Deebot vs Roomba Face to Face comparison
In this Deebot vs.Roomba comparison review, find out whether the Chinese brand has finally caught up with the US brand.
You will agree with me that even though iRobot is the most popular robot vacuum brand, Deebot is also a force to reckon with for two reasons; versatility (vacuum and mop) and affordability.
Yes, Roomba offers everything you will ever want when it comes to floor, carpet, and pet hair vacuuming. But then, even their most envied model, the Roomba S9+, doesn’t have a mopping function, yet it retails at over $1,000.
Table of Contents
Deebot vs Roomba Main Differences
These two robot vacuum brands share several standard features, but then there are several differences as listed below.
- Cleaning Orientation – Roombas are dedicated robot vacuum from iRobot. There are no Roombas with a mopping function. On the other hand, ECOVACS offers several Deebot vacuums with mops, for example, the OZMO Series. These vacuums offer simultaneous vacuuming and mopping.
- Price Points – You will agree with me that Roombas are quite expensive. But for Deebot, you won’t have to break the bank to snap one of their high-end models that retail at half the price of the best Roombas on the market.
These are the main differences that set these two brands apart as of now. It’s worth noting that Deebot has really stepped up their game in recent times.
- So far, there is a Deebot vacuum with automatic self-emptying, VSLAM navigation, and even artificial intelligence. The autonomy has also been improved with high-end models like OZMO 950, offering up to 3 hours runtime, and has intelligent charging.
With Deebot, most homeowners are attracted by the cheap price points of these robots.
Pet lovers also like the dry and wet mopping functions because it cancels the need to invest in another robot for mopping, something Roomba owners, especially hardwood floor owners, regret about.
On the other hand, Roomba remains a trusted brand when it comes to reliability. Right now, iRobot is the leader when it comes to innovation. Some of their industry-leading technologies have helped build an intelligent and reliable home helper.
Why Roomba?
If you ask any Tom, Dick, and Harry, they will tell you that Roomba is a trusted brand, so we have to look at what makes brands?
First, iRobot has years of experience and invests heavily in R&D. This gives an edge when it comes to the best cleaning technologies.
For example, Roomba is the best vacuum cleaner for carpets courtesy of iRobot’s powerful suction. It also has an intelligent navigation system with real-time cameras, automatic bin emptying, and a self-learning mechanism, among other features.
On the downside, Roomba is pricey; their best selling model retails at almost $1500, while other top brands can offer something that nearly equals the S series at half that price.
Popular Roomba Models
Roomba i7 vs i7+ a New Robot Vacuum
Around September last year, the California based company surprised us with a new robot vacuum; the I series that consists of the Roomba i7 (7150) and i7+ (7550).
The striking feature is the all-new self-emptying bin system which guaranteed hands-free cleaning for up to a month.
Before we go any further, let’s discern the difference between Roomba i7 vs i7+.
Well, the former has all the features in the I series but lacks the CleanBase unit though it’s compatible with the technology. While the Roomba i7 can be seen as the ultimate successor of the Roomba 980, it is not its true successor. The new i7 adds a few features and subtracts some as well.
To start with the new additions, Roomba i7 has been designed with the iRobot CleanBase technology. This is an avant-garde technology that gives homeowners the freedom to concentrate on other stuff – not worrying about bin emptying every now and then.
The other addition is the iAdapt 3.0 navigation system which brings onboard Imprint Smart Mapping. This is a technology that allows you to manage your cleaning efficiently. You can now select the specific rooms to clean or a particular spot that requires attention instead of having to vacuum the entire house unnecessarily.
The problem with this robot vacuum is that it is not ideal for homes with carpets, especially the medium and high pile. Its maximum suction power is 1000Pa and lacks Carpet Boost, one of the most prominent features of the Roomba 980. Another letdown is the shorter runtime. While the predecessor did an impressive 120 minutes, Roomba i7 does just 75 minutes.
Roomba S9 vs S9+ a New Series with Super Suction Power
This year, around July, iRobot surprised us yet another time with the release of the S series. There are two models in the S series(S9 and S9+).
The S9 doesn’t come with the CleanBase unit, but it is compatible with the technology. On the other hand, the S9 comes with the CleanBase included but a higher price of course.
The CleanBase works just the same way as that of the Roomba i7. It can hold up to 30 Roomba bins, and that’s enough to hold dirt for the entire month.
The S9 also brings on board a powerful motor that delivers a maximum of 2200Pa, making it among the most potent robot vacuums.
Earlier on, the 980 was king, delivering 1670Pa but was overshadowed by the likes of Roborock S5 that boasts 2000Pa. Now, the California based company is back to its lost glory so you can rely it on carpet vacuuming. And to ensure it finishes the job, the runtime has been improved to 120 minutes.
