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iRobot Roomba I3+ Evo 3550 Review

Nikshep Myle Avatar
Updated Feb 14, 2024 12:21 PM

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The iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO has strong cleaning performance on bare floors and carpets, a large dirt capacity, and a lower-than-average noise output. However, drawbacks include poor navigation, a below-average battery life, and low suction.

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The iRobot Roomba i3+ Evo 3550 was announced in 2020 as a mid-tier Robovac with a 0.5-liter dustbin, wireless capabilities for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, and a self-emptying dustbin. Not many of the best vacuum cleaners have this, but the i3+ ships have an external dirt compartment that holds up to 60 days of dirt and debris. Also, unlike many highly-rated robot vacuums, the i3+ can only map out a cleaning area on a single floor and has a 1.5-hour battery life.

Its dual multi-surface rubber brushes are great for dealing with pet hair. The i3+has a max noise output of 74.45dB, has cliff sensors to avoid stairs and ledges, and an edge-sweeping brush to clean around corners. However, its battery life is below average.

Consensus

our Verdict

The Roomba i3+ EVO offers a taste of luxury in the realm of affordable robot vacuums. It features a smart mapping system, but it is limited to one floor. Still, it has a  self-emptying Clean Base, and its cleaning prowess is commendable, with a tested 97.15% pickup rate on hard flooring and a 97.61% pickup on carpet.

This performance places it in the top third on our certified tested list. The Roomba app is user-friendly and is also able to provide personalized cleaning schedules after learning from your cleaning habits. The app can also be integrated with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for voice commands.

Battery life is an average of 90 minutes with 2.5 hours of charging time, while its noise output is quite high at around 74.45 dB, making it louder than the average Robovac in our certified tested list. The i3+ EVO is a value-laden choice if you’re looking for convenience. However, its 900 Pa suction power is below average for robot vacuums.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Excellent cleaning performance
    • The iRobot Roomba i3+ picks up up to 97.15% of debris on bare floors and 97.61% of carpets, earning it a top third ranking on our certified tested list.

  • Large dirt compartment size
    • The dirt back inside the iRobot Roomba i3+’s docking station can hold up to 60 days’ worth of debris. This means owners will only have to empty it a few times a month.

Reason to Avoid

  • Basic navigation system
    • The Rooba i3+ has a basic smart mapping system that allows it to map only one floor at a time, tracing the walls and landmarks in a room. Its mapping is managed through the iRobot Home app. However, it bumps into furniture and other obstacles quite often.

  • Louder than average noise output
    • The iRobot Roomba i3+ has a sound output of 74.45 dB, which makes it louder than 70% of robovacs in our certified tested robovacs.

  • Below-average battery life
    • The Roomba i3+ Evo 3550 has a 90-minute battery life, which places it in the bottom quarter of our list.

iRobot Roomba I3+ Evo 3550 Specs

Auto Docking & RechargingAuto Docking & RechargingYes
Bin CapacityBin Capacity0.1 gal
Carpet Height AdjustmentsCarpet Height AdjustmentsAutomatic
Cleaning Path WidthCleaning Path Width7"
Cliff SensorCliff SensorYes
Compatible Floor TypeCompatible Floor TypeAll floors
Filter TypeFilter TypeOther
HypoallergenicHypoallergenicYes
Mop FeatureMop Feature
PetPetYes
Product WeightProduct Weight7.44 lbs
Room-by-Room navigationRoom-by-Room navigationYes
Self-EmptyingSelf-EmptyingYes
Sensor TypeSensor TypeReactive
Smart AppSmart AppiRobot
Works WithWorks WithAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri

All Specs

Test Results

Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned)97.15
Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned)97.61
Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned)0
Noise level (dB)74.45
Battery Life (Minutes)0

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    Product Comparison

    iRobot Roomba I3+ Evo 3550 Review

    Shark IQ RV1001AE Review

    True Score

    81
    82
    NR
    NR

    Ranking

    #

    41

    /

    99

    #

    30

    /

    99

    #

    /

    #

    /

    Market Context

    The iRobot Roomba i3+ Evo 3550 was announced in 2020 as a mid-tier Robovac with a 0.5-liter dustbin, wireless capabilities for Amazon Alexa and Google…

    The iRobot Roomba i3+ Evo 3550 was announced in 2020 as a mid-tier Robovac with a 0.5-liter dustbin, wireless capabilities for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, and a self-emptying dustbin. Not many of the best vacuum cleaners have this, but the i3+ ships have an external dirt compartment that holds up to 60 days of dirt and debris. Also, unlike many highly-rated robot vacuums, the i3+ can only map out a cleaning area on a single floor and has a 1.5-hour battery life.

