Roomba i3+ vs i4+: Struggling to decide between these two seemingly similar robot vacuums? Well, you’re not alone. In this article, I’ll delve into their differences and provide a comparison to help you make an informed choice. Here’s a spoiler: I’m leaning towards the Roomba i4+.
You’ve got it spot on! The Roomba i4+ and Roomba i3+ are indeed quite similar, but they still have differences that give the Roomba i4+ the edge. For starters, it packs a 20% larger battery, translating to longer cleaning sessions and making it a solid choice for larger areas. Plus, the Roomba i4+ sweetens the deal by including a bonus Virtual Wall accessory and an extra spare filter, giving you a bit more bang for your buck.
If you’re not swayed by the extra accessories and are just focused on performance and features, the Roomba i3+ remains a fantastic choice. It delivers the same cleaning prowess and capabilities as the Roomba i4+, making it a solid option.
Roomba i3+ vs i4+: Comparison Chart
Roomba i3+ vs i4+: Review & Comparison
In the showdown between the Roomba i4+ and Roomba i3+, the i4+ emerged as the winner with a final score of 2-0 and 3 ties. Let’s dive into the details to see how it secured its victory.
Cleaning Performance
Tie
Indeed, when it comes to cleaning power and capability, both the Roomba i3+ and i4+ are evenly matched. They have the same suction power and 3-stage cleaning system, ensuring consistent and effective cleaning performance on various surfaces. You can expect reliable results from either of these robot vacuums.
Hard Floor
Both the Roomba i3+ and Roomba i4+ perform well on bare floors. They handle larger debris like cereal with ease and effectively pick up smaller particles like rice. In my experience, they manage to clean about 95% of the dirt on my hardwood floor.
To tackle edges, they come equipped with an edge brush, which does a commendable job of sweeping dirt from the wall’s edges, allowing the robot vacuum to suction it up. However, it falls short of reaching the corners, leaving dirt accumulations in those hard-to-reach spots. These hidden particles often go unnoticed until I manually collect them or use another vacuum.
Occasionally, the side brush can be a bit too enthusiastic, inadvertently pushing larger debris around instead of directing it into the main brush’s vacuum path.
Carpet
The Roomba i3+ and Roomba i4+ boast impressive suction power, a whopping 10 times stronger than the standard suction of the Roomba 600 series. In practical terms, this means their suction is robust enough to effectively clean carpets, whether they are low or high piles. Coupled with their dual brush rolls that agitate and lift debris from deep within the carpet fibers, they’ve delivered an admirable carpet-cleaning performance in my experience.
Handling larger debris isn’t a problem for these Roombas; they do a decent job. However, the real challenge arises with finer debris like baking soda. On low to medium-pile carpets, I’ve noticed they can remove roughly 86% of it, but on high-pile carpets, their performance drops to around 50%. The silver lining is that if I let them make a few extra passes, they tend to pick up more, so persistence pays off.
Hair Pick-up
I can vouch for iRobot’s claim that the Roomba i3+ and Roomba i4+ are ideal for homes with pets. My furry friends shed like crazy on both my hard floors and carpets, and these vacuums handle it like champs. Every time they finish cleaning, my floors are practically pet-hair-free.
Even if you happen to lose a lot of hair yourself, don’t worry; these robots can handle it. They also do a great job of picking up long human hair.
However, there’s a minor inconvenience: hair tends to wrap around their axles and brush rolls. Fortunately, their rubber brush rolls make it much easier to remove these tangles compared to dealing with hair tangled in traditional bristle brushes.
Design & Usability
The Winner: Roomba i4+
Dimensions & Aesthetics
| Roomba i3+ | Roomba i4+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 13.26 x 3.63 x 13.34 in. | 13.26 x 3.63 x 13.34 in. |
| Weight | 7.44 lbs. | 7.44 lbs. |
Apart from the color, you’ll find the Roomba i3+ and i4+ are strikingly similar. They share a sleek, round design with dimensions of 13.26 x 3.63 x 13.34 inches. While they might not be the absolute slimmest vacuums on the block, they still effortlessly navigate under furniture in my home, sliding under tables and beds without any hassle or getting stuck.
