If you are looking for an effective vacuum cleaner model at a reasonable price, consider Irobot I1 vs I4. Each person has their own strengths and weaknesses. The article below is my personal review of both car models.
My tests show that the winner is the Roomba I4. In testing, it removed more dirt and handled hair more easily. What’s more, its attachments are also more diverse than those of its competitors
Roomba I1 is also considered one of the vacuum cleaners with good performance at a reasonable cost. It is equipped with a user-friendly interface along with basic features that many people prefer.
Irobot I1 Vs I4: Comparison Chart
Irobot I1 Vs I4: Differences
When pitted against one another, the Roomba I4 secures a win with a 2-0 lead over the Roomba I1. Check out my thorough comparison of these robotic vacuums for more information!
Cleaning performance
The winner: Roomba I4
Hardwood floor
Based on an evaluation focused on hardwood flooring performance, both the Irobot I1 vs I4 showcase commendable efficiency across various surfaces. While they shine, particularly on hardwood, there is a noticeable decline in effectiveness in carpeted areas.
During a test where I scattered different types of debris, ranging from rice, cereal, cat food, and litter, both machines exhibited a seamless ability to lift and remove the lighter particles. Nevertheless, their proficiency seemed to dip when confronted with denser materials like sand, and instead of vacuuming larger detritus such as crumbs, they ended up merely pushing them around.
Drawing a direct comparison between the iRobot I1 vs I4, the latter has a noticeable edge in performance on hard floors. The i4’s more sophisticated navigation system not only ensures a smoother traversal but also seems to facilitate a quicker and more comprehensive cleaning process.
Carpets
On the topic of carpet performance, both robot vacuum models exhibit notable proficiency, especially on low-pile carpets. The duo demonstrates admirable agility, manoeuvring effortlessly across various carpeted terrains and effectively picking up a significant quantity of dirt. Their capability extends to high-pile carpets as well, managing to maintain a commendable level of cleanliness.
However, the distinction between the two becomes evident when delving into the realm of deep cleaning. The Roomba i4 has a distinct advantage with its enhanced suction power, allowing it to extract deeply embedded dirt and debris more efficiently. Furthermore, the i4’s seamless transition mechanism, which enables it to adapt from hard floors to carpets without any hiccups, is a commendable feature.
Hair test
Its performance in the hair test is remarkable, adeptly picking up pet hair both swiftly and effectively. A significant factor contributing to this efficacy is the i4’s uniquely designed brush roll system paired with its potent motor, which together minimizes tangling while optimizing hair pick-up.
It’s worth noting, however, that both the vacuums in question employ rubber brushes. This design choice is pivotal in enhancing their ability to lift and gather pet hair, as rubber brushes not only excel at this task but also offer the added advantage of being considerably easier to clean and detangle afterwards.
Design & Usability
The winner: Roomba I4
Dimensions & Weight
Upon initial observation, the Roomba i1 and i4 bear a striking resemblance to one another, with only subtle variations in color differentiating the two. The Roomba i1 presents dimensions of 13.5 inches in diameter and 3.6 inches in height, coupled with a weight of 7 pounds. Its counterpart, the Roomba i4, mirrors these dimensions almost identically but tips the scale slightly heavier at 7.44 pounds.
Aesthetically, both vacuums sport a sleek, glossy black round-shape finish, though the i4’s hue is perceptibly darker. Their compact design and low-profile structure are strategic, allowing them to navigate and clean constricted spaces with ease, all the while ensuring they remain unobtrusive during storage.
Battery Life
| Roomba I1 | Roomba I4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Run Time | 75 minutes | 100 minutes |
| Charging Time | 2 hours | 3 hours |
Roomba i1 has a 1,800mAh lithium-ion battery that can operate continuously for 75 minutes. The upgraded version of Roomba i4 has a 20% larger battery, giving you 100 minutes of cleaning.
Additionally, both have a recharge & resume feature. It will return to the charging station to recharge and continue to the place where it was cleaned to continue working. This feature can be a game-changer for large homes where a single charge isn’t enough to get the job done.
Accessories
Diving into the accessories accompanying the Roomba models, there’s a discernible distinction between what the i1 and i4 offer. The Roomba i1 package includes just a single spare filter, a practical addition to ensure continued efficient operation. On the other hand, the Roomba i4 comes with a more extensive package, incorporating not only an additional spare filter but also a Virtual Wall accessory. The convenience of having an extra filter cannot be overstated, and in the event that you require a replacement, a quick search on Amazon can easily fulfil that need.
As for the Virtual Wall accessory exclusive to the i4, opinions on its utility may vary. While some users might dismiss it as superfluous, I find it to be an invaluable tool. This accessory empowers users to demarcate specific zones, preventing the robot from accessing areas that might be off-limits or sensitive. This feature enhances the customizability and flexibility of the cleaning process, tailoring it more closely to individual preferences and household needs.
