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iRobot Roomba 971 review: 118 specs compared

Avg. price:~£410Max suction power:900 PaRuntime:75 minDustbin capacity:600 mLMax threshold height:16 mm

iRobot Roomba 971 Review: Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Robot Vacuums category and whether it is worth buying.

5.5/10

Overall score

Score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the robot vacuum's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best robot vacuums on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

80%

5.5

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 93% of robot vacuums
6.3

Value for money

Value for money
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the robot vacuum's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a robot vacuum with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

70%

5.5

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

â–¼Worse than 98%
5.5

Technical score

Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of robot-vacuum performance across cleaning, navigation, mopping, battery life, filtration, brush design, smart features, and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare robot vacuums based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

30%

5.4

Cleaning

23%

6.0

Navigation

18%

3.9

Mopping

12%

4.1

Battery

10%

8.5

Smart Features

7%

6.3

Design

â–¼Worse than 89%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the robot vacuum
When it matters
When you want to know how a robot vacuum handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £410
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of robot vacuum iRobot Roomba 971

Technical score
Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of robot-vacuum performance across cleaning, navigation, mopping, battery life, filtration, brush design, smart features, and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare robot vacuums based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components:

30%

5.4

Cleaning

23%

6.0

Navigation

18%

3.9

Mopping

12%

4.1

Battery

10%

8.5

Smart Features

7%

6.3

Design

5.5
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the robot vacuum
When it matters
When you want to know how a robot vacuum handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the robot vacuum.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
iRobot Roomba 971 has a popularity index of 1, lower than that of 70.7% of robot vacuums and equal to that of 29.3% of robot vacuums.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the robot vacuum's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a robot vacuum with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components:

70%

5.5

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

6.3
Max suction power
900 Pa
Market range: <1.6k Pa – >12k Pa
This robot vacuum has a maximum suction pressure of 900 Pa, which is lower than 97.4% of robot vacuums and equal to 1.1% of robot vacuums.
N. of suction power levels
1
Market range: <2 – >4
This robot vacuum has 1 suction power levels, which is fewer than 92.3% of robot vacuums offer and the same number as 7.7% of robot vacuums offer.
Motor type
brushless
This robot vacuum uses a brushless motor, a type that is generally more efficient than those used by 2.7% of robot vacuums and also used by 97.3% of robot vacuums.
Power
33 W
Cleaning modes
3
Market range: <2 – >5
This robot vacuum offers 3 cleaning modes, which is fewer than 62% of robot vacuums offer and the same number as 27.7% of robot vacuums offer.
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Mopping capability
no
This robot vacuum cannot mop floors, although 79% of robot vacuums offer this feature.
Mopping system type
none
This robot vacuum uses none for mopping. This system is less effective than those on 79.8% of robot vacuums and as effective as those on 20.2% of robot vacuums.
Mop pad type
none
Mop pad material
none
Mop pressure
N/A
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Primary navigation technology
camera
This robot vacuum uses camera as its primary navigation system, which is less capable than the systems in 68.6% of robot vacuums and matched by 3.6% of robot vacuums.
Mapping capability
yes
This robot vacuum maps the floor. 74% of robot vacuums offer this feature.
Real-time mapping
no
This robot vacuum does not update its map in real time, although 68.7% of robot vacuums offer this feature.
Multiple map storage
no
This robot vacuum does not store multiple maps, although 56.6% of robot vacuums offer this feature.
Map editing
no
This robot vacuum does not support map editing, although 64% of robot vacuums offer this feature.
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App control
yes
This robot vacuum supports app control. 5.5% of robot vacuums support app control.
App name
iRobot Home
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This robot vacuum supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 6.3% of robot vacuums support Wi-Fi connectivity.
Supported Wi-Fi bands
2.4 GHz
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This robot vacuum does not support Bluetooth connectivity. 64.7% of robot vacuums support Bluetooth connectivity.
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Battery capacity
1,800 mAh
Market range: <2.4k mAh – >5.2k mAh
This robot vacuum has a battery capacity of 1,800 mAh, which is lower than 95.3% of robot vacuums and equal to 4% of robot vacuums.
Battery type
Li-ion
Battery voltage
14.4 V
Runtime
75 min
Market range: <90 min – >240 min
This robot vacuum runs for 75 min per charge, which is shorter than 94.7% of robot vacuums and equal to 3.6% of robot vacuums.
Recharge and resume
yes
This robot vacuum resumes cleaning after charging. 83.1% of robot vacuums offer this feature.
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Shape
round
Height
91 mm
Width
350 mm
Length
350 mm
Weight
3.9 kg
Market range: <2.59 kg – >4.76 kg
This robot vacuum weighs 3.9 kg, making it heavier than 67.4% of robot vacuums and the same weight as 2.1% of robot vacuums.
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iRobot Roomba 971 vs the average robot vacuum

