Robot Mop Wars: Robot Braava Jet M6 vs. 380t vs. 240
Which is the best iRobot mop in this Braava Jet M6 vs 240 and Brava Jet M6 vs 380t iRobot robot mop battle? That’s what we are about to find in this review.
It’s quite a sad affair that iRobot, the California-based robot vacuum brand, has resisted the pressure from its peers to integrate a mopping function in their Roombas. If you are planning to get a robot mop, the question will be, do you get the expensive, but latest Braava M6 or the cheaper Braava 240 and 380t?
Braava 240
The Braava 240 is the earliest model from iRobot and is quite a basic one. Many users still love and prefer this model due to its truly affordable price and efficient operation.
Braava 240 is designed for cleaning small apartments. We recommend it for daily dry and wet cleaning of small to medium-sized rooms up to 200-250 square meters. Why so?
It includes a 0.15L water tank and a precision jet spray to loosen stuck-on dirt and grime. The runtime is also limited by 60 minutes, which is exactly enough for an average room.
But despite the limited cleaning area, the mop is pretty smart. It can automatically determine floor type and select a proper mode. With three cleaning modes (wet mopping, damp mopping, and dry sweeping), you can finally tackle a range of messes, from the greasy kitchen stains to the paw marks left by pets. By the way, if we compare Braava Jet M6 vs 240, the first (and most innovative) device provides only two modes.
Braava 240 rejects random movement and uses the iAdapt navigation with sensors. Moreover, you can prohibit cleaning in some areas with a special “virtual wall” motion limiter included in the kit.
Finally, the mop supports app control.
So, low price and excellent performance for standard cleaning are the main reasons to get this robot mop. Though we wish for a bit bigger water compartment and longer runtime, there are no other significant drawbacks for customers.
Braava 380t
Here, we get the same dual-mode cleaning with dry and wet options. The manufacturer states that the improved 380t cleaner suits larger apartments. This is true for dry cleaning since the runtime is increased up to 150-200 minutes. It will process about 750 square meters.
However, when it comes to wet cleaning, the footage stays the same because the mop features a smaller 0.12L water tank and lacks the precision jet spray function.
Please also mind that Braava 380t model is not compatible with Wi-Fi and apps. Instead, iRobot focused on navigation precision. Apart from the iAdapt system and smart sensors, this unit also has the so-called NorthStar navigation.
This is a special cube with a GPS navigator that projects the marking on the ceiling by which the smart cleaner is oriented. The NorthStar navigation cube significantly enhances localization.
Braava 380t is a bit pricier than the previous 240 model. We’d recommend this smart mop if you have a big house, prefer more durable and accurate cleaning but can leave without app control and virtual walls. Brava 380t and M6 both come with two cleaning modes, and the 380t device handles the stains and grime efficiently.
Braava Jet M6
It boasts excellent cleaning performance and offers homeowners more control over their robot cleaner.
- First of all, we get a tremendous 450 ml water tank. As we’ve already mentioned, both wet and dry cleaning are supported. The unit can automatically recognize the surface and select the floor cleaning technology.
- Secondly, the M6 comes with Wi-Fi for Smartphone app operation. If you don’t trust automatic cleaning, you can set proper mode through your phone from anywhere. Moreover, delayed start, scheduled cleaning, and even voice control through Google Assistant and Alexa are possible here.
It also features a VSLAM navigation system and Imprint Smart Mapping. The cleaner builds a map and remembers every corner of your home. Welcome back the virtual walls – we can limit cleaning areas again!
Finally, owners of the latest Roomba cleaners can synchronize their Braavas Jet M6 with vacuum robots for crystal clean floors. The system is called Imprint Link. Perhaps, this is the main trump of this device in Braava Jet M6 vs 380t battle.
All in all, the unit can process the same 750-1000 square meters despite a larger tank. Additional technologies and smart control require more charge, so the battery lasts for 90-150 minutes (in dry mode).
This model can handle the largest apartments with great precision. Though the price is high, Braava Jet M6 justly occupies the flagship position in the iRobot Braava lineup.
Braava 240 vs. 380t vs. M6 Similarities and Differences
Now that we know a few things about the three models, it’s time we look at the similarities and differences. Here, we will base the comparison on the important aspects we consider when buying robot mops.
1. Design and aesthetics
While Roombas are all identical, the Braavas are not. The 240, 380t and M6 come in different designs, so you can’t confuse one model for the other. So, how do they compare?
- The Braava 240 comes in a minimalistic design measuring 6.7 × 7 × 3.3-inches and weighs just 2.7lbs. It has been finished in white, with blue accents. On the interface, there is one large CLEAN button.
- Braava 380t has a larger footprint measuring 9.6 × 8.5 × 3.1-inches and weighing 4lbs. Unlike the 240, this one is finished in all-black. This time, there are three small control buttons and an LED panel.
- Last is the new Braava Jet M6 (6110) which measures 10 x 10.6 x 3.5-inches and weighs 4.8lbs. As for aesthetics, it also sports a white and silver finish. The buttons are on the bottom left – one large CLEAN button and two others.
