Roomba i6+ vs i4+: Key Differences and Full Comparison

iRobot is a leader in the robotic vacuum industry, offering an expansive selection of products tailored to different needs. When comparing Roomba i4+ and Roomba i6+, we see that they share many similarities but also have some key distinctions.

The Roomba i4+ uses floor trackers to navigate, while the i6+ utilizes cameras (in addition to floor trackers) for maneuvering around furniture and corners. Furthermore, with the i6+, you can direct cleaning tasks via app or voice command — something the i4+ lacks.

The Roomba i6+ comes with the “keep out zone” feature in the app, which is exclusive to the i6+. Although more expensive than its counterpart, the Roomba i6+ comes equipped with both auto-emptying clean bases and anti-tangle brush rolls, so they vacuum floors in logical, straight lines.

Roomba i6+ vs i4+: Side-by-Side Comparison

Features	Roomba i6+	Roomba i4+
Navigation	Uses cameras and floor trackers	Uses floor trackers only
Height	3.63 inches	3.63 inches
Length	13.34 inches	13.26 inches
Width	13.34 inches	13.34 inches
Weight	7.44 lb	7.44 lb
Assembly Required	Yes	Yes
Color	Black	Grey
Bin Capacity	13.0 oz.	13.5 oz.
Cleaning Path Width	7 Inches	7 Inches

Roomba i6+ vs i4+: What’s the Difference?

When comparing Roomba i6+ and i4+ robotic vacuums, there are a few essential differences to take note of. At first glance, both models appear similar. However, a closer look reveals significant distinctions between them.

Navigation Technology

Roomba i6+ and Roomba i4+ utilize different technologies for navigation around a room. The Roomba i4+ uses floor-tracking sensors to create an accurate map, whereas the Roomba i6+ employs both floor-tracking sensors and cameras in combination.

The i4+ creates its map by driving around and mapping as it goes, while the i6+ utilizes cameras for more detailed mapping, including more efficient maneuvers around furniture and corners.

The Roomba i6+’s advantage in using cameras alongside floor tracking sensors is that it can map out rooms more precisely and efficiently. With cameras, the vacuum can see obstacles more clearly, making it simpler for it to avoid them, resulting in greater cleaning effectiveness.

Directed Cleaning

The Roomba i6+ features a directed cleaning feature that lets you instruct the robot to clean a certain room. This can be accessed through either voice commands in the app or through a direct connection via WiFi. In contrast, the Roomba i4+ lacks this capability.

The directed cleaning feature on the Roomba i6+ is an invaluable asset for those who want to focus on specific areas of their home without having to do a full clean. Directing the vacuum towards a specific room saves time and effort, while having multiple rooms means each can be cleaned separately.

Keep Out Zones

The Roomba i6+ features a “keep out zone” feature in its app, which enables you to designate areas you do not wish the vacuum to clean. Unfortunately, this option is not available on the Roomba i4+.

The “keep out zone” feature on the Roomba i6+ is ideal for those who wish to keep certain areas free from vacuuming. For instance, you may want to avoid vacuum cleaning your kitchen while cooking; this feature lets you specify areas that should not be vacuumed.

Virtual Walls and No-Go Zones

Another major distinction between the Roomba i6+ and i4+ is their ability to create virtual walls, or no-go zones. With the iRobot app, you can use virtual walls or no-go zones to prevent your robot from entering certain areas.

This feature comes in handy if there are areas in your home you want to avoid cleaning, such as rooms with delicate objects or spaces with cords that could get tangled.

In contrast, the Roomba i4+ does not have this feature. While it can navigate around some obstacles, it may only be able to avoid certain areas if they are physically blocked off. This could result in accidentally knocking over objects or getting tangled in cords.

Color Options

The Roomba i6+ is only available in black, while the Roomba i4+ comes only in grey. While color may not be a significant factor for some individuals, those who enjoy specific color schemes in their homes may find the distinction necessary. Regardless of what color scheme is chosen, neither one has any effect on performance or functionality.

For homeowners with darker floors or decor in their homes, the black color of the Roomba i6+ may be ideal as it blends in more seamlessly, providing a sleek and modern appearance. Conversely, those who have lighter-colored flooring or decor may prefer choosing grey as it blends in better and is less noticeable.

Battery Life

When selecting a robot vacuum, battery life and recharge time should be taken into account. The Roomba i6+’s battery life of 90 minutes is 10 minutes shorter than that of its counterpart, the Roomba i4+.

Again, with its faster recharge time of 180 minutes compared to 120 for the latter model, you’ll be ready to clean again sooner with the Roomba i6+ than ever before.

