Roomba 790 or 880 – Which is Best for You?
Here, we will somewhat briefly compare two of the best Robot vacuums available (both from iRobot) the Roomba 790 versus the Roomba 880 — firstly through providing a brief overview of each and then going on to highlight their differences (as well as their similarities) regarding specifications, aspects and features. This will in turn give you a clear sense of what both models can offer you as well as a more informed indication as to which is the best Roomba for you (along with an appreciation of their respective price tags).
Roomba 790 Overview
Cleaning Technology & Navigation System
The 790 is the top of the range in the Roomba 700 series and is hence fitted with all the bells and whistles. It is fitted with the advanced cleaner head as well as the updated three stage cleaning system (with AeroVac series II). Moreover, it is installed with two vitally useful cleaning software programs: the iAdapt Responsive technology (working like a GPS system to identify the most efficient and cleaning path for each room you want cleaning) and Dirt Detect Series II using both optical & acoustic detectors to find particularly dirty patches, in which the Roomba 790 will then use a persistent pass mechanism (whereby it will repeatedly pass over & vacuum the dirty section until it is satisfied that its sufficiently clean).
Battery Performance & Integrated Filters
With the updated long-lasting battery fitted with the Roomba 790 it will last well over 2 hours on a single run, but if it does run out of charge whilst cleaning your room — it will return to its home docking station to gain sufficient power until it can return and complete the task in hand. In terms of the filtration system fitted it has a dual HEPA filter mechanism that is highly efficient in preventing allergens and dust particles from entering into the air supply in your home (whilst the the Roomba 790 vacuums).
Features, Specifications & Accessories
The 790 hosts a whole range of great features that include: the 7 day schedule program system (so you can set it to vacuum your house whilst you are at work), the wireless control command center (acting like an advanced remote control, where you can actually operate the Roomba manually from it too along with a whole range of other variable settings also), three virtual lighthouses (enabling it to do room-to-room cleaning) and bin indicator (to let you know when it is due emptying). It also comes with a fair amount of accessories too — advanced cleaning tool set, three sets of extra HEPA filters, extra brushes and of course a simple to use and follow instruction manual guide. In terms of its design it is circular (measuring: 13.9 by 3.4 by 13.9 inches and weighs approximately 8 lbs) and comes in a light blue finish.
Rating: 92% from over 20 reviews (sourced: amazon.com)
Roomba 880 Overview
The Most Advanced Robot Vacuum Ever
Cleaning Technology & Navigation System
This is where the significant improvement in the 880 lies — it has been installed with the new ‘Aeroforce’ system that allows it to pick up 50% more debris and dirt than the 790 model.
Specifically, the AeroForce uses three components: i. the tangle-free extractors (which feature a rubber tread design to capture the debris from all floor surfaces — making the 880 incredibly easy to maintain & become far less prone to clogging up etc.), ii. the AirFlow accelerator that channels the vacuum to the floor surface, creating a vacuum seal with concentrated airflow) and iii. the high-efficiency vacuum (five times more powerful than previous Roomba models). It also has a 60% bigger bin capacity as well for storing debris and dirt, so can operate for even longer before you need to empty it.
Like the 790 it uses the iAdapt responsive technology to develop a clear overview and clean path of the room being cleaned (which incorporates the escape behavior from wires, detecting obstacles & drop-offs etc.) as well as the Dirt Detect Series II with persistent pass technology (which is the same as described above).
Battery Performance & Integrated Filters
It similarly lasts for well over 2 hours with each run and will automatically return to its home docking station when in need of being charged or once it has finished cleaning. The 880 also features the same Dual HEPA system to prevent fine dust particles and allergens escaping back into the air supply in your home.
Features, Specifications & Accessories
The 880 also shares the same features with the 790: with the lighthouses for room-to-room cleaning, bin indicator, a remote control (not the wireless command center), cleaning schedule program. Again, similar in design (although in black – dimensions: 13.9 by 3.6 by 13.9 inches), with the same measurements although slightly heavier at 8.4 lbs.
Currently only available at iRobot.com, hence no reviews as of yet (as it has only just been released).
The Difference Between the 790 and 880
As you can see the only real difference between the 790 and 880 Roomba is that the 880 has been fitted with the advanced cleaning system the AeroForce which in turn makes it a far superior cleaning machine as well as a lot easier to maintain & it also offers the bigger bin capacity (as well as the subtle difference in design & color finish too). There is also a difference with the remote control with the 880 & wireless command center that comes with the 790.
Which Robot Vacuum Should You Buy the 790 or 880?
Here, are two truly excellent robotic cleaning machines and of course (as you would expect) the price does reflect that, but which one should you get? For me, if you are paying that kind of money anyway ( around the $700 mark) — you obviously are after pretty much the ‘best model’ out there and from the comparison we have just seen — the ‘absolute best’ robot vacuum out there (currently) would be the Roomba 880 (by quite a considerable stretch in comparison to even the Roomba 790).
Note: expect further updates in the near future.
i. CNet conducted a test of the Roomba 880 Vs Neato XV Signature Pro, Roomba 790, LG Hom-Bot Square & Infinuvo CleanMate QQ5 and it beat them all significantly ‘the 880 surpasses many of its competitors’. Although, it is clear the Neato Signature XV Pro comes in a close & more affordable second (in some aspects) — certainly worth checking out (especially if you have a significant pet hair problem).
Also, if you have any questions or concerns regarding the comparison of the 790 Vs 880 then please make them below (and if you found this account useful in anyway please give it a like/share).
