The Roomba i3 and Roomba i4 are part of iRobot’s popular i-series of robotic vacuums, designed to provide efficient and hassle-free cleaning for everyday homes. While both models share many similarities, they come with key differences that may make one more suitable for your specific needs. In this article, we’ll compare the Roomba i3 and i4 to help you choose the right robot vacuum based on your cleaning preferences, home size, and desired features.
Key Specifications: Roomba i3 vs i4
| Feature | Roomba i3 | Roomba i4 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.26 x 3.63 inches | 13.34 x 3.63 inches |
| Weight | 7.44 lbs | 7.44 lbs |
| Suction Power | 10x the suction of 600 Series | 10x the suction of 600 Series |
| Brush System | Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes | Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes |
| Navigation | iAdapt® 2.0 Navigation | iAdapt® 2.0 Navigation |
| Battery Life | ~75 minutes | ~75 minutes |
| Recharge and Resume | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Clean Base™ | No | No |
| Price | Mid-Range | Mid-Range |
Design and Build Quality
Roomba i3: Simple and Functional
The Roomba i3 comes in a sleek, round design with a minimalist black finish that blends easily into most home environments. Its low-profile design allows it to clean under furniture with ease, and the compact body is ideal for smaller spaces or homes with a lot of furniture.
Roomba i4: Slightly Larger, Still Efficient
The Roomba i4 shares a very similar design to the i3, with only minor differences in dimensions. It’s also round, sleek, and low-profile, making it suitable for cleaning under furniture. The main difference between the two in terms of design is the i4’s subtle adjustments in size to accommodate internal upgrades. Both models offer solid build quality, with a focus on durability and long-lasting use.
| Design Feature | Roomba i3 | Roomba i4 |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Round, compact | Round, compact |
| Build Quality | Durable, minimalist | Durable, minimalist |
| Color | Black | Black |
Cleaning Performance
Suction Power and Brush System
Both the Roomba i3 and i4 offer 10x the suction power of the older 600 Series, ensuring that both models can handle dirt, debris, and pet hair on hard floors and low-pile carpets. They both come with dual multi-surface rubber brushes, which are designed to minimize tangles, making them efficient for homes with pets.
While the cleaning performance is similar, there may be slight differences in efficiency depending on the layout and the level of debris in your home. However, in general, both models will do an excellent job picking up dirt, dust, and pet hair.
| Cleaning Aspect | Roomba i3 | Roomba i4 |
|---|---|---|
| Suction Power | 10x the suction | 10x the suction |
| Pet Hair | Excellent | Excellent |
| Carpet Performance | Good | Good |
| Hard Floor Performance | Excellent | Excellent |
Navigation and Mapping
iAdapt® 2.0 Navigation
Both the Roomba i3 and Roomba i4 feature iAdapt® 2.0 Navigation, a reliable system that enables them to map your home, navigate around furniture, and avoid obstacles. However, neither model offers advanced mapping or room-specific customization like higher-end models (such as the Roomba i7 or S9). Both use simple, systematic cleaning patterns to ensure efficient coverage of your space.
The iAdapt® 2.0 system is sufficient for most homes, but if you need more precise mapping or the ability to control specific rooms or areas, you may want to consider a more premium model.
| Navigation Feature | Roomba i3 | Roomba i4 |
|---|---|---|
| Mapping | Yes (Basic Mapping) | Yes (Basic Mapping) |
| Navigation System | iAdapt® 2.0 | iAdapt® 2.0 |
| Edge Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
Battery Life and Runtime
Runtime Comparison
Both the Roomba i3 and i4 feature a runtime of approximately 75 minutes on a full charge. This makes them suitable for smaller homes or apartments. Additionally, both models come with the Recharge and Resume feature, which allows them to return to their charging dock when the battery is low, recharge, and then resume cleaning from where they left off.
| Battery Feature | Roomba i3 | Roomba i4 |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime | ~75 minutes | ~75 minutes |
| Recharge and Resume | Yes | Yes |
Smart Features and Connectivity
Wi-Fi Control and Voice Integration
Both the Roomba i3 and i4 come with Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control the vacuums remotely via the iRobot Home app. Through the app, you can set cleaning schedules, customize preferences, and track cleaning history. Additionally, both models are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling voice control to start or stop cleaning sessions.
No Clean Base™
Neither the Roomba i3 nor i4 includes the Clean Base™, a feature found in higher-end models like the Roomba i7+ and S9+, which allows the vacuum to empty its dustbin automatically. Both the i3 and i4 require manual dustbin emptying, but the dustbin capacity is sufficient for typical cleaning needs.
| Smart Feature | Roomba i3 | Roomba i4 |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| App Control | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control | Alexa/Google | Alexa/Google |
| Clean Base™ | No | No |
Price and Value
Both the Roomba i3 and i4 are positioned in the mid-range price category, making them excellent value for money when compared to premium models. The i4 is slightly newer and may come with minor improvements, but in terms of core functionality, both models provide solid performance for a reasonable price.
| Feature | Roomba i3 | Roomba i4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Mid-Range | Mid-Range |
| Value for Money | Excellent | Excellent |
Final Verdict: Roomba i3 vs i4
- Choose the Roomba i3 if you want a simple, reliable robotic vacuum for everyday cleaning without any extra frills. It offers great performance at a budget-friendly price.
- Choose the Roomba i4 if you want an upgraded version of the i3 with potentially improved performance or if you prefer a newer model. The i4 offers the same core features as the i3, with minor updates in design and performance.
Both models offer excellent cleaning power, smart connectivity, and solid navigation, making them great choices for homes that don’t need the advanced features of higher-end models like the i7 or S9.