Great for Pet Hair | Excellent for Heavy Pet Hair |
Navigation and Mapping
Smart Mapping and Efficient Cleaning
Both the i7 and S9 are equipped with iAdapt® 3.0 Navigation, which allows them to map your home and clean it in an organized, methodical way. Both models can also create No-Go Zones through the app, so you can designate areas where you don’t want the vacuum to go.
While both models feature similar mapping systems, the Roomba S9 has a distinct advantage with its Corner Cleaning technology. The S9’s unique shape and advanced sensors allow it to clean edges and corners more effectively than the i7, making it the better option for homes with lots of baseboards, corners, and furniture edges.
| Navigation Feature | Roomba i7 | Roomba S9 |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation System | iAdapt® 3.0 with Smart Mapping | iAdapt® 3.0 with Smart Mapping + Corner Cleaning |
| Mapping | Yes, Room-Specific | Yes, Advanced Mapping |
| No-Go Zones | Yes | Yes |
| Edge/Corners Cleaning | Good | Excellent (due to Corner Cleaning) |
Smart Features and Connectivity
Wi-Fi and App Control
Both the Roomba i7 and Roomba S9 offer Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control the vacuum remotely via the iRobot Home app. The app provides features like scheduling, cleaning history, custom cleaning preferences, and voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Clean Base™ Automatic Dirt Disposal
A standout feature of both models is the Clean Base™ Automatic Dirt Disposal. However, the Roomba S9 comes with the Clean Base™ included in the box, while the Roomba i7 requires the Clean Base™ to be purchased separately as an accessory. This feature allows both models to empty their dustbins automatically after each cleaning session, minimizing the need for manual maintenance.
| Smart Features | Roomba i7 | Roomba S9 |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| App Control | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control | Alexa/Google Assistant | Alexa/Google Assistant |
| Clean Base™ Compatibility | Yes (Sold Separately) | Yes (Included) |
Battery Life and Runtime
Longer Runtime with the S9
While both the Roomba i7 and Roomba S9 offer the Recharge and Resume feature, the S9 outshines the i7 in terms of battery life. The Roomba i7 offers 75 minutes of continuous cleaning, which is sufficient for small to medium-sized homes. In contrast, the Roomba S9 provides up to 120 minutes of runtime, making it better suited for larger homes or spaces that require more extensive cleaning sessions.
| Battery Feature | Roomba i7 | Roomba S9 |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime | ~75 minutes | ~120 minutes |
| Recharge and Resume | Yes | Yes |
Price and Value
The Roomba i7 and Roomba S9 both fall into the premium price range, but the S9 is priced significantly higher due to its more advanced features, including stronger suction power, longer battery life, and superior corner-cleaning technology. The Roomba i7, while still premium-priced, offers a more affordable option for those who don’t need the extreme cleaning power of the S9.
| Feature | Roomba i7 | Roomba S9 |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Premium | High-End |
| Value for Money | Excellent | Premium (for maximum performance) |
Final Verdict: Roomba i7 vs S9
- Choose the Roomba i7 if you need a reliable, well-balanced robot vacuum that offers excellent performance, smart mapping, and solid cleaning power at a more accessible price point.
- Choose the Roomba S9 if you want the best of the best in robotic cleaning. With its superior suction power, advanced cleaning system, and longer battery life, the S9 is perfect for large homes, heavy-duty cleaning, or homes with pets.
Both models offer exceptional value, but the Roomba S9 is best for those who demand top-tier performance, while the Roomba i7 offers outstanding cleaning power at a more moderate price.