Roomba E5 Vs. Roomba E6: Which One Is Better?

I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can simplify our lives, especially when it comes to keeping my home clean without lifting a finger.

 That’s why I decided to compare the Roomba e5 and Roomba e6, two popular robot vacuums from iRobot that promise powerful cleaning at a budget-friendly price.

 My goal is to share my experience testing these models, highlighting their features, pros, and cons, so you can decide which one fits your home best.

 Let’s explore their similarities, differences, and which one might be your perfect cleaning companion.

Comparison Table: Roomba E5 Vs. Roomba E6

My Journey With Robot Vacuums

A few years ago, I was skeptical about robot vacuums. Could a little round machine really keep my floors as clean as I wanted? But after adopting a furry dog and dealing with constant pet hair, I gave in and bought my first Roomba. It was a game-changer. Fast forward to today, I’ve tested both the Roomba e5 and e6 in my home—a 1,200-square-foot space with a mix of hardwood, low-pile carpet, and a few rugs. My goal was to see how these budget-friendly models stack up in real-world conditions, from tackling pet hair to navigating my furniture-heavy living room.

Design and Build: Subtle Differences, Same Sturdiness

When I unboxed the Roomba e5 and e6, I noticed they’re nearly identical in size and shape. Both are compact, round robots measuring about 13.3 to 13.4 inches wide and 3.6 inches tall, weighing 7.2 pounds. They’re low enough to slide under most furniture, which is a lifesaver for cleaning those hard-to-reach spots where dust bunnies hide. The e5 sports an all-black look, sleek and understated, while the e6 has a tan-and-black two-tone design that feels a bit more stylish but might not blend as seamlessly into every home.

Both models feel solid and well-built, with a sturdy bumper to protect my walls and furniture from scratches. The top of each has three buttons: CLEAN to start or pause, a dock button to send it home, and a spot-clean button for targeting specific messes. I found the controls intuitive, though I rarely used them since both connect to the iRobot Home app for remote operation. The e6’s tan accent gives it a slight edge in aesthetics, but the e5’s all-black design is less likely to show smudges.

Cleaning Performance: Power That Packs A Punch

Both the e5 and e6 boast iRobot’s 3-Stage Cleaning System, which I found impressive for their price range. This system combines a side-sweeping brush, dual rubberized brush rolls, and strong suction to tackle dirt, dust, and pet hair. The rubber brushes are a standout feature—no bristles mean less hair tangling, which is a huge plus for pet owners like me. In my tests, both vacuums handled my dog’s shedding like champs, picking up 99% of pet hair on hardwood and low-pile carpet. On high-pile rugs, they managed about 98% of finer debris like sugar, which is solid for budget models.

The side brush, angled at 27 degrees, sweeps debris from corners and edges into the vacuum’s path. I noticed both models hugged walls closely, ensuring no crumbs were left behind near baseboards. The suction power, five times stronger than iRobot’s older 600 Series, made quick work of cereal, rice, and kitty litter on my hardwood floors. However, fine debris like baking soda on high-pile carpet required an extra pass or two, especially as the dustbin filled up.

One feature I loved is the Dirt Detect technology. Both models have sensors that identify high-traffic areas with more dirt and focus extra cleaning there. When I spilled some coffee grounds in my kitchen, the e5 and e6 circled the mess repeatedly until it was gone. This smart touch makes them feel more intelligent than their random navigation suggests.

Navigation: Smart Enough, But Not Perfect

Speaking of navigation, both the e5 and e6 use iRobot’s iAdapt 1.0 system, which is a polite way of saying they bump around semi-randomly. Unlike higher-end Roombas like the i7 or S9 with advanced mapping, these models don’t create or save digital maps of your home. Instead, they use sensors to avoid obstacles and cliffs (like stairs). I watched them zigzag across my living room, gently bumping into furniture and adjusting their path. It’s not the most efficient, but they covered most of my floors over time.

The lack of smart mapping means you can’t direct them to specific rooms, which might frustrate those with larger homes. In my 1,200-square-foot space, they managed to clean most areas within their 90-minute battery life, but in bigger homes, you might need to restart them manually since neither has Recharge & Resume. Still, their cliff sensors worked flawlessly, never once threatening to tumble down my basement stairs.

Connectivity and Control: Modern Convenience

One of the best parts of owning either the e5 or e6 is the Wi-Fi connectivity. Both pair with the iRobot Home app, which I found easy to set up on my iPhone. After downloading the app and connecting the vacuums to my home Wi-Fi, I could start, stop, or schedule cleanings from anywhere. I often set them to run while I was at work, coming home to spotless floors. Both also work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so I could say, “Alexa, tell Roomba to clean,” and off it went.

The app also sends alerts for maintenance, like when the dustbin is full or if the vacuum gets stuck. I appreciated this, as it saved me from checking the bin manually. However, I noticed some sources online incorrectly claim the e5 doesn’t support Alexa, which isn’t true—both models handle voice commands equally well.

Accessories: Where The E6 Pulls Ahead

Here’s where the e5 and e6 start to differ. The e5 comes with one virtual wall barrier and one high-efficiency filter, while the e6 includes two virtual wall barriers and an extra filter. Virtual walls are small devices that emit an infrared beam to block the Roomba from entering certain areas, like a pet’s water bowl or a room with delicate decor. In my home, I used the e6’s two barriers to keep it out of my home office, where cables could get tangled, and it worked like a charm.

