Roomba I6 vs J7 Comparison Review
In this Roomba I6 vs. J7 comparison review, find out the similarities and differences between these two models and, importantly, which one you should go for if you are looking for a budget Roomba.
The Roomba i6 and J7 are among the best Roombas on the market, especially if you are looking for the convenience of a self-emptying robot vacuum. But then, the J7, the latest model from iRobot, is the best choice. Find out why.
For the record, there are two Roomba i6 and j7 variants. In the i6 lineup, we have the i6 (6150) and i6+ (6550). On the other hand, the Roomba j7 series has the j7 (7150) and j7+ (7550).
Unfortunately, the base models don’t come with the Clean Base® Automatic Dirt Disposal units, but the plus models have this self-emptying accessory.
Roomba i6 vs J7 Face to Face Comparison
Which one to choose Roomba i6+ or Roomba j7?
5 reasons to choose Roomba j7
- Free replacement if you are not satisfied: The Roomba j7 Manufacturer guarantees the removal of all pet messes or replaces the robot for free.
- Starts when you leave: Smart OS will automatically start cleaning when your smartphone geolocation changes from home.
- Extra-clean suggestions: Roomba j7 learns the habits and pet seasons and suggests extra cleanings in the required places.
- Obstacles identification: This robot avoids obstacles with Precision Navigation and identifies to clean them if required.
- Privacy protection: All data collected about your habits and home is securely encrypted and protected without leakage to Third Parties.
Now, onto the main business of the day, how do these two Roombas compare? To help you make the best decision, we have assessed three crucial factors: design & aesthetics, cleaning performance, and navigation & battery.
1. Design and Aesthetics
The Roomba i6 is a round-shaped robot vacuum with a low-profile design. It has a 13.34 inches diameter and is 3.63 inches high.
As for the weight, the robot only weighs 7.44lbs. The color is black on silver.
The Roomba J7 is quite similar to the i6, but there are negligible differences. The i6 has a 13.3 inches diameter and is 3.4 inches high.
As for the weight and finish, it is 7.49lbs and is black on silver.
verdictIn terms of design and aesthetics, it’s hard to call a winner as both models have a low profile design.
2. Cleaning Performance
The most important consideration when choosing a robot vacuum is the cleaning performance. This segment highlights the cleaning components of each Roomba and, importantly, what each model is best for.
(a) Cleaning Orientation
The Roomba i6 is a vacuum-only robot cleaner, so don’t expect it to have any mopping function. Instead, it syncs with the Braava M6 robot mop for simultaneous vacuuming and mopping courtesy of Imprint Link Technology.
When it comes to specialty, the i6 is suitable for bare floors, low pile carpets, and homes with pets.
The Roomba J7, on the other hand, is also a vacuum-only cleaner, but it can sync with the Braava M6 robot mop for simultaneous vacuuming and mopping.
When it comes to specialization, the J7 is ideal for all types of bare floors, low pile carpets, homes with pet hair, homes with multiple levels, and high traffic rooms.
verdictThe Roomba i6 and J7 are the same in terms of cleaning orientation so here again, it’s hard to call a winner.
(b) Vacuuming Performance
The Roomba i6 uses iRobot’s revolutionary AeroForce 3-stage cleaning system. There is a dual multisurface brushroll, one for agitating dirt and the other for lifting dirt off surfaces. It’s assisted by a side sweeping brush that reaches the deep corners and wall edges.
When it comes to suction, the i6 uses a 2nd Gen single-speed motor that puts up 900pa.
The Roomba J7 is just the same as the i6 in terms of vacuuming performance. It also relies on iRobot’s AeroForce 3-stage cleaning system. It features a dual multisurface brushroll – one for agitation and another for dirt pickup. The side sweeping brush is also intact.
As for suction power, this robot vacuum is equipped with a 2nd Gen single-speed motor that averages 900pa.
verdictThe Roomba J7 and i6 offer the same vacuuming performance. They have the same suction and the same brush system.
(c) Cleaning Test Results
We tested these two models in real household settings to help our readers make the best purchase decision. Find out which is the best model for bare floors and carpets.
Which is the Best Model for Bare Floors?
The Roomba i6 and J7 performed the same way on bare floors and carpets. We created messes on a hardwood floor. Below are the results.
Which is the Best Model for Carpets?
We also tested the two Roombas on low and high pile carpets to find out how they perform. Below are illustrations of the results we got.
3. Navigation and Battery
The Roomba i6 is an entry-level robot vacuum with cutting-edge iAdapt 3.0 VSLAM navigation that relies on a real-time camera and a set of obstacle and anti cliff sensors for navigation.
When it comes to floor mapping, the i6 uses Imprint Smart Mapping, a technology that learns, maps, and adapts to your home’s layout, creating hyper-accurate maps. The robot can differentiate your kitchen from your bedroom. Other worthy features include digital boundary marking, dubbed Keep Out Zones.
As for the battery, the i6 and i6+ use a 1800mAh lithium-ion battery that runs for an average of 75 minutes. Moreover, it can recharge and resume cleaning automatically.
The Roomba J7 is also a smart robot vacuum that uses iAdapt 3.0 VSLAM navigation. There is a camera and sensors for localization.
On the other hand, Imprint Smart Mapping enables it to learn, map, and adapt to your home’s layout. You can also create digital boundaries using Keep Out Zones. One unique feature of the J7 is the iRobot Genius 3.0, an intelligent AI-powered feature that brings onboard new features including Clean While I’m Away, Cleaning Time Estimates, Smart Map Coaching, and Room Name Suggestions, and Quiet Drive.
When it comes to the battery, the J7 is equipped with a Roomba® i8 Denali 2210mAh battery that offers 90 minutes runtime. This robot will also recharge and resume cleaning automatically.
verdictThe Roomba J7 is the best choice as it offers longer runtime and comes with iRobot Genius 3.0.
4. Smart Connectivity
The Roomba i6 is a smart robot vacuum that supports 2.4GHz WiFi. With wireless connectivity, the robot can be operated from a mobile app. It’s also possible to sync the i6 with voice assistants such as Alexa.
The Roomba J7 is not in any way different. It also features 2.4GHz WiFi for smartphone operation and voice assistant compatibility.
verdictAs far as smart connectivity is concerned, the Roomba J7 and i6 are both smart robot vacuums so there is no winner here.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Roomba j7 worth it?
2. Is Roomba i6 the same as i7?
3. Is the Roomba i6 loud?
Wrapping Up
There you have it, folks, a Roomba i6 vs. J7 comparison review. The two share several crucial features, including cleaning performance, navigation and autonomy, and automatic self-emptying.
But the J7 is the best as it comes with several extras, including a bigger battery and iRobot Genius 3.0.
