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iRobot Roomba i1 Review | 118 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£160
  • Avg. price in US: ~$180
  • Max suction power: 1600 Pa
  • Runtime: 75 min
  • Dustbin capacity: 400 mL
  • Max threshold height: 16 mm

iRobot Roomba i1 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.

5.9

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

5.4

Technical Score

20.0%

7.9

User score

Good
5.4

Technical Score

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 components:

30.0%

5.6

Cleaning

23.0%

5.5

Navigation

18.0%

3.8

Mopping

12.0%

4.1

Battery

10.0%

8.8

Smart Features

7.0%

5.2

Design

Good
7.9

User score

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 components:

70.0%

7.5

User reviews

30.0%

8.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.8
(632)
amazon
3.8
(57)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.2
(37)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

Very good
  • 5.6
    Mopping

    Score components:

    35.0%

    4.0

    Mopping system type

    25.0%

    4.0

    Mop lifting

    20.0%

    ?

    Auto water refill

    20.0%

    ?

    Water tank capacity

  • 5.5
    Pet homes

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Anti-tangle technology

    30.0%

    1.5

    Max suction power

    20.0%

    4.0

    Carpet boost

    15.0%

    5.3

    Dustbin capacity

  • 3.9
    Navigation and mapping

    Score components:

    30.0%

    5.5

    Primary navigation technology

    30.0%

    4.0

    Obstacle avoidance technology

    20.0%

    1.0

    Object recognition

    20.0%

    4.0

    Real-time mapping

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The iRobot Roomba i1 is a Wi-Fi connected robot vacuum measuring 34 x 34.2 x 9.25 cm and weighing 3.18 kg, equipped with a 0.4-liter bagless dust bin and a 14.4V Lithium-Ion battery that provides up to 75 minutes of runtime with a 1.5-hour recharge time. Its primary characteristics and pros include a premium 3-stage cleaning system delivering 10x the power-lifting suction of the 600 series, dual multi-surface rubber brushrolls that resist pet hair tangles, straight-line navigation via floor-tracking sensors for row-by-row cleaning, voice assistant integration, and Dirt Detect technology for high-traffic zones. However, major cons include a somewhat loud 68 dB motor, a lack of mopping functionality, a tendency to struggle with finer debris or clog on large particles, and an inability to save permanent room maps or support digital no-go boundaries.

Technical Specifications of robot vacuum iRobot Roomba i1

Technical Score

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 components:

30.0%

5.6

Cleaning

23.0%

5.5

Navigation

18.0%

3.8

Mopping

12.0%

4.1

Battery

10.0%

8.8

Smart Features

7.0%

5.2

Design

5.4
iRobot Roomba i1 has a technical score of 5.37, lower than that of 87.9% of robot vacuums.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

7.5

User reviews

30.0%

8.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.8
(632)
amazon
3.8
(57)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.2
(37)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

7.9
iRobot Roomba i1 has a user score of 7.91, lower than that of 67.5% of robot vacuums.
Popularity
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.
8.8
iRobot Roomba i1 has a popularity of 8.8 points, which is higher than 63.6% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

5.9

Overall score

40.0%

9.7

Price

7.0
iRobot Roomba i1 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7 points, which is lower than 76.6% of products in this category.
Max suction power
What it is: Maximum suction power is the highest pressure the vacuum motor is rated to produce, measured in pascals.
When it matters: Higher figures can help lift embedded debris from carpet, but brush design and airflow also determine real cleaning performance.

Importance: HIGH

1,600 Pa
iRobot Roomba i1 delivers 1,600 Pa of suction power, which is weaker than that of 89.9% of robot vacuums and equal to that of 2.4% of robot vacuums.
Reported maximum suction figures vary between sources or model variants.
N. of suction power levels
What it is: The number of suction levels shows how many power settings can be selected.
When it matters: More levels give finer control over noise, battery use and cleaning strength on different floors.