Both the Roomba i3+ and Roomba i4+ flaunt a stylish black finish complemented by a gray ring adorning their tops. In terms of design, the i3+ is slightly different with its ring being just a shade darker compared to the i4+. While both maintain an elegant appearance, it ultimately boils down to personal style preferences, as the subtle contrast in ring colors doesn’t drastically impact their overall aesthetic appeal.
Battery Life
| Roomba i3 | Roomba i4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Run Time | 75 Minutes | 100 Minutes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
When it comes to battery life, the Roomba i3+ is equipped with a capable 1,800mAh lithium-ion battery, allowing it to maintain a consistent cleaning session for around 75 minutes.
In contrast, the Roomba i4+ steps up the game with a higher capacity 2,210mAh battery, extending its cleaning time significantly to an impressive 100 minutes. This extra battery power in the i4+ provides a longer cleaning window, making it a favorable choice for larger spaces or those who prefer more thorough cleaning sessions before recharging.
However, battery life is not a major concern for me. Regardless of their specific battery capacities, both the Roomba i3+ and i4+ can be relied upon to complete the cleaning job effectively, thanks to the “recharge and resume” feature. The only issue is the time it takes to finish the task may be a bit longer.
Here’s how it works: when these vacuums realize they can’t complete the remaining areas with their current battery charge, they will return to their charging dock. Once they’ve recharged, they resume picking up right where they left off. This feature is a game-changer, particularly for larger homes where a single charge isn’t sufficient to cover the entire cleaning job.
Navigation & Obstacle Avoidance
As entry-level Roombas, it’s not surprising that the i3+ and i4+ don’t come equipped with a high-tech, advanced navigation system. They keep things simple and budget-friendly.
These robots navigate your home in a systematic row-by-row manner using a gyroscope and an optical sensor on the bottom. While they lack the more sophisticated vSLAM or LIDAR navigation that can help them avoid obstacles. But, at least they’ve upgraded from the old bump-and-go style of the Roomba 600 series, which is a plus in my book.
Sure, comparing the i3+ and i4+ to the pricier i7+ or s9+ with smart navigation might seem a bit unfair, but these budget-friendly options still get the job done.
One feature I appreciate is their anti-cliff sensors that ensure the robot won’t take a dangerous tumble. However, there are moments when they get a bit miscalibrated and mistake things like a dark carpet edge for a treacherous cliff, which can be a tad frustrating.
Control
Tie
Manual Control
The Roomba i3 and i4 come with a variety of control options, catering to different user preferences and situations.
Manual control is a handy feature, especially when you can’t reach your smartphone or lack Wi-Fi access. At the top of both the Roomba i3 and i4, you’ll find three physical buttons:
- Home/Dock Button
- Clean/Power Button
- Spot Clean Button
App Compatibility & Mapping
Controlling the Roomba i3+ and i4+ through the iRobot Home app is also very handy. It’s like having a robot butler at your service, only it fits in your pocket! You can start cleaning sessions from anywhere, whether you’re at work or chilling on the couch.
With the iRobot Home app, you’re the captain of this cleaning ship. You can map out your entire house, slap labels on rooms, divide them into zones, and even merge rooms if you want to.
Fancy a quick clean of just the kitchen before your dinner party? No problem. You can command these robots to clean specific rooms.
The app is seriously cool because it lets you schedule your robot’s cleaning jobs. You can tell it which days of the week and what time of day you want it to get to work. So, for example, you can have it do a quick clean-up every morning right before you head to work, or you can schedule a deep clean on weekends when you’re lounging around at home.
However, there are a few things they can’t do through the app. You can’t set “Keep out zone” or “Clean Zone”.
You can use the Virtual Walls to create a sort of “no-go zone” in your home. However, only Roomba i4+ between the two has this accessory. So, if you have an area you want the Roombe i4+ to avoid, just pop down a Virtual Wall, and it’ll steer clear.
Voice Control
You can also control these robot buddies with your voice. They’re pals with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can boss them around without lifting a finger. Just imagine saying, “Hey Alexa, tell Roomba to start cleaning,” while you kick back and relax.
