The launch of iRobot’s ingenious Roomba cleaning robots has made life easier for all. Since the Roomba robots landed in the market, they have captured the well-deserved attention of the masses. One thing that people find daunting is to choose one robot from a line of various robots with hundreds of specific features.
However, you do not have to go through the frustration of not being able to pick a robot for yourself because I am here to ease your trouble! Go through the below article and equip yourself with the facts you must know in order to choose between the Roomba e5 and 960.
Similarities between Roomba e5 and 960
The Roomba e5 and 960 have quite a lot in common. In fact, they have a surprisingly similar appearance and performance. Read on to know more about the similarities between both the models mentioned above.
Automatic recharging
With the Roomba e5 and 960, you do not have to fret about the charge level of your Roomba robot. The Roomba e5 and 960 have a smart feature that enables them to automatically return to their charging dock once their charge level drops below 15%.
Similar filters
Both the Roomba e5 and 960 utilize the HEPA filters. These filters are high-efficiency filters that trap allergens and dust particles in your home, and make sure to not let them escape back into the air. This feature makes both the Roomba 950 and e5 great for people who suffer from allergies.
Brushless rollers
Both these Roomba robots are equipped with brushless rollers. These rollers can effortlessly be cleaned and maintained.
Wi-Fi connection and mobile app
Both these Roomba robots can conveniently make a secure connection to the Wi-Fi network present in your home. Furthermore, both these models can easily be controlled and commanded by the iRobot mobile app. You can even command your Roomba e5 and 960 through the smart devices present in your home, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.
Dirt detection system
Good for you, both the Roomba robots, e5 and 960, are equipped with dirt detection sensors. These sensors enable the robots to clean efficiently by making them clean longer in areas where there is more dirt. In this way, the Roomba e5 and 960 end up providing you immaculately clean floors!
Cleaning all floor types
The Roomba e5 and 960 are capable of cleaning various floor types. Whether it be hard flooring, carpeted flooring, or concrete floor, your Roomba e5 and 960 will efficiently vacuum all types of floorings.
Check out how you will know when your Roomba is charging!
Differences between Roomba e5 and 960
There is only one visible difference between the Roomba e5 and 960. The rest are all the differences that can only be observed in terms of the performance of both the Roomba models. Read on to discover a few key differences between the Roomba e5 and 960!
The Roomba 960 can logically navigate through your place just like a human would do. On the other hand, the Roomba e5 navigates through your house in a pseudo-random pattern. This different approach in navigation majorly impacts the respective performances of both the Roomba models.
Presence of an onboard camera
The Roomba 960 is equipped with an onboard camera that massively helps the robot in navigation. This onboard camera enables the Roomba 960 to create images of your home internally and store them in order to map your house. Moreover, this additional camera feature makes the Roomba stand out in terms of exceptional navigation.
On the other hand, the Roomba e5 lacks any such feature and solely relies on various sensors for navigation.
Battery and run time
The Roomba e5 operates through a bigger battery as compared to the Roomba 960. The Roomba 960 is equipped with a 1800mAh battery which provides a run time of around 75 minutes. On the contrary, the Roomba e5 is equipped with a 2600mAh battery that provides it with a significantly longer run time of up to 90 minutes.
Resume cleaning feature
The Roomba 960 offers a resume cleaning feature, which means once your robot is fully charged. It can resume cleaning from the exact place it left off cleaning before automatically recharging. The Roomba e5 has an automatic recharging feature; however, it lacks the resume cleaning feature.
We can credit the presence of an onboard camera for providing the resume cleaning feature. As the camera enables the Roomba 960 to capture images and store them for memorizing the place it left off cleaning.
Specification chart
I will compare the Roomba e5 and 960 side by side for you to view what each model lacks and offers.
| Roomba 960 | Roomba e5 | |
| Size | 13.8×13.8×3.6 inches | 13.3×13.3×3.6 inches |
| Weight | 8.6 pounds | 7.2 pounds |
| Navigation | iAdapt 2.0 | iAdapt 1.0 |
| Battery | 2600mAh lithium-ion | 1800mAh lithium-ion |
| Charge time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Run time | Up to 75 minutes | Up to 90 minutes |
| Filter | High-efficiency | High-efficiency |
| Automatic recharge | Yes | Yes |
| Entire level clean | Yes | No |
| Dirt detection sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Drop sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Bump sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Carpet boost | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless communication | Yes | Yes |
| Voice controls | Yes | Yes |
| Camera navigation | Yes | No |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Floor types | All | All |
| Washable collection bin | No | Yes |
| Auto emptying of bin | No | No |
| Containment | Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier | Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier |
| Side brushes | 1 side brush | 1 side brush |
| Warranty | Up to 1 year | Up to 1 year |
Cleaning comparison – Roomba e5 and 960
Regular cleaning is essential for your Roomba robot’s proper functioning in the long term. You can take various approaches to clean your Roomba cleaning robots. Listed below are the steps to clean the Roomba 960 and e5, respectively:
Cleaning the Roomba 960
Go through the steps given below in order to equip yourself with the knowledge that will help you clean your Roomba 960.
