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I've Tested Over 30 Robot Vacuums. This Roomba Model Is One Of The Best You Can Buy.
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Editor's note May 2024: iRobot has discontinued the Roomba i3+ EVO, though inventory can still be found at third-party sites. For the most up-to-date recommendations, see our guide to the best robot vacuums.
Robot vacuums are colloquially called "Roombas" for a good reason. IRobot continues to innovate with its line of Roomba robot vacuums. I've tested more than 30 robovacs, and the Roomba i3+ EVO offers the best balance of performance, features, and value.
iRobot recently renamed the i3+ by adding "EVO" to represent its improved mapping capabilities. You can now label rooms and schedule individual cleanings for them, but everything else about the vacuum is the same.
Though it's in the middle, price-wise, for a Roomba, the i3+ EVO cleans impressively well. Below, I go in depth on our testing to explain why it's the top pick in our guide to the best robot vacuums.
Specs Setup James Brains/InsiderThe Roomba i3+ EVO comes in a big box, about the size of an end table. To set it up, you remove the packaging, attach the power cord to the dirt-disposal base, and plug it in.
Place the vac on the charging base so the metal contacts on the bottom of the i3+ EVO are touching the base's metal contacts. The robot comes with a partial charge, but iRobot recommends charging it for at least 3 hours before its first cleaning. While the Roomba charges, download the app. Connecting the Roomba to the app is effortless with the app's step-by-step instructions. Just make sure you have good WiFi coverage.
The whole setup process, including connecting to the app, took me about 10 minutes, faster than most models.
Review of the iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO Robot Vacuum The top image shows the iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO Robot Vacuum cleaning up debris in our test area. Below are before and after pictures of how it performed. James Brains/InsiderMy favorite feature of the Roomba i3+ robot vacuum is the automatic dirt-disposal base. With most robot vacuums, I don't don't remember to empty the tiny dustbin. Consequently, it can't do its job. With the Roomba's base, I don't need to empty the bin: The base does it automatically. It has a high-powered vacuum that sucks debris out of a hole in the bottom of the dustbin. The debris travels from the bottom of the base to a dust bag near the top. When the disposable bag is full (every two months or so), the app lets me know to change it.
I haven't found a robovac that doesn't get stuck on cords, toys, or other household hazards. Yet, the iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO rarely needed help during cleanings. It does an outstanding job of recognizing obstacles and not getting caught up on them, though it doesn't have the high-tech obstacle avoidance found in more expensive models like the Roomba j7.
The Roomba i3+ EVO does better on carpeting than any robot vacuum I've tested. I laid out flour, coffee grounds, kitty litter, and pet hair on 18-inch-square sections of carpeting. I ran the vac for two cleaning cycles and compared before and after photos to estimate how much debris it picked up. The Roomba picked up virtually all of the grounds, litter, and hair and just left behind a little flour, a material that most vacs struggle with.
I performed the same test on hardwood, and the i3+ EVO's performance was almost as impressive. It picked up all of the grounds and hair but left behind about 5 percent of the litter and 10 percent of the flour.
Robot vacuums struggle to clean corners, but the Roomba i3+ EVO's corner cleaning was better than most. I sprinkled a teaspoon of flour fanning out 4 inches from the corner. Next, I ran the robovac through two cleaning cycles. I measured how close it got to the corner and compared before and after photos.
The Roomba came within an inch of hardwood and carpeted corners, which is very good. It only picked up half the flour on carpeting, which is about average for the robot vacs we've tested. On the hardwood, it did much better, picking up 80 percent of the flour.
The i3+ EVO's cleaning is aided by dirt-detect capabilities that trigger the robot to perform multiple passes in areas where it senses excess debris. I noticed this feature at work during testing. The vac kept going back to the areas where I laid out debris.
The iRobot app (available for iOS and Android) is one of the most user-friendly apps I've tested, and iRobot is constantly improving it. This week, the company improved the i3+ EVO's smart mapping capabilities. Once the i3+ EVO maps your cleaning area (this takes several cleaning cycles), you can use the app to clean specific rooms. Scheduling daily cleanings only took me a few seconds to set up.