246810TotalBatteryDesignSmart FeaturesNavigationCleaningMopping
  • Has anti-tangle technology
    This robot vacuum has anti-tangle technology, while the average robot vacuum does not. 42.8% of robot vacuums offer this feature.
  • Detects dirtier areas
    This robot vacuum detects dirtier areas, while the average robot vacuum does not detect dirtier areas.
  • 200 mL larger dustbin
    This robot vacuum has a larger onboard dustbin than the average robot vacuum (600 mL vs 400 mL). The average robot vacuum has a dustbin capacity of 400 mL.
    600 mL vs 400 mL
  • 1.5 h shorter charging time
    This robot vacuum takes less time to recharge fully than the average robot vacuum (3 h vs 4.5 h). The average robot vacuum takes 4.5 h.
    3 h vs 4.5 h
  • 7 dB quieter
    This robot vacuum has a lower reported cleaning noise level than the average robot vacuum (58 dB vs 65 dB). The average robot vacuum has a reported noise level of 65 dB.
    58 dB vs 65 dB
  • Dustbin full alert
    This robot vacuum alerts you when its dustbin is full, while the average robot vacuum does not. 19.5% of robot vacuums offer a dustbin full indicator.
  • Has a child lock
    This robot vacuum has a child lock, while the average robot vacuum does not. 44.9% of robot vacuums offer this.
  • 3.9 kg lighter base station
    This robot vacuum has a lighter base station than the average robot vacuum (0.4 kg vs 4.3 kg). The average robot vacuum's base station weighs 4.3 kg.
    0.4 kg vs 4.3 kg
  • 1.5 h shorter charging time
    This robot vacuum takes less time to recharge fully than the average robot vacuum (3 h vs 4.5 h). The average robot vacuum takes 4.5 h.
    3 h vs 4.5 h
  • 7 dB quieter
    This robot vacuum has a lower reported cleaning noise level than the average robot vacuum (58 dB vs 65 dB). The average robot vacuum has a reported noise level of 65 dB.
    58 dB vs 65 dB
  • 3.9 kg lighter base station
    This robot vacuum has a lighter base station than the average robot vacuum (0.4 kg vs 4.3 kg). The average robot vacuum's base station weighs 4.3 kg.
    0.4 kg vs 4.3 kg
  • Has a child lock
    This robot vacuum has a child lock, while the average robot vacuum does not. 44.9% of robot vacuums offer this.
  • Has anti-tangle technology
    This robot vacuum has anti-tangle technology, while the average robot vacuum does not. 42.8% of robot vacuums offer this feature.
  • Detects dirtier areas
    This robot vacuum detects dirtier areas, while the average robot vacuum does not detect dirtier areas.
  • 200 mL larger dustbin
    This robot vacuum has a larger onboard dustbin than the average robot vacuum (600 mL vs 400 mL). The average robot vacuum has a dustbin capacity of 400 mL.
    600 mL vs 400 mL
  • Dustbin full alert
    This robot vacuum alerts you when its dustbin is full, while the average robot vacuum does not. 19.5% of robot vacuums offer a dustbin full indicator.
  • 3,100 Pa weaker maximum suction
    This robot vacuum has weaker maximum suction than the average robot vacuum (900 Pa vs 4,000 Pa). The average robot vacuum has a maximum suction pressure of 4,000 Pa.
    900 Pa vs 4,000 Pa
  • 3 fewer suction power levels
    This robot vacuum offers fewer suction power levels than the average robot vacuum (1 vs 4). The average robot vacuum offers 4 suction power levels.
    1 vs 4
  • Does not detect carpets automatically
    This robot vacuum does not detect carpets automatically, while the average robot vacuum detects carpets automatically.
  • No no-mop zones
    This robot vacuum does not support no-mop zones, while the average robot vacuum does. 53.1% of robot vacuums support this feature.
  • Does not boost suction automatically on carpets
    This robot vacuum does not boost suction automatically on carpets, while the average robot vacuum boosts suction on carpets automatically.
  • 1 fewer cleaning modes
    This robot vacuum offers fewer cleaning modes than the average robot vacuum (3 vs 4). The average robot vacuum offers 4 cleaning modes.
    3 vs 4
  • 75 min shorter runtime
    This robot vacuum runs for less time per charge than the average robot vacuum (75 min vs 150 min). The average robot vacuum runs for 150 min.
    75 min vs 150 min
  • Does not support map editing
    This robot vacuum does not support map editing, while the average robot vacuum lets you edit maps.
  • 19.6% worse value for money
    iRobot Roomba 971 has worse value for money than the average robot vacuum (6.34 vs 7.6).
    6.34 vs 7.59
  • 6.53x less popular
    iRobot Roomba 971 is less popular than the average robot vacuum (1 vs 6.5).
    1 vs 6.53
  • 57.7% more expensive
    iRobot Roomba 971 is more expensive than the average robot vacuum (£410 vs £260).
    £410 vs £260
  • 75 min shorter runtime
    This robot vacuum runs for less time per charge than the average robot vacuum (75 min vs 150 min). The average robot vacuum runs for 150 min.
    75 min vs 150 min
