Irobot decided to take care of every consumer’s need which leads to the release of few Roomba models with only one to two major differences.
i3plus is like that – an upgraded model to i3.
What is the improvement? Is that feature necessary? Let’s find out.
| Roomba i3 | Roomba i3+ |
 |  |
| Self-Emptying: No. Not in the package, but it supports (attachment available separately). | Self-Emptying: Yes |
| Check Price On Amazon | Check Price On Amazon |
Quick Summary: Simple, If you think that a self-emptying clean base is a necessity for you then go for Roomba i3+. Or the Roomba i3.
Other than this feature all everything is the same in i3 and i3+.
Contents
What Exactly is the Difference? What is Self-Emptying?
The most prominent difference between Roomba i3 and Roomba i3+ is the self-emptying feature. The function is only offered in Roomba i3+.
This means whenever the robot detects a full rubbish bin, it automatically navigates to the docking stating and “unloads” the dirt/debris.
The bin at the charging station, or sometimes called a base, holds the dirt for 30 days before you need to manually empty it.
Even the self-emptying feature is not included in the i3 package, it supports. You need to purchase the dock separately to use with the robotic cleaner.
Similarities Between Roomba i3 and Roomba i3 Plus
Except for that key difference here is the breakdown of every feature that Roomba i3 and i3 Plus have in common.
Mapping Functionality
Both Roombas come with a reliable mapping feature. Using static sensors that are strategically placed around the robotic vacuum cleaners, the i3 and i3+ can navigate an entire level without losing their way. No smart mapping on both Roombas like the higher-end models.
But these models are no less, the Roombas map your home and “remembers” where to go when you schedule them for cleaning. This doesn’t mean i3 and i3+ can save the digital map, but temporarily hold the latest layout mapping when they want to clean your home.
Vacuuming Suction Power
Roomba i3 and Roomba i3+ share the same suction force – 10 times the vacuuming power of iRobot’s baseline model, the 600 series.
Given their extraordinary suction force, the robotic cleaners eliminate even the most stubborn dirt. Be it deep within carpets or hardened stains on your tiles, the Roombas are will ensure the places are spotless when they are done.
Cleaning Technology
The efficient 3-Stage cleaning system of Roomba i3 and i3+ makes sure every speck of dirt is removed from your floors and carpets.
Durable multi-surface brushes, a uniquely designed edge spinning brush and a powerful suction force make up the cleaning technology adopted by the Roombas.
This patented cleaning system delivers you a flawless cleaning solution for your house.
Navigation System
Roombas i3 and i3+ are equipped with Smart Navigation. This means the robots have intelligent tracking sensors that guide the robotic cleaners to navigate and capture the layout of your home.
Furthermore, the navigation system of the i3 and i3+ create the most effective cleaning route based on the sensor data.
What is more interesting is that the Smart Navigation system of the Roombas is aligned with iAdapt 2.0 navigation which calculates the distance between obstacles like furniture and the robots. It then signals the i3 and i3+ to take the most practical path to travel. All these happen within a few milliseconds.
Battery Life – Recharge & Resume?
Roomba i3 and Roomba i3+ can run up to 90 minutes before their batteries become low.
But there is another feature that makes the battery life less-considerable, it is the Recharge and Resume feature. Because of this, the robotic cleaners can know if the battery level is low on them.
Read: What is Reharge & Resume?
When this happens when the Roombas are cleaning, they will pause and return to the Home Base for a quick charge. Once their batteries are full again, the i3 and i3+ will re-navigate to the exact location they had left and resume cleaning.
HEPA filters
You don’t need to worry about allergens, dust, tiny mites, or anything that could cause coughing or sneezing.
Once the Roombas are at work, almost 99% of pet allergens, dirt, and dust are captured thanks to the high-efficiency filters with both the models i3 and i3 plus.
Durable Cleaning Brushes
Roomba i3 and Roomba i3+ are featured with Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes.
These unique scrubbers are extremely effective in dislodging even the most difficult stain and are completely tangle-free. So, forget about spending hours removing pet or human hair from the main brushes.
Additionally, the Roombas are designed with an Edge-sweeping brush that operates exceptionally well when getting rid of dirt and dust around wall corners and the edges of the floor.
Precise Sensors
Irobot has featured the Reactive Sensor Technology in Roomba i3 and Roomba i3+. This superior sensing system prevents the robotic cleaners from getting stuck or knocking into furniture.
Moreover, the sensors are so accurate that even if a small clearance is present for the robots to glide under, it will command them dutifully.
Mobile App & Smart Home Connectivity
The iRobot Home App or also known as the Genius App plays the command center role when you need to schedule a cleaning or check on the status of the robots’ components.
The app allows you to create customized cleaning sessions on top of recommending additional cleaning tasks based on your allergies.
More interestingly, you can command your i3 or i3+ using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, as the robotic cleaners are compatible with both smart home assistants. Lastly, you can also view the cleaning history to know the duration of the cleaning sessions.
Integration with smart home devices like intelligent door locks is also possible thanks to the IFTTT and Wi-Fi compatibility of Roomba i3 and Roomba i3+.
Keep Out Zones & Virtual Walls?
Unfortunately, you cannot assign keep out zones on Roomba i3 and Roomba i3+. With high-end Roomba models, zone cleaning is possible using the iRobot Home App.
However, you can still purchase beacon boundary markers that offer the same functionality as a virtual wall barrier – to cordon off certain rooms or zones. The boundary markers provide two kinds of barriers which are a 10-foot wall across openings and another kind with the halo model.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Do these models support Carpet Boost?
Roomba i3 and Roomba i3+ are very capable cleaners with no carpet boost mode. But to say, they do work hard on carpets because of the powerful suction similar to top-notch models.
Unlike few Roomba models, there is no Carpet Boost featured offered in the i3 or i3+.
Conclusion
Both i3 and i3 plus models deliver superior performance with all required features.
But which model? It depends on you. Considering our opinion, for most homes, auto dust disposal is not necessary. You can simply remove the dirt bin and wash it as the bin is easily detachable and washable.
Still, if looking for complete effortless vacuuming, i3+ is the best, never disappoints you.