iRobot Roomba i3 vs j7
By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2023
The iRobot Roomba i3 and j7 are two popular models of robotic vacuums on the market. Both models offer superior cleaning power, navigation technology, and a variety of features to make cleaning your home easier and more efficient.
However, there are some key differences between the two that you should consider before making a purchase. Let's take a closer look!
| Specs | Roomba i3 | Roomba j7 |
|---|---|---|
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | |
| Price | $349.99 | $599.99 |
| Dimensions | Width 13.3 in x Height 3.6 in | Width 13.3 in x Height 3.4 in |
| Weight | 7.44 lbs | 7.49 lbs |
| Suction | 10x Power-Lifting Suction | 10x Power-Lifting Suction |
| Dirt Detect Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Brush Type | Dual-Multi Surface | Dual-Multi Surface |
| Edge Brushes | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | No | Yes, front-facing |
| Smart Mapping | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Out Zones | No | Yes |
| Smart Recharge & Resume | Yes | Yes |
| Self-Empty | Yes, with Clean Base sold separately | Yes, with Clean Base sold separately |
| PrecisionVision | No | Yes |
| Targeted Cleaning | Specific rooms | Specific rooms and specific small areas |
| Pet-Friendly | Yes, captures pet hair | Yes, captures pet hair and avoids solid pet waste |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant |
Key Takeaways
One key difference is Roomba i3 only allows for targeted cleaning at room level like kitchen, while j7 allows for more specific targeted cleaning of areas within a room, like floor under the kitchen table. Roomba j7 also has camera, while i3 doesn't. It also has more features like PrecisionVision Navigation and Keep Out Zones for better obstacle detection and avoidance.
iRobot Roomba i3 EVO (3150)
Best for Basic Functionalities Only
✓ 10x Power-Lifting Suction
✓ Smart Mapping
✓ Smart Recharge & Resume
✓ Works with Alexa & Google Assistant
iRobot Roomba j7 (7150)
Best for Pet-Owners and Cluttered Homes
✓ 10x Power-Lifting Suction
✓ Smart Mapping
✓ PrecisionNavigation to avoid pet waste, clutter, and other objects
✓ Works with Alexa & Google Assistant
#1 Price
iRobot Roomba i3
As an older model, the Roomba i3 is generally less expensive than the j7, priced at around $349.99. On the other hand, the Roomba j7 is more expensive at $599.99. This makes the i3 a more affordable option, but the j7 will be worth the investment if you're willing to pay more for additional features and more advanced technology.
#2 Design
iRobot Roomba i3 (Top) vs j7 (Bottom)
The Roomba i3 and j7 come in a circular shape and are both modern and sleek in design. The i3 weighs slightly less at 7.44 pounds, while the j7 weighs in at 7.49 pounds. However, the j7 has a lower profile with 3.4 in of height, while the i3 has a height of 3.6 inches. Shorter vacuum cleaners can reach tight spaces under furniture and other areas, making the j7 a more versatile choice.
iRobot Roomba j7 is also equipped with a front-facing camera and Wall Follow Sensor technology, which allows it to better navigate around your home and avoid obstacles such as cords or pet waste. In contrast, the i3 has no camera and relies only on its Light Touch Sensor to detect obstacles. Therefore, the j7's design makes it a better choice for larger and messier homes with more obstacles to navigate around.
#3 Cleaning Performance
iRobot Roomba j7
Both the Roomba i3 and j7 offer a 3-Stage Cleaning System for thorough and efficient cleaning of your home. The Dual-Multi Surface Rubber Brushes can flex to adjust to different floor types and avoid getting tangled with pet hair, while the Edge-Sweeping Brush effectively cleans edges and corners. The 10x Power-Lifting Suction also provides powerful suction to pick up dirt, dust, and pet hair from your floors.
Floor-tracking sensors are present in both models, allowing the robot vacuums to clean the room in neat rows and avoid missing any spots. With the Dirt Detect Technology, it can also detect areas with higher concentrations of dirt and provide extra cleaning where needed.
Overall, both the Roomba i3 and j7 deliver an excellent cleaning performance that can save you time and effort.
#4 Smart Features
iRobot Roomba j7
iRobot Roomba i3 and j7 have the ability to learn your floorplan, thanks to the Imprint Smart Mapping Technology. Over time, both robot vacuums will create a map of your home, allowing them to clean only specific areas at your command, such as the living room or bedroom.
One primary difference is that the i3 only allows for specific room cleaning, while the j7 also allows for a more specific cleaning of areas within a room, such as an area under the kitchen table. This is very helpful to clean quick, accidental messes such as spilling coffee grounds or cereal on the floor.
The j7 also has the Keep Out Zones and Clean Zones features not present in the i3. Keep Out Zones allows you to create custom areas on your map where you don't want your robot vacuum to clean, such as around your pet's food bowl or near fragile objects. In contrast, Clean Zones lets you draw areas where you want the robot to clean thoroughly.
Keep Out Zones in iRobot Roomba i3 and j7
Another advantage that the j7 has over the i3 is PrecisionVision Navigation, which enables the j7 to detect and avoid obstacles, such as pet waste or cords, with more precision. It will send you photo notifications of the objects it has detected, so you can determine whether you want it to avoid or clean around the obstacle in the future.
Pet Waste Avoidance in iRobot Roomba j7
Despite the lack of some features, the i3 still shares a few common features with the j7, such as voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant, scheduled cleanings, and personalized cleaning suggestions. Smart Recharge & Resume feature is also available in both models, allowing the i3 and j7 to automatically recharge when the battery gets low and resume cleaning right where it left off.
You can also set both smart vacuums to automatically start cleaning when the geolocation on your phone detects that you have left home. This way, you'll always come back to a clean home without having to monitor the robot vacuum to get the job done.
Clean When Away in iRobot Roomba i3 and j7
If you purchase a separate Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, the Roomba i3 and j7 can automatically self-empty their dustbins, making them more convenient to use. You will only have to empty the disposal bin once in 60 days, so you won't have to deal with the hassle of cleaning the robot's dustbin every few days.
Both the Roomba i3 and j7 are also compatible with Braava Jet m6 Robot Mop, which can be used in tandem with the Roomba vacuums to provide a complete cleaning solution for your home.
iRobot Roomba i3 vs j7
Final Thoughts
iRobot Roomba i3
In summary, while both the Roomba i3 and j7 are excellent robotic vacuums with similar cleaning performance and smart features, the j7 offers some additional capabilities such as more specific targeted cleaning and object avoidance with its PrecisionVision Navigation and Keep Out Zones features. This makes the j7 a better option for pet owners or cluttered homes.
Without advanced clutter or pet waste avoidance, you may have to first pick up clutters and pet waste before running the i3 to ensure that it doesn't get stuck or cause any damage. However, the i3 still offers all the essential features you need in a robot vacuum cleaner at a more affordable price.
If you like to read more about Robot Vacuum Cleaners, check out our other relevant guides here:
The Best Robot Vacuums 2023
4 Best Robots that Mop and Vacuum (Pros & Cons)
Best Robot Vacuum Cleaners for Pet Hair
iRobot Roomba i7 vs j7
iRobot Roomba j7+ vs s9+
Roborock S7 vs Q7: Better Mop vs Better Vacuum
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