Deebot vs. Roomba

Back when robotic vacuums first appeared on the market, they weren’t widely accepted. These appliances were pretty primitive, randomly picking up debris from the floor but grinding to a halt when even minor obstacles were detected. Furthermore, users had to press a power button every time to get them working again.

Today, robotic vacuum technology has advanced considerably, introducing truly autonomous machines. Some of the best examples are appliances by EcoVacs and iRobot, leading companies in the consumer robotic vacuum market. In this guide, we’ll take a detailed look at the most popular models from both brands, Roomba and Deebot. Read on to discover whether these products can change how consumers perceive robotic vacuums and if they’re worth your money.

Below is a comparison table of the different Roomba and Deebot models:

Before comparing features in detail, let’s take a look at the most popular offerings by both brands. In this section, we’ll review four models from each company, determine their main pros, cons, pricing, and specs.

iRobot is a well-established company founded back in 1990 by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Since then, the enterprise has sold over 30 million products worldwide and constantly developed and implemented innovative technologies in the field. iRobot didn’t start with consumer robotic vacuums, however. The first Roomba model was introduced in 2002. Beforehand, the company’s robots helped locate mines in surf zones, search the World Trade Center after the September 11 attacks, and explore the Great Pyramids in Egypt.

iRobot Roomba Overview

iRobot has four types of Roomba vacuums – the s9, i7, i3, and 600 series. Below, you’ll find a brief overview of each available model.

iRobot Roomba 694

Roomba 694 is the cheapest and simplest iRobot product. However, it still offers all the features a robotic vacuum should have. Roomba 694 senses and eliminates dirt, cleaning even the most challenging spots in your home. Different surfaces aren’t an issue, as this robot automatically adapts its height to carpets and hard floors. Of course, Roomba 694 also adjusts to the obstacles in your home, moving smoothly around them instead of bumping into walls times and again. The vacuum supports Google Voice Assistant and Alexa for easy control.

What’s more, Roomba 694 uses smart learning technology to memorize your cleaning habits and suggest schedules to meet your needs. Furthermore, it recommends additional cleaning sessions you may not even think of, for instance, during allergy season. After running for 90 minutes, the robot automatically docks and recharges to get ready for the next daily cleaning.

Pros:

• Hassle-free operation
• Automatic cleaning scheduling and additional suggestions
• Automatically recharges
• Adapts to different surfaces
• Affordable
• Voice assistant support

Cons:

• Small debris bin
• Bin needs to be emptied manually
• Noisy

Cost at time of review:

$229.99 with a discount on the official website, the full price is $274.99.

What’s in the box:

• 1 Roomba® 694 Robot Vacuum
• 1 Home Base® Charging Station
• 1 Extra High-Efficiency Filter

Specifications:

• Robot Weight: 6.77 lbs.
• Robot Dimensions: 13.4 inches width x 3.54 inches high
• Battery Type: Lithium Ion
• 350mL dust bin capacity

Rating on iRobot’s official website: 4.4/5 

iRobot Roomba i3

The Roomba i3 series is a much more advanced robotic vacuum compared to Roomba 694. It offers ten times stronger lifting suction than the base model, pulling dirt, debris, and pet hair from any surface. The multi-surface dual rubber brushes don’t get tangled, trapping 99% of cat and dog dander allergens. Smart navigation technology lets the robot know where it can and can’t reach, avoiding any issues with getting stuck.

The vacuum learns your cleaning habits and suggests the most suitable schedules, as well as additional recommendations. All settings can be adjusted via the updated iRobot Home App for mobile devices. Google Voice Assistant and Alexa support allow you to control the robot wherever you are. When Roomba i3 runs low on battery, it recharges automatically and resumes right where it left off, ensuring a complete clean. Finally, with Imprint Link technology, Roomba i3 can team up with Braava Jet m6 to automatically mop and vacuum your home in perfect sequence.

