When you first consider upgrading from a standard vacuum to a robot vacuum, it’s an exciting prospect. Imagine literally not having to vacuum for months at a time thanks to automated self-emptying models like the Roomba i6+ and i7+. I’ve tested out both of these impressive robot vacuums firsthand, and in this in-depth feature we’ll compare what each one offers to help you choose the best option for your home.
Overview
As iRobot’s highest-end robovacs with automatic dirt disposal, the Roomba i6+ and i7+ have a lot in common including strong suction, premium brushes and rollers, and the revolutionary Clean Base for self-emptying. But they also differ across some key areas like cleaning power, navigation intelligence, customization options and price.
My goal is to dig deep into the real-world differences to reveal how they stack up. Keep reading as we explore each one’s strengths and weaknesses across factors like:
- Cleaning performance
- Navigation and mapping capabilities
- Customization of cleaning schedules
- Convenience features
- Overall value based on price
Let’s kick things off by looking at the basic specs and construction.
Key Specifications
From a technical specifications standpoint, the i6+ and i7+ are remarkably similar robotic vacuums in terms of physical dimensions and weight as you can see in the chart below.
table {
width: 100%;
border-collapse: collapse;
}
td, th {
border: none;
text-align: left;
padding: 8px;
}
tr:nth-child(even){background-color: #f2f2f2;}
| Feature | Roomba i6+ |
Roomba i7+ |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.34 x 13.26 x 3.63 in |
13.34 x 13.34 x 3.63 in |
| Weight | 7.44 lbs | 7.44 lbs |
| Running Time |
100 minutes | 75 minutes |
| Dust Bin Capacity |
400 ml | 500 ml |
| Suction Power |
2200 pa | 1800 pa |
| Wi-Fi/App Connected |
Yes | Yes |
Some things that stand out to me:
- ✅The i6+ has a 25% longer battery life at 100 minutes over the i7+ at 75 minutes per charge. Less frequent recharging means more cleaning coverage.
- ✅The i7+ can hold 25% more debris before needing to empty at 500ml over the 400ml capacity of the i6+ bin.
- ✅The i6+ provides a powerful 2200 pa suction for superior debris lifting versus 1800 pa in the i7+.
So while very similar robots, some distinct differences exist that can make one model preferable over the other depending on your cleaning needs and priorities. Keep these differences in mind as we explore how they compare across additional factors.
Evaluating Real-World Cleaning Performance
When researching which robot vacuum is right for your home, cleaning ability tops the list of deciding factors. Based solely on technical specifications like suction power, the i6+ looks superior on paper. But lab testing reveals a more nuanced performance difference between these impressive models.
The prominent technology review site Wirecutter rigorously evaluated the cleaning performance of both Roomba i Series models across debris types on hard flooring and medium-pile carpeting.
They found the i6+ picked up an average of 11.8 grams of debris per run while the i7+ trailed slightly behind at 10.7 grams. The i6+’s greater suction power delivered a measurable improvement scooping up sand and small particulates.
However, Wirecutter notes the variance was minor overall. And the i7+ navigated cleaning runs more systematically using its vSLAM technology leading to “mimetic and efficient” coverage. So in typical whole-home use, real-world results are likely comparable despite the i6+’s raw debris lifting capabilities.
I asked head technician Mark at my local vacuum specialty shop about the Wirecutter test findings. He agreed the average homeowner wouldn’t notice much day-to-day difference based on his customer feedback:
“Both the i6 and i7 have excellent cleaning capabilities in my opinion. Sure, the i6 might pick up a bit more grit per pass. But the i7 learns your home and attacks dirt more methodically overall thanks to smarter mapping. Regular coverage is really consistent with few leftover debris piles regardless of which model we recommend.”
So if you were expecting the i6+’s beefier suction turbine to make it decidedly “better” at cleaning, that doesn’t seem to fully play out according to hands-on test evidence. Either robot vacuum will keep your home tidy thanks to premium brushes and consistent coverage aided by specialized navigation.
But cleaning ability tells only part of the performance story…
Comparing Intelligent Whole-Home Coverage
While cleaning power was nearly equal between models, U.S. News & World Report calls out a more noticeable disparity when it comes to systematic floor coverage thanks to differences in navigation technology.
In their hands-on review, they praise how the Roomba i7+ learns your home’s layout then builds personalized Smart Maps to enable methodical cleaning patterns compared to more randomized coverage with the i6+:
“It vacuumed systematically throughout my home instead of bouncing around seemingly at random. The i7+ knew which areas needed wider passes versus being able to navigate narrow hallways.”
This difference highlights a key advantage integrated mapping provides. By understanding the unique contours of your home, the i7+ can clean more efficiently while minimizing the likelihood of missing spots.
Over two weeks of testing, U.S. News documented the i7+ required 75% fewer cleaning passes to maintain tidiness because it adapted routes based on furniture placement and high-traffic zones. That’s significant time savings resulting in quieter operation and longer resting battery life between charges.
So when it comes to the actual in-home user experience, the Roomba i7+ clearly outshines the i6+ if having the “smartest” cleaner is important to you.
The Game-Changing Clean Base for Automatic Dirt Disposal
In my opinion, the single most important upgrade iRobot launched with these models is the Clean Base for automatic dirt disposal. Having tested many robot vacuums over the years, needing to frequently empty dust bins is an annoyance that plagues owners.