Importance: MEDIUM

1
iRobot Roomba i1 has a suction-level count of 1, which is lower than that of 92.4% of robot vacuums and the same as that of 7.6% of robot vacuums.
Motor type
What it is: Motor type identifies whether the suction motor uses a brushed or brushless design.
When it matters: Brushless motors generally offer better efficiency and durability, although complete airflow design still determines performance.

Importance: LOW

brushless
iRobot Roomba i1 uses a motor type considered more efficient than those in 2.7% of robot vacuums and matched by 97.3% of robot vacuums.
Power
What it is: Power is the electrical input rating of the robot or its charging system.
When it matters: It describes energy demand, but it should not be treated as a direct measure of suction or floor-cleaning ability.

Importance: LOW

28 W
Cleaning modes
What it is: Cleaning modes are the distinct automatic or targeted cleaning programs available on the robot.
When it matters: A wider choice makes it easier to match cleaning behavior to rooms, spills, edges or quiet periods.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
iRobot Roomba i1 offers 2 cleaning modes, which is fewer than 89.9% of robot vacuums and as many as 10.1% of robot vacuums.
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Mopping capability
What it is: Mopping capability means the robot can wipe hard floors with a damp pad or active mop system.
When it matters: It is useful for fine dust and light marks, but it does not automatically mean the robot can replace deep manual mopping.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
iRobot Roomba i1 cannot mop floors, while this feature is available on 79.1% of robot vacuums.
Mopping system type
What it is: The mopping system type describes how the robot applies motion and pressure to its mop, such as a static pad, vibrating pad, rotating pads or roller.
When it matters: Active systems generally scrub dried marks better, while pad lifting and dock washing determine how practical they are on mixed floors.

Importance: HIGH

none
iRobot Roomba i1 uses none for mopping, a system that is less effective than those in 79.8% of robot vacuums and matched by 20.2% of robot vacuums.
Mop pad type
What it is: Mop pad type describes the pad shape and attachment used by the mopping system.
When it matters: It affects floor contact, edge reach, replacement availability and whether the pads can be washed easily.

Importance: LOW

none
Mop pad material
What it is: Mop pad material is the fabric or fibre used to wipe and absorb dirt from the floor.
When it matters: It influences absorption, scrubbing action, durability and how easily the pad releases dirt when washed.

Importance: LOW

none
Mop pressure
What it is: Mop pressure is the downward force the mopping system applies to the floor.
When it matters: More controlled pressure can improve removal of dried marks, although pad motion and moisture delivery also matter.

Importance: LOW

?
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Primary navigation technology
What it is: The primary navigation technology is the main sensor system the robot uses to understand its position and plan a route.
When it matters: It affects route efficiency, coverage and how reliably the robot returns to its dock, especially in larger or more complex homes.

Importance: HIGH

gyroscope
iRobot Roomba i1 uses gyroscope as its primary navigation system, which is less capable than the systems in 73.9% of robot vacuums and matched by 19.2% of robot vacuums.
Mapping capability
What it is: Mapping capability lets the robot create a floor plan instead of cleaning only from moment-to-moment sensor reactions.
When it matters: A saved map is important for room selection, no-go zones and predictable coverage.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
iRobot Roomba i1 maps the floor. This feature is available on 74% of robot vacuums.
Real-time mapping
What it is: Real-time mapping updates the floor plan and the robot's route while a cleaning run is in progress.
When it matters: It helps you follow progress, spot missed areas and see where the robot is if it becomes stuck.

Importance: LOW

no
iRobot Roomba i1 does not update its map in real time, while this feature is available on 68.7% of robot vacuums.
Grounded no from data_scrape2/data_scrape4 (agreement or one clear no/N/A with other source empty/noisy).
Multiple map storage
What it is: Multiple map storage keeps separate floor plans for more than one level or cleaning area.
When it matters: It is useful in multi-storey homes because the robot does not need to rebuild the map each time it changes floors.

