Roomba i3+ Review - Roomba i3 vs. i3+ vs. i7+

[@ModernCastle]

Buy Roomba i3+ - amzn.to/2SbfAu8 Buy Roomba i3 - amzn.to/34K20nm

[@kalvinreese8387]

The i7 has issues in dark areas or places that have shadows. This is because it has a camera. The i3 does not have this issue because it uses IR infrared. Just a heads up for anyone this might apply to.

[@zalrawi80]

I’m going to buy after watching this video. Amazing, detailed, straight to the point video. Thank you!!

[@ModernCastle]

You're very welcome! Thank you for the compliments :)

[@sethshaffer8592]

Just got the i1+ from walmart for 200 bucks and tbh I am seriously impressed. I have been in tech for 17 years and was really doubtful. It was able to get into places i did not think it would even attempt to reach. Really amazing.

[@ModernCastle]

Thanks for sharing your experience! Glad to hear it's working well.

[@CardozoJhoanna]

I always skip through videos and the fact that you put the options at the beginning was so nice! Ended up watching the whole video!

[@ModernCastle]

I'm glad to hear it! :) Me too...I always love videos that include timestamps so we make a point to always include them too :)

[@Username.shalomtoyou]

I have i3 and it’s awesome. On iroomba app I created a few maps.. it works great. For cleaning iroomba filters I’m using ordinary vacuum, because ordinary vacuum is still big help to clean where floor iroomba can’t be used ( ceiling, furniture,.. ) Great review, thank you.

[@ModernCastle]

Thank you for sharing your experience! Glad to hear it's working well.

[@kiyoty9486]

We just got one with the bin and love it! Great review.

[@ModernCastle]

Nice! Glad to hear it's working well. Thanks for sharing.

[@midnightcat6116]

This is my first robot vacuum so don’t have anything to compare it to. I bought the i3+ and am super happy 😊 with this purchase! Don’t need the extra bells and whistles as I don’t have much clutter on the floor. One last chore to do :)))

[@ModernCastle]

Nice! I'm glad to hear it's working well.

[@joelf5565]

So Is the I7 better with clutter of toys on floor from a 3 year old?

[@midnightcat6116]

@@joelf5565 recently switched to the s9+ very happy with this purchase

[@SuzannePoston-qz3yh]

Had to change the side brushes and brush motor. Now when I mash the clean button it makes the sound like it's going to leave the base and start to clean but never does. The light just flashes with the white ring. Do you know what is wrong.?

[@ModernCastle]

Lots of potential issues. You need to connect to the app and see what it says. The app will tell you specifically why it's not leaving and what you need to do to fix it.

[@RichieColemanSr]

Is the i3+ better than the S6 or other models in it's on sale price range, and if so which would you recommend?

[@ModernCastle]

i3+ is better at cleaning carpet, but the S6 is a better navigator, has digital mapping, and can mop. So it really is a choice between which of those features are more important to you. Both i3+ and S6 are fantastic robots.

[@CMBLMB22]

What robot vacuum would you recommend for hardwood floors and picking up dog hair?

[@ModernCastle]

@@CMBLMB22 Any Roomba with a dual rubber brushroll will be great at hardwoods with pet hair. So that includes i3+, i7+, S9+, e5, and 900 series.

[@CMBLMB22]

@@ModernCastle I appreciate you getting back to me. Thanks for your input

[@ModernCastle]

@@CMBLMB22 You're very welcome

[@karanveernahar8332]

Should I get the i3+ or i7+ I mostly have hardwood in my home and some carpet my home is 2500 sqft my daughter always makes messes some are required for moping and some are required for vacuum I already have m6 mop braava I just need a good vacuum that will get the job done I live in Canada so the prices are higher here the i7+is $799 and i3+ is $649.99 which vacuum should I get for my home

[@ModernCastle]

I would opt for the i7+. 2,500 is a pretty big space and the i7+ with its improved navigation is better suited to handle that space well.

[@sophiagonzalez6660]

I am debating between the i3 and e5. I am not too worried about the difference in price, but I have seen the e5 on many lists of best Roombas whereas I didn't see the i3 on any. However, the multidirectional pattern and restart ability of the i3 interest me. Sidenote I do have pets. Can you offer your advice? Thank you!

[@ModernCastle]

The reason you don't see the i3 / i3+ on many lists is because it just launched a few weeks ago. e5 has been out for something like 18 months. If price isn't a factor then get the i3+. The i3+ does everything the e5 does and more.

