Irobot Roomba E5 Robot Vacuum Reviews

iRobot Roomba E5: Is This the Best Entry-Level Robot?

Mar 25, 2021
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If you’re too tired or lazy to get off the bed and start vacuuming your houses, why don’t you employ an automated butler to help you with your job? A robotic vacuum now offers a wide variety of useful features and functions, which will ensure that vacuuming is no longer a demanding task. However, with the myriad products that are currently featured on the market, finding the right ones for your specific needs is no easy job.


Hence, to assist you in your journey of finding the right products, our iRobot Roomba E5 review will introduce you to one of the best rated vacuum cleaners. And at the same time, feel free to consider the important features that should be available on your new vacuums, should you decide not to go for the iRobot Roomba e5.

AVERAGE SCORE9

Easy to clean
9.3
For cleaning up hair
9
Suction power
9.1
Battery life
8.9
Value for money
8.7

Things To Consider Before Buying A Robot Vacuum

Most people turn to the automated robot vacuums when they don’t have enough time for cleaning, and are in need of a convenient vacuuming option. And these are the exact features that you’ll get from your dedicated robotic cleaners.

With smart and automated features, the devices will constantly clean around your rooms and collect whatever pieces of dust and debris that have fallen on the floor. Also, you won’t need to manually recharge the vacuum, since it’ll automatically return to the charging dock whenever it’s low on battery. The only time that you’ll work with the machine is when you perform routine maintenance.

However, you should keep in mind that these devices won’t be able to replace your traditional vacuum cleaners. As a result, you can’t expect to have your robotic vacuum clean dust and dirt on your bookshelves, tables, stairs, windows, and other awkward places. These are jobs for your manual vacuum cleaners.

So if you don’t have a vacuum in the first place and don’t have much money to spend, then you should still go for the traditional models of upright, stick, or canister design. These will help you in most of your cleaning tasks with no problems.

For floor cleaning, and most importantly, if you prefer the convenience of an automated cleaning device, then you should go for the robotic vacuums. And to assist you in finding the right products for your specific needs the following factors should always be considered

What Do You Need From The Vacuum?

The first thing that you should bear in mind when it comes to robotic vacuums, is the area that they will have to operate in. This depends on many of the vacuum’s features, such as its battery capacity, navigation system, cleaning modes, and more. Hence, there will be models that are better for cleaning small apartments, and those that would work better on large areas.

Also, since the vacuums will only work on your floors, it’s also important to note down which types of carpets or hard floors that you’ll be dealing with. This will make it a lot easier for consumers to pick the right products for their specific needs. Usually, for carpets, you’ll need vacuums with powerful and effective roller brushes that can easily get inside the piles. And for normal hard floors, the devices should be able to pick up dirt and debris without missing or sending them all over the place.

Make sure the vacuum delivers suitable performances to your different houses
Make sure the vacuum delivers suitable performances to your different houses

The Overall Cleaning Capability

And when it comes to the overall cleaning capability, your robotic vacuum should be able to deliver a decent amount of suction so it can easily pick up most of the scattered dust and debris. Also, if you prefer quietness over power, you don’t want to go for products that offer too much suction, which can be quite noisy, especially when they need to operate for a longer period of time compared to manual models.

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To allow users to effectively clean their houses with these automated robot cleaners, they’ll need more than just mere suction. Hence, make sure that your device features useful and automated brush rollers, which can effectively target both high and low-pile carpets. And for cleaning debris that gets stuck on the edges of the floors, have a spinning brush that can effectively redirect the wastes toward the vacuum.

The powerful and resilient machine will allow you to rest
The powerful and resilient machine will allow you to rest

How Does It Perform At Navigating?

One of a couple of  common problems that consumers often run into while using their robotic vacuums is the lack of proper navigation on their automated cleaner system. Which is why, in the past, you often find vacuums getting stuck between furniture, edges of the floors, and other places. 

