Roomba i5 vs Y0140 – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right robot vacuum depends on your cleaning habits, home layout, and budget. The Roomba i5 is designed for users who want a reliable, smart vacuum with powerful navigation and consistent cleaning performance. The Roomba Y0140, often seen as a budget-friendly option, offers essential cleaning features for those who want simplicity without paying for extra functions. This comparison highlights the strengths of both models and focuses on the main differences to help you decide which robot vacuum best suits your home.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Roomba i5 | Roomba Y0140 |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation | Smart mapping with room-by-room cleaning | Random navigation with basic path coverage |
| Battery Life | Up to 75 minutes per charge | Around 60 minutes per charge |
| Suction Power | Higher suction, ideal for carpets and pet hair | Moderate suction for light debris and hard floors |
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.5L with optional self-emptying base | 0.4L standard bin, no self-emptying option |
| Smart Features | Compatible with voice assistants, scheduling, and mapping | Basic start/stop control through app |
| Recharge and Resume | Yes, continues cleaning after charging | No, must restart cycle manually |
| Filter Type | High-efficiency filter for allergens | Standard filter for general cleaning |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Build: The Roomba i5 has a more modern look with a premium matte finish and sturdy build, making it suitable for homes with heavier traffic. The Roomba Y0140 is lighter and simpler, appealing to users who want a basic robot vacuum that blends into the background.
Navigation: The i5 uses advanced mapping to create a floor plan, letting you send it to specific rooms when needed. The Y0140 follows a random cleaning pattern, which may take longer and miss some spots but is adequate for smaller apartments.
Cleaning Performance: The Roomba i5 has stronger suction that handles pet hair and deep carpet debris effectively. The Y0140 performs well on hard floors and light dust but may struggle with thicker rugs.
Battery Life: The i5 runs for about 75 minutes and can recharge itself and resume cleaning, making it more efficient for larger areas. The Y0140 lasts closer to 60 minutes and needs manual restarting after charging.
Dustbin and Maintenance: The i5 supports the Clean Base system for automatic dirt disposal, reducing maintenance frequency. The Y0140 requires manual emptying after each session, which is fine for small households but less convenient for busy users.
Smart Controls: With the i5, you can use voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant and schedule cleanings for specific rooms. The Y0140 only allows basic start and stop controls from the app, offering limited flexibility.
Noise Level: The Roomba i5 operates quieter, making it easier to run during the day without disturbing work or sleep. The Y0140 is slightly louder but still within normal robot vacuum noise levels.
Filter System: The i5 includes a high-efficiency filter that traps allergens, great for pet owners or allergy sufferers. The Y0140 uses a standard filter, which is fine for dust but less effective for allergens.
FAQ
Is the Roomba i5 worth the upgrade over the Y0140?
Yes, if you value smart mapping, higher suction power, and the option for self-emptying. It is a more capable machine for medium to large homes.
Can the Roomba Y0140 handle pet hair?
It can pick up some pet hair, but its suction is weaker than the i5, so it may not be ideal for heavy-shedding pets.
Do both models work with Alexa or Google Assistant?
Only the Roomba i5 supports voice assistant control. The Y0140 relies on manual controls or the app for operation.
How big of a space can each robot clean on one charge?
The i5 can cover medium to large areas due to its recharge-and-resume feature, while the Y0140 is best for small spaces under 800 sq ft.
Do either of them mop floors?
No, both are vacuum-only models. You would need a separate mopping robot if that is a priority.
How often do I need to empty the dustbin?
With the i5 and Clean Base, you may only need to empty the bag every few weeks. The Y0140 requires emptying after every use for optimal performance.
Are both models good for carpets?
The i5 performs better on carpets because of its stronger suction and dirt detection technology. The Y0140 is better suited to hard floors and low-pile rugs.
How loud are they?
The Roomba i5 runs at a quieter level, making it easier to use during work hours. The Y0140 is slightly louder but still manageable for most users.
What type of filters do they use?
The i5 uses a high-efficiency filter that traps fine dust and allergens. The Y0140 uses a standard filter that captures basic dust and dirt.
Do they both return to the dock automatically?
Yes, both models return to their charging dock when the battery is low, but only the i5 resumes cleaning automatically afterward.