[@hectoracostacampillo]

What could be the problem with my roomba i3 is turn on but do not start it’s work, the iRobot HOME App send the signal that the roomba is working but the roomba doesn’t work. Could you help me please with this problem. Iwould appreciate

[@ModernCastle]

Unfortunately, I'm not sure. I'd suggest you reach out to iRobot support here - homesupport.irobot.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/200/~/contact-irobot-customer-care

[@MariaMightReadThat]

Thanks for the informative video! I'm a little worried that the i3/i3+ doesn't come with the virtual wall barrier, since we have steps in the house where it could fall off. Is that something I can control with the app mapping or will I need to purchase the wall barrier as an add-on?

[@ModernCastle]

You don't need to worry about stairs. All Roomba have a drop sensor, so they will not drive off stairs and other ledges. You won't be able to create keep out zones with the i3+ / i3. You'll need to upgrade to the i7 / i7+ for that. Or you can buy standalone virtual wall barriers here - amzn.to/3q42iiT

[@MariaMightReadThat]

@@ModernCastle That’s good to know, a drop sensor is probably all we need. Thanks for the help!

[@ModernCastle]

@@MariaMightReadThat You're welcome!

[@kweenjade01]

Thats what the anti drop sensors are for. As long as your sensors are clean it will never fall off the stairs. 🤣

[@bcbilalcelik]

Thank you

[@ModernCastle]

You're welcome

[@bakisolak]

great review!

[@ModernCastle]

thank you!

[@viviany9070]

Would you opt for the Roomba i3+ or Roborock s4 Max

[@ModernCastle]

I would go for the i3+, personally, as I value the self empty dust bin more than I value the advantages of the S4 Max.

[@yanso3802]

Is i3+ good at cleaning corners? I don't see much debris at the corners of your testing tray. Was it taken by iRobot or there wasn't much to begin with? Thank you.

[@ModernCastle]

You can see the before and after photos here - moderncastle.com/roomba-i3-plus-review/ There wasn't a ton in the absolute corners to begin with. I'd say the i3+ is better than average when it comes to corner cleaning. Most of the time the brush does a pretty good job at scooping debris out of the corners. However, the S9+ is with its flat faced front is notably better.

[@xrjx1511]

Hi, a choice between an open box 981 and i3, about the same price. Which would you choose?

[@ModernCastle]

I'd opt for the i3

[@Jagster7k]

Which is better, the roomba i3 plus or shark iq with bin? Thank you!

[@ModernCastle]

Roomba i3+

[@michaelr1624]

Once the i7 maps a lite bathroom can it then navigate the now dark bathroom by using the map it created, or do the lights have to be on?

[@ModernCastle]

i7 and all other Roomba we've tested seem to navigate perfectly fine in near dark conditions. We frequently run Roomba without any lights on, so only minimal ambient light is present. Even in those conditions it does fine.

[@saradebbagh4094]

Which one to choose between Sharp IQ self empty or Roomba I4+ please??

[@ModernCastle]

Roomba i4+, no question at all. We were really disappointed with the Shark IQ.

[@saradebbagh4094]

@@ModernCastle thank you for answering me

[@ModernCastle]

@@saradebbagh4094 You're welcome!

[@Shan-dh4nm]

Are you able to get the self cleaning bin later, for the roomba i3

[@ModernCastle]

Yes

[@rodneyjenkins5538]

Hello do you have a video about filter on i3+?

[@ModernCastle]

No. What do you want to know about it?

[@AlexandruCioanca]

Can the i7+ use a i3+ emptying base and vice versa?

[@ModernCastle]

Yes

[@Weeklongwind647]

I just have one question since you can’t do keep out zones on the i3 can you still do a straight line barrier in the app?

[@ModernCastle]

No. You cannot.

[@kaylamckay7101]

I'm interested in knowing how does the i3+ do when coming into contact with objects such as pet dishes? Does it bump into them then go elsewhere to clean?

[@ModernCastle]

Yes, it does. It does not have obstacle detection. So it's going to run into those areas unless you block them off with the virtual walls. Take a look at the new j7+ moderncastle.com/roomba-j7-plus-review/ It has obstacle detection and you can setup blocked off zones within the digital map. Much easier to deal with those types of issues.

[@bigrod997]

@@ModernCastle no obstacle detection!? Was ready to pull the trigger until I read this. Deal breaker.

