Roomba S9 and I7 are so far from the first Roomba. The first Roomba was an inefficient robot that needed a lot of attention. S9 and I7 are now considered by many as the pinnacle of autonomous cleaning technology. Each model of the iRobot has incremental advances from the former models. The newer models have a better navigation system that is more efficient. They are also more capable and proficient in cleaning larger spaces. Most people wonder which of the two robotic cleaners is the better choice. Some consider the upgrades in the Roomba S9 a justification of the astronomical cost. But there are some who consider the Roomba I7 a better deal.
People who have a budget to stay under but wants a robot vacuum that empties itself often goes for the Roomba i7. It is a well-made robot vacuum. You cannot even tell its difference from the S9 when it comes to practical use.
People who do not care whether the robot vacuum self-empties or not usually opts for the Roomba S9. Others choose to buy the auto-emptying clean base that they can attach to the S9. You can clean out the collection bin yourself. This lets you save a lot of money.
People who do not care about budget usually want the best self-emptying robot vacuum. These people choose Roomba S9+.
Main differences
Roomba I7
- Has an iAdapt 3.0 navigation system.
- Comes with dual multi-surface rubber brushes.
- Has a three-stage cleaning system.
- Comes with an onboard camera.
Roomba S9
- The most powerful Roomba robot vacuum that is available.
- Comes with an Anti-Allergen System.
- Has a PerfectEdge technology.
- Comes with a power boost feature for carpets.
What they have in common
These two robot vacuums are very much alike. Both use the company’s three-stage cleaning and dual multi-surface rubber brushes. They also have the same navigation technologies. They are both capable of self-clean and are both compatible with the Clean Base.
Comparing the Roomba S9 vs I7
Roomba I7
It has a round robot shape. It has the same three-stage cleaning system as the Roomba S9. As well as the dual multi-surface rubber brushes. It also has an edge-sweeping brush but it does not have a corner brush. It also has a high-efficiency filter. It has 10x the vacuuming power of series 600 Roombas. It can clean carpets and hard floors. It can auto-recharge and auto-resume. The Roomba I7 does not have the Power Boost feature. It also lacks the PerfectEdge technology and the Anti-Allergen System.
Roomba S9
This robot vacuum has a D-shape. It has the same three-stage cleaning system as the Roomba I7. As well as the dual multi-surface rubber brushes. This does not have the edge-sweeping brush like that of the Roomba I7. But it has a corner brush. It also has a high-efficiency filter. It has 40x the vacuuming power of series 600 Roombas. It can clean carpets and hard floors. It can auto-recharge and auto-resume. The Roomba S9 has the Power Boost feature. It also has PerfectEdge technology and the Anti-Allergen System.
What to buy
Both the Roomba I7 and the Roomba S9 work well and can keep your house neat and tidy. The Roomba S9 is usually better for people who have pets. Or for those who consider their house as often being dirtier than they are comfortable with. The suction power of Roomba S9 vs I7 is 4x more powerful. The downside to S9 is its price. You can wait until the prices go down a bit. You can also wait for newer models. These models can give everyone a chance to own a Roomba without shelling out too much out of their pockets.
No matter which one you choose, you cannot go wrong with any of it. Both can keep your floors clean. They also have the features you would expect from high-end robot vacuums.