Best Roombas in 2021 – Read Before You Buy

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If you’re looking for the best Roomba, robot mops, and robot vacuums, then you’re in the right place. iRobot is lauded for making the best robot vacuums ever, but then that leads to the question: which Roomba is the best? There are more than half a dozen core models and their price range varies dramatically between the entry-level and premium models.

They also provide a variety of different features. Some offer multi-floor mapping, others have self-emptying dustbins, and most offer smartphone controls and advanced metrics.

Read on and find the best Roomba that matches your budget and needs.

Great price and value: Roomba 960

Best for large floor plans: Roomba i7+

Performance on a budget: Roomba 675

Best of the best: Roomba s9+

Affordable self-emptying: Roomba i3+

Balance of price and power: Roomba e5

Budget robot mop: Braava Jet 240

Advanced mapping robot mop: Braava Jet m6

What are the Best Roombas?

If money is of no concern and you want the best of the best Roomba, then we have to recommend the iRobot Roomba s9+. This isn’t just one of the best Roombas, it’s one of the best robot vacuums period. It sucks up pet hair as easily as rice or cereal, comes with a self-emptying base so it cleans up after itself, and has advanced mapping and controls. Plus, the looks match the performance. The design is sleek, upscale, and attractive.

We recommend pairing this with the iRobot Roomba Braava m6 as they can work in tandem. One vacuums while the other mops. Their tag-team perfectionism cleans your whole house without forcing you to lift a finger.

If you want a great robot vacuum without a big price tag, then we suggest the affordable iRobot Roomba 675. This robot vacuum is under $300. While it lacks some of the premium features you’ll find with the other higher-end models, it features solid performance, WiFi connection, and you can use your smartphone to start a cleaning routine and to set a schedule.

There’s still plenty of other Roombas to explore. Read on and see our top pick for the best Roomba.

iRobot Roomba 960

Great all-around robot vacuum at a good price

  • Dust bin capacity: 600ml
  • Weight: 8.5lbs
  • Mapping: Yes
  • Smart home: Alexa, Google Assistant

The iRobot Roomba 960 is perfect if you want a best value robot vacuum that doesn’t cost too much, but also comes with premium features. It works wonders on pet hair because it has a rubber brush just like Roomba s9 and i7, but at a much more comfortable price.

You’ll also find that Roomba 960 has advanced camera navigation (also found on Roomba i7 and s9, but at a better price). This WiFi robot vacuum will simultaneously clean your house while generating a map of your home. This information is stored so that the 960 Roomba can more efficiently clean your floors. The data is uploaded to the iRobot app, one of the best robot vacuum apps, but you cannot add no-go zones or customize the map with this vacuum. You can change options with multi-pass cleaning. This is good for areas with lots of dirt or pet hair, like by doors or where your pets sleep.

A virtual wall should come with the iRobot 960 Roomba. This tells the vacuum to not go beyond the wall, which is good near staircases or areas with lots of wires. You can purchase additional Roomba virtual walls if needed.

The battery is rated to last 75 minute before it returns to the charging base. This ensures it recharges before running out, which means that it can efficiently clean your home even if you have a larger floor plan. Not sure when to empty the dustbin? You’ll receive an alert through the app, which is highly convenient.

Though it lacks some features found with Roomba i7 or s9, it does have a great price and a good mix of power and features that you’re sure to love.

Is iRobot Roomba 960 Worth It?

If you’re in the market for a robot vacuum that’s $500 or less, then you’ll want to check this one out. Not only is it comfortably priced, but you get many premium features only found with more expensive models. It’s a good mid-level robot vacuum that should satisfy most users.

iRobot Roomba 960 Pros

  • Great value considering price and features
  • Comes with a Roomba virtual wall
  • You can customize the map for additional cleaning

iRobot Roomba 960 Cons

  • You can’t automatically set it for single room cleaning

iRobot Roomba i7+

Best Roomba for large floor plans and multiple rooms

  • Dust bin capacity: 500ml
  • Weight: 7.4lbs
  • Mapping: Yes
  • Smart home: Alexa, Google Assistant

Have you heard about the Roomba Clean Base? The iRobot Roomba i7+ was the first to feature it. This is a self-emptying dustbin connected directly to the charging base. Disposable bags are based in the iRobot Clean Base and they will need to be changed after about 30 runs (or about once a month).

