Roomba i7 vs 960 – Differences & Similarities
You will agree with me that the premium iRobot vacuum, the Roomba S9+ is quite expensive. But then, there are some cheaper models that don’t compromise on most of the premium features.
One thing you will realize about these two models is that they have almost the same features, but there are a few things that set them apart.
Last update on 2021-12-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
To make sure you get the best out of this review, we have discussed the similarities and differences of the Roomba i7 and Roomba 960.1. Design and Aesthetics
Roomba 960
The Roomba 960 is round shaped and has a silver on grey finish with retractable soft bumpers for impact absorption.
Regarding the dimensions, the Roomba 960 has a 13.8-inches diameter, and stands at 3.6-inches high. As for the weight, it is 8.5lbs.
Roomba i7
When it comes to the i7, it still maintains the same round shape design. Remember, the new Roomba S9 is D-shaped just like the Neato Botvacs.
Regarding dimensions and weight, the i7 is 13.34 inches width x 3.63 inches high and weighs just 7.44lbs. It has been finished in black and grey.
2. Cleaning Performance
Roomba 960
The Roomba 960 has been designed for bare floors, carpets and pet hair.
It relies on iRobot’s revolutionary 3-stage cleaning system which includes a 2nd Gen motor that delivers 900Pa, and a dual multi-surface brush with anti-tangle technology for maximum dirt and pet hair pickup.
Lastly, this Roomba boasts the AeroForce HEPA-style filtration, a 0.3L bin and a full bin indicator.
As for extras, it features Dirt Detect Series II.
Roomba i7
The i7 on the other hand is quite similar to the 960.
It’s also designed for bare floors, carpets and pet hair. The suction power, and brush system are all the same.
However, the i7 has a better filtration system courtesy of the new iRobot CleanBaseTechnology.
The i7 will empty itself when docking and the CleanBase unit can hold up to a month’s dirt.
This is a great feature for homeowners on a tight schedule, as well as allergy sufferers.
3. Cleaning Tests
Bare Floors
High Pile Carpets
4. Battery Performance
Roomba i7
It’s unfortunate that the i7 got a runtime cut.
The previous model, the 980, had a 3300mAh battery that lasted for 120 minutes but the i7 has a 2130mAh battery with 75 minutes runtime.
When it comes to power management, it will recharge and resume cleaning automatically just like the Roomba 960.
5. Navigation and Floor Mapping
Roomba 960
The Roomba 960 debuted iAdapt 2.0 VSLAM navigation, together with the discontinued Roomba 980.
The system uses a set of obstacle-detection and cliff-detection sensors and a real time camera for navigation and mapping.
When it comes to floor mapping, it doesn’t learn your home’s layout but it cleans in a methodical pattern.
As for boundary marking, the 960 tags along with a single Dual Mode virtual Walls node.
Roomba i7
The i7 on the other hand, is a step further. This vacuum comes with the latest iRobot navigation system called iAdapt 3.0.
This is just the same as iAdapt 2.0 but now with Imprint Smart Mapping, a feature that enables the robot to learn your home’s layout.
Some of the best features Imprint Smart Mapping brings to the Roomba include Keep Out Zones, and Zone Cleaning. Now you don’t need the physical boundary markers,and you can clean specific spots instead of the entire apartment.
6. Smart Features
Roomba 960
The Roomba 960 comes with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for smartphone operation via the iRobot Home App.
Among the features that come with the app include instant notifications, total control and monitoring, Clean Map reports and wireless updates.
The 960 is also compatible with voice assistants like Google Home and Amazon Alexa among other 3rd party integration.
Roomba i7
The Roomba i7 is not different in any way as it also supports mobile app operation and well as Alexa compatibility.
However, it boasts more app features than the 960 courtesy of Imprint Smart Mapping. On the App, you can now choose specific spots or rooms that you want the robot to clean.
Also, in addition to Clean Map reports, the Roomba i7 and i7+ have digital boundaries dubbed Keep Out Zones.
Winner: Roomba i7 vs 960
Roomba i7
Clearly, the new Roomba i7 is the best choice in this discussion. It brings on board a revolutionary self emptying bin mechanism, a technology we have seen in the other Roomba S9 and Shark R101AE only.
Besides this, the i7 has an advanced navigation system, dubbed iAdapt 3.0 with Imprint Smart Mapping.
These two are enough reasons to choose the i7 over the 960.
Roomba 960
But still, the Roomba 960 is a worthy vacuum. It is cheaper compared to the i7 and packs some awesome features as well.
First, its cleaning performance is similar to that of the i7.
The 960 also has a VSLAM navigation system, and will resume cleaning after recharging.
For its price, it is a worthy contender in this debate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roomba 960 vs Roomba i7: which robot is better for carpets?
Is Roomba i7 suitable for multi-story houses?
Is Roomba 960 effective for pet hair cleaning?
Can you wash filters on Roomba 960 and Roomba i7?
Summary
That’s all we had for you in this Roomba 960 vs i7 comparison review. Remember, these are mid range models for homeowners who want a good mix of features, at an affordable price.
If the budget is still high, remember there are some cheaper Roombas as well; the likes of Roomba E5/E6 and Roomba 694/675.