The only shortcoming of this robot vacuum is the high price tag. The S9 is so far the most expensive robot vacuum we have tested.
Roomba E5/E6
The Roomba E5 and E6 are two mid-range models from the Massachusetts brand that rival the 800 series.
These two models are very similar; the only difference is the color and accessories. The Roomba E5 comes in an all-black body style while the E6 is finished in black and tan. When it comes to accessories, the Roomba E5 comes with one Virtual Walls node, while the E6 includes two.
In terms of cleaning performance, the duo is suitable for cleaning hard floors, low to medium pile carpets, and pet hair.
They use the new AeroForce 3-stage cleaning system that includes a motor that delivers 900Pa, a dual multi-surface brush roll, and high-efficiency filters.
Unlike the new models, the E5 and E6 rely on iAdapt 1.0 navigation and floor mapping, so they are not ideal for cleaning high traffic rooms and large apartments.
The runtime is 90 minutes, and while the robots recharge automatically, they don’t have the resume function.
The Roomba E5 and E6 are smart robot vacuums that allow for remote operation via the iRobot Home app. The duo is also compatible with voice assistants, talk of Alexa and Google Assistant.
Roomba i3 and i4
Just recently, iRobot made headlines by introducing the Roomba i3 (3150 and 3550) and Roomba i4 (4150 and 4550), which are entry-level models.
For the record, these two models are the same, only that the i3 is an Amazon model while the i4 is exclusive to Costco.
One thing about these two models is that they are compatible with iRobot® Clean Base® Automatic Dirt Disposal Technology.
The difference between the plus model and the base model is that the plus models come with the Clean Base unit while the base models don’t include the unit, but they are compatible with the technology.
When it comes to cleaning performance, the i3 and i4 are the same as the Roomba 800 series. That means they are ideal for cleaning bare floors, low pile carpets, and pet messes. You can check out our Roomba i3 vs.i7 vs.i8 comparison review to find out more.
Roomba i6 and i8
The Roomba i6 and i8 are the other two new models and are quite similar to the i7 save for availability and accessories.
The Roomba i8 is a model that is exclusive to Costco, while the i6 is available on Amazon.
These two models are also compatible with iRobot self-emptying technology, but for each model, there’s a variation that includes the Clean Base unit and another that doesn’t.
Roomba i6 (6150) and i8 (8150) don’t come with the self-emptying accessory, but the i6+ (6550) and i8+ (8550) come with the unit.
The Roomba i6 and i6+ are Amazon exclusives of the Roomba i7 and i7+. The only difference between these two models is the accessories. The i6 and i6+ come with an extra side brush and filter.
Why Deebot?
The Deebot is the most popular series in the ECOVACS product portfolio. Some of the popular robots in this series include Deebot N78, N79, M80, R95, among others. For ECOVACS, they entered the market just the other day and most of their technologies are just replicas of the existing robot vacuum technologies.
Though not a very popular brand, Deebot has taken center stage in the market. The company said that it aims at putting a robot cleaner in every household and one thing that proves their commitment is their prices. This is among the strengths of this robot cleaner. You can get a cheap robot vacuum cleaner like the Slim 2 for just $160.
On average, a good model with Wi-Fi, voice control like the N79s will cost you around $200 while a similar robot from Roomba will cost you an upwards of $350 when there is no sale. The newest models like Deebot Ozmo T series boast intelligence equal to iRobot’s vas, but prices often make them worthier purchases.
Another top reason why you should choose Deebot is the versatility. While Roomba homeowners will require a Roomba for vacuuming floors and Braava for mopping, you can get a ECOVACS robot with both vacuum and mop functions. So, if mopping is your priority too, Deebot will be a clever buy.
On the downside, Deebot is a lesser known brand. Apart from this, it still has a lot to work on regarding cleaning performance and navigation.
Popular ECOVACS Models
Deebot U2 Pro
As the name suggests, the Deebot U2 Pro is an upgraded model of the U2.
This vacuum has been designed to suit pet owners. It comes with a new silicone, bristle-free brush that picks up both short and long pet hair without tangling.
Besides the updated brush, the U2 Pro comes with a three-layer, high-efficiency filter which captures all kinds of allergens from pet-related dander to dust mites and pollen. The U2 Pro also features a larger 800Ml dust bin that holds more dirt, so you won’t have to worry about bin emptying now and then.
The battery performance has also been enhanced. While the base model has a 2600mAh battery, the U2 Pro comes with a 3200mAh battery that powers the robot vacuum for a cool 2.5 hours. But then, it doesn’t resume cleaning automatically, though it docks for recharging automatically.
This model retains all the other features, including OZMO mopping. It is ideal for hard floors and low pile carpets. The U2 Pro is also a smart robot vacuum that can be operated right from the app or via Alexa and Google Assistant.