This means you have to handle the Roomba dustbin less often. Plus, it’s perfect for those with allergies who can’t stand dirt, dust, or mold.

While that’s a notable feature, it’s not the only thing spectacular about Roomba i7+. This is a WiFi connected mapping robot vacuum that cleans individual rooms on command (bedroom, living room, family room, etc), and it effortlessly avoids obstacles thanks to the built-in camera. It almost looks like the vacuum is thinking as it moves around obstacles and finds the best path around your home.

As we said before, the Roomba app is one of the best around, and you get lots of features when it is connected to the iRobot i7+. You can generate a cleaning schedules and even modify the map as needed. This vacuum remembers a total of 10 floor plans, so you can place it on different levels of your home and it will efficiently clean all of them.

When it comes to Roomba i7 vs s9, you’ll find that both of these work well with the Braava Jet m6 robot mop. When either vacuum is finished, the Braava m6 will begin its mopping routine. It warms our heart seeing them be such good friends.

While the Roomba i7+ isn’t cheap, its price has dropped since the iRobot Roomba s9 came to market. Consider this a premium robot vacuum at a discount.

Is iRobot Roomba i7+ Worth It?

If you’re looking for cutting-edge performance but want to save some money, then the i7+ by Roomba is a great choice. It comes with many of the best features, has excellent navigation, advanced cleaning schedules, and it’s very fast. Plus, the self-cleaning vacuum makes everything so much more convenient.

iRobot Roomba i7+ Pros

  • Best-in-class navigation
  • Clean one room or your whole house
  • Add the Clean Base for added convenience

iRobot Roomba i7+ Cons

  • The Clean Base is pretty loud

iRobot Roomba 675

Best performance on a budget

  • Dust bin capacity: 350ml
  • Weight: 7.8lbs
  • Mapping: No
  • Smart home: Alexa, Google Assistant

If you’re looking for the best budget Roomba, then look no further than iRobot Roomba 675. Much like its more expensive siblings, the Roomba 675 is both WiFi connected and controllable with the Roomba app. You don’t have to worry about finding a physical remote when it’s time to clean. Just open the app and start the vacuum. Plus, you can even schedule cleaning routines.

Unfortunately the Roomba 675 doesn’t have mapping like i7+ or s9, but it efficiently bounces around your room to ensure that every square inch is clean. Plus, you can use the Roomba virtual walls to prevent it from accessing rooms and areas that aren’t safe for it.

Despite its affordable price, the 675 Roomba has a refined appearance of shiny black and matte gray. Plus, it even has a sturdy carrying handle that makes it easy to move from one area to the next. You may sometimes have to bring it to another level or room due to the lack of mapping.

The iRobot 675 comes with two brushes to help it clean better. There’s one with bristles and another with rubber flaps. While these brushes work great for picking up dry debris like kitty litter and cereal, the rubber brush struggles against pet hair. It does an OK job, but not as good as premium robovacs.

One thing you’re sure to love is the Roomba replacement parts. You can easily find brushes, wheels, motors, and more as needed. This means you can repair the 675 so that it stays around for a long, long time. Normally you associate budget robot vacuums with poor longevity, but this is built to last just like all the other Roombas.

Is iRobot Roomba 675 Worth It?

