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  1. Home
  2. Robot Vacuum
  3. Compare

Neato Botvac D7 vs iRobot Roomba 981

Which Robot Vacuum Is Better?

    Top
    Main Differences
    Design
      Build QualityUser MaintenanceRecurring CostStoringDirt CompartmentIn The BoxRangePortabilityBatteryQuality Of Life FeaturesTools And BrushesAlternative Configuration
    Performance
      Bare Floor Performance (Hardwood, Laminate, Tiles)Low-Pile Carpet PerformanceHigh-Pile Carpet PerformancePet Hair Floor PerformanceSuctionAirflowNoiseManeuverabilityPet Hair Furniture PerformanceAir QualityCracksStainsWater
    Automation
      Physical AutomationCompanion App Automation
    Comments

Products

Neato Botvac D7
iRobot Roomba 981

Tested using Methodology v0.6

Updated Oct 17, 2024 02:33 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v0.7

Updated Jun 10, 2025 01:59 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Neato Botvac D7 Picture
iRobot Roomba 981 Picture
Vacuum Type
Locked
Bagless
Locked
Cordless
Locked
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
Locked
Wet Compatible
Locked
Vacuum Type
Locked
Bagless
Locked
Cordless
Locked
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
Locked
Wet Compatible
Locked

Our Verdict

Neato Botvac D7

iRobot Roomba 981

The Neato Botvac D7 is a better vacuum than the iRobot Roomba 981 for most uses. The Neato performs better on carpets, has more automation features, and is much easier to maintain. Nevertheless, the iRobot has a much better performance on bare floors and better maneuverability.

0 

Variants

  • Botvac D7 (Black/Gray)
  • Roomba 981 (Black)
  • Roomba 980 (Black)

Review

See Neato Botvac D7 Review
See iRobot Roomba 981 Review
0 
0 

Check Price

Black/Gray
Botvac D7
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
Roomba 981
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black/Gray
Botvac D7
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
Roomba 980
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black/Gray
Botvac D7
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Night Blue
Roomba 981
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black/Gray
Botvac D7
SEARCH
Lowes.com
 
Black/Gray
Botvac D7
SEARCH
HomeDepot.com
 
Read more

Main Differences for
Bare Floor

Threshold 

0.10

Bare Floor 
 

0.0
0.0
JOIN NOW  to see main differences

Full Comparison

Design

Build Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Vacuum Type 
 

Locked
Locked

Build Quality Picture 
 

Neato Botvac D7 Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 

User Maintenance 
 

N/A
N/A

Maintenance Picture 
 

Neato Botvac D7 Maintenance Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Maintenance Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Brushroll Cleaning Video  

Neato Botvac D7 Brushroll Cleaning Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Brushroll Cleaning Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Show Text 

Recurring Cost 
 

N/A
N/A

Recurring Cost Picture 
 

Neato Botvac D7 Recurring Cost Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Recurring Cost Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Bag Part Number  

Locked
Locked

Filter Part Number  

Locked
Locked

HEPA Filter Part Number  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Storing 
 

N/A
N/A

Storing Picture 
 

Neato Botvac D7 Storing Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Storing Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Height 
 

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Width 
 

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth 
 

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Cord Storing 
 

Locked
Locked

On-Board Tool Storage 
 

Locked
Locked

Vacuum Rack/Station 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Dirt Compartment 
 

N/A
N/A

Dirt Compartment Picture 
 

Neato Botvac D7 Dirt Compartment Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Dirt Compartment Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Bagless 
 

Locked
Locked

Volume 
 

Lock gal (Lock L)
Lock gal (Lock L)

Full Indicator 
 

Locked
Locked

Bag Included 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

In The Box 
 

In The Box Picture 
 

Neato Botvac D7 In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 

Range 
 

N/A
N/A

Cordless 
 

Locked
Locked

Cord Length 
 

N/A
N/A

Hose Length 
 

N/A
N/A

Minimum Wand Length 
 

N/A
N/A

Maximum Wand Length 
 

N/A
N/A

Total Range 
 

N/A
N/A
Show Text 

Portability 
 

N/A
N/A

Total Weight 
 

Lock lbs (Lock kg)
Lock lbs (Lock kg)

