Roomba S9+ vs i7+ Face to face comparison table
Lately, iRobot has been put to task by its competition, especially Neato and now, Roborock. Just recently, they released a new robot vacuum cleaner called the S9 which replaces the older model, the i7. Thus, nowadays, many customers faced a tough choice beween the leading Roomba s9+ and i7+ smart cleaners.
From the prices, it is clear that the new model is the best choice, but is it the best bang for the buck?
Face to face comparison table
Which one to choose Roomba i7+ or Roomba S9+?
5 reasons to choose Roomba S9+
- Powerful suction: Roomba S9+ delivers 2200 Pa in the max mode for spotless cleaning.
- Large battery capacity: Roomba S9+ is equipped with a 3300 mAh Li-ion battery for 120 min runtime.
- Anti-allergen system: HEPA style completely sealed filter built-in Roomba S9+ captures 99% of dirt, allergens, pollens, and pet hair up to 10 microns.
- Virtual walls: A smartphone application allows you to set virtual walls to restrict access to some areas of your home.
- Five-rayed side brush: This sweeping brush with five rays is responsible for pushing dirt from the edges to the primary brushroll.
iRobot Roomba i7/i7+
But the i7+ vacuum kit includes the necessary CleanBase, while for the i7 model, you have to buy it additionally.
Being one of the flagships of iRobot, Roomba i7/i7+ perfectly continues the model line of classic round robots and hardly differs from others in style. We see restrained dark colors and quite compact dimensions -13.3 x 3.7 in with 7.45 lbs weight.
For better dust and hair cleaning, the models use Dual Multi-Surface rubber rollers and a 10-fold suction power up to 1700 Pa. Both vacuums feature Dirt Detection and Carpet Boost, which means they can determine the type of flooring and intensity of pollution. If noticing carpets or challenging areas, the vacuum cleaners increase the power and clean there several times.
Though the volume of the dust container is only 500 ml, its compact size is compensated by the above-mentioned Automatic Dirt Disposal base. All the air passes through a HEPA filter, which cleans the air by 99% and holds all harmful particles.
For the best navigation, the vacuum cleaner uses the iAdapt 3.0 system and vSLAM technology – the visual simultaneous localization and mapping. Thanks to them, both models perform navigation and recognition of obstacles and type of flooring.
Roomba i7/i7+ can also save in memory the plans and names of rooms up to several floors. This function is called the Imprint Smart Mapping System.
Speaking about run time, we should state that it`s only 75 minutes. Frankly speaking, it`s not that great for such an innovative assistant, but the bots use the Recharge and Resume, which provides coverage of the 1991 ft2 / 185 m2 area. And as usual, the i7 and the i7+ provide control through the iRobot HOME app and Google and Alexa voice assistants.
Roomba s9/s9+ – Best Roomba model
Here we see the same Roomba s9 and Roomba s9+ variations, the only difference between which is the CleanBase included in the set.
The most innovative (at the moment) robots perform self-emptying on the Auto Dirt Disposal base, though possessing even smaller 400 ml dust bin. However, they also use a powerful HEPA filtration that now not only keeps the finest pathogen particles but also provides the anti-allergen treatment.
Several factors greatly improved the cleaning performance of the robots.
Firstly, engineers changed the case of the bot and made it D-shaped for better vacuuming in corners and along walls. The dimensions are now 12.5 x 3.5 in with a weight of 8.15 lbs.
Secondly, dirt picking is performed by elongated Dual Multi-Surface rubber rollers and a five-rayed side brush.
And thirdly, Roomba s9/s9+ suction power became 40 times greater than the suction power of the 600 series robots with its 600 Pa.
The navigation of the Roomba is based on the Imprint Smart Mapping and Advanced vSLAM technologies. Both models keep maps for several floors and build further cleaning routes. iAdapt 3.0 and PerfectEdge technology help the robots determine the floor type, choose the appropriate mode, and show better cleaning in the corners and along the walls.
Dirt Detection and Carpet Boost systems also provide floor and pollution determination. They make the vacs perfect for carpet and hair cleaning.