If you’re looking for an affordable robot vacuum that offers good performance (especially on hard floors and with dry debris), then this is a great model. It’s weaker than other Roombas, but the great price will make it attractive to some buyers.

iRobot Roomba 675 Pros

  • Affordable price
  • WiFi connected
  • Multiple brushes

iRobot Roomba 675 Cons

  • Navigation could be better

iRobot Roomba s9+

Best of the best Roomba

  • Dust bin capacity: 388ml
  • Weight: 8.2lbs
  • Mapping: Yes
  • Smart home: Alexa, Google Assistant

If you want the best robot vacuum and price isn’t a concern, then the Roomba s9 is perfect for your home. This is iRobot’s first D-shaped Roomba, and it also happens to be one of the best robot vacuums at any price. It changes the game and goes places where other vacuums can’t reach. Plus, it’s intelligent system also tells it when to avoid areas.

There are two versions, then s9 and s9+. There’s really only one difference when it comes to Roomba s9 vs s9+ and it’s that the plus version comes with the Roomba self-emptying base. That means you only have to change the base when it’s full. No more emptying the vacuum itself. Otherwise these versions are functionally identical.

The iRobot Roomba s9 and s9+ use a D-shape that allows it to better clean corners, baseboards, and edges. Plus, it has a sophisticated design with a brushed bronze disc with a white light around it as the vacuum moves around your home. It’s amazing to see in action, and it really adds to the beauty of your home.

You use the iRobot app to control your Roomba s9+. You can mark no-go zones, create a specific cleaning map, or simply view the mapping results from the app. You can make specific schedules for the entire floor or a certain room (or rooms). If you have multiple levels, then you’ll be happy to know that the s9 supports 10 individual maps.

It works fantastically with the Braava Jet m6 robot mop. When one stops, the other starts. You know you shouldn’t mop a dirty floor, it just doesn’t work well. Here the s9 will pick up all the dry debris before the Braava m6 mops your floor.

Nothing beats the Roomba s9 in terms of performance. It picks up dirt and debris easily on both hard floors and carpets. Whether you need to clean dirt, pet hair, cereal, or anything else, the s9+ easily vacuums it up.

If there’s one downside (and truly there only is one) it would be the noise. The Roomba s9+ is relatively loud on hardwood floors. The self-emptying vacuum base is loud as well. However, you can schedule the routines for when you’re not home, so you may never hear the vacuum.

Is the iRobot Roomba s9+ Worth It?

When you’re looking at any appliance it’s a balance between power and price. If you want all power and don’t mind paying for it, then yes, this is definitely worth it. When it comes to Roomba s9 vs s9+, the only major difference is the self-cleaning base. Once again, if you don’t mind paying for it, then we definitely recommend s9+ out of the two.

iRobot Roomba s9 Pros

  • Sophisticated and functional design
  • Fast and accurate mapping, up to 10 levels
  • Easy to control and schedule

iRobot Roomba s9 Cons

  • Loud, but you can schedule cleanings for when you’re not home

iRobot Roomba i3+

Affordable self-emptying robot vacuum

  • Dust bin capacity: 500ml
  • Weight: 7.4lbs
  • Mapping: No
  • Smart home: Alexa, Google Assistant

It’s hard enough finding a self-emptying robot vacuum, especially an affordable self-emptying Roomba. But here it is and it’s a fantastic unit for your home. While it lacks some of the premium features with the s9+ or i7+ (it is affordable after all), it comes with all the basic features and you won’t have to empty the vacuum whenever it finishes its cleaning routine. Plus, it’s surprisingly good at most cleaning tasks, but it struggles a bit with pet hair on carpet.

Controlling the iRobot Roomba i3+ is simple with either the app or smart home voice commands with either Google Assistant or Alexa. You can use any of these to start the vacuum or generate a cleaning schedule.

Like the other budget Roombas, you can’t tell this one to clean a specific room. It either cleans the whole floor plan or nothing at all. It also lacks the smart mapping seen with i7+ and s9+.

While some features are missing, this is a convenient robot vacuum since you’ll only be forced to empty the base once a month. It’s also good at most cleaning tasks and comes at a comfortable price.

