Further down the page, you’ll find some explanations regarding the key similarities and differences between the iRobot Roomba i7 and the iRobot Roomba s9.
Page Contents
- Introduction to Roomba i7 and s9
- Design and Aesthetic Differences
- Suction Power and Cleaning Performance
- Navigation and Mapping
- Self-Emptying Features: Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal
- Battery Life and Charging
- Smart Home Integration and App Compatibility
- Noise Levels
- Quick Rundown Of iRobot Roomba i7
- Quick Rundown Of iRobot Roomba s9
- Final Verdict: Which Roomba Should You Choose?
Introduction to Roomba i7 and s9
The Roomba i7 and s9 are both high-end robotic vacuum cleaners, but they serve different needs and come with unique designs and capabilities. The i7 was designed to bring efficient, intelligent cleaning to everyday users, while the s9 pushes the boundaries of power, precision, and intelligent mapping technology.
While both models offer self-emptying features, smart mapping, and voice assistant compatibility, the s9 excels in suction power and edge-to-edge cleaning capabilities. Here, we dive into their unique features, comparing their navigation systems, cleaning power, battery life, and more.
Below is a summary of the specifications:
Design and Aesthetic Differences
Roomba i7: Compact and Circular Design
The Roomba i7 features a traditional round design, which has been a staple of iRobot’s lineup. Its compact structure allows it to navigate around furniture and other obstacles with ease. The i7 is designed for homes with mixed floor types, including hardwood floors, carpets, and rugs.
- Dimensions: 13.34 inches in diameter and 3.63 inches in height
- Weight: 7.4 pounds
- Color: Matte black with a sleek finish
Roomba s9: D-Shape for Edge Cleaning
The Roomba s9 breaks away from the round design, opting instead for a D-shaped body. This design enhances edge cleaning, allowing the s9 to reach into corners and along walls more effectively than the i7. The D-shape, combined with its larger brushes and Power Boost Technology, allows it to handle large debris and pet hair with ease.
- Dimensions: 12.25 inches in width, with a height of 3.5 inches
- Weight: 8.15 pounds
- Color: Glossy black and gold accents
Suction Power and Cleaning Performance
Roomba i7: Reliable and Versatile Cleaning
The i7 has impressive suction power and adapts well to a range of surfaces, transitioning smoothly from hardwood floors to carpets. It uses iAdapt 3.0 Navigation with vSLAM (visual simultaneous localization and mapping) to map and remember your home’s layout.
- Suction Power: 10x the power of Roomba 600 series
- Dirt Detect Technology: Focuses on areas with high dirt levels for concentrated cleaning
- Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes: Adjusts and flexes to stay in contact with hard floors and carpets
Roomba s9: Powerful Deep-Cleaning Technology
The s9 is equipped with 40x the suction power of the Roomba 600 series, making it ideal for deep-cleaning carpets and tackling pet hair. Its advanced Power Boost Technology automatically increases suction when it detects carpeted areas, ensuring thorough cleaning.
- Suction Power: 40x compared to the Roomba 600 series
- 3D Sensor Technology: Enhances dirt detection for a more targeted clean
- Edge Cleaning: The D-shape and specially designed corner brush allow it to reach edges and corners effectively
Roomba i7: Smart Mapping for Efficient Cleaning
The Roomba i7 utilizes Imprint Smart Mapping to remember multiple floor plans, making it an excellent choice for multi-level homes. It learns the layout of each room, allowing you to control which areas it cleans via the iRobot Home app. With its vSLAM technology, the i7 creates a visual map of your home and navigates efficiently around obstacles.
- Multiple Floor Mapping: Can remember up to 10 different floor plans
- Virtual Wall Barriers: Allows you to create “no-go” zones
- App Customization: Schedule cleanings, define specific areas, and set zones
Roomba s9: Advanced Mapping and Precision Navigation
The s9 is iRobot’s most advanced robot vacuum in terms of navigation and mapping. It uses PerfectEdge Technology with 3D sensors to detect obstacles and create accurate floor maps. The D-shape helps it optimize its path, and it works in tandem with Imprint Smart Mapping for maximum coverage.
- 3D Sensor Navigation: Detects objects and avoids obstacles
- PerfectEdge Technology: Ensures thorough edge and corner cleaning
- Imprint Link Technology: Pairs with the Braava Jet m6 mop for synchronized cleaning
Self-Emptying Features: Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal
Roomba i7: Efficient Dirt Disposal System
The Roomba i7 can automatically empty itself with the Clean Base, holding up to 60 days of debris. This feature is particularly useful for users with allergies or asthma, as it limits direct contact with dust and dirt. The Clean Base bags are sealed to trap allergens, providing an additional layer of convenience and hygiene.
- Capacity: Holds up to 60 days of dirt and debris
- AllergenLock Bags: Traps 99% of pollen and mold allergens
- Bag Replacement: Easy to replace and dispose of, minimizing exposure to allergens
Roomba s9: Advanced Disposal System
Like the i7, the Roomba s9 is compatible with the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal system, which can also hold 60 days of dirt and debris. However, due to the s9’s higher suction power, it might fill the Clean Base faster if used frequently on heavily carpeted or pet-hair-filled areas.