But then, it’s not ideal for large apartments and high traffic rooms because it lacks intelligent navigation and floor mapping system.
Deebot T5
The Deebot T5 is a pretty new model but what you should know is that it’s just a rebranding of the OZMO 950. It looks exactly like the 950 in terms of dimensions and aesthetics and packs exactly the same features.
Even though it is slightly expensive, the Deebot T5 boasts several great features and suits homes with bare floors, low to medium pile carpets, and pets. As a vacuum that can mop simultaneously, you can be sure that all the dirt and messes such as urine stains and grime will be cleared.
The OZMO T5 comes with a large 5,200mAh battery that offers 200 minutes runtime in standard mode. Besides the extended runtime, the T5 will recharge and resume cleaning automatically.
Regarding navigation and floor mapping, ECOVACS included Smart Navi 3.0™ laser mapping and navigation, which is ideal for both large apartments and high traffic rooms. Besides, it supports multi-floor mapping and digital boundary marking.
If you are a smart home enthusiast, the T5 will be a great deal as it features 2.4GHz WiFi for smartphone operation and Alexa compatibility.
Deebot T8
The Deebot T8 is very similar to the predecessor, the T5, but there are several extras that make it superior and more expensive.
The first improvement is in navigation and floor mapping. The T8 introduces the all-new TrueMapping technology that deploys TrueDetect 3D Advanced Object Detection making it perfect for high traffic rooms. When it comes to floor mapping, the T8 creates an accurate map of your house with 2X greater range and 4X greater precision.
Another great feature is the compatibility with the revolutionary Deebot Auto-Empty Station, which automatically empties the bin. For the record, this model doesn’t come with the empty station, but it is compatible with the technology.
In terms of cleaning performance, the T8 is a 2-in-1 cleaner that vacuums and mops simultaneously. It is capable of handling bare floors, carpets, and pet messes. A great feature is Carpet ID, which prevents the robot from mopping carpets courtesy of the Adaptive Floor Sensing (AFS) technology.
The T8 also works with the OZMO Pro Mopping System that offers quick scrubbing and deep cleaning though the unit has to be bought separately.
The Deebot T8 comes with a 5200mAh battery that offers 180 minutes runtime and is still a smart home ready robot vacuum.
Deebot T8 AIVI
The Deebot T8 AIVI is the latest Deebot on the market, and as the name suggests, it is an AI driven robot vacuum.
AIVI Technology enhances the recognition of the robot by 200% and cuts down entanglement by up to 60%. The T8 AIVI also boasts a self-learning feature similar to iRobot Genius. It collects data to help it adapt to the environment and optimize cleaning.
The T8 AIVI is a VSLAM robot vacuum that comes with a real-time camera to enhance navigation and mapping performance. You can also take advantage of this camera to monitor your home.
For the record, the T8 AIVI also works with the auto emptying technology, but it doesn’t come with the empty station.
Roomba Models vs. Deebot Models: How they Stack Up
In this segment, we are going to do a head-to-head analysis of some of the top models from these two brands. So, without further ado, let’s get straight to business.
Best All-Round: Roomba S9+ vs.Deebot T8 AIVI
In the ultimate battle between Roomba vs. Deebot, two models feature: Roomba S9+ vs. Deebot T8 AIVI. So, which is the best choice and why?
Well, it’s hard to call a winner in this battle because both models excel in many frontiers. In terms of vacuuming, the Deebot T8 AIVI and Roomba S9+ are both ideal for cleaning all kinds of dirt, including long and short pet hair from all surfaces, talk of bare floors and carpets. Both models also work with automatic self-emptying technology. In terms of floor mapping and navigation, the two are also above the bar now that they deploy VSLAM based algorithms.
verdictWinner: The Deebot T8 AIVI sounds like the best deal because of the 2-in-1 cleaning performance; it can vacuum and mop while the Roomba vacuums only. Another great feature of the Deebot T8 AIVI is the longer runtime; 3 hours to be precise, compared to Roomba’s 2 hours. Last, Deebot is more affordable even if you factor in the price of the Deebot automatic emptying station.
Best Affordable: Deebot U2 Pro vs.Roomba i3
If you are looking for an affordable robot vacuum from any of the two brands, we suggest you go with the Roomba i3 or the Deebot U2 Pro. So, which of these two models is the best deal?
The two vacuums share several features. First, they are both suited for small to medium-sized apartments with moderate traffic. They clean bare floors and pet hair quite satisfactorily. Besides, they are smart robot vacuums that allow for smartphone operation, as well as voice assistant compatibility.
