With the rise in popularity of auto-empty robot vacuums, more brands have developed their own versions. One of them is the Yeedi Vac Station, and in this comparison, we’ll look at how it compares with iRobot, specifically the Roomba I3 and I6.
I added the Roomba I6 here even though it’s costlier than the Vac Station because both utilize the same navigational sensors, VSLAM.
The Yeedi Vac Station and the Roomba I3 are very similar in price, so it’s interesting to see which is the better option. After many hours testing these robots, you may find some results interesting.
[toc]An overview of the Yeedi Vac Station vs. Roomba I3 vs. Roomba I6
I used an anemometer to measure airflow at the brush roll, and the figures you see are at the highest setting. Yeedi has three power settings, while both Roomba options only have one.
Deep cleaning uses 100 grams of fine sand rubbed on mid-pile carpet. I do the test two or three times to get the average score.
I use a sound meter from a few feet away to get noise levels.
Yeedi Vac Station
- Airflow: 23 CFM
- Deep cleaning: 80%
- Mopping: Yes
- Auto empty: Yes
- Bag capacity: 2.5 liters
- Navigation: Smart Navigation
- Map saving: Yes
- Number of maps: 1
- Containment: Yes
- Selective Roomba cleaning: Yes
- Recharge & Resume: Yes
- Dustbin capacity: 420ml
- Water tank: 240 ml
- Side brush: One
- Battery: 5200 mAh Li-ion
- Run time: 200 minutes
- Noise: 66.1 dB
Roomba I3+
- Airflow: 7.27 CFM
- Deep Cleaning: 84.7%
- Mopping: No
- Auto empty: Yes
- Navigation: Smart Navigation
- Map saving: Yes
- Containment: No
- Selective Room cleaning: Yes
- Recharge & Resume: Yes
- Rubber extractors: Yes
- Dustbin capacity: 400ml
- Side brush: One
- Battery: 1800 mAh Li-ion
- Run time: 75 minutes
- Noise: 64.9 dB
Roomba I6+
- Airflow: 8.2 CFM
- Deep cleaning: 82.5%
- Mopping: No
- Auto empty: Yes
- Bag capacity: 2.5 liters (approx.)
- Navigation: Neat Rows
- Map saving: Yes
- Number of maps: 10
- Keep out zones: Yes
- Selective Room cleaning: Yes
- Recharge & Resume: Yes
- Rubber extractors: Yes
- Dustbin capacity: 400ml
- Side brush: One
- Battery: 1800 mAh Li-ion
- Run time: 75 minutes
- Noise: 64.9 dB
Introduction to the Yeedi Vac Station, Roomba I3+, and Roomba I6+
A glance at Amazon reveals one thing – more self-emptying robot options are coming out. And the pioneer of this trend is none other than iRobot when they unveiled the I7+ years back.
The Yeedi Vac Station is one such competitor, and let’s see how it stacks up against the original brand that started it all.
Please note that the I6+ here is a similar variant as the Roomba I7+. Both have the same motor, dustbin, and auto base station. I haven’t tested the I7+, so I can’t speak on its airflow or cleaning performance, but it is similar.
One difference would be the accessories out of the box. The I7+ comes with more than the I6+; that’s why it’s more costly.
Least Expensive of the Three: Yeedi Vac Station
The Yeedi Vac Station is the cheapest alternative of the three self-emptying robots featured here, but its features say otherwise.
This variant has the most airflow at 23 CFM in the highest setting. It has the same navigation as the Roomba I6+, meaning it utilizes VSLAM or a combination of a top-mounted camera, VSLAM, and an optical sensor for tracking movement and location.
I’ve read comments in my video review about the Yeedi being owned by Ecovacs since it uses most of the same components, except for LIDAR.
It’s not a surprise it has the same power output as the Ecovacs T8 AIVI, which uses a similar motor.
This auto-empty robot utilizes a bagged system with a 2.5-liter capacity.
Like the Roomba I3 and I6, it also has a ramp-style base station where the robot sits, but Yeedi has two ports instead of the one found in Roomba.
I like the ramp design since it provides better stability and no alignment issues.
Cheapest Roomba Auto Empty Option: Roomba I3+
iRobot released the Roomba I3+ to fill a glaring hole in their lineup with budget self-emptying options (between $400 and $550).