A significant advantage of the s9/s9+ robot is the so-called Imprint Link technology. Now vacuums can be synchronized with Braava Jet m6 robot mop for successive dry and wet floor cleaning.
Both modifications offer good run time ā we have 120 minutes with in-built Recharge and Resume. That`s enough for 2153 ft2 / 200 m2 dwellings with any floors and pets.
The management over the devices goes through the iRobot HOME mobile app, Amazon Alexa and Google Voice Assistants.
We analyzed the similarities and differences between these models so stick around to know if the extras are worth trading in your i7 for the new S9.
Before we go to the main business of the day, here is a short overview of the two vacuums.
What is the difference between Roomba i7 and i7+?
The Roomba I series was released late last year and came with a revolutionary technology called iRobot CleanBase that empties the bin automatically.
This was a significant improvement, and at the time, it was the only self-emptying robot vacuum. Please note that the Roomba i7+ (7550) comes with the CleanBase unit while the Roomba i7 (7150) is a robot vacuum only but with similar features.
What is the difference between Roomba S9 and S9+?
iRobot hit the headlines recently with the release of the S series, which includes the S9+(9550) and the S9 (9150). Just like in the I series, only the Plus model comes with the CleanBase.
This time round, iRobot copied the D-Shape design from Neato and added a few more features to come up with the S series. The highlight of this model is the fact that it can work in tandem with the newly released iRobot M6 robot mop.
Now, let’s discuss the similarities and differences.
Similarities
- CleanBase Technology ā The Roomba S9+ and i7+ boast a self-emptying bin technology which automatically empties the small bin depositing the dirt into a larger bag. It can hold 30 days of dirt. Please note the base models don’t have the CleanBase unit but can work with it.
- 3-Stage Cleaning – The new S series employs the same 3-stage cleaning system – sweep, agitate, and vacuum. This is the same as the i7, but we expected the latest model to feature a mopping function, but this is not among iRobots plans as they released a separate robot which works with the S9.
- Filtration technology – The two Roombas have high-efficiency HEPA- style filters which capture 99% of dirt and filter down to 10 microns, unlike true-HEPA which filters down to 0.3 microns.
- Side sweeping brush – The S9 and i7 feature a single side sweeping brush that cleans the Roomba’s pathway, pushing dirt to the primary brushroll.
- VSLAM navigation – iRobot latest models feature a VSLAM (Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) algorithm which uses sensors and a real-time camera to navigate around your house, and avoiding obstacles and falls.
- Recharge and resume – If you have large apartments, you can rely on these two vacuums as they will automatically recharge and resume cleaning autonomously.
- Imprint Smart Mapping – This is an addition in iAdapt 3.0, which allows homeowners to customize their cleaning efficiently. Decide which areas you want to vacuum, at what time. Both vacuums have the Imprint Smart Mapping Technology.
- Smart Connectivity – Both vacuums are compatible with 2.4GHz WiFI, allowing for Smartphone app operation and Alexa/Google Home control besides other integration.
- Virtual Walls ā The new Roomba S9+ and i7+ use Virtual Walls to set up boundaries. They work well, but we expected them to feature digital boundaries which are easier to use.
Differences
- Shape – While Roomba i7 is a round shaped Roomba, hut like all the other older models, we have a new shape in the S series dubbed PerfectEdge Technology. S9 and S9+ are D shaped like Neato, and this allows for better wall and edge vacuuming.
- Weight and dimensions – The new S9 is the thinnest Roomba at 3.5-inches high compared to the i7’s 3.7 inches. Regarding weight, the S9+ is a little bit heavier at 8.15lbs while the i7+ is just 7.45lbs.
- Suction power ā The S9+ is more potent and delivers 40x more air power while the i7+ delivers 10x more air power. This is compared to the Roomba 600 series.
- Primary brushroll – The new S9+ has the same dual multisurface brushroll just like the i7, but then, this one is a little bit longer, and that is the difference.
- Bin capacity – Roomba i7 comes with a 16- ounce bin while the S9 comes with a smaller 13-ounce bin. Both have fill bin indicators.
