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Roomba i3 vs. i4: Which Robot Vacuum is the Best?

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Roomba i3

Roomba i4

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Roomba i3

4.2 out of 5
Main characteristics:
  • Dimensions 13.34" x 13.26" x 3.63"
  • Weight 11.4 pounds
  • Suction Power 10X power (1700 Pa)
  • Navigation iAdapt 2.0, Mapping
  • Multi-Floor Mapping No
  • Filter High-Efficiency filter
  • Dustbin 400-500 ml
  • Mopping with Imprint® Link Technology
  • Auto Dirt Disposal Just model Roomba i3+ (3550)
  • Runtime 75 minutes
  • WiFi Connectivity Yes
  • Imprint Link Yes
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Roomba i4

4.1 out of 5
Main characteristics:
  • Dimensions 13.34" x 13.26" x 3.63"
  • Weight 12 pounds
  • Suction Power 10X power (1700 Pa)
  • Navigation iAdapt 3.0, Mapping
  • Multi-Floor Mapping No
  • Filter High-Efficiency filter
  • Dustbin 400-500 ml
  • Mopping with Imprint® Link Technology
  • Auto Dirt Disposal Just model Roomba i4+
  • Runtime 100-110 minutes
  • WiFi Connectivity Yes
  • Imprint Link Yes
View on Amazon

Roomba i3 vs Roomba i4
If you are looking for the best affordable Roomba with automatic self-emptying, the Roomba i3 and Roomba i4 are two great options.

These two are entry-level robot vacuums that have been engineered to empty themselves automatically when they dock after vacuuming.

But which one is the best option for you? When evaluating the Roomba i3 vs i4, is the i3 truly superior? Find out everything you need to know about the two iRobot vacuums.

Which one to choose Roomba i3 or Roomba i4?

Why Roomba i4 Better? or....?

4 reasons to choose Roomba i3

  • Large dustbin: Roomba i3 has a 0.5 L dustbin to ensure entire house cleaning without intermediate cleaning.
  • High-efficiency filter: Extra high-efficiency filters capture 99% of all dust and allergens and are kept in the dustbin with a full bin indicator.
  • Dirt detection system: Roomba i3 features a patented Dirt Detection System allowing it to concentrate more on the dirtiest sports.
  • Perfect dual-brushes for pet owners: Auto adjustable cleaning head with dual rubber brushes for all surfaces without getting tangled ensures removal of all mess from pets.

3 reasons to choose Roomba i4

  • Extended runtime for 20%: 2210 mAh battery of the Roomba i4 provides an opportunity to work for up to 100 minutes with automatic recharge and resume function.
  • Auto dirt disposal: i4 Roomba series is compatible with Automatic Dirt Disposal unit keeping dirt for up to 60 days in addition to a built-in 0.5 L dustbin. i4+ includes this unit in the package.
  • Intelligent mapping: Multiple sensors of this robot creates temporary maps for cleaning houses in neat rows for full coverage. You can also create virtual walls to create boundaries of areas that do not require cleaning.

Face to Face Comparison Review

Now, onto the main business of the day, how does the Roomba i3 compare to the i4? Are there any differences between the two Roombas? That’s what we want to find out in this section.

To help you make the right purchase decision, we will assess the two robot vacuums based on the critical factors buyers should consider when buying robot vacuums.

1. Design and Aesthetics

Roomba i3 and i4 Design

A good robot vacuum should have a low-profile design to allow it to go under most of the household furniture. Besides the low profile design, you need to know how each robot vacuum looks from the physical appearance.

How Does the Roomba i3 Look Like?

The Roomba i3 and i3+ both come with a low-profile round-shaped design. The i3 might not be the best when it comes to having a low-profile design, but at 13.34 x 13.26 x 3.63, it will still go under most household furniture. When it comes to aesthetics, the two robot vacuums are black, with a grey woven-like ring around the top interface.

How Does the Roomba i4 Look Like?

The Roomba i4 and i4+ are also round-shaped and come with a low-profile design. It measures 13.34 x 13.34 x 3.63 inches, so it will also go under most low-profile furniture. As for aesthetics, the I4 maintains the same finish as the Roomba i3 but this time the woven ring is black.

2. Vacuuming Performance

The Roomba i3 and Roomba i4 are robot vacuums, unlike Roborock and Deebot that offer both vacuuming and mopping functions. The two use a 3-stage cleaning system where dirt is agitated, lifted, and, lastly, sucked into the bin.

