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 robot vacuum's ability to create a map of its cleaning area is one of the commonly asked-for features. This map allows the robot to "understand" the layout of the space. This can be used for different situations, e.g.

the iRobot Roomba 981 having the mapping feature can dedicate efficient cleaning in the mapped-out areas keeping out of those that are not. The iRobot Roomba i3 also has the mapping and navigation feature, navigation states how the robot vacuum moves around the space. 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, such a sensor serves the purpose of detecting and identifying objects in the robot's way, this allwos 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 comprehensive understanding of its environment, making it possible to navigate around furniture, walls, and other objects when cleaning a room and avoiding 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 added to the Amazon Echo ecosystem and controlled using voice commands.

iRobot Roomba i3 can also work with Amazon Alexa, keep in mind that you will need an Alexa-enabled device such as an Echo speaker for voice control to work with your robot vacuum. 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 found on smartphones and tablets. The iRobot Roomba i3 too is compatible with Google Assistant, it's advised to verify the level of compatibility with Google Assistant before buying a robot vacuum.

iRobot Roomba 981 has 4 cleaning modes, the cleaning modes offered by robot vacuum cleaners can vary widely depending on the design of the robot vacuum. iRobot Roomba 981 has a period of 1 year, warranty periods typically range from 1 year to 2 years, however some higher-end models may give longer warranty periods. The iRobot Roomba i3, at 1 year has the same warranty period as that of iRobot Roomba 981.

When considering a robot vacuum cleaner, it's important 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 determines how much dust, debris, and pet hair the robot vacuum can hold before it can be emptied. The iRobot Roomba i3, at 0.4L carries less dirt than the iRobot Roomba 981 by only 0.1L The dustbin capacity varies widely among robot vacuum models, and the capcity you choose should depend 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 alert 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 thus 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 show that it's full can improve the convenience of owning one since it minimizes 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 carrying around. iRobot Roomba i3, at 4.3kg weighs more than the iRobot Roomba 981 by 0.3kg. It's important to consider the weight of the robot vacuum when getting a model, especially 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 effectively 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 The 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 looking at the measure from the bottom of the robot vacuum to its highest point.

Height is a key consideration, especially if you have obstacles with limited clearance in your home. iRobot Roomba i3, at 92mm has the same height as that of iRobot Roomba 981. When selecting a robot vacuum, ensure that the robot vacuum can go 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 a crucial factor that determines how long the vacuum can run on a single charge. Battery capacity is typically measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), iRobot Roomba 981's battery power is 3,000mAh 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 of advantage if you have a large space or if you prefer the robot vacuum to complete operations without frequent 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 be recharged.

iRobot Roomba 981's operating time is 2h The iRobot Roomba i3, at 1.25h spends less time than the iRobot Roomba 981 by 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. The 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, as it determines how long you'll need to wait before the vacuum begins its next cleaning cycle. This feature is designed to automatically turn off the vacuum after it has completed a cleaning cycle or when specific conditions occur. iRobot Roomba 981 has an auto-off feature, which is useful for energy efficiency and battery preservation.

Also, iRobot Roomba i3 supports 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 without getting to it physically but 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 intended to eliminate 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 move around obstacles and avoid getting trapped, but the effectiveness of this feature can vary 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 getting stuck while cleaning.

iRobot Roomba 981 has a route mapping feature that enables it to generate a map of your space and schedule efficient cleaning routes. This mapping capability improves the vacuum's ability to work effectively and systematically. Route mapping is a valuable feature as it enables robot vacuums such as the iRobot Roomba i3 to adapt to the layout of your home to work more efficiently and minimize the possibility of missing certain spots.

Voice prompts are notifications that the vacuum states to give you alerts on the different states of the vacuum. iRobot Roomba 981 supports this feature The iRobot Roomba i3 also supports voice prompts, this feature is useful for you who prefer audible notifications or users who have visual impairments. Auto-docking is a feature that refers to the vacuum's ability to return to its docking station when certain conditions are met such as done with cleaning, 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 maintains its charge and readiness for cleaning with little or no manual intervention. Modern robot vacuum cleaners such as iRobot Roomba 981 come equipped with an "anti-fall" feature. This feature is intended to prevent the robot vacuum from falling off stairs, ledges, or other elevated surfaces, ensuring its safety during operation.

This safety feature that is also available on the iRobot Roomba i3 is key in avoiding accidents and protecting the robot vacuum from damage. It gives you peace of mind knowing that the vacuum will not fall down a flight of stairs during its cleaning cycle. iRobot Roomba 981 has this convenient feature, which allows you to set certain days or times of day for the robot vacuum to start cleaning your home.

This feature in robot vacuums is particularly useful in keeping a consistently clean home 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 enhances the ease and flexibility of robot vacuum usage, allowing for more efficient and customized cleaning routines.

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