  • 1,400 mAh smaller battery capacity
    This robot vacuum has a smaller battery capacity than the average robot vacuum (1,800 mAh vs 3,200 mAh). The average robot vacuum has a battery capacity of 3,200 mAh.
    1,800 mAh vs 3,200 mAh
  • 1.6 W higher standby power consumption
    This robot vacuum draws more power in standby than the average robot vacuum (3.6 W vs 2 W). The average robot vacuum draws 2 W in standby.
    3.6 W vs 2 W
  • Older model
    This robot vacuum was released in 2020, earlier than the average robot vacuum in 2023. The average release year for robot vacuums is 2023.
    2020 vs 2023
  • 9.2% heavier
    This robot vacuum is heavier than the average robot vacuum (3.9 kg vs 3.57 kg). The average robot vacuum weighs 3.57 kg.
    3.9 kg vs 3.57 kg
  • No Bluetooth
    This robot vacuum does not support Bluetooth connectivity, while the average robot vacuum does. 64.6% of robot vacuums support Bluetooth connectivity.
  • 10 fewer languages supported
    This robot vacuum supports fewer languages than the average robot vacuum (7 vs 17). The average robot vacuum supports 17 languages.
    7 vs 17
  • No no-mop zones
    This robot vacuum does not support no-mop zones, while the average robot vacuum does. 53.1% of robot vacuums support this feature.
  • Does not support map editing
    This robot vacuum does not support map editing, while the average robot vacuum lets you edit maps.
  • Does not store multiple maps
    This robot vacuum does not store multiple maps, while the average robot vacuum stores multiple maps.
  • Does not recognize individual rooms
    This robot vacuum does not recognize individual rooms, while the average robot vacuum recognizes individual rooms.
  • Does not update its map in real time
    This robot vacuum does not update its map in real time, while the average robot vacuum updates its map in real time.
  • 4 mm lower threshold clearance
    This robot vacuum can only cross lower thresholds than the average robot vacuum (16 mm vs 20 mm). The average robot vacuum can cross thresholds up to 20 mm high.
    16 mm vs 20 mm
  • More basic navigation
    This robot vacuum uses camera for navigation, while the average robot vacuum uses LiDAR.
    camera vs LiDAR
  • Does not support virtual boundaries
    This robot vacuum does not support virtual boundaries, while the average robot vacuum supports virtual boundaries.
  • Does not show its location in real time
    This robot vacuum does not show its location in real time, while the average robot vacuum shows its location in real time.
  • 3,100 Pa weaker maximum suction
    This robot vacuum has weaker maximum suction than the average robot vacuum (900 Pa vs 4,000 Pa). The average robot vacuum has a maximum suction pressure of 4,000 Pa.
    900 Pa vs 4,000 Pa
  • 3 fewer suction power levels
    This robot vacuum offers fewer suction power levels than the average robot vacuum (1 vs 4). The average robot vacuum offers 4 suction power levels.
    1 vs 4
  • Does not detect carpets automatically
    This robot vacuum does not detect carpets automatically, while the average robot vacuum detects carpets automatically.
  • Does not boost suction automatically on carpets
    This robot vacuum does not boost suction automatically on carpets, while the average robot vacuum boosts suction on carpets automatically.
  • 1 fewer cleaning modes
    This robot vacuum offers fewer cleaning modes than the average robot vacuum (3 vs 4). The average robot vacuum offers 4 cleaning modes.
    3 vs 4
  • Does not support zone cleaning
    This robot vacuum does not support zone cleaning, while the average robot vacuum supports zone cleaning.
  • Does not support room-by-room cleaning
    This robot vacuum does not support room-by-room cleaning, while the average robot vacuum supports room-by-room cleaning.
  • Non-washable filter
    This robot vacuum does not have a washable filter, while the average robot vacuum does. 72.5% of robot vacuums have a washable filter.
  • Does not include a cleaning tool
    This robot vacuum does not include a cleaning tool, while the average robot vacuum includes a cleaning tool.
  • Non-washable dustbin
    This robot vacuum does not have a washable dustbin, while the average robot vacuum does. 83.6% of robot vacuums have a washable dustbin.
  • Cannot mop floors
    This robot vacuum cannot mop floors, while the average robot vacuum can mop floors.
  • No water flow control
    This robot vacuum does not support water flow control, while the average robot vacuum does. 70% of robot vacuums support water flow control.
  • Less capable mopping system
    This robot vacuum uses none for mopping, while the average robot vacuum uses static pad.
    none vs static pad
  • 3 fewer water flow levels
    This robot vacuum offers fewer water flow levels than the average robot vacuum (0 vs 3). The average number of water flow levels is 3.
    0 vs 3