Both robot vacuums feature a 14.4 V lithium-ion battery, which is standard for most robotic vacuums. However, the Roomba i6+ has an improved battery management system that maximizes its cleaning run time. This means it can cover more area on one charge than its competitor, the Roomba i4+.

Boundary Markers

Another noticeable distinction between the Roomba i6+ and i4+ is their choice of boundary markers. The Roomba i6+ utilizes magnetic markers, whereas the Roomba i4+ employs beacon markers.

Magnetic boundary markers are strips of tape you can place on the floor to create no-go zones and limit Roomba i6+’s movement. The Roomba i6+ comes with two 7-foot magnetic boundary markers that you can customize according to your home size before placing them around your property.

On the other hand, Beacon boundary markers are small devices that emit a signal that the Roomba i4+ can detect. You can place these around your home to create no-go zones and restrict the vacuum’s movement. However, the Roomba i4+ does not come with built-in beacon boundary markers. You will need to purchase them separately.

Dirt Detection Technology

Both the Roomba i6+ and i4+ come equipped with a dirt detection system to help them identify and clean high-traffic areas. However, the Roomba i6+ uses an enhanced dirt detection system which is more efficient than its counterpart in the Roomba i4+.

The Roomba i6+ employs acoustic sensors to detect dirt on your floors. It can identify high-traffic areas and adjust its cleaning pattern accordingly, spending more time focusing on those spots. In comparison, the Roomba i4+ relies solely on optical sensors for dirt detection.

The acoustic sensors used in the Roomba i6+ are more sophisticated than those employed by the Roomba i4. This enables it to detect more dirt and debris and give accurate feedback to the device, improving efficiency and thorough cleaning performance.

Bin Capacity

The Roomba i6+ and Roomba i4+ both have similar bin capacities, though the former is slightly larger. The Roomba i6+’s capacity is 13.0 oz, while the Roomba i4+ boasts a larger 13.5-oz container.

Though the difference in bin capacity may seem insignificant, it can make a big difference for homes with pets or high foot traffic areas. With larger capacity containers, Roomba i4+ robot vacuum cleaners can store more dirt and debris before needing to be emptied.

Cleaning Pattern

The Roomba i6+ and Roomba i4+ share similar cleaning patterns. Both models use an intelligent algorithm to efficiently and thoroughly clean your floors using suction power, brushes, and sensors to remove dirt and debris from surfaces.

Both models use an intelligent cleaning pattern that allows them to clean in straight lines, back-and-forth movements, and around obstacles. Furthermore, these models can detect high-traffic areas and adjust their cleaning pattern accordingly.

Roomba i6+ vs i4+: 7 Must-Know Facts

1. Roomba i6+ and i4+ measure 3.63 inches in height and 13.34 inches in width. Each weighs 7.44 lbs with a battery voltage of 14.4 volts.
2. These vacuums boast a 7-inch cleaning path width and require assembly, feature drop, dirt sensors, and an intelligent cleaning pattern.
3. They both feature a virtual wall feature to block off areas you don’t want them to clean, and both have an impressive battery life of 90-100 minutes before needing a recharge.
4. The i4+ has a 13.5 oz. bin capacity, while the i6+ offers a slightly smaller 13.0 oz. capacity.
5. Both vacuums feature auto shut off, automatic charge, clean/charge/resume functions, and drop sensor technology for effortless navigation.
6. The i6+ features magnetic boundary markers, whereas the i4+ uses beacon boundary markers.
7. The Roomba i4+ comes in gray, while the i6+ is black. Naturally, the Roomba i6+ is more expensive than its gray counterpart.

Roomba i6+ vs i4+: Which One Is Better?

Your priorities and budget will determine which option is best suited. If directed room cleaning and keeping out zones are important to you, the i6+ may be your ideal option. However, if money is tight, the i4+ still offers all the essential features you’d value.

Both robot vacuums come equipped with self-emptying clean bases and anti-tangle brush rolls and can map out your house efficiently and linearly. The Roomba i6+ uses both cameras and floor trackers for navigation, while the Roomba i4+ relies solely on floor tracking sensors to map rooms and then drive to clean.

Furthermore, the i6+ can be directed to a specific room via voice command or app, something not available with the i4+. Moreover, the app has a “keep out zone” feature, which lets users tell it not to clean certain areas; again, this capability is unavailable with the i4+ model.

Overall, both Roomba i6+ and i4+ are great robot vacuums with advanced features and reliable cleaning performance. Ultimately, it comes down to your preferences and budget when selecting between these two models.