When it comes to robot vacuums, one name stands out…
Roomba.
In fact, this brand has become so iconic…
Some people actually think all robot vacuums are Roombas.
And if you’ve been thinking about buying one…
I’ll be more than happy to help you decide.
Just…
Continue reading to learn:
- 3 Roomba recommendations depending on your budget.
- 13 reasons why Roombas are definitely worth your money.
- 5 reasons why you should think twice before buying a Roomba.
- And a lot more…
Are Roombas worth it?
Roombas are worth it. iRobot’s Roomba is the top brand when it comes to robot vacuums. That’s because they have the most advanced features. Plus, their parts are easily replaceable, which is helpful in maintenance. They’re also durable, with a lifespan of 4 to 6 years.
13 Roomba pros
#1: Roomba is the top brand in the robot vacuum industry
If you’ve never had a robot vacuum but want to buy one…
Look no further than iRobot’s Roomba.
It’s not the original robot vacuum. That distinction goes to Electrolux Trilobite.
But it’s the first commercially successful one.
To understand further, let’s have a quick throwback…
The release of the original Roomba in 2002 was a game-changer. Inspiring many other companies to develop their own robot vacuums.
And yet, Roomba’s still dominating the industry. 2 decades since its release. Which is a testament to the quality of iRobot’s products.
With Roombas, you know you’re getting the best robot vacuums on the market.
#2: Helps you save time
Compared to a traditional upright vacuum, owning a Roomba will save you a lot of time.
The main selling point of robot vacuums like Roomba is that they can work independently.
With little to no intervention from the owners.
So imagine the many things you can do with the time you save.
You can spend more time with your family. You’ll also be able to work more on your online job or business. Or you can focus on other household chores.
#3: The only robot vacuum that can avoid pet wastes
Search for robot vacuum videos on Youtube, Reddit, or other social media sites.
And chances are, you’ll come across one of those viral videos.
You know, the one where a robot vacuum spreads pet poop all over the carpet.
It’s an absolute nightmare scenario.
And it’s a problem most manufacturers have yet to solve.
Except for iRobot. With their Roomba j7.
This model became the first to intelligently detect and avoid pet waste.
So you won’t have to worry about coming home to a poop-filled floor.
#4: Roomba parts are easily replaceable
Did you know that iRobot’s still selling replacement parts for their old models?
Yes, even the first-gen Roombas.
This means you’ll never have a problem looking for replacement parts. Not when the company itself keeps providing them. Even for supposedly obsolete models.
This should also save you money. As you won’t have to keep upgrading your Roomba every couple of years.
You can simply buy replacement parts when necessary.
You may find them on iRobot’s website. Or in the company’s official Amazon store.
#5: Can charge themselves
Another advantage of Roombas versus traditional vacuums is they can charge themselves.
All Roombas from the 2nd generation onwards have this ability.
In 2004, iRobot added the self-charging ability to their robot vacuums. Making them smart enough to return to their charging stations on their own.
So if you’re using a Roomba, you won’t have to keep monitoring its charge level. You won’t have to run to the nearest outlet when it’s about to lose power.
And it’s another automation feature that’ll save you a lot of time and effort.
#6: Can auto-empty their bins
One of the most common complaints of robot vacuum owners…
Is the constant need to empty the device’s bin.
But in 2018, iRobot solved that problem.
Proving once again why they’re leading the race on robot vacuums…
iRobot did it when they debuted the Roomba i Series.
Along with the i models came what’s called the Clean Base. An auto-emptying bin. This allowed Roombas to take out the trash themselves.
Again, one less task for the owners.
#7: Excellent at cleaning corners
Almost all robot vacuums come in a circular shape. Making it difficult for them to thoroughly clean corners.
But it’s another issue that iRobot has solved. Thanks to its Roomba s9+.
This model is unlike your average robot vacuums.
The D-shape makes it possible for the s9+ to reach corners that other vacuums would struggle to clean.
Yet another excellent innovation from iRobot.
#8: Can follow a cleaning schedule
Scheduling is another feature where Roomba beats a regular vacuum.
With Roomba, you can pick and choose when to clean.
Want Roomba to clean your home when you’re away?
Just set a schedule. It’s been possible since the 2nd generation Roombas.
Moreover, since the release of Roomba’s 600 series…
You can even do it using the iRobot HOME app.
And unlike a stubborn kid, Roomba will actually follow through on the schedule.
#9: You can control them remotely
Speaking of the iRobot HOME app…
Aside from scheduling, you can do many other things with it.
You can send your Roomba to clean a specific area through the app. Or tell it not to go to certain rooms.
In addition, you’ll be able to create cleaning schedules easily.
You can do all of those within a few taps on your phone.
#10: You can integrate them with voice assistants
“Alexa, can you tell Roomba to start cleaning?”
Yes, you can definitely control Roombas with your voice.
They’re compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant.
And you can easily link a Roomba to a voice assistant using the HOME app.
If you’d like to see how a Roomba works with Alexa, watch this video below:
#11: Can fit in tight spaces
On average, Roombas are around 3 to 3.5 inches in height.
This allows them to fit in tight spaces easily. Such as under your bed or sofa.
And in that regard, Roombas are better than traditional vacuums.
They can clean areas that upright vacuums won’t even be able to reach.
#12: Durable
Wondering how long Roombas last?