[@TheCyberGypsy]

Just got it on prime day for 200.00 great deal

[@ModernCastle]

Nice!

[@petermccann2561]

Will it roll over a 5/8-3/4" high transition strip? How thick of a rug can it climb onto?

[@ModernCastle]

It should...but that's close to the maximum height it's able to climb. Same for rugs. 0.5" is fine, anything around 0.75" is close to the max and depending on the rug it might or might not make it.

[@bobsinsky2561]

Do I need to have WiFi blowing through my house to use the i3 or i3+? I live in a more rural area where we don’t have cable/wired access?

[@ModernCastle]

You don't have to, as you can just use the physical buttons. But if you want to use the more advanced features then yes, you'll need full home wifi coverage.

[@bobsinsky2561]

@@ModernCastle thanks for following up

[@ModernCastle]

@@bobsinsky2561 You're welcome

[@trentreed2732]

If I get the i3 can you buy the self emptying bin later on if you want it?

[@ModernCastle]

Yes, you can.

[@Boodieman72]

I have the Shark IQ with self-empty base, not sure if you have done a review on it.

[@ModernCastle]

We have. You can find it here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/kISyoaV-Z52ZfqM&t

[@joelf5565]

Is the I7 better for rooms with clutter of toys?

[@ModernCastle]

Better than the i3 / i3+? No, not really. For that, you'd want to go with the Roomba j7+, which has obstacle detection and avoidance. See here - shop-links.co/cf0yxyZWMgc And our review here - moderncastle.com/roomba-j7-plus-review/

[@joelf5565]

Thank you for your quick reply. I actually came across that one for avoiding cat throw up too. I guess same concept as avoiding toys…makes sense. Problem is price. $850 is a little crazy in my opinion. Right now I have object avoidance with my $80 Eureka and perfectly functioning hand. Such a bummer though. I like the concept but feel a feature like avoiding objects should be a standard feature. What do the several lower models do when encountering an object? Do they just push it or run over it?

[@ModernCastle]

@@joelf5565 Basically, yeah...they don't avoid obstacles. They will keep trying to clean over / through it and will do so or will get stuck on it and stop until you help them.

[@shyroneparker3107]

Which one would you prefer i3 or roomba 981?

[@ModernCastle]

i3 It has significantly improved cleaning performance on high pile carpets, an area where the 980 / 981 struggles more.

[@shyroneparker3107]

@@ModernCastle thank you I forgot to mention I don't have much carpet in my home mostly laminate floors you still prefer i3?

[@ModernCastle]

@@shyroneparker3107 In that case I'd suggest the S6 or S6 Pure (they are basically the same, so just get whatever one is cheaper) - amzn.to/3fanjUA Since you won't see the benefits on carpet it's better to have the mopping feature + improved navigation.

[@Bluez490]

Would you recommend this over the E5?

[@ModernCastle]

If budget isn't a concern, then yes. The self-empty dust bin is a nice extra and the i3+ seems to have moderately improved navigation vs. the e5.

[@raquelwatanasrimongkol3890]

Yes, because of the mapping. i3 Maps your rooms while the E5 is random.

[@Shadowlee5]

I have 3 E5 bc I have 3 floors. When I upgrade I plan to skip the i3 and go w an i7 or s9. My E5 works fine but it’s annoying that I cant ask it to clean a specific room as some rooms are used more often and get dirty quicker.

[@DeAtHvAnGeL]

i3 plus or the Shark IQ and why? Thanks!

[@amandalr33]

Roomba. Shark IQ has no sensor to tell it that its full...so it will clog and error out. Roomba has a sensor so it self empties when full and then back to what it was doing. Shark IQ doesn't, it can't sense when it's full, so it continues going when full and not picking up as much. Shark also misses a lot due to this senor issue.

[@DeAtHvAnGeL]

@@amandalr33 Thanks, I am trying to see which to get as both are on sale.

[@ModernCastle]

i3+ for sure. It was better in our tests compared to Shark IQ in almost every respect.

[@DeAtHvAnGeL]

@@ModernCastle great thanks, just ordered the i3 plus as it was only $50 more than the IQ from shark

[@ModernCastle]

@@DeAtHvAnGeL You're welcome

[@johngilliam8864]

Does the room mapping incorporate stair drop offs?

[@ModernCastle]

Yes. It will just view that as a standard barrier and won't cross it due to the drop sensor being activated.