Irobot I1 Vs I4: Similarities
Control
The Irobot I1 Vs I4 robot vacuum cleaners prioritize user convenience and flexibility in their control interfaces, ensuring a tailored cleaning experience to meet individual requirements. At a glance, both models feature an easily accessible trio of buttons on their tops, with the power button being particularly conspicuous. Initiating or pausing the cleaning operation is as simple as pressing a button, streamlining the user experience for those who appreciate straightforward functionality. However, for users seeking a deeper level of customization and oversight, both models are compatible with the iRobot HOME app.
This application broadens the control spectrum, allowing users to schedule cleaning sessions, monitor cleaning history, and fine-tune cleaning parameters to better suit specific needs. Furthermore, in today’s era of smart home integration, both the Roomba i1 and i4 shine with their compatibility with voice-controlled platforms like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This feature provides users with the luxury of managing their cleaning sessions seamlessly using only voice commands, amplifying the ease and convenience of the entire process.
Navigation & Obstacle avoidance
When evaluating the navigation and obstacle avoidance capabilities of the Roomba i1 and i4, both models employ a combination of gyroscopes and optical sensors located on their undersides. This advanced technology enables them to navigate spaces in an organized row-by-row pattern, ensuring a thorough and systematic cleaning path. This methodical approach ensures that no spots are missed and helps reduce the chances of the robots going over the same area multiple times.
Furthermore, both the Irobot I1 Vs I4 are equipped with anti-cliff sensors, a vital feature for households with staircases or elevated surfaces. These sensors are designed to prevent the robots from taking an unintended tumble, ensuring safety and prolonging the lifespan of the devices. In addition to these, the collision sensors embedded in both models play a pivotal role in their navigational prowess.
These sensors detect potential obstacles in their path, allowing the robots to adjust their trajectory accordingly, thereby avoiding any direct impacts. This not only prevents potential damage to household items but also protects the robots themselves from any unnecessary wear and tear.
Cleaning & Maintenance
In the realm of cleaning and maintenance, both the robot vacuums in question come with an integrated 0.4-liters trash bin. This capacity, while suitable for general cleaning sessions, can become a point of contention for homes with pets that shed profusely. The inclusion of a full bin indicator light is a thoughtful touch, alerting users when the bin reaches capacity.
However, in scenarios where there’s an abundance of pet hair, the frequency with which the bin fills up might necessitate regular manual intervention. This essentially means that unless you’re equipped with the self-emptying Clean Base, you would have to be proactive in checking and emptying the bin, especially during extensive cleaning sessions.
The mention of the Clean Base introduces an avenue of convenience for Roomba users. This accessory is designed to automatically empty the robot vacuum’s bin, minimizing the frequency of manual intervention and ensuring an almost hands-free cleaning experience. For those who initially opted for the Roomba models without the Clean Base, there’s good news. It’s possible to purchase the Clean Base separately and integrate it with either the iRobot i1 vs i4. This upgrade not only amplifies the ease of use but also elevates the overall cleaning experience to a level of unparalleled convenience.
Quick Rundown Of Roomba i4
- 20% LARGER BATTERY – Larger battery for extended runtime. Compared to other Roomba i series Robot Vacuums
- CLEANS THE ROOMS YOU WANT WHEN YOU WANT - iRobot OS learns and personalizes your cleaning with Imprint Smart Mapping technology so you can direct it to clean any room you want, any time you want—either on a set schedule or in the moment.
- SWEEPS UP DUST, DIRT AND DEBRIS WITH EASE - Experience a comprehensive clean with the powerful 3-Stage Cleaning System that pulls in dirt, debris, and pet hair from wherever it hides.
- PRECISION CLEANING IN TIDY ROWS - Cleans intelligently in straight lines back and forth, to thoroughly clean your floors while navigating around furniture. When it needs to recharge, it will resume right where it left off ensuring a complete clean.
- FOCUSES ON DIRT - iRobot's Patented Dirt Detect Technology allows the Roomba i4 EVO robot to detect dirtier areas of your home and clean them more thoroughly.
Quick Rundown Of Roomba i1
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References:
- Roomba I4: https://www.irobot.com/en_US/roomba_i4/I415020.html
- Roomba I1: https://www.irobot.com/en_US/wi-fi–connected-roomba-i1-robot-vacuum/I115220.html
Richard B. Schmidt is a prominent figure in the vacuum cleaner industry, boasting over 15 years of expertise. Armed with a Robotics Engineering degree from Northeastern University and a Master’s in Consumer Science from Harvard, his unique blend of technical knowledge and consumer insights positions him as a sought-after authority in vacuum cleaner evaluation. Richard’s career began at Dyson, where he contributed to the development of innovative vacuum models. Transitioning to advocacy and reviews, he co-founded the first Vacuum-focused blog in 2008, offering comprehensive analysis and user guides for various vacuum cleaners. In 2020, he founded RoboMop.net, providing ongoing insights through columns and buyer’s guides.