Pros:

• Links with a robot mop
• Voice assistant support
• Smart navigation
• Automatically recharges and resumes from the same spot
• Great for pet owners

Cons:

• Small debris bin
• Noisy

Cost at time of review:

The vacuum on its own is priced at $329.99, with a discount of $399.99 on the official manufacturer’s website. Two bundles are available. Roomba i3 with self-emptying station normally costs $599.99 but comes at $499.99 with a discount. A set of Roomba i3, self-emptying robot vacuum, and Braava Jet m6 robot mop currently costs $719.98 instead of $1,049.98.

What’s in the box:

• iRobot® Roomba® i3 Robot Vacuum
• 1 Home Base® Charging Station
• 1 Extra High-Efficiency Filter
• 400mL dustbin

Specifications:

• Robot Weight: 7.44 lbs.
• Robot Dimensions: 13.26 inches wide x 3.63 inches high x 13.34 deep
• Battery Type: Lithium Ion

Rating on iRobot’s official site: 4.1/5 

iRobot Roomba i7

Just like Roomba i3, the newer i7 features ten times stronger lifting suction compared to the 600 series model. It also learns your cleaning habits, adapting to your schedule, and can be controlled via a native mobile app. Seamlessly linking with Braava Jet robot mop, Roomba i7 will leave your home spotlessly clean. And like all iRobot vacuums, i7 automatically docks and recharges to resume at the same spot it stopped. Instead of recharging fully every time, however, it takes the exact amount of time needed to finish the daily job.

As for the new features, Roomba i7 utilizes iAdapt navigation and visual localization technology to select the most efficient cleaning maps. It can clean only chosen rooms as opposed to previous models that cleaned the entire house. The vacuum can remember up to ten floor plans. Furthermore, you can set custom keep-out zones via the mobile app even if no obstacles are detected by the robot’s sensors.

Pros:

• Custom keep-out zones
• Supports voice control
• Can clean only specific rooms
• Memorizes up to ten floor plans
• Links with a robot mop

Cons:

• Small debris bin
• 1000Pa power isn’t ideal for homes with medium to high pile carpets
• 75-minute run time

Cost at time of review:

The full price of the vacuum on its own is $599.99, though it’s currently available at a discount for $449.99. A bundle with an automatically emptying robot vacuum comes in at $649.99. Finally, a set of Roomba i7, automatically emptying station, and Braava Jet m6 mop costs $899.98.

What’s in the box:

• iRobot® Roomba® i7 Robot Vacuum
• 1 North American Line Cord
• 1 Home Base® Charging Station
• 1 Extra High-Efficiency Filter
• 1 Extra Side Brush

Specifications:

• Robot Weight: 7.44 lbs.
• Robot Dimensions: 13.34 inches width x 3.63 inches high
• Battery Type: Lithium Ion
• 500mL dustbin

Rating on iRobot’s official site: 4.3/5 

iRobot Roomba s9

iRobot Roomba s9 offers all the benefits of previous Roomba models – and then some. Smart mapping technology and voice assistant support allow you to control which areas the vacuum cleans without lifting a finger. Set custom keep-out zones or quickly clean up accidental localized mess via the native mobile app. Instead of telling the vacuum to clean the entire kitchen, you can specify the exact location, for instance, under the kitchen table.

Not only has the software been improved. Roomba s9 features 30 times stronger suction lift than Roomba 600 series. PerfectEdge technology and innovative brushes provide perfect cleaning, even in tight corners. Wider dual multi-surface rubber brushes that don’t get tangled with hair make this robot vacuum ideal for pet owners. Finally, as opposed to previous models with optional automatic emptying, Roomba s9 comes in a set with Clean Base. The base should be cleaned once every two months on average.

Pros:

• Improved rubber brushes for better pet hair cleaning
• Throughout cleaning in corners
• Improved floor mapping
• Comes with automatically emptying base
• Custom keep-out zones
• 120-minute run time

Cons:

• Noisy
• May miss spots
• Clogs easily

Cost at time of review:

Roomba s9 with a self-emptying base is currently priced at $949.99 instead of $1,099.99 on the official website. A bundle with Braava Jet m6 mop (available in black or white) costs $1,149.99.

