The Roomba vacuum line from iRobot brings the futuristic smart home of sci-fi movies closer to reality than ever before. These little sweepers have the power and intelligence to identify and clean any mess, letting you maintain a tidy house without adding even more to your busy schedule.
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With so many options to choose from in their product line, it can be tricky to figure out which Roomba is the best choice for your home. The 761 and 880 models are two of the most popular in their catalogue. In a side-by-side test of the Roomba 761 vs 880, some key differences emerge that makes each the right pick for a different kind of user. Read on below for a breakdown of these key features.
QUICK COMPARISON TABLE
| Roomba 761 | Roomba 880 | |
|---|---|---|
  |
  |
|
| Best Features | Self Charging, Multi-Room Navigation, Scheduling | Self Charging, Multi-Room Navigation, Scheduling |
| Cleaning System | 3-Stage Cleaning System | 3-Stage Cleaning System |
| Weight | 14.6 | 8.4 |
| Dimensions | 26.3x 20×6.1 | 13.9×13.9×3.6 |
| Available | Check on Amazon.com | Check on Amazon.com |
Individual Reviews
Roomba 761 Review
The cleaning power of the Roomba 761 is where it earns its highest marks. It uses a 3-stage cleaning process with AeroVac technology, which promises to pick up 98% of the dust, dirt, pet hair, or whatever else is in your carpets.
Two high-efficiency filters make sure that even microscopic allergen particles are trapped inside the canister and don’t escape back into the air you breathe.
After cleaning power, it’s covenience that makes most people decide to buy a Roomba. The 761 lets you schedule up to 7 cleaning sessions every week, meaning your house can always look freshly-vacuumed even when your schedule’s too busy for cleaning. When you want to direct the Roomba to specific spots, you can use the included remote, letting you clean even specific messes without interrupting your other tasks.
The Roomba is smarter than your average vacuum, too. It uses spinning brushes on the sides for the edges of walls and uses advanced sensing technology to keep it from colliding with your furniture or falling down the stairs.
The Roomba is smarter than your average vacuum, too. It uses spinning brushes on the sides for the edges of walls and uses advanced sensing technology to keep it from colliding with your furniture or falling down the stairs.
PROS
What we like:
- Deep clean removes 98% of dirt and dust
- iAdapt Responsive Navigation for intelligent steering
- Dirt Detect sensors identify and clean trouble areas
- Spinning side brushes for edges
- Remote control gives you easy operation
- Large canister lets you clean longer without emptying it
- Includes two virtual walls
CONS
What we didn't like:
- Not as skilled at sensing dark furniture
- Motor is a bit loud
- Struggles at room corners
Roomba 880 Review
The Roomba 880 offers many of the same impressive features as you saw for the model above. Looking at the Roomba 761 vs 880, both of them will give you the AeroForce cleaning and iAdapt navigation, along with the option for remote operation and weekly scheduling.
Where the Roomba 880 differentiates itself is in its attachments and accessories. It uses a more advanced tangle-free brush to prevent clogs, especially helpful if you’ll be sweeping up a lot of pet hair. This keeps the 880 more truly hands-free by reducing the amount of maintenance it needs. It also uses an Xlife battery that doubles the battery life compared to previous models.
It also comes with three Virtual Wall Lighthouses included, giving you more control over where your Roomba cleans. While you can buy these separately, it’s more convenient (and a better deal) to get them in the box.
PROS
What we like:
- Works on all floor types
- Less maintenance
- Double the battery life of previous Roombas
- Excellent suction and cleaning power
- Includes three Virtual Wall Lighthouses
CONS
What we didn't like:
- Higher price point
- Similar issues with dark furniture and corners
- Cleaning patterns can look erratic and distracting
CONCLUSION
Both of these Roombas will give your carpets or hard floors a deep clean with minimal effort on your part. There are two main factors that will sway your decision in the contest of Roomba 761 vs 880: the size of your home and the price.
With three included Virtual Wall Lighthouses and a longer battery life, the 880 is the better choice for large homes with complex layouts. If you have an apartment or small home, the 761 will give you the same clean for a lower price.