Are you looking for a robot vacuum cleaner with a mid-range price tag, such as Roomba I4 vs I6? As a result of this article, you will be able to compare the two products and decide which product is best for you.
In my opinion, the Roomba i6 is the superior choice. It features superior navigation and excellent cleaning performance coupled with good map memory, making it the optimal choice for those looking for the best robotic cleaning technology.
It is also worth mentioning that the Roomba i4 offers relatively good cleaning performance. The product has a number of convenient features as well as the ability to adapt to a variety of floor types.
Roomba I4 Vs I6: Comparison Chart
Roomba I4 Vs I6: Differences
As a result of its advanced features and cleaning performance, Roomba I6 won 2-0 and drew 1 against Roomba I4. For more information, please take a look at the analysis below.
Cleaning performance
The winner: Roomba I6
Hardwood floor
| Roomba I4 | Roomba I6 |
|---|---|
| 99% | 100% |
We found that both vacuum cleaners performed well when it came to removing small-to-medium debris from hardwood floors during our testing.
The Roomba I6 cleared 100% of the tested debris, and the I4 followed suit with 99% efficiency. Overall, I am satisfied in every way with both vacuum cleaners.
Carpet
| Roomba I4 | Roomba I6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Low Carpet | ≈ 98% | ≈ 99% |
| High Carpet | ≈ 96% | ≈ 99% |
When it comes to low carpets, the performance of the I6 robot is almost the same as that of hardwood floors, while the I4 is slightly worse (98%); it gets stuck in some hairs as it passes over the carpet.
On high-pile carpets, performance continued to be near-perfect for the Roomba I6, capturing 99% of all debris. As for I4, I noticed that some debris from the sand pushed it away, plus hair got tangled in it, causing a blockage.
Pet hair
Both machines exhibit proficiency in tackling pet hair and are endowed with a refined 3-stage cleaning system specifically designed to adeptly lift, loosen, and remove pet hair from various floor types, ensuring a clean and fur-free environment for pet owners. This is an invaluable feature for those who struggle with the perpetual battle against pet hair accumulation, offering an intelligent solution to maintaining a clean household effortlessly.
Moreover, the incorporation of rubber brushes in both machines is a noteworthy advancement, signifying a departure from the traditional brushes that are notorious for getting ensnared with hair. The rubber brush reduces the chances of entanglement substantially, making the cleaning process smoother and less troublesome. The dual rubber roll design accentuates this by not only facilitating the removal of hair but also by addressing the common hassle of hair entangling around the shaft.
Design & Usability
The winner: Roomba I6
Dimensions & weights
Both Roomba i4 vs i6 models are lauded for their compact size and low profile, vital features that optimize their cleaning efficacy in cramped spaces and enable them to navigate effortlessly under furniture and around obstacles. This is particularly beneficial for those residing in smaller homes or apartments, where space is at a premium and cleaning tight spaces is often cumbersome with traditional cleaning devices. The low profile of these machines allows them to access and clean areas that are typically hard to reach, ensuring a thorough cleaning experience even in compact living spaces.
Extractor & Side Brush
When dissecting the functionalities of robotic vacuum cleaners, particularly focusing on the extractor and side brush features, the distinctions in performance can greatly impact the overall cleaning results. Both the Roomba i4 vs i6 models are furnished with dynamic rotating side brushes, vital for meticulously cleaning along walls, navigating corners, and reaching into those often overlooked, hard-to-reach places. This ensures that every fragment of dirt is swept up in subsequent cleaning cycles, maintaining an optimal level of cleanliness.
The distinguishing factor between the two, however, manifests in their edge-cleaning performances. Through meticulous testing, it was discerned that the i6 model outshines the i4 in cleaning edges. The i6’s pads exhibit enhanced proximity to edges, operating closely and parallelly to them, which guarantees better dirt reception and more thorough cleaning of those challenging edge spaces. This superior edge cleaning capability of the i6 positions it a step above the i4, providing users with a more meticulous cleaning experience.