The extra filter with the e6 is a nice touch. Both models use high-efficiency filters that capture 99% of allergens like pet dander and pollen down to 3 microns, making them great for allergy sufferers. But with the e6, you get a spare filter, delaying the need to buy replacements (which cost about $20 for a pack of three). If you already own virtual walls from another Roomba, the e5 might save you money, but for first-time buyers, the e6’s extra accessories add value.

Battery Life and Charging: No Surprises

Both models run on a lithium-ion battery with a 90-minute runtime, covering about 1,100 square feet in my tests. They take three hours to charge fully and automatically return to their docking station when the battery is low or the job is done. I found this sufficient for my home, but larger spaces might require multiple sessions since neither model resumes cleaning after recharging. The charging base is simple and unobtrusive, though I had to ensure at least four feet of clear space around it for smooth docking.

Maintenance: Easy but Regular

Maintaining the e5 and e6 is straightforward but requires regular attention. The 500-ml dustbin is washable, which I loved—rinsing it out kept my vacuum fresh and allergen-free. I emptied the bin after every two or three cleanings, especially with pet hair. The rubber brushes were easy to clean since they resist tangles, but I still checked them weekly for wrapped hair on the axles. The filters need replacing every four to six months, and the e6’s extra filter gave it a slight edge here. Both models’ sensors and wheels also need occasional wiping to maintain performance.

Noise Levels: Not Whisper-Quiet

Neither the e5 nor e6 is silent, but they’re quieter than traditional vacuums. On hardwood, they hum at about 65.6 dB, similar to a normal conversation. On carpets, especially in detailed cleaning mode, they get louder, comparable to a washing machine. I didn’t find this disruptive, especially since I ran them when I was out, but if you’re sensitive to noise, you might notice it during operation.

Price and Availability: A Key Decision Factor

The Roomba e5 typically retails for $249–$299 and is widely available at places like Amazon, Walmart, and iRobot’s website. The e6, priced at $279–$349, is exclusive to select retailers like Costco and sometimes Amazon. The price difference often comes down to the e6’s extra accessories. If you don’t need the additional virtual wall or filter, the e5 offers better value. However, I found the e6 on sale at Costco for $279, making it a steal for the added features.

Read More: My Thoughts On Roomba 3550 Vs. 3556

Pros And Cons: Breaking It Down

Roomba e5 Pros

• Affordable Price: Often cheaper than the e6, especially without sales.
• Strong Cleaning Performance: Excels on hardwood, low-pile carpet, and pet hair.
• Wi-Fi and Voice Control: Seamless app and Alexa/Google Assistant integration.
• Compact Design: Fits under low furniture easily.
• Washable Dustbin: Keeps maintenance hygienic and cost-effective.

Roomba e5 Cons

• Random Navigation: No smart mapping, less efficient in large homes.
• Fewer Accessories: Only one virtual wall and filter included.
• No Recharge & Resume: Stops after 90 minutes, requiring manual restart.
• Basic Filtration Maintenance: You’ll need to buy replacement filters sooner.

Roomba e6 Pros

• Extra Accessories: Two virtual walls and an extra filter add value.
• Slightly Better Aesthetics: Tan-and-black design looks modern.
• Same Great Cleaning: Matches the e5’s performance on all surfaces.
• Wi-Fi and Voice Control: Identical smart features to the e5.
• Allergy-Friendly: High-efficiency filters capture 99% of allergens.

Roomba e6 Cons

• Limited Availability: Only at select retailers, harder to find.
• Higher Price: Costs more unless you catch a sale.
• Random Navigation: Same inefficient bump-and-continue system.
• No Recharge & Resume: Like the e5, it won’t resume cleaning automatically.

My Experience In Different Scenarios

To give you a real sense of how these Roombas perform, I tested them in various situations. In my kitchen, where crumbs and coffee grounds are a daily battle, both models cleaned flawlessly, thanks to their Dirt Detect sensors. In my living room, with its mix of hardwood and a shaggy rug, they handled transitions well, though the rug required a second pass for embedded pet hair. In my bedroom, where space is tight, the e6’s extra virtual wall was handy to keep it away from a charging cable mess.

One frustration was their random navigation. In my open-plan living area, they sometimes missed spots, requiring me to restart them. For smaller homes or apartments, this isn’t a big deal, but in larger spaces, a model with smart mapping like the Roomba i7 might be worth the upgrade. Still, for the price, both delivered impressive cleaning power.

Which Should You Choose?

After testing both, I lean toward the Roomba e6 for its extra virtual wall and filter, especially if you can find it on sale. The ability to block off two areas without buying additional accessories is a big win, particularly for homes with pets or kids’ toys. However, if budget is your top priority or you already own virtual walls, the e5 is nearly identical in performance and saves you some cash.

Your decision depends on your needs. If you have a small to medium-sized home (under 1,500 square feet), either model will keep your floors clean with minimal effort. For larger homes or those wanting advanced features like mapping or Recharge & Resume, consider stepping up to the Roomba i7 or S9. For pet owners or allergy sufferers, both are excellent, but the e6’s extra filter gives it a slight edge.

Read More: My Thoughts On Eufy RoboVac G30 Vs. G32

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Your Path To A Cleaner Home

After spending weeks with the Roomba e5 and e6, I can confidently say both are fantastic options for keeping your floors clean without breaking the bank. They tackle pet hair, dirt, and debris with ease, and their smart connectivity makes them a joy to use. The e6’s extra accessories give it a slight edge, but the e5’s lower price and wide availability make it a strong contender. Whichever you choose, you’ll gain a reliable cleaning partner that frees up your time. So, take a moment to assess your home’s needs, and let one of these Roombas make your life a little easier.