Choosing between the Roomba i3+ vs i8+ can be challenging as both products have limited information. However, this article aims to provide you with all the details you need to make an informed decision and find the right vacuum cleaner for your needs.
And the victory belongs to the Roomba i8+. It has impressive cleaning performance and great suction power. Despite its higher price, it offers a more advanced cleaning experience, superior navigation technology, and a broader range of application functions.
The Roomba i3+ is also an attractive option for shoppers on a tight budget. It also offers pretty good cleaning power; however, it lacks a few features when compared to the competition.
Roomba I3+ Vs I8+: Comparison Chart
Roomba I3+ Vs I8+: Differences
The Roomba i8+ clearly prevailed in this showdown with the Roomba i3+, with a final score of 3-0 to a 1-all draw. Follow along as we dive into the details and explore the key differences between these two remarkable robot vacuum cleaners.
Cleaning performance
The winner: Roomba I8+
Hardwood floor
| Roomba I8+ | Roomba I3+ |
|---|---|
| ≈ 99% | ≈ 97% |
If you’re looking for a robot vacuum suitable for homes with lots of hard floors, you can’t go wrong with the Roomba I3+ vs I8+. They easily picked up almost all visible debris on the floor, from small to large, on my hardwood.
Both the Roomba I3+ vs I8+ come equipped with a handy side brush designed to reach tight corners and sweep debris along walls. This brush’s intended use is to effectively transfer debris from the vacuum’s path so that the main brush roll can pick it up.
However, something to keep in mind is that sometimes these side brushes can accidentally scatter debris when they try to suction.
Carpets
| Roomba I8+ | Roomba I3+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Low-pile Carpet | ≈ 98% | ≈ 98% |
| High-pile Carpet | ≈ 96% | ≈ 95% |
When dealing with carpets, both the Roomba i3+ vs i8+ showed quite similar performance. Their performance on low-pile carpets is always impressive, effectively handling both fine and large debris. However, they encountered certain difficulties when switching to medium and high-thickness carpets, even though they persevered until the job was completed.
During my first cleanings, I noticed they weren’t very productive. However, in their performance after a week of daily cleaning, I was pleased to find that the Roombas succeeded in removing about 95% of dog hair, dirt, and debris.
Hair test
| Roomba I8+ | Roomba I3+ | |
|---|---|---|
| 5-inch Strands | ≈ 89% | ≈ 84% |
| 7-inch Strands | ≈ 85% | ≈ 73% |
While both the Roomba i3+ vs i8+ have impressive performance in picking up hair from the floor, subtle differences may make one model more suitable for your needs than the other. The Roomba i8+ has a more powerful suction and enhanced brush design, which allows it to pick up more hair and reduce the amount that gets tangled in the brushes. This can be a significant advantage for homes with pets or individuals with long hair.
On the other hand, the Roomba i3+ still performs well in picking up hair, but it might require more frequent maintenance to remove hair from the brushes. Overall, if you’re specifically looking for a robot vacuum that excels at dealing with hair, the i8+ might be the better option due to its superior suction power and brush design.
Design & Usability
Dimension
| Roomba I8+ | Roomba I3+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxH) | 13.26 x 3.63 inches | 13.26 x 3.63 inches |
| Weight | 7.44 lbs. | 7.44 lbs. |
In terms of dimensions, the Roomba i3+ vs i8+ are almost identical, which means that you will benefit from the same low-profile design and portability in either model. The ability to slide under most furniture and tackle thicker carpets is a significant advantage for both models, as it allows them to clean areas that might be difficult for other robot vacuums to reach.
However, the integrated handle on the Roomba i8+ gives it a slight edge in terms of convenience when moving it around your home. This feature can be especially helpful if you have a multi-story home and need to carry the vacuum up or down the stairs. Overall, while both models are highly convenient and portable, the i8+ offers an additional level of ease when it comes to transportation.
Extractor & Side Brush
In addition to the dual multi-surface rubber brushes, both the Roomba i3+ vs i8+ come equipped with a side brush that helps to clean along edges and corners. This side brush is designed to sweep debris from the edges of walls and corners into the path of the vacuum, ensuring that these hard-to-reach areas are not neglected. However, it’s worth noting that while the side brush is effective in capturing debris from edges and corners, it can sometimes scatter debris, as mentioned previously.
