Our in-depth comparison of the iRobot Roomba 770 vs 880 models will go through all of their similarities and differences.
These robotic vacuum cleaners may appear identical on the surface but they are in-fact quite different.
iRobot’s Roomba 880 has improved on the 770 in several key areas including its motor, extractors, battery, and virtual infrared sensors.
Although the 880 is significantly more expensive than the 770, we believe that you’re getting a vastly improved product that’s well worth the money.
Let’s see how these Roomba vacuums match up.
Battle of the Roombas
Similarities
The 770 and 880 both come with the ability to program a 7 day operation schedule. The buttons on the top of the unit allow the user to set the robot vacuum’s schedule or begin a cleaning session.
Both of these robot vacuums are capable of cleaning a myriad of floor surfaces including carpet, rugs, tile, laminate, hardwood, as well as others. When switching between different types of floor materials, they will automatically adjust to account for that particular surface.
These vacuum cleaners use iRobot’s 3-stage cleaning system which consists of agitation, brushing, and use of high-powered suction to clean your floors.
A side brush protrudes from the bottom of these robotic vacuums to get into areas that the Roombas can’t pass over because of its shape. This spinning side brush does a very effective job at getting into areas such as corners and along moldings.- Dirt Detect Series II Technology is present in both of these iRobot vacuums. This technology consists of optical and acoustic sensors to detect areas that are dirtier than others. These vacuums will spend more time cleaning these areas as a result.
At only 3.6″ in height, both of these automatic vacuum cleaners can get beneath your household furniture to clean areas seldom cleaned by conventional vacuums.
These vacuum cleaners are equipped with sensors to tell them when they are by a hazardous area like stairs. They will automatically stop and turn around so they don’t fall over.- Objects within these Roombas’ vacuuming area are automatically accounted for using the integrated iAdapt Responsive Navigation System. These robots can create an efficient path around these objects as a result.
Included with both of these models are virtual wall infrared sensors which provide artificial barriers for the Roombas so they do not enter rooms that you don’t want vacuumed.
The 770 and 880 both come with remote controls. These remotes can be used to alter the Roombas’ settings or to manually control them.- Lastly, these Roomba vacuum cleaners automatically return to their charging station when they detect low battery or have completed their scheduled cleaning session. In the event they run out of battery prior to completing their session, they will resume cleaning once recharged.
Differences
- Present in the Roomba 880 is a new motor that iRobot states provides up to 50% more cleaning performance and 5 times more power. They also note that this motor is much stronger and less prone to failure.
Another upgraded feature of the Roomba 880 are its new extractors. Rather than using a brush like the 770 and prior models use, the 880 uses a set of rubber extractors that are able to remove dirt and debris better. These extractors are also able to transfer debris into the collection bin much easier which reduces issues with tangled hair.- The Roomba 880 now uses a new lithium ion battery which replaces the nickel–metal hydride battery used in the 770 and prior models. This battery has the same life as its predacessors but can now be charged twice as many times before needing replacement. This is a substantial savings over the life of the vacuum.
- New to the Roomba 880 is the use of infrared virtual wall lighthouse sensors. Although these sensors can also act as a barrier as seen with the 770, their lighthouse capability allow for efficient multi-room cleaning. They prevent the Roomba from going into other rooms before the current room has been thoroughly cleaned. It will be contained within a specific room for a while before being permitted to go into the next where it will be trapped there for a while and so forth.
See a video demonstration on the iRobot Roomba 770:
Below is an informative video on the iRobot Roomba 880:
What People are Saying
Both of these vacuums have received extremely high rates of customer satisfaction. Virtually every iRobot vacuum ever produced has been well received by the internet community.
People don’t regret buying these robotic vacuums for one second. They love having the mundane task of vacuuming eliminated from their lives forever.
Households with pets have seen a drastic reduction in pet hair and are astounded by how much these robot vacuums pick up in the course of a day.
People with allergies have also seen improvement as dust mites and other allergens have been greatly reduced.
Those who have owned multiple Roombas have stated that the 880 is superior to its predecessors and provides a much more thorough cleaning.
They found that the new rubber debris extractors require much less human intervention and are able to fill the collection bin more with each pass.
Overall people are very satisfied with these robotic vacuum cleaners.
Bottom Line
iRobot’s 770 and 880 models are both fantastic robot vacuums.
They are impressive examples of automated home technology that can save their owners’ quite a bit of time.
If we were to choose one, the Roomba 880 would clearly be our winner. It can do everything the 770 can but much better.
The 880 is a hugely improved model over the 770 with its upgraded motor, extractors, battery, and infrared sensors.
Although it has a steeper price tag, we think you’re getting your money’s worth in spades.
Needless to say, in the iRobot Roomba 770 vs 880 decision, our clear choice is the Roomba 880.
Click the following to see their price on Amazon: Roomba 770 or Roomba 880
Please feel free to share or leave comments below!
I really like this vacuum gadget !
We’re glad you like these robot vacuums. They definitely make life a lot easier!
I was searching for what made these vacuums different and found this page. I really like how you give most details about what is similar and what is different. The 880 model seems better fitted for my needs. I can’t wait to not vacuum again. Thanx for all of the 411!
Good luck with your new robotic vacuum cleaner. We are sure you will love it!
That’s AWESOME! I worked in the cleaning and renting industry for so long and this would have helped so much. Although I have not seen where to buy them and I do not know how much they cost. I guessing with that tech they probably cost a lot.
Anyways this was very interesting, Great read!
Thanks a lot. You can check out the individual product reviews on the robotic vacuums page to get more information on them. There are also links for purchasing at the bottom of the articles. Good luck!
Ok I really like this vacuum gadget but it would of been extra nice if they had developed a way this device could actually go up and down automatically, even vacuuming the stair cases.
How well do these vacuums really work on carpet? My whole house is carpet so I’d need it to work pretty darn well. I need this vacuum!
It certainly would be nice if it could vacuum stairs as well as go up and down them. Unfortunately they cannot so many people will purchase a Roomba for both their upstairs and downstairs or just manually move the Roomba every few days which is obviously much more economical.
As far as their performance on carpet, they are fantastic. Although I’d suggest going with the iRobot Roomba 980 more since it has the Carpet Boost function which would perform much better in your household.
Good luck with your decision!