Roomba I3 Vs. Roomba I5: A Head-To-Head Comparison From A Real User’s Perspective

I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can simplify daily chores, and robot vacuums like the Roomba i3 and i5 have been game-changers in my home. In this article, I’ll compare these two popular iRobot models, sharing my firsthand experience to help you decide which one suits your needs.

From suction power to smart features, I’ll break down their strengths, weaknesses, and key differences in a clear, engaging way, complete with a comparison table, pros and cons, and answers to common questions. Let’s find out which Roomba is your perfect cleaning companion.

Comparison Table: Roomba I3 Vs. Roomba I5

My Journey With Robot Vacuums

When I first brought a robot vacuum into my home, I was skeptical. Could a little round device really keep my floors clean without me lifting a finger? My doubts faded after testing the Roomba i3, and later, the Roomba i5.

Both are part of iRobot’s mid-range lineup, offering impressive features without the hefty price tag of premium models like the j7+ or s9+. As someone with hardwood floors, a couple of rugs, and a dog that sheds like it’s his full-time job, I needed a vacuum that could handle pet hair, dust, and the occasional crumb explosion from my toddler’s snacks. Here’s how the i3 and i5 stacked up in my real-world experience.

Key Features Of The Roomba I3

The Roomba i3, released in 2020, is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable, no-fuss robot vacuum. It’s part of iRobot’s i-series, which means it comes with smart features that make it more than just a glorified dustpan. Here’s what stood out to me:

• Suction Power: The i3 boasts 10 times the suction power of the older Roomba 600 series. In my living room, it effortlessly sucked up dog hair and cereal bits scattered by my kid. It’s not as powerful as the s9+ (which claims 40x suction), but it’s more than enough for daily messes.
• Navigation: Using iAdapt 3.0 technology, the i3 moves in neat, systematic rows rather than the random zig-zagging of older models like the 600 series. I noticed it rarely got stuck under furniture, thanks to its cliff detection sensors that keep it from tumbling down stairs.
• Smart Mapping: The i3 learns your home’s layout and stores a single map, which you can use to direct it to specific rooms via the iRobot Home app. I loved telling it to clean just the kitchen after a messy dinner prep.
• Self-Emptying Option: The i3+ model comes with a Clean Base that automatically empties the vacuum’s dustbin into a disposable bag, holding up to 60 days of debris. I upgraded to the i3+ after a month, and not having to empty the bin manually was a game-changer.
• Voice Control: Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, the i3 responds to voice commands like “clean the living room.” I found this super handy when my hands were full with dishes or laundry.

Read More: My Thoughts on Houzz Vs. Thumbtack.

Key Features Of The Roomba I5

The Roomba i5, a newer model introduced in 2023, builds on the i3’s foundation with one major upgrade: mopping. As someone who deals with sticky juice spills and muddy paw prints, I was excited to try the Combo i5+. Here’s what I discovered:

• Suction Power: Like the i3, the i5 offers 10x the suction of the 600 series. It performed just as well as the i3 on my hardwood floors and rugs, picking up pet hair and debris with ease.
• Navigation: The i5 uses the same iAdapt 3.0 navigation, moving in orderly rows and avoiding obstacles. I noticed no difference in navigation performance compared to the i3, which was already impressive.
• Smart Mapping: The i5 also stores a single map, allowing room-specific cleaning through the app or voice commands. It learned my home’s layout just as quickly as the i3.
• Mopping Capability: The Combo i5 and i5+ include a mopping bin that you swap out for the vacuum bin. This was a huge plus for me, as it tackled light spills and smudges on my hardwood floors. However, you have to manually swap the bins, which can be a hassle if you’re not home.
• Self-Emptying Option: Like the i3+, the i5+ comes with a Clean Base for automatic dirt disposal. The convenience of not touching the dustbin for weeks was just as delightful with the i5+.
• Voice Control: The i5 supports Alexa and Google Assistant, making it easy to control hands-free. I often used voice commands to start a mopping session after my dog tracked in mud.

Pros of the Roomba i3

• Affordable Price: The i3 is often $100-$150 cheaper than the i5, making it a great value for a smart vacuum.
• Strong Suction: 10x the power of the 600 series handles pet hair and debris on both hard floors and carpets effectively.
• Smart Navigation: iAdapt 3.0 ensures efficient, systematic cleaning without random bumping.
• Self-Emptying Option: The i3+’s Clean Base reduces maintenance, holding 60 days of dirt.
• Voice Control Integration: Works seamlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free operation.
• Pet-Friendly Features: Dual rubber brushes and a high-efficiency filter trap 99% of pet dander and allergens.

Cons of the Roomba i3

• No Mopping: Lacks the mopping feature, so you’ll need a separate device like the Braava Jet for wet messes.
• Single Map Storage: Can only store one floor plan, which is limiting for multi-level homes.
• No Keep-Out Zones: You need physical virtual wall barriers to block off areas, which are sold separately.
• Louder Self-Emptying: The Clean Base on the i3+ is noisy (around 80 decibels) during dirt disposal.

Pros of the Roomba i5

• Mopping Capability: The Combo i5/i5+ can vacuum and mop, tackling both dry and wet messes.
• Comparable Suction: Matches the i3’s 10x suction power, effective for pet hair and everyday debris.
• Smart Navigation: iAdapt 3.0 ensures efficient cleaning in neat rows, avoiding obstacles.
• Self-Emptying Option: The i5+’s Clean Base is as convenient as the i3+, holding dirt for up to 60 days.
• Voice Control:<<<<<<<

System: Integration: Works with Alexa and Google Assistant for easy voice commands.