Weight In Hand 
 

Lock lbs (Lock kg)
Lock lbs (Lock kg)

Carrying handle 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Battery 
 

N/A
N/A

Minimum Battery Life 
 

Lock min
Lock min

Maximum Battery Life 
 

Lock min
Lock min

Recharge Time 
 

Lock min
Lock min

Recharge Dock 
 

Locked
Locked

Battery Life Indicator 
 

Locked
Locked

Removable Batteries 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Quality Of Life Features 
 

Picture Of Controls 
 

Neato Botvac D7 Picture Of Controls Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Picture Of Controls Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Rotating Head 
 

Locked
Locked

Power Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Self-Propelled 
 

Locked
Locked

Headlights 
 

Locked
Locked

Easy On/Off 
 

Locked
Locked

Head Surface Type Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Tools And Brushes 
 

Tools And Brush Picture 
 

Neato Botvac D7 Tools And Brush Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Tools And Brush Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Brushroll 
 

Locked
Locked

Brushroll On/Off 
 

Locked
Locked

Removable Brushroll 
 

Locked
Locked

Turbo Brush 
 

Locked
Locked

Crevice Tool 
 

Locked
Locked

Upholstery Tool 
 

Locked
Locked

Soft Bristle Brush 
 

Locked
Locked

Hard Bristle Brush 
 

Locked
Locked

Extension Wand 
 

Locked
Locked

Ceiling Fan Tool 
 

Locked
Locked

Pet Grooming Tool 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Alternative Configuration 
 

Alternative Configuration Photo 1 
 

Neato Botvac D7 Alternative Configuration Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Alternative Configuration Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Alternative Configuration Photo 2 
 

Neato Botvac D7 Alternative Configuration Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Alternative Configuration Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Blower Mode 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 
Performance

Bare Floor Performance (Hardwood, Laminate, Tiles) 
 

N/A
N/A

Setting Used  

Locked
Locked

Bare Floor Large Debris Graph 
 

Neato Botvac D7 Bare Floor Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Bare Floor Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Large Debris at 0 gal (0L)  

Lock%
Lock%

Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)  

Lock%
Lock%

Large Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)  

N/A
N/A

Large Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)  

N/A
N/A

Large Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)  

N/A
N/A

Large Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)  

N/A
N/A

Bare Floor Small Debris Graph 
 

Neato Botvac D7 Bare Floor Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Bare Floor Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Small Debris at 0 gal (0L)  

Lock%
Lock%

Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)  

≈ Lock%
Lock%

Small Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)  

N/A
N/A

Small Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)  

N/A
N/A

Small Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)  

N/A
N/A

Small Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)  

N/A
N/A
Show Text 

Low-Pile Carpet Performance 
 

N/A
N/A

Setting Used  

Locked
Locked

Low Carpet Large Debris Graph 
 

Neato Botvac D7 Low Carpet Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Low Carpet Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Large Debris at 0 gal (0L)  

Lock%
Lock%

Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)  

≈ Lock%
Lock%

Large Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)  

N/A
N/A

Large Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)  

N/A
N/A

Large Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)  

N/A
N/A

Large Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)  

N/A
N/A

Low Carpet Small Debris Graph 
 

Neato Botvac D7 Low Carpet Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Low Carpet Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Small Debris at 0 gal (0L)  

Lock%
Lock%

Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)  

≈ Lock%
Lock%

Small Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)  

N/A
N/A

Small Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)  

N/A
N/A

Small Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)  

N/A
N/A

Small Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)  

N/A
N/A
Show Text 

High-Pile Carpet Performance 
 

N/A
N/A

Setting Used  

Locked
Locked

High Carpet Large Debris Graph 
 

Neato Botvac D7 High Carpet Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 High Carpet Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Large Debris at 0 gal (0L)  

Lock%
Lock%

Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)  

≈ Lock%
Lock%

Large Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)  

N/A
N/A

Large Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)  

N/A
N/A

Large Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)  

N/A
N/A

Large Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)  

N/A
N/A

High Carpet Small Debris Graph 
 

Neato Botvac D7 High Carpet Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 High Carpet Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Small Debris at 0 gal (0L)  

Lock%
Lock%

Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)  

