Vacuum robots are handy and save time – perfect for busy individuals. iRobot, the creator of the Roomba line, is among the top vacuum robot brands. Their creation includes the Roomba E5 and Roomba 890, entry-level vacuum robots that are packed with high-tech machineries at an affordable price.
Both the Roomba E5 and 890 have very minimal differences. The Roomba E5 is a newer model and is an upgrade of the Roomba 890 while the 890 is mid-range vacuum robot, ideal for beginners. In this article we will discuss the differences, similarities, and specifications of the Roomba e5 and 890. We hope we can help you make an informed decision before investing in any of these vacuum robots.
Contents
- The Differences between Roomba E5 and 890
- The Similarities between Roomba E5 and 890
- Comparing the iRobot Roomba E5 and 890 in Detail
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Q. Will they work on uneven floors?
- Q. Can they clean the staircase?
- Q. How is the battery life?
- Q. Does it have WiFi?
- Q. Can I replace the battery with a larger battery to extend the running time?
- Q. Can they clean just one room?
- Q. Do I need to install WiFi on my home for them to work?
- Q. Does it have a remote control?
- Q. Do I need to have Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa for them to work?
- Q. Can these vacuum robots resume cleaning and remember where they left off?
- What to like about the 890
- What to like about the E5
- Conclusion
The Differences between Roomba E5 and 890
- The Roomba E5 has a washable dust bin while the 890 has a non-washable dust bin.
- The Roomba E5 has more battery life than the 890. The E5 can run up to 90 minutes while the 890 can only 60 minutes maximum.
- The Roomba E5 has a more advanced Dirt Detection Technology and iAdapt Navigation Technology than the 890.
- The Roomba 890 is slightly heavier than the E5.
The Similarities between Roomba E5 and 890
- They both have a 3-stage cleaning system: loosens, lifts, and suctions.
- Both use a duo brush design: Edge-Sweeping brush and Dual Multi-Surface Brushes.
- Both have a High-Efficiency Filter.
- Both are WiFi-enabled.
- Both use lithium ion batteries.
- They do not have smart navigation.
- They can be linked to the iRobot Home App to schedule and monitor cleaning sessions.
- They recognize voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- They both have anti-tangle sensors.
The table below provides the specifications for the Roomba e5 and 890:
| Roomba e5 | Roomba 890 | |
| 3-Stage Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Brushes | Dual Multi-Surface Brushes, Edge-Sweeping Brush | Dual Multi-Surface Brushes, Edge-Sweeping Brush |
| Power-Lifting Suction | No | No |
| Multi-Surface Cleaning with Auto-Adjust Cleaning Head | Yes | Yes |
| Automatically recharges itself | Yes | Yes |
| Automatically resumes cleaning | No | No |
| iAdapt Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Navigation Camera | No | No |
| Battery | Lithium Ion Batteries | Lithium Ion Batteries |
| Running Time | Up to 90 minutes | Up to 60 minutes |
| Dirt Detect Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Imprint Link Technology | No | No |
| Filter | HEPA Type Filter | HEPA Type Filter |
| Dust Bin capacity | Washable; 600 ml | Non-washable; 600 ml |
| Scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Cleaning Reporting | No | No |
| Automatic Dirt Disposal | No | No |
| Wireless Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Home Integration | Yes | Yes |
| Intelligent Navigation | Yes | No |
| Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes | No | No |
| Virtual Wall Barrier | Yes | Yes |
| Entire Level Cleaning | Yes | No |
| Height | 3.6 inches | 3.6 inches |
| Weight | 7.2 lbs | 8.4 lbs |
| Price | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
Comparing the iRobot Roomba E5 and 890 in Detail
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Design and Dimensions
One of the first things that we look at when buying things is the design of the product. The iRobot Roomba selection has a design constant to every Roomba model – they all have a round body type and their main color is black. They also have a ring bumper, wheels underneath the device, and handle. The E5 and the 890 also have those features but they have different surface colors. The E5 maintains an all-black design while the 890 has a touch of brown in its surface. The position of the control buttons are also different, although they are located at the center of the device, the Dock and Spot buttons of the E5 are located beside the big CLEAN button while the 890’s Dock and Spot buttons are located on top of the CLEAN button. The logo of the E5 is also located below the control panel while the logo placement of 890 is on top of the Spot button.
Underneath the E5 and the 890, you will find a pair of wheels as well as the sensors. Both of these robots also have indicator lights for the battery and for the dust bin.
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Performance and Technology
The Roomba E5 and the 890 have minimal differences and have a lot of similarities. They both have a premium 3-stage cleaning system that uses Dual Multi-Surface Brushes that pick up dust, dirt, and large debris; Edge-Sweeping Brush that removes the debris away from edges and corners; and a vacuum suction to lift deep seated dirt. They are also capable of cleaning all types of floor: tiles, linoleums, carpets, and hardwood among others.
iRobot made some upgrades for the E5 and that would be the technologies used for the robot. Both the E5 and the 890 are equipped with Dirt Detection Technology that allows them to detect dirty areas and clean that area more by going through it back and forth until it is thoroughly clean; and iAdapt Navigation that uses different sensors including bump and cliff sensors for navigation. Although the E5 and the 890 use both the iAdapt Navigation Technology and the Dirt Detection technology, the E5 uses a second generation technology therefore its Dirt Detection Technology and the iAdapt Navigation is more advanced than the 890. The 890 still uses the first generation sensors and technology. With that, the E5 is, obviously, smarter than the 890.