- Firstly, turn your Roomba 960 upside down, and you will have access to the removable dustbin. Detach the bin and clean it by emptying all its dirt.
- Then take out the filter and vacuum it to extract all the dirt that has accumulated on it.
- Next, clean all the sensors present on your Roomba 960 by wiping a damp cloth on them.
- Now, detach the plastic extractors and thoroughly brush them to make them squeaky clean. You might have to clean these extractors a bit longer as they are the ones coming in contact with dust and dirt frequently.
- Then, take out the cater wheel and clean it.
- Lastly, unscrew the side propeller component and clean it.
Cleaning the Roomba e5
In order to deep clean the Roomba e5, you need to equip yourself with a functional screwdriver and then proceed with the step-by-step guide given below!
- Firstly, you need to inspect the side brushes to see whether there is any hair or dust wrapped around them. Wipe the side brush and its compartment to get rid of any debris.
- Next, you need to take out the removable bin from its compartment and clean it thoroughly. Make sure to empty the bin as well.
- Now, remove the filter and tap it lightly to get rid of any dust stuck on it.
- Next, you can proceed to clean the rollers. Detach the dual rubber rollers and clean them thoroughly.
- Now you are required to wipe all the wheels present on your Roomba e5 with a damp cloth in order to clean them.
- Next, make sure to clean all the sensors present on your Roomba’s body with a clean cloth or microfiber towel.
By following the above-mentioned steps, you will be able to deep clean your Roomba e5!
Here is how you can reuse Roomba bags easily!
Maintenance and operational cost comparison
I won’t lie; you are required to spend a handsome amount on the operational and maintenance cost of your Roomba devices.
Energy consumption
Generally, all Roomba robots consume 28 watts to recharge themselves fully. There is no such difference between the energy drawn by the Roomba i3 and 960.
Replacing the components of the Roomba 960
As the Roomba 960 is equipped with the same filter present in the Roomba e5, the replacement cost of the filter remains the same, which is around $34.99 for a pack of 3 filters. Replacing the side brush module on the Roomba 960 will cost you $14.99. Replacing the dual anti-tangle brushes will cost you around $39.99.
Replacing the components of the Roomba e5
The replacement of the high-efficiency filter for your Roomba e5 will cost you $34.99 for a pack of 3 filters. In case you feel the need to replace dual multi-surface rubber brushes, it will cost you $39.99. If you wish to replace the edge sweeping brushes, it will cost you $14.99 for a pack of 3 brushes compatible with the Roomba e series.
You can also opt to purchase the Roomba complete replenishment kit for the e series; it will cost you around $69.99. Purchasing this kit will help you save a significant amount. This kit includes 3 High-Efficiency Filters, 3 Edge-Sweeping Brushes, and 1 Set of Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes.
Different cleaning options of Roomba e5 and 960
Both the above-mentioned Roomba models offer a variety of cleaning options. Read on, and you will know!
Cleaning options offered by the Roomba 960
The Roomba 960 offers loads of premium features that can also be observed on previous Roomba robots belonging to the 800 series. The Roomba 960 is equipped with tangle-free rubber extractors in order to clean efficiently. Furthermore, it has Dirt Detect technology for focused cleaning.
Lastly, it has a smart recharge and resume feature, which makes the 900 series stand out among other Roomba models.
Cleaning options offered by the Roomba e5
The Roomba e5 offers an auto-charging feature, along with vacuuming through high-efficiency filters. The Roomba e5 operates on a three-step cleaning procedure that makes use of powerful suction to thoroughly clean your floors.
Concluding my thoughts on Roomba e5 vs. 960!
Which model is the best for you? Only you can answer this by keeping your budget in mind! The Roomba e5 and 960 both give you the same level of cleanness in almost the same time period.
However, the Roomba e5 uses pseudo-random navigation, whereas the Roomba 960 operates through logical navigation. This one drawback in the Roomba e5 does not make it an ideal cleaning robot for large homes with multiple rooms.
I hope this article guided you well regarding which Roomba to select between the above two. Happy shopping!
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