iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO Review: Smart Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum for 2025
Best for: Pet owners and busy households seeking an affordable self-emptying robot vacuum with smart mapping
View on AmazonMy Experience with the Roomba i3+ EVO - Affordable Self-Emptying Convenience
After testing the Roomba i3+ EVO in my home for three weeks, I've found it to be an impressive mid-range option that delivers premium features at a more accessible price point. The standout feature is definitely the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal system, which allows the robot to empty itself for up to 60 days - a convenience typically reserved for much more expensive models.
What impressed me most was the i3+ EVO's cleaning performance on both carpets and hard floors. Its dual multi-surface rubber brushes effectively prevent hair tangles (a huge plus for pet owners), while the smart mapping technology learns your home's layout over time, allowing for efficient room-by-room cleaning. While it lacks the obstacle avoidance of premium models, its straightforward operation and reliable performance make it an excellent value proposition in 2025.
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👉 Check today's price on AmazoniRobot Roomba i3+ EVO Specifications
| Battery Life | Up to 75 minutes |
|---|---|
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.4L (robot) / 2.5L (Clean Base) |
| Suction Power | 10x Power-Lifting Suction |
| Mapping | Smart Mapping (learns as it cleans) |
| Mopping | No (vacuum only) |
| App Control | iRobot Home App (iOS/Android) |
| Voice Control | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Weight | 7.44 lbs (3.37 kg) |
The iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO combines powerful cleaning performance with the convenience of a self-emptying base at a mid-range price point. With smart mapping technology, dual multi-surface rubber brushes, and up to 60 days of hands-free cleaning, it offers excellent value for busy households and pet owners.
iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO: A Comprehensive Review
The robot vacuum market continues to evolve with more accessible options that bring premium features to mid-range price points. The iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO represents this trend perfectly, offering the convenience of automatic dirt disposal without the premium price tag of higher-end models.
Design and Build Quality
The i3+ EVO features a refined design with a textured top that helps hide dust and fingerprints. The robot itself stands at 3.63 inches tall, allowing it to clean under most furniture. The build quality is solid, with iRobot's characteristic attention to durability that has made their vacuums known for longevity.
The Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal unit is substantial but designed with a clean aesthetic that won't be an eyesore in your home. It houses the dirt disposal bags that can hold up to 60 days of debris, significantly reducing the maintenance frequency and keeping your hands clean.
Cleaning Performance
The i3+ EVO delivers impressive cleaning performance with its 10x Power-Lifting Suction (compared to the Roomba 600 series). This translates to effective pickup on both carpets and hard floors. The dual multi-surface rubber brushes are a standout feature, as they flex to maintain contact with different floor surfaces and resist tangling with pet hair—a common issue with bristle brushes found in less expensive models.
The three-stage cleaning system effectively lifts, loosens, and eliminates dirt, dust, and pet hair. The edge-sweeping brush is designed to tackle corners and edges where debris often accumulates. While it doesn't offer the same level of suction as premium models like the j7+ or s9+, it provides more than enough power for regular maintenance cleaning in most homes.
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👉 Get the Roomba i3+ EVO on Amazon"After years of cheaper robot vacuums that required constant maintenance, the i3+ is a game changer. It empties itself and the rubber brushes don't get tangled with my long hair like my old vacuum did." – Amazon Verified Purchase
"The smart mapping feature works surprisingly well. After a few runs, it learned my home layout and now cleans in efficient patterns. The app makes it easy to schedule cleanings while I'm at work." – Amazon Verified Purchase
"As a pet owner, this vacuum has been worth every penny. It picks up pet hair that my old vacuum missed, and I only need to empty the base once every month or so. The self-emptying feature alone justifies the price." – Amazon Verified Purchase
Navigation and Mapping
The i3+ EVO uses iRobot's Smart Mapping technology, which learns your home's layout as it cleans. While it doesn't create an immediate visual map like LiDAR-equipped models, it develops an internal map over time that allows for efficient cleaning patterns and room-specific cleaning through the iRobot Home app.
The navigation is methodical, with the robot cleaning in neat rows rather than the random patterns of more basic models. It handles obstacles reasonably well, though it lacks the advanced obstacle avoidance technology found in the more expensive j7+ model. This means you'll want to pick up small items, cords, and pet accidents before running the i3+ EVO.
Battery Life and Charging
With up to 75 minutes of runtime, the i3+ EVO can handle medium-sized homes on a single charge. For larger spaces, it utilizes Recharge and Resume functionality, automatically returning to its base when the battery runs low, recharging, and then picking up where it left off to complete the cleaning job.
App Control and Smart Features
The iRobot Home app provides intuitive control over the i3+ EVO. You can schedule cleanings, view cleaning history, and receive maintenance alerts. The app also offers cleaning suggestions based on your usage patterns and local factors like pet shedding seasons or high pollen counts.