- Capacity: Also supports 60 days’ worth of cleaning
- AllergenSeal: Keeps 99% of allergens trapped
- Higher Suction, Faster Fill: Due to its power, heavy users may replace bags more often
Battery Life and Charging
Roomba i7: Reliable Battery with Efficient Charging
The Roomba i7 has a 75-minute battery life on a single charge, which is suitable for medium-sized homes. When it runs low on battery, the i7 will automatically return to its charging base and resume cleaning where it left off once recharged.
- Battery Life: 75 minutes
- Recharge and Resume: Automatically resumes cleaning after recharging
Roomba s9: Extended Battery Life for Larger Homes
The Roomba s9 has an impressive 120-minute battery life, making it ideal for larger homes. Like the i7, it also features Recharge and Resume, allowing it to continue cleaning without repeating areas.
- Battery Life: 120 minutes
- Quick Charge: Can resume a partially charged clean session for shorter interruption
Smart Home Integration and App Compatibility
Both the i7 and s9 are compatible with popular smart home systems and can be controlled through the iRobot Home app. They integrate with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing users to start, stop, and schedule cleaning sessions with voice commands.
- Voice Control: Start or schedule cleaning using Alexa or Google Assistant
- Customized Cleaning Options: Set schedules, create zones, and define specific cleaning areas in the app
- Imprint Link Technology: Pairs with the Braava Jet m6 mop for a comprehensive vacuum-and-mop solution
Noise Levels
Roomba i7: Quieter Operation
The Roomba i7 is quieter during operation, with noise levels comparable to a standard vacuum cleaner on low power. This makes it a better choice for homes where noise sensitivity is a factor.
- Noise Level: Moderate, suitable for apartments and homes with noise restrictions
Roomba s9: More Powerful, Slightly Louder
With its high suction power, the s9 operates at a slightly higher noise level. While it’s not overly disruptive, it may be more noticeable in homes with multiple hard surfaces.
- Noise Level: Slightly higher due to enhanced suction power
Quick Rundown Of iRobot Roomba i7
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE AND POWERFUL PICK-UP - Pulls in stubborn dirt and messes with a Premium 3-Stage Cleaning System and 10X the Power-Lifting Suction. (Compared to the Roomba 600 series cleaning system)
- GUIDED BY SERIOUS SMARTS - With vSLAM navigation, the i7 learns the layout of your home and builds personal Smart Maps, enabling it to expertly clean and navigate in neat, efficient rows.
- VACUUMS MESSES IN THE MOMENT - Cleaning crumbs is now as easy as “Roomba, clean under the kitchen table.” A simple request to your voice assistant or via the iRobot Home app enables the i7 to clean messes for you, right when they happen.
- COMPLETE CONTROL OF YOUR CLEAN - With Smart Mapping, your robot knows your kitchen from your living room, so you can decide where it cleans and when. With Keep Out Zones, your robot knows to avoid sensitive areas like pet bowls or play areas.
- A CLEAN UNIQUE TO YOU - The Roomba i7 robot vacuum is smarter than ever, learning where and when you normally clean and suggesting personalized schedules so you can focus on everything else.
Quick Rundown Of iRobot Roomba s9
- DEEPEST CLEAN - With 40X the suction power, the superior 3-Stage Cleaning System lifts, loosens, then eliminates debris & pet hair from deep within your carpets. Increases suction to clean even deeper into carpets with power boost technology.
- DETAILED POWERFUL CLEAN - PerfectEdge Technology with advanced sensors & a specially designed Corner Brush optimize cleaning deep into corners & along edges. Ideal for homes with pets. 30% wider Dual Rubber Brushes don't get tangled with pet hair.
- GUIDED BY SERIOUS SMARTS - With vSLAM navigation, the s9 learns the layout of your home & builds personal Smart Maps, enabling it to expertly clean & navigate in neat, efficient rows. If it’s running low on battery, it recharges & resumes cleaning.
- VACUUMS MESSES IN THE MOMENT - Cleaning crumbs is now as easy as “Roomba, clean under the kitchen table.” A simple request to your voice assistant or via the app enables the s9 to clean messes for you, right when they happen.
- COMPLETE CONTROL OF YOUR CLEAN - With Smart Mapping, your robot knows your kitchen from your living room, so you can decide where it cleans & when. & with Keep Out Zones, your robot knows to avoid sensitive areas like pet bowls or play areas.
Product Videos
Final Verdict: Which Roomba Should You Choose?
When comparing the Roomba i7 vs. s9, the decision ultimately depends on your specific cleaning needs and budget:
Choose the Roomba i7 if you need a reliable, versatile, and cost-effective robot vacuum that excels on both hard floors and carpets. It’s perfect for homes with pets and mixed surfaces and is an excellent choice for daily cleaning.
Opt for the Roomba s9 if you’re looking for a powerful, deep-cleaning robot that can tackle pet hair, carpets, and tight corners with ease. Its D-shape and advanced features make it ideal for
