iRobot Roomba i4 EVO Review: Smart Mapping for Easy Cleaning

• Offers smart mapping for room-specific cleaning
• Compatible with Alexa for voice control
• Effective on pet hair, carpets, and hard floors
• Battery life lasts up to 75 minutes
• Mixed customer reviews on overall performance

Introduction

Are you considering the iRobot Roomba i4 EVO for your home cleaning needs? With smart mapping technology and Wi-Fi connectivity, this robot vacuum promises to simplify your cleaning routine. Our comprehensive review dives into over 2,058 customer reviews, expert analyses from The Verge, CNET, and TechRadar, and compares it to top competitors like the Shark IQ Robot and the Eufy RoboVac 30C. We'll explore its performance, value for money, and whether it's the right choice for you.

The Roomba i4 EVO earns a 3.7 out of 5 star rating, reflecting a mix of praise and criticism from users. It's designed for those who value smart home integration and want a vacuum that can handle pet hair and various floor types. This review will cover its real-world performance, reliability, common issues, and specific use cases to help you make an informed decision.

How Does the Roomba i4 EVO Perform in Real-World Conditions?

The Roomba i4 EVO's performance is a mixed bag according to customer reviews. While 65% of users praise its ability to handle pet hair and various floor types, 35% express dissatisfaction with its cleaning efficiency. The 3-Stage Cleaning System is designed to pull in dirt, debris, and pet hair effectively, but some users report it misses spots or struggles with larger debris.

Professional reviewers from CNET have noted that the Roomba i4 EVO performs well on carpets and hard floors, with its dual multi-surface rubber brushes helping to tackle pet hair. However, The Verge's testing revealed that it can sometimes struggle with navigating around furniture, which aligns with customer feedback where 8% mention the vacuum getting stuck.

For instance, one user found it ideal for their small apartment, appreciating how it cleaned in tidy rows and focused on dirtier areas. Another user, however, reported that it often missed corners and struggled with thicker rugs.

Is the Roomba i4 EVO Good Value for Money?

Priced competitively at around $200 during sales, the Roomba i4 EVO offers good value for its features, especially when compared to higher-end models. However, its value proposition is somewhat diminished by mixed user feedback.

When compared to the Shark IQ Robot, which often retails for around $300, the Roomba i4 EVO's smart mapping and Alexa compatibility stand out as strong value adds. The Eufy RoboVac 30C, priced similarly at around $250, offers longer battery life but lacks the Roomba's smart mapping capabilities.

Overall, 55% of users feel the Roomba i4 EVO provides good value for money, while 45% believe it could offer more for the price, especially considering its battery life and occasional performance issues.

What Are the Common Problems and Solutions for the Roomba i4 EVO?

One of the most common issues reported by 25% of users is the battery life not meeting expectations. The advertised 75 minutes of runtime is often shorter in real-world use, especially on thicker carpets. A solution is to run the vacuum on smaller areas or schedule multiple cleaning sessions.

Connectivity issues affect 15% of users, with the Roomba occasionally failing to connect to Wi-Fi. Resetting the device or moving the router closer can help resolve this problem.

Noise level is another concern, with 10% of reviewers finding it too loud. Using the vacuum during times when noise is less disruptive, like during the day when you're out, can mitigate this issue.

Who Should Consider Buying the Roomba i4 EVO?

The Roomba i4 EVO is ideal for tech-savvy homeowners who appreciate smart home integration. Its compatibility with Alexa makes it a great fit for those who want to control their cleaning via voice commands.

It's also suitable for pet owners, with 65% of users reporting good performance on pet hair. The vacuum's ability to clean in tidy rows and focus on dirtier areas makes it a good choice for small to medium-sized homes where thorough cleaning is a priority.

However, if you're looking for a vacuum with longer battery life or quieter operation, you might want to consider alternatives like the Eufy RoboVac 30C or the Shark IQ Robot.

What Is the Long-Term Ownership Experience Like?

Long-term reliability is a concern for some users, with 19% giving the Roomba i4 EVO a 1-star rating. Many of these reviews cite issues with durability and battery life over time. However, 52% of users gave it a 5-star rating, indicating a positive long-term experience for a significant portion of owners.

The vacuum comes with a 1-year warranty, which is standard for the industry. iRobot's customer service has a mixed reputation, with some users praising their responsiveness while others report difficulties in getting issues resolved.

For instance, one user who has owned the Roomba i4 EVO for over a year noted that while the initial performance was excellent, the battery life started to decline after six months, requiring more frequent charging.

How Does the Roomba i4 EVO Compare to Its Competitors?

Compared to the Shark IQ Robot, the Roomba i4 EVO offers similar smart mapping technology but at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option. The Shark, however, has a slightly longer battery life and a larger dustbin.

The Eufy RoboVac 30C, while lacking smart mapping, offers better battery life and a quieter operation. It's priced similarly to the Roomba i4 EVO but might be a better choice for those prioritizing longer runtimes and lower noise levels.

Both the Shark and Eufy models have higher overall customer ratings, with the Shark at 4.2 out of 5 and the Eufy at 4.3 out of 5, compared to the Roomba i4 EVO's 3.7 out of 5.

FAQ

How long does the Roomba i4 EVO's battery last?

The Roomba i4 EVO's battery lasts up to 75 minutes, though 25% of users report shorter runtimes in real-world use.

Can the Roomba i4 EVO be controlled with voice commands?

Yes, it's compatible with Alexa, allowing for voice control of your cleaning tasks.

Is the Roomba i4 EVO good for pet owners?

Yes, 65% of users report that it performs well on pet hair, making it suitable for pet owners.

What are the dimensions of the Roomba i4 EVO?

The Roomba i4 EVO measures 13.34 inches in length, 13.26 inches in width, and 3.63 inches in height.

Does the Roomba i4 EVO come with a warranty?

Yes, it comes with a standard 1-year warranty from iRobot.

How does the Roomba i4 EVO handle different floor types?

It performs well on both carpets and hard floors, with dual multi-surface rubber brushes designed to tackle various surfaces.

Can the Roomba i4 EVO clean specific rooms?

Yes, with its smart mapping technology, you can direct it to clean specific rooms on demand or on a schedule.

What are some common issues with the Roomba i4 EVO?

Common issues include battery life not meeting expectations, occasional connectivity problems, and noise level concerns.

Competitor Comparison

Final Verdict

The iRobot Roomba i4 EVO earns a 3.7 out of 5 star rating, reflecting its mixed performance and user feedback. Its smart mapping technology and Alexa compatibility are standout features, making it a great choice for tech-savvy homeowners and pet owners who want a vacuum that can handle various floor types. However, concerns about battery life, occasional connectivity issues, and noise level may deter some potential buyers.

In terms of value for money, the Roomba i4 EVO is priced competitively, especially during sales. It offers more features than similarly priced alternatives like the Eufy RoboVac 30C, though it falls short in battery life and noise level. If you prioritize smart home integration and room-specific cleaning, the Roomba i4 EVO could be worth the investment. However, if longer battery life and quieter operation are more important, you might want to consider other options.

We recommend the Roomba i4 EVO for those who value smart mapping and voice control, as well as pet owners needing effective pet hair removal. However, if you're looking for a more reliable long-term solution or quieter operation, you may want to explore alternatives like the Shark IQ Robot or the Eufy RoboVac 30C. Ultimately, whether the Roomba i4 EVO is worth it depends on your specific needs and priorities.

Is the iRobot Roomba i4 EVO the right choice for you? Consider your priorities, read through our detailed analysis, and make an informed decision.