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

S
smarthomescene.com
15/11/2023
Summary of the review
SwitchBot K10+ Robot Vacuum In-Depth Review
S
staubsauger-berater.de
27/07/2020
Summary of the review
iRobot Roomba 971 Review - Vacuum Cleaner Advisor
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What customers like about iRobot Roomba 971

  • Excellent suction power, ideal for removing dirt and pet hair from hard floors and carpets.
  • Methodical navigation that covers the entire house without missing high-traffic areas.
  • Intuitive iRobot Home app with solid scheduling options.
  • Durable design that effectively navigates around common household obstacles.
  • Automatic cleaning resumption: returns to its base to recharge, then picks up where it left off.

What customers don't like about iRobot Roomba 971

  • The camera-based navigation system can sometimes get lost or struggle in total darkness.
  • Noise levels are relatively high during suction operation.
  • Lacks advanced smart mapping features (no physical no-go zones without separately sold 'Virtual Walls').
  • Small dustbin capacity requiring frequent emptying if you have pets.
  • Battery life may be insufficient for very large homes.

Verdict

The iRobot Roomba 971 is a smart robot vacuum weighing 3.91 kg and measuring 9.1 cm in height, equipped with a 0.6-liter dustbin and powered by a 33W Gen 2 motor that delivers 5x the suction power of older 600-series models. Its main characteristics include vSLAM camera-based mapping, a 3-stage cleaning system with dual multi-surface rubber brushes ideal for pet hair, and a lithium-ion battery providing a 75-minute runtime with auto-recharge and resume capabilities. Key pros are its relatively quiet 58 dB operation, efficient row-by-row navigation, and smart app and voice control integration via Alexa and Google Assistant; however, notable cons include a long 3-hour charge time, a lack of hardware-defined no-go zones or physical virtual walls, and the absence of a self-emptying base.

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