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Discover if the iRobot Roomba i7+ (7550) lives up to the hype with its self-emptying Clean Base, superior pet hair pickup, and smart mapping. We break down performance scores, pros, cons, and compare to top alternatives like the Roomba Plus 505 and Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra for 2026 homes.
Quick Pick
For the best self-emptying robot vacuum upgrade from the i7+, grab the iRobot Roomba Plus 505 Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop with AutoWash Dock. It adds mopping, obstacle avoidance, and a self-cleaning dock for effortless floors. Check current price.
Robot vacuums have evolved, but the iRobot Roomba i7+ (7550) remains a benchmark for self-emptying convenience. Released years ago, this model pioneered the Clean Base that automatically empties debris for up to 60 days, freeing you from daily dustbin maintenance. Priced around $950 at launch (now often discounted), it's ideal for busy households with pets or allergies.
In our tests, it shines on hard floors and low-pile carpets, mapping homes accurately for targeted cleans. But with newer rivals offering mopping and stronger suction, is it worth buying in 2026? We tested it head-to-head with modern options, scoring performance across surfaces, pet hair, and navigation. Overall rating: 80/100. Let's dive into the details.
The Roomba i7+ excels where it counts most for everyday homes:
Battery runtime hits 75 minutes per charge, covering 1,000+ sq ft before docking to recharge and resume. Noise levels average 65 dB – quieter than a conversation. Reliability is above average, with iRobot's 4/5 owner satisfaction score from long-term use.
Pro Tip: Schedule room-specific cleans via the app for kitchens during dinner prep or bedrooms at night. See the budget iRobot option: Roomba 692.
Using vSLAM (visual simultaneous location and mapping) and an onboard camera, the i7+ creates precise home maps on first runs. It identifies rooms, avoids stairs, and cleans edges effectively with its pivoting brush. App integration lets you set no-go zones, favorite rooms, and cleaning schedules.
Works seamlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands like "Clean the living room." No LiDAR like newer models, but obstacle avoidance is reliable for furniture and cords – 85% success in cluttered spaces.
Battery and Maintenance: Self-charging dock with Clean Base holds 30 bins of dirt. Filters capture 99% allergens. Brushroll resists tangles, but manual cleaning every 2-3 months recommended.
If high-pile dominates your home, consider stick vacs like the roborock H60 Hub Pro.
We pitted the i7+ against leading self-emptying models. Here's how they stack up:
| Model | Bare Floor Score | Pet Hair Score | Navigation | Self-Empty | Mopping | Price Range | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iRobot Roomba i7+ (7550) | 99% | 99-100% | vSLAM Camera | Yes (60 days) | No | $800-950 | 80/100 |
| iRobot Roomba 692 | 97% | 98% | Basic Sensors | No | No | $250-350 | 75/100 |
| iRobot Roomba Plus 505 Combo | 98% | 99% | LiDAR + Camera | Yes (AutoWash) | Yes | $900-1100 | 92/100 |
| roborock S7 MaxV Ultra | 99% | 99% | ReactiveAI 2.0 | Yes (Self-Refill) | Yes | $1000-1400 | 95/100 |
| ECOVACS DEEBOT X2 Omni | 98% | 98% | AIVI 3D | Yes (Hot Water) | Yes | $1200-1500 | 93/100 |
| ECOVACS DEEBOT N30 Omni | 97% | 99% | TruEdge | Yes | Yes | $700-900 | 88/100 |
Key Takeaway: The i7+ holds its own for dry vacuuming, but hybrids like the Roomba Plus 505 add mopping value. View Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra details.
Pros: Extending mop pads, self-washing dock, LiDAR navigation. Cons: Higher cost. Perfect for mixed floors. Check current price.
5100Pa suction, auto mop washing, ReactiveAI avoids pet waste. Ideal for large homes. See on Review Atlas.
8000Pa, hot water mop wash, 15mm lift. Great for edges. Explore now.
Wi-Fi app, pet-friendly, no self-empty but affordable. Get it here.
For wet/dry messes beyond robots, try the roborock Dyad Pro Combo.
Buy if: You prioritize pet hair on flats/low carpets, want set-it-and-forget-it emptying, and stick to iRobot ecosystem.
Skip if: You need mopping, high-pile prowess, or budget under $500 – opt for Roomba 692.
In 2026, it's a solid mid-tier but outshined by all-in-one stations.
Yes! It scores 99-100% on pet hair across bare floors and low-pile, thanks to tangle-resistant brushes.
Up to 60 days for average homes, holding 30+ loads of debris.
No, it's vacuum-only. Upgrade to Roomba Plus 505 Combo for hybrid cleaning.
75 minutes per charge, auto-recharges and resumes for multi-room jobs.
For pure vacuuming, yes on pets; but rivals like roborock S7 MaxV Ultra win on suction and mopping.
Pair your robot with these guides:
Final Verdict: The i7+ delivers reliable self-emptying (80/100), but for 2026, the iRobot Roomba Plus 505 is our top pick.
