iRobot Roomba i3 vs. i4 vs. e5 vs. 690: Pros & Cons and Final Verdict 2024

Best Budget Robot Vacuum

#1.  iRobot Roomba 690 Robot Vacuum

$199.99 FROM AMAZON

The 690 is currently the entry-level option for the Roomba, and one of the cheapest.

Roomba 690 is an upgraded version of Roomba 650 with WIFI and compatibility with iRobot Home app.

However, it only has basic navigation algorithms, so it just bounces in random directions.

Despite the low airflow, this robot works well on carpets thanks to the counter-rotating brushes.

I would not recommend this product in large homes or homes with only hard floors. However, it can be useful if you need something to clean a small space with a lot of rugs.

Pros:

• Decent deep cleaning carpet.

• Very thorough when cleaning smaller areas.

• Large trash can that is easy to empty.

• Compatible with Alexa and iRobot Home apps.

Cons:

• It tends to hit furniture.

• Random navigation is inefficient.

• Long hair can wrap around the brush.

• It has limited app functionality.

#2.  iRobot Roomba E5 (5150) Robot Vacuum

$249.99 FROM AMAZON

Roomba e5 is the most affordable model in Roomba's line of updated models. It appears to be on par with the Roomba 890 in terms of price and features, but with significantly improved cleaning performance.

Just like the S9+ and i7+, sugar on high-pile carpets can't match the Roomba e5. The e5 has an average cleaning performance score of 99% across all floor types and across all debris types.

All three models in the current iSeries feature the same advanced filtration system. Roomba doesn't seem to give it a fancy name. However, it's a marked improvement over recent AeroForce and older AeroVac models.

The filters in the iSeries models are smaller and therefore more efficient, and the dust box is slightly larger.

Pros:

• Features a WiFi connection, allowing the user to control the vacuum from a mobile phone or compatible voice device.

• Offers powerful cleaning performance and a range of neat features.

Cons:

• There is no in-car camera for mapping your home.

• The e5 does not have the ability to charge and restore. When the battery is dead, the vacuum will charge and stay on the base.

#3.  iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO (3550) Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

$349.99 FROM AMAZON

Like the i7, the Roomba i3 has 10 times the power of the 600 series and works with the iRobot app. The main difference is that the unit does not map a specific area, so it cannot identify different areas. We found it still takes orders through the app and cleans (or returns to base) at the touch of a button.

Through the app, users can set a schedule and track where the Roomba is cleaning or use voice control to turn it on or off. Sensor technology helps Roomba avoid getting stuck, and a dirt detection sensor simplifies cleaning up clutter. Thanks to its multi-faceted rubber brush and high-efficiency filter, this model is also ideal for removing cat and dog hair. In testing, we found it did a good job handling obstacles like chair legs and footrests.

Using the company's Imprint Link technology, the iRobot Roomba i3 works with the Braava Jet M6 mopping robot, so users can sequentially vacuum and then mop. When the battery runs low (after about 75 minutes of operation), the Roomba will automatically recharge and continue cleaning.

Pros:

• Above-average deep cleaning results (84.7%)

• Cheaper than Roomba I6 and I7+

• A clean base station empties the robot's trash can for you

• Linear motion

• Efficient and thorough, a rarity for robot vacuums that rely on floor sensors and gyroscopes

• Bagging system protects consumers from direct exposure to allergens

• Excellent parts availability due to iRobot's popularity

Cons:

• Poor airflow (about 7 CFM)

• Fast-spinning side brushes will scatter clumps of debris

• Could not save map

#4.  iRobot Roomba i4+ EVO (4552) Robot Vacuum

$513.00 FROM AMAZON

Around the same time the Roomba i3 was announced, a new model appeared online. This is the Roomba i4, an entry-level Roomba that empties itself. The Roomba i4 shares many features with the Roomba i3, but there are also notable differences, which we'll see later. Roomba i4 is designed for homes with bare floors, thin carpets and pets.

Like the i3 series, the i4 series also comes in two variants. The base model is the Roomba i4 (4150) and does not include the iRobot Clean Base automatic dirt disposal unit. On the other hand, the Roomba i4+ (4552/4550) includes the iRobot Clean Base automatic dirt treatment unit.

The only difference between these Roombas is the included accessories. The i3 comes with only 1 spare filter, while the i4 comes with 2 spare filters and a virtual wall accessory. Other than that, these two robot vacuums are nearly identical and perform identically.

In other words, when you buy a Roomba i4, you get a virtual wall accessory and an extra spare filter.

Pros:

• Automatic face shape adjustment.

• Long battery life.

Cons:

• Difficult to maintain.

• Make an effort to pick up fine crumbs from the carpet.

iRobot Roomba i3 vs. i4 vs. e5 vs. 690

Features	Roomba 690	Roomba e5	Roomba i3+ / i4+
Suction power  Compared to Roomba 600 Series	-	5x the air power	10x the air power
Run Time (min)	90	90	90
Cleaning Technology	AeroVac	3-Stage Cleaning System	3-Stage Cleaning System
Navigation Technology	iAdapt 1.0	iAdapt 1.0	iAdapt 2.0 (Imprint™ Smart Mapping)
Mapping Function	No	No	yes (gyroscope-based)
Object recognition	No	No	No
Mopping Function	No	No	No
Auto mop lifting	-	-	-
Virtual Walls	Yes	Yes	No
Keep Out Zones	-	-	No
Clean & Schedule By Room	No	No	Yes
Automatic Dirt Disposal	No	No	Yes
Filter	AeroVac	HEPA	HEPA
Auto Recharge	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dirt Detect	Yes	Yes	Yes
Scheduling	Yes	Yes	Yes
Smartphone App	Yes	Yes	Yes
Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant	Yes	Yes	Yes
Tangle-Free Brush	No	Yes	Yes
Recharge and Resume	No	No	Yes
Deeper Carpet Cleaning	No	No	No
Full Bin Indicator	No	Yes	Yes
Built-in Camera	No	No	No
Dimensions (dxh)	13 x 3.7 in / 33.78 x 9.39 cm	13.3 x 3.6 in / 33.78 x 9.14 cm	13.26 in x 3.6 in /  33.68 x 9.14 cm
Weight (lbs/kg)	7.8 / 3.53	7.2 / 3.26	7.44 / 3/26
Warranty	12 months	12 months	12 months

Which affordable robot vacuum should I buy?

Roomba i3+ is our first choice.

It has the same motor as the Roomba i7+, making it as powerful as the higher-end models.

Roomba i3+ is cheap and has a self-emptying bin

Featuring a brushless roller that prevents hair from tangling and an automatic emptying base, Roomba i3+ is ideal for pet owners.

It doesn't have a built-in camera, but has other sensors to help it navigate and map your house.

Another cool feature is bot support for imprint mapping. It integrates with the Braava jet m6, and once the i3+ has finished vacuuming, Braava will start mopping.

The difference between Roomba i7+ and i3+ is that Roomba i7+ can set exclusion zones and it can also save up to 10 maps. i3+ does not allow interaction with the map.

This robot is perfect for those who want a vacuum with an automatic emptying base but don't want to spend more on a Roomba i7+ or s9+

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