• Versatility: The mopping feature makes it a 2-in-1 solution for homes with mixed flooring.

Cons of the Roomba i5

• Higher Price: The i5 and i5+ are more expensive than the i3/i3+, especially with the mopping feature.
• Manual Bin Swapping: You have to switch between vacuum and mop bins, which can be inconvenient.
• Single Map Storage: Like the i3, it’s limited to one floor plan, not ideal for multi-level homes.
• No Automatic Mop Lifting: Unlike higher-end models like the j7+, it can’t automatically avoid carpets while mopping.

My Experience Using The Roomba I3

I started with the Roomba i3 in a 1,200-square-foot apartment with hardwood floors, a few area rugs, and a furry dog. Setting it up was a breeze—plug in the base, charge it, and connect it to the iRobot Home app. The app is intuitive, letting me schedule cleanings or send the i3 to specific rooms. The first time I watched it navigate my living room in neat rows, I was impressed by how methodical it was compared to older Roombas I’d seen.

The i3 handled pet hair like a champ, thanks to its dual rubber brushes that don’t get tangled easily. It even picked up crushed Cheerios under the dining table without spreading them around. The Dirt Detect feature, which senses dirtier areas and focuses cleaning there, was a standout. I noticed it lingered longer on my rug where my dog loves to nap, ensuring a thorough clean.

The i3+’s self-emptying base was a revelation. The loud whoosh when it empties (think vacuum cleaner on steroids) startled me at first, but the convenience of not touching the dustbin for weeks outweighed the noise. However, I wished it had keep-out zones; I had to block off my bathroom with a physical barrier to keep it from getting stuck on the bath mat.

My Experience Using The Roomba I5

When I upgraded to the Roomba i5+ for its mopping feature, I was excited to tackle sticky messes. The setup was identical to the i3, and the navigation felt just as reliable. The vacuuming performance was indistinguishable from the i3—same suction power, same smart mapping, same efficiency. But the mopping was a game-changer for my hardwood floors. After a juice spill, I swapped the vacuum bin for the mop bin, filled it with water, and let the i5+ wipe away the stickiness. It’s not a deep scrubber like a traditional mop, but it’s perfect for light messes.

The downside? Swapping bins manually is a pain, especially if you’re not home. I also had to be careful to remove rugs before mopping, as the i5 doesn’t lift its mop pad like the j7+ or j9+. Still, the ability to vacuum and mop with one device saved me from buying a separate robot mop, which was a big win.

Also Read: My Thoughts on Hearth Vs. Greensky.

Maintenance Tips

Maintaining a Roomba i3 or i5 is straightforward, but a little care goes a long way. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Empty the Dustbin Regularly: If you don’t have the self-emptying base, empty the bin after every 1-2 runs to maintain suction power.
• Clean the Brushes: Check the dual rubber brushes monthly for hair or debris to prevent tangling.
• Replace Filters: The high-efficiency filter should be replaced every 2-3 months to keep allergens at bay.
• Wipe Sensors: Dust on cliff or Dirt Detect sensors can affect navigation; clean them gently with a dry cloth.
• Check the Mop Bin (i5): Rinse and dry the mop bin after each use to prevent mold or odors.
• Update Firmware: Use the iRobot Home app to keep the software updated for optimal performance.

Comparison With Other Brands

How do the Roomba i3 and i5 stack up against competitors? I’ve looked into a few alternatives:

• Shark AI Ultra: Slightly cheaper than the i5+, it offers similar self-emptying and mapping but lacks mopping unless you buy a separate mop attachment. The Roomba’s app feels more polished.
• Roborock S7: A premium hybrid with better mopping (vibrating mop pad) and multi-map storage, but it’s pricier than both the i3+ and i5+. The Roombas are more user-friendly for beginners.
• Eufy RoboVac G30: A budget option with decent suction but no smart mapping or self-emptying. The i3 and i5 offer more automation for the price.
• Dyson 360 Vis Nav: Dyson’s robot has superior suction (20,000 Pa) but no mopping and a higher price tag. The i5’s 2-in-1 capability makes it more versatile.

Which Roomba Is Right For You?

Choosing between the Roomba i3 and i5 depends on your home and needs. If you have mostly carpets or don’t need mopping, the i3 or i3+ is a fantastic, budget-friendly choice with strong vacuuming performance and smart features. Its lower price makes it ideal for those who want automation without breaking the bank.

If you have hard floors or deal with wet messes, the Roomba i5 or i5+ is worth the extra cost for its mopping capability. The ability to vacuum and mop in one device is a time-saver, though the manual bin-swapping can be a hassle. Both models excel at pet hair and daily cleaning, but the i5’s versatility gives it an edge for mixed flooring.

For me, the i5+ was the better fit because my hardwood floors needed occasional mopping. But if mopping isn’t a priority, the i3+ offers nearly identical performance for less. Consider your floor types, budget, and whether you’re willing to swap bins for mopping when deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

After testing both the Roomba i3 and i5, I can say they’re both stellar robot vacuums that make life easier. The i3 is a budget-friendly powerhouse for vacuuming, while the i5 adds mopping for those with hard floors. Your choice depends on whether mopping is worth the extra cost and manual bin-swapping. Both handle pet hair and daily messes with ease, thanks to smart navigation and strong suction. I hope my experience helps you pick the perfect Roomba for your home—happy cleaning!