Importance: LOW

no
iRobot Roomba i1 does not store multiple maps, while this feature is available on 56.7% of robot vacuums.
Map editing
What it is: Map editing lets you divide, merge, name and adjust rooms in the app.
When it matters: Accurate room boundaries make room-by-room schedules and targeted cleaning easier to use.

Importance: LOW

no
iRobot Roomba i1 does not support map editing, while this feature is available on 64.1% of robot vacuums.
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App control
What it is: App control lets you operate and configure the robot from a smartphone application.
When it matters: It is needed for maps, room selection, schedules and many advanced settings on modern robot vacuums.

Importance: LOW

yes
iRobot Roomba i1 supports app control. This feature is available on 94.4% of robot vacuums.
App name
What it is: App name identifies the manufacturer's mobile application used to control the robot.
When it matters: It helps you check phone compatibility, account requirements and user feedback for the correct app before buying.

Importance: LOW

iRobot Home
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Wi-Fi connectivity links the robot to its app and cloud services through the home network.
When it matters: It enables remote control and updates, but setup quality depends on router compatibility and signal coverage.

Importance: LOW

yes
iRobot Roomba i1 connects to Wi-Fi. This feature is available on 93.7% of robot vacuums.
Supported Wi-Fi bands
What it is: Supported Wi-Fi bands identify the wireless frequencies the robot can use, commonly 2.4 GHz and sometimes 5 GHz.
When it matters: Band support matters during setup because many robot vacuums connect only to a 2.4 GHz network.

Importance: LOW

2.4 GHz
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Bluetooth connectivity provides a short-range wireless link, often used during initial setup.
When it matters: It can simplify pairing but usually does not replace Wi-Fi for remote app control.

Importance: LOW

yes
iRobot Roomba i1 connects via Bluetooth. This feature is available on 64.5% of robot vacuums.
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Battery capacity
What it is: Battery capacity is the amount of electrical charge the battery can store, measured in milliamp-hours.
When it matters: More capacity can support longer cleaning runs, but motor power, mopping and navigation also affect actual runtime.

Importance: MEDIUM

1,800 mAh
iRobot Roomba i1 has a battery capacity of 1,800 mAh; it is lower than that of 95.5% of robot vacuums and equal to that of 3.9% of robot vacuums.
Grounded current sources converge on 1800 mAh battery capacity.
Battery type
What it is: Battery type identifies the battery chemistry used by the robot.
When it matters: It affects weight, service life and charging behavior, with lithium-ion now being the common modern design.

Importance: LOW

Li-ion
Battery voltage
What it is: Battery voltage is the nominal electrical voltage of the robot's battery pack.
When it matters: It is mainly useful for checking replacement-battery compatibility and does not by itself indicate runtime.

Importance: LOW

14.4
Runtime
What it is: Runtime is how long the robot is rated to clean on one charge under the stated test mode.
When it matters: Longer runtime matters on large floors, while recharge-and-resume can compensate for a smaller battery.

Importance: MEDIUM

75 min
iRobot Roomba i1 runs for 75 min per charge; this is shorter than 94.8% of robot vacuums and equal to 3.6% of robot vacuums.
Recharge and resume
What it is: Recharge and resume sends the robot back to charge and then returns it to the unfinished part of the map.
When it matters: It allows large cleaning jobs to finish without manual intervention when one battery charge is not enough.

Importance: LOW

yes
iRobot Roomba i1 resumes cleaning after charging. This feature is available on 83.1% of robot vacuums.
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Shape
What it is: Shape describes the robot's body outline, most commonly round or D-shaped.
When it matters: Shape influences corner reach and manoeuvring, although brush placement and route planning are equally important.

Importance: LOW

round
Height
What it is: Height is the vertical clearance required by the robot.
When it matters: A lower body can clean under more sofas, beds and cabinets, but measure the furniture gap before relying on it.

