In this comparison, we’ll be comparing two entry-level Roomba options – the 675 and E5.
These two options are similar and different in several critical areas, and we’ll go through them one by one in this article.
A quick look at the Roomba 675 vs. E5.
Roomba 675
Introduction to the Roomba 675 and E5
Differentiating between Roomba models can be confusing, but it’s not hard. iRobot categorizes its products in tiers. You have the entry-level options that include 600-series robots – 614, 675, and 690.
Next in line is the E-series, which has the same specifications as the 600-series, but with the same bin as the I-Series robots.
Roomba’s mid-priced options are the 960 and 980, followed by their high-end I and S-series robots.
We’ll be focusing on the Roomba 675 and E5.
Roomba 675: Possibly the Best Entry-Level Robot for Cleaning Carpets
Roomba robots are popular even with the lack of bells and whistles is their excellent carpet cleaning performance.
The Roomba 675 is one of the best robots at doing so, thanks to the counter-rotating brushes and dirt detect.
This combo makes the 675 potent at cleaning dirt deep down carpet strands.
No matter the features’ attractiveness, none of the other brands can match it.
In deep cleaning tests, it picked up an average of 83%—one of the best at its price range.
Roomba E5: Better Brush Roll Than the 675
One issue with the 614, 675, and 690 models is the brush design. If you look closely, it’s a combination of a rubber blade and bristle brush. Despite what iRobot claims, it is a hair magnet – even shorter strands of hair will stick on it.
The Roomba E5 aims to address this issue without raising the price too much.
Instead of using the traditional brush, it has rubber extractors, similar to the more expensive Roomba I6 and I7.
These new brushes don’t have bristles and will better resist tangling from a pet and human hair.
Similarities of the Roomba 675 and I5
These two robot vacuums are part of Roomba’s entry-level alternatives. The 675 is currently the less expensive option than the E5.
1. Navigation
These robots have iRobot’s adaptive navigation, which means it’ll move around randomly.
None of these options can remember maps or save them.
Recharge and resume are non-existent. It will pinball around the area until the battery is low, then dock to recharge.
One plus with these robots is their ability to cover the whole area even with its randomness.
It will clean all the areas and will be very thorough with dirt detection. This feature is what separates Roomba from other brands.
Dirt detect is a patented technology instructing the robot to focus more on dirtier zones.
2. Single side brush
Another similarity is the single side brush design. It’s a constant in all Roomba products, except for the S9.
One issue I have with it is how fast it spins. It tends to scatter large piles of debris. But it’s not an issue for daily cleanups as the robot will only have to deal with dust.
3. WIFI and Compatibility with iRobot Home App
Both options have WIFI and are compatible with the iRobot Home App.
Even if the app features are quite bare, it’s better than bending down to push the robot’s clean button.
3. Round shape
Both robots retain the round shape found in most Roomba products. The only model with a different profile is the flagship S9 model.
One advantage a square front has is it’s more efficient at cleaning edges thanks to the broader extractors and redesigned side brush.
Differences between the Roomba 675 and E5
Next, we’ll look at the differences between these two entry-level Roombas.
1. Brush roll
One of the most significant differences between the 675 and E5 is the brush roll design.
The E5 retains the same two-brush system found in all Roomba options, but it has the same rubber extractors as the I7.
In contrast, the 675 utilizes the older blade and bristle combo as the 690.
Of the two, I like the E5’s brushes better since it’s superior at resisting tangles, especially from human and pet hair.
Both of these options are better than the more expensive Roomba 690.
2. Dustbin size and design
Another upgrade with the E5 is the dust container, from a capacity and design standpoint.
The 675’s dustbin looks big, but it can only hold up to 300 ml of dry dirt – the smallest volume of all Roombas.
In contrast, the E5 has a larger, washable dustbin with a 500 ml capacity.
It’s washable because Roomba removed the motor from the dustbin. The filter also gets an upgrade from a standard to a HEPA.
