While it lacks smart navigation and room-specific cleaning, The iRobot Roomba i1 is worth buying if you prioritize low-maintenance cleaning performance over complex features. A true HEPA filter is a plus for allergy sufferers.
The iRobot Roomba i1 is an entry-level robot vacuum introduced in 2021, designed to offer hassle-free and efficient cleaning for users seeking a cleaner home with minimal vacuuming time. Like some of the best vacuum cleaners, its true-HEPA filter helps reduce allergens. iRobot’s dirt detection feature helps it hone in on problem areas.
As an entry-level model in the i-series lineup, it delivers reliable cleaning performance and has Wi-Fi connectivity, but it lacks advanced features like room mapping. It features an 1800 mAh battery, good for about 120 minutes of run time, and has a rated cleaning area of around 400 square feet. It’s suitable for homes with open floor plans where comprehensive coverage is more critical than room-specific cleaning. Keep reading for more info, or check out the best robot vacuums on the market.
Consensus
our Verdict
The Roomba i1 lacks the smart mapping, obstacle avoidance, and room-specific cleaning modes of newer iRobot models, but its optical and cliff sensors allow it to maneuver well. Cleaning performance ranges from 97% pickup of small debris on hard floors to a disappointing 8% of small debris on low-pile carpet. However, it picks up a better-than-average 67% of pet hair from high-pile carpet.
Its 121-minute battery life is on par with high-end iRobot models. The iRobot app and smart features allow basic mapping plus Alexa and Google Assistant functionality. The self-emptying dock is convenient, but replacing bags adds to recurring maintenance costs. The suction power is sufficient for typical cleaning, but tested at less than 100 Pa at floor level, it trails the 400-Pa suction of the latest iRobot vacuums.
Reason to Buy
Better-than-average pet hair pickup ability
Effective basic maneuvering
True HEPA filter helps avoid allergen release
Good build quality
Alexa and Google Assistant compatible
Auto-empty dock allows hands-off cleaning
Reason to Avoid
Lacks smart navigation with obstacle avoidance
Ineffective cleaning performance with small debris on low-pile carpet
Missing some advanced features such as POV mode and LIDAR
The iRobot Roomba i1 is an entry-level robot vacuum introduced in 2021, designed to offer hassle-free and efficient cleaning for users seeking a cleaner home…
The iRobot Roomba i1 is an entry-level robot vacuum introduced in 2021, designed to offer hassle-free and efficient cleaning for users seeking a cleaner home with minimal vacuuming time. Like some of the best vacuum cleaners, its true-HEPA filter helps reduce allergens. iRobot’s dirt detection feature helps it hone in on problem areas.
As an entry-level model in the i-series lineup, it delivers reliable cleaning performance and has Wi-Fi connectivity, but it lacks advanced features like room mapping. It features an 1800 mAh battery, good for about 120 minutes of run time, and has a rated cleaning area of around 400 square feet. It’s suitable for homes with open floor plans where comprehensive coverage is more critical than room-specific cleaning. Keep reading for more info, or check out the best robot vacuums on the market.
Compared to the higher-end iRobot Roomba S9, the iRobot Roomba i1 stands out as a simpler, more budget-friendly option better suited to open-plan floors and…
Compared to the higher-end iRobot Roomba S9, the iRobot Roomba i1 stands out as a simpler, more budget-friendly option better suited to open-plan floors and regular cleaning duties with lower maintenance requirements. The Roomba S9 has a 3300 mAh battery tested to deliver around 2 hours of run time, while the i1 has an 1800 mAh battery but is rated for the same hours of cleaning time. Unlike the i1, the Roomba S9 has sophisticated app features and smart navigation with obstacle avoidance. See our iRobot Roomba S9 review for more details. Or check out our iRobot Braava 380t advanced robot mop review to see one of iRobot’s automated mopping systems.
The Eufy RoboVac G20 is another entry-level robot vacuum that lacks mapping capabilities and advanced navigation. However, the G20 sacrifices some cleaning effectiveness, lacking the…
The Eufy RoboVac G20 is another entry-level robot vacuum that lacks mapping capabilities and advanced navigation. However, the G20 sacrifices some cleaning effectiveness, lacking the iRobot model’s dirt sensor and dual-stage suction system. The G20 has a larger 2600 mAh battery and a slightly larger 600 mL dust bin, giving it a longer run time of up to 100 minutes. See our Eufy RoboVac G20 review to learn more.
The Shark IQ Robot AV992 has similar navigation and convenience features but takes longer to recharge. However, the iRobot Roomba i1 does a better job…
The Shark IQ Robot AV992 has similar navigation and convenience features but takes longer to recharge. However, the iRobot Roomba i1 does a better job of filtering out allergens and is more effective on high-pile carpets, with a 60% cleaning rate, compared to the Shark’s 58%. The IQ Robot AV992 has a larger battery and an optional bagless self-emptying dock, unlike the iRobot Roomba i1. See our Shark IQ Robot AV992 review for more information. To see how the Roomba lineup compares with another competing brand, check out our Neato vs Roomba review.
