The robot vacuum market has exploded with options, but Roomba i7 and i7+ models continue to stand out as notable contenders. Are these smart vacuums still worth your money in 2025? Let’s dive into what makes these models special, how they compare to newer options, and whether they deserve a spot in your smart home setup.
What Are Roomba i7 and Roomba i7+? Key Differences Explained
The Roomba i7 and i7+ are essentially the same robot vacuum with one major difference: the “+”.
What’s that plus sign worth? A lot, actually. The Roomba i7 plus comes with iRobot’s Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal system — a fancy name for a dock that automatically empties the robot’s dustbin. Think of it as the difference between taking out your kitchen trash daily versus weekly. Nice, right?
Both models feature the same navigation system, suction power, and smart mapping capabilities. They clean identically, but the i7+ offers that hands-free emptying that can store up to 30 bins of dirt before you need to replace the disposal bag.
Key differences at a glance:
- i7+ includes the Clean Base automatic emptying station
- i7 requires manual emptying after cleaning sessions
- Price gap of approximately $200-300 between models
- Same cleaning performance and smart features
Roomba i7 vs j7, i3, and i5: Which Model Wins?
When comparing Roomba i7 vs j7, several factors come into play. Let’s break it down:
i7 vs j7: The j7 is newer and offers obstacle avoidance for pet waste and cords — a genuine game-changer for pet owners. While the i7 has excellent mapping, it lacks this “poop detection” capability. The j7 also sports a more modern design with a front-facing camera.
i7 vs i3: The i3 is iRobot’s budget-friendly option with some mapping abilities, but it lacks the precision of the i7’s visual navigation system. The i7 can clean specific rooms on command and store multiple floor plans, while the i3 creates more basic maps and can’t target individual rooms. If precision cleaning matters to you, the i7 wins handily.
i7 vs i5: The i5 sits between the i3 and i7 in iRobot’s lineup. It offers improved navigation over the i3 but doesn’t quite match the i7’s smart mapping features. The i7’s ability to remember multiple floor plans and clean specific rooms gives it the edge for larger homes or multi-level houses.
Despite being an older model, the i7 still holds its own against newer options. Its advanced mapping capabilities, powerful suction, and (in the case of the i7+) automatic emptying make it a compelling choice even in 2025.
| Feature | Roomba i7/i7+ | Roomba j7/j7+ | Roomba i3/i3+ | Roomba i5/i5+ |
| Navigation System | vSLAM with ceiling-tracking camera | PrecisionVision AI with front-facing camera | Floor tracking sensors (basic mapping) | Floor tracking sensors (improved) |
| Smart Mapping | Full room-specific mapping with multiple floor plans | Full room-specific mapping with multiple floor plans | Basic mapping without room selection | Improved mapping with limited room selection |
| Obstacle Avoidance | Basic obstacle detection | Advanced obstacle avoidance (cords, pet waste, etc.) | Basic obstacle detection | Basic obstacle detection |
| Battery Life | Up to 90 minutes | Up to 90 minutes | Up to 75 minutes | Up to 75 minutes |
| Keep-Out Zones | Yes | Yes | No | Limited |
| Voice Control | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Auto-Resume Cleaning | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pet Hair Performance | Excellent (dual rubber brushes) | Excellent (dual rubber brushes) | Good (dual rubber brushes) | Good (dual rubber brushes) |
| Best For | Multi-room homes needing precise navigation | Pet owners, homes with many obstacles | Budget-conscious buyers, simpler floor plans | Mid-range option for average homes |
iRobot Roomba i7 and i7+ Specs Breakdown
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty details of what these vacuums offer:
Navigation System: The iRobot Roomba i7 and i7+ use vSLAM (visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology with an upward-facing camera to create detailed maps of your home. Unlike some competitors that use lasers, the i7 tracks visual features near your ceilings and walls to navigate.
Cleaning Power: When comparing Roomba i3 vs i7, both models feature a three-stage cleaning system with dual multi-surface rubber brushes that adjust to different floor types. These brushes are particularly effective at picking up pet hair without tangling — a common issue with bristle brushes.
Battery Life: Up to 90 minutes of runtime on a single charge, with automatic recharging and resuming if the job isn’t finished.
Filter System: Roomba i7 parts include a filter that captures 99% of cat and dog allergens.
Dimensions: 13.34 inches in diameter, 3.63 inches in height.
| Specification | Roomba i7 | Roomba i7+ |
| Dimensions | 13.34″ diameter × 3.63″ height | 13.34″ diameter × 3.63″ height |
| Weight | 7.44 lbs (3.38 kg) | 7.44 lbs (3.38 kg) |
| Clean Base Dimensions | N/A | 12.2″ W × 15.1″ D × 19″ H |
| Clean Base Weight | N/A | 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | 1,800 mAh | 1,800 mAh |
| Runtime | Up to 90 minutes | Up to 90 minutes |
| Charging Time | Approximately 3 hours | Approximately 3 hours |
| Suction Power | 10× power lift (vs 600 series) | 10× power lift (vs 600 series) |
| Dust Bin Capacity | 0.4 liters | 0.4 liters |
| Clean Base Bag Capacity | N/A | 30 robot bins (approximately 60 days) |
| Navigation System | vSLAM with ceiling-tracking camera | vSLAM with ceiling-tracking camera |
| Mapping Capability | Stores up to 10 floor plans | Stores up to 10 floor plans |
| Floor Types | Hardwood, tile, laminate, carpet (up to medium pile) | Hardwood, tile, laminate, carpet (up to medium pile) |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz |
| App Control | iRobot Home App | iRobot Home App |
| Noise Level | Approximately 65 dB | Approximately 65 dB (robot), 85 dB (during emptying) |
| Automatic Recharge & Resume | Yes | Yes |
| Cliff Detection Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Disposal Bag Replacements | N/A | 3-pack included, replacements available |
Roomba i7 Battery: Maintenance and Replacement Tips
The Roomba i7 battery is a workhorse, but like all batteries, it needs proper care. Here’s how to maximize its lifespan:
- Store properly – If not using your Roomba for extended periods, store it in a cool, dry place with the battery at about 50% charge.