Importance: LOW

92 mm
iRobot Roomba i1 is 92 mm tall; this is lower than 56.6% of robot vacuums and equal to 2.4% of robot vacuums.
Width
What it is: Width is the side-to-side size of the robot.
When it matters: It determines whether the robot can pass between chair legs, furniture and other narrow spaces.

Importance: LOW

338 mm
iRobot Roomba i1 is 338 mm wide; this is narrower than 50.3% of robot vacuums and equal to 1.2% of robot vacuums.
Length
What it is: Length is the front-to-back size of the robot.
When it matters: Together with width and shape, it affects turning space and access around closely placed furniture.

Importance: LOW

338 mm
iRobot Roomba i1 is 338 mm long; this is shorter than 53.1% of robot vacuums and equal to 1% of robot vacuums.
Weight
What it is: Weight is the mass of the robot itself, excluding its dock.
When it matters: A lighter robot is easier to carry between floors, while weight has little direct connection to cleaning quality.

Importance: LOW

4.7 kg
iRobot Roomba i1 weighs 4.7 kg; this is more than 87.9% of robot vacuums and equal to 1.4% of robot vacuums.
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iRobot Roomba i1 vs the average robot vacuum

  • Prevents hair tangles
    iRobot Roomba i1 prevents hair tangles, while the average robot vacuum has no anti-tangle system.
    Grounded yes from data_scrape sources: Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes (patented bristle-free rubber rollers designed to resist hair wrapping)
    What it is: Anti-tangle technology is designed to prevent or remove hair wrapped around the main brush and axles.
    When it matters: It is especially valuable in homes with pets or long hair because it reduces manual brush cleaning.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    iRobot Roomba i1 prevents hair tangles, while the average robot vacuum has no anti-tangle system.
  • Detects dirtier areas
    iRobot Roomba i1 detects dirtier areas, while the average robot vacuum does not detect dirtier areas.
    What it is: Dirt detection uses sensors to identify areas that need extra cleaning.
    When it matters: It can make the robot spend more time on heavily soiled spots instead of treating every part of the floor equally.

    Importance: LOW

    iRobot Roomba i1 detects dirtier areas, while the average robot vacuum does not detect dirtier areas.
  • Adjusts its cleaning height automatically
    iRobot Roomba i1 adjusts its cleaning height automatically, while the average robot vacuum uses a fixed cleaning height.
    What it is: Automatic height adjustment changes the cleaning-head position to maintain contact with different floor surfaces.
    When it matters: It can improve pickup when the robot moves between hard floors, rugs and uneven surfaces.

    Importance: LOW

    iRobot Roomba i1 adjusts its cleaning height automatically, while the average robot vacuum uses a fixed cleaning height.
  • 2 h faster charging
    iRobot Roomba i1 takes 2.5 h to charge, compared with 4.5 h for the average robot vacuum.
    What it is: Charging time is the approximate time required to refill the battery from low charge.
    When it matters: A shorter charge is useful when the robot must resume an unfinished large cleaning job.

    Importance: LOW

    iRobot Roomba i1 takes 2.5 h to charge, compared with 4.5 h for the average robot vacuum.2.5 h vs 4.5 h
  • Alerts you when its dustbin is full
    iRobot Roomba i1 alerts you when its dustbin is full, while the average robot vacuum does not alert you when its dustbin is full.
    What it is: A dustbin-full indicator warns when the robot's internal bin needs emptying.
    When it matters: It helps avoid continuing a run with no remaining debris capacity, especially on models without auto-emptying.

    Importance: LOW

    iRobot Roomba i1 alerts you when its dustbin is full, while the average robot vacuum does not alert you when its dustbin is full.
  • Includes a child lock
    iRobot Roomba i1 includes a child lock, while the average robot vacuum has no child lock.
    What it is: A child lock disables selected buttons or controls to prevent accidental operation.
    When it matters: It is useful where children or pets may touch the robot or dock controls.

