As robot vacuums become more advanced over the years, several older models become cheaper along the way. This entices many homeowners to consider buying older Roomba models thanks to their affordable prices. In fact, two mid-tier options, the Roomba 614 and the Roomba e5, are often compared to each other.

Roomba 614 vs. e5 comparison: The biggest difference between the Roomba 614 and Roomba e5 is Wi-Fi connectivity. The Roomba e5 is compatible with the iRobot Home app so you can control it remotely from your mobile device. The Roomba 614, however, can only be controlled manually.

With that said, does it mean that the Roomba e5 is the right robot vacuum for you to buy? After all, not everyone needs to control a Roomba from their smartphone. In this post, we will review the iRobot Roomba 614 vs. e5 comparison and break down every feature on both robot vacuums. Let’s get started.

Roomba 614 vs. e5 Comparison:

Quick Overview

In terms of the similarities, both the Roomba 614 and Roomba e5 have similar battery life. Both can run for up to 90 minutes before going back to the dock to recharge. Expect the battery level to reach 15% before either Roomba recharges itself. With that said, let’s move over to the Roomba 614 vs. e5 comparison:

1. Real-World Navigation

Roomba 614

Every Roomba model from the 600 Series uses the original iAdapt technology. Basically, it utilizes several sensors, instead of cameras, to move around the house. But because it doesn’t have a camera, it cannot “see” and therefore moves randomly. It works just like a blind bat, using sensors to navigate itself.

The first sensor is the bump sensor. Whenever the Roomba 614 senses an incoming object, the bump sensor will gently touch the object to determine whether the Roomba can go over it or not. If the object is too big for the Roomba to pass through, it will signal the Roomba to back away and find a better route. 

The second sensor is the cliff sensor. This particular type of sensor detects cliffs and edges, preventing the Roomba 614 from falling down stairs. Any floor height difference of more than 0.5 inch will be recognized as a cliff. The cliff sensor is very useful to prevent the Roomba from becoming damaged from falling.

In terms of real-world navigation, we are fairly impressed by how well the Roomba 614 moves around despite using the older navigation system. While it does move in a random pattern, the Roomba 614 will eventually finish cleaning the entire area. If you have a simple and small floor plan, the Roomba 614 will do just fine.

Roomba e5

Unlike the Roomba 614, the Roomba e5 uses the newer iAdapt 2.0 navigation system. In essence, it is the same navigation technology found in the Roomba i and s Series, but without the camera. It features better algorithms, so the Roomba e5 can move and avoid obstacles better than the Roomba 614. 

Nonetheless, while the Roomba e5 moves neatly, it does not have the ability to create a map of your house. Just like the Roomba 614, it also moves around randomly, doing the best it can to avoid objects along the way. The Roomba e5 features similar bump and cliff sensors, and will work just as well on smaller floor plans.

VERDICT: While it is very close, the Roomba e5 slightly edges the navigation system of the Roomba 614. Thanks to its newer navigation technology, the Roomba e5 is slightly better. But because both the Roomba 614 and Roomba e5 move randomly, it is best to use either one on simple and small floor plans.

2. Cleaning Performance

Roomba 614

The first thing that caught our eye is the brushroll. The Roomba 614 still employs the outdated brush design. We’ve tested it and it can get tangled with human and pet hair more often than rubber brushes. While it can pick up dirt from carpets and hard floors fairly well, you may need to untangle the brushroll often.

As far as cleaning hard floors, the Roomba 614 has no trouble cleaning them. The suction power is more than enough to pick up dust and debris. Unlike carpets, hard floors are easy enough for Roombas to clean. Unfortunately, the Roomba 614 does not have a high-efficiency filter to keep harmful allergens at bay. 

Roomba e5

The Roomba e5, on the other hand, has 5x the suction power of the Roomba 675. It also features a high-efficiency filter to prevent harmful particles from recirculating back into a room. Because of this, the Roomba e5 is more suitable to clean after pet hair, far better than the older Roomba 614. 

Another glaring difference between the Roomba e5 and the Roomba 614 is the brushroll. The e5 is equipped with the new-and-improved tangle-resistant rubber brushroll. It is designed to get tangled less often, so stray hair and carpet fibers will not get stuck easily. Overall, the Roomba e5 can clean better than the Roomba 675.

VERDICT: The Roomba e5 is better in cleaning than the Roomba 614. Thanks to the combination of stronger suction power, more effective brushroll, and better filtration system, the Roomba e5 is better equipped to clean after pet hair and dust bunnies than the Roomba 614. After all, the e5 has 5x the suction power of the 675.

3. Other Useful Features

As mentioned in the beginning of this article, the Roomba 614 can only be controlled manually. All of the buttons you need to operate the Roomba 614 is located on the robot itself. Just press CLEAN and it goes to work. It is perfect for you if you don't want the hassle of setting up anything on your smartphone.

On the contrary, the Roomba e5 is compatible with the iRobot Home app. This gives you the ability to operate the Roomba e5 remotely, including via voice command. By using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, you are able to control the Roomba e5 simply by using your voice. Now that’s convenient!

VERDICT: The Roomba e5 has better useful features than the Roomba 614. Because the Roomba e5 is compatible with your mobile device, it is far more enjoyable to use it simply because you can do so anytime, anywhere. The Roomba 614 can only be controlled by pressing the buttons on the robot itself. 

Final Verdict 

Buy the Roomba e5 instead of the Roomba 614.

While both are excellent entry-level robot vacuums, the Roomba e5 is clearly the better choice. The slight difference in price is justified because of the more useful features. We don’t see any reason for buying the Roomba 614 over the Roomba e5. Overall, the Roomba e5 might offer one of the best values for its price.

And there you have it, the complete iRobot Roomba 614 vs. e5 comparison. It’s a joy for our team to test and research some of the most affordable robot vacuums in the market today. While both are excellent budget options, we would recommend buying the Roomba e5, thanks to its Wi-Fi connectivity.