What’s in the box:

• iRobot® Roomba® s9+ Robot Vacuum
• 1 Clean Base® Automatic Dirt Disposal
• 2 Dirt Disposal Bags
• 1 North American Line Cord
• 1 Extra High-Efficiency Filter
• 1 Extra Corner Brush

Specifications:

• Robot Weight: 8.15 lbs.
• Robot Dimensions: 12.25 inches width x 3.5 inches high
• Battery Type: Lithium Ion
• 400mL dustbin + station

Rating on iRobot’s official site: 3.3/5 

Ecovacs is a Chinese brand that used to produce vacuum cleaner equipment. Since 2006, Ecovacs invested in robotic research, developing over 20 new products a year, and quickly evolving from a start-up to an enterprise-level company. The first floor-cleaning robot was launched in 2013, nine years after iRobot’s first robotic vacuum. Today, Ecovacs produce vacuuming, window-cleaning, air-purifying, and business service assistance robots.

Ecovacs Deebot Overview

Currently, there are 20 Deebot models available on the official website. Below, we’ll take a look at the best-selling options.

Deebot Ozmo T5

Deebot Ozmo T5 utilizes Smart Navi 3.0 technology for advanced laser mapping which creates a systematic cleaning pattern. The Max+ mode increases suction power to fight the most stubborn spots. Plus, Deebot Ozmo T5 combines mopping and vacuuming in a single machine, performing both tasks simultaneously. The revolutionary pressure-retention system optimizes energy use and operates at a minimal noise level.

Compatible with Smart Home and supporting app mapping, this robot offers easy remote control. You can set custom keep-out zones or cleaning areas and save multiple floor plans. Thanks to the floating brush, Deebot Ozmo T5 can sweep up to 4-millimeter deep cracks and surpass 2-centimeter high doorsills. The robot automatically adapts to different surfaces, eliminating the need for manual control.

Pros:

• 200-minute run time
• Mops and vacuums simultaneously
• Low noise level
• Floating brush reaches cracks
• Advanced app control

Cons:

• Small dust bin

Cost at time of review:

$599.99 on the official manufacturer’s website.

What’s in the box:

• Robot
• Charging dock
• Side Brushes
• Direct Suction Option
• Reservoir
• Cleaning Cloth
• Disposal Cleaning Cloth
• Cloth Plate
• High-Efficiency Filter
• IM package
• Cleaning Tool

Specifications:

• Navigation Type - Smart Navi 3.0
• Cleaning Mode - Auto, Area, Custom
• Vacuum Components - Interchangeable Intake
• Carpet Detection - Yes
• Vacuum Power Adjustment - Y(Auto&Manual)
• Dust Bin Capacity (ml) - 430
• Floating Main Brush – Yes
• Map Generated by App - Yes
• FW OTA - Yes
• Voice Report - Yes
• Time Scheduling - Yes
• Continuous Cleaning - Yes

Rating on Ecovacs’ official website: 4.7/5 

Deebot 500

Deebot 500 is an improved version of Ecovacs’ bestseller and one of the most affordable options featured on the website. It supports voice assistant and mobile app control, allowing you to easily set one of the multiple cleaning modes or create new schedules. After running for 110 minutes, the robot automatically returns to the charging station. A 520mL dustbin means you don’t have to worry about emptying it frequently. Anti-collision and stair safety technologies ensure the robot doesn’t fall or bump into anything, no matter how busy the area.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Long run time
• High-efficiency filter
• Stair detection
• High-capacity dust bin

Cons:

• Isn’t compatible with self-emptying station
• No carpet detection

Cost at time of review:

$249.99 on the official manufacturer’s website.

What’s in the box:

• Robot
• Charging dock
• Side Brushes
• Power Adapter
• High-Efficiency Filter
• IM package
• Cleaning Tool

Specifications:

• Navigation Type - Random
• Cleaning Mode - Auto, Spot, Rand
• Vacuum Components - Mainbrush
• Carpet Detection - No
• Vacuum Power Adjustment - Y(Manual)
• Dust Bin Capacity (ml) - 520ml
• Floating Main Brush – Fixed
• Time Scheduling - Yes

Rating on Ecovacs’ official website: 4.3/5 

Deebot Ozmo T8 Aivi

Deebot Ozmo T8 Aivi utilizes new mapping technology with TrueDetect 3D Advanced Object Detection, which is perfect for high-traffic areas of your home. The map accuracy is significantly improved compared to the predecessor model, with twice the range and four times the precision.

