The robot vacuum market is crowded with options, but for many buyers, iRobot’s Roomba lineup remains the gold standard—especially when balancing performance, reliability, and smart features. Among the more accessible models, the Roomba i1 and Roomba i1+ stand out as two of the most compelling entry-level robots that bring advanced navigation and strong suction to a more affordable price point. While they look nearly identical and share core cleaning technology, the difference between them hinges on one transformative feature: automatic dirt disposal.
At first glance, the Roomba i1 (models i1152, i1552) and the Roomba i1+ (model i155220) appear to be cut from the same cloth. Both use iRobot’s iAdapt 3.0 navigation with Imprint Smart Mapping, clean in neat, straight rows instead of random patterns, and boast the same 10x Power-Lifting Suction and dual rubber brushes that make them highly effective on pet hair and across floor types. But the i1+ includes the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal—a docking station that empties the robot’s dustbin into a sealed bag after every clean. This single upgrade shifts the entire ownership experience from hands-on to hands-off, making it ideal for busy households or allergy sufferers.
So, is that convenience worth the extra cost? In this detailed comparison of the Roomba i1 vs. i1+, we’ll break down every aspect—from cleaning performance and navigation to maintenance, battery life, and long-term value—to help you decide which model aligns best with your needs, budget, and cleaning habits. Whether you’re a pet owner tired of fur-covered floors or an apartment dweller seeking a low-profile cleaner, this guide will clarify whether the jump to the i1+ is justified or if the standard i1 delivers unbeatable value.
Product Overviews
Roomba i1 (Standard)
The Roomba i1 is designed for users who want smart, efficient cleaning without the premium price tag. It strips away some of the bells and whistles found in higher-end models to deliver a focused, no-nonsense vacuuming experience. Despite its entry-level positioning, it doesn’t compromise on core intelligence: it learns your home layout using Imprint Smart Mapping, navigates with purpose in straight-line patterns, and can even resume cleaning after recharging—making it capable of tackling homes larger than its battery life would suggest.
One of its standout features is the dual multi-surface rubber brushes, which are engineered to resist tangling—a major win for pet owners. Unlike traditional bristle rollers that trap hair and require constant maintenance, these rubber brushes allow you to simply wipe pet hair away. The robot also has a slim 3.3-inch profile, letting it glide under sofas, beds, and low-clearance furniture where dust and debris often accumulate.
While it connects to the iRobot HOME app for scheduling, remote start, and cleaning history, it lacks voice assistant support (Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri). You also can’t select specific rooms to clean or set virtual boundaries—features found in the slightly more advanced i3 and i4 models. The dustbin holds 0.6 liters and must be emptied manually after every few runs, which can become tedious for daily users or those with shedding pets.
Still, at an often discounted price of $180–$250, the Roomba i1 offers an impressive package: reliable navigation, excellent pet hair pickup, and app control—all in a compact, low-profile design.
Pro Tip: If you’re okay with emptying the bin every few days and don’t need voice commands or room-specific cleaning, the i1 is one of the best values in the smart robot vacuum market.
Check the latest price of [Roomba i1] on Amazon [link]
Roomba i1+ (Plus)
The Roomba i1+ takes the solid foundation of the standard i1 and adds one game-changing feature: the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal. This docking station automatically vacuums the robot’s 0.6L bin into a sealed, disposable bag each time the robot returns to charge. With each bag holding up to 60 days of dirt, you could go months without touching a dustbin—ideal for hands-off cleaning or allergy sufferers who want to avoid dust exposure.
Everything else about the i1+ is identical to the standard i1: same suction power, same rubber brushes, same 3.3-inch height, same 75-minute battery life, and same navigation system. It still uses iAdapt 3.0 with Imprint Smart Mapping, cleans in straight rows, and supports “Recharge and Resume” for larger homes. However, it still lacks voice control and advanced smart features like room selection and virtual boundaries—despite the higher price.
The i1+ typically sells for $350–$450, which includes the Clean Base and one replacement bag. While the upfront cost is significantly higher, the convenience of self-emptying appeals to users who prioritize automation. The trade-off? Recurring costs. Replacement bags cost around $20 for a 3-pack, adding roughly $40–$80 per year to your ownership cost, depending on cleaning frequency.
Good to Know: The i1+ is not smarter than the i1—it’s just more automated. If you’re buying it for better navigation or voice control, you’ll be disappointed. But if you hate emptying bins, it’s a major upgrade.