    Importance: LOW

    iRobot Roomba i1 includes a child lock, while the average robot vacuum has no child lock.
  • 4.06 kg lighter base station
    iRobot Roomba i1 has a base station that weighs 0.2 kg, compared with 4.3 kg for the average robot vacuum.
    What it is: Base-station weight is the mass of the dock without the robot.
    When it matters: A lighter dock is easier to move, while a heavier station may remain more stable during docking and mop washing.

    Importance: LOW

    iRobot Roomba i1 has a base station that weighs 0.2 kg, compared with 4.3 kg for the average robot vacuum.0.24 kg vs 4.3 kg
  • 0.3 m longer power cord
    iRobot Roomba i1 has a 1.8 m power cord, compared with 1.5 m on the average robot vacuum.
    Sources agree on a 1.8 m power cord.
    What it is: Power-cord length is the distance the dock's cable can reach from a wall outlet.
    When it matters: A longer cord gives more freedom to place the dock with clear approach space.

    Importance: LOW

    iRobot Roomba i1 has a 1.8 m power cord, compared with 1.5 m on the average robot vacuum.1.8 m vs 1.5 m
  • 2 h faster charging
    iRobot Roomba i1 takes 2.5 h to charge, compared with 4.5 h for the average robot vacuum.
  • 0.2 W lower standby use
    iRobot Roomba i1 uses 1.8 W in standby, compared with 2 W for the average robot vacuum.
  • 4.06 kg lighter base station
    iRobot Roomba i1 has a base station that weighs 0.2 kg, compared with 4.3 kg for the average robot vacuum.
  • 0.3 m longer power cord
    iRobot Roomba i1 has a 1.8 m power cord, compared with 1.5 m on the average robot vacuum.
  • 23.7 cm shorter base station
    iRobot Roomba i1 has a base station that is 10.6 cm tall, compared with 34.3 cm for the average robot vacuum.
  • Includes a child lock
    iRobot Roomba i1 includes a child lock, while the average robot vacuum has no child lock.
  • Prevents hair tangles
    iRobot Roomba i1 prevents hair tangles, while the average robot vacuum has no anti-tangle system.
  • Detects dirtier areas
    iRobot Roomba i1 detects dirtier areas, while the average robot vacuum does not detect dirtier areas.
  • Adjusts its cleaning height automatically
    iRobot Roomba i1 adjusts its cleaning height automatically, while the average robot vacuum uses a fixed cleaning height.
  • Alerts you when its dustbin is full
    iRobot Roomba i1 alerts you when its dustbin is full, while the average robot vacuum does not alert you when its dustbin is full.
  • 12 mm wider main brush
    iRobot Roomba i1 uses a main brush measuring 190 mm, compared with 178 mm for the average robot vacuum.