Despite being labeled as a “budget” option, it’s still costly. More expensive than most other brands in this category like Yeedi, Shark, and Ultenic, to name a few.
Lowering the price meant removing some features, and for the I3+, most ommissions are with its navigational sensors.
The I3+ doesn’t have the top-mounted camera found in the I6, I7, and S9 variants, so it can’t recognize landmarks. Also, it doesn’t have SLAM, meaning it can’t save maps, and consumers won’t have access to containment and zone cleaning features.
It relies primarily on a gyroscope, wheel odometers, and an optical sensor for navigation.
Other variants similar to it include the Roborock E4. But the Roomba I3+ offers better thoroughness with its optional two-pass run and dirt detect.
Despite not having VSLAM or a camera, it still navigates in “neat rows” (or straight lines).
Surprisingly, it’s the most efficient of all Roomba auto-empty variants I’ve tested during the coverage test, finishing a two-pass run in around 22 minutes.
Mid-Level Roomba Auto Empty Option: Roomba I6+
A notch above the Roomba I3+ is the I6+. Both variants share most of the same components and design but with one significant difference – navigation.
The Roomba I6+ has a top-mounted camera and VSLAM, so not only will it navigate in straight lines, it can save maps, thus unlocking advanced features like keep-out zones and selective room cleaning.
These features are lacking in the I3+ and are the main differentiator between these two alternatives.
Unfortunately, it’s more expensive than the I3+ but costs significantly less than the flagship
Choosing between the I3+ and I6+ will boil down to whether you need the map-saving feature or not.
Similarities between the Yeedi Vac Station, Roomba I3+, and Roomba I6+
Despite belonging to different brands, there are many similarities between Yeedi and Roomba.
1. Round frame
All three robot vacuums utilize a round frame, as with most robot vacuums in the market. But the Vac Station has a lower profile design, measuring just a touch over three inches (3.03″ to be exact).
In comparison, the Roomba I3 and I6 are more than half an inch taller at 3.63″.
Not a huge difference, but the sleeker design allows Yeedi to fit under low-clearance furniture better.
2. Brush layout
These variants also have the same brush layout – with a single side brush and primary brush.
Yeedi utilizes a combo brush, while Roomba uses its patented counter-rotating extractors.
3. Navigation
Another similarity between these self-emptying robots is navigation. All three are smart navigating robot vacuums that move in straight lines.
The Yeedi Vac Station and Roomba I6+ utilize VSLAM, relying on a top-mounted camera and optical sensor for location tracking.
It can save maps, and users can add containment zones, blocking the robot from off-limit areas. Select room cleaning is also available for these variants, offering more convenience.
While the Roomba I3+ doesn’t have VSLAM. But a combination of gyroscopes and floor sensors for tracking movement.
It can draw a map but cannot save them; thus, consumers cannot draw containment boxes or do zone cleaning.
4. App compatibility
Most of the features for these robots are available in their respective apps. The Roomba I3+ and I6+ are compatible with the iRobot app, while the Vac Station is compatible with the Yeedi app.
I’ll discuss, in detail, the similarities and differences between these apps a few sections down.
5. Self-emptying convenience
All three have an auto-empty base station that empties the robot’s dustbin after every run.
The capacity is similar for all three at around 2.5 liters, which should last for at least 30 days, depending on usage frequency and debris it cleans daily.
Another similarity is the robot sits on a ramp where the port is located. Yeedi’s base station has two ports, while Roomba has one.
One difference between Yeedi and Roomba is the latter has a sensor notifying users if it’s full, while Yeedi doesn’t have this sensor, so you’ll have to do an eye test to check.
Differences between the Yeedi Vac Station, Roomba I3+, and Roomba I6+
Now, let’s look at the differences between these robots.
1. Brush roll
Yeedi utilizes a conventional combo brush with rubber blades and bristles in a V-pattern.
In comparison, Roomba uses the latest twin, bristle-less rubber extractors that are some of the best in the industry at agitation.
While Yeedi has much more airflow, these Roombas still scored higher in deep cleaning tests, primarily due to the excellent agitation these extractors provide.