Before and after photos demonstrating how well the iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO Robot Vacuum did cleaning in hardwood corners. James Brains/InsiderThe iRobot app also offers personalized cleaning suggestions based on your behaviors and the season. For instance, it may suggest running your i3+ EVO more often to pick up pollen and other irritants during allergy season.
The app also notifies you when it's time to perform scheduled maintenance, such as cleaning or replacing the filter, replacing the brushes, or switching out the disposable dust bags. You can order all of the items through the app.
Cons to considerThe iRobot app doesn't let you set no-go zones for the i3+ EVO. This is frustrating because no-go zones are available when using higher-end models, such as the s9+ or i7+. For $31 each, you can get virtual wall barriers.
The Roomba i3+ EVO is loud and only has one suction mode, so you can't choose a quieter setting. From 12 inches away, my sound meter registered 68 decibels, a little softer than city traffic.
What are your alternatives?I've tested over 30 models, and our robot vacuum guide gives recommendations for specific use-cases. The Roomba i3+ EVO is my top overall pick, but you might consider the Roomba s9+ if you want to be able to set no-go zones in the iRobot app. The s9+ was our top performer on hardwood. Unfortunately, it costs twice as much as the i3+ EVO.
For a quiet, budget solution, the sub-$200 eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 15C Max is an excellent choice. It did a good job on hardwood and carpeting, fits into small spaces, and doesn't get stuck easily. However, it doesn't have an auto-empty base or no-go zone settings.
The bottom line James Brains/InsiderFor $500, you won't find a better robot vacuum than the iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO. Its overall cleaning performance was better than any other robot vacuum on the market. The automatic dirt disposal base and ability to avoid getting stuck make floor cleaning more automatic than other models. If you're going to buy a robot vacuum, get this model.
Pros: Outstanding carpet cleaning, great hardwood cleaning, doesn't easily get stuck, automatically empties its dustbin, easy-to-use app
Cons: Can't set no-go zones, loud operation
James Brains
Senior Reporter, Business Insider Reviews
James Brains is a home and kitchen reporter and product expert with over seven years of experience in service journalism. He is passionate about providing helpful buying advice to readers based on extensive testing. ExperienceAs a Senior Reporter for Business Insider's Reviews team, James focuses on testing home and kitchen products. He uses his hands-on experience to write in-depth reviews and buying guides, tackling everything from air fryers and toaster ovens to air conditioners and vacuums. Before joining Business Insider in 2021, James worked as a freelance writer and ran Brains Report, his personal product review site. In addition to home and kitchen products, James also has a background in writing about tech, health, and fitness. Why you can trust JamesJames uses his background in experimental psychology to develop objective tests and review methodologies for all the products he evaluates. He's tested over 100 mattresses to write our guide to the best mattresses, even touring a mattress manufacturing facility to further enrich his expertise. Seeing how mattresses are constructed has provided key insights into what to look for and what materials and features are best for certain sleepers. James believes high-quality sleep is worth a premium, and he's passionate about helping readers get a better night's sleep — but he'll always help you find a good deal on a mattress in the process. He is always on call to find the best mattress, bedding, and vaccum deals (among others) on any given day, but especially during big sale days like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. ExpertiseLitter-Robot 3 Vs 4: Which Is Worth Your Money?
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Credit: Whisker
Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard about Whisker's Litter-Robot by now. If you haven't, it's a self-cleaning litter box that scoops your cat's poop for you, saving you from the dreaded task every pet parent hates.
It's one of the best automatic cat litter boxes on the market, featuring odor control, health monitoring, litter trapping, a bathroom dashboard, and more – ranging between $499 and $699.
As someone who tests pet products for a living, I often get asked whether the Litter-Robot 3 Connect or Litter-Robot 4 is the better choice. My answer? It all depends on the size of your cat, how many you have, and your personal preferences. To help you decide which one is right for you, we put both of them to the test, comparing everything from the specs and set-up to the odor control and user experience.
Here's our full breakdown of the Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs. Litter-Robot 4:
Credit: Philip Pigott/Jo Crosby
Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs 4: SetupBoth devices are quite similar in terms of setup and arrive fully assembled – all you need to do is plug them in. Before getting started, there are a few pre-checks: remove the cardboard and tape, check the bonnet tabs, and secure the key at the rear of the device. Then, place it on a flat, dry surface, preferably where your cat's old litter box used to be.
