With the release of the top-tier Roomba i7 and i7+, iRobot also released a new budget-friendly model, the Roomba e5. Previously, owners found that the 600 series robots were underrated and buying them up for the lowered prices.
This review will examine and compare the Roomba 675 vs. e5 to find out if saving a few extra bucks is worth it, or should you raise your budget and opt for the newer low-cost alternative? The answer, if you are in a rush, is to opt for the Roomba e5. It is an amazing machine.
Contents
Differences between Roomba 675 and Roomba e5
There are several differences you should know about. Since I am here to tell you what they are, I will do so now.
- Navigation systems. The Roomba 675 uses the original iAdapt navigation system while the e5 model uses the newer iAdapt 2.0 system.
- Battery size. The e5 has a battery with twice the capacity of the 675.
- Carpet boost. You will get an extra kick in suction power on carpeting with the e5 that the 675 doesn’t offer.
- Collection bin. Roomba’s e5 model has a larger collection bin that is washable. The 675 model has a moderate collection bin size, but cannot get wet.
- Both models are compatible with the dual-mode virtual wall barrier, but only the e5 ships with one.
Similarities between Roomba 675 and Roomba e5
For all intents and purposes, the two robots are otherwise identical. However, since you are here, I will also showcase the more important of those similarities.
- Even with the larger battery, the e5 will only run for about an hour and a half, the same as the 675.
- Automatic recharge. You will find that both robots will automatically return to the charging dock when the batteries get low, instead of just dying in the middle of your floor.
- Wireless communications. Both models use wireless communications enabling the use of the mobile app and voice commands.
- Floor type. Each robot is rated to clean all floor types.
- The Roomba e5 and Roomba 675 each come with the iRobot 1-year warranty.
Specs Chart
All the specifications you need in one handy chart. I know. You’re welcome.
| Roomba 675 | Roomba e5 | |
| Size | 13.3×13.3×3.6 inches | 13.7×13.7×3.6 |
| Weight | 7.8 pounds | 7.9 pounds |
| Navigation | iAdapt 1.0 | iAdapt 2.0 |
| Battery | 1800mAh Lithium-ion | 3600mAh lithium-ion |
| Runtime | Up to 90 minutes | Up to 90 minutes |
| Charge Time | About 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Automatic Recharge | Yes | Yes |
| Entire Level Clean | No | No |
| Carpet Boost | No | Yes |
| Drop Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Bump Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Dirt Detection Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Camera Navigation | No | No |
| Wireless Communications | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Floor Types | All | All |
| Collection Bin Capacity | 0.5L | 0.7L |
| Washable Collection Bin | No | Yes |
| Side Brushes | 1 Side Brush | 1 Side Brush |
| Containment | None included | Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Price | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
Comparing the Features of Roomba 675 to Roomba e5
Now the fun part. Let’s take these bad boys out of the packaging and see what they are really made of. Read on to find out which model is best suited for your cleaning needs.
Robot Basics
Robot basics are the little pieces that all robots have or use. Sometimes these things don’t matter and other times they matter a great deal. I’ll let you decide which.
On appearances, the battery of the Roomba 675 seems more efficient. It is only half the capacity of the Roomba e5 battery and runs just as long. In all actuality, the battery isn’t more efficient; the Roomba e5 battery simply runs more processes and algorithms than the 675.
Both robots will monitor their battery charge level, too. When that level drops below about 15%, both robots will stop cleaning and return to the charging dock before they die in the middle of your floor. This won’t always work, mind you. Now and then you will come home and find the robot didn’t make it back to recharge. This happens less with the e5 model, though.
Extraction Varies by Model
The extraction methods are the big difference here. The Roomba e5 uses the tangle-free rubber extractors. These guys are pretty cool, if you didn’t know. The two rollers have interlocking rubber paddles and spin in opposite directions. This helps separate larger debris and make everything easier to collect.
The rollers are also able to free themselves if they run over a cord, sock, the cat’s tail, whatever. The robot will stop moving and rotate the rollers backward. If the item becomes dislodged, the robot moves around it and continues cleaning. If it cannot free itself, it will shut down and beep at you for assistance.
The 675 does things a more traditional way. It uses a multi-bristled brush roller. It doesn’t attempt to free itself, it will run over anything and everything to keep cleaning your floors. It isn’t a bad roller, but the maintenance to keep it free of hair and string is a little tedious.
What About Collection Bins?
The collection bins are about the same. The e5 bin is washable, though, and can hold about 0.7L of debris. It isn’t dishwasher safe, but you can wash it by hand in the sink. It doesn’t need to be completely dry when you put it back in, either. The motor area of the e5 is in a different location and not susceptible to drips. It isn’t something I am willing to test, though, and I suggest you don’t either.
The 675 has a bin with a 0.5L capacity, which is about standard and a decent size. The bin isn’t washable with water, but you can wipe it out with a damp cloth if needed. Just make sure there is no moisture at all when you put it back in.