≈ Lock%
Lock%

Small Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)  

N/A
N/A

Small Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)  

N/A
N/A

Small Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)  

N/A
N/A

Small Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)  

N/A
N/A
Show Text 

Pet Hair Floor Performance 
 

N/A
N/A

Pet Hair Graph 
 

Neato Botvac D7 Pet Hair Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Pet Hair Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Bare Floor 
 

Lock%
Lock%

Low-Pile Carpet 
 

Lock%
Lock%

High-Pile Carpet 
 

Lock%
Lock%
Show Text 

Suction 
 

N/A
N/A

Suction Video  

Neato Botvac D7 Suction Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Suction Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Maximum Hose Suction 
 

N/A

Maximum Head Suction 
 

Lock inH₂O (Lock kPa)
Lock inH₂O (Lock kPa)

Setting Used For Maximum  

Locked

Normal Head Suction 
 

Lock inH₂O (Lock kPa)
Lock inH₂O (Lock kPa)

Setting Used For Normal  

Locked
Locked

Hose Diameter 
 

N/A
N/A
Show Text 

Airflow 
 

N/A
N/A

Maximum Airflow Video  

Neato Botvac D7 Maximum Airflow Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Maximum Airflow Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Maximum Hose Airflow 
 

Lock CFM (Lock m³/min)
Show Text 

Noise 
 

N/A
N/A

Noise Video 
 

Neato Botvac D7 Noise Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Noise Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Bare Floor 
 

Lock dBA
Lock dBA

Low-Pile Carpet 
 

Lock dBA
Lock dBA
Show Text 

Maneuverability 
 

N/A
N/A

Maneuverability Video  

Neato Botvac D7 Maneuverability Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Maneuverability Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Show Text 

Pet Hair Furniture Performance 
 

N/A
N/A

Sofa Pickup Video  

Neato Botvac D7 Sofa Pickup Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Sofa Pickup Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Sofa Pickup Post Test 
 

Neato Botvac D7 Sofa Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Sofa Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Air Quality 
 

Sealing Quality Video  

Neato Botvac D7 Sealing Quality Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Sealing Quality Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA) 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Cracks 
 

N/A
N/A

Cracks Video  

Neato Botvac D7 Cracks Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Cracks Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Wood Cracks Post Test 
 

Neato Botvac D7 Wood Cracks Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Wood Cracks Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 

Stains 
 

N/A
N/A

Stain Video  

Neato Botvac D7 Stain Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Stain Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Stain Pickup Post Test 
 

Neato Botvac D7 Stain Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Stain Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 

Water 
 

N/A
N/A

Wet Compatible 
 

Locked
Locked

Water Video  

Neato Botvac D7 Water Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Water Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Water Pickup Post Test 
 

Neato Botvac D7 Water Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Water Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 
Automation

Physical Automation 
 

N/A
N/A

Automatic Recharging 
 

Locked
Locked

Automatic Bag Emptying 
 

Locked
Locked

Pathing Algorithm 
 

Locked
Locked

Physical Boundary Markers 
 

Locked
Locked

Scheduled Start Buttons 
 

Locked
Locked

Cycle Control Buttons 
 

Locked
Locked

Navigation Control Buttons 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Companion App Automation 
 

N/A
N/A

Companion App Screen Grabs 
 

Neato Botvac D7 Companion App Screen Grabs Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Companion App Screen Grabs Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

App Name 
 

Locked
Locked

iOS Availability 
 

Locked
Locked

Android Availability 
 

Locked
Locked

Software Boundary Markers (No Go Zones) 
 

Locked
Locked

App Scheduled Start 
 

Locked
Locked

App Cycle Control 
 

Locked
Locked

Navigation Control within App 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Check Price

Black/Gray
Botvac D7
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
Roomba 981
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black/Gray
Botvac D7
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
Roomba 980
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black/Gray
Botvac D7
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Night Blue
Roomba 981
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black/Gray
Botvac D7
SEARCH
Lowes.com
 
Black/Gray
Botvac D7
SEARCH
HomeDepot.com
 
Back to Top

Neato Botvac D7

iRobot Roomba 981

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 2 years ago

Neato Botvac D7 vs iRobot Roomba 981: Main Discussion

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