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Roomba 675 vs e5 (2021): Do You Need More Suction Power?

The popular Roomba 675 has long been one of iRobot’s best-selling robot vacuums, as it’s a dependable workhorse that delivers the clean floors it promises. Joining it at the budget price range is the newer Roomba e5, which offers much the same performance but with a few upgrades. Ready to find out which Roomba is better for you? Read our detailed comparison below.

Roomba 675 vs e5 Comparison Chart

ModelRoomba 675Roomba e5
 iRobot Roomba 675iRobot Roomba e5
PriceCheck Price

at Walmart

Check Price

at Walmart

Dimensions13.4″ x 13.4″ x 3.54″13.45″ x 13.39″ x 3.65″
Weight6.77 lbs7.23 lbs
BrushrollBristleRubber
Smart NavigationYesYes
High Efficiency FilterNoYes
Suction Power1x Suction5x Suction
Runtime90 minutes90 minutes
Bin Capacity300 ml500 ml
Washable BinNoYes
Voice ControlYesYes

Design

Both Roombas retain the iconic look of iRobot robot vacuums.

Roomba 675 vs e5 Design
It might be noticeable that the Roomba 675 (left) is an older model than the Roomba e5 (right) due to small design touches.

Size-wise, the Roomba 675 and Roomba e5 are virtually identical, and the latter is only a smidgen heavier. A long look at both will likely tell you that the Roomba e5 is a newer model than the 675, simply from its sleek matte finish compared to the latter’s plastic texture. The e5 also sports cleaner curves and fewer ridges in general.

A more noticeable difference is in the organization of the buttons on the top of the robot vacuums. It’s all in one circle for the Roomba 675 while iRobot chose to keep them separate for the e5. Underneath, both Roombas sport the same design, although the Roomba e5 has the newer rubber brushes that will be discussed more below.

Mapping and Navigation

Both Roombas use smart navigation and dirt detection technology.

Roomba 675 vs e5 Navigation
The Roomba 675 and e5 can maneuver through and under tight spaces as its moves around your floor.

Sensors built into each robot vacuum provide intelligent navigation for both Roombas. They allow maneuvering around obstacles and covering as much ground as they can, while keeping the robot vacuum safe from hazards such as ledges and stairs. Their iAdapt 1.0 navigation has proven to be good enough to clean floors adequately. There’s no mapping feature unlike the newer Roomba models, but despite how random the 675 and e5 moves, the results speak for themselves.

In addition, iRobot’s patented Dirt Detect technology allows both robots to focus on areas they find to contain more dirt. Once the Roomba is about to run on empty, it’ll find its home base charging station to dock and recharge for the next cleaning job.

Of course, neither robot vacuum can fully navigate homes without running into snags a few times. It’s recommended that you keep floors clear of cables, small objects, clothes, etc., before pressing Clean. Even then, the Roomba 675 and e5 can get stuck where they’d need manual help to get out or run out of battery before they can return to their charging dock.

Cleaning Power

The Roomba e5 offers more suction than the Roomba 675.

Roomba 675 vs e5 Cleaning Power
Here’s the Edge Sweeping Brush on the Roomba e5 in action.

iRobot uses the Roomba 600 series to highlight the suction power of later generations. As such, they list the Roomba e5 as capable of 5X the air power of the Roomba 675, allowing it to lift larger and heavier particles. Combined with improved Dual Multi Surface Rubber Brushrolls instead of the bristle type of the 675, the Roomba e5 is able to deliver a more thorough clean. The new rubber brushroll gets tangled on hair less and it also stays in closer contact on any surface, making it better for carpets overall.

Other cleaning features are similar on both Roombas, such as the Edge-Sweeping Brush for sweeping along edges and corners, and the Auto Adjust Cleaning Head, which detects the surface type and adjusts how low the brushrolls should be. In general, you’ll find the Roomba 675 to be sufficient in keeping hardwood floors free from dirt, though you’re likely to enjoy better results with the Roomba e5 if you have more carpeted areas.

