iRobot’s Roomba i-Series vacuums strike a balance between price and features. Unlike the entry-level 600 series, the i-Series robovacs offer more suction power and advanced navigation. The Roomba i4+ and Roomba i6+ are two models from the lineup worth a look. Both units offer 10x the suction power of the 600 series. And as “plus” models, they also support automatic dirt disposal.
But how are these robovacs different? Which self-emptying robot vacuum should you buy? Below, we unpack their features to help you decide.
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Roomba i4+ vs i6+ Comparison Chart
Design
The Roomba i4+ and i6+ have similar shapes and dimensions, differing only in the style and layout of their faceplates.
Like most robot vacuums, the Roomba i4+ and i6+ sport a round-shaped design. They’re also low profile, measuring 3.63 inches tall, allowing them to maneuver under most furniture in your home. The i6+ is slightly wider than the i4+, but the difference is negligible.
While considered mid-range models, these robovacs are well-built. Both are clad in durable plastic that is scratch-resistant and can withstand minor impacts. Meanwhile, the underside features a textured surface that helps grip the floor and prevent slipping.
The Roomba i4+ and i6+ share similar forms. However, the i4+’s faceplate comes in a silver finish that is both flat and textured. If you’re familiar with the Roomba i3, you get the same aesthetic on the Roomba i4+. In contrast, the i6+ has a slightly elevated gray top with a black panel that houses the control buttons of the vacuum.
Roomb’s Clean Base complements the sleek aesthetic of the i4+ and i6+. It sports a modern cuboid form and comes in a matte black finish that blends well with most home decor. At 19 inches in height, it’s also one of the shorter dirt disposal units today. Nonetheless, the compact design of the Clean Base does well to hide the accompanying dirtbags for the station.
Cleaning Features
Roomba’s i4+ and i6+ vacuums are equipped with the same cleaning implements to carry out iRobot’s three-stage cleaning system.
iRobot’s Roomba i4+ and i6+ follow the template of cleaning features typical of the i-Series. Both vacuums have dual multi-surface brushes and an edge-sweeping brush. They also employ a three-stage cleaning system to keep your home tidy.
The edge-sweeping brush carries out the first stage of the routine. Placed on the side of the vacuums, it’s designed to loosen dirt and debris along walls and corners. The side brush then sweeps debris into the path of the vacuum’s main brush.
Meanwhile, the main brush digs deep into carpets and rugs to lift dirt, dust, and pet hair. It’s also able to adjust its height to maintain contact with various floor types. Unlike other robovacs, these brushes are made of rubber. They’re also bristle-less to prevent tangling with hair and pet fur.
The final stage of the cleaning system involves the Roomba’s powerful vacuum, which sucks up the dirt and debris that the brushes have loosened. Lastly, a high-efficient filter captures particles as small as 10 microns, keeping pollen, mold, and allergens at bay.
Once the robots’ dust bins are full, they’ll automatically return to the Clean Base station which automatically empties the vacuums’ waste bins. The Clean Base station also has a HEPA filter that captures 99% of allergens, pollen, and dust particles, keeping the air in your home clean.
iRobot’s Roomba i6+ has more advanced mapping and navigation features than the Roomba i3+.
Gone are the days when robot vacuums moved around your home randomly. Today’s dustbusters are smarter, thanks to advanced navigation and mapping technology. While these features are available on the Roomba i4+ and i6+, their approach differs.
The Roomba i4+ relies on floor tracking sensors to map the room and navigate while cleaning. In contrast, the Roomba i6+ utilizes cameras and floor trackers to navigate around furniture and corners. It also allows the i6+ to generate more accurate maps.
Despite the difference in technology, both models move in clean and neat rows. They can also be directed to work on specific rooms.
Nonetheless, the i6+ has the edge over the i4+. When connected to the app, the i6+ also has access to Keep Out Zones, a feature that tells the vacuum not to clean a certain area. If you want your robovac to avoid specific rooms in your house, the i6+ will be a better fit for you.
Smart Features and Runtime
While these vacuums have the same smart features, the Roomba i4+ wins over the Roomba i6+ in runtime.
The Roomba i4+ and i6+ are equipped with smart features to make cleaning more convenient. These include Wi-Fi connectivity and app control, allowing you to schedule cleaning sessions and customize cleaning preferences from your smartphone or tablet. Both models also support voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling hands-free control of the robot vacuum.
In addition, the Roomba i4+ and i6+ utilize advanced mapping and navigation technology to create detailed maps of your home, allowing for efficient and effective cleaning. As mentioned in the section on cleaning features, the robovacs also have automatic dirt disposal capabilities, where they navigate back to the Clean Base station after each cleaning session.
Finally, the “Recharge and Resume” feature ensures that the robot vacuum can continue cleaning even if it runs out of battery, resuming cleaning where it left off once it has recharged.
As for runtime, the i4+ has the edge. In our Roomba i3 vs. i4 review, the mid-range robovac was rated to last 100 to 110 minutes on a single charge. Interestingly, the i6+, which has the same battery type as the i4, only last 75 minutes. A possible explanation is that the vacuum’s onboard camera drains more power. Fortunately, the i6+ also recharges and resumes on its own.
Verdict
Get the Roomba i4+ if you’re on a budget. Opt for the Roomba i6+ if you need advanced mapping and navigation.
The Roomba i4+ and Roomba i6+ are compelling self-emptying vacuums in the mid-range class. Both models have sturdy build and sport a sleek design without the premium price tag. If you prioritize affordability and longer cleaning times, opt for the Roomba i4+. It’s just as powerful as the Roomba i6+, while typically selling for $100 less.
Nonetheless, the Roomba i6+ stands out with its camera-based navigation system, which enables targeted cleaning of specific rooms and areas and generates more accurate maps. It also supports Keep Out Zones, which makes it a more versatile option for larger homes. And while it has a shorter runtime than the i4+, it offsets any hassle thanks to a recharge and resume feature.
FAQs
The Roomba i Series is considered a mid-range line of robotic vacuum cleaners, with more advanced features and technology than the entry-level models. The i-Series has features such as advanced navigation technology, high-efficiency filters, and smart home integration that are not available on the entry-level Roomba models.
Roomba “plus” models are a series of Roomba robotic vacuum cleaners that include the feature of automatic dirt disposal. The plus models are identified with a “+” symbol after the model number, such as the
Roomba’s i-Adapt technology is an advanced navigation system that utilizes sensors and software to map the layout of your home and adapt to different environments. This enables Roomba robot vacuums to efficiently and effectively navigate around furniture, walls, and other obstacles, while also ensuring that they cover every area of the room.
Yes. An initial purchase of the Roomba i6+ will include a dirt disposal bag.