The Ultimate Showdown: Roomba i7 vs j7 – Unveiling the Best Choice for You!
Comparing the performance of Roomba i7 and j7 models in battery life, suction, and navigation An in-depth analysis of specifications, cleaning base, and pricing Choose the best Roomba for your needs
Comparing the iRobot i7 and j7 models
When it comes to robot vacuums, iRobot’s line of Roombas is a top contender in the market. While the i7 and j7 models share many similarities, there are crucial distinctions that can help you make a decision.In our Testing Lab, we thoroughly assessed the performance of both the i7 and j7 in terms of battery life, suction power, and navigation. Although they are similar in size, mapping capabilities, and suction strength, the j7 stands out with its advanced navigation capabilities and object avoidance features, as well as superior battery life. Neither model includes a self-emptying base, but both are compatible with Roomba’s Clean Base. This convenient add-on allows the robot to autonomously empty its internal dustbin into a bag located inside the base when it becomes full.
Roomba i7 vs. Roomba j7 specs
Despite being an efficient and user-friendly robot, the i7 falls short in comparison to the newer j7, which has easily become our top choice. Particularly suitable for pet owners or families with toys scattered around, the j7 effortlessly navigates through obstacles without missing a beat.When it comes to crucial product specifications, both the i7 and j7 exhibit noteworthy similarities. However, subtle distinctions between the two models can significantly impact their effectiveness and efficiency in cleaning a given area.
Roomba i7 specs
The Roomba i7's capabilities on hardwood flooring are being tested by the testing team. Here are the product specifications for the Roomba i7:- Battery life: 75 minutes
- Dimensions: 13.3” L x 13.3” W x 3.4” H
- Dustbin capacity: 0.3 L
- Weight: 7.45 lb
- Mapping: Yes
- Self-emptying: No
- Voice commands: Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri
- Scheduling: Yes
Released in 2018, the Roomba i7 is comparable in size and weight to other robot vacuums, such as the newer j7 launched in 2021. However, its dustbin has a smaller capacity compared to most robot vacuums, and because it doesn't have the self-emptying feature like the i7+, you may experience more interruptions during vacuuming. Additionally, its run time is relatively shorter at 75 minutes, which may require you to recharge it when cleaning larger spaces.
Similar to top-notch robot vacuums, the i7 is equipped with intelligent mapping and camera-assisted navigation, enabling it to learn your home and clean specific areas like under furniture or around a sofa. You can even set up Keep-Out Zones, ensuring that the vacuum avoids cleaning certain areas. Furthermore, it is compatible with popular home assistants such as Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant, allowing you to control it with voice commands like "start vacuuming" or "pause vacuuming."
As with the j7 and other Roombas, the i7 is compatible with the iRobot app. This enables you to effortlessly schedule cleaning sessions, ensuring that your floors remain spotless. Additionally, you have the flexibility to customize the cleaning preferences for scheduled jobs, including the suction power and number of cleaning passes.
Roomba j7 specs
Testing team checking charging time of Roomba j7.Product specifications.
Battery life: 97 minutes
Dimensions: 13.3” L x 13.3” W x 3.4” H
Dustbin capacity: 0.4 L
Weight: 7.5 lb
Mapping: Yes
Self-emptying: No
Voice commands: Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri
Scheduling: Yes
The Roomba j7 has a similar size and weight as the i7, with just a slight increase of 8 ounces. However, it outperforms the i7 in both battery life, lasting 22 minutes longer, and dustbin capacity, offering an additional 0.1-liter space for extended cleaning. Unlike the Roomba j7+, it does not have the self-emptying feature, meaning occasional manual emptying might be required during cleaning sessions to ensure uninterrupted vacuuming.
The j7 robot vacuum offers intelligent mapping and advanced camera-based navigation capabilities to familiarize itself with the layout of your home. This allows for targeted zone cleaning in specific rooms and the ability to map certain furniture for more precise cleaning. For instance, you can conveniently instruct the vacuum to clean under your kitchen table or in front of the kitchen counter to pick up crumbs. Additionally, you have the option to designate areas where the vacuum should not go, allowing you to focus the cleaning where it's needed the most. Similar to the i7 model, the j7 is compatible with voice commands via Alexa, Siri, or Google Home Assistant, enabling you to easily instruct the robot to vacuum your living room or pause its cleaning at any time.
Moreover, like many other robot vacuums, the j7 offers the convenience of scheduled cleaning through the iRobot app. You can set up daily or weekly cleaning sessions and personalize each session according to your specific cleaning preferences, ensuring that your floors are cleaned exactly the way you desire.
Suction comparison
In terms of suction power, both the Roomba i7 and j7 surpass standard Roomba models by 10 times. However, their performance varies depending on the type of flooring. In our tests, both the i7 and j7 demonstrated outstanding suction on hard surfaces such as hardwood, laminate, and tile.When it came to carpeting, the j7 outperformed the i7. It effectively captured a wide range of debris, including kosher salt, kitty litter, and cereal, leaving no trace behind. The j7 particularly excelled at removing pet hair, effortlessly eliminating entire clumps in a single pass. Although the i7 managed to clean carpets effectively during our testing, it occasionally encountered difficulties at the carpet's edge and ended up getting entangled in the tassels of a rug.