Generally, they have a lifespan of around 4 to 6 years. And it could be longer with proper maintenance.
And as I mentioned, replacement parts aren’t hard to find. Making it easy to maintain the device.
Also, iRobot only uses high-quality materials for its products.
So even if its robot vacuums are relatively expensive…
You know you’re getting your money’s worth.
#13: Advanced home-mapping capability
Throughout the years, Roombas have only become smarter.
And since 2015, iRobot has equipped Roombas with advanced home-mapping technology.
This means your Roomba knows exactly how big your house is.
It also knows the location of each room. And what places to avoid.
All in all, allowing it to clean more thoroughly and efficiently.
Also, this feature is what makes it possible to send Roombas to specific rooms.
Bonus: Roombas are well-designed vacuums
Yes, you should buy a Roomba for its functionality.
But Roombas can also add to your home’s interior design.
iRobot created Roombas in such a way that they won’t look out of place anywhere. Even in high-end homes.
So, unlike regular vacuums, you don’t need to hide your Roomba in the closet.
Besides, a lot of people find the circular design cute. As though Roombas are something from a science fiction movie.
5 Roomba cons
#1: There are cheaper alternatives
When Roomba exploded in popularity, knockoffs expectedly came out.
And today, there are plenty of them.
Notable Roomba competitors include:
And one of the ways they try to beat Roomba is through their price.
Today, you can even find a robot vacuum for less than $100. Such as Pure Clean.
The point is that you can easily find cheaper alternatives to Roomba.
Sure, they’re not as advanced as Roombas. But as far as cleaning goes, they’re almost as good.
So if features don’t matter much to you…
You can go with one of those cheaper robot vacuums.
You might also want to know: 13 Best Roomba Alternatives (Cheaper & Better)
#2: Not as powerful as a traditional vacuum
The s9+ is the most powerful Roomba. It has a suction power of around 2500 Pa.
To compare, traditional vacuums have an average of 8000 to 10000 Pa.
Around 3 to 4 times the suction power of the s9+.
So when it comes to cleaning…
Standard vacuums will always be more thorough than Roombas.
#3: Can be inefficient in cleaning
Yes, advanced home mapping has made Roombas more efficient than ever.
But they still don’t compare to manual vacuums.
You see, Roombas can still take several hours to clean. Mainly because of their size. And the fact that they don’t move around as fast.
A hand-held vacuum operated by a human is still much faster in cleaning.
#4: Can’t clean stairs or couches
iRobot designed Roombas to avoid stairs. This is to prevent them from falling. It’s an excellent feature, actually.
But it also means you’ll have to clean your stairs yourself.
And Roombas can’t climb furniture either. So you’ll also have to clean your couch manually, too.
Roombas are only limited to the floor.
That’s why you can’t solely rely on them for cleaning your whole house.
#5: Can’t avoid liquids
iRobot may have already solved their Roombas’ pet waste problem.
But liquids are still something that they can’t avoid. And as we know, liquids and electronic devices don’t go together.
A workaround would be to buy iRobot’s Braava Jet robot mop. But of course, that’s an additional expense.
Which Roomba is best for me?
The best Roomba for you is the j7+. It’s the first robot vacuum that’s capable of avoiding pet waste. In addition, it’s also smart enough to avoid other obstacles. Such as wires and toys. It also has powerful suction for thorough cleaning. And it comes with a Clean Base, so it empties its own bin.
Now, I understand that people’s spending abilities may vary.
So I came up with a list of 3 Roombas that’ll fit any budget.
#1: Roomba j7+
The Roomba j7+ is the best overall robot vacuum.
Other robot vacuums will struggle with obstacles like wires, socks, or toys.
But the j7+ is smart enough to move around those. So there’ll be no interruptions while it’s cleaning.
It’s also the first to solve the pet waste problem of all robot vacuums.
iRobot even offers what they call the P.O.O.P. guarantee. It stands for Pet Owner Official Promise.
And it assures you that if the j7+ fails to avoid pet poop, they’ll replace it for free.
You can buy one for $600.
And If you’re fine without the self-emptying Clean Base, go for j7. For only $400.
#2: Roomba i3+
The i3+ is the cheapest Roomba with a Clean Base. You can get it for only $350.
Like higher-end models, it’s also capable of smart home mapping. And you’d be able to know its estimated cleaning time via the HOME app.
It also uses dual rubber brushes that work well for any surface. And it does great with pet hairs.
#3: Roomba 694
The 694 is the cheapest Roomba you can buy today.
At only $180, this offers the best bang for your buck. And it’s highly recommended if you’re just getting started with robot vacuums.
It has a 3-stage cleaning system. Which works well with dust and debris on any surface.
It’s also able to charge itself. And, despite being a cheap Roomba, it has advanced sensors.
So it can move around your home efficiently. And you won’t have to worry about it falling down the stairs.
This model also works with the iRobot HOME app. Great value overall for its price.
Bonus: Roomba s9+
The s9+ is iRobots top of the line robot vacuum. If money isn’t an issue, you may also consider this.
It’s the most powerful one. With a suction power of 2500 Pa.
Yes, it won’t beat traditional vacuums. But it’s as powerful as it gets for robot vacuums.
It’s excellent in both carpets and hardwood. And its D-shape makes it perfect for corners.
Its current price is $800.