- Imprint Link Technology – This is an exclusive feature in the new S9+ that connect it to its cleaning mate, iRobot M6. You can decide which rooms you want to be vacuumed only and which rooms are to be vacuumed and mopped.
- Runtime – Roomba i7+ disappointed with a short 75 minutes runtime. We are glad the new S9+ brings back the glory with a powerful battery that can last for 120 minutes.
- Anti-Allergen Seal – The new S9+ has been completely sealed to ensure captured allergens don’t escape. But this doesn’t make up for the lack of true-HEPA filters.
Who Should buy Roomba S9+?
The S9+ should be every homeowner’s dream. It is the latest model from the best robot vacuum brand and comes with a CleanBase, improved suction power, and syncs with the new iRobot M6 mop.
If you have a carpet, pets and a large apartment, this is the best choice. Notably, it boasts longer runtime than the i7, and will clean walls, corners and edges thoroughly courtesy of PerfectEdge technology that works in the same way as Neato’s CornerClever Technology.
Who Should buy Roomba i7+?
The new Roomba S9 is damn expensive, so if you want some pocket change, the i7 or i7+ is the real deal.
It cleans all bare floors and pet hair, but it’s not to be trusted for vacuuming high pile carpets and shag.
The i7 is also a great deal for homeowners with busy schedules as it comes with CleanBase Technology, meaning you can forget about floor vacuuming for a month.
Kerry D
Hi! I want to get a robot with big bin. Isn’t it better to choose Roborock series? Users say they copy Roombas and also come with larger bins and more affordable prices. Which to choose? Thank you.
Richard Harrison
Thank you very much for your question! I think when it comes to robot vacuums with self-emptying function, bin size doesn’t matter anymore. The most important point is base capacity. Roomba i7 and s9 can contain dirt after 30 cleaning cycles which means a month without manual bin emptying. And if we’re speaking about the Roomba i7 model, it’s similar in price with Roborock S models. So, here you can choose the winner concerning runtime and suction power mostly.
Flora
Hi! I want to get a robot with big bin. Isn’t it better to choose Roborock series? Users say they copy Roombas and also come with larger bins and more affordable prices. Which to choose? Thank you.
Richard Harrison
Thank you very much for your question! I think when it comes to robot vacuums with self-emptying function, bin size doesn’t matter anymore. The most important point is base capacity. Roomba i7 and s9 can contain dirt after 30 cleaning cycles which means a month without manual bin emptying. And if we’re speaking about the Roomba i7 model, it’s similar in price with Roborock S models. So, here you can choose the winner concerning runtime and suction power mostly.
Malcolm
Maps for different floors are great thing! But I don’t quite get it – does Roomba s9 go between the floors itself or do I have to move it manually (especially on stairs)?
Swartzcop Kennedy
Thank you very much for your question. Unfortunately, at the moment no manufacturer can offer a robot vacuum cleaner that can climb stairs. So, multi-floor mapping means you’ll have to move your robot and change settings for each floor (though most settings are kept in both minds and switch automatically). But you can be completely about stairs, Roomba I series and s9 with intelligent navigation avoid dangerous locations and will not try to go downstairs themselves.
Phillip
Thank you for your reviews! Great work. But I’m screaming for help. My wife’s hair is literally everywhere. I mean I love it and it’s gorgeous, but no robot cleaner can cope with such a task during vacuuming (and we tried three different models by Xiaomi and Eufy). Hair just clogs the brush and it stops spinning or collect anything. Manual brush cleaning is tedious. Perhaps more expensive Roombas do with it easier? Did you try them on long hair? I’d be grateful for response.
Swartzcop Kennedy
Thank you very much for your question! Clogging caused by hair is a frequent problem. Usually we speak about pet hair cleaning, and manufacturers manage to deal with it. But long hair is still a problem. Frankly speaking, we didn’t test Roomba i7 and S9 much on long hair, but they collect pet hair easily thanks to the special blade pattern on the roller. Besides, silicone rollers are more effective with hairs than bristled rollers because they do not cling to them and just wind them. That means, you’ll still have to clean rollers manually after every cession, but you won’t have to interrupt cleaning all the time to remove clogging.