Roomba i4 Vacuuming Performance
The Roomba i4 also uses a 3-stage cleaning system. There is a dual multisurface main brush for agitation and dirt pick up. A side sweeping brush complements it.

Regarding suction power, the Roomba i4 maintains the 2nd Gen motor that puts up 900pa. While it does a great job on bare floors, it struggles on medium and high pile carpets.

3. Filtration and Bin System

Robot vacuums come with onboard bins where the dirt goes. Advanced models also have an external bin that simplifies the somewhat tedious task of manually emptying the bin daily.

Roomba i4 Filtration and Bin System
The Roomba i4 is the same as the Roomba i3 in terms of filtration and bin system. Here again, iRobot included high-efficiency filters that capture 99% of allergens and other impurities that cause bad odor, or make your home stuffy. In addition, two extra filters are supplied. Onboard, there’s also a 0.5L bin with a full bin indicator to alert you when it’s time to empty it.

Lastly, the Roomba i4 series works with the iRobot Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal unit, but only the Plus model comes with the unit.

4. Dirt Detect Technology

One of the unique features of Roombas is Dirt Detect Technology, a revolutionary system that enables the robot vacuum to detect spots that have a high dirt concentration.

Roomba i4 Detect Dirt
The Roomba i4 also detects dirt, just like the i3. This model comes with iRobot’s patented Dirt Detect Technology and works in the same fashion as the Roomba i3.

Once such an area is detected, the Roomba heads there, and Dirt Detect is activated. The Roomba then switches to Spot mode and vacuums all the dirt until none is left behind.

5. Mopping Function

Roomba i3 and i4 Mopping Function

As you may be aware, the latest robot vacuums offer 2-in-1 cleaning. They can vacuum and mop simultaneously. So, how does the Roomba i3 compare to the i4?

Does the Roomba i3 Have a Mopping Function?

No. The Roomba i3 doesn’t have a mopping function. Just like all the other Roombas, this one vacuums only. But the good thing is that the Roomba i3 can work with the Braava M6 robot mop. This is courtesy of Imprint® Link Technology, a mechanism that enables the i3 and Braava to vacuum and mop, respectively, in perfect sequence.
Does the Roomba i4 Have a Mopping Function?

The Roomba i4 doesn’t have a mopping feature, but just like the i3, it features Imprint® Link Technology. That means it can sync with the Braava to vacuum and mop floors simultaneously.

6. Battery and Runtime

As you may be aware, robot vacuums come with rechargeable batteries. In this segment, we will analyze how the Roomba i3’s battery compares to that of the i4.

One of the differences between Roomba i3 and i4 is the battery and runtime. The Roomba i4 and i4+ come with a 20% larger battery that offers up to 100 minutes of runtime.

Most review websites list the battery as a 1800mAh lithium-ion battery, but it’s a 2210mAh lithium-ion battery. The Roomba i4 will dock to recharge by itself and resume cleaning automatically.

DESCRIPTIONROOMBA I3ROOMBA I4
Battery TechnologyLithium IonLithium Ion
Capacity1800mAh2210mAh
Runtime75 Minutes100 Minutes
Recharge MechanismRecharge + ResumeRecharge + Resume
Recharge Time3 hours3 hours

7. Navigation and Mapping

Roomba i3 and i4 Mopping Function
Besides cleaning performance and autonomy, it’s important to assess the navigation and mapping system of the robot vacuum you want to buy. The navigation and mapping system enables your robot to vacuum, avoid obstacles, and, importantly, clean efficiently.

So, how does the Roomba i4 compare to the i3? Let’s find out.

(a) Navigation

The Roomba i3 and i4 may not have the best-in-class navigation system, but still, they get the job done.

Roomba i3 Navigation System

Being an entry-level Roomba, the i3 doesn’t have a sophisticated navigation system. It still uses iAdapt 1.0, a SLAM-based navigation system that relies on sensors for obstacle detection. There are also anti-cliff sensors that prevent the robot from toppling off the stairs. As it leaves the docking station, it seeks a physical landmark, for example, the wall, and uses it as a reference point for proper localization. If you have a high-traffic home, the i3 may not be the best, but thanks to Reactive Sensor Technology, at least it can avoid accidents witnessed with the older Roombas with iAdapt 1.0.

Roomba i4 Navigation System

The Roomba i4 is also an entry-level robot vacuum, so don’t expect it to be any better than the Roomba i3. It also relies on iAdapt 1.0 SLAM navigation for obstacle detection and avoiding falling off the stairs. To prevent accidents, the Roomba i4 also has Reactive Sensor Technology, which tells the Roomba where it cannot reach.

