iRobot’s Roomba e5 and e6 are both part of the brand’s affordable robotic vacuum series, designed to deliver solid cleaning performance while remaining budget-friendly. While they share many features, the Roomba e6 has been positioned as a slightly more advanced version of the e5, with a few key upgrades aimed at improving its performance, particularly in homes with pets. In this detailed comparison, we will evaluate the design, cleaning efficiency, smart features, and other critical aspects of the Roomba e5 vs e6 to help you choose the right model for your home.
Design and Build Quality
Size, Weight, and Appearance
Both the Roomba e5 and e6 feature a similar round design with a sleek black color that fits seamlessly into most modern homes. They both have a compact build, allowing them to clean under furniture and in tight spaces. The e6 has a slightly more refined look with a different surface texture compared to the e5, giving it a slightly more premium feel.
| Feature | Roomba e5 | Roomba e6 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.4 x 3.6 inches | 13.4 x 3.6 inches |
| Weight | 7.8 lbs | 7.8 lbs |
| Finish | Black | Black |
The design of both models is essentially identical in size and shape, but the e6’s subtle surface enhancements make it appear a bit more polished. There is no significant weight difference between the two models, and both are easy to handle and store.
Cleaning Performance
Suction Power and Brush System
Both the Roomba e5 and e6 are equipped with iRobot’s AeroForce® 3-Stage Cleaning System, which uses dual multi-surface brushes, powerful suction, and a high-efficiency filter. However, there is a noticeable difference in the brush system between the two. The e6 has a slightly improved brush design, which better handles pet hair, making it a better choice for homes with furry friends.
| Cleaning Aspect | Roomba e5 | Roomba e6 |
|---|---|---|
| Suction Power | High | High |
| Brush System | AeroForce® Dual Brushes | AeroForce® Dual Brushes with Pet Hair Design |
The e5 is effective at picking up dirt and debris from hardwood floors, carpets, and low-pile rugs, but the e6 has improved performance in picking up pet hair, which is an advantage if you have pets that shed frequently. Both models feature the same powerful suction, but the e6’s specialized brushes provide better results when dealing with pet-related messes.
Performance on Various Surfaces
| Surface Type | Roomba e5 Performance | Roomba e6 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwood Floors | Excellent | Excellent |
| Low-Pile Carpets | Excellent | Excellent |
| High-Pile Carpets | Good | Good |
| Pet Hair | Good | Excellent |
While both vacuums work well on hardwood floors and low-pile carpets, the Roomba e6 stands out when it comes to picking up pet hair, especially on carpets. It is a better option for homes with multiple pets or heavy shedding.
Navigation and Mapping
iAdapt 2.0 Navigation System
Both the Roomba e5 and e6 utilize the iAdapt® 2.0 Navigation system, which guides the robot in a systematic cleaning pattern, ensuring it covers the floor in an efficient manner. These vacuums are designed to clean an entire room by moving in back-and-forth patterns, while avoiding obstacles and furniture. Neither model offers advanced mapping features, so both follow similar, pre-programmed cleaning paths.
| Navigation Feature | Roomba e5 | Roomba e6 |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation System | iAdapt® 2.0 | iAdapt® 2.0 |
| Cleaning Pattern | Systematic | Systematic |
While the navigation systems are virtually identical, the e6 may have a slight edge when it comes to avoiding obstacles like pet toys or furniture due to its slightly enhanced sensors. Both vacuums are reliable and effective in most spaces, but neither offers advanced mapping or selective room cleaning like higher-end models (such as the Roomba i7+).
Battery Life and Runtime
Runtime and Recharge Features
Both the Roomba e5 and e6 offer up to 90 minutes of cleaning time on a single charge. If the battery runs low during a cleaning session, both models will return to their docking station to recharge, then continue cleaning where they left off.
| Battery Aspect | Roomba e5 | Roomba e6 |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime | ~90 minutes | ~90 minutes |
| Recharge and Resume | Yes | Yes |
There is no significant difference in battery life between the two models. Both the Roomba e5 and e6 are ideal for homes that are not excessively large, as their 90-minute runtime is sufficient for smaller to medium-sized rooms. Larger homes may require multiple cleaning sessions.
Smart Features
App Control and Voice Integration
The Roomba e5 and e6 both offer Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to control them through the iRobot Home app. With the app, you can schedule cleanings, monitor cleaning history, and adjust various settings. Additionally, both models are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, meaning you can control your vacuum with voice commands.
| Feature | Roomba e5 | Roomba e6 |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| App Control | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Commands | Alexa/Google | Alexa/Google |
The app functionality for both models is similar. You can schedule cleaning times, track the vacuum’s progress, and access cleaning history. The key difference is that the Roomba e6 has been marketed more as a pet-focused vacuum, so its app may offer a few pet-related cleaning suggestions, although this feature is not significantly different from the e5.
Maintenance and Accessories
Dustbin Capacity and Filter System
Both the Roomba e5 and e6 come with a 600 ml dustbin and use the same high-efficiency filters that trap dust, dirt, and allergens. Regular maintenance involves emptying the dustbin and cleaning the brushes, but both vacuums are easy to maintain with straightforward design.
| Maintenance Aspect | Roomba e5 | Roomba e6 |
|---|---|---|
| Dustbin Capacity | 600 ml | 600 ml |
| Filter Type | High-Efficiency | High-Efficiency |
The dustbin is the same size on both models, and the filter system is equally effective at capturing allergens and dust. The e6’s brushes, however, are better suited for handling pet hair, making it easier to maintain in homes with pets.
Price and Value
| Aspect | Roomba e5 | Roomba e6 |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Moderate | Moderate |
| Value for Money | Excellent | Excellent |
Both the Roomba e5 and e6 offer excellent value for money, with the e5 being slightly more affordable. The Roomba e6, while priced similarly, offers better performance when it comes to pet hair pickup and may be the better choice for homes with pets.
Who Should Choose Which?
| User Type | Recommended Model |
|---|---|
| Budget-Conscious | Roomba e5 |
| Homes with Pets | Roomba e6 |
| Small to Medium Homes | Roomba e5 |
| Pet Owners | Roomba e6 |
Final Verdict
Both the Roomba e5 and e6 are highly capable robotic vacuums that offer excellent cleaning performance at a reasonable price. The Roomba e5 is a great choice for those who want a reliable and affordable robot vacuum for general cleaning needs. It’s perfect for homes with hardwood floors and low-pile carpets, and it performs well in most cleaning situations.
The Roomba e6, on the other hand, is an ideal choice for homes with pets. Its upgraded brush system makes it more effective at picking up pet hair and tackling messes left by furry friends. While the Roomba e6 is slightly more expensive than the e5, it offers added value for households dealing with shedding pets or more frequent cleaning requirements.
- Choose the Roomba e5 if you need an affordable and effective vacuum for a general-purpose cleaning solution in a small to medium-sized home.
- Opt for the Roomba e6 if you have pets and need a vacuum specifically designed to handle pet hair, while still maintaining solid performance on other surfaces.
Both models provide great performance, but the Roomba e6 has a distinct edge for pet owners, thanks to its enhanced brush system.