However, with the newer robotic vacuum models, homeowners can start enjoying better navigating experiences, thanks to the available sensors, mapping features, and barrier tools that have been recently introduced to the products. So if you’re planning on getting a new robotic vacuum, make sure that it has a few of the mentioned features, which will enable for much more effective and thorough cleaning experiences.

In addition, to allow your vacuums to reach in narrow areas under appliances and furniture, you will find the super-slim design on the high-end vacuums extremely useful. Not to mention that it’ll also make them look sleeker and more stylish for your smart homes.

The smart navigation system is extremely crucial
The smart navigation system is extremely crucial

Pet-Friendly Features That You Will Need

Also, if you’re having pets with hairballs flying all over the houses, then the automated vacuum features will certainly come in handy, as it would help gathering up the tiny pieces of hair on your floors and carpets, those that you just can’t spot with normal eyes.

However, to guarantee that your vacuum can function properly for a long period of time, you should always go for products with high-quality brushes, since these are parts of the vacuum that would work extra hard on gathering hairs. Hence, you don’t want to have broken bristles or hair clumps stuck on them.

And finally, to further improve your vacuuming experiences, especially if you have severe allergies, the HEPA filters are always a must on whichever robot vacs you’re planning to purchase.

Having a pet-friendly device is always nice
Having a pet-friendly device is always nice

Control And Connectivity Features

To effectively control your robot vacuums, there are a few different options that you’ll need to consider depending on your prioritized features. For that reason, you can either go for the Wi-Fi connectivity which would enable lots of advanced control options, or select products with the traditional remote controls.

The second option will allow for a cheaper and reliable connection on your robot vacuum, should anything happen to your Wi-Fi. In addition, most people would find the remote control more accessible, due to their limited functions.

And with the advanced Wi-Fi connectivity, you can enjoy smart functions by connecting the devices to your smartphones, Google Home, or Alexa. This allows for much more simple and convenient experiences when managing and supervising the robots. Using the instant Internet connection, you can easily track their progress, and make multiple changes to the cleaning schedule and work patterns as you wish. Not to mention that the voice command will certainly impress most consumers.

The smart control options will allow for more accurate operation
The smart control options will allow for more accurate operation

Battery Capacity And Recharge Options

Another decisive factor that should be your main concern is the battery capacity of your robot. Make sure to take into account the total coverage that the machines need to deal with, and the suction power it has to offer. Typically, you would want your device to operate for at least 60 minutes before it needs to be recharged. Anything that’s below this point won’t guarantee that your floors will be cleaned.

Moreover, all the vacuum models should feature the self-charging option, which will allow the devices to work automatically. And if it’s possible, having the charge and resume option is also a big plus, since you won’t need to restart your devices whenever it returns to the charging dock.

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Having the self-recharge option is always needed
Having the self-recharge option is always needed

About The iRobot Roomba E5

During our tests, the iRobot Roomba E5 performed exceptionally by collecting most of the dust and debris that were placed inside the testing lane. The useful spinning brush does a great job at collecting wastes along the edges of the wall, and the double roller brushes will work their ways into multiple levels of thickness on your carpets. Thus, allowing for impressive cleaning performances on your floors.

In addition, by featuring the smart navigation system with multiple sensors, it allows the machine to easily direct its way through blocking objects. And along with the slim and sleek design, you’ll find the vacuum moving around your rooms relatively simple, especially under furniture and appliances. With smart sensors, the device will auto-detect the terrains ahead and avoid falling from edges or getting stuck between carpets and hard floors. Not to mention that, the smart control options using your smartphones or Alexa and Google Home will allow for much more convenient use of the device.

However, if you’re interested in the premium features that Roomba offers on their high-end product categories, such as the built-in camera for tracking its operations or the room mapping function for accurate vacuuming sessions, you won't find them here. And most importantly, it doesn’t have the auto Recharge and Resume feature. Hence, you’ll need to wait for the device to be charged and restart it once again.

That being said, for products at the mid-tier price point, iRobot Roomba E5 is still a serious contender to all products from other manufacturers. And if you’re interested in a more detailed analysis, the Irobot Roomba E5 review below will certainly be helpful.