2. Dustbin design
The Roomba I3+ and I6+ have a rear-mounted dustbin with the same capacity at 400ml. But that number goes up to 500ml for the non-plus I3 variant since it doesn’t have this notch inside.
Regardless, I’d strongly recommend going for the plus version since the clean base station provides a self-emptying convenience not found in the standard I3.
The Yeedi Vac Station has a slightly larger capacity at 420 ml. I like the Vac Station because it has two ports underneath without any notches, so it doesn’t sacrifice volume.
Having two ports means it can take out more debris inside the dustbin, in theory, versus a single port base station.
3. Live map
One glaring absence with iRobot smart robot vacuums is the lack of a live map. The Roomba I6 doesn’t have this feature, so there’s no way of knowing, in real-time, of the robot’s whereabouts.
I’m not sure why iRobot hasn’t added this feature, but they should consider adding it in future app rollouts.
Yeedi has a live map despite not having LIDAR. It shows where the robot is on the map but lacks the lines you’ll see on LIDAR robots like DreameTech or Roborock.
4. Number of maps
Unfortunately, the Yeedi app can only save one map. I’ve tried updating it recently, and it still only manages to save one.
Regardless of variant, all iRobot variants with VSLAM can save up to ten, which is more than enough in most homes.
Users can add clean zones at each map level and keep out zones as needed.
5. Mopping
One feature the Yeedi Vac Station has over the Roomba I3 and I6 is its ability to mop floors.
If you want the same mopping feature with iRobot, you’ll need to purchase their Braava mopping robots, which is an additional expense.
It has a 240-ml electronic water tank, enabling users to accurately control water flow through the app.
I tested it with red wine stains, and it was able to mop the stains nearly as well as the Roborock S5 Max, leaving a relatively streak-free surface after the mopping run.
It didn’t remove all the stains after a single two-pass run but it at least cleaned most of it. After the second two-pass run, the stains were gone.
Please note that the mop doesn’t have any agitation, as you’ll see in the Roborock S7, only dragging a damp pad on the surface.
Another feature worth noting is the carpet sensor, enabling it to avoid carpet if the mopping pad is attached.
I wouldn’t recommend it for sugary stains as it’ll leave a sticky residue.
App features of the Yeedi Vac Station, Roomba I3+, and Roomba I6+
Both brands have smartphone apps that unlock all the features. It’s a significant reason why these robots don’t have a remote. Consumers will need WIFI connectivity to connect the robot and app, and it’s only compatible with 2.4 GHz connections.
1. Live Map [Yeedi Vac Station]
Only the Yeedi Vac Station has the live map. It’s one feature I look for in robot vacuums as it provides a real-time view of the robot’s location.
Not an essential feature, mind you, but it can be helpful to know if the robot gets stuck somewhere.
2. Map Saving [Yeedi Vac Station and Roomba I6+]
The Yeedi Vac Station and Roomba I6+ have map saving since both have VSLAM. One difference is Yeedi can only save one map, while the I6+ can save ten.
Unfortunately, the Roomba I3+ can’t save maps since it doesn’t have SLAM or a top-mounted camera.
Containment and Selective Room Cleaning [Yeedi Vac Station and Roomba I6+]
Of the three robots here, the Yeedi Vac Station and Roomba I6+ have containment and selective room cleaning thanks to VSLAM.
iRobot calls their version “keep-out zones,” so users can draw rectangular and square fixtures on the app that block the robot’s path.
Yeedi calls its version “virtual boundaries,” but it has the same function.
Unfortunately, none of these two has a virtual wall feature, and there’s no way of drawing diagonal lines to block the robot.
The Yeedi Vac Station and Roomba I6+ also have selective room cleaning.
After creating the map, users can manually divide areas and name each one accordingly. One difference is iRobot’s app allows for custom names, while Yeedi does not.
Yeedi has the same zoned cleaning feature, but you can’t save these boxes.
Zoned cleaning is another similarity where users can specify rectangle or square zones the robot will clean. Again, iRobot has the advantage here since it can save these zones for quick access.
The Roomba I3+ doesn’t have “keep-out zones,” so consumers will have to rely on iRobot’s virtual wall accessory for the same function.
4. Vacuum Options
Both brands provide consumers with several options to customize settings.
