Home Robot Vacuum Cleaners Irobot Roomba 981 Vs. Irobot Roomba I3

Irobot Roomba 981 Vs. Irobot Roomba I3 Features Review

13 minute read   Last updated on Aug 18, 2024
iRobot Roomba 981

iRobot Roomba 981

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Key features of the iRobot Roomba 981

Overall Score 5.9

  • Battery Power of 3000 mAh
VS
iRobot Roomba i3

iRobot Roomba i3

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Key features of the iRobot Roomba i3

Overall Score 5.9

  • Battery Power of 1800 mAh
  • Is Self-Emptying

A summary by feature comparison

Category Features iRobot Roomba 981 iRobot Roomba i3
COMMONLY ASKED FOR FEATURES has mapping and navigation
has an obstacle sensor
works with alexa
compatible with google assistant
number of cleaning modes 4only
warranty period 1year 1year
DESIGN FEATURES dustbin capacity 0.5L 0.4L
indicates when full
weight 4kg 4.3kg
width 351mm 337mm
height 92mm 92mm
CLEANING PERFORMANCE AND POWER FEATURES battery power 3,000mAh 1,800mAh
operating time 2h 1.25h
charge time 3h 5h
has auto-off
OTHER FEATURES is self-emptying
support a mobile application
doesn't get stuck
has route mapping
has voice prompts
supports auto docking
has anti-fall sensor
can be scheduled
supports wi-fi
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A vacuum's ability to create a digital map of its cleaning space is one of the commonly asked-for features. This map allows the robot to keep a record of the layout of the desired space. This can be used for several purposes, e.g.

the iRobot Roomba 981 having the mapping feature can provide efficient cleaning in the mapped-out areas keeping out of those that are not. iRobot Roomba i3 also has the mapping and navigation feature, navigation defines how the robot vacuum moves around the cleaning area. Mapping and navigation often go hand in hand to help the vacuum navigate to the mapped-out areas to be cleaned ignoring those that aren't.

iRobot Roomba 981 has an obstacle sensor, this serves the purpose of detecting and identifying obstacles in the robot's path, allowing it to navigate around them thus avoiding collisions. Also, the iRobot Roomba i3 has this sensor, obstacle sensors work together to provide the robot vacuum with a better understanding of its environment, making it possible to navigate around furniture, walls, and other objects when cleaning a room thus preventing damage to both the robot and its obstacles. Many modern robot vacuum cleaners such as the iRobot Roomba 981 are designed to work with Amazon Alexa, which implies that they can be integrated with the Amazon Echo ecosystem and controlled using voice commands.

The iRobot Roomba i3 can also work with Amazon Alexa, keep in mind that you will require an Alexa-enabled device such as an Echo speaker for voice control to work with iRobot Roomba i3. The iRobot Roomba 981 is compatible with Google Assistant, enabling you to control it using voice commands via Google Home devices or the Google Assistant app installed on smartphones and tablets. The iRobot Roomba i3 too is compatible with Google Assistant, it's always essential to verify the level of compatibility with Google Assistant before purchasing a robot vacuum.

iRobot Roomba 981 has 4 cleaning modes, the cleaning modes supported by robot vacuum cleaners varies widely depending on the make and model of the robot vacuum. iRobot Roomba 981 has a period of 1 year, this typically range from 1 - 2 years, but some higher-end models may give longer warranty periods. iRobot Roomba i3, at 1 year has the same warranty period as that of iRobot Roomba 981.

When thinking of buying a robot vacuum cleaner, it's essential to read and understand the warranty terms and conditions, as well as any limitations or exclusions that may apply. The iRobot Roomba 981's dustbin capacity is at 0.5L, dustbin capacity indicates how much dust, debris, and pet hair the robot vacuum can hold before it requires to be emptied. The iRobot Roomba i3, at 0.4L carries less dirt than the iRobot Roomba 981 with a difference of only 0.1L The dustbin capacity varies widely among different robot vacuum models, and the capcity you choose should be based on your cleaning needs and the size of the area you want to clean.

Most robot vacuum cleaners are equipped with sensors and indicators to notify users when the dirt collection container is full and needs to be emptied. iRobot Roomba 981 supports this feature, which prevents the robot vacuum from getting clogged which means performance will be maintained as soon as the bin is emptied. iRobot Roomba i3 also can indicate when its dustbin is full, for a robot vacuum to alert that it's full can improve the convenience of owning one since it reduces the need for constant monitoring.

The iRobot Roomba 981 weighs 4kg, robot vacuums are generally designed to be lightweight and compact for easy maneuverability and portability. iRobot Roomba i3, at 4.3kg weighs more than the iRobot Roomba 981 by 0.3kg. It's advisable to consider the weight of the vacuum when choosing a model, and that's if you plan to carry it up and down stairs iRobot Roomba 981 has a width of 351mm, often referred to as its cleaning path width, is the width of the area that the robot vacuum can properly clean in one go.

