Deebot vs Roomba Face to Face models comparison
You will agree with me that even though iRobot is the most popular robot vacuum brand, Deebot is also a force to reckon 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 again, even their most envied model, the Roomba S9 doesn’t have mopping function yet it retails at almost $1,000.
Deebot vs. Roomba Main Differences
These two robot vacuum brands share several standard features, but then, there is some clear demarcation as listed below.
- Cleaning Orientation – Roombas are dedicated robot vacuum from iRobot. There are no Roombas with mopping function. But the company offers dedicated robot mops, with the latest being the Braava M6, which syncs with the Roomba i7 or S9. On the other hand, ECOVACS offers several Deebot vacuums with mops, for example, the Deebot N78, and the OSMO Series. These vacuums offer simultaneous vacuuming and mopping.
- Price – 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.
- Self-Emptying Bin Technology – One of the hottest innovations in the robot vacuums scene is the automatic bin management systems that Roombas (i7 & S9) and Shark (R101AE) have rolled out. There is no Deebot with this capability so far, but the Chinese company should be bringing it soon.
- Vacuuming Performance – ECOVACS has a lot to offer with the integrated mops, but when it comes to vacuuming, Roombas have an edge. iRobot has the most potent vacuum we have tested so far, the Roomba S9, rated 2200pa. The Roomba brush systems are also highly specialized, for effective agitation and pick up.
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.
So far, there is a Deebot vacuum with a VSLAM navigation. 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 of investing 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.
All these factors put together to make it hard for many people to settle on one brand. For this reason, we decided to review these two brands to see who the winner is, all factors considered.
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 Carpet Boost mode. It also has the best navigation system compared to the rest of the crowd. When it comes to boundary marking, it uses invisible lasers while the other competitor, Neato Robotics uses bulky physical magnetic tapes. These are only a few of the areas where it has been unanimously agreed that Roomba is the best vacuum cleaner.
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 690 – amazing cheap model
This is an upgrade to the previous model, the Roomba 650. One of the major additions to this robot is the Smart features; Wi-Fi and voice control.
It offers quite some commendable cleaning performance considering it’s an old model and the price is cheap too. You can have it as your little helper regardless of the floor type or carpet that you have.
This cleaner has a 3-stage AeroVac cleaning system that combines a dual multi-surface brush system and AeroVac filters. Even though it is not advanced as that of the model 960 and 980, I would go for it anytime compared to what you get with other brands like ILIFE, Neato, Pyle, and so on.
It also allows you to set boundaries; areas where the Roomba should not reach. This technology uses invisible barrier technology which is a plus considering high-end vacs like Dyson lack boundary marking and the next brand that can give Roomba a run for its money uses magnetic tapes.
If you have a carpet and pets, you’re on a budget and you just want Roomba, this will be a great buy for you considering the price comes down to $250 during sales. You can check the current price of the Roomba 690 here.
Unfortunately, there is still a lot to be desired with the Roomba 650. First, I find its battery runtime wanting now that after it recharges, it doesn’t resume cleaning. Also, its navigation is quite troubled especially in small rooms with many obstacles. One last thing, it tends to leave marks on the wall when it bumps on to them.
Roomba 890 – Great Value for Money
The 890 was released together with the 690. While the 690 was meant for those who liked the 650 but wanted Wi-Fi, the Roomba 890 targeted homeowners who wanted all features combined at a reduced cost.
I have this robot and I still keep it for a reason. It offers almost the same performance you get with the 900 series but at a very affordable price. First, the AeroForce cleaning system comes with a tangle-free brush system and has 5x more air power than your ordinary Roomba.
Also, while the 690 packs Dirt Detect series I, this one comes with Advanced Dirt Detect which is also in the 960 and 980. The only difference between this model and the 960 is the navigation system whereby it has been equipped with iAdapt 1.0 and the later Roombas have iAdapt 2.0. Also, it lacks recharge and resume function just like all the other models save for the 900 series.
If these additions are a no bother for you, I’d recommend you stick to the 890 and save around $400 if you were to go for the 980. It also comes with Wi-Fi and voice control which are among the most coveted features in this Smart Home era.
If you look at the Roomba 800 series vs. 900 series comparison, you will realize that the 890 stands out both in terms of features and price. If you want affordability and performance, this is your Roomba.
However, there are a few things I feel iRobot could have improved. Still, this Roomba will encounter a few challenges when it comes to navigation. Even though it is better compared to previous models, it still got stuck in high-traffic rooms.
Roomba 960 – The Clever Choice
Personally, I think of the 960 as a clever choice if you don’t have a carpet. This Roomba is the little brother of the Roomba 980 and shares a lot on common with the latter. It comes with a new navigation system, iAdapt 2.0 that uses regular sensors and combines that data with real-time imaging to create an intelligent map of your home. Even though there have been concerns that iRobot is using these images to sell house floor plans to 3rd party companies, the company came out and cleared the air; it doesn’t store or share this data.