[@MrSdragon197]

Returning mine. Not good at cleaning on hard wood floor. The high spinning gathering brush push dirt away from the robot. It's excellent at carpet but not hardwood.

[@ModernCastle]

If you found the i3+ to be a poor performer on hardwood floors you may want to look for a mopping robot instead. The high spinning brushroll is a common feature on most robot vacuums. Take a look at the Braava 240, 380t, and m6. As well as Roborock's S-series. You can find these reviews and more here - moderncastle.com/robot-vacuums/

[@MrSdragon197]

@@ModernCastle Thanks. I'm buying the Roborock s6 max after some research. Your video was helpful.

[@ModernCastle]

@@MrSdragon197 Glad to hear that! Hope you like the S6 MaxV better.

[@leighbarrett6797]

Hi Are you going to be testing the new iRobot combo with the mop?

[@ModernCastle]

Sorry - looks like we missed that model. What model from iRobot has a vacuum with a mop? I don't see anything new on their website. Or do you just mean the Imprint Link which allows you to start an Braava mop after a Roomba finishes vacuuming?

[@leighbarrett6797]

@@ModernCastle it’s called the iRobot combo and has a mop feature like the roborock s5max. I received an email from iRobot today about it

[@ModernCastle]

@Leigh Barrett Are you able to send me a link to the product? I'm sorry, but I cannot find it anywhere. EDIT - Just found it. I'm investigating now!

[@ModernCastle]

I just reached out to my contact at iRobot to try and get some more info. It sort of looks like a partnership between Ecovacs and Roomba...as the mopping pad is very similar to the Ecovacs one. However, that's just a guess...could just a coincidence. In any case, we'll try to get one ASAP for testing.

[@leighbarrett6797]

@@ModernCastle thank you. Would be interested to hear your views as I’m after a robot with the mop feature. I’d planned on getting the roborock but it’s difficult to get in the uk so thought this might be an alternative.

[@ezakoske]

I just bought an i3, but don't see the floor mapping in the app like you showed in the video.

[@ModernCastle]

You'll only see the mapping when it is actively cleaning. There is no map saving with the i3.

[@ezakoske]

@@ModernCastle Thanks for the reply, but even when actively cleaning, all I see is what looks like a graphic of the i3 moving, but never a map.

[@ModernCastle]

@@ezakoske Hrm...that is indeed odd. You should see a map. Perhaps see if there is a firmware update. If not, I'd contact iRobot.

[@ezakoske]

@@ModernCastle Never mind - I just wasn't looking at the history to see the map...Thanks again!

[@ModernCastle]

@@ezakoske Oh good! Glad it worked out.

[@MimosasMasterpieces]

Would you recommend the roomba i3+

[@ModernCastle]

I would for many homes, yes. It's not quite as good of a navigator as the i7+ and S9+, but it's basically the same in terms of cleaning performance for notably less money. Good value and good performer overall.

[@ashwinkumar675]

I smashed the like button. Oh man and now I'm typing a comment. What is this reverse psychology?!

[@ModernCastle]

Lmao...

[@kingplayar9256]

How does this one differ from the i3 3158?

[@ModernCastle]

i3 3158 is a special SKU for Kohl's. i3+ includes the self empty bin, i3 3158 does not. That's the biggest difference.

[@marshagardner7170]

Need a lower price point , looking for Mostly pet hair on hard floors. I3 vs 675 Roomba???

[@ModernCastle]

i3 for sure. It's a massive improvement over the 675

[@marshagardner7170]

@@ModernCastle Thank you. 3 pets with short hair....is that your recommendation? some reviews not so good on i3. Also looking at 677 or Deebot brand.

[@ModernCastle]

@@marshagardner7170 I was really impressed with it. But compared to the Roomba 600 series it's not even close. It's massively better than the 675 or any 600 series. I'm not as familiar with Deebot. Perhaps their most high-end models would comparable, but their budget bots I've tested weren't amazing.

[@pacificdrum0301]

I'm currently messing with a couple Roomba models (i3 and 960) and have tested the 675.. which is also the "677". Just spend the extra money on the i3/+ to be honest.. The 675 brushes get clogged with most kinds of pet hair and the random navigation can miss areas if you want this for your entire home. The 960 is a much smarter bot (Granted it gets stuck on area rugs more), but the suction is a lot lower and misses cat hair on my tile floors. I will be testing a roborock s6 pure in a week, but the reviewer here is pretty spot on so far in terms of performance. i3 is $299 and $399 (i3+ with self empty bin) @ best buy US currently. id spent the extra $120 for sanity and ease of use.