2. Cleaning performance
Of course, the primary reason you are buying a robot mop is to clean. That said, cleaning performance is the most crucial consideration. The three Braava robot mops have similarities and differences.
- Braava 240 has been designed for small apartments and will offer three cleaning modes; sweep, damp mop and wet mop. Toggling between these three modes is automatic, depending on the microfiber cloth attached.
The 0.15L water tank holds enough water to handle an average apartment. The cleaning head vibrates as it moves while the precision jet spray dispenses the solution efficiently. - As for the Braava 380t, you can rely on it to clean the large apartments and expansive floors. Unlike the 240, it comes with two cleaning modes; sweep and wet mop. Here, you have to manually toggle between the two modes using the buttons on the robot. There is neither vibrating cleaning head nor the precision jet spray. The tank is also smaller at 0.12L.
- The new M6 is built for large apartments with high traffic and multiple rooms. It offers the same cleaning modes as the Braava 380t – sweep and mop and automatically adjusts from one mode to the other depending on the cloth attached. The water tank is the largest among all we mentioned in our Braava Jet M6 vs 240 and braava Jet M6 vs 380t comparisons. It holds up to 0.45L and features precision jet spray for efficient water usage.
3. Navigation
Roombas are known for the best navigation and floor mapping systems, but the performance varies from one model to the other. This is the same case when it comes to the Braava robot mops. The battle here is between the Braava 240 and Braava 380t vs Jet M6.
- The 240 comes with iAdapt navigation, the original version. This is an algorithm that relies on sensor data only for localization. It may not be the best for high traffic rooms and also expansive apartments. This is because of a few glitches that couple it but rest assured that it won’t fall on the stairs.
- The 380t should be your priority here as it comes with iAdapt 2.0 VLSAM navigation which includes the Northstar Navigation Cube. This is a standalone device which acts as a reference point and thus enhances the accuracy of localization.
- As for the new Braava Jet M6, we have new navigation, iRobot’s latest iAdapt 3.0 Navigation with Imprint Smart Mapping. This is a VSLAM algorithm, which uses sensors and a camera for localization. On top of that, Imprint Smart Mapping makes the M6 intelligent. It learns and adapts to your house plan. Now, you can mop specific places instead of the entire house.
4. Coverage
What floor area can each of the three robot mops cover?
While the navigation system can impact on coverage, the runtime is what determines what floor area a robot can handle. Let’s compare the battery, runtime, and power management options of Braava mops.
- Braava 240 lasts for around 60-100 minutes and will recharge automatically. However, you need to prompt it to go back to work manually. This robot mop can cover 200 ft2 when dry sweeping and 150 ft2 mopping coverage.
- On the other hand, the Braava 380t can run for 200 minutes when in dry sweeping and 150 minutes in wet mode. This translates to 1,000 ft2 dusting coverage and 350 ft2 mopping coverage.
- Lastly, the Braava M6 comes with a powerful battery that should last it for around 150 minutes. Unlike the other two, this one will recharge and resume cleaning automatically. Like said before, the M6 can handle large apartments and multi rooms as well. It can complete up to 350 ft2 when in wet mode and up to 1000 ft2 in dry sweeping mode.
5. Convenience
Robot cleaners are meant for convenience, but the degree varies from one model to the other. The M6 is better here courtesy of several extras.
- Braava 240 and 380t do not offer much here. The two can work pretty well independently but will require human intervention from time to time. However, the 240 model supports app control.
- The Braava M6 is not any different in terms of manual operation. But at least it comes with Wi-Fi for remote operation. It can also sync with the i7 or S9 so that when the Roomba vacuums, it mops.
Who Should Buy Braava 240?
- This is the cheapest model amongst the three so if you are on a budget, it is a perfect choice.
- Buy the Braava 240 if you have a small apartment only. It will really take long to complete a large apartment.
- This model also offers better cleaning customization as it features three cleaning modes compared to the two in the 380t.
Who Should Buy Braava 380t?
- While the 240 is an affordable option, it doesn’t suit large apartments, but the Braava 380t does. It doesn’t strain your pocket and goes a long way in maintaining your floor’s cleanliness.
- It can also suit high traffic apartments courtesy of NorthStar Cube which acts as a reference point for better localization.
Who Should Buy Braava M6?
- This is the top of the range model designed for large apartments, with high-traffic and many rooms.
- The iAdapt 3.0 Navigation with Imprint Smart Mapping gives you more control.
- This is also a Smart home ready robot mop and will sync with the new Roomba S9 for simultaneous vacuuming and mopping. So, if you have the S9, this will be a superb addition.
verdictThere you have it folks; the Braava Jet M6 vs 240 and 380t comparison review.
Indeed, the latest M6 is the best choice as it can sync with the Roomba i7 and S9 so your house can be vacuumed and mopped simultaneously. Above all, it is smart and intelligent and will resume cleaning after recharging automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my robot mop learn my house?