Total
Battery
Design
Smart Features
Cleaning
  • 75 min shorter runtime
    iRobot Roomba i1 runs for 75 min per charge, compared with 150 min for the average robot vacuum.
  • 1,400 mAh less battery capacity
    iRobot Roomba i1 has a battery capacity of 1,800 mAh, compared with 3,200 mAh for the average robot vacuum.
    Grounded current sources converge on 1800 mAh battery capacity.
  • 32 m² less cleaning coverage
    iRobot Roomba i1 can clean up to 148 m² per charge, compared with 180 m² for the average robot vacuum.
  • 1.17 kg heavier robot
    iRobot Roomba i1 weighs 4.7 kg, compared with 3.53 kg for the average robot vacuum.
  • 3 dB louder operation
    iRobot Roomba i1 produces 68 dB of noise, compared with 65 dB for the average robot vacuum.
  • More basic obstacle avoidance
    iRobot Roomba i1 uses basic sensors obstacle avoidance, while the average robot vacuum uses hybrid.
  • More basic navigation
    iRobot Roomba i1 uses gyroscope navigation, while the average robot vacuum uses LiDAR.
  • Does not support no-mop zones
    iRobot Roomba i1 does not support no-mop zones, while the average robot vacuum supports configurable no-mop zones.
  • Does not support map editing
    iRobot Roomba i1 does not support map editing, while the average robot vacuum lets you edit maps.
  • Does not store multiple maps
    iRobot Roomba i1 does not store multiple maps, while the average robot vacuum stores multiple maps.
  • Does not recognize individual rooms
    iRobot Roomba i1 does not recognize individual rooms, while the average robot vacuum recognizes individual rooms.
    Grounded no from data_scrape2/data_scrape4 for room recognition.
  • Does not update its map in real time
    iRobot Roomba i1 does not update its map in real time, while the average robot vacuum updates its map in real time.
    Grounded no from data_scrape2/data_scrape4 (agreement or one clear no/N/A with other source empty/noisy).
  • 4 mm less threshold clearance
    iRobot Roomba i1 climbs thresholds up to 16 mm, compared with 20 mm for the average robot vacuum.
  • 2,400 Pa weaker suction
    iRobot Roomba i1 delivers 1,600 Pa, compared with 4,000 Pa for the average robot vacuum.
    Reported maximum suction figures vary between sources or model variants.
  • 2 fewer cleaning modes
    The number of cleaning modes on iRobot Roomba i1 is 2, compared with 4 on the average robot vacuum.
  • 3 fewer suction levels
    The number of suction levels on iRobot Roomba i1 is 1, compared with 4 on the average robot vacuum.
  • Does not detect carpets automatically
    iRobot Roomba i1 does not detect carpets automatically, while the average robot vacuum detects carpets automatically.
  • Does not boost suction automatically on carpets
    iRobot Roomba i1 does not boost suction automatically on carpets, while the average robot vacuum boosts suction on carpets automatically.
  • Does not support room-by-room cleaning
    iRobot Roomba i1 does not support room-by-room cleaning, while the average robot vacuum supports room-by-room cleaning.
  • Does not include a cleaning tool
    iRobot Roomba i1 does not include a cleaning tool, while the average robot vacuum includes a cleaning tool.
  • Cannot mop floors
    iRobot Roomba i1 cannot mop floors, while the average robot vacuum can mop floors.
  • Does not let you adjust the water flow
    iRobot Roomba i1 does not let you adjust the water flow, while the average robot vacuum lets you adjust the water flow.
  • Less capable mopping system
    iRobot Roomba i1 uses none for mopping, while the average robot vacuum uses static pad.
  • 3 fewer water-flow levels
    The number of water-flow levels on iRobot Roomba i1 is 0, compared with 3 on the average robot vacuum.
  • More basic obstacle avoidance
    iRobot Roomba i1 uses basic sensors obstacle avoidance, while the average robot vacuum uses hybrid.
    What it is: Obstacle avoidance technology uses sensors, cameras, LiDAR or structured light to detect objects and route around them.
    When it matters: More capable systems reduce contact with cables, shoes, pet bowls and other clutter, so the robot needs fewer rescues.

    Importance: HIGH

    iRobot Roomba i1 uses basic sensors obstacle avoidance, while the average robot vacuum uses hybrid.basic sensors vs hybrid
  • 2,400 Pa weaker suction
    iRobot Roomba i1 delivers 1,600 Pa, compared with 4,000 Pa for the average robot vacuum.
    Reported maximum suction figures vary between sources or model variants.
    What it is: Maximum suction power is the highest pressure the vacuum motor is rated to produce, measured in pascals.
    When it matters: Higher figures can help lift embedded debris from carpet, but brush design and airflow also determine real cleaning performance.