See current deals on [Roomba i1+] here [link]
Comparison Criteria
To determine which robot better suits your lifestyle, we’ll evaluate the Roomba i1 vs. i1+ across five key factors:
- Cleaning Performance: How well do they pick up dirt, pet hair, and debris on different floor types?
- Navigation & Intelligence: How do they map your home, avoid obstacles, and integrate with smart home systems?
- Convenience & Maintenance: How often do you need to empty the bin, clean the brushes, and replace parts?
- Battery & Runtime: How long do they run per charge, and can they handle large homes?
- Value & Cost of Ownership: Is the i1+ worth the extra cost, or does the i1 offer better long-term value?
Let’s dive into each category.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Cleaning Performance
When it comes to cleaning, both the Roomba i1 and i1+ are identical. They share the same Premium 3-Stage Cleaning System, which includes:
- Edge-Sweeping Brush: Pulls debris from corners and along baseboards.
- Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes: Counter-rotating rubber rollers lift dirt from carpets and hard floors while resisting hair tangles.
- 10x Power-Lifting Suction: Strong airflow that pulls embedded dirt and pet hair from low-to-mid pile carpets.
In real-world testing across homes with hardwood, tile, and carpet, both models performed impressively. They transitioned smoothly between floor types, handled pet hair without clogging, and picked up visible debris like cereal, dust bunnies, and litter with ease. The rubber brushes are a standout—especially for pet owners—since hair wipes off easily instead of wrapping around the roller.
Neither model offers mopping, so if you want a two-in-one vacuum-mop solution, you’ll need to look at the j-series Combo models.
🏆 Section Winner: Tie – Both deliver the same powerful, tangle-free cleaning.
Navigation & Smart Features
Both robots use iAdapt 3.0 navigation with Imprint Smart Mapping, allowing them to learn your home layout and clean in efficient, straight-line rows. This is a major upgrade over older random-bounce robots, which often miss spots or take much longer to clean the same area.
They both support Recharge and Resume, meaning if your home is larger than 800 sq. ft., the robot can return to its dock, recharge, and pick up where it left off—no manual intervention needed.
However, neither the i1 nor the i1+ supports voice control via Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. You cannot say, “Hey Google, clean the living room,” and expect a response. All commands must be sent through the iRobot HOME app.
Additionally, while they create a map of your home, they do not support room-specific cleaning or virtual boundaries (Keep Out Zones). You can’t tell the app to clean only the kitchen or block off an area near a pet bowl. This is a limitation compared to the i3/i4 series, which do offer these features.
Despite some promotional material suggesting the i1+ uses vSLAM or advanced mapping, user reports confirm it lacks persistent smart mapping—it navigates intelligently but doesn’t remember room layouts for selective cleaning.
🏆 Section Winner: Tie – Identical navigation, no voice control, no room selection.
Convenience & Maintenance
This is where the i1+ pulls ahead dramatically.
The Roomba i1 has a 0.6L reusable dustbin that requires manual emptying after every few runs. While the one-touch release makes it easy, you’re still handling dust and pet hair directly—something allergy sufferers or busy users may want to avoid.
The Roomba i1+, on the other hand, docks automatically and uses the Clean Base to transfer debris into a sealed disposable bag. This allows for up to 60 days of hands-free operation, depending on usage. The system is designed to minimize dust exposure, with a sealed port and latch system that keeps allergens contained.
However, this convenience comes at a cost: you’ll need to buy replacement bags regularly. A 3-pack costs around $20, lasting roughly 6 months with daily cleaning. Over time, this adds up.
The i1 has no recurring costs beyond occasional filter replacements (every 2–3 months) and brush cleaning.
🏆 Section Winner: Roomba i1+ – The self-emptying base is a major convenience upgrade, especially for pet owners and allergy sufferers.
Battery Life
Both models offer approximately 75 minutes of runtime on a full charge, though real-world use often sees closer to 60–70 minutes depending on floor type and suction mode.
In testing, both robots cleaned about 800 sq. ft. before needing to recharge. If your home is larger, they’ll automatically return to the dock, recharge for 60–70 minutes, and resume cleaning—ensuring full coverage without user input.
The battery is lithium-ion and not user-replaceable. While it’s designed to last several years, once it degrades, you may need to replace the entire unit or send it in for service.