(b) Mapping and Boundary Marking

Mapping is all about how the robot vacuum understands the floor layout of your home and, importantly, the pattern it uses. On the other hand, boundary marking, as the name suggests, is a feature that allows for containment.

The Roomba i4 is very similar to the i3 in terms of mapping and boundary marking. The robot also relies on sensors to create temporary maps of your home and move around in neat patterns, thus guaranteeing entire level cleaning. When it comes to containment, it is unfortunate that the i4 doesn’t have the digital boundary marking technology from iRobot, Keep Out Zones. But then, you can use Virtual Walls to create boundaries – a single node is supplied.

8. Smart Features and Convenience

In this smart home age, a smart robot vacuum that syncs with other smart home devices is desirable. In the last segment of this Roomba i4 vs. i3 comparison review, find out how the two Roombas compare in terms of smart features and convenience.
Roomba i3 and i4 Mopping Function

  • Is Roomba i3 a Smart Robot Vacuum?

    Yes. The Roomba i3 and i3+ are both smart robot vacuums powered by 2.4GHz WiFi. You can operate the robots remotely from your smartphone, courtesy of the iRobot Home app. One great feature that the Roomba i3 comes with is the state-of-the-art iRobot Genius Home Intelligence helps you unlock a whole new level of cleaning experience designed around you. This new platform gives you a personalized home cleaning command center where you get custom-tailored home cleaning schedules, cleaning preferences and smart home integration. What’s more? The Roomba i3 supports voice assistants, so you can sync it with Alexa and Google Assistant.

  • Is Roomba i4 a Smart Robot Vacuum?
    The Roomba i4 and i4+ are smart robot vacuums compatible with 2.4GHz WiFi for smartphone app operation and voice assistant compatibility. The app features are similar to what you get with the Roomba i3, including the revolutionary iRobot Genius Home Intelligence. You can also operate the Roomba i4 using Alexa or Google Assistant.

Wrapping Up

There you have it, folks, a comparison review. As witnessed, these two robot vacuums are very similar, but then there are a few differences. Of course, the Roomba i4 is the best deal as it comes with a larger battery, two extra filters, and a virtual wall barrier.

Julian Smith

I need a robotic vacuum cleaner that is autonomous as much as possible for routine cleaning; for extensive cleanings, I expected to use my powerful Miele Classic C1. iRobot is a famous production company of robots, so I have decided to purchase their model. I wanted to buy a budget model with a docking station. That was my path to the comparison of i3+ and i4+. First, I was looking at the mode advanced model i4+, but in your comparison, their differences are only navigation software and runtime; I decided to save some money.
The i3+ cleans in rows and stays longer in dirty areas; that is all I need from the robot. I set the required cleaning rooms in the app and received a result. I like that it can go under my furniture, which is difficult to access with my Miele. 75 minutes is enough for my three bedroom 80 sqm house, bedrooms have low-pile carpets. I do not need a wet cleaning, so dry cleaning with 10x suction power is enough. The robot has an Automatic Disposable station, making this model autonomous, and you do not need to clean it every time.
I have had this model for 9 months already, and since then, I have had error 26 several times. This error appears if you do not clean a filter for a long time, which I honestly forget as all dust is collected in the Disposable Station. That is why I have already changed the filter twice (but the filter is non-washable; I do not think regular cleaning without water will reduce the frequency). And two times, I had error 34 because my Wi-Fi did not work, and Roomba lost connection with the app.
I definitely recommend this model as it is worth its money. The only thing is, please check if 75 minutes is enough for you; for a larger house, it will not be enough.

Kelli

As I understand it, the main difference between the two models is battery life. Can I purchase the battery for my Roomba i3+ as the battery for the i4+?

Richard Harrison

The battery in all Roomba i models (excluding i8) is the same – Replacement Lithium Ion Battery. The difference is the robot software and operation logic, which allows i4+ to work longer with the same battery.

Lorenzo

I have carpets in my bedrooms. Can Roomba i3+ and i4+ easily switch from hard floors to carpets? What is the height limitation for them?

Richard Harrison

Roomba i3+ and i4+ have adjustable heads to switch from one surface to another quickly. The height limitation is 5/8 inches or 1.6 cm. Please check your carpets; otherwise, you must manually bring the robot on it. Within this height, the head will be adjusted automatically to clean tiles, marble, laminate, and other types of floor.

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