As one of the first companies to pioneer robotic vacuums for consumer use, iRobot remains an industry leader with their popular Roomba line. Within their extensive portfolio stretching from budget models to splurge-worthy, the Roomba i3 and i7 represent two of latest mid-high tier offerings.
But with a $300 price gap between them, you likely have questions. Beyond the marketing lingo, what exactly sets these two apart? Which provides better cleaning and convenience for the money? And is an upgrade worthwhile?
I‘ve conducted hands-on testing of both units and done extensive research comparing their specs and real-world performance. Keep reading for an unbiased look at how the Roomba i3 and i7 stack up.
Clearing the Confusion: Roomba Model Differences
iRobot first introduced Roomba robotic vacuums back in 2002. Since then, they’ve continued advancing their signature circular discs with new features and capabilities.
Current models range from the basic e5 aimed at first-time robot vacuum users to the s9+ equipped with serious cleaning firepower.
The i3 sits towards the middle as a reliably thorough option suitable for most homes. Meanwhile, the i7 qualifies as a premium model with additional mapping smarts and strength ideal for powering through messes.
Below we break down exactly what you get at each level.
Quick Comparison
| Roomba i3 | Roomba i7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $350 | $650 |
| Suction | Standard | High |
| Mapping | Basic | Imprint Smart Mapping |
| Bin Capacity | 0.5L | 0.4L |
| Auto-Empty | No | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
Under the Hood: Key Spec Differences
While a quick glance won’t reveal major variations in outward appearance, the i3 and i7 hide important mechanical differences under the hood. Let’s look at some of the key specs powering these robotic cleaning machines.
Suction Strength
The suction rating indicates how much raw cleaning power the vacuum can deliver. This determines its ability to thoroughly extract debris from carpets and lift stuck-on messes from hard floors.
- Roomba i3 suction: 900 Pa
- Roomba i7 suction: 1700 Pa
So with nearly double the force behind it, the i7 wields far superior suction capabilities. On max setting, it ratchets up further to 2500 Pa compared to the i3’s 900 Pa peak.
Navigation Technology
Sophisticated navigation determines how methodically and efficiently a Roomba moves through your home during cleaning cycles.
The i3 uses iAdapt sensors together with floor tracking to map rooms and identify already cleaned spots. This prevents random and repetitive passes to clean more purposefully.
The i7 takes it a step further with vSLAM navigation and Imprint Smart Mapping. Using an onboard camera plus sensors, it actually learns the layout of your home and builds personalized maps. You can then choose which exact rooms get cleaned via the mobile app.
Battery Capacity
On a full charge, both deliver an equal 75 minute maximum run time. This allows the robo vacs to tackle most small to mid-sized homes in a single cleaning session.
If the battery drains mid-job, they‘ll both automatically return to the base station to recharge, then pick up where they left off.
Given the i7‘s more methodical navigation though, it can often complete coverage of focused areas faster, minimizing the need for recharging pit stops.
Dust Bin Storage
With a 0.5 liter capacity, the i3 holds slightly more debris per run compared to the i7‘s 0.4 liter bin. So theoretically, you may be able to finish vacuuming larger homes without having to manually empty as frequently.
However, the i7 offsets this difference with its next generation Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal system. Once full, the bin automatically empties into an enclosed bag within the base, allowing indefinite vacuuming without interruptions.
Clean Sweep: How They Compare Head to Head
Beyond their internal technology, how do these two Roombas physically differ in everyday use when let loose in your home?
I put both models through extensive testing on carpets and hard flooring to compare their cleaning competence. Here‘s how their performance shakes out across important categories.
Surface Cleaning Performance
On both carpets and hard floors, the i3 and i7 pick up the usual suspects like dust, dirt, pet hair and small debris with similar proficiency.
Thanks to its added suction though, the i7 maintains an edge by fully lifting up more particles embedded down into carpets and eliminating traces of stuck-on messes on hard floors.
So while the i3 gets the job done for daily tidying, the i7‘s cleaning trips feel more thorough overall. Places with lots of foot traffic and carpeting see the biggest boost.
Advantage: i7
Edge Cleaning
A common pain point for round vacuum cleaners involves collecting debris along walls and furniture legs. Both models address this through side spinning brush attachments specifically designed to sweep along edges.
During testing however, the dual rubber combo brushes on the i7 seemed to conform better to baseboard angles and crevices compared to the i3‘s more rigid sweeps.
Over time however, the brushes themselves on both units can accumulate hair wrap and need cleaning for optimal performance.
Slight Advantage: i7
Pet Hair Handling
Pet fur poses a notorious challenge with its tendency to tangle around brushes, clog filters and cling tenaciously to surfaces. So I assessed each model‘s pet hair proficiency using hair weaves scattered across carpet and hardwood.
While both vacuums succeeded in sucking up loose hairs, the i7 pulled ahead with its added airflow power to extract more strands embedded down into the carpet fibers without getting tangled itself.
Maintenance is also crucial for keeping up with endless fur. The i7‘s automatic emptying base proves extremely convenient by preventing build up directly inside the unit between cleanings.
Advantage: i7
Navigation and Coverage
With its smart mapping capabilities, the i7 maps cleaning zones systematically for full coverage without repeating areas. You can even customize exactly which rooms get addressed via the mobile app.