The Roomba i8+ has a slight edge in this regard, as it features more advanced technology that helps to minimize scatter and ensure a more thorough clean. Overall, both models are well-equipped to handle a variety of flooring types and are particularly well-suited for homes with pets, thanks to their tangle-resistant rubber brushes.
Navigation
The Roomba i8+ clearly outperforms the i3+ in terms of navigation, as its iAdapt 3.0 technology and camera-based navigation allow it to create a detailed map of your home, capturing every corner and layout of each location and room. This feature is incredibly beneficial for homes with complex floor plans or multiple stories, as the i8+ can save up to 10 different maps, making it easy to clean different areas of your home efficiently.
In contrast, the Roomba i3+ relies on floor sensor technology, which, while still smart and a significant improvement over older collision sensor technologies, doesn’t provide the same level of mapping and navigation capabilities as the i8+. That said, the i3+ is still a competent navigator and will serve you well in smaller homes or apartments with simpler floor plans.
Battery
| Roomba I8+ | Roomba I3+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Run Time | 80-100 minutes | 75 minutes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 2 hours |
The battery life and runtime of the Roomba i8+ is superior to that of the i3+. The i8+ can run for up to 120 minutes on a single charge, making it ideal for larger homes with extensive floor areas. In contrast, the i3+ has a runtime of about 75 minutes, which is more than sufficient for smaller homes or apartments.
Both models feature the “Recharge and Resume” function, which allows the vacuum to automatically return to its charging dock when the battery is low, recharge, and then resume cleaning from where it left off. This intelligent feature ensures that the entire floor is cleaned, regardless of the initial battery charge, making both models highly convenient and user-friendly. However, the longer battery life of the i8+ gives it a slight edge in this category.
Control
The winner: Roomba I8+
When comparing the control features of the Roomba i3+ vs i8+, both models provide user-friendly options, including physical buttons on the robot body and compatibility with popular voice assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. These features are incredibly convenient, especially when no Wifi connection or smartphone is available.
However, the Roomba i8+ has an advantage over the i3+ due to its advanced features like “Keep Out Zone” and “Clean Zone”, which are not available in the Roomba i3+ application. These features allow users to customize cleaning areas and avoid certain spaces, giving them more control over the cleaning process.
Furthermore, the i8+ can store up to 10-floor plans, making it an ideal choice for multi-story homes, as it saves time by eliminating the need to learn new floor layouts when moving the robot to a different floor. On the other hand, the Roomba i3+ can only store one map, which can be time-consuming when switching cleaning floors as the robot needs to relearn the cleaning map. Therefore, while both models offer excellent control options, the i8+ has the upper hand due to its additional features and enhanced functionality.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Tie!
Both the Roomba i3+ vs i8+ are equipped with essential features to ensure effective cleaning and easy maintenance. The 400-ml dustbin may require frequent emptying, especially in homes with pets or children, but the “Clean Base” automatic dirt disposal feature compensates for this by enabling hands-free emptying of the trash bin using dust bags. This feature significantly enhances the user experience by reducing the effort required for maintenance.
The HEPA filters that come with both models are also very useful because they get rid of up to 99% of microscopic dust and allergens, making the air inside those machines healthier. However, it is important to note the requirement for periodic filter changes, approximately every 6–12 months, depending on the frequency of cleaning. This regular maintenance is essential to maintaining the vacuum’s performance and efficiency over time.
Quick Rundown Of Roomba I8+:
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE & POWERFUL PICK-UP - Pulls in stubborn dirt & messes with a Premium 3-Stage Cleaning System & 10X the Power-Lifting Suction.
- GUIDED BY SERIOUS SMARTS - With vSLAM navigation, the i8+ learns the layout of your home & builds personal Smart Maps, enabling it to expertly clean & navigate in neat, efficient rows. If it’s running low on battery, it recharges & resumes cleaning.
- COMPLETE CONTROL OF YOUR CLEAN - With Smart Mapping, your robot knows your kitchen from your living room, so you can decide where it cleans & when. With Keep Out Zones, your robot knows to avoid sensitive areas like pet bowls or play areas.
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
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- Roomba J7+ Vs I3+: Which Self-Emptying Robot Is Better?
- Roomba I3+ Vs I7+: What Is The Best Option For Your Home?
References:
- Roomba I8+: https://www.irobot.com/en_US/roomba_i8_plus/I855020.html
- Roomba I3+: https://www.irobot.com/en_US/roomba-i3plus-evo-self-emptying-robot-vacuum/I355020.html
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.