If you look closely, you can see it has a lot of surface area with the folds, while the 675 filter has a thin sheet with inferior filtration.
Not only will the E5 hold more dirt, but it’ll also filter allergens better, thanks to the HEPA filters.
3. Dimension
The Roomba is the bigger robot measuring 13.3″ wide and 3.7″ tall versus the 675 that only measures 13″ wide and 3.6″ tall.
Having a narrower frame will help the 675 fit through tighter spaces and lower overhangs.
4. Interface
Lastly, in this section, we’ll look at the changes with the interface. The E5 implements the same button layout as the more expensive I7 with the clean button at the middle, flanked by home and spot buttons.
In contrast, the 675 retains the same layout as the Roomba 690 and 614. It has a large clean button at the center, with the spot and dock buttons on the top and bottom portions.
There’s no difference about functionality. Just an aesthetic change to adapt to the newer Roomba designs.
How do the Roomba 675 and E5 navigate?
iRobot says that these robots utilize adaptive navigation technology. In layman, this means it’ll traverse randomly.
The Roomba 675 traverses randomly like the 690.
Expect the same navigation from the E5 as it relies on various IR sensors around and underneath to avoid various obstacles.
It doesn’t have the floor tracking sensor found in the newer Roomba I3 or the Roborock E4, so it doesn’t have any way to track its location.
Hence, it doesn’t have the recharge and resume feature. It will run until the battery is low, then recharge, but won’t recommence cleaning afterward.
App features
Both models are compatible with the iRobot Home app.
The app’s main benefit is scheduling and accessing the robot without being physically beside it.
Pairing the app and robot does require you to have a router at home. This device will act as a bridge between the robot and the app.
Once connected, the app is responsive and easy to use.
Unfortunately, it lacks the bells-and-whistles of a Xiaomi Home app.
For instance, you can only schedule the robot to clean once daily. After setting the time and day, the days already selected are disabled.
If iRobot tweaks the app and allows unlimited scheduling per day, I’m sure it would appeal to more consumers.
How much power do the Roomba 675 and E5 have?
Surprisingly the Roomba 675 has slightly more airflow than the E5 based on the anemometer results.
- Roomba 675: 8.37 CFM
- Roomba E5: 6.98 CFM
One reason could be the narrower space in between the E5 rollers. The smaller space could mean less air passing through the openings, hence the lower number.
The Roomba 675 has more open space, promoting better airflow (at least in theory).
Cleaning performance
This section will look at how well the Roomba 690 and E5 clean floors.
I’ve tested both extensively, and the results are close.
| Roborock Model | Roomba 675 | Roomba E5 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 93.58% | 96.17% |
| Hard Floor | 96.15% | 99% |
| Carpet (Surface Pickup) | 99% | 98.72% |
| Sand on hard floor | 94.1% | 97.3% |
| Carpet (Deep Cleaning) | 85.1% | 89.66% |
The Roomba E5 was better with the overall scores, providing a more balanced pick-up across different surfaces.
It was better on hard floors and cleaning embedded dirt on mid-pile carpet while still being very close at picking up surface dirt on carpet.
I like the rubber extractors of the E5 better than the more traditional brushes in the 675.
Pick-up isn’t an issue with the E5, but the low airflow means some debris will be left on the brush assembly.
However, it’s not a big deal when cleaning dust or hair.
Hard floor results
While both robots scored high marks on hard floors, the E5 was much better. The rollers made cleaner passes, even with hard-to-clean sand.
One issue plaguing the 675 and E5 is the fast-spinning side brush, which scatters debris to a larger radius.
The random navigation exacerbates this issue.
Which is better for hard floors?
The E5 is better on hard floors with its rubber extractors despite the lower airflow.
Passes were cleaner. Even with sand, it could pick up almost everything in a single pass.
It’s something that other brands like Roborock struggle with, even with more airflow.