Moreover, both models incorporate two counter-rotating brushes that collaborate efficiently, functioning analogously to a shovel and a broom. This synergy allows them to effectively pick up larger trash, debris, and hair on the floor, amplifying the overall cleaning efficacy. These brushes function in tandem to ensure that even the most stubborn particles are collected, promising users a meticulously clean living space.
Navigation
The Roomba i4 employs gyro-guided navigation, a system proficient enough to encompass the entire cleaning area, ensuring that no spots are missed. However, it does lack accuracy and comes without some additional features, which could be a deciding factor for those who seek optimal navigation and enhanced functionality in their robotic cleaners.
On the other hand, the Roomba i6 is a step ahead in the navigation game, integrating a camera along with iAdapt 3.0 Navigation Technology. This camera, working in synergy with the gyroscope, assists in constructing a more accurate map of the cleaning area, elevating the precision in navigation to a whole new level. This not only ensures that the vacuum navigates its environment more meticulously but also adapts and responds to changes and obstacles in real time, offering a more intelligent cleaning experience.
Additionally, the Roomba i6 boasts advanced features like zone cleaning and the ability to save up to 10 maps to memory. This means that users can designate specific areas for the robot to clean and can easily switch between different floor maps, making it particularly useful for multi-story homes. These additional features augment the user’s control over the cleaning process and allow for a more customized and versatile cleaning experience.
Control
The winner: Roomba I6
The i6 demonstrates advanced control features, providing users with the ability to label rooms and command the robot to clean specific ones via the iRobot companion app. This model allows users to set defined no-go zones and particular cleaning zones, offering a tailored cleaning experience that can be adjusted to meet individual needs and preferences.
Conversely, the i4, although capable of creating a map of the cleaning area and allowing users to label rooms and designate them for cleaning, has limited mapping functionality in comparison to the i6. It lacks the ability to set up separation zones or specific cleaning zones, offering less flexibility and customization to the user. This means users of the i4 may find themselves with less control over where and how the robot navigates and cleans.
Additionally, the Roomba i6, equipped with a mounted camera on its head, navigates more effectively and completes the cleaning cycle faster than the i4. This, coupled with the advanced mapping and control features, makes the i6 a preferable choice for those seeking efficient and customized cleaning experiences.
Moreover, our extensive testing highlighted a distinct difference in edge cleaning performance between the two models. The i6 excelled, with its pads moving closer and parallel to the edges, ensuring better reception and a more thorough clean compared to the i4.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Tie!
When assessing the Roomba i4 vs i6 based on their cleaning and maintenance features, several factors come to the forefront. Both models come equipped with dustbins designed to contain the dust and debris collected during the cleaning process, and both boast easy cleanability as one of their key benefits. However, a slight distinction exists in their capacities; the i6 has a 0.5-liter dustbin, providing a bit more room than the i4’s 0.4-liter counterpart. This slight advantage in size may reduce the frequency of emptying the bin, particularly in environments with higher amounts of debris and dust.
In terms of maintenance, both models necessitate periodic cleaning of various components, including the trash can and filter, to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the device. Fortunately, the required maintenance tasks are relatively straightforward, with removable parts for easier cleaning, and the provided user manual contains clear instructions to guide users through the necessary steps.
A noteworthy feature available for both models is the Clean Base® automatic dust removal feature, which allows the robots to empty themselves for up to 60 days. This innovative feature eliminates the need for manual bin emptying, adding a layer of convenience for the user. However, it is crucial to note that this advanced charging dock is not included with the robot and must be purchased separately, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious consumers.
To conclude, both the Roomba i4 vs i6 offer user-friendly cleaning and maintenance features, with the i6 having a slight edge due to its larger dustbin capacity. The option for automatic dust removal is a convenient addition for those willing to purchase the additional accessory. When making a selection, consumers should weigh these features against their individual needs, preferences, and budgets to determine which model aligns best with their lifestyle.
Quick Rundown Of Roomba I6
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.
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References:
- Roomba I6: https://www.irobot.co.uk/en_GB/irobot-roomba-i6/I615840.html
- Roomba I4: https://www.irobot.com/en_US/roomba_i4/I415020.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.