The width of a robot vacuum is important as it can affect its efficiency and the duration it takes to clean a space iRobot Roomba i3, at 337mm measures less in width than the iRobot Roomba 981 by 14mm. A wider cleaning path can cover more ground in a single pass, shortening the time it takes to clean a room. iRobot Roomba 981's height measures 92mm, here you are considering the measure from the bottom of the robot vacuum to its highest point.

Height is an important consideration, especially if you have furniture with limited clearance in your home. iRobot Roomba i3, at 92mm has the same height as that of iRobot Roomba 981. When choosing a robot vacuum, ensure that the robot vacuum can fit under the furniture and navigate effectively in your living space without getting stuck or causing damage.

The battery power of a robot vacuum cleaner is important as it determines how long the vacuum can operate on a single charge. It is typically measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), iRobot Roomba 981's battery power is 3,000mAh The iRobot Roomba i3, at mAh1,800 has less battery power than the iRobot Roomba 981 by only A bigger capacity usually means longer battery life which can be beneficial if you have a large space or if you prefer the robot vacuum to complete cleaning cycles with fewer interruptions to recharge. The operating time of the iRobot Roomba 981 refers to the amount of time the vacuum can clean continuously on a single charge before it needs to return to its charging dock for recharging.

iRobot Roomba 981's operating time is 2h The iRobot Roomba i3, at 1.25h spends less time than the iRobot Roomba 981 with a difference of only 0.75h Always plan cleaning cycles around the vacuum's operating time to maximize efficiency and prevent "incomplete work" between charge intervals. iRobot Roomba 981 has a charge time of 3h, the charge time of a robot vacuum cleaner refers to the amount of time it takes for the vacuum's battery to recharge fully after it has been depleted during a cleaning cycle. iRobot Roomba i3, at 5h charges for longer than the iRobot Roomba 981 by 2h.

Charge time is an important factor to consider when choosing a robot vacuum, since it determines how long you'll need to wait before the vacuum is ready for its next cleaning cycle. Auto-off is a feature designed to automatically turn off the vacuum after it has completed a cleaning cycle or when certain conditions occur. iRobot Roomba 981 has an auto-off feature, which is useful for energy efficiency and battery preservation.

Also, iRobot Roomba i3 has this feature, overall, the auto-off feature in a robot vacuum is a valuable addition that in a way promotes energy efficiency, prolongs the vacuum's lifespan, enhances safety, and adds convenience to the cleaning process. iRobot Roomba 981 supports a smartphone app, that allows you to control and monitor the vacuum remotely through your smartphone or tablet. Both the iRobot Roomba i3 and iRobot Roomba 981 have mobile application support, this enhances the user experience by providing convenience, and ease update of features and functionalities.

This feature in robot vacuum cleaners is designed to reduce the chance of the robot vacuum getting trapped during cleaning. Robot vacuums such as the iRobot Roomba 981 are equipped with various sensors and technologies to navigate around obstacles and avoid getting trapped, but the effectiveness of this feature varies among different models. Both the iRobot Roomba i3 and iRobot Roomba 981 have the "anti-stuck" feature, however clearing clutter, ensuring proper cable management, and creating clear paths for the vacuums can help further reduce the chances of becoming stuck while cleaning.

iRobot Roomba 981 has a route mapping feature which enables it to generate a map of your space and plan efficient cleaning routes. This mapping capability improves the vacuum's ability to clean effectively and systematically. Route mapping is an important feature as it enables robot vacuums such as the iRobot Roomba i3 to adapt to the layout of your home to clean more efficiently and reduce the chance of missing certain spots.

Voice prompts refer to audible messages that the vacuum states to give you information on the different states of the vacuum. iRobot Roomba 981 has this feature The iRobot Roomba i3 also supports voice prompts, this feature can be useful for you who like audible notifications or users who have visual impairments. Auto-docking is a feature in robot vacuum cleaners that indicates the vacuum's ability to return to its docking station when certain conditions are met such as getting work done, battery running low, or any malfunction.

Both iRobot Roomba i3 and iRobot Roomba 981 support this feature, considered a convenient feature because it makes sure that the robot vacuum keeps its charge and readiness for cleaning without requiring manual intervention. Modern robot vacuum cleaners such as iRobot Roomba 981 come having an "cliff detection" feature. This feature is intended to prevent the robot vacuum from falling off stairs, ledges, or other elevated surfaces, ensuring its safety while cleaning.

This safety feature that is also available on the iRobot Roomba i3 is key in mitigating accidents and keeping the robot vacuum from damage. It gives you peace of mind by ensuring that the vacuum will not fall down a flight of stairs during its cleaning cycle. iRobot Roomba 981 has this convenient feature, which enables you to set specific days or times of day for the robot vacuum to start working.

This feature in robot vacuums is specifically useful in maintaining a consistently clean space without the need for manual intervention. iRobot Roomba i3 too allows scheduling. iRobot Roomba 981 supports Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi-enabled robot vacuums offer several advantages and features, such as remote control, mobile app integration, voice assistant compatibility, and remote monitoring.

Also, iRobot Roomba i3 supports Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi connectivity improves the convenience and flexibility of robot vacuum usage, allowing for more efficient and customized cleaning routines.

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