Voice control integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant allows for hands-free operation with simple commands like "Alexa, tell Roomba to clean the living room." The i3+ EVO also works with IFTTT for more advanced automation scenarios, allowing you to integrate it into your broader smart home ecosystem.
iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO Performance Scorecard
| Suction Power | 8.5/10 |
|---|---|
| Navigation Accuracy | 8.0/10 |
| Hair Tangle Prevention | 9.0/10 |
| Battery Life | 7.5/10 |
| App Features | 8.5/10 |
| Noise Level | 8.0/10 |
| Value for Money | 9.0/10 |
| Overall Rating | 8.3/10 |
Pros
- Self-emptying Clean Base holds up to 60 days of dirt
- Dual multi-surface rubber brushes prevent hair tangles
- Smart Mapping learns your home layout over time
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Recharge and Resume functionality for larger homes
- Excellent value for a self-emptying robot vacuum
- Effective on both carpets and hard floors
Cons
- No advanced obstacle avoidance for pet waste/cords
- Battery life shorter than some competitors
- Clean Base requires proprietary disposal bags
- No mopping functionality
- Mapping is less sophisticated than LiDAR models
How Does It Compare?
When comparing the iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO to the Roborock Q7 Max+, there are notable differences. The Roomba i3+ EVO excels with its self-emptying base and tangle-resistant rubber brushes, making it ideal for pet owners. However, the Roborock Q7 Max+ offers significantly stronger suction power (4200Pa) and includes mopping functionality that the i3+ EVO lacks entirely. The Q7 Max+ also features more advanced LiDAR navigation for precise mapping, while the i3+ EVO uses a simpler mapping system that learns over time. For those prioritizing a trusted brand with excellent pet hair performance and self-emptying convenience at a lower price point, the i3+ EVO is the better choice. If you need mopping capabilities and more advanced navigation, the Roborock Q7 Max+ would be worth the additional investment.
Essential Accessories for Your iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO
iRobot Clean Base Bags
3-pack of replacement bags for the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal
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Roomba i3 Replacement Filters
3-pack of high-efficiency filters to trap 99% of cat and dog allergens
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Roomba i3 Brush Replacement Kit
Includes edge-sweeping brush and dual multi-surface rubber brushes
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions About the iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO
How often do I need to empty the Clean Base?
The Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal can hold up to 60 days of dust and debris, depending on your cleaning frequency and home conditions. The iRobot Home app will notify you when the disposal bag needs to be replaced. Each bag seals automatically when removed to prevent dust from escaping.
Does the Roomba i3+ EVO work well with pet hair?
Yes, the i3+ EVO is excellent for pet hair thanks to its dual multi-surface rubber brushes that resist tangling and 10x suction power. The self-emptying base is particularly beneficial for pet owners as it can hold weeks of pet hair without manual emptying, reducing your exposure to allergens.
Can the i3+ EVO map multiple floors?
The i3+ EVO can clean multiple floors, but it doesn't store separate maps for each floor like some premium models. When you move it to a different floor, it will create a new cleaning pattern for that space. For optimal performance on multiple floors, you'll need to move the Clean Base or purchase an additional charging dock for each floor.
How loud is the self-emptying function?
Comparable to a microwave or hair dryer – noticeable, but only lasts ~15 seconds.
Can I control which rooms get cleaned and in what order?
Yes, once the i3+ EVO creates a map of your home through Smart Mapping, you can name individual rooms and schedule specific rooms to be cleaned at certain times through the iRobot Home app. The robot will learn your home's layout over multiple cleaning runs, allowing for more precise room-by-room cleaning.
How does the Roomba i3+ EVO compare to the j7+?
The main difference between the i3+ EVO and the j7+ is the obstacle avoidance technology. The j7+ features PrecisionVision Navigation that can identify and avoid pet waste and cords - a feature the i3+ EVO doesn't have. The j7+ also has a slightly more refined design and a front-facing camera for better navigation. However, both models offer similar cleaning performance and self-emptying functionality. The i3+ EVO typically costs significantly less, making it a better value option if advanced obstacle avoidance isn't a priority for you.
Is the Roomba i3+ EVO good for carpets?
Yes, the Roomba i3+ EVO performs well on both low and medium-pile carpets. Its 10x Power-Lifting Suction and dual multi-surface rubber brushes effectively extract dirt and debris from carpet fibers. The robot automatically detects carpet and increases suction power accordingly. For homes with primarily carpeted floors, the i3+ EVO offers excellent performance, especially considering its price point in 2025.
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The iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO offers an impressive balance of features, performance, and value. With its self-emptying capability, smart mapping technology, and effective cleaning performance, it's an excellent choice for busy households and pet owners who want the convenience of automated cleaning without the premium price tag of high-end models. The combination of reliable performance and reduced maintenance makes the i3+ EVO one of the best value propositions in robot vacuums for 2025.
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