Roborock S6 vs Roomba i7 Face to Face Comparison
You will agree with me that Roborock has given Roomba a run for its money. Today, the two brands are dominating the robot vacuums industry.
In this article, we have compared Roborock S6 vs Roomba i7, which are among the best models from the two brands. Find out which vacuum should be on top of your wish list, and why.
But before we dive into the finer details, here is a summary of the key similarities and differences between the two models.
What’s Similar
- Shape – Both vacuums are round shaped and have almost the same dimensions and weight
- Smart connectivity – Roborock and Roomba are both smart vacuums with Wi-Fi for app and Alea operation
- Digital boundaries – Both vacuums have digital boundaries that can be set on the app
- Floor mapping – These two have intelligent floor mapping and scanning and hence clean in a methodical pattern
- Power management – The S6 and Roomba i7 will both recharge and resume cleaning automatically
What’s Different
- Orientation – Roborock S6 is a robot vacuum with mop while Roomba i7 is a robot vacuum
- Suction – The S6 boasts higher suction power compared to the Roomba i7
- Runtime – Roborock has a longer runtime than the Roomba i7
- Bin system – The bin sizes of the two vacuums are different, and more so, the Roomba i7 has self-emptying technology
- Navigation system – Roborock S6 has navigation based on SLAM algorithm while the i7 is VSLAM based.
The above are some of the key differences and similarities between the Roomba i7 and Roborock S6. Now, here is an overview of each model, and why we like them.
Comparison table
Roomba i7 and i7+
The iRobot Roomba i7 was released in October 2018, and two years down the line, it’s still a favorite Roomba amongst many homeowners.
The vacuum is available in two models, the i7 (7150) and i7+ (7550).
The difference between the two models is that the former doesn’t come with the iRobot CleanBase unit while the latter tags along with the unit.
However, both models are compatible with the self-emptying bin technology. When it comes to specialization, the Roomba i7 and i7+ are ideal for cleaning bare floors, and low pile carpets.
- The Roomba i7 and i7+ come with self-emptying bin technology meaning you don’t have to worry about emptying the bin now and then.
- The suction power of the i7 is wanting, and so is its runtime. Just like Roombas, it is also an expensive vacuum.
Roborock S6
Popularly known as Roborock S6, this model was released in June 2019 and came to replace the Roborock S5.
It improves on a few features, and even though there is the new Roborock S6 Pure and S5 Max, it is still a force to reckon.
The Roborock S60 is a white model of the S6, while the S65 is black.
That’s the only difference between these two vacuums.
When it comes to specialty, the Roborock S6 is ideal for cleaning bare floors, as well as carpets, including the high pile carpets.
It’s also ideal for picking up pet hair and wiping pet messes like urine stains and paw marks.
- The Roborock S6 is quite affordable considering the features, and most importantly, it is a 2-in-1 cleaner that vacuums and mops.
- On the downside, the S6 will mop carpets, and also, the app is not very friendly though it packs lots of features.
Roborock S6 vs Roomba i7 Comparison Review
Now that we know a thing or two about these two vacuums, let’s compare the important features to find out which areas each one of them excels in.
1. Design, and Aesthetics
The design of a root vacuum determines where it will reach. On the other hand, aesthetics can help you differentiate the different models.
Roomba i7
The Roomba i7 measures 13.3 x 13.3 x 3.6 inches and weighs just 7.45lbs. When it comes to aesthetics, it is available in two color options.
The dark grey and black Roomba i7 is for the US market, while the silver on black model is for the Chinese market. The i7 has three buttons on the top of the interface,, and the iRobot logo.
Roborock S6
Roborock S6 measures 13.7 x 13.8 x 3.8-inches and weighs 7.94lbs.
There are two color options; white and black. At the top of the interface, there is a large turret that houses the LIDAR system and three buttons.
2. Cleaning Performance
Like mentioned earlier, the main difference between Roborock S6 vs Roomba i7 is the cleaning orientation. Roomba i7 is a dedicated robot vacuum while Roborock is a robot vacuum with mop. In this section, we want to find out how these two vacuums compare as far as cleaning performance is concerned.
Suction
Roomba i7
The Roomba i7 comes with iRobot’s Gen 2 motor, the same one used in the Roomba 960 and 890.
This is such a flaw considering it is a high-end Roomba. It can deliver a maximum of 1000pa when in the highest power setting.
Roborock S6
On the other hand, Roborock S6 comes with a powerful motor that delivers a cool 2000pa when in Max power setting.
Of course, this is a multispeed robot vacuum, so suction power is adjustable depending on the cleaning needs.