These two also use the same type of HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) Type Filter that captures 99% of allergens and small dust particles, as small as 10 microns, which makes it more ideal for homes with pets. They also have a Virtual Wall Barrier, a technology used for containment purposes. The dust bin of these two robots, however, are different – the dust bin of the Roomba E5 is washable while the 890 has a non-washable dust bin.
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Power and battery life
The Roomba E5 has a larger lithium ion battery than the 890 therefore it can operate longer than the 890. The 890, on the other hand, uses the same lithium ion battery but since it is smaller, it can only run up to 60 minutes per charge.
Both of these robots automatically docks and recharges when their battery is low but they do not automatically resume cleaning from where they left off.
The Roomba E5 and 890 do not have smart mapping technology. They use a pseudo-random pattern which means that they do not follow a certain route and just randomly pinball around the room as they clean. Expensive Roomba models use Imprint Smart Mapping Technology, a technology that allows the device to remember the layout of your home, but both the E5 and the 890 do not offer this feature.
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Connectivity
Almost every home has a WiFi network and for smart appliances, like the Roomba E5 and the 890, to have WiFi connectivity is an awesome feature to have. The E5 and the 890 do not have remote controls but they are WiFi-enabled and can be linked to the iRobot Home App – an app that you can download on your smartphone or tablet that allows you to see over the cleaning sessions through your phone and you can schedule cleaning sessions as well. With the app, your smartphone or tablet act as a remote control so you do not have to physically reach for the device if you want to change the settings. Being able to connect to the home network also allows the E5 and the 890 to recognize voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will they work on uneven floors?
A. Yes, the Roomba E5 and the 890 are both capable of cleaning all types of floors including tiles, carpets, linoleum, and hardwood among others.
Q. Can they clean the staircase?
A. No, the Roomba E5 and the 890 are designed to clean flat surfaces plus they both have bump and cliff sensors which prevents them from going into cliffs or places like stairs.
Q. How is the battery life?
A. Both the Roomba E5 and 890 use lithium ion batteries, however, the battery of the E5 is larger which is why it can run up to 90 minutes per charge while the 890 can only run up to 60 minutes per charge.
Q. Does it have WiFi?
A. Yes, both the Roomba E5 and 890 are WiFi-enabled.
Q. Can I replace the battery with a larger battery to extend the running time?
A. The batteries of the Roomba E5 and 890 are replaceable but even if you replace it with a higher mAh, the running time will remain the same. A 90-minutes run time for the E5 and 60-minutes run time for the 890.
Q. Can they clean just one room?
A. The Roomba E5 and 890 can clean a room without a problem. You can also use the Virtual Wall Barrier to keep them in one room or contain them on a certain area.
Q. Do I need to install WiFi on my home for them to work?
A. No, the Roomba E5 and the 890 work just fine even without WiFi. You can manually control the devices by pressing their control buttons.
Q. Does it have a remote control?
A. No. Unfortunately, both the Roomba E5 and 890 do not come with a remote control, however, you can turn your smartphone and or tablet into a remote control by downloading the iRobot Home App.
Q. Do I need to have Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa for them to work?
A. No, the Roomba E5 and 890 work even without Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. You can use the iRobot Home App instead to control the device or you can go manual if you like since the app and the voice commands are just an option on how you can control the device.
Q. Can these vacuum robots resume cleaning and remember where they left off?
A. No. Unfortunately, the Roomba E5 and 890 can not resume cleaning after recharging. It’s a feature that more expensive Roomba models have.
See Roomba 890 on AmazonWhat to like about the 890
- Cleans everywhere, even under the furniture.
- Has a Virtual Wall Barrier.
- Has a 3-stage cleaning system: loosens, lifts, and suctions using Edge-Sweeping brush, Dual Multi-Surface Brushes, and vacuum suction.
- iAdapt technology along with cliff and bump sensors that keeps the device from falling off the stairs.
- Patented Dirt Detection technology.
- WiFi-enabled
- Can be linked to the iRobot Home App to schedule and monitor cleaning sessions.
- Recognizes voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Has anti-tangle sensors.
What to like about the E5
- It has everything the 690 offers.
- It has an upgraded iAdapt Navigation Technology and a second generation Dirt Detection Technology.
- Has a bigger battery and longer running time – up to 90 minutes per charge.
- Has a washable filter.
Conclusion
The iRobot Roomba robot vacuums are made of high-tech machineries and premium materials. The brand is among the best vacuum robots in the market and they offer a lot of affordable robots. The Roomba E5 and 890 are mid-range vacuum robots that have impressive cleaning performance.
The Roomba 890 is a low-cost vacuum robot that has enough features for you to enjoy. For its price you’ll get a vacuum robot that can recognize voice commands and can connect to the iRobot Home App. It is a reliable robot and you do not have to worry about it bumping into a wall and delicate objects nor falling down the stairs because it is equipped with sensors that advanced technologies that will prevent that from happening. The E5, on the other hand, is an upgrade of the 890 which means it is better. The E5 has a better battery life and a good washable dustbin.
Deciding which model to buy will depend on the cost, features, usability, cleaning performance, and design that you want. When you compare the Roomba e5 and the 890 side-by-side you will notice their differences but the differences are not really a big deal. If you are on a tight budget pick whichever is cheaper and if you want more advanced features you may want to check out other brands and other Roomba models.