The Roomba 675 is also decent, but its more traditional brush is a notch below.
The E5 is my pick for hard surfaces because of its cleaner pick-up and extractors that require less upkeep.
You can see the difference with the sand on hard floor test, as the E5 picked up more sand versus the 675.
Carpet results
It’s on this surface where the Roomba 675 and E5 shine.
The counter-rotating brushes and dirt detect can pick up dirt deep down carpet. It won’t be as good as the higher-end Roomba 960 or 980, but it’s above average.
The dual brush design is a patented technology, so it’s a feature you’ll only see in iRobot. You won’t see this feature even with iRobot’s main competitor – Neato.
It’s a significant reason why iRobot products pick up dirt very well on carpet. Out of all the robot vacuums, Roomba ranks up there when it comes to cleaning carpets.
The results of the Roomba 675 and E5 are really close – less than a percent. But the E5 is better at cleaning embedded dirt.
Deep cleaning results
The Roomba E5 is better at deep cleaning sand, picking up 89.66% on average in three tests. When you factor in the lower airflow, that score is quite impressive and close to the more expensive Roomba 980.
In contrast, the Roomba 675 picked up an average of 85.1%.
This proves the newer extractors in the E5 are better with agitation as it has deeper grooves and sit lower to the ground.
Large debris test
I tried both robots how it does on large debris like Cheerios and Fruit loops. The 675 was better because the brushes have more space in-between. In contrast, the E5 did well, but cleaning too much large debris could potentially clog the inlet going to the dustbin.
Also, the smaller gap between the rollers isn’t ideal for large debris, but it still picks them up.
Another potential issue is a large particle of dirt wedging itself on the locking mechanism.
So if you’re cleaning stuff like cheerios, check this area if there is any debris.
Edge cleaning comparison
The round frame of these robots hampers their reach, negatively affecting their edge cleaning performance.
I scattered a good amount of pet litter for both robots to see how much it picked up.
Here’s a before and after shot for the Roomba 675.
And the Roomba E5.
The Roomba 675 actually did better with fewer scraps left based on the photos above.
Regardless, don’t expect too much from both in this category.
Dustbin comparison
Thanks to the wider body and opening, the Roomba 675 dustbin is larger at 0.6 liters, while the E5 is smaller at 0.4 liters.
Not only is the E5 dustbin larger, but it’s also washable with the motor relocated away from the dust bin.
Make sure to remove the filter because this part isn’t washable.
The Roomba 675 bin isn’t washable since part of the more is inside the container.
One advantage the Roomba 675 bin has is the larger opening, so disposing of dirt is easier than the smaller inlet of the E5.
Run time comparison
Both models are part of Roomba’s latest generation releases. It means it comes with a Li-ion battery with better longevity and isn’t prone to power fade.
The 675 and E5 use iRobot’s 1,800 Li-ion battery and will run for up to 90 minutes.
Noise comparison
I tested both robots using a sound meter from a few feet away, and here are the results.
- Roomba 675: 65.6 dB
- Roomba E5: 65.6 dB
The results are identical. It’s not a deafeningly loud noise, but it’s substantial, and you’ll need to raise your voice a little bit to have a good conversation.
I would not recommend using this robot late at night with your children sleeping.
Maintenance
One way to ensure the longevity of these robots is regular upkeep. I’ll outline the things you need to clean or replace periodically.
- Primary and side brushes: These two parts take the most abuse as dirt and hair will accumulate. Not cleaning will result in premature wear of the motor and loss of airflow.
- Sensors: These robots rely on a bevy of sensors for navigation. The most critical is the bumper sensors in front of the robot and the cliff sensors underneath. Wipe these areas with a clean, dry microfiber towel.
- Wheels: Another part that takes a beating is the wheel. Flip the robot over to see if there’s an accumulation of dirt on occasion. Make sure to clean the rubber and caster wheels. Roomba makes it easy to clean because of its modular design. Disassembling it won’t be difficult.
