Robot vacuums have become incredibly popular in recent years, allowing busy homeowners to keep their floors clean with less effort. Two of the most popular options on the market are the Roomba 3550 and the Roomba 3556. But what exactly sets these two models apart?
In this guide, we’ll compare the Roomba 3550 and 3556 head-to-head, looking at the key features, specs, pros and cons of each model. We’ll help you decide which Roomba is the better fit for your home cleaning needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Roomba 3550 | Roomba 3556 |
| Brushes | Standard brushes | Added rubber brushes |
| Bin | Regular bin | Magnetic bin |
| Mapping | No | Yes |
| Controls | Alexa, Google Assistant | Added Siri and Nest |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Hard floors, budget | Carpets, advanced features |
Overview Of The Roomba 3550 And 3556
The Roomba 3550 and 3556 are both built by iRobot, the original inventor of robotic vacuums back in 2002. As two of their classic models, they share some core features but also have some distinct differences.
The Roomba 3550 was released in 2016 as a WiFi-connected model with smart home integration. It has a 3-stage cleaning system and patented dirt detect technology to focus cleaning power on the dirtiest areas.
The Roomba 3556 came out in 2018 as an upgrade over the 3550. It added new conveniences like voice control compatibility and air filters with improved allergen capture.
So while the 3550 is no slouch, the 3556 builds upon its features for a more advanced cleaning experience. But let’s look at some more details.
Design And Dimensions
Visually, the Roomba 3550 and 3556 look nearly identical. Both have the signature circular shape with a dark gray finish.
In terms of dimensions:
- Roomba 3550 – 13.4” diameter, 3.6” height
- Roomba 3556 – 13.4” diameter, 3.6” height
So there’s no difference in overall size and footprint between the two models. Both are compact enough to fit under most furniture and into corners.
Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, the Roomba 3550 and 3556 are again very similar:
- Roomba 3550 – up to 60 minute run time
- Roomba 3556 – up to 60 minute run time
So with either model, you can expect roughly an hour of cleaning time before the robot will automatically dock and recharge itself. For most homes, a 60 minute run time is sufficient to clean multiple rooms on a single charge.
Cleaning Performance
Now here is one area where we see a distinction between the Roomba 3550 VS. 3556. Let’s look at the key parts of their cleaning systems:
The Roomba 3550 uses:
- 3-Stage Cleaning system – side brush, counter-rotating brushes, edge-sweeping brush
- Dirt Detect sensors
- Cliff sensors to avoid stairs
- Wall-following sensors
The Roomba 3556 uses:
- The same 3-Stage Cleaning system
- Dirt Detect sensors
- Cliff sensors
- Wall-following sensors
- Added rubber brushes for better pickup on carpets
So while their basic approach to cleaning floors is the same, the 3556 gains an advantage with its rubber brushes that are better at grabbing dirt and debris from carpets. The 3550’s brushes work fine for solid and bare floors, but struggle more on carpets and rugs.
Smart Home Compatibility
Both the 3550 and 3556 offer smart home integration to control and schedule your robot through a mobile app or with voice assistants. But the 3556 has expanded compatibility:
- Roomba 3550 works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Roomba 3556 adds support for controlling with Siri and tying into Nest Learning Thermostat schedules
So the 3556 pulls ahead when it comes to controlling your Roomba through more smart home platforms.
Convenience Features
Again, the 3556 gains some nice upgrades when looking at the convenience features:
Roomba 3550
- Scheduling
- Auto-recharge and resume
- Full bin indicator
Roomba 3556 adds:
- Magnetic dirt disposal
- Persistent maps
- Cleaning recommendations
With magnetic dirt disposal, emptying the bin on the 3556 is quicker. Persistent mapping allows the robot to learn your home’s layout to eventually clean more efficiently. And cleaning recommendations notify you when areas need extra attention.
Also Read: Choose Between Wyze And Roomba.
Accessories
Both vacuums work with the same bundled accessories as well as additional Roomba attachments you can purchase separately:
- Dual mode virtual wall barrier
- Extra filters
- Replacement brushes and parts
So no difference in terms of accessories compatibility.
Warranty
Finally, the included warranties are the same:
- 1 year limited warranty provided by iRobot
Roomba 3550 VS. 3556: Key Pros And Cons
Roomba 3550
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Works well on hard floors
- Wifi connectivity
- Alexa and Google Assistant compatible
Cons:
- No added features like magnetic bin
- Struggles cleaning carpets
- Limited smart home integration
Roomba 3556
Pros:
- Rubber brushes improve carpet cleaning
- Magnetic bin for easier emptying
- Persistent mapping learns home layout
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
Cons:
- Higher price tag
- Very similar to 3550 otherwise
So for the extra cost, the 3556 brings some worthwhile cleaning improvements like better carpet pickup and mapping. But the 3550 still offers solid basic performance, especially on hard floors, if you’re looking to save money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main difference is that the J series Roombas use the older Aerovac bin while the I series uses the newer AeroForce bin. The AeroForce bin has a tapered shape for improved airflow and debris pickup. The I series models also tend to have upgraded navigation and mapping capabilities.
Roomba models with Evo in the name utilize “PrecisionVision Navigation” which uses onboard cameras to visually map the home and clean in neat rows. This is a more advanced navigation system compared to older bump-and-roam style cleaning.
The Roomba i3 and i3+ are identical when it comes to cleaning performance with the 3-stage system, 10x power lift suction and smart mapping. The main difference is the i3+ comes with a clean base for automatic dirt disposal while the i3 requires manual bin emptying.
The Roomba i3+ was released in 2020 along with the i3 model without the clean base. This made automatic dirt disposal available at a lower price point compared to the s9 and other models with clean base units.
Key Takeaways
- The Roomba 3550 and 3556 offer strong core cleaning functionality using Roomba’s proven 3-stage system.
- While very similar on the surface, the 3556 gains some worthwhile upgrades like rubber brushes for better carpet cleaning, magnetic bin emptying, learning maps and expanded smart home integration.
- The 3550 is the more budget-friendly option for shoppers who want solid cleaning performance for hard floors.
- For deeper carpet cleaning and advanced conveniences, the 3556 is likely the better investment for many homes.
So in comparing the Roomba 3550 VS. 3556, the 3556 takes the edge overall with some nice upgrades over its predecessor. However, the 3550 still offers reliable performance for the price, making it a potential smart choice for shoppers on a tighter budget.