Roomba i3 vs i5 – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right robot vacuum often depends on the layout of your home, your cleaning schedule, and the level of smart features you want. The Roomba i5 is designed for users who prefer more advanced room mapping and scheduling, while the Roomba i3 offers a reliable and affordable option for everyday cleaning. Both models deliver solid suction power and work well with pets and carpets. This article highlights the major differences between the Roomba i5 and Roomba i3 to help you decide which one better fits your cleaning needs.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Roomba i5 | Roomba i3 |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation | Smart Mapping with room-by-room cleaning | Intelligent navigation with adaptive cleaning pattern |
| Suction Power | 10x Power-Lifting Suction (same as i3, but better control via app) | 10x Power-Lifting Suction |
| Dirt Detection | Yes, with targeted cleaning zones | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 75 minutes with automatic recharge and resume | Up to 75 minutes with automatic recharge |
| Scheduling | Advanced scheduling with customizable room cleaning | Standard daily and weekly scheduling |
| Smart Home Integration | Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and supports advanced routines | Works with Alexa and Google Assistant |
| Dustbin Type | Washable dustbin for easy maintenance | Washable dustbin |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction: The Roomba i5 has a slightly more refined finish with a premium top design and customizable faceplates. The i3 has a simpler look but remains sturdy and functional, making it a great choice for users who care less about aesthetics.
Navigation: The i5 features Smart Mapping technology that lets you choose which rooms to clean, set cleaning schedules per room, and avoid certain areas. The i3 uses an adaptive cleaning pattern that covers the whole floor but lacks the ability to target specific rooms.
Performance: Both models deliver 10x Power-Lifting Suction, which is excellent for carpets and pet hair. The i5’s mapping advantage allows it to clean more efficiently by focusing only on rooms you select, saving battery and time.
Battery Life: Both run for around 75 minutes before returning to the dock to recharge. The i5 is slightly more efficient when cleaning multiple rooms thanks to its mapping system, meaning fewer recharge cycles in large homes.
Smart Features: The i5 offers advanced app controls including room-by-room cleaning and scheduling. The i3 provides basic start, stop, and schedule features but does not let you choose specific rooms.
Dirt Detection: Both detect heavily soiled areas and will make additional passes where needed. This is useful for kitchens or entryways where dirt accumulates faster.
Maintenance: Both come with washable dustbins, making them easy to clean. Filter replacement intervals and brush maintenance are nearly identical.
Connectivity: Both models work with Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, but the i5 supports more advanced automation routines through the iRobot Home app, making it easier to integrate into a smart home ecosystem.
FAQ
Is the Roomba i5 worth the extra cost over the i3?
Yes, if you want room-by-room cleaning and more advanced scheduling options, the i5 is worth it. If you just need reliable whole-home cleaning, the i3 is enough.
Do both models have the same suction power?
Yes, both the Roomba i5 and i3 offer 10x Power-Lifting Suction, making them equally strong for dirt and pet hair pickup.
Can I control the Roomba i3 or i5 with my phone?
Yes, both can be controlled via the iRobot Home app for starting, stopping, and scheduling cleanings. The i5 adds advanced mapping and room selection.
Do either of these models empty themselves?
Both are compatible with the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal system, but it is sold separately unless you buy the “+” versions.
Do the Roomba i5 and i3 work on carpets and hard floors?
Yes, both automatically adjust to different floor types, transitioning smoothly from tile to carpet.
How do they handle pet hair?
Both models use dual multi-surface rubber brushes that resist tangles and are very effective for pet hair removal.
Do they remember my home layout?
Only the Roomba i5 stores a map of your home and lets you label rooms for targeted cleaning. The i3 cleans methodically but does not save maps.
Are the dustbins the same size?
Yes, both have similar capacity bins and are washable for easy cleaning.
Do they support voice assistants?
Yes, both work with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands like start, stop, and dock.
Which one is better for large homes?
The Roomba i5 is better for large homes because its Smart Mapping helps it clean efficiently without wasting battery life on unnecessary areas.