iRobot Roomba i3+ — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | iRobot |
|---|---|
| Model | Roomba i3+ |
| Year | 2021 |
| Category | Cleaning |
| Autonomy | fully-autonomous |
| Environment | indoor |
| Price (USD) | $349–$399 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Alexa, Google Assistant, App Control |
| Country of origin | CN |
Key features
- Clean Base self-empty dock (60-day capacity)
- Dual rubber multi-surface brushes (tangle-resistant)
- iAdapt 3.0 with vSLAM smart mapping
- Imprint Smart Mapping for room-by-room control
- Imprint Link — pairs with Braava Jet m6
- Alexa and Google Assistant compatible
- Learns and adapts to home layout over time
What is it?
The Roomba i3+ is iRobot's entry into self-emptying robot vacuums, launched as part of the i-series that introduced intelligent mapping to the mid-range segment. The '+' denotes inclusion of the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal station — which separates it from the standard i3.
Who is it for?
Households wanting the convenience of self-emptying without the cost of LiDAR navigation. Particularly suited to pet owners and families with busy schedules — the 60-day bag capacity means weeks without bin interaction. Homes with mostly open floor plans benefit most; complex multi-room layouts may see less efficient coverage than LiDAR models.
Key specs
- Suction: 10x vs 600 series (iRobot's relative claim)
- Navigation: iAdapt 3.0 with vSLAM — learns home layout over multiple runs
- Cleaning system: Dual rubber multi-surface brushes
- Self-empty: Clean Base holds ~60 days debris
- Battery: Li-ion, ~75 minutes runtime
- Dustbin: 0.4L
- Height: 9.2 cm
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Alexa, Google Assistant
- Smart mapping: Yes — Imprint Smart Mapping (builds map over time)
- Price: $349
How it compares
The i3+ sits between the Roomba 694 (no self-empty, no smart map) and the i6+ (Imprint Smart Map with pre-loaded maps). The key upgrade from the i3 to i3+ is the Clean Base dock. Against the Shark IQ AV970 at a similar price, the i3+ uses camera-based vSLAM vs Shark's home mapping. Both offer self-emptying; the Shark uses a larger XL dustbin dock while iRobot uses the bag-based Clean Base. The rubber brush system is a significant advantage over bristle-brush competitors for pet hair.
Limitations
- vSLAM navigation requires several runs to build an accurate map — not instant
- Map is not editable until fully established
- No mop function
- 75-minute runtime shorter than some competitors
- Clean Base bags are proprietary and recurring cost (~$15 for 3-pack)
FAQ
How often do I need to empty the Clean Base on the Roomba i3+?
The Clean Base holds approximately 60 days of debris under normal use, sealed in an AllergenLock bag. You replace the bag rather than emptying a bin — bags hold significantly more than the robot's 0.4L dustbin.
Does the Roomba i3+ create a map of my home?
Yes, using iAdapt 3.0 with vSLAM (visual simultaneous localisation and mapping). It builds the map over multiple cleaning runs rather than in a single pass. Once the map is established, you can direct it to clean specific rooms.
Can the Roomba i3+ be paired with the Braava mop?
Yes. The i3+ supports Imprint Link technology, which allows it to automatically cue the Braava Jet m6 mop to follow up after a vacuuming session in the same area.
What is the difference between the Roomba i3 and i3+?
The i3+ includes the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal dock; the standard i3 does not. The robot itself is identical. The i3 is typically $100+ cheaper.
Does the Roomba i3+ work on both hard floors and carpet?
Yes. The dual rubber brushes flex to stay in contact with both hard floors and carpet. The robot automatically adjusts suction power when transitioning between floor types.