Suction comparison
Both the i7 and j7 have similar suction power, resulting in similar noise levels. The i7 typically produces noise levels ranging from 62 to 68 decibels, while the j7 ranges from 60 to 66 decibels. Comparatively, they are louder than the Roomba s9+ but quieter than lower-end Roombas like the 692 and 694 models. However, neither of them is as loud as a traditional vacuum, so vacuuming with them is not particularly disruptive.
Additionally, both the i7 and j7 feature tangle-free rubber brushes that prevent long hair from getting entangled. This prevents the brushes from getting stuck and blocking airflow, which can result in a loss of suction power. When we tested the robots in an area with pet hair, there was minimal hair on the brushes that needed to be removed. Therefore, neither model experienced a reduction in suction power.
Navigation comparison
Both the i7 and j7 are equipped with smart mapping technology that enables them to learn the layout of a space and even identify the location of specific objects. In our testing, we found that the maps created by both robots were highly accurate.To capture an accurate floorplan, we allowed the i7 to map as it cleaned, which took approximately a week. However, for the j7, we conducted a separate mapping-only run before it started cleaning, significantly reducing the time it took to learn the space. In just under an hour and a half, the j7 successfully mapped the area and correctly identified specific rooms.
When it came to cleaning, both the i7 and j7 efficiently vacuumed the designated zones without any issues. However, while their mapping capabilities were similar, there was a noticeable difference in obstacle avoidance. The i7's camera is positioned on top of the vacuum, limiting its view as it approaches objects. In contrast, the j7's front-facing camera provides a clear view of objects in its path, allowing for better obstacle avoidance.
During our testing, we observed that the i7 encountered issues when faced with obstacles such as power cords and cables. These objects would often get entangled in its rollers until we manually intervened. On the other hand, the j7 exhibited no difficulties when confronted with cords or other items on the floor. To test its capabilities, we deliberately placed a handbag, shoe, and stuffed pet toy in its path, and the j7 demonstrated an ability to detect these objects and swiftly maneuver around them.
Moreover, pet owners who are worried about robot vacuums not being able to detect and properly handle accidents made by their pets on the floor can now feel reassured with the j7. This smart device possesses the capability to detect such incidents and prevent any smearing of messes. Additionally, the j7 showcases excellent navigation skills, allowing it to effortlessly maneuver through tight spaces without getting stuck or tangled. As a result, vacuuming can be completed without any interruptions. Due to its exceptional navigation abilities, the j7 is the ideal choice for individuals living in cluttered or small homes, especially for pet owners.
When it comes to the Roomba i7 and j7, both models are compatible with the iRobot Roomba Clean Base, which enables the robot to autonomously empty its dustbin. However, should you choose to purchase the base separately, it will cost an additional $250.
Cleaning base comparison
Both the i7 and j7 come with a standard Roomba home base that serves as a charging station for the robot. However, the j7-compatible home base boasts a more streamlined and compact design. The i7 base has dimensions of 4.49 inches in height, 5.87 inches in width, and 6.26 inches in depth. On the other hand, the j7 base measures 4.2 inches in height, 5.5 inches in width, and 6 inches in depth.
While both bases are notably shorter than the i7+'s large Clean Base, which stands at 19 inches tall, and the j7+'s included Clean Base, which is 13.3 inches tall, our testing determined that both the i7 and j7 bases fit comfortably in small homes.
Emptying the dustbins for the i7 and j7 was a similar process. Both robots have a button on the front of the vacuum that releases the bin. Once removed, we held the bin over a trash can and used the door release button to dispose of dirt, hair, and debris. However, compared to the self-emptying i7+ and j7+, these models required more time and effort. We also found that our fingers occasionally got dirty during the process. The main drawback of not having a self-emptying base was that we were not always immediately aware when the i7 or j7 bin was full, and vacuuming would pause until we emptied the robot.
Price
The iRobot Roomba i7 is priced at $699.99, but it is frequently discounted on Amazon. The Roomba j7, on the other hand, is usually sold at its retail price of $599.99, but you can also find it at Amazon, where it is often available at a reduced price.Bottom line
When it comes to performance, the j7 outshines the i7 with its advanced object-avoidance technology and front-facing camera. iRobot designed the j7 as a replacement for the now-discontinued i7, making it a clear winner in this comparison. While the i7 may still be offered by select retailers, finding the j7 is generally much easier.Best of all, it's an ideal fit for households with pets as it effectively avoids pet waste and prevents tracking it all over your floors. Additionally, its obstacle avoidance feature is beneficial for cluttered homes, ensuring it doesn't get tangled in toys and other items, making it worry-free for families with small children. Moreover, the j7 model is a superior choice for larger homes due to its extended battery life and larger dustbin capacity.