    Its dual multi-surface rubber brushes are great for dealing with pet hair. The i3+has a max noise output of 74.45dB, has cliff sensors to avoid stairs and ledges, and an edge-sweeping brush to clean around corners. However, its battery life is below average.

    The iRobot Roomba i3+ Evo 3550 has a shorter battery life compared to the Roomba i7+, but the i7+\ needs more time to charge. It…

    The iRobot Roomba i3+ Evo 3550 has a shorter battery life compared to the Roomba i7+, but the i7+\ needs more time to charge. It is also the more expensive alternative, and being a more advanced model, the Roomba i7+’s mapping system allows users to create cleaning zones, block off boundaries, or send the Robovac to a specific spot. The i3+ cannot do that. For another comparable model, see our iRobot Roomba 690 Review.

    The iRobot Roomba i3+ Evo 3550 is different from the Shark IQ RV1001AE in that the i3+ has a longer battery life. The i3+ also…

    The iRobot Roomba i3+ Evo 3550 is different from the Shark IQ RV1001AE in that the i3+ has a longer battery life. The i3+ also has a shorter charge time. This makes the i3+ the better pick in both instances, as it has a longer cleaning time. The two also have different methods of sectioning out barriers, as the Shark Robovac uses magnetic boundary markers while the i3+ uses virtual walls. Check out our Lefant M210 robot vacuum cleaner review to compare with another option.

    The iRobot Roomba i3+ Evo 3550 is more expensive than the iRobot Roomba i3, and this is because it comes with a self-empty dust bin,…

    The iRobot Roomba i3+ Evo 3550 is more expensive than the iRobot Roomba i3, and this is because it comes with a self-empty dust bin, while the i3 does not. However, there wouldn’t be any difference in performance if you decided to buy the basic i3 and the self-emptying base station separately. If you’re interested in other models, we’ve also covered the i4 in our iRobot Roomba i4+ EVO review.

    Auto Docking & Recharging

    Yes

    Yes

    Bin Capacity

    0.1 gal

    2.5 L

    Carpet Height Adjustments

    Automatic

    Automatic

    Cleaning Path Width

    7"

    Unknown

    Cliff Sensor

    Yes

    Unknown

    Compatible Floor Type

    All floors

    All floors

    Filter Type

    Other

    HEPA

    Hypoallergenic

    Yes

    Unknown

    Dig Deeper

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    Score Card

    E

    Expert Score

    81

    *.75

    We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

    C

    Customer Score

    82

    *.25

    We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

    True Score

    81

    Expert Scores

    • Techgear Lab
      93.5

      Category Trust Rating

      54
      The iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO is a mediocre robot vacuum with very basic features and… Read More

      By:

      Jessica Riconscente
    • Best Cordless Vacuum Guide
      76.75

      Category Trust Rating

      94
      After testing the I3 extensively for the past few days, I found no significant difference… Read More

      By:

      Garrick Dee
    • PC Mag
      74

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      The iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO is the company’s most affordable robot vacuum that can empty… Read More

      By:

      Angela Moscaritolo
    • Tom’s Guide
      93.05

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      The iRobot Roomba i3+ is a mostly strong cleaner that brings the cost of auto-emptying… Read More

      By:

      Meghan Mcdonough
    • Modern Castle
      95.1

      Category Trust Rating

      98
      PROS: Comes with or without the self-emptying dust bin., Fantastic performance. Removed 99% of all… Read More

      By:

      Derek Hales
    • Techradar
      69.8

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      The iRobot Roomba i3 Plus is a robot vacuum that takes care of itself –… Read More

      By:

      Helen Mccue

    Customer Scores