Bottom Line: When it comes to the basic features under the hood, the Roomba e5 easily tops the 675.
The navigation systems by name are different. The 675 uses the original iAdapt technology. This means that the robot relies on its drop and bump sensors to navigate your home. It doesn’t create a map, and it doesn’t vacuum in human-like, efficient patterns.
Instead, it runs around bumping into things, changing direction and moving forward until it hits another obstacle. As you can imagine, this isn’t the most effective method. However, it gets the job done, eventually.
The Roomba e5 uses iAdapt 2.0 technology. If you want to get super technical (and I know you do), it uses the same iAdapt 3.0 tech as the Roomba i7 and s9 models, but without the camera. I like to refer to it as iAdapt 2.5, but iRobot won’t return my calls.
The algorithms are better, so the clean is more efficient. However, the robot still does not create a map, and it doesn’t know where it is going or has been. Like the 675 it will run around bumping into your furniture and walls until the battery gets too low to continue.
Bottom Line: When all is said and done, the e5 cleans better and doesn’t miss as many areas, but unless you walk around charting the two robots while they clean, you won’t really notice.
Control Options
Both the Roomba 675 and e5 have wireless capabilities (and there was much rejoicing). With this ability you can take full control over the robot by using the iRobot Home app or using voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant devices.
The voice commands are more limited than they are with other models. The lack of map making and camera-based navigation remove some voice command functionality. The commands you can use include the ability to create schedules for cleaning times, start, stop, pause and resume cleaning sessions. You can also stop the robot and send it to the charging station, too.
The mobile app gives you much the same controls, except you don’t need to be in earshot of an Alexa device. Instead, you can create, edit or delete scheduled cleanings, get status updates on the cleaning times and battery usage and get help, recommendations on things such as filter change times and more. With the app, you can do all of this from anywhere in the world. You don’t need to be home, or even in the same city.
Bottom Line: Because the two robots have the same control options, they tie for this round. The mobile app is great, though, and will be your primary source of controls.
Containment and Filtration
When it comes to containment options, both of the robots are compatible with the dual-mode virtual wall barriers. These are battery operated towers that produce an infrared beam to control where the robot can and cannot go.
The dual-mode barrier has, you guessed it, two modes. The first mode, linear, sends out an infrared beam up to 10 feet. It is used to block doorways, and to section off rooms or other areas. The second mode, halo, produces a 4-foot ring around the tower. This is useful for protecting pet dishes, floor lamps and potted plants you don’t want the robot to get near.
Even though both models are compatible, the fight isn’t fair. The Roomba 675 doesn’t come with any containment barriers with your purchase. The e5, though, has one barrier tower included in the box. You can always purchase more barriers for the two robots, of course.
Bottom Line: The Roomba e5 wins because it included the barrier with purchase. Both robots are compatible with them, though.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let me take some time now and answer some frequently asked questions about the Roomba e5 and 675. If you have other questions, feel free to use the comment section below.
Q. Isn’t the Roomba e6 newer than the Roomba e5?
A. No. The two names are different but the robots are the same. The Roomba e6 was made to sell at specific stores only (Costco, for example). The e5 model is the one sold online, through the iRobot store and in most of the generic retailers (Like Walmart). The quick explanation for the difference is that some retailers want their own specific model name so they don’t have to honor competitor coupons. Once you get them home and start using them, though, there is no difference at all.
Q. Can I still get replacement parts for the Roomba 675?
A. You absolutely can. The best place to buy Roomba 675 replacement parts is though Amazon. For those that like to buy only from the source, though, you can still get 600 series parts through the iRobot store as well.
Q. Which Roomba robots will mop my floors?
A. No Roomba will mop your floors. Even when the strike ends and all Roomba’s go back to work, they still won’t mop. iRobot does make mopping robots, though, the Braava series all mop your floors and do a good job of it, too.
Q. Can I use my Roomba in the garage or workshop?
A. You can use your Roomba on the roof, if you wanted. It just isn’t advised. The garage or workshop will be a little more than a Roomba 675 or e5 can handle. Roomba did make a robot called the Dirt Dog that was designed to clean workshops, though. If you can find a model for sale, they are worth looking into.
What I Like About the Roomba 675
- Lowest price point of any remaining Roomba vacuums.
- Great use of the battery for its size.
- Cleans all floor types without much fuss.
What I Like About the Roomba e5
- More efficient than other non-camera Roomba robots.
- Includes a dual-mode virtual wall barrier with purchase.
- Large capacity, washable collection bin.
Conclusion
Finding a reliable, cost-effective robot to clean your floors is a challenge. You want to balance budget, functionality and durability without feeling cheated, disappointed or like you wasted your money.
The Roomba robots are most of those things, depending on your expectations. The Roomba 675 is a wallet-friendly model, but it lacks a lot of features that are seen as necessary by today’s standards. The Roomba e5, though, has the abilities and is highly durable. It costs a little more than the 675, but you get value out of every penny you spend on it.