In September 2018, iRobot introduced a new Roomba series with three models: i7, and the more basic e5. While the Roomba i7 comes with new cutting-edge technology, the Roomba e5 keeps things affordable while featuring a number of useful features as well. It’s only fair to compare the two, now is it?

Roomba e5 vs. i7 biggest difference: The Roomba i7 uses the iAdapt 3.0 system with camera-based navigation whereas the Roomba e5 uses the iAdapt 2.0 system with sensor-based navigation. Because of this, the Roomba i7 can resume cleaning after recharging, while the Roomba e5 cannot.

While it is true that the Roomba e5 doesn't have all the features the Roomba i7 has, it is still an excellent choice for many consumers. After all, everyone has different needs. So which Roomba model is right for you? In this post, we will compare the Roomba e5 vs. i7 to help you decide which one to buy. 

Roomba e5 vs. i7 Comparison:

Tale of the Tape

Before going to the Roomba e5 vs. i7 comparison, let’s quickly go over the similarities. Both the Roomba e5 and i7 come equipped with high-efficiency filters to reduce harmful allergens inside your home. The dustbins are also larger than standard robot vacuums at 0.7L and are washable on both Roombas.

The Roomba e5 and Roomba i7 use the new-and-improved tangle-resistant rubber brushes that minimize entanglement. You can safely use both models on all floor types, including high-pile carpeting and softwood flooring. Moreover, both Roombas have Wi-Fi connectivity so you can control them via the iRobot Home app.

1. Navigation System

Roomba e5

The basic e5 Roomba comes with an improved battery life from 60 to 90 minutes of run time. If your home is mostly hard flooring, the robot will move quickly and can cover about 600 to 1200 square feet on a single charge. However, it navigates in random patterns similar to the 6th generation and older robots.

Because it moves randomly, the Roomba e5 may go over the same area twice. And when you add carpets into the mix, the battery may not last as long as it should. We’ve tested the Roomba e5 and found that it will still cover between 450 and 900 square feet of carpet without needing to recharge its battery.

Roomba i7

Similarly to the 900 series, the Roomba i7 uses camera-based navigation, which allows the robot to create a map of your home and avoid continually going over the same areas. Each time the Roomba i7 runs, it will improve the map. This feature also lets you select which room to clean from the iRobot Home app.

Say the battery runs low, the Roomba i7 will go to its dock to recharge. Because it has a map of your house, the Roomba i7 will continue cleaning in the same area it has left off. This is not an option found in the Roomba e5. Additionally, you can also name rooms in your home thanks to the Imprint Smart Mapping feature. 

WINNER: The Roomba i7 is far superior in navigation than the Roomba e5. Thanks to the new-and-improved iAdapt 3.0 navigation system, the Roomba i7 uses its battery more efficiently because it won’t go over the same area twice. It can also recharge and resume. Overall, the i7 is an expert at moving around your home.

2. Cleaning Performance

Roomba e5

The Roomba e5 boasts an amazing 5x more suction power than the older Roomba 600 series. Thanks to the combination of tangle-resistant rubber brushes and improved suction, the Roomba e5 has greatly improved cleaning capabilities. The brushroll won’t get tangled with hair and carpet often.

Having run several full cleaning cycles, we were very impressed with the cleaning capabilities. We tried the Roomba e5 on a variety of low-pile carpet, low-pile rugs, and hard floor surfaces. Dust, carpet fibers, and loose strings are all picked up with ease, even better than some full-size vacuums we have used.

Roomba i7

While the Roomba e5 is more than capable of sucking dirt, the Roomba i7 boasts an incredible 10x more suction power than the Roomba 600 series. This means that the Roomba i7 has double the power than the Roomba e5! Let that sink in. Whatever the Roomba e5 can do, the Roomba i7 can do it twice as better.

Along with the tangle-resistant rubber brushes, the Roomba i7 is phenomenal in cleaning both hard floors and carpets. You’ll be surprised to find that it may even clean better than regular upright vacuums. The best part is that you will no longer get exhausted from vacuuming and mopping for hours on weekends!

WINNER: The Roomba i7 is better in cleaning and sucking dirt than the Roomba e5. While the Roomba e5 is still amazing in picking up dirt, the sheer power of the i7’s suction power is simply no match for the e5. If you have pets around the house and more dirt to clean, then the Roomba i7 is the better option for you.

3. Bonus Features

Roomba e5

The Roomba e5 comes with voice controls, compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This gives you the ability to command your Roomba via your voice. There is also an option to set cleaning schedules, cancel schedules, or find out when the next scheduled cleaning is, just by asking via voice command.

Unfortunately, the Roomba e5 has limited mapping features, unlike the Roomba i7. For one, you cannot save floor plans because it has no camera. It is also not compatible with the self-emptying feature, which grants the Roomba the ability to clean up after itself. As far as features go, the e5 is somewhat limited.

Roomba i7

Similarly, the Roomba i7 is compatible with voice command. If you go with the i7, though, you can save up to 10 separate floor plans and the Roomba will know which one to use, even if you change furniture. This means you can use the robot on multiple floors of your home, and even on other homes if you choose to.

Another feature that is found in the Roomba i7 and not in the Roomba e5 is the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal. It empties the Roomba's bin into the Clean Base's internal disposable bag when it docks, so you can forget about vacuuming for months at a time. However, the Clean Base is sold separately.

WINNER: Once again, the Roomba i7 wins the bonus features round against the Roomba e5. With more features to enjoy, the Roomba i7 is simply the better robot vacuum than the Roomba e5. However, if you don’t mind cleaning after your Roomba and don’t need multiple maps, the e5 is still an excellent choice.

You May Also Like: Best Robot Vacuums for Dark Floors

Final Verdict

WINNER: iRobot Roomba i7

The Roomba i7 is a highly efficient machine that uses location, directions, and cleaning modes to use less battery while providing a more thorough clean. If you have a particularly large area to be cleaned, want to enjoy commanding the robot to clean specific rooms, then the Roomba i7 is the obvious choice.

The Roomba e5 is a low to mid-range model in the Roomba lineup, which puts it confidently in the upper mid-range of all robot vacuum cleaners on the market. Overall, we believe the Roomba e5 is going to be the best value buy for most users. It isn't perfect, but no robot vacuums are anyways.

And there you have it, the iRobot Roomba e5 vs. i7 comparison. Our team had an amazing time testing and researching both robot vacuums. Each Roomba model has its own audience and it’s ultimately up to you to decide which one suits you best, based on the features we have mentioned above. Cheers! 🙂