This model also delivers 5x more air power and uses High-efficiency AeroForce filters just like the 890 and 980.
Another thing I liked about this Roomba is the fact that it delivers great action on pet hair and carpets. Regarding Smart features, it packs Wi-Fi and voice control and a new feature called a Clean Map report that lets you see the areas the Roomba cleaned right from your Smartphone App. It has a runtime of around 75 minutes and is one of the only two Roombas with recharge and resume function. Even though it is not ultimately the best for this, the cleaning it offers is second to the 980’s only.
Unfortunately, this robot is very expensive and will cost you something in the region of $700. If you look at the features, it offers almost the same performance as the Roomba 890 that costs $200 lesser and that’s why the 890 always reigns over it.
Roomba 980 – The All-Round Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Everyone will tell you that the 980 is the best Roomba and there is no doubt about this. It cleans all floor types and picks up all manner of pet messes; whether fur or dander that causes allergies.
One of the most talked about feature of this model is Carpet Boost mode that has been specially designed for carpets.
The motor delivers 10x more air power to vacuum the deepest parts of any type of carpet. During one of my tests, I vacuumed my carpets with the 890 and after it had finished, the 980 cleaned it again and the results were amazing. I still found dirt in the 980’s bin.
Besides Carpet Boost, Roomba 980 also has a longer runtime. It averages 120 minutes when in normal mode and around 90 minutes in Carpet Boost.
This is very impressive and together with auto-resume function, it is ideal for those with large apartments. You won’t have to worry about power or getting stuck as the iAdapt 2.0 is more accurate and precise.
If you are looking for reliability and budget is not an issue, this is the ultimate Roomba that every homeowner should envy.
Unfortunately, this model is very expensive, and that’s what puts off a lot of customers. But from the mantra of ‘what you pay for is what you get’ price shouldn’t be a major concern if you can afford it. Already, the Roomba 980 has been discontinued, and you’ll be lucky to find it in stock.
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. While it justifies its price, it lacks digital boundaries, and several other new features, for example, smart charging.
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.
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
ECOVACS Deebot N79 – Entry Level Smart Vacuum
The Deebot N79 is a great robot vacuum cleaner that rivals some of the biggest names in the market including Roomba, iLIFE, Neato, Samsung and the rest. In fact, it is among Amazon’s choice for the best robot vacuum. Even though we expected it to have many similarities to the predecessor, the N78, the two are quite different when it comes to features.
Generally, while model N78 is targeted for those looking for a 2-in-1 cleaner with raw power, Deebot N79 lacks mopping but works well on carpets and has Wi-Fi.
So, if you are torn between what to go for between the two, just know it’s a matter of compromise; mopping function or WiFi. A critical feature of this model is its boosted suction power of up to 1000 Pa. It ensures the deepest parts of your carpet are vacuumed thoroughly.
One problem with the N78 was that on carpets, it delivered average performance and more so, it damaged the fabric. These are issues ECOVACS and that’s why it is among the best cheap robot vacuum cleaners for carpets. There’s also a remote control provided, and together with the Smartphone App, you have more ways to control your robot.
If you have a carpet and pets, and you are on a budget, I would recommend it anytime.
Unfortunately, there are still a few things that ought to have been improved in this model. First, in as much as it is Wi-Fi connected, it doesn’t support Alexa. This is quite a blow considering Alexa has now grown into an integral part of the Smart Home. Besides this, it still gets stuck but at least, not as often as the previous model.
ECOVACS Deebot N79S – Cheap Smart Deebot Vacuum
The old Deebot N79 was such a great vacuum and became the cheapest ECOVACS smart robot vacuum.
But there was one major flaw; it wasn’t compatible with voice assistants. This made it less popular, and the Deebot N79s came on board to save the face of the Chinese brand.
Now, the new Deebot N79s works with Alexa and Google Assistant as well as a host of other 3rd party integration.
If you have hard floors, low to medium pile carpets, pets and allergies, it is a great deal.
Regarding cleaning performance, a notable addition in the new Deebot N79s is the Max mode for carpet. This is a feature that works the same way as Roomba 980’s Carpet Boost mode or D7 Connected Turbo mode. However, Deebot is not as powerful as the two, but for a $200 robot vacuum, it’s a great deal. .
It handles low to medium pile carpets very well but is not suitable for high pile carpets and rugs. Model N79s comes with a powerful lithium-ion battery that can last it for 120 minutes in normal mode and 100 minutes in Max mode. No resume function is available for the Deebot N79s, just like the previous models.
One of the shortcomings of the Deebot N79s, however, is the not so smart navigation system. It uses a SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) system that will miss obstacles and stairs occasionally. Its floor mapping and routes are also not so efficient in high traffic rooms.