With similar runtimes of 90 minutes, these robot vacuums should have enough charge to clean entire floors of mid-sized homes. They’ll need to charge up for 2 to 3 hours afterwards before they can be ready for another cycle.

Homes with Pets

The Roomba e5 has a better filter for pet allergens than the Roomba 675.

Roomba 675 vs e5 Homes with Pets
Plus, the Roomba e5 has been designed to pick up more pet hair than older Roombas and other robot vacuum brands.

iRobot calls the filters on newer Roombas such as the e5 High-Efficiency Filters, which trap 99% of allergens from cats and dogs. In addition, the new rubber brushrolls and increased suction allow the Roomba e5 to pick up more pet hair. Combined, they make the e5 the better choice if you have pets at home or have allergies to tiny particles.

Another small addition on the Roomba e5 is the now-washable bin. It’s easily accessible and can slide out smoothly so you can rinse away any dirt and debris left after emptying it. Finally, the e5’s bin itself is simply larger. It can fill up to 500 ml before it needs to be cleared out, reducing overall maintenance.

Smart Features

Both Roombas can be controlled via mobile app and voice controls.

Roomba 675 vs e5 Smart Features
Schedule either Roomba to clean even when you’re not at home.

With Wi-Fi connectivity, both Roomba 675 and e5 can be controlled via the iRobot HOME App. With it you can tell the Roomba to clean even when you’re away from home. You can also set daily cleaning schedules to make cleanups even more automatic. The app will record your robot vacuum’s cleaning history where you can check activity reports.

If you prefer giving vocal commands, these connected Roombas are already compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant powered devices. Of course, you can simply push the nice big button at the top to get them to start cleaning. Together with the auto-recharging feature, you can rely on the Roomba 675 and e5 to be ready to clean whenever you like.

Verdict

The Roomba e5 is the more powerful robot vacuum, but the Roomba 675 is still better value.

In the end, what matters is how clean your floors get after a robot vacuum does its job. While the Roomba e5 is definitely the better-looking machine on paper, the Roomba 675 does a comparably impressive job even with its less powerful suction. Combined with its lower cost, similar runtime and navigation capabilities, the Roomba 675 is still the top choice for those looking for an entry-level robot vacuum and don’t mind the lack of bells and whistles.

Where the Roomba e5 becomes the better choice is if you have pets at home or have more carpeted areas that are harder to clean. You’ll love how the increased air power the e5 keeps your hardwood surfaces and carpets free from pet hair. Moreover, better air filters will ensure that allergens such as mold, dust mite, pollen, etc., get cleared away too.

FAQs

๐Ÿ“Œ Does Roomba e5 have mapping?

No, it doesn’t have the iAdapt 2.0 navigation technology that the Roomba 900 models have. As such, it does not have a camera and can’t map rooms. Its iAdapt 1.0 system is still quite capable of navigating around the house, resulting in well-cleaned floors.

๐Ÿ“Œ Is the Roomba 675 worth it?

Yes, the Roomba 675 proves that you don’t need to spend more for advanced features if all you’re after is cleaner floors. It provides amazing value due to its impressive cleaning power, solid runtime, and fantastic price range.

๐Ÿ“Œ Can Roomba e5 detect stairs?

Yes, it can. Actually, all Roomba models with the iAdapt navigation system are equipped with Cliff Detect sensors that will warn the robot if it’s near a drop-off, steering it clear from stairs and ledges.

๐Ÿ“Œ Does the Roomba 675 empty itself?

No, the self-emptying feature is a new function that’s only available on more advanced models like the Roomba i7+, which come with a new type of charging base that has an automatic dirt disposal. As such, you’ll need to manually empty the Roomba 675. It’s quite easy, though!

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Derick Bondoc

Managing Editor at Compare Before Buying. Writer and researcher passionate about gadgets, gaming and snacks.