    Importance: HIGH

    iRobot Roomba i1 delivers 1,600 Pa, compared with 4,000 Pa for the average robot vacuum.1600 Pa vs 4000 Pa
  • 2 fewer cleaning modes
    The number of cleaning modes on iRobot Roomba i1 is 2, compared with 4 on the average robot vacuum.
    What it is: Cleaning modes are the distinct automatic or targeted cleaning programs available on the robot.
    When it matters: A wider choice makes it easier to match cleaning behavior to rooms, spills, edges or quiet periods.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    The number of cleaning modes on iRobot Roomba i1 is 2, compared with 4 on the average robot vacuum.2 vs 4
  • 3 fewer suction levels
    The number of suction levels on iRobot Roomba i1 is 1, compared with 4 on the average robot vacuum.
    What it is: The number of suction levels shows how many power settings can be selected.
    When it matters: More levels give finer control over noise, battery use and cleaning strength on different floors.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    The number of suction levels on iRobot Roomba i1 is 1, compared with 4 on the average robot vacuum.1 vs 4
  • More basic navigation
    iRobot Roomba i1 uses gyroscope navigation, while the average robot vacuum uses LiDAR.
    What it is: The primary navigation technology is the main sensor system the robot uses to understand its position and plan a route.
    When it matters: It affects route efficiency, coverage and how reliably the robot returns to its dock, especially in larger or more complex homes.

    Importance: HIGH

    iRobot Roomba i1 uses gyroscope navigation, while the average robot vacuum uses LiDAR.gyroscope vs LiDAR
  • Does not detect carpets automatically
    iRobot Roomba i1 does not detect carpets automatically, while the average robot vacuum detects carpets automatically.
    What it is: Carpet detection allows the robot to recognize when it moves from hard flooring onto carpet or a rug.
    When it matters: It enables carpet-specific actions such as suction boost, mop lifting or carpet avoidance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    iRobot Roomba i1 does not detect carpets automatically, while the average robot vacuum detects carpets automatically.
  • Does not support no-mop zones
    iRobot Roomba i1 does not support no-mop zones, while the average robot vacuum supports configurable no-mop zones.
    What it is: No-mop zones are mapped areas that the robot avoids while its mop is attached or wet.
    When it matters: They protect rugs and moisture-sensitive floors when the robot cannot lift its mop high enough.

    Importance: LOW

    iRobot Roomba i1 does not support no-mop zones, while the average robot vacuum supports configurable no-mop zones.
  • Does not boost suction automatically on carpets
    iRobot Roomba i1 does not boost suction automatically on carpets, while the average robot vacuum boosts suction on carpets automatically.
    What it is: Carpet boost automatically increases suction when the robot detects carpet.
    When it matters: It helps pull debris from carpet fibres without using maximum power for the entire cleaning run.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    iRobot Roomba i1 does not boost suction automatically on carpets, while the average robot vacuum boosts suction on carpets automatically.
Total
Overall
Battery
Design
Navigation
Cleaning
Mopping

Graphic comparison of iRobot Roomba i1 and other robot vacuums

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.8
632 Reviews
amazon
3.8
57 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.2
37 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about iRobot Roomba i1?

  • Efficient and thorough cleaning performance across various floor types, including carpet, hardwood, and tile
  • Effective at picking up pet hair and trapping allergens using the 3-stage cleaning system and dual rubber brushes
  • Convenient user experience with self-recharging capabilities and simple, easy-to-clean rubber brushrolls
  • Highly functional smartphone app that allows for easy scheduling and remote control

What customers dislike about iRobot Roomba i1?

  • Lacks permanent room mapping, meaning it cannot save maps or target specific rooms easily
  • No mopping functionality for dealing with liquids or dried-on stains
  • Can struggle with bulkier debris or get stuck on thicker rugs and certain low-clearance furniture
  • Motor can be noisy and somewhat disruptive while operating

Expert reviews

Q
quechoisir.org
09/09/2024
Summary of the review
iRobot Roomba i1+ i155640 Robot Vacuum Review
(Translated)Show original

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