This year, Deebot expanded its product line with several models including Deebot 700 series.
There are two variants of this vacuum; the 711 and the newer 711s. Well, the 711 model was released earlier this year, but the 711s came this August and sorted out some of the flaws the original model had. To help you understand these two better, we will look at the similarities and the differences.
Deebot 711 and 711s share the same design and cleaning performance. The duo comes with two power modes; one for normal cleaning and another for intensive vacuuming.
But the main highlight of this vacuum is the revolutionary VSLAM (Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping). The technology is dubbed Smart Navi 2.0 and uses sensors and a real-time camera for navigation.
If you have the high-traffic rooms and large apartments, this is the best choice.
When it comes to the differences, the new Deebot 711s has a longer runtime. It can do a cool 130 minutes, whereas the older model does just 100 minutes which is still impressive.
The new 711s also has an improved primary brush that picks up both short and long pet hair without tangling or jamming now and then.
On the downside, the Deebot 711 lacks true HEPA filters which are 99% efficient and filter down to 0.3 microns. Also, despite sporting the latest Smart Navi 2.0 navigation, it lacks any form of boundary marking.
Check out our full Deebot 711 review to learn more about this model.
Deebot N79W+ with Powerful Battery
The two vacuums have the same design and dimensions and offer the same cleaning performance.
They both have a Max mode where suction is stepped up to 1000Pa though the normal is 800Pa.
The bin, filter system, and brushes are all the same.
When it comes to autonomy, the N79W+ features a powerful battery that lasts 110 minutes when in normal mode.
The navigation and mapping system is also similar to the N79s. It uses sensors to navigate around the house, but unfortunately, it doesn’t have an elaborate floor mapping system.
The N79W+ is smart home ready courtesy of 2.4GHz WiFi – control it from the ECOVACS home app or using Alexa.
Now, when it comes to the differences, the new N79W+ comes in white finish while the earlier model, the N79s is black.
The other difference is that the N79W+ tags along with a two-year warranty while the older N79s has a one-year warranty.
Deebot 500 a Great Deal
If you are looking for an affordable Deebot but you don’t want to go low to the likes of the N79s, the Deebot 500 will be a great deal.
Available in several colours, this vacuum blends some commendable raw cleaning power and a host of convenience features. But just like a coin, there are two sides to it.
Starting with the advantages, we are glad this vacuum is affordable. It will set you back around $250. There are also three models to choose from with only the colour as the difference.
When it comes to cleaning performance, this vacuum is ideal for bare floors and low pile carpets. It has an efficient motor that delivers a maximum of 1000Pa when Max mode is activated, but in normal mode, the suction is around 800Pa. The runtime is quite impressive at 110 minutes though it won’t resume cleaning after that.
On the downside, this vacuum isn’t suited for medium to high pile carpets because of the average suction power. Also, it performs dismally in high traffic rooms because of the old navigation system that relies on sensors only.
But for the price, the Deebot 500 is a great deal for the money, especially for homeowners with small and less busy apartments.
Deebot Ozmo 930 Still a Worthy Robot Vacuum
The Deebot 930 was released in April, and even though it has already been replaced, it is still a worthy robot vacuum. The vacuum boasts a mix of cleaning and convenience extra.
As a 2-in-1 robot vacuum cleaner, it is ideal for homes with bare floors and pets. If you are a smart home enthusiast, this is still your robot vacuum.
The Ozmo 930 features average suction power. It can run on two modes; low power and high power mode.
The high power mode is meant for carpets. The robot automatically detects the carpet fabric and switches to Max mode where suction is boosted to 1300. Well, this isn’t so bad, but then, it can’t handle the medium and high pile carpets effectively.
The mopping function is by far the best feature this vacuum comes with. It is best for homes with bare floors as they used minimal water.
The runtime and navigation are also impressive. The Ozmo 930 can run for a cool 120 minutes and has an auto-recharge and resume capabilities.
When it comes to navigation, Ozmo 930 uses the revolutionary Smart Navi 3.0, making it a great deal for homes with high traffic rooms.
On the downside, the Deebot 930 uses HEPA style filters which are not the best for allergy sufferers. Also, the robot doesn’t have enough suction power to handle medium and high pile carpets. But for its price, it’s great value for money if you have bare floors only.
Deebot Ozmo 950 Good Value for Money
This is among the latest vacuums in the ECOVACS product portfolio. Released in August, the Deebot 950 is dubbed the most powerful Deebot ever. Its price is really high at $800 but compared to the competition; it offers good value for money.
Let’s find out what this new Deebot brings on board.
While the earlier Deebot 930 comes with two power levels, this one features three. Adjust the power depending on the surface you are cleaning.
