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Introduction: The Rise of Robot Vacuums in 2026
Robot vacuums have become increasingly commonplace in UK homes, and in 2026, they’re more sophisticated and effective than ever. Driven by busy lifestyles and a desire for effortless cleaning, consumers are turning to these automated helpers in record numbers. Roomba, a leading brand in the robot vacuum market, continues to innovate, offering a range of models to suit different needs and budgets. The i5+ and i7+ represent popular mid-to-high range options, both offering the convenience of automatic dirt disposal with the Clean Base. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of the Roomba i5+ and i7+, helping you decide which is the best fit for your home in 2026.
Roomba i5+ and i7+: Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Roomba i5+ | Roomba i7+ |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation | Reactive Sensor Navigation | vSLAM Navigation with Imprint Smart Mapping |
| Mapping | Limited – learns room layout over time | Full room mapping, custom cleaning zones, Keep Out Zones |
| Cleaning Power | Power Lifting Suction | Power Lifting Suction |
| Dustbin Capacity (Clean Base) | ~60 days capacity | ~60 days capacity |
| Smart Features | Voice Assistant Compatibility, App Control | Voice Assistant Compatibility, App Control, Imprint Smart Mapping features |
| Battery Life | Up to 75 minutes | Up to 75 minutes |
| Approx. Price (2026) | £549.99 | £799.99 |
Detailed Breakdown: Roomba i5+ Features
The Roomba i5+ is a powerful and convenient robot vacuum, focusing on efficient cleaning with minimal user intervention. It employs a 3-Stage Cleaning System with Power Lifting Suction, effectively removing dirt, dust, and debris from both hard floors and carpets. The standout feature is the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, which allows the robot to automatically empty its dustbin into a sealed, disposable bag – holding up to 60 days of debris.
While the i5+ does utilise Imprint Smart Mapping, it’s a more limited version compared to the i7+. It learns the layout of your home over multiple cleaning runs, but doesn’t create a comprehensive, initial map. This means you can’t define specific cleaning zones or Keep Out Zones. It’s fully compatible with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for hands-free control. The Roomba app allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, view cleaning history, and receive notifications.
Detailed Breakdown: Roomba i7+ Features
The Roomba i7+ takes robot vacuuming to the next level with its advanced vSLAM navigation and Imprint Smart Mapping. Like the i5+, it boasts a 3-Stage Cleaning System and Power Lifting Suction for thorough cleaning on all floor types. The Clean Base is also included, providing the same automatic dirt disposal convenience – allowing for up to 60 days of hands-free operation.
The key differentiator is the i7+’s ability to create a detailed map of your home on its first cleaning run. This map enables a range of advanced features, including the ability to designate specific cleaning zones (e.g., “Clean the kitchen after dinner”). You can also create Keep Out Zones to prevent the robot from entering areas you don’t want it to access (e.g., pet food bowls, children’s play areas). It also integrates seamlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control, and the Roomba app provides comprehensive control and monitoring.
Cleaning Performance: Head-to-Head Comparison
Both the i5+ and i7+ deliver excellent cleaning performance. Independent reviews in 2026 consistently demonstrate their effectiveness on hardwood floors, carpets, and tiles. Edge cleaning is good on both models, although the i7+’s more precise navigation allows it to follow edges slightly more effectively. Corner cleaning is comparable, relying on the side brush to reach into corners.
In tests simulating a typical UK home with pets, both models proved adept at picking up pet hair. However, the i7+’s ability to systematically clean and revisit areas – guided by its map – resulted in a slightly more thorough removal of pet dander and allergens. Simulated scenarios involving spills (flour, cereal) showed both models capable of containing the mess, with the i7+’s targeted cleaning zones proving particularly useful for quick clean-ups.
Navigation and Mapping: i5+ vs i7+
This is where the i5+ and i7+ truly diverge. The i5+ relies on Reactive Sensor Navigation, using a series of sensors to navigate around obstacles. It learns your home’s layout over time, but its movements can appear somewhat random, particularly in complex spaces. It’s effective, but not as efficient as the i7+.
The i7+ utilizes vSLAM (Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology. This allows it to create a detailed, accurate map of your home, which it uses to plan the most efficient cleaning route. The Imprint Smart Mapping feature is a game-changer, allowing you to customize cleaning zones, create Keep Out Zones, and even tell the robot to clean specific rooms. This targeted cleaning saves time and battery life, and ensures that every area of your home receives the attention it needs.
Smart Features and App Integration (2026 Perspective)
The Roomba app in 2026 is a highly refined and intuitive interface. Both the i5+ and i7+ offer scheduling, cleaning history, and remote control via the app. However, the i7+’s app integration goes further, allowing you to view the map of your home, create and edit cleaning zones, and receive notifications based on specific room cleaning.
By 2026, AI improvements have refined the app’s ability to suggest cleaning schedules based on your habits and lifestyle. Integration with other smart home devices – such as smart lighting and smart thermostats – is also more seamless, allowing you to create automated cleaning routines triggered by other events (e.g., automatically vacuuming after you leave for work).
Maintenance and Running Costs
Both the i5+ and i7+ require regular maintenance. This includes cleaning the brushes, emptying the dustbin in the Clean Base (when full), and replacing the filters. Replacement filters for the i5+ cost around £29.99 for a 2-pack, while i7+ filters are slightly more expensive at approximately £34.99 for a 2-pack. Clean Base replacement bags are priced around £24.99 for a 3-pack for both models.
The brushes will need replacing periodically, depending on usage and floor type (expect to replace them every 6-12 months). Overall, the running costs are relatively low, but it’s important to factor in the cost of replacement parts when considering the long-term cost of ownership. Regular maintenance will ensure optimal performance and extend the lifespan of your robot vacuum.
Roomba i5+ vs i7+: Which Should You Buy?
The Roomba i5+ is best for:
- Those on a tighter budget who still want the convenience of automatic dirt disposal.
- Homes with a relatively simple layout.
- Users who don’t require advanced mapping or targeted cleaning features.
- First-time robot vacuum owners.
The Roomba i7+ is best for:
- Homes with complex layouts or multiple floors.
- Pet owners who need thorough cleaning and allergen removal.
- Users who want complete control over their robot vacuum’s cleaning path.
- Smart home enthusiasts who want to integrate their robot vacuum with other devices.
- Those willing to invest in a premium product for superior performance and features.
Where to Buy and 2026 Pricing
You can purchase the Roomba i5+ and i7+ from several retailers in the UK:
As of late 2026, expect to find the following approximate prices:
- Roomba i5+: £549.99
- Roomba i7+: £799.99
FAQ
Q: How often do I need to empty the Clean Base?
The Clean Base holds approximately 60 days’ worth of debris, but this will vary depending on the size of your home, the number of pets, and the amount of dirt and dust generated.
Q: Can the Roomba i5+ and i7+ handle thick carpets?
Yes, both models are designed to clean both hard floors and carpets. The Power Lifting Suction is sufficient for most carpet types, but extremely thick or shag carpets may pose a challenge.
Q: Do these robots work well with underfloor heating?
Yes, they are generally safe to use with underfloor heating. However, it’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific flooring type.
Q: What happens if the robot gets stuck?
Both models will attempt to free themselves if they get stuck. If they are unable to do so, they will send a notification to your phone via the Roomba app.
Q: Is the Imprint Smart Mapping feature worth the extra cost?
If you have a larger home, complex layout, or pets, the Imprint Smart Mapping feature is definitely worth the investment. It provides a level of control and convenience that the i5+ simply can’t match.