Neither the Roomba i2 nor Roomba 600 series models have this smart feature usually seen in high-end robot vacuums.
But Roomba i3 Evo does. This is the only main difference in this comparison.
Once the Roomba i3 Evo completes its initial cleaning, it will be ready with an imprint smart map where you can name the rooms.
And from that moment, you can set the i3 Evo to clean any room you want.
Because the i2 lacks this, you won’t be able to tell it to clean only specific rooms or in your home.
BottomLine: i3 Evo is able to clean selective rooms, where the i2 can not.
Specs (Dimensions, Weight, Color)
Roomba i3 Evo and Roomba i2 are similar in size, measuring 13.34 x 13.26 x 3.63 inches and 13.4 x 13.5 x 3.6 inches, respectively.
Both robot vacuums fit seamlessly under low furniture, the Roomba i2 has a slight advantage in this department. The Roomba i3 Evo fits into tighter spaces, though.
Roomba i3 Evo weighs nearly 0.4 lbs more than the Roomba i2, which is 7.44 lbs and is easier to carry from one floor to another.
It is not a notable weight distinction, and you do not even feel it in your hands when weighing both models.
It is engaging that at these low weight levels, the models i2 and i3 Evo pack more features and advanced technologies under their hood.
Colors?
Roomba i2 is available in ash, whereas the i3 Evo is in a woven neutral color.
BottomLine: Different colors and weights, but indeed not considerable difference as these do not count in assessing real-time performance.
Similarities
Suction Power & Performance
Unlike other vacuum cleaner brands, Roomba does not disclose the actual suction power of its robot vacuums.
It does specify that both the robot vacuums i2 and i3 Evo are ten times more potent than the other Roomba models in the 600 series.
This power is sufficient to deal with all kinds of messes, including pet hair embedded in your carpets.
The vacuums use different cleaning technologies, resulting in further performance differences.
Instead of single dirt extracting brush, Roomba i3 Evo and i2 models feature power-lifting suction and dual multi-surface rubber brushes.
And their dirt-detect technology detects the dirt-fulled area automatically, which helps the Roombas to concentrate more in those regions.
You can use both cleaners on hard and carpeted floors alike – Roomba i2 and Roomba i3 Evo do a better job cleaning heavy messes from challenging surfaces.
Battery Life and Charging Time
The brand does not provide any specs for the i3 Evo and i2. According to a few other tested sources, both the robot vacuums have a runtime of approximately 75 minutes per charge.
In reality, they may vary – both can run for 60-90 minutes on a single charge before navigating back to their charging dock.
However, the i2 and i3 Evo have the ability to resume cleaning where they left off is a nice feature that the low-level 600 series Roomba models lack.
If you live in a small apartment that does not take too much time to clean up, the Roomba 600 series models could be just right.
For everyone else – the Roomba i2 and i3 Evo models are worth the higher price tag.
Navigation System
The navigation system is a noteworthy feature one need to consider when choosing a robot vacuum.
Row-By-Row Navigation Pattern. Source: iRobot
Roomba i3 Evo and i2 – two of these models feature an intelligent navigation system that maps your home in neat rows.
This technology ensures better coverage.
As you would expect, the i2 and i3 Evo models can still navigate around obstacles and under furniture; they can also detect cliffs to prevent falling down the stairs.
Both robot vacuums automatically detect the differences between carpeted and hard floors, adjusting their suction power and performance accordingly.
The older 600 models use adaptive navigation. However, that system is not always precise – meaning the robot could miss floor spots as it travels in a random pattern instead of row-by-row cleaning.
Imprint Link Technology – Mopping?
Mopping?
Do Roomba i3 Evo and i2 mop your floors? No. They are not able to.
Believe it or not, from low-level to high-end, no Roomba mops. They are pure robot vacuum cleaners. They only vacuum.
To perform mopping, iRobot has a separate robot mop lineup. All you need to do is purchase one.