Yeedi offers more customization options than iRobot – it has three power settings versus only one for the I3 and I6.
Users also have the option to choose between a one and two-pass run for all three models.
The Yeedi app has the auto-boost setting where the robot automatically increases suction when it detects carpet. Neither the Roomba I3 nor I6 has this feature since it only has a single power mode.
5. Scheduling
These three variants have a scheduling feature with the option to set multiple runs per day.
One difference is that iRobot’s app has a minimum gap of three hours per run, while Yeedi does not.
I think iRobot put in that time gap because of the smaller battery and the shorter run time; hence, more recharge is needed.
The Yeedi Vac Station and the Roomba I6+ allow users to select a specific room to clean.
6. History
Users can also view the robot’s cleaning history using this tab. It shows the previous cleaning cycles, corresponding maps, room size, and more.
Navigation comparison
As I’ve said earlier, these three robots are considered “smart navigating robots,” meaning each one can move in straight lines and track location.
The Yeedi Vac Station and Roomba I6+ have VSLAM, so the map-saving component is absent in the Roomba I3+.
This means the former have access to other features like containment and selective room cleaning, while the I3+ does not.
Since these robots have sensors enabling them to track location, each option has a recharge and resume feature and will resume cleaning if the battery runs low.
It’s more of a need for Roomba because of the shorter run time (75 vs. 200 mins.) than Yeedi.
All three did reasonably well in the coverage test, picking up around the same amount, more or less.
But Yeedi was the most efficient, finishing the run in a little over 13 minutes.
- Yeedi Vac Station: 13:25 mins
- Roomba I3+: 22:43 mins
- Roomba I6+: 32:33 mins
The I3+ was the next most efficient option at 22 minutes and change, while the I6+ was the least efficient, taking over 32 minutes to complete the task.
One reason could be the “dirt detect,” where the robot did several back-and-forths passes on different points.
But my main takeaway was that the Roomba options were more indecisive than Yeedi, which has slightly better refinement.
Airflow comparison
Yeedi has the highest airflow results of the three alternatives, maxing out at 23 CFM. And the dropoff isn’t much in its two lower power settings, so there’s usable power even outside the max+.
| Power Comp | Yeedi Vac Station | Roomba I6+ | Roomba I3+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 19.74 CFM | 8.2 CFM | 7.27 CFM |
| Mid | 19.74 CFM | N/A | N/A |
| Max | 23 CFM | N/A | N/A |
The Roomba I3+ and I6+ have much less at 7.27 CFM and 8.2 CFM, respectively.
These two won’t wow you with high airflow, but their patented extractors make up for the airflow difference with remarkable agitation.
Cleaning comparison
Next, we’ll look at how these two brands compare cleaning different debris types. I used a combination of quaker oats, quinoa, sand, pet litter, and coffee grounds.
Here are the results.
| Model | Yeedi Vac Station | Roomba I3+ | Roomba I6+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 93.8% | 92.39% | 93.97% |
| Hard Floor | 98.85% | 95.3% | 97.57% |
| Sand on hard floor | 99.5% | 95.5% | 98.26% |
| Carpet (Surface Pickup) | 96.87% | 96.22% | 97.55% |
| Carpet (Deep Cleaning) | 80% | 84.7% | 82.5% |
If you look at the overall averages, there isn’t much difference between the three (around 1%).
The Roomba I6+ has the best overall score at 93.97% than the Yeedi Vac Station (93.8%), but the difference is so minute, I can’t say for sure that the I6+ is better.
One factor in favor of Yeedi is the high airflow, but both Roomba products have better agitation.
Which is better on hard floors?
Thanks to its high airflow, the Yeedi Vac Station did the best cleaning hard surfaces.
It scored the highest with my standard tests (Quaker Oats, quinoa, pet litter, and coffee grounds) and tough to clean sand at 98.25% and 99.5%, respectively.
These results confirm the high airflow of the Yeedi Vac Station, and the eye test further backs these numbers with the cleanest passes on this surface.
The sand on hard floor test results is among the best among robot vacuums I’ve tested, only behind other airflow monsters like the Roborock S4 Max,
Edge cleaning comparison
For this test, the Roomba I3+ and Yeedi Vac Station are close based on the eye test – with nearly identical before and after photos.