The devices shouldn't be pushed against a wall or into a corner – they need to be at least two to three inches away – and should be positioned near a plug socket.
Once it's plugged in, add some clumping litter, turn it on, and run an initial cleaning cycle. Whisker advises against using litter that is absorbent, non-clumping, loosely clumping, or made from newspaper or wood-based pellets. Finally, turn it off while your cats get accustomed to it and gradually introduce them.
What our testers say about the setup: Litter-Robot 3 ConnectPhilip says: "It is a very large object in a huge box so it was awkward to maneuver."
Jo says: "Setup was all super easy using the Whisker app – you get handy notifications to say when the box is full and ready to be emptied."
🏆 Winner (Setup): Litter-Robot 3 Connect
Both models are easy to set up, so we would opt for the Litter-Robot 3 Connect to save money. While our tester said the large size is hard to move around, the difference between the two is a matter of a couple of inches, so it's not worth spending extra for this alone.
Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs 4: Odor controlBoth models have the following features to minimize odors:
Sifts within minutes of being used
According to Whisker's website, the Litter-Robot 4's waste drawer has a larger capacity and is tightly sealed, which helps to prevent bad smells. However, our tester, Philip, says he didn't notice any odors with the 3 Connect.
What our testers say about the odor control: Litter-Robot 3 ConnectPhilip says: "I haven't smelled anything even after a week of not being emptied."
Jo says: "It doesn't come with any odor captures but you can purchase these from Amazon. I've not yet tried one so my only comment would be no smell until you open the drawer to empty the littler and that can be a bit on the smelly side."
🏆 Winner (Odor control): Litter-Robot 3 Connect
Philip was super impressed with how the Litter-Robot 3 Connect contained bad smells, so it's not worth spending more for the 4.
Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs 4: Litter trackingOne of the worst things about traditional litter boxes is that your cat often drops a trail of litter behind them (which feels impossible to keep on top of!) Both Litter-Robots feature a globe-shaped design and an integrated step that helps prevent this mess from getting outside.
You can also purchase the LitterTrap Mat and ramp to help even further. While both models do a good job at containing litter, the 4 includes a fence to go one step further, but you'll need to buy this separately with the 3 Connect.
What our testers say about litter tracking: Litter-Robot 3 ConnectPhilip says: "Almost no litter is caught in the bags."
Jo says: "Very little litter on the floor after the cats have used the Litter-Robot 4."
🏆 Winner (Tracking): Litter-Robot 3 Connect
Both of our testers rated this feature five stars, so there's no need to upgrade to the Litter-Robot 4.
Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs 4: SizeBoth devices are similar in footprint size, with the Litter-Robot 3 Connect measuring 24.25'' x 27'' and the Litter-Robot 4 measuring 22'' x 27''. Our tester, Philip, was surprised at how large it looked in his home, so it's definitely worth measuring your space before committing to the purchase – especially since it can't be placed flat against a wall.
The Litter-Robot 4 has a larger entryway, measuring 15.75'' x 15.75'', making it a better choice for large cats and easier for them to climb into. The Litter-Robot 3 Connect measures 10.25'' x 15.25'', but our tester's cats didn't have any problems getting inside – so it's down to your preference.
However, it's worth bearing in mind that if you have cats under 3lbs, the automatic cleaning won't work on the Litter-Robot 3 – but it will on the 4.
What are our testers say about the size: Litter-Robot 3 ConnectPhilip says: "It takes up more room than I expected, but the capacity is very good."
Jo says: "I have two indoor cats - one of which is a rather big girl, weighing 5.5kg. They are both able to use it brilliantly."
🏆 Winner (Size): Litter-Robot 4
The Litter-Robot 4 wins this round, as it's suitable for both larger cats and smaller kittens.
Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs 4: User experienceLots of pet parents have concerns about whether their cat would actually use an automatic litter box, but both of our testers say their cats are happy to use these boxes and have adjusted well.