And then,
To clean the house thoroughly through vacuuming and mopping, you can connect the models i3 Evo and i2 to the iRobot’s Braava Jet M6 robot mop.
Once connected, the two work in perfect sequence, leaving your floors sparkling clean.
With the new iRobot OS, you will get personalized cleaning suggestions based on things like how you set the robot to clean, at what times, the current season, and a few other previous behaviors.
If it is high-pollen time – you will get automatic cleaning recommendations to preview and set.
Like that. How sophisticated right?
With i2 and i3 Evo, you can set the cleaning routines through the app based on the recommendations and forget cleaning.
Also, you can set the Roomba models i2 and i3 Evo to clean when you go out of the house and stop when you return. They are capable of that, all credits to smart iRobot OS.
Self-Cleaning
Roomba i2 and i3 Evo are compatible with a self-cleaning dock station (sold separately).
The self-cleaning feature allows the Roombas to empty their dustbins automatically when paired with a self-emptying Clean Base. The base also acts as a charging dock.
But it doesn’t come as standard.
Considering that these models can also empty the bin themselves if you get the Clean Base, available separately.
They are more suitable for busy people who want to do as hands-free cleaning as possible. If you do not mind an extra purchase for less intervention in cleaning, it is a nice touch, though.
Non-self-cleaning variants are cheaper, however.
Do you have a smaller home and don’t want to break the bank? Then they could be a better option.
Maintenance – Tangle-Free Brushes?
Like all robot vacuums, Roomba i3 Evo and Roomba i2 require regular maintenance.
With the older Roomba models, you should empty the bin every day, clean the filters and wipe the sensors every two weeks, and remove any lodged debris or hair from the brush at least once a month.
Roomba i3 Evo and i2 have similar maintenance requirements, thanks to their tangle-resistant brushes, it is unlikely to find much debris or hair lodged in them.
Also, the side-sweeping brushes will make the cleaning process much more effective when corners and edges are in the robot’s glance.
If you decide to pair the i3 Evo and i2 with a cleaning base, you won’t have to bother about emptying the bin either.
You will have to empty the Clean Base bin every two months. Both robot vacuums allow you to set up smart alerts to prevent forgetting about maintenance.
Dustbin Capacity
Roomba i3 Evo and i2 models come with a 0.5-liter dustbin and can hold a decent quantity of trash.
There might be a difference that is not excessive, but considering how annoying it is to empty the robot vacuum’s tiny bins, both the models i3 Evo and i2 win this round with good bin capacities.
Connectivity & Additional Features – Voice Commands
Both robot vacuums connect to the proprietary iRobot Home App that allows you to control your robot from a distance.
Since they use the same app, both vacuums will enable you to create custom cleaning schedules and interact with them via smart home devices such as Alexa or Google Home.
Say it. Voice commands. Just ask your Roomba to start the cleaning cycle. It will.
HEPA Filters
Another nice touch is the high-efficiency filters (HEPA) with these robot vacuums. These filters are finer than most of the market robot vacuum filters, trapping not only pet hair but also most allergens.
If you suffer from allergies or have pets, then these filters make these models even better choices.
FAQs
Do these Roomba models get stuck?
No, the equipped sensors will calculate everything in the process and never let the Roomba enter zones where it can get stuck.
To say, their slim design allows the robot to travel under furniture, sofa, and chairs without any problem.
Do Roomba i2 and i3 Evo comes with virtual wall barriers?
No. A virtual wall barrier is an accessory that allows you to block off specific rooms or areas of your home.
You can use this accessory to create barriers around fragile items or prevent the robot from entering specific rooms.
Though you can not get these in the box, they are available separately, and happily, both the models are compatible to work with these.
What about the stairs?
Roombas are not able to clean stairs. No robot vacuum can clean as of now.
They are with cliff sensors that prevent the robots from slipping on the stairs.
Summary
Roomba i3 Evo and i2 come with the best features that could make both ultimate choices.
Though the specific room cleaning feature the i2 lacks – you should never forget that Evo features nearly all the advanced functionalities at affordable price tags.