Here’s a shot of the Yeedi Vac Station before and after.
And the Roomba I3+.
It wasn’t surprising that Yeedi did the best since it had the highest airflow.
The Roomba I6+ did the worst, despite having more airflow than the I3+.
Hair wrap comparison
Another experiment I did with these three products is the hair wrap test, where I tried how each will resist tangles from five and seven-inch strands.
| Model | Yeedi Vac Station | Roomba I3+ | I6+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-inch strands | 87% | 58% | 100% |
| 7-inch strands | 35% | 40% | 54% |
The I6+ did the best overall with five and seven-inch hair picking up 100% and 54%, respectively, while the I3+ did the worst with a 58% and 40% pick up.
One thing I like about Roomba extractors is how easy it is to clean. Yes, a percentage will wrap around, but taking it out won’t require scissors.
Pulling it out will be enough in most instances, unlike the Yeedi brush, where you may need to cut it to dislodge.
Which is best on carpet?
Based on the pick-up tests, the Roomba I6+ was the best with surface debris (97.55%), and the I3+ scored the highest in deep cleaning tests (84.7%).
The Yeedi Vac Station isn’t far off for both categories, with 96.87% (surface) and 80% (deep cleaning) scores on these tests.
My point is cleaning performance shouldn’t be a primary deciding factor because the difference isn’t significant.
All these options will do the job well enough. But if your home has pets, I’d recommend the I6+ since the extractors are easier to maintain and should hold up better long term.
Other than that, you can’t go wrong with any of these three.
Run time comparison
Yeedi has a considerable advantage over the I3+ and I6+ with run time thanks to its 5200 mAh Li-ion battery.
The 200-minute run time of the Vac Station more than doubles both Roomba options here that only run for up to 75 minutes.
This battery type is utilized by many of Roomba’s competitors like Roborock, Dreame, and Ecovacs.
Recharge and resume somewhat negates the smaller radius it can cover, but it’ll take longer to complete.
I’d say the Vac Station is better-suited for larger homes, while the I3 and I6 will do well inside small to medium-sized abodes.
Noise comparison
Despite doubling the airflow output, the noise test results are close.
| Roomba Model | Yeedi Vac Station | Roomba I3+ | Roomba I6+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 64.9 dB | 64.9 dB | 64.5 dB |
| Mid | 64.9 dB | N/A | N/A |
| Max | 64.9 dB | N/A | N/A |
Yeedi was actually less noisy in the lower settings, with as little as 59.5 dB in eco mode and maxing out at 66.1 dB – only a few decibels higher than the I3 (64.9 dB) and I6 (64.5 dB).
So engineers at Yeed did well at muffling noise.
Maintenance
One facet not talked about in most review sites is robot vacuum maintenance. And for robot vacuums, it’s perhaps the most critical component for longevity, more so than a stick or upright vacuum.
How well you take care of these high-tech machines will bode well for their long-term ownership.
It’s no different for these three variants, so I’ll highlight critical components you need to clean or replace.
- Brush roll: The most abused part of any robot vacuum is the primary brush, where hair and other contaminants wrap or stick on the surface. Check this once a week and clean it if needed.
- Side brush: Another component that takes a beating is the side brush. Hair tends to wrap around the arms and base, so check and clean if there’s a buildup.
- Wheels: These robots have three wheels, two side wheels, and a caster wheel. Use a clean cloth to wipe these parts and remove any dirt sticking to the surface.
- Drop sensors: Underneath these robots are a bevy of sensors that prevent the robot from falling off cliff points. Use a clean, dry microfiber towel to wipe to avoid an error code from firing.
- Dustbin and filter: Having the auto-empty base station doesn’t mean you don’t check the dustbin. On the contrary, you must regularly check (two or three times a month) to clean any buildup inside and check the filter. The dustbins of all three variants are washable, but the HEPA filters aren’t. Make sure to replace it after three or four months to prevent performance degradation.
- Auto-empty base station: Keep the ports free from any obstruction and replace the bag when full. iRobot has a sensor notifying users if such, but Yeedi does not, so you’ll have to do a visual check.
- Body: Wipe down the robot’s body with a clean, dry cloth to remove any fingerprints and dust accumulation, especially the area above the camera (Yeedi and Roomba I6+).