The Litter-Robot 4 features a SmartScale that can identify multiple cats using the box. You can set up profiles for them on the app and monitor their toilet habits, which is very helpful for spotting health conditions early.
For both versions, you can view the waste drawer levels in the app and be alerted when it's time to change, but with the 4, you can also see real-time litter and waste levels.
For safety purposes, both boxes have anti-pinch technology and weight-activated sensors, but the 4 has advanced sensor technology and greater accuracy, which stops cleaning when it detects motion or resistance inside.
Noise is another common question. While both testers were happy with the noise level, the Litter-Robot 4 has QuietSift technology, which makes less noise during cleaning.
Here's a comparison of the two for reference:
What our testers say about the user experience: Litter-Robot 3 ConnectPhilip says: "The cats adjusted very well to the new litter (we used to use non-clumping), and after a couple of days, we took away the 'ladder' which is quite large. We hear it churning away, but we work and sleep far enough away to not cause a problem."
Jo says: "My cats had no problems at all. The front opening is nice and spacious for them to get in and out and it has a handy little step. There's a slight noise of the litter moving when the drum rotates but no actual noise from the robot itself."
🏆 Winner (Sound): Litter-Robot 4
If you have a skittish cat or find noises really bothersome, we recommend going for the Litter-Robot 4, which is quieter during cleaning. It's also a better choice for multi-cat households as you can monitor individual pets.
Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs 4: AppearanceBoth Litter-Robots feature a modern design that looks (and smells) ten times better than any traditional box. While they do take up a fair bit of space, our testers were happy with the overall appearance of both.
While the Litter-Robot 3 Connect is available in beige or black, the Litter-Robot 4 comes in a range of colors (white, black, lilac, fuchsia, mint, marble, wood grain, grey stone) – something to keep in mind if décor is important to you. The 4 is slightly smaller as well, but it's not enough of a difference to warrant spending more for this reason.
What our testers say about the appearance: Litter-Robot 3 ConnectPhilip says: "We have it in the utility room, and it basically takes up as much space as a washing machine, so it has to live in the thoroughfare."
Jo says: "We keep ours in the utility room and it blends in really well."
🏆 Winner (Appearance): Litter-Robot 4
The Litter-Robot 4 comes in eight different colors, making it easier to find a style that fits your home. However, the Litter-Robot 3 Connect does come in neutral colors, so we don't think it's a total dealbreaker if you want to save money.
Litter-Robot 3 Connect vs 4: VerdictWe recommend the Litter-Robot 4 if...
You have a particularly large cat who needs a bigger entry way
You have a kitten who weighs under 5lbs
You want more color options
You want a quieter cleaning cycle
You want to monitor multiple cats' health on the app
If these things don't matter to you and you'd prefer to save $150, then the Litter-Robot 3 Connect is still an excellent choice that we approve of.
Our review panelIf you're wondering who's behind this review, meet our testers below:
Image 1 of 2
Jo and her cat
Jo, Mollie and MinnieJo tested the Litter-Robot 4 with the help of her cats, Mollie and Minnie.
Image 2 of 2
Philip's cats, Ava and Bella, sleeping on a blue fleece blanket
Philip, Ava and BellaPhilip tested the Litter-Robot 3 Connect on his cats, Ava and Bella.
For more information, read our page on how we test.
Other automatic cat litter boxes to considerPetSafe ScoopFree Clumping Self-Cleaning Litter Box If you're looking for something more affordable, this PetSafe model costs considerably less and is still a great choice. Our tester, Alisa, says it controls odors well, is easy to set up, and loves that it only needs cleaning once a week.View Deal
Credit: Alisa Partlan
Neakasa M1 Open-Top Self Cleaning Cat Litter BoxIf you want smart features like the Litter-Robot but prefer an open-top design, the Neakasa M1 box is an excellent choice. Unlike the Litter-Robot, it's compatible with cats weighing from 2.2lbs to 33lbs. You can monitor your cat's health via an app, and it comes with a mat to stop litter tracking. Our tester, Henry, says it saves him so much time and effort.View Deal
Credit: Henry Massey
Still feeling unsure of what to buy? Read our review on the Litter-Robot 3 and the best cat litter boxes.
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis de Leaver.
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