Cleaning Head
Roomba i7
Roomba i7 comes with a self-adjusting cleaning head that works to ensure close contact with the surface – bare floors and carpets.
It tags along with a dual multisurface brushroll where one brushroll agitates dirt, and the other picks the dirt. One feature we liked is the anti-tangle technology, which prevents jamming even when dealing with the long dog hairs.
At the side, there is one sweeping brush for cleaning the wall edges, and directing dirt on the Roomba’s path to the primary brush.
Roborock S6
Roborock S6 also comes with a self-adjusting cleaning head that flexes to ensure proper contact with the surface.
It also tags along with two brushes, the primary brushroll, and a side sweeping brush.
The primary brushroll is different from that of the Roomba, as there is only one brushroll. It has spiral bristles that also reduce tangling but not as efficiently as Roomba’s dual multisurface brushroll.
There’s also a single side sweeping brush.
Filtration
Roborock S6
Roborock S6 comes with HEPA-style filters despite being a top brand.
But that’s not to say it is not efficient. They are 99.99% efficient but the problem is that they filter down to 10 microns, while true-HEPA filters down to 0.3 micron.
That means the S6 won’t capture the tiniest allergens, and these include the pollen, dust mites, and the rest. The bin size has a 0.48L bin.
Roomba i7
Roomba i7 is not any better as it also comes with HEPA-style filters. They are also efficient but not reliable, especially if you have pets and allergies.
When it comes to the bin size, the Roomba i7 has a 0.3L bin but comes with self-emptying technology. The i7+ comes with a Clean Base unit, which empties the Roomba when it docks.
The unit can hold up to 30 bags, and that means you could go up to 30 days without worrying about bin emptying.
Cleaning Tests
To make sure readers have a picture of how the two vacuums perform in a real household setting. We have tested the Roomba i7 and Roborock S6 extensively, and here, we used the household dirt, including rice, flour, sugar, Cheerios, sand, e.t.c.
3. Battery and Runtime
Another area these two vacuums differ is the battery and runtime. Ideally, you want a robot vacuum with the longest runtime, and most importantly, one that can manage the power intelligently.
So, how does Roomba i7 compare to Roborock S6?
Roomba i7
Roomba i7 is a disappointment here as it has a 1800mAh lithium-ion battery that can last for just 75 minutes when in low power setting and 55 minutes when in high power mode.
When it comes to power management, the vacuum can recharge and resume cleaning automatically, just like the Roomba S9, and other high-end vacuums from other brands.
The recharge time is 2 – 3 hours, and the life cycle of this battery is 12 months on average.
Roborock S6
The Roborock S6, on the other hand, tags along with a larger 5,200mAh battery that can last for a cool 180 minutes when in low power mode and 110 minutes when in high-power mode.
It can cover a 2,150 ft2 / 200 m2 floor on a single charge. When it comes to recharging, this is an intelligent vacuum that recharges automatically and resumes cleaning after that.
One unique feature is the Top Up charging function that allows the robot to recharge up to 80% to finish the job instead of waiting for the entire 3 hours to recharge fully.
4. Navigation and Mapping
Robot vacuums work autonomously courtesy of an inbuilt navigation system. To ensure proper coverage, there is also an intelligent software for this. But not all robot vacuums have reliable navigation systems.
So, how do these two vacuums compare? Which one covers the floors well, and which one can clean multirooms efficiently.
Navigation
Roomba i7
Roombas are known as the most intelligent vacuums, and here is one of the areas the brand excels in.
The i7 uses the latest system, dubbed iAdapt 3.0. This is an intelligent system that works in the same way as iAdapt 2.0, but it brings on board Imprint Smart Mapping.
The vacuum software is based on a VSLAM (Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) algorithm, which combines sensors, and a camera for efficient navigation. In well lit high traffic rooms and large apartments, this system does an excellent job, but not in the dark.
Roborock S6
On the other hand, Roborock, a new generation model, uses LIDAR technology, which offers precision laser navigation.
This is a SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping). The small turret at the top houses a 360° laser rangefinder that spins at 300rpm, and alongside a broad sensor network, they help the robot create a 98% accurate 2D floor plan map of your house.
While it may look inferior to a system with a real-time camera, LIDAR is quite accurate and the advantage, it is not limited in the dark like the Roomba i7.
Floor Scanning and Mapping
Roomba i7
Roomba uses an intelligent system called Imprint Smart Mapping. This is basically a technology that allows the Roomba to learn and map your home.
The Roomba i7 cleans in a methodical pattern just like the other Roombas with VSLAM navigation to ensure entire level cleaning. The system creates a map of your house after several runs, and can store up to 10 maps.
