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Are you looking for the perfect Roomba for your home or office? We are here to compare the Roomba e5 vs 960 because they have qualities that are sure to meet your needs.
They can be confusing to tell apart, but don’t worry, we’ve got you.
We will examine all the features that make both the e5 and the 960 stand out so that you can choose the one that is perfect for your home.
Quick Comparison: Roomba e5 vs 960
What are the differences between the Roomba e5 and 960
If both robots are so similar, how do you decide which one is best for you? That decision should be made after contemplating why you want a Roomba and the type of cleaning you want to get done.
If you have pets and want to ensure that your floor is cleaned thoroughly, these are great options. But they do have a few features that stand out.
Price
The Roomba 960 will cost you more when compared to the cost of the Roomba e5. In some cases, you may find yourself spending close to 50% more, but it makes up for it with cool useful features.
Run time
The Roomba 960 runs for up to 75minutes before needing to dock and recharge. The good thing is, it automatically continues to clean after charging, so you do not have to worry about starting it again.
The Roomba e5 runs for a more extended period of up to 90 minutes. However, it does not resume cleaning after it is charged.
Navigation
The e5 and the 960 can both can easily navigate around and under objects, while it cleans, but the 960 goes a lot further with mapping technology.
The 960 uses iRobot’s iAdapt 2.0 Navigation with Visual Localization to help it to navigate an entire level of your home.
Imprint Link technology
The Roomba 960 comes equipped with Imprint Link technology, which allows it to work in conjunction with some Braava jet robots so that the mopping can follow the vacuum sequence.
Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier
Both devices are compatible with this barrier technology. However, only the 960 is sold with it.
What is Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier?
The dual-mode virtual wall barrier is a device that allows you to control which rooms your Roomba robot clean.
A virtual barrier will enable you to keep your robot in the places you want cleaned and out of the ones that you don’t by blocking openings of up to 10ft.
It also has a feature that creates a 4 ft diameter barrier around objects that you want your Roomba to stay away from.
What are the Similarities
Now that we have gotten the differences out of the way, what makes these products similar?
WiFi Connectivity
Both the Roomba 960 and the Roomba e5 models have WiFi capabilities that allow you to connect with an App and give it commands remotely.
Type of battery
Both robots use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Size
The Roomba e5 measures 13,3 inches in width and 3.6 inches in height. It weighs 7.2lbs. The Roomba 960 measures 13.8 inches in width and 3.6 inches in height and comes in at 8.5lbs.
Design
Both are designed to be functional and aesthetically appealing for seamlessly carrying out their functions
Navigation System
The Roomba e5 and 960 are both designed to easily navigate around and under objects like furniture to ensure proper cleaning of your floor.
If you want a powerful vacuum, the 960 is what you are looking for. This Roomba has five times the suction strength of all Roombas from the 600 series.
The Roomba 960 is able to clean the entire level of your home automatically because it has an intelligent mapping feature.

This feature helps the device take thousands of precise measurements to clean your floors optimally.
If you have a pet or thinking about getting pets, the Roomba 960 was designed with you in mind.
This device has a premium 3-stage cleaning system that pairs well with its high-efficiency filter that traps 99% of pet allergens.
The 960 is designed with an automatically adjustable cleaning head that ensures that the rubber brushes are always in close contact with your floor surfaces so that it can effectively clean the carpets and hard surfaces.
PROS
- The robot does its cleaning duties very well.
- The recharge and restart feature allows for it to do entire jobs no matter the run time.
- It can navigate under and around furniture
- Easy to operate
- Cleans high traffic areas effectively
CONS
- The bin is not large enough for larger homes
- The 960 takes a long time to charge
- Sometimes, the device gets clogged.
We know that you still have questions to ask about this intelligent vacuum, so we will be answering the most pressing ones for you now.
Is the Roomba 960 worth it?
We believe it does. The 960 is more costly than the E5, but it has more useful features that warrant the higher price tag.
The Roomba 960 not only looks great but performs great. It is a wonderful robot for pet owners, and it has intelligent technology that helps it navigate your home.
Does Roomba 960 have mapping?
Yes, the 960 has the ability to generate Intelligent maps with iRobot’s Patented iAdapt® 2.0 technology with vSLAM.
Does the Roomba 960 empty itself?
Unfortunately, The 960 is not able to empty its own bin.
Does Roomba 960 require WIFI?
While using the WiFi allows you to utilize all the functions of the device, it is not a necessity. It can clean without WiFi.
The Roomba E5 is one of the most powerful vacuums in its class, and it has five times the air power off the Roomba 600 series.
The Roomba E5 has multi-surface rubber brushes. These rubber brushes are ideal for cleaning pet hair. The features of this vacuum allow it to work very well in homes with pets.

The Roomba e5 sensors help it navigate below and around obstacles and the furniture to give a good cleaning experience
PROS
- 5-times the suction power of all Roomba 600 series devices.
- It is easy to use and it has hands-free options for even more convenience
- Works very well in a home with pets. The rubber brushes do wonders with that pet hair.
CONS
- A larger bin would allow it to do more cleaning.
- The e5 sometimes have difficulties in returning to the docking station.
Yes, we know that some questions are still unanswered. We’ve got you. Let’s take a look at a few of them now.
Does Roomba e5 have mapping?
The Roomba E5 is not built with a camera, so, unfortunately, it does not have a mapping feature.
Does the Roomba e5 work on carpet?
Yes, the Roomba E5 is capable of cleaning your carpets just as it does on your hardwood floor.
Is the Roomba e5 worth it?
Most definitely. If you’re trying to get your home cleaned with as little hassle as possible, then this device is definitely worth it.
This Roomba is mighty, and it comes at a comparable price to others in its class.
The Roomba 960 vs. e5, the Ultimate Match Up
Both the Roomba 690 and e5 models can intelligently clean your home. The devices share some similarities, and they both have useful features that set them apart. Let’s look at a rundown of the devices.
Design
Both Roombas are designed with a low profile. The e5 is full black while the 960 is black and grey.
Accessories
The Roombas are sold with a charging station and a line cord, but the 960 also comes with an extra brush, an additional filter, and a Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier.
Dual Mode Virtual Wall
The 960 is sold with the Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier that is useful to tell your device where to clean and where to avoid.
Performance
These devices have five times the suction of the 600 series.
Cleaning System
The Roomba 960 and e5, both have a 3-stage cleaning system that is efficient against a lot of debris.
WiFi Connectivity
The devices do not need WiFi to operate, but it has some features that do require it.
Size
The Roomba 960 weighs in at 8.5 lbs and measures 13.77″ in diameter while the Roomba e5 is 7.2lbs and has a diameter of 13.3″.
Conclusion
The Roomba E5 and 960 are good in their own rights. However, the 960 is a much better device because of its advanced technological features.
The Roomba 960 costs a lot more than the Roomba e5, so you should consider what you need the devices for before you decide on your purchase. Review the features and then decide if the extra price is worth it for your home.