Now, the best choice in this category solely depends on your cleaning needs. If you want a robot vacuum for pet hair, the Deebot U2 Pro will be the best deal as it’s highly specialized for pet hair pickup. Moreso, the U2 Pro boasts 2-in-1 cleaning, so you don’t have to buy a separate mop. Now, when it comes to the Roomba i3, the main advantage is the fact that it can empty itself automatically, a feature the U2 Pro lacks.
verdictWinner: There is no clear winner here. You’ll love the Deebot U2 Pro if you want a robot cleaner that vacuums and mops simultaneously. On the other hand, the Roomba i3 is best for buyers looking for a cheap robot vacuum with automatic self-emptying
Best Mid Range Option: Roomba i7/i7+ vs.Deebot T5
The Roomba S9+ and Deebot T8 AIVI could be way beyond your budget. The perfect alternatives are the Deebot T5 and Roomba i7/i7+. So, which of these models is best suited for you?
Deebot T5 and Roomba i7/i7+ boast several premium features. In terms of cleaning performance, they can handle bare floors and pet hair very well. They are also smart vacuum cleaners with WiFi for app operation and voice assistant compatibility.
While most of the features are similar, the biggest difference comes in cleaning orientation, navigation, and maintenance. Roomba i7 and i7+ come with a VSLAM navigation and work with the iRobot Clean Base automatic emptying. On the other hand, the Deebot T5 is a 2-in-1 vacuum cleaner that vacuums and mops simultaneously. Deebot also has a longer runtime courtesy of a large 5,200mAh battery compared to Roomba’s 1800mAh battery.
verdictWinner: Here again, it’s hard to call a winner as it depends on your needs. If you have high traffic rooms, Roomba should be a priority courtesy of the VSLAM navigation system. You should also buy the Roomba if you want the convenience of automatic bin emptying. However, if you want a versatile robot vacuum that vacuums and mops simultaneously, get Deebot T5. This model is also ideal if you have a large apartment because of the longer runtime.
Main Differences Between Brands and models?
If you have pets, I suggest you get the Roomba. The E5 or Deebot U2 Pro. The duo retail just under $300. I would recommend the E5, which offers just the same performance as the pricey 960. The 5x more air power and HEPA filters will pick up all the pet hairs, dander, and even allergens. In case you want a Deebot, the T5 will be a great choice as it is affordable, offers 2-in-1 cleaning and boasts a range of smart features.
On the other hand, if you have carpet floors, the Roomba S9 is the ultimate vac for the job, but then it costs very high. This makes the Deebot Ozmo T5 a great alternative as it retails for much lesser. It has been built to handle different types of fabric. So, unlike some Roombas, it won’t disregard some carpet fabrics.
For large apartments, the Roomba i6, i3, S9, and i7 will be great deals. But they are expensive. If you can manage the budget without feeling a pinch, this is what you should go for. These vacuum cleaners, besides the longer runtimes, have a resume function that sends the vac back to cleaning immediately after recharging. The T5, T8, and T8 AIVI are also good alternatives, and cheaper for that matter. They have a longer runtime and intelligent navigation and floor mapping. The T8 and T8 AIVI, in particular, have enhanced mapping and obstacle detection.
If you have a hardwood floor, I strongly recommend any of the Deebot models with a mopping function. One of the major problems with hardwood floors is cleaning them. You may vacuum it with the best Roomba, but the grimes and stains will still remain. In as much as you can mop this dirt with your rug and water, hardwood floors get damaged by water, so a Deebot with mopping function will clean this floor with a little water and dry it immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roomba vs Deebot: which vacuum has longer run time?
Why is Roomba more expensive than Deebot?
Does the Ecovac robot map your house?
Wrap Up
It is clear that the mop function in Deebot and most importantly, the cheap price is a serious concern for Roomba. In as much as iRobot has been dominant, more Americans are now being inclined more to the affordability of Deebot than the reliability of Roomba.
How things will shape up, it’s time that will tell but so far so good, we are likely to see ECOVACS taking a share of Roomba’s market.
Carolyn
Great article ! Covered all bases and features !
Thanks for a job well done !
Definitely help with our buying decision.
Matt Wegner
I have a Deebot Ozmo 930. I thought the mop feature was terrible, useless. It did not do a good job. The vacuum worked great though. Mapping was awesome too with boundary markers.
Barb H
Great article! Tins of useful info.
Leslie Penhaligon
Very informative and well presented.
Marselo
Thanks for good article but I think that models Roomba 690 and Deebot N79 are too “old”. Maybe you need to add Roomba 675?
Justin
Hi! Thanks for great review. I want to ask you about Roomba 675 is it better that 690? I’ve got a hardwood floor and want to try roomba)) which model can you recomend?
Andry Sullivan
These models almost the same…. But Why do you want Roomba? As for me deebot will be much better.. for example on the last black friday the price on model Deebot 500 was 149$…But this model will be perfect for hardwood floors if you don’t have any carpeats…