It’s also possible to name the different rooms, and this feature comes through when you are customizing the cleaning.
Basically, the Roomba knows your kitchen, and the bedroom so you can tell it to clean specific rooms only.
Roborock S6
Roborock is also an intelligent robot vacuum when it comes to floor mapping. It also cleans in a systematic pattern ensuring no spot is untouched.
As a new generation robot, it offers 20% more efficiency courtesy of the 32-bit quadcore processor. Roborock S6 maps and learns your house as well, but it stores a maximum of 3 maps.
Here again, you can name the rooms and also customize cleaning by selecting the specific rooms you want to clean. And it gets better, you can also tell the Roborock to clean the bedroom at low power setting, at specific times, and the kitchen, of course at high power setting, at another time.
Boundary Marking
Roborock S6
Roborock S6 comes with digital barriers as a form of containment. All you need to do is select the rooms you don’t want the vacuum to clean, or draw the boundaries on the floor planner.
Roomba i7
As for Roomba i7, there are two options.
Initially, Roombas used Virtual Walls nodes for containment, but recently, iRobot introduced digital barriers. Here also, you can select the rooms you don’t want the robot to reach, or draw boundaries on the app.
5. Smart Features
The Roomba i7 and Roborock S6 are all smart robot vacuums. They tag along with Wi-Fi for connectivity and allow remote operation via voice commands and mobile apps.
But then, there are several independent features to consider, including voice assistant protocol, app features, and so on.
Roomba i7
When it comes to voice compatibility, Roomba i7 can sync with Alexa and Google Assistant as well as several other IFTTT protocols.
Roomba also works with the mobile app, the iRobot Home app, to be precise.
Roborock S6
Roborock S6 also comes with voice assistant compatibility with Alexa and Assistant. In addition, it comes with an intuitive voice function. Roborock also has a mobile app where much of the controls are.
Final Thoughts
We are coming to the end of this Roomba-Roborock comparison review. Both vacuums have advantages and disadvantages.
Roomba i7
The Roomba i7 may not be the latest iRobot vacuum, but it shares some awesome features with the Roomba S9, the best model from the California-based brand.
This vacuum is a great buy for those looking for a high-end vacuum with self-emptying technology but are not ready to pay for the hefty price of the S9. So far, only three robot vacuums have self-emptying technology – the Roomba i7, S9, and Shark R101AE
This vacuum is also a great choice if you have high traffic rooms, multirooms, and large apartments as VSLAM systems are more accurate.
Lastly, buy the Roomba i7 if you have pets as the dual multisurface brushroll is effective in preventing tangling when dealing with the long dog hair.
But then, there are a few things we dislike about this vacuum, and the first thing is the average suction power. Considering the price tag, it should be doing at least 2000pa, but it’s delivering half of that at max power.
Another thing, the battery should have been enlarged, but Roomba used the same model used in lower-end models, so the most you can get out of the i7 is 75 minutes while even the low-end models like ECOVACS Deebot vacuums put up 100+ minutes.
Roborock S6
The Roborock S6 is also not the latest model from the Chinese brand, but it’s still a force to reckon. There’s the S5 Max and the newly announced S6 Pure.
One of the reasons we like the S6 is the 2-in-1 functionality where it can vacuum and mops simultaneously. That means you need a separate robot mop to get the job done.
It’s also the best choice for carpets as it puts up 2000pa, so it’s twice as powerful as Roomba i7.
The Roborock S6 also has a good mix of features compared to Roomba i7, and above all, it has better value for money.
But then, the fact that it can get confused and mop carpets is a big scare, but this is a problem that has been fixed in the new Roborock S5 Max, as well as the S6 Pure.
You might also shy away from buying a Chinese brand, but considering the reviews, Roborock is indeed a reliable and trusted brand. We also wish Roborock would have adopted VSLAM technology, but that is not to say the LIDAR navigation isn’t good enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roomba i7 or Roborock S6: which robot is more powerful?
Can I run my Roomba i7 with voice commands?
Roborock i7 vs Roborock S6: what is the optimal option?
Are Roborock S6 and Roomba i7 suitable for multi-floor cleaning?
Verdict
If you are looking for the best value for money, Roborock S6 is the best choice here as it is more powerful and offers deep carpet cleaning, 2-in1 cleaning, longer runtime, and is more affordable.
But still, the fact that Roomba i7 has self-emptying technology and a VSLAM navigation would make you think twice. In the end, it’s all about knowing your cleaning needs, and buying a model that best suits your budget.
ozgur
thanks for your explains
Latoria Szymkowski
I was able to find good advice from your content.