The iRobot Roomba e5 ranks among the top products
The iRobot Roomba e5 ranks among the top products Via: Amazon.com

Pros
     ● Impressive cleaning performances
     ● Smart control options with smartphones and virtual assistants
     ● Good battery capacity with up to 90 minutes of operation
     ● Reliable navigation system

Cons
     ● Doesn’t come with any extra features

Features & Benefits

If you favor the convenient and automated cleaning features that are available on robotic vacuums, then the E5, with many of its brilliant functions will certainly impress you. Feel free to learn more about the product with our Roomba E5 review.

Excellent Vacuuming Performances

First of all, most homeowners would find their iRobot Roomba E5 performing exceptionally well, especially when compared to the older models, from both Roomba and other brands. By featuring a more powerful motor and better design, the device now offers a whopping 5x increase in airpower compared to the previous Roomba 600 series. Thus, allowing the robot vacuum to perform a lot better, especially when it comes to large debris.

In addition, to improve the cleaning and vacuuming performances, iRobot Roomba E5 also features the innovative 3-stage cleaning operation. Here, you’ll have the well-positioned spinning brush sweeping dust and debris from the edges. The two multi-surface rubber brush rolls are programmed to work in opposite motions. One will work into the high-pile carpets and pry out all the dust, while the other will help pick up debris and dirt. The rest of the job would be fairly easy for the powerful suction to finish. Plus, because of the innovative rubber brushes, you won’t find your devices getting stuck while transitioning between carpets and hard floors.


Enjoy the powerful vacuuming experiences with the product Via: Amazon.com

Impressive Navigating System

And if your old robots have had problems navigating their ways around the house, then the iRobot Roomba E5 should make a great replacement for them. Here, you’ll find the machine having a complete sensor system, both on the sides and the bottom of the machine.

This allows it to easily move between furniture and household appliances without hitting them. Plus, the dangerous edges will never be a problem, thanks to the useful sensors. Not to mention that the dirt detection sensor will assist the vacuum during its work. 

Hence, while the machine doesn’t have a built-in camera or room mapping functionality, which will allow the device to work effectively without having to figure out its own paths, you can still enjoy the relatively impressive cleaning experiences with the robot.

The reliable navigations system allows the machine to operate freely
The reliable navigations system allows the machine to operate freely Via: Amazon.com

HEPA Filters To Prevent Dust And Allergens

For those of you who own cats and dogs, the annoying presence of hair can really be a problem. Not only because they dirty your floors and carpets, but the harmful allergens may also cause you some serious health conditions. This is why, the iRobot Roomba E5, with its excellent HEPA filter, will prevent most of the unwelcome dust and allergens from reentering the atmosphere thereby significantly improving your health, allowing you to be more comfortable around your pets.


The included HEPA filter is ideal for pet hair Via: Amazon.com

High-Capacity Battery Offers Resilient Performances

To ensure proper cleaning performance, the device also features a high-capacity battery, which will support up to 90 minutes of non-stop operation, before it needs to return to the charging dock. Hence, you’ll find that your robot has enough time to clean up your entire room without having to stop.

However, on the iRobot Roomba E5, each time the machine enters the charging dock, you’ll need to turn on the power button again for it to start operating. This can be quite annoying if you have used iRobot Roomba products from the higher lineups, which all come with the auto Recharge and Resume feature.

But nonetheless, you should always find the machine finishing all of its tasks before running out of battery. So that wouldn’t be too much of a problem for normal users.

The powerful battery will allow for reliable performances
The powerful battery will allow for reliable performances Via: Amazon.com

Offer Standard Smart Features

In addition, to make the device more functional and useful, smart features are always welcomed on robotic vacuums. And this is exactly what you’ll get with the iRobot Roomba E5. The machine features useful smartphone controls through Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to easily program, schedule, or simply check on the current status of your robot. Or alternatively, feel free to perform voiced commands using the supported virtual assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home. These options will make the lack of Recharge and Resume no longer a problem. All you need is to press the run button on your mobile app or simply tell your virtual assistant.