- Regular use is best – Ironically, using your Roomba regularly helps maintain battery health better than letting it sit unused for long periods.
- Keep it clean – Dust and debris can affect charging contacts. Wipe them down monthly with a clean, dry cloth.
- Replacement signs – If your once-90-minute runtime dwindles to 60 minutes or less, it might be time for a Roomba i7 battery replacement .
- Official vs. third-party – While official iRobot batteries cost more, they’re optimized for performance and safety. Third-party options exist but may affect performance.
When replacing the battery, power off your Roomba completely, flip it over, unscrew the battery compartment, swap batteries, and you’re good to go. A fresh battery typically costs between $60-90 depending on whether you choose an iRobot original or third-party alternative.
How to Reset and Reboot Your Roomba i7
Even smart robots have their moments. When your gadget acts up, here’s how to reset Roomba i7:
How to reboot Roomba i7 (soft reset for minor issues):
- Press and hold the CLEAN button for 20 seconds
- Release when the light ring around the button spins clockwise
- Wait for the robot to restart
Factory Reset (the nuclear option):
- Press and hold the HOME, SPOT, and CLEAN buttons simultaneously for 20 seconds
- Release when the light ring illuminates
- Note: This erases all your maps and settings!
App-Based Reset:
- Open the iRobot Home app
- Go to Settings > About > Factory Reset
- Confirm your choice
Common issues solved by resetting:
- Navigation problems
- Connectivity issues
- Erratic cleaning patterns
- App connection failures
- Charging problems
Remember, a factory reset should be your last resort, since you’ll lose all your carefully created maps and custom settings. Start with a soft reset and contact iRobot support before taking drastic measures.
Roomba i7+ in Action: Real User Review
After three months of daily use in my 2,000-square-foot home with two shedding dogs and a cat, I can confidently say the Roomba i7 plus has transformed my cleaning routine.
The mapping feature works brilliantly. My home has an open floor plan with hardwood and various area rugs, plus carpeted bedrooms. The i7+ navigates these transitions seamlessly. I’ve named each room in the app, and being able to say, “Alexa, tell Roomba to clean the kitchen” after dinner spills is nothing short of magical.
The Clean Base? A game-changer. I empty the disposal bag roughly once a month, which takes about 30 seconds. Yes, the emptying process sounds like a jet engine for about 10 seconds, but it’s a small price to pay for the convenience.
Battery life has been impressive. Even my large main floor gets cleaned on a single charge. For my entire home, it recharges once midway through but automatically resumes exactly where it left off.
It’s not perfect, though. Occasionally it struggles with the black pattern on one of my rugs, and I’ve had to rescue it from under the couch a few times. The app crashed twice in three months, requiring reinstallation.
Is it worth the price? For me, absolutely. I’ve reclaimed hours of my week that I used to spend vacuuming, and my floors have never been cleaner. The robot runs while I’m at work, and I come home to clean floors every day.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Automatic Dirt Disposal — Clean Base empties the robot’s bin for up to 60 days of hands-free cleaning | Price Point — More expensive than basic robot vacuums, even with recent price drops |
| Smart Mapping Technology — Creates and stores multiple floor plans for precise navigation | Clean Base Noise — Emptying process is quite loud (85+ dB) and may disturb household members |
| Room-Specific Cleaning — Can target individual rooms via app or voice commands | Ongoing Costs — Requires replacement disposal bags for the Clean Base |
| Keep-Out Zones — Can designate areas to avoid through the app | Limited Obstacle Avoidance — Cannot detect and avoid small objects like newer models (j7+) |
| Automatic Recharge & Resume — Returns to dock when low on battery, then continues where it left off | App Dependency — Advanced features require smartphone app usage |
| High-Efficiency Filter — Captures 99% of pet allergens | Clean Base Size — The disposal station requires more space than a standard charging dock |
Should You Buy Roomba i7 or i7+ in 2025?
With newer models like the j7+ and s9+ on the market, is the i Roomba i7 still worth purchasing in 2025? The answer depends on your priorities and budget. Our Roomba i7 review will help you.
Reasons to buy the i7/i7+:
- Price drops – Being older models, they’re now significantly cheaper than at launch
- Proven technology – The bugs have been worked out through firmware updates
- Excellent mapping – Still among the best for navigation and room-specific cleaning
- Reliable performance – Consistent cleaning results across floor types
- Automatic emptying (i7+) remains a standout convenience feature
Reasons to consider alternatives:
- Newer models avoid obstacles better – The j7+ specifically avoids cords and pet waste
- Stronger suction available – The s9+ offers more powerful cleaning for deep carpets
- No object recognition – The i7 can’t identify or avoid small objects on the floor
- Camera-based navigation struggles in very dark rooms
The verdict: If you find the i7+ at a good price (under $600), it remains an excellent value in 2025. The i7 Roomba (without the Clean Base) is harder to recommend unless significantly discounted, as the automatic emptying feature is truly worth the premium.
For most households, the i7+ hits the sweet spot of advanced features and reasonable cost. While newer models offer incremental improvements, they come at substantially higher prices. The i7+ delivers 90% of the premium robot vacuum experience at what’s now a mid-range price point. If you are looking for the cheapest option, try to compare Roomba i5 vs i7.
Smart mapping, room-specific cleaning, and automatic emptying — these core features make the i7+ a practical luxury that actually saves you time. And isn’t that what home robots should be all about?