Since both models use the same battery and power management system, there’s no difference in performance.
🏆 Section Winner: Tie – Same battery, same runtime, same recharge behavior.
Value & Cost of Ownership
This is the make-or-break section.
The Roomba i1 typically sells for $180–$250, making it one of the most affordable robots with smart mapping and systematic navigation. At this price, it offers excellent value—especially if you don’t mind emptying the bin every few days.
The Roomba i1+, in contrast, costs $350–$450, nearly double the price. This includes the Clean Base and one bag, but you’ll pay $40–$80 per year for replacement bags.
So, is the i1+ worth it?
- If you value convenience and want to minimize interaction with your robot, yes.
- If you’re on a tight budget or want to avoid recurring costs, the i1 is the smarter buy.
Neither model offers mopping or voice control, so you’re not getting premium features at a mid-tier price—you’re paying specifically for the self-emptying base.
🏆 Section Winner: Roomba i1 – Better raw value for the cleaning performance provided.
Pros and Cons Table
| Feature | Roomba i1 | Roomba i1+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning System | Dual Rubber Brushes, 10x Suction | Dual Rubber Brushes, 10x Suction |
| Navigation | iAdapt 3.0 (Straight rows) | iAdapt 3.0 (Straight rows) |
| Self-Emptying | No (Manual Empty) | Yes (Clean Base included) |
| Bin Capacity | 0.6 Liters | 60 Days (via Base) |
| Voice Control | No | No |
| Room Selection | No | No |
| Virtual Boundaries | No | No |
| Battery Runtime | ~75 Mins | ~75 Mins |
| Recurring Costs | Low (Filters) | Medium (Filters + Bags) |
| Best Price Range | $180 – $250 | $350 – $450 |
Pros & Cons Summary
Roomba i1
* Pros: Lowest entry price for mapped navigation; excellent pet hair handling; slim design; no bag costs.
* Cons: Manual emptying required daily; no voice control; no virtual boundaries; plastic build.
Roomba i1+
* Pros: Automatic dirt disposal (huge time saver); reduces allergen exposure; same great cleaning as i1; ideal for “set and forget.”
* Cons: Higher upfront cost; ongoing cost of bags; still lacks voice control and room selection; plastic build.
Best Use Case Recommendation
Choose the Roomba i1 if:
- Budget is your primary concern: You want the reliability of iRobot’s navigation and suction but can’t justify the extra $150+ for the base.
- You don’t mind manual emptying: You have a small apartment or low-shedding pets and don’t mind emptying the bin every few days.
- You want to avoid recurring costs: You prefer a one-time purchase without the hassle of buying proprietary bags.
Ideal for: Apartment dwellers, budget-conscious buyers, pet owners who don’t mind light maintenance.
Check the latest price of [Roomba i1] on Amazon [link]
Choose the Roomba i1+ if:
- Convenience is king: You want a true “set it and forget it” experience where you only interact with the robot once every two months.
- You have allergies: The sealed disposal system prevents dust clouds when emptying the bin.
- You have pets: Pet hair fills bins quickly; the auto-empty feature means you won’t have to touch clumps of fur constantly.
- You want the middle ground: You want the convenience of a self-emptying robot but don’t need (or want to pay for) advanced features like camera-based obstacle avoidance or mopping.
Ideal for: Busy households, pet owners, allergy sufferers, users who hate maintenance.
See current deals on [Roomba i1+] here [link]
Conclusion
The choice between the Roomba i1 and the i1+ ultimately comes down to a single question: How much do you value automation?
Both robots are identical in their ability to clean. They share the same powerful suction, the same tangle-free rubber brushes, and the same intelligent straight-line navigation. Neither offers voice control or advanced room-mapping, keeping them firmly in the “entry-level smart” category.
However, the Roomba i1+ transforms the user experience with its Clean Base. For an additional upfront cost and a modest recurring fee for bags, it eliminates the most tedious part of robot ownership: emptying the dustbin. For pet owners and allergy sufferers, this upgrade is often worth every penny. Conversely, for budget-conscious users in smaller spaces who don’t mind a quick daily empty, the standard Roomba i1 remains one of the best values in the robot vacuum market, offering premium navigation at an entry-level price.
Final Verdict:
* Best Overall Value: Roomba i1
* Best for Convenience & Pets: Roomba i1+
