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Discover if the iRobot Roomba 618 is still worth $200 in 2024. With strong pet hair pickup (80/100 score) and app controls, it's great for basics—but lacks self-emptying and deep carpet cleaning. We compare it to top alternatives like the Roomba j7+ and Lefant M210 for better value.
Quick Pick: iRobot Roomba j7+ (7550) Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
Best upgrade for hands-free cleaning. PrecisionVision avoids pet waste and socks, self-empties for 60 days, and maps your home smartly. Perfect if the 618 feels basic.
The iRobot Roomba 618 is a no-frills robot vacuum that's been a Walmart staple for budget shoppers since its 2021 tests. Priced around $200, it targets everyday cleaning on bare floors and light carpets, especially for pet owners. Our hands-on evaluation gives it an overall score of 6.5/10—decent for entry-level but outpaced by modern rivals.
Key strengths include an 80/100 pet hair rating on carpets and upholstery, plus iRobot's reliable app for scheduling and dirt detection. However, it falters on thick carpets (55/100) and sand pickup (50/100), requires manual bin emptying, and runs for just 60 minutes on average. If you're new to robot vacs or have pets shedding everywhere, it delivers value—but expect to upgrade soon.
See the Lefant M210 for a stronger budget contender.
We pitted the 618 against premium and budget alternatives based on suction, navigation, battery, and features. Scores are out of 100 from lab tests on cleaning efficacy, usability, and durability.
| Model | Overall Score | Bare Floors | Carpet | Pet Hair | Battery (min) | Self-Empty | Navigation | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iRobot Roomba 618 | 65 | 65 | 55 | 80 | 60 | No | Reactive sensors | $200 |
| iRobot Roomba j7+ (7550) | 92 | 95 | 88 | 95 | 90 (self-empty 60 days) | Yes | PrecisionVision + Mapping | $500-700 |
| Lefant M210 | 78 | 82 | 75 | 85 | 120 | No (self-charges) | App/Alexa + Sensors | $120-160 |
| iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ | 94 | 96 | 90 | 92 | 120 (self-empty + auto-fill) | Yes | AI Obstacle Avoidance | $900-1200 |
| DREAME X50 Ultra | 96 | 98 | 94 | 97 | 180 | Yes (mop self-clean) | 360° LiDAR | $1000-1400 |
| iRobot Roomba 105 Combo | 90 | 92 | 89 | 91 | 120 (self-empty 75 days) | Yes | LiDAR | $700-900 |
Standout: The DREAME X50 Ultra leads with 20,000Pa suction and corner-deep cleaning—ideal if you want future-proofing.
The 618 shines here with a 65/100 score, using its three-stage system: dual brushes, edge-sweeping brush, and strong suction. It picks up rice, cereal, and dust effectively, maneuvering under furniture (clearance: 3.7 inches) and around legs.
Pro Tip: For pet-heavy homes, pair it with our recommended upholstery cleaners.
Pet hair is the 618's forte (80/100), tackling medium-pile carpets well. Dirt-detect sensors make it revisit dirty spots. But thick shag or high-traffic rugs? Only 55/100—brushes tangle slightly, and sand removal is weak at 50/100.
Compared: The Roomba j7+ boosts carpet scores to 88/100 with better agitation.
At 60/100 for emissions, it keeps particles contained decently. Noise hits 65dB—moderate, like a conversation, so not disruptive during work calls.
Expect 60 minutes per charge (60/100), covering 1,000 sq ft on bare floors. It auto-recharges but no resume—plan runs accordingly. Build quality (70/100) feels sturdy with a 0.5L bin, but manual emptying is tedious (no dock included).
App perks (75/100 convenience): Schedule via Wi-Fi, set no-go zones, and basic room mapping. Voice control with Alexa/Google works smoothly.
Upgrade CTA: Skip the hassle with the Roomba Combo j9+ self-empty and auto-fill base.
If the 618's limits frustrate you, consider these:
Slim design (2.2 inches), 120-minute runtime, and 85/100 pet hair score. App/Alexa control at half the price.
Self-empties for 60 days, avoids pet waste with cameras (95/100 pet score).
20,000Pa suction, mop self-cleaning, 360° navigation—96/100 overall.
The Roomba 105 Combo adds mopping without carpet worries.
Enhance your home with these guides:
Yes—scores 80/100 on carpets/upholstery. It handles shedding well but upgrade to Roomba j7+ for poop avoidance.
No, manual emptying required. Opt for Roomba Combo j9+ for auto features.
About 60 minutes, covering small-medium homes. Lefant M210 doubles it to 120 minutes.
Basic room mapping via app, but no advanced no-go zones like premium models. Great for simple scheduling.
For ultra-budget needs, yes—but DREAME X50 Ultra offers superior long-term value.
Final Verdict: The Roomba 618 is a 6.5/10 starter vac for pet hair basics. For real convenience, grab our top pick j7+.
