"IRobot Roomba 985 vs i7: The Ultimate Showdown"

irobot Roomba 985 vs i7: A Comprehensive Comparison

The iRobot Roomba 985 and i7 are two of the most popular robot vacuums in the market, each offering a unique blend of features and performance. If you're in the market for a high-quality robot vacuum, you might be wondering which one is the better choice. This comprehensive comparison will help you make an informed decision.

Design and Aesthetics

Both the Roomba 985 and i7 share a similar design, with a circular shape and a height of 3.6 inches, allowing them to navigate under furniture with ease. They also have a similar appearance, with a black top panel and a silver ring around the edge. However, the i7 has a more premium feel, with a sleeker design and a silver finish on the top panel.

Cleaning Performance

Suction Power

The Roomba 985 and i7 both offer powerful suction, but the i7 has a slight edge with its Imprint Smart Mapping technology. This feature allows the i7 to learn the layout of your home and adapt its cleaning pattern to suit different room types, ensuring a more thorough clean.

Cleaning Modes

The Roomba 985 comes with three cleaning modes - Auto, Spot, and Edge. The i7, on the other hand, offers more cleaning customization with its Imprint Smart Mapping technology. It can create virtual no-go zones and schedule cleanings for specific rooms, making it a more versatile option.

Navigation and Mapping

The Roomba 985 uses iRobot's vSLAM navigation system, which allows it to navigate your home and avoid obstacles. The i7, however, takes this a step further with its Imprint Smart Mapping technology. This feature allows the i7 to create a map of your home, which it can use to optimize its cleaning path and avoid areas you don't want it to clean.

Battery Life and Runtime

Both the Roomba 985 and i7 have a runtime of about 75 minutes on a single charge. However, the i7 has a slight advantage with its automatic recharge and resume feature. This feature allows the i7 to recharge mid-clean and then resume where it left off, ensuring a complete clean even on larger homes.

Smart Home Integration

The Roomba 985 and i7 both support voice control with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. However, the i7 offers more advanced smart home integration with its support for Apple HomeKit. This feature allows you to control the i7 using the Home app on your iPhone or with Siri voice commands.

Price and Value

The Roomba 985 is typically priced lower than the i7, making it a more affordable option. However, the i7's advanced features, such as Imprint Smart Mapping and automatic recharge and resume, make it a better value for money in the long run.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between the Roomba 985 and i7 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you're looking for a more affordable option with solid cleaning performance, the Roomba 985 is a great choice. However, if you're looking for a more advanced robot vacuum with smart mapping and advanced cleaning features, the i7 is the better option.