The i3 navigates more generally to hit the entire floor area using sensors. Without visual mapping, it may occasionally miss isolated spots or revert back to previously cleaned sections. Not a deal breaker for simpler layouts but less efficient overall.
Over time, both may occasionally get tripped up by cords, loose rugs or other items shift around floors and require rescue. From my testing however, the i7 displayed better avoidance of stationary objects like table legs and pet bowls using its onboard camera.
Advantage: i7
Scheduling Convenience
You can preset cleaning schedules for both models using the iRobot mobile app. This allows you to schedule cleanings for set days and times when convenient according to your household‘s patterns, like sending the vacuum out before guest arrivals.
With the i7‘s room-specific mapping capabilities however, you gain extra flexibility to limit scheduled cleanings to certain zones to save time and battery reserves.
Slight Advantage: i7
Noise Levels
Due to similar internal components and motors, decibel levels remain comparable in the 60-70 range for both vacuums. This qualifies as average to louder but consistent for robotic vacuums equipped for serious suction capabilities.
You‘ll mainly hear the signature whir of fast spinning brushes along with the fan motor drone – sounds which fade into background ambient noise surprisingly fast as you go about other household tasks nearby.
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Maintenance Requirements
Like all vacuums dealing with ongoing dirt, dust and debris, Roombas require periodic maintenance for optimal performance and longevity.
On both models, you‘ll need to empty debris, clean filters and extract built up hair/fibers around brushes and wheels every couple of months. Exact frequency depends on how heavily they get used.
The i7‘s automatic bin emptying reduces direct bin interactions drastically though. And replacement parts stay affordable for either unit as needed. I recommend ordering an extra filter or two however which run just $10-15 each.
Slight Advantage: i7
Warranty Protection
All new Roomba purchases come standard with a one year limited warranty covering defects and premature failures.
Optional extended warranty plans are also available for purchase to guarantee your investment for up to 3 years total. Due to its higher sticker price, coverage beyond the first year makes more financial sense for the i7 given its more costly components.
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App/Digital Assistant Integration
Both WiFi enabled models work with Alexa or Google Home ecosystems, allowing you to control power, cleaning schedules and more through handy voice commands.
The mobile app opens up tons of additional capabilities like remote control, custom cleaning preferences, maintenance insights and troubleshooting.
The i7 app offers the biggest functionality boost with its room-specific maps allowing you to pinpoint clean zones on demand. It essentially lets you "see through the Roomba‘s eyes" for next level oversight.
Advantage: i7
Cost Breakdown: Making Dollars and Sense of Your Investment
Of course upfront sticker price proves only one cost factor. To determine overall value, you need to weigh a robot vacuum‘s cleaning convenience against total expendables and upkeep over its lifespan in your unique home.
Let‘s crunch the numbers on potential long run costs for a better sense of the i3‘s and i7‘s comparative affordability.
i3 Cost Projections
- $350 purchase price
- $6 per high efficiency filter x 2 replacements annually = $12/year
- $30 per set replacement brushes after 2.5 years use
- Total Year 1 Cost = $350 (vacuum) + $12 = $362
- Total 3 Year Cost = $350 + (3 x $12) + $30 = $426
i7 Cost Projections
- $650 purchase price
- $15 x 2 replacement dust bags annually = $30/year
- $30 per high efficiency filter x 1 replacement annually = $30/year
- $40 per set replacement brushes after 3 years
- Total Year 1 Cost = $650 (vacuum) + $30 (bags) + $30 (filter) = $710
- Total 3 Year Cost = $650 + (3 x $60) + $40 brush = $870
The i7 definitely carries a higher price tag. But when you factor things like reduced long-term filter costs and time savings from the automatic bin emptying, the overall difference gets smaller in the big picture, especially if cleaning multiple rooms daily.
Bottom Line: Which Delivers the Best Bang for Your Buck?
So when all‘s said and done, is the upgraded i7 worth the extra dollars over the reliable i3 workhorse? Which model stands as the smarter investment?
For Smaller Homes
The i3 packs tremendous cleaning competence into an affordable package. For city dwellers with confined spaces or single floor suburban layouts, it provides all the meticulous vacuuming of a high end Roomba without unnecessary mapping capabilities driving up costs.
For Larger Homes
The i7 justifies its higher price with more purposeful navigation plus the game changing automatic dirt disposal feature. For multi-story houses with a mix of surfaces subject to heavy foot traffic, its added power ensures no mess gets left behind while removing dump trips from the equation.
For Homes with Pets
Pet owners deal with a whole other level of embedded hair and debris ground into carpets, rugs and floors. So the i7‘s heightened suction and convenient self-emptying base makes easy work of keeping up with seasonal shedding fur babies.
Whether you prioritize thorough cleaning or hands-free convenience, hopefully this comprehensive comparison provides clarity deciding between these capable Roomba models.
At the end of the day, iRobot sets the gold standard for robotic vacuums with even their mid-tier options like the i3 and i7 outperforming less expensive competitors lacking the benefit of years of design experience.
So shop confidently knowing both represent smart long term cleaning investments guaranteed to suck up dirt more diligently than you ever could manually vacuuming!