- Dustbin: Don’t forget to clean the dust container. Empty it after every run. You don’t want dust mites inside your robot!
- Filter: The filter in the Roborock 675 and E5 aren’t washable. After every run, tap it on the trash container to dislodge the dirt stuck on it. A shop vac or handheld will be helpful to keep it clean. Remember, a clogged filter will hamper the robot’s performance, so it’s good to keep it tidy.
I’ve written guides on how to clean these robots. Check them out below correctly.
Availability of Parts
One pro with owning Roomba products is the sheer availability of parts. Components like the battery, filter, and brushes for the 675 and E5 are available in online stores like Amazon.
Even harder to find parts like the side brush motor or wheel assembly are available on Amazon. If not, you could try searching on eBay for these parts.
Replacing these modules will be easy with the modular design. Most of the parts are accessible by removing a few screwdrivers. All you need is a Philips screwdriver set.
Other Roomba Comparisons
I’ve published other Roomba comparisons. Please check the links below to read these articles.
- Roomba Comparison
- Roomba 614 vs. 675
- Roomba 675 vs. 690
- Roomba 690 vs. 960
- Roomba 694 vs. E5
- Roomba E5 vs. 960
- Roomba 960 vs. 980
- Roomba 960 vs. S9
- Roomba I7 vs. I7+ vs. E5
- Roomba I7 vs. 980
- Roomba I7 vs. S9
Comparing Roomba to other brands.
Product Specifications
| Model | Roomba 675 | Roomba E5 |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Width | 13" | 13.3" |
| Height | 3.7" | 3.6" |
| Filter | Standard | HEPA |
| Virtual Wall | No | No |
| Navigation | Random | Random |
| Run time (Turbo mode) | 90 mins. | 90 mins. |
| Power | 8.37 CFM | 6.98 CFM |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | 1-year limited |
| Price |
Where can I buy these robots?
You can purchase the Roomba 675 and E5 from stores like Amazon and Walmart. Please check the links below for the latest pricing.
Disclaimer: I will earn a commission when you buy through any of the links above, but at no extra cost to you, so it’s a win-win for us!
Which is better, Roomba 675 or E5?
While there are many similarities between these two robots, I feel that the upgrades with the E5 make it a more compelling option than the 675.
A significant reason would be the price difference – it isn’t that much.
The E5 has a larger dustbin with a HEPA filter so that allergens won’t leak through the exhaust.
Also, it has upgraded rubber extractors, similar to the more expensive I-Series (I6, I7, and I8), which are better at resisting tangles.
3 Reasons to choose the Roomba 675
- Less expensive: The Roomba 675 is currently iRobiRobot’sst costly option with WIFI and compatibility with the iRobot Home app.
- Excellent at cleaning carpet: It was able to pick up an average of 83% in deep cleaning tests.
- Larger dustbin: This variant has a larger 0.6-liter capacity dustbin, holding more dirt.
4 Reasons to choose the Roomba E5.
- Better carpet cleaning performance: The Roomba E5’s extractors will pick up more debris on carpet (surface and embedded).
- Rubber extractors: I like these brushes over the 675’s traditional design as it is better at resisting tangles while maintaining agitation.
- Washable dustbin: Cleaning the Roomba E5 dustbin is easier because it’s washable with the motor inside the robot.
- More power: The upgraded motor provides the E5 more power than the 675.
The Verdict: Roomba E5 is the Better Option
Even if the Roomba 675 is cheaper, I’d go with the E5 because the upgrades provide far better value than the cost overlap.
The price variance between the Roomba 675 and E5 isn’t much.
Considering the enhancements in the E5 will make your life much easier, it’s a no-brainer option for me.
However, its dustbin is smaller and harder to clean with a narrower opening.
Not a big deal since it’s washable, but you’ll need to empty it in a wider trash container to prevent spillovers.