Cleaning & Maintenance
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They both have a 0.5-liter onboard dustbin, and they have a full bin indicator to let you know when it’s time to empty it. For folks without furry pets or little ones making a mess, bin-emptying duty isn’t a big deal after a thorough cleaning session.
But, if your fluffy friend is shedding like crazy, that bin can fill up in a jiffy. Luckily, they’ve got your back with the self-emptying Clean Base. Say goodbye to the hassle of frequent manual bin emptying! It not only saves you from the daily dustbin chore but also offers a breath of fresh air for those with serious allergies.
Other Features
The Winner: Roomba i4
Accessories
When it comes to filters, the Roomba i3+ includes just one spare filter in the package. However, if you opt for the Roomba i4+, you’re in for a bonus – not one, but two spare filters, plus a nifty Virtual Wall accessory.
Filters are the parts that typically need regular replacements in these vacuum cleaners. Having that extra filter on standby? It’s like having a spare tire in your car – you might not need it every day, but when you do, you’re grateful it’s there. Plus, buying these replacement filters is also easy.
Quick Rundown Of Roomba i4+
- 20% LARGER BATTERY – Larger battery for extended runtime. Compared to other Roomba i series Robot Vacuums
- EMPTIES ITS VACUUM BIN, SO CLEANING IS OFF YOUR MIND - Cleans up after itself, emptying its Vacuum Bin into an enclosed bag that holds up to 60 days of debris, which means two whole months of not thinking about vacuuming.
- CLEANS THE ROOMS YOU WANT WHEN YOU WANT - iRobot OS learns and personalizes your cleaning with Imprint Smart Mapping technology so you can direct it to clean any room you want, any time you want—either on a set schedule or in the moment.
- SWEEPS UP DUST, DIRT AND DEBRIS WITH EASE - Experience a comprehensive clean with the powerful 3-Stage Cleaning System that pulls in dirt, debris, and pet hair from wherever it hides.
- PRECISION CLEANING IN TIDY ROWS - Cleans intelligently in straight lines back and forth, to thoroughly clean your floors while navigating around furniture. When it needs to recharge, it will resume right where it left off ensuring a complete clean.
Quick Rundown Of Roomba i3+
- PERFORMANCE: The iRobot Roomba i3 plus (3550) Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum pulls in stubborn dirt with a Premium 3-Stage Cleaning System and 10X the Power-Lifting Suction. Control how you clean with the iRobot Home app or your voice assistant
- AUTOMATIC DIRT DISPOSAL: Forget about vacuuming for months at a time with the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal that allows the i3 plus to empty itself for up to 60 days.
- APP: The newly updated iRobot Home App allows you to upgrade your overall cleaning experience. Enjoy features that work around your life, including personalized scheduling suggestions and seasonal recommendations, all tailored to your unique needs
- VOICE ASSISTANCE: The Robot Vacuum learns your cleaning habits to offer up personalized schedules, while Google Assistant and Alexa allow you to start cleaning with just the sound of your voice. The i3 will even suggest an extra clean when your area’s pollen count is high or during pet shedding season
- TECHNOLOGY: Patented Dirt Detect Technology helps your robot find the dirtier areas in your home, like high-traffic spots, and cleans them more thoroughly
Product Videos
Related Articles to Roomba I4 Plus
Related Articles to Roomba I3 Plus
- Roomba J7+ Vs I3+: Which Self-Emptying Robot Is Better?
- Roomba I3+ Vs I8+: How To Choose The Best Self-Emptying Robot?
- Roomba I3+ Vs I7+: What Is The Best Option For Your Home?
References:
Richard B. Schmidt is a prominent figure in the vacuum cleaner industry, boasting over 15 years of expertise. Armed with a Robotics Engineering degree from Northeastern University and a Master’s in Consumer Science from Harvard, his unique blend of technical knowledge and consumer insights positions him as a sought-after authority in vacuum cleaner evaluation. Richard’s career began at Dyson, where he contributed to the development of innovative vacuum models. Transitioning to advocacy and reviews, he co-founded the first Vacuum-focused blog in 2008, offering comprehensive analysis and user guides for various vacuum cleaners. In 2020, he founded RoboMop.net, providing ongoing insights through columns and buyer’s guides.