“This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.”
You want to know the differences between the Roomba i7 vs. e5 models, right? There are so many Roomba robots to choose from so though.
It can be quite tricky to get the choice right, so we will review two popular Roomba robots today for you.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison: Roomba e5 vs i7 / i7+
What are the differences between the Roomba i7 and E5 models?
The iRobot i7 and I5 share some essential similar functions and features. However, there are some significant differences between the two devices that we will be highlighting today. Here are some features that are different in both products.
2 Times the Suction Strength of the e5
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.
Imprint Link Technology
What would you say if we told you that you could have both your robot vacuum and Robot mop operate in an automatic sequence? Well, Roomba’s imprint Link Technology allows this to happen with the Roomba i7 and your Braava jet M6.
Imprint Smart Mapping
Are you tired of using additional devices to control where your robot can and cannot go? Roomba i7 utilizes Roomba’s smart mapping technology to map and adapt to your home. The Roomba E5 utilizes the virtual wall barrier device to control a somewhat similar function.
iAdapt 3.0 technology with vSLAM navigation
What can’t this robot do? The Roomba i7 can capture your home’s measurements to learn and adapt to provide optimized coverage while cleaning.
Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal
If the bin on the e5 is full, it must be manually emptied, while the i7 is capable of emptying its own waste.
The iRobot Roomba i7 is compatible with an automatic dirt disposal unit so that you don’t have to worry about cleaning the device after it is finished cleaning your house.
Price
The Roomba i7 is in a much higher price bracket than the e5. The e5 is a great budget option, while the i7, is decked out with all the bells and whistles, comes in at a higher cost.
What is Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal
This is an additional unit that is compatible with the Roomba i7. The clean base automatic dirt disposal unit will empty your i7’s bin so that you don’t have to worry about dealing with the dirt cleaned for months.
In addition to emptying the bin, this additional unit uses allergen lock bags so that there is no mess when you empty it. Did we mention that it can hold up to 60 bins of dust hair and dirt?
What is Imprint Smart Mapping
This technology allows your robots to learn your home by mapping and adapting to it. While your Roomba i7 is cleaning your home, it creates a map for future jobs.
The robots will take into account the location of the furniture, the size of the room, the orientation of the room, and so on. It uses this information to determine the best ways to clean in the future.
Once the robot has successfully mapped your home, you can then select where you want the robot to clean and where you want it to avoid.
What are the Similarities
We have been looking at some of the differences between the products, but now let’s take a look at some of the basic features that are similar for both of these remarkable devices.
Type of battery
iRobot chose the Lithium-Ion battery type to power these two devices.
Type of battery
Both robots use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
WiFi Connectivity
Both the Roomba i7 and E5 models have WiFi capabilities that allow you to schedule and monitor them remotely.
Size
The devices are both quite small at under 14″ in diameter and just above 3.5″ in height.
Cleaning technology
Both of these devices are equipped with iRobot’s premium 3-Stage Cleaning system that cleans the things you see and the things that you don’t on both carpets and hardwood floors.
Dirt detect
This is a feature of both robots that allow them to concentrate on areas of your home that have a higher concentration of dirt.
If you are a pet owner, you will fall in love with this vacuum. The Roomba E5 has multi-surface rubber brushes that are ideal for cleaning pet hair.
The Roomba E5 is one of the most powerful vacuums in its class, at five times the suction power of the Roomba 600 series.

The Roomba e5 does not have advanced features such as charge and resume cleaning, imprint mapping, or the self-emptying feature.
However, if you want a Roomba that is more powerful than the Roombas in the 600 series and only pay a fraction more price-wise, the e5 is a good option.
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.
CONS
- A larger bin would have allowed for more autonomous operation. The small bin will require constant cleaning if there is a lot of debris to clean.
- The e5 sometimes have difficulties in returning to the docking station.
Let’s review some of those burning questions about the e5.
Is the Roomba e5 worth it?
Most definitely. If you’re trying to get your home cleaned with as little hassle as possible, while on a budget, then this Roomba is definitely worth it. This Roomba is mighty, and it comes at a comparable price to others in its class.
Does Roomba e5 have mapping?
The Roomba E5 is not built with a camera, so, unfortunately, it does not have a mapping feature. Remember that you can buy a Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier to help you to control the rooms that the device cleans and the objects that it should avoid.
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.
With 10 * the Roomba 600 series suction power, the i7 has improved pick-up performance that fits very well with its 3-stage cleaning system.
This incredible device has technology that allows it to learn, adapt and map your home. After the device has mapped your home, it can clean your rooms more optimally with the knowledge it learned earlier.
You can also use the maps developed by your i7 to tell it where to clean and where to stay clear of.

If you have a pet, the Roomba i7 is here for you. This robot is equipped with a unique dual rubber brush that does not get tangled with pet hair.
The brush is paired with a high-efficiency filter that allows the robots to trap 99% of all cat and dog allergens that are on your carpets and Floors.
PROS
- Can empty itself
- Cleans and then recharges to finish the job if the battery gets too low
- Learns and adapts to your home
- Takes care of 99% of pet allergens
CONS
- Might miss a few spots here and there
- Takes a long time to charge
Let’s now look at some FAQ for the i7.
Is the Roomba i7 worth it?
Yes, the Roomba i7 is more expensive than the E5, but what you get is a premium device. The Roomba i7 empties its own bin when it is full, and it is able to map your home along with other features.
Does the Roomba i7 empty itself?
Yes, it has the capability to empty itself in an automatic dirt disposal unit.
Does Roomba i7 have mapping?
The Roomba i7 has smart mapping technology.
Does Roomba i7 require WIFI?
WiFi would definitely allow you to maximize the potential of the device by utilizing all its features, but it is not required for all of them. It can clean without WiFi.
What does the Roomba i7 come with?
The Roomba i7 comes with a, North American Line Cord, a Home Base Charging Station, 1 Extra High-Efficiency Filter, and 1 Extra Side Brush.
The Roomba e5 vs. i7, the Ultimate Match Up
Both of these Roomba models will definitely give you a fair bang for your buck. Let’s compare them to see which one is best suited for your home.
Design
Both of these were designed in a sleek, black, low-profile casing.
Accessories
The devices are both sold with a charging station and a line cord but the i7 is sold with Extra High-Efficiency Filter and 1 Extra Side Brush.
Performance
The i7 is twice as powerful as the e5.
Size
The Roomba i7 weighs in at 7.44lbs and measures 13.34″ in diameter while the Roomba e5 is 7.2lbs and has a diameter of 13.3″.
Conclusion
The Roomba E5 and i7 are clearly in two different classes. The E5 is more of a great budget option, while the i7 is an incredible robot that seems to have it all.
If you are looking for an automatic cleaning robot that is very good but at a low price, choose the e5. If the cost is not a factor in your decision, then the i7 is the way to go.