[@MrBlueCreeper]

There is a new ROBOROCK model named ROBOROCK s4 max. You can search up on amazon!

[@ModernCastle]

Yep! It just launched today. You can see our test and review here - moderncastle.com/roborock-s4-max-review/ S4 Max review video will go live next week.

[@MrBlueCreeper]

Modern Castle wait... I can’t like!? 😔😩

[@kiwibeast2162]

@@MrBlueCreeper Don't listen to him he is joking! LMAO

[@ModernCastle]

@@MrBlueCreeper I guess we could make an exception for Mr. Blue Creeper :P

[@MrBlueCreeper]

Modern Castle I was just joking. I know Derek was being dramatic! 🤣

[@vinaynagaraj1]

I see a $100 difference between the I3 & i3+ due to Self-emptying dust bin. Is the Self-emptying base really required & recommended? Please advice.

[@ModernCastle]

Required? No. It's all about convenience. If you have the self empty bin you'll need to replace the bag in the clean base once every few months. If you don't you'll need to empty the dust bin on the Roomba 1-3 times a week (depending on how often you run it).

[@vinaynagaraj1]

@@ModernCastle thank you for the response .. your video and response was really helpful for me to decide ..

[@ModernCastle]

@@vinaynagaraj1 You're very welcome

[@midnightcat6116]

The i3+ is not compatible with wifi 5G :((( It’s so annoying because if i want to schedule it to automatically clean every morning, i have to switch to regular wifi, the night before. After it cleans, i have to switch it back to wifi 5G. Not a big deal, but annoying af.

[@ModernCastle]

That is correct. And it's also the case with basically 100% of smart home devices. I have yet to test any smart home device that didn't operate on a 2.4 ghz network. Perhaps just create a standalone SSID on the 2.4 signal band just for the Roomba? Or create a dual band SSID with your router.

[@patsyharman9893]

Would you choose the roomba i3 3550 over the 980

[@ModernCastle]

I'd go with the i3+. The 980 is on its way to discontinuation. i3+ is going to be supported further into the future, has a better cleaning system, better brushrolls, better suction, and better cleaning power.

[@rogerthat.9105]

If I am going to pair this model with my Alexa. Do I still have to install the i3 app. ?

[@ModernCastle]

Hrm...good question. I would think you would be able to use the i3 without the iRobot app installed. The Alexa Skill should cover everything the robot needs to fully function with Alexa alone.

[@rogerthat.9105]

@@ModernCastle that is what I am thinking. Thanks for your reply.

[@ModernCastle]

@@rogerthat.9105 You're welcome

[@Garconbleu]

Is it a testament to the quality of your videos or how extremely attractive you are that I could watch you describe paint drying as long as you were on a couch wearing shorts and those silly modern castle socks. 😍❤️😍

[@maltoNitho]

Garconbleu ^This is the compliment to make

[@jackieyuu]

Hi modern castle i have a question so what is the point of making a map if it doesn’t do anything?

[@ModernCastle]

Well, I wouldn't say it doesn't do anything...it uses the map to help orient itself during that cleaning session. But then disregards the map after the session is over. In my view, this seem to be a way for Roomba to differentiate their vacuums at different price points. Sort of like they don't want to give you all the bells and whistles that you get with the most high end i7+ and S9+ (which do have full digital map integration and customization). But those are just my guesses.

[@jackieyuu]

Modern Castle oh ok thank you and thank you for including the comparison I requested from last time!

[@ModernCastle]

@@jackieyuu You're welcome!

[@pacocastano199]

Felicidades.

[@ModernCastle]

Thanks!

[@ThePinegar]

Will the i3+ fall down a flight of stairs, or will it know to stop and turn around? Sorry if everyone already knows this.

[@ModernCastle]

It will not. Virtually all robot vacuums include a drop sensor that prevents them from driving off stairs / ledges.

[@kweenjade01]

4:20: hahahha... It's too late anyways 😄

[@ModernCastle]

lol

[@wilfredosalguero5124]

I don't have the roomba i3+

[@ModernCastle]

I don't have the Porsche 911

[@alllivessplatter1311]

No comment. :)

[@kiwibeast2162]

WOW I'm the 4th to View this! :D

[@ModernCastle]

:P