Availability of Parts
iRobot has the edge here, being the more popular product, and it’s easier to find spare parts for the I3 and I6, such as the battery, side wheels, and other more obscure parts.
These two variants share most of the same components since both use the same base framework.
But Yeedi has decent availability, at least with parts like the filter, combo brush, and side brush.
Product Specifications
| Model | Yeedi Vac Station | Roomba I3+ | Roomba I6+ |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  | |
| Width | 13.77" | 13.34" | 13.34" |
| Height | 3.03" | 3.63" | 3.63" |
| Filter | High-Efficiency | High-Efficiency | High-Efficiency |
| Navigation | Smart Navigation | Smart Navigation | Smart Navigation |
| Run time | 200 mins. | 75 mins. | 75 mins. |
| Recharge and Resume | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Map Saving | Yes | No | Yes |
| Number of Maps | 1 | N/A | 10 |
| Dustbin capacity | 420 ml | 400 ml | 400 ml |
| Water tank capacity | 240 ml | N/A | N/A |
| Airflow | 23 CFM | 7.27 CFM | 8.2 CFM |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | 1-year limited | 1-year limited |
| Price |
Where can I buy these robots?
These self-emptying robot vacuums are available in online stores like Amazon. Check the links below for the latest pricing information.
Disclaimer: I will earn a commission if you purchase through any of the links above, but at no extra cost to you, so it’s a win-win for us!
Which is the best option? The Yeedi Vac Station, Roomba I3+, or Roomba I6+?
Before making this comparison, honestly, I didn’t expect Yeedi to clean as well as these Roombas. iRobot is known for manufacturing high-quality robots that clean well.
So for Yeedi to perform at par with iRobot was a pleasant surprise because we consumers benefit the most by having a less expensive auto-empty alternative.
Cleaning performance shouldn’t be a deciding factor, but the other features you may prioritize, and I’ll summarize the reasons for each option below.
5 Reasons to choose the Yeedi Vac Station
- Least expensive option: Yeedi is by far the cheapest alternative of the three variants featured here.
- Excels on hard surfaces: The high airflow enabled the Vac Station to get the best results on hard surfaces in various experiments.
- Most efficient: This robot vacuum is by far the most efficient in the coverage test, finishing the run in just 13 minutes – close to 10 minutes faster than the Roomba I3+.
- Better app features: The Yeedi app offers better overall features than the iRobot app.
- Mopping feature: One feature the Vac Station has over these Roomba products is its ability to mop floors.
4 Reasons to choose the Roomba I3+
- Best at deep cleaning: The 84.7% score on embedded sand was the best of the three.
- Cheaper than the I6+: This variant is a more affordable alternative to the I6+ and S9+.
- Parts availability: Consumers will enjoy better parts availability for the I3+ since it shares many of the same components as the Roomba E5.
- Better efficiency than the I6+: Despite not having VSLAM, the I3+ was much more efficient than the I6+ finishing the run in ten fewer minutes.
Reasons to choose the Roomba I6+
- Great at cleaning hair: The I6+ was the best overall at cleaning five and seven-inch strands, picking up the highest scores.
- Saves up to 10 maps: It can save nine more map levels than the Yeedi app and probably is a better option if you need something for a multi-floor home.
- Best cleaning performance scores: This variant scored the highest with the cleaning tests.
- Cheaper alternative than the
Roomba S9 +: If the S9+ is out of your budget, then the I6+ is your next best option for iRobot shoppers.
The Verdict: Yeedi is a Compelling, Cheaper Alternative
After spending many hours testing this product and compiling the results, the Yeedi Vac Station is a compelling alternative to the Roomba I3+ and I6+, with almost identical cleaning results.
It’s the best option on hard floors with its high airflow and the best cleaning low clearance furniture as it has the slimmest design.
One concern I have is parts availability since this is a new brand, but with Ecovacs as its parent company, I don’t think it should be as big a concern.
Another reason the Vac Station is compelling is its mopping feature – something not available with the Roomba I3 and I6.
The Roomba I3 and I6 are solid options with an excellent track record of performance, and with its popularity, parts availability will not be an issue. But both are more expensive, but it’s safer if long-term ownership and robustness are a high priority.
