It can be said about the iRobot vacuum cleaners, without a doubt, that we should all have one at home. A fundamental help in everyday cleaning, a support that will help us to better manage everything. The question is which one should I buy? We’ve narrowed it down to Roomba i3 vs i7 – which one ? Read on to find out which one it perfect for you.
Today, in this article we will talk about the i3 and i7 models, two of the most advanced iRobot devices. Which also have the fundamental characteristic of being compatible with the “Clean Base” self-emptying station.
| ROOMBA I3 | ROOMBA I3+ | ROOMBA I7 | ROOMBA I7+ | |
| Capacity | 500ml | 500ml | 400ml | 400ml |
| Navigation system | Gyroscopic + RCON sensor | Gyroscopic + RCON sensor | Camera Vslam | Camera Vslam |
| Area cleaning management | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Check Offer | Check Offer | Check Offer | Check Offer |
What is the difference between Roomba i3 and Roomba i3 +? And between the Roomba i7 and i7+?
Let’s start immediately with the differences that the models in question present. Indeed, between the standard models, i7 and i3, there is no big dividing line. The difference, however, lies in the plus models, therefore in the i7 + and i3 + models, which additionally have the self-emptying base of the collected debris.
It will therefore be obvious that the basic models, which we will mainly deal with in this article, will not have this accessory. It can however be purchased separately as they are compatible with it.
Differences Between Them
1) vSLAM Browsing
The first model, Roomba i7, uses vSLAM technology, which are sensors capable of creating visual reference points. Thanks to which the robot can adapt better to the environments needing to be cleaned. Thanks to these sensors, the robots able to clean with precision, having analyzed and studied the maps provided to it.
The Roomba i3, on the other hand, uses another system that is the one with RCON sensors, which sets precise paths on straight lines.
For these reasons, we can define Rooma i7 more precise and intelligent in terms of navigation and in the study and therefore creation of maps.
2) Interactive Maps and Their Storage
Of course, being intelligent robot vacuum cleaners, they both study the spaces and then create the maps of the perimeter of the house. The difference, however, that can be found in these terms, between the two, is that in the Roomba i3, once the maps are created and used for cleaning, they are eliminated.
On the contrary, the i7 model allows you to keep up to 10 maps in the iRobot HOME app, in addition to the fact that the latter are interactive and therefore you can manage cleaning, a factor that we will see in the next point.
3) Intelligent Cleaning Management
Again, the difference is made by the degree of intelligence of the robot. In fact, the i7, as we had the opportunity to anticipate shortly before, manages the maps interactively, and this means that you can, through the app, choose how best to arrange your cleaning. For example, you can decide whether to clean only one room, choose the order in which the rooms are cleaned and then set selective cleaning by areas, scheduling it.
On the contrary, the iRobot i3 model does not allow this type of operation and therefore will take care of all the spaces included in the map.
4) Tank Capacity
Another difference, even if very minimal, is in the capacity of the tank. This is a factor to consider, as the smaller it is, the more often you will have to empty it. In any case, the Roomba i3 model has a 500ml tank while the Roomba i7 has a 400ml one.
5) Price
Both devices we are talking about are very good and have mostly similar characteristics. The price difference, however, is there and could only be, for the reasons mentioned above, the one that sees the i3 model cheaper than the i7.
Similarities Between Them
1) Suction Power
And here we have come to the aspects that unite these two robot vacuum cleaners, starting from one of the most important elements that characterize them, namely the suction power. Both, in fact, have a strength that exceeds 10 times that of the Roomba 600 Series. This value is synonymous with high performances.
2) Compatibility with the Self-emptying Base
As we have already had the opportunity to anticipate, both models are compatible with the “Clean Base” debris self-emptying station. In this way, after each cleaning session, the robots will go to the station and automatically take care of emptying the tank.
The station can be purchased separately for the i7 and i3 models, while you will find it included in the plus ones, i7 + and i3 +.
3) Compatibility with Braava
This feature is a very important element to consider because it will also allow us to solve the problem of washing floors. Both Roomba models, in fact, are compatible with Braava, the line of robots dedicated to this practice. Thanks to Imprint Link technology, the robots synchronize to vacuum and wash in sequence.
4) 3-phase Aeroforce System
Both Roomba i7 and Roomba i3 use the three-phase Aeroforce system, which means they are able to vacuum the most difficult dirt using double multi-surface rubber brushes and a 3-phase cleaning technology.
5) Dirt Detect Technology
The iRobot i3 and i7 robot vacuum cleaners also use another intelligent technology, namely Dirt Detect. Thanks to this, in fact, the sensors of the devices are able to detect which areas of the room are dirtiest and in those points increase the intensity of cleaning. The robot will work on the same spot until it finds adequate cleaning.
6) Battery Autonomy
Both iRobot models, so both i7 and i3, have a long battery life, which lasts up to 75 minutes of use. This parameter can be said to be very valid, because all this time we should not interrupt the cleaning and the robot will have all the time to do its job.
7) Recharge and Resume Cleaning
Also in this case, we notice a not just common point. When both robot vacuum cleaners are in action but have a low battery level, they return autonomously to the charging station, and once charged they resume cleaning from the same point where they stopped.
8) App and Wi-Fi Connection
As it is easy to guess, both robot vacuum cleaners connect to the wi-fi network and can be controlled through the iRobot HOME app. The operation of the robots can be activated at any time and from any place, right through the app, and also always through it, it will be possible to program a cleaning time and check the history of the cleaning carried out.
9) Voice Control
Another really convenient aspect to be able to manage cleaning are the voice commands. Both models, in fact, support the connection to both Alexa and Google Home, so you can give the commands to the robot even just by voice.
Conclusion: Roomba i3 vs Roomba i7- Which one?
As you can guess from all the points listed so far, the major difference regarding the two models lies in the degree of intelligence. The Roomba i7, in fact, is superior in terms of navigation and in the creation of maps. With this model it is possible to carry out selective cleaning by area as well as to schedule them.
As regards, however, the cleaning performance, they are both very valid and are equal. For this reason, the choice between i3 and i7 will depend on what you prefer. If you prefer technology and superior artificial intelligence then the right model for you is the i7, while if you are looking for good cleaning performance combined with a cheaper price, your model is the i3.
If you also want the self-emptying station, you should prefer the plus models.
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