The lowest setting is for light cleaning while the medium and max modes are for general and intensive vacuuming, respectively.
The maximum suction power of the OZMO 950 is 1500Pa, but still, this isn’t the best for high pile carpets.
Also, the runtime has been increased to 180 minutes when on the lowest power setting and around 150 minutes in normal mode.
Much of the features have however been retained. This vacuum comes with 2-in-1 cleaning meaning it can sweep, vacuum and mop simultaneously.
Regarding the cleaning performance, it does well on bare floors, and low to medium pile carpets. It also picks up pet hair and wipes pet messes, for example, pet paws and urine stains.
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.
Roomba 690 vs. Deebot N79
This is another interesting battle that pits two entry-level Smart robots. It is a battle that also raises adrenaline considering Deebot doesn’t have the obvious advantage – the mop function. What makes them similar is the fact that they all have Wi-Fi.
Roomba 690 was released together with the 890 and the only new feature it brings on board is Wi-Fi. Considering its efficient and proven cleaning system, it is a top choice for homeowners. It offers great action for all floor types, pet hair and even carpets. Besides, features like Dirt Detect, Virtual Walls, and a dual multi-surface brush system obviously makes it a big deal compared to Deebot.
Deebot. On the other hand, Deebot N9 offers nothing new. Its only advantage is affordability – it is cheaper than Roomba by around $100. However, note that it doesn’t support voice-control so if you have a Smart Home, the cheap price should not mislead you.
Deebot 711 vs Roomba 890
The two are in the same budget range though the 890 is an old model while the 711 is a 2019 robot vacuum.
Both vacuums have advantages and disadvantages, so here it’s hard to call a winner. But here’s the deal.
Roomba 890 is an old model, but it features several unique aspects that Ecovacs has not yet adopted. At least Dirt Sensors and the full bin indicator make work easier at home.
For those who have a busy home and busy schedules, these two features come in handy. You will know when the bin is full, and again, the robot can have fast action on areas with large messes, for example, spots with sugar, rice or cereal spills.
Also, the fact that the 890 is from the world’s leading robot vacuum brand is enough reason to go for it over ECOVACS.
On the other hand, the Deebot 711 features a slim design and bears a VSLAM navigation making it ideal for high traffic rooms. This is a top reason why you should buy the 711 over the 890.
Above all, it has longer runtime though it won’t resume cleaning after recharging just like Roomba 890.
OZMO 950 vs OZMO 930 vs Roomba i7 vs S9
So, which is the best model in this OZMO 950, OZMO 930, Roomba i7 or S9? Let’s find out
As far as the design goes, the two Deebot OZMO vacuums are the best compared to Roombas. They are thinner and thus can go under most furniture unrestricted.
In terms of cleaning performance, it is a draw between the two brands.
You will like the Roomba S9 because of the industry-leading suction power, and that means it can clean carpets, regardless of whether it is low pile or high pile.
The OZMO 950 comes in at second and won’t offer deep carpet vacuuming because of lesser suction power.
While Roombas win when it comes to carpet vacuuming, Deebot takes the crown when it comes to bare floors. And it’s not because it vacuums better than Roombas, it’s because it features 2-in-1 cleaning meaning it will vacuum and mop simultaneously.
In terms of autonomy, the battle is between Roomba S9+ vs Deebot OZMO 950. The Deebot is the winner here as it comes with a powerful battery that can do 180 minutes while the Roomba does 120 minutes. As for power management, they both recharge and resume automatically.
As far as navigation and mapping go, it’s the Roomba that carries the day – both the Roomba i7 and S9 feature the new iAdapt 3.0 with Imprint Smart Mapping. This is a VSLAM navigation system which relies on sensors and a real-time camera. It is best for high traffic rooms and large apartments. iAdapt 3.0 also allows you to customize your cleaning. On the other hand,m the OZMOs come with SLAM navigation, and even though they are precise in navigation, they are not the best for large apartments with high traffic.
Main Differences Between Brands and models?
If you have pets, I suggest you get the Roomba. The 690 will be a top choice if you are on a budget as it retails just under $300. If you can step up your budget a little bit, I would recommend the model 890 which offer 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.
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 950 a great alternative as it retails for much lesser. It has been built to handle different types of fabric so unlike the Roomba 690; it won’t disregard some carpet fabrics.
For large apartments, the Roomba 960, 980, S9 and i7 will be great deals only that they are expensive. If you can manage the budget without feeling a pinch, this is what you should go for. These two vacuum cleaners, besides the longer runtimes, have resume function that sends the ac back to cleaning immediately after recharging. The R95 is also another alternative, a cheaper one for that matter. It averages over 100 minutes and resumes after recharging so even if your apartment is very large, it will surely finish cleaning.
If you have a hardwood floor, I strongly recommend any of the Deebot models with 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.
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.