Use your phone to control the device
Use your phone to control the device Via: Amazon.com

Good Price For The Value

And finally, you’ll easily find the iRobot Roomba E5 ranking among the top robot vacuums in the mid-range pricing. With impressive cleaning performances and functionality, along with the useful smart controls, you can enjoy the automated vacuuming experiences from the machine to the fullest, especially with the reasonable price that Roomba is offering.
 

Our Honorable Mentions

While the iRobot Roomba E5 is undoubtedly useful and effective when it comes to automated home vacuuming jobs, there is no guarantee that most of you would find it best suited to your personal preferences. As a result, we’ve also selected three honorable mentions, which are totally capable of replacing it in certain cleaning departments. Feel free to compare them to our iRobot Roomba E5 review and select the one that’s right for you.

iRobot Roomba 960 - Your Upgraded Version Of The E5

For those of you who are willing to pay a little extra for your robot vacuums the iRobot Roomba 960 will certainly be a great option. Here, you’ll find the machine offering all the excellent features on the E5, such as the 3-stage cleaning, HEPA filters, and Wi-Fi connectivity. And at the same time, the improved functionality will surely be worth the money.

Now the automated charging function will also come with the useful Recharge and Resume option, allowing the machine to operate seamlessly until your house is completely clean. In addition, the included virtual barrier unit will prevent the robot from stirring up places that you don’t want to be cleaned. Finally, the upgraded mobile app will provide many new and in-depth options, so you can freely customize the vacuuming experiences even more.

Go for the iRobot Roomba 960 if you prefer the upgraded features
Go for the iRobot Roomba 960 if you prefer the upgraded features Via: Amazon.com

Roborock S5 - Vacuuming And Moping At The Same Time

And sometimes, vacuuming isn’t the only thing that your house needs, instead, having the mopping functionality can make a huge change to your cleaning experiences. With the RoboRock S5, homeowners won’t even have to touch their hands on the stick mop. Now, you’ll have your ultimate butler assisting you in many of your household cleaning tasks. On top of that, the huge battery capacity of 5000mAh will allow your device to work resiliently until your house is completely spotless.

The machine comes with its smart navigating system with useful sensors for detecting obstacles and edges. And with the brilliant design, it can easily get past flat obstacles such as books or carpets. But most importantly, the device now features smartphone control and effective room mapping functionality, which enables more effective cleaning applications after each use.

The Roborock S5 allows for both sweeping and mopping functions
The Roborock S5 allows for both sweeping and mopping functions Via: Amazon.com

Eufy Anker BoostIQ RoboVac 11S - Slim But Packs Powers

And if looks and features are all that you desire, then the eufy Anker BoostIQ RoboVac 11S, with its slim and stylish design will definitely be able to impress most consumers. The product offers a premium build from the interior to the exterior.

Here, you can make use of the powerful motor that supports up to 1300Pa level of suction. Also, thanks to the smart vacuum functionality, the device will auto adjust the suitable amount of suction for certain types of debris, and quickly raise the power after 1.5s if the wastes refuse to go up. This allows for more efficient uses of the battery and also adds up to the total 100 minutes of operation time on your device.

On top of that, you’ll have the sleek and glossy look at the outside with high-quality tempered glasses to prevent scratches. The super slim design of only 2.85 inches tall will allow the device to get under whichever appliances and furniture that you have. Thus, making vacuuming jobs a lot easier and more accessible.

Always enjoy the best performances with the stylish 11S
Always enjoy the best performances with the stylish 11S Via: Amazon.com

Conclusion

Homeowners who are in need of an automated household cleaning tool will certainly find this robot vac from iRobot Roomba a great option to consider. For that reason, you can find the smart cleaning features from the E5 extremely useful in scanning, navigating, and vacuuming different types of dirt and debris around the floors.

Learn more about the interesting vacuum product with our complete and in-depth article of iRobot Roomba E5 reviews.

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