This robot is a two-in-one solution, mopping and vacuuming the floor simultaneously. It easily handles carpets, hard floors, and pet hair, adapting bristle length to conditions using Adaptive Floor Sensing technology. Compatible with the Deebot automatic emptying station, Ozmo T8 Aivi can free you of hassle. Note that the station is sold separately. Finally, this vacuum offers a 180-minute run time, voice control, and smart mobile app mapping.

Pros:

• Long run time
• High-capacity dust bin (420mL)
• Map generated by a mobile app
• Voice and app control
• Adapts to floor type
• Mops and vacuums
• Compatible with automatically emptying station

Cons:

• May have difficulty with narrow spaces

Cost at time of review:

$799.99 on the official manufacturer’s website

What’s in the box:

• Robot
• Charging dock
• Side Brushes
• Reservoir
• Cleaning Cloth
• Disposal Cleaning Cloth
• Cloth Plate
• High-Efficiency Filter
• IM package
• Cleaning Tool

Specifications:

• Navigation Type - TrueMapping™
• Cleaning Mode - Auto, Area, Custom
• Vacuum Components - Main Brush
• Carpet Detection - Yes
• Vacuum Power Adjustment - Y(Auto&Manual)
• Dust Bin Capacity (ml) - 420
• Floating Main Brush – Yes
• Map Generated by App - Yes
• FW OTA - Yes
• Voice Report - Yes
• Time Scheduling - Yes
• Continuous Cleaning - Yes

Rating on Ecovacs’ official website: 4.6/5 

Deebot Ozmo U2 Pro

Deebot U2 Pro has been created with pet owners in mind. It’s equipped with an innovative silicone, bristle-free brush that doesn’t tangle even long pet hair, capturing it effectively. Furthermore, it features an improved three-layer filter to pick up all allergens, from pet-related to dust and pollen. Most importantly, the 800mL dust bin handles even more dirt than the U2 Pro predecessor, the U2.

Smart home mapping allows you to fully control the vacuuming, sending signals remotely via a mobile app or voice assistant. Plus, Deebot has a voice of its own, and will provide cleaning status reports. Advanced sensors pick up not only obstacles but also drop-offs, ensuring stair safety. Ozmo U2 pro runs 150 minutes before returning to the charging station. Then, it resumes from the same spot it started.

Pros:

• Affordable
• High-capacity dust bin
• Long run time
• Voice control support
• Informs on the cleaning status out loud

Cons:

• Doesn’t spot carpets automatically
• Map isn’t generated by the app

Cost at time of review:

$349.99 on the official manufacturer’s website.

What’s in the box:

• Robot
• Charging dock
• Side Brushes
• Cleaning Cloth
• Disposal Cleaning Cloth
• Cloth Plate
• High Efficiency Filter
• IM package
• Cleaning Tool

Specifications:

• Navigation Type – Random+Hard Floor Mode
• Cleaning Modes – Auto, Spot, Edge
• Vacuum Components – Main brush
• Carpet Detection – No
• Vacuum Power Adjustment – Y(Manual)
• Dust Bin Capacity (ml) – 400 (pre-installed) / 800 (XL Dust Bin from Pet Care Kit)
• Floating Main Brush – Fixed
• Map Generated by App – No
• FW OTA – Yes
• Voice Report – Yes
• Time Scheduling – Yes

Rating on Ecovacs’ official website: 5/5 

Now that we’ve had a look at individual robot vacuum models from each company, let’s compare them in features to determine which brand performs best.

Overall Roomba rating: 72.5%

Overall Deebot rating: 84.5%

In this section, we’ll answer additional questions related to choosing a robot vacuum.

Hopefully, our guide has helped you determine which robot vacuum better suits your needs and budget. Every home is different, and it’s only natural that you may find one of Roomba’s a better fit despite our verdict.

If you haven’t found what you were looking for, we advise you to check out the manufacturers’ websites for more options.