Is iRobot Roomba i3+ Worth It?

It’s rare to see the words “affordable” and “self-cleaning base” together with robot vacuums, but that’s exactly what you get here. If you have allergies or simply don’t want to empty the Roomba after every cleaning task, then this is a great vacuum. However, it does lack some premium features like smart mapping and the ability to clean specific rooms.

iRobot Roomba i3+ Pros

  • Affordable price with a self-emptying base
  • Surprisingly good performance
  • Detects dirtier areas and prioritizes them

iRobot Roomba i3+ Cons

  • Lacks mapping or the ability to clean specific rooms

iRobot Roomba e5

Perfect balance of power and price

  • Dust bin capacity: 500ml
  • Weight: 7.2lbs
  • Mapping: No
  • Smart home: Alexa, Google Assistant

The iRobot Roomba e5 is unique in that it’s a strong mid-tier vacuum that comes with premium parts, but is closer to the affordable spectrum than other premium models like the iRobot i7 or s9. It uses a dual rubber brush that you only otherwise find with the premium models. These brushes are great at picking up pet hair, so this is a great Roomba for pet owners.

Plus, at only $30 more than the 675, this has 5x the suction and the premium brush. We definitely think it’s worth the extra cost because you’re getting a lot of value in return.

From the top, the e5 looks similar to the 675 with its black plastic body and recessed carrying handle. But, flip it over and the wheels and brushes resemble the i7. The app controls are similar to the 675. This WiFi connected vacuum cleaner is controlled through the Roomba app. While it can’t map or clean certain rooms, you can generate a cleaning schedule.

With one of the best filters, a washable dustbin, and great brushes, the Roomba e5 is great for homes that want a better cleaning experience than you get with the 675, but that’s more affordable than the i7.

Is the iRobot Roomba e5 Worth It?

This is difficult and we have to put this in context of Roomba 675 vs e5 vs i7 because they exist along a continuum. The 675 is the cheapest of the bunch while i7 is premium but fairly expensive. If you want a stronger vacuum than the 675 but don’t want to pay as much as the i7, then we think the e5 is worth it.

iRobot Roomba e5 Pros

  • Comes with a premium dual brush
  • Same premium wheels as i7
  • Affordable and powerful

iRobot Roomba e5 Cons

  • Lacks mapping

iRobot Braava Jet 240

Best budget robot mop

  • Weight: 2.7lbs
  • Mapping: No
  • Smart home: None

iRobot is best known for their Roomba brand with their iconic robot vacuums, but they also make robot mops under the Braava brand. This affordable robot mop is compact and easily fits in tight spaces. Surprisingly enough, you can make your own virtual walls right from the robot mop itself.

Press and hold the Clean button and two blue lights will show up. This light displays the line that the Braava 240 won’t cross, which is ideal when mopping near wires or other sensitive areas. You might be wondering if this is just a gimmick, but it works very well.

This is also a great robot mop for new owners because it’s simple to use. It basically works on its own and it effectively cleans the whole room along with the edges. Plus, it leaves a pleasant, fresh scent you’re sure to love. If you want a robot mop for less than $200, then this is ideal.

Curious how the Braava Jet works? The Braava jet 240 uses a back and forth motion along with scented cleaning pads. These are like Swiffer pads. You can get three different iRobot mop pads for the 240 Braava. There’s a white pad for dry sweeping, an orange pad for damp sweeping, and a blue mopping pad. You can choose between disposable or washable pads.

Simply attach the pad to the Braava and it will start mopping your home. Plus, it detects which pad you used and adjusts as needed.

Is the iRobot Braava Jet 240 Worth It?

For an affordable robot mop, you’re getting a lot of features at a good price. While it lacks some tools and tricks if we compare Braava 240 vs m6, this is a basic model that gives you everything that you need. We suggest giving it a try unless you want a premium robot mop. In that case, consider the m6.

iRobot Braava Jet 240 Pros

  • Compact design fits anywhere
  • Several cleaning modes and pads
  • Replaceable battery

iRobot Braava Jet 240 Pros

  • You must buy the washable/disposable mopping pads

iRobot Braava Jet M6

Advanced multi-room robot mopping

  • Weight: 4.85lbs
  • Mapping: Yes
  • Smart home: Google Assistant, Alexa

If you wanted something equivalent to the Roomba s9 in terms of mopping, then the Braava Jet m6 is the perfect match. This premium robot mop has the same sophisticated navigation from the s9 and i7. That means it quickly generates and saves a map of your home, and the layout can be changed within the app. Plus, you can choose to clean specific rooms as needed or make no-go zones.

All those features were great with the vacuums, but a robot mop makes them essential. The last thing you want is for it to do wet cleaning around wires or pets. This advanced navigation is incredibly helpful here.

You’ll notice the jet m6 Braava is square shaped, which is highly functional. It easily cleans along edges and baseboards. The water tank is easy to reach as well. Another handy feature is that the m6 will return to its charging base as the battery gets low.

We mentioned this before, but the Braava m6 is very friendly with the i7 and s9. The robomop will start its routine as soon as the robovac is done. It couldn’t be any easier. It also uses iRobot cleaning pads, just like the 240. You can choose between disposable or reusable ones.

While this is the best Roomba mop, you might be wondering how it compares to other robot mops. We found that it’s among the best and we highly suggest it. Whether you’re pairing it with a vacuum like the i7 vs s9, or using it on its own, the Jet m6 by iRobot deserves a place in your home.

Is the Braava Jet m6 Worth It?

When it comes to Braava m6 vs 240, the biggest difference is the navigation. Sure, there are lots of other features, but navigation is the big one. This prevents it from soaking rugs or cleaning around wires. We definitely recommend this mop, especially if you have lots of obstacles in the way.

iRobot Braava Jet m6 Pros

  • Advanced navigation
  • Clean specific rooms or the whole house
  • Works great with Roomba i7 and s9

iRobot Braava Jet m6 Cons

  • Expensive, but worth it for the navigation

Best Roomba Buying Guide

We just showed you the best Roombas, but choosing the right one can be tough. Do you save money and get an affordable model, maybe try to get the best value with a mid-tier one, or go all in with the premium models like the i7 or s9?

We thought this iRobot Roomba buying guide might be helpful. Here are some important factors to keep in mind when choosing between these robot vacuums.

  • Suction Power: Not only do you want a strong robot vacuum, but you want one that performs great both on hardwood floors and carpet. Roombas tend to scale in power. The more affordable models are weaker (which makes sense), but all of them are great at picking up debris.
  • Individual Rooms: You may not realize it, but the ability to clean a specific room is a luxury when it comes to robot vacuums. This goes hand-in-hand with navigation. Let’s say you make a mess. If the Roomba is on the other side of the house and can’t go to individual rooms, then you’ll either have to drag it there yourself or wait until it makes its way over. More sophisticated Roombas can immediately head over, clean the mess, and get back to its charging base.
  • Pet Hair: Do you have furry friends at home? If so, then you’ll want a Roomba with a rubber pet brush. These are great at picking up pet hair, which other vacuums struggle with. Even if you don’t have pets, this type of brush is better at picking up your own hair from carpets.
  • WiFi Connection: You’ll be happy to know that every Roomba here (except the Braava 240) is connected to WiFi. This means you can set a cleaning routine and the vacuum or mop will clean when you want it to. Simply set this in the app and the command will be carried over WiFi.
  • App Capabilities: Every vacuum here connects to the iRobot app, but as you may have noticed the features are a little different. The more sophisticated models allow you to customize the saved map, which is ideal. However, even the affordable models give you relevant information, such as battery life, overall health, and notifications when the vacuum is finished.