The iRobot Roomba i8+ is a self-emptying robot vacuum and a Costco-exclusive variant of the iRobot Roomba i7. The vacuums are very similar in design and performance, though the i8+ comes with a virtual barrier device, an additional HEPA filter and dirtbag, and uses a higher-capacity battery that yields a longer overall runtime.
Our Verdict
The iRobot Roomba i8+ is good for bare floors. It easily clears away pet hair as well as small and bulky debris on this floor type. It also does an excellent job of maneuvering itself around obstacles and packs a wide array of automation features, including its self-emptying capability and barrier device, which lets you set up no-go zones without using its companion app. Unfortunately, its low real-world suction means it struggles to clear away debris in cracks and crevices.
-
Great maneuverability.
-
Self-emptying capability.
-
Great performance on bare floors.
-
Easy to maintain.
-
No mopping capability.
-
Low real-world suction performance.
-
High recurring costs.
The iRobot Roomba i8+ is decent for low-pile carpet. It struggles with pet hair and fine debris on this surface type, but does a little better when clearing away larger debris. Its self-emptying function reduces hands-on maintenance requirements, and the vacuum feels quite well-built. It also does a great job of maneuvering itself and can climb over lightweight rugs without too much trouble.
-
Great maneuverability.
-
Self-emptying capability.
-
Automatic height adjustment.
-
Easy to maintain.
-
Middling performance on low-pile carpet.
-
Struggles with pet hair on low-pile carpet.
-
High recurring costs.
-
Can get stuck on rug tassels.
The iRobot Roomba i8+ is an okay option for high-pile carpet. It can clean up pet hair and larger debris without too much trouble but struggles with clearing away fine material embedded in high-pile carpet fibers, in part due to its low real-world suction performance. Thankfully, its surface detection system enables it to raise its cleaning head when it maneuvers onto uneven surfaces.
-
Great maneuverability.
-
Self-emptying capability.
-
Automatic height adjustment.
-
Easy to maintain.
-
Struggles with fine debris on high-pile carpet.
-
Low real-world suction performance.
-
High recurring costs.
-
Can get stuck on rug tassels.
The iRobot Roomba i8+ is pretty effective for dealing with pet hair on floors, though it isn't intended to clear away pet hair on furniture or in other tight spots. It excels when clearing away pet hair on bare floors and high-pile carpet but has a slightly harder time dealing with it on low-pile carpet. Its high-efficiency filter is effective in helping seal in allergens like pet dander, and its twin rubber brushrolls are easy to clean. Unfortunately, pet hair can get trapped at the entry point to its dirt compartment.
-
Good air filtration performance.
-
Easy to maintain.
-
No mopping capability.
-
Struggles with pet hair on low-pile carpet.
-
Pet hair gets stuck at entry point to dirt compartment.
The iRobot Roomba i8+ is a robot vacuum and isn't designed to clean stairs.
The iRobot Roomba i8+ isn't designed to clean the inside of your car.
The iRobot Roomba i8+ isn't designed for workshop cleaning.
- 7.6 Bare Floor
- 7.1 Low-Pile Carpet
- 6.7 High-Pile Carpet
- 5.3 Pets
- 6.1 Stairs
- 5.1 Cars
- 4.5 Workshop
- Updated Jan 22, 2024: Updated the 'Differences Between Variants' section of the review to include Roomba Combo i8 and Roomba Combo i8+ models. We've also updated the 'Stains' and 'In The Box' portions of the review to include more information on these product variants.
- Updated Nov 07, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update builds on our previous 'Suction' test with a new 'Airflow' test that more accurately measures a vacuum's ability to generate air movement. If you'd like to see an in-depth look at the reasoning and methodology behind this change, you can see our full changelog here..
- Updated Apr 18, 2023: We've fixed non-functional external links to replacement parts in the 'Recurring Costs' portion of the review.
- Updated Nov 02, 2022: Review published.
- Updated Oct 27, 2022: Early access published.
- Updated Oct 19, 2022: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Oct 11, 2022: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Sep 22, 2022: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
- Updated Sep 14, 2022: The product has won our suggestion poll, so we'll buy and test it soon.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
There are a couple of variants of the iRobot Roomba i8, which differ somewhat in overall specification.
| Model Name | Base Station Included | Mopping Capability | Accent Color | Notes |
| Roomba i8+ | Yes | No | Black/Silver | |
| Roomba Combo i8 | No | Yes | Black/Gray | European Market Exclusive |
| Roomba Combo i8+ | Yes | Yes | Black/Gray | European Market Exclusive |
You can see the label for our test unit here.
Let us know in the comments if you encounter another variant of this vacuum, and we'll update our review.
Compared To Other Vacuums
The iRobot Roomba i8+ differs little from the iRobot Roomba i7 but ultimately represents a slightly better deal overall thanks to the added bundled accessories, which include an additional dirtbag for its base station, an extra high-efficiency filter, and a virtual barrier device. Its maneuverability is excellent, though it lacks the hazard-avoidance function found on the newer iRobot Roomba j7.
If you're looking for an alternative, look at our list of recommendations of the best robot vacuums, the best robot vacuums for hardwood floors, and the best robot vacuums for carpet.
The iRobot Roomba j7 has a more advanced set of automation features than the iRobot Roomba i8+. Not only does the j7 share the i8+'s self-emptying capability, but it can also identify and react to hazards like pet waste in real-time. It also feels better built. However, the i8+ delivers better overall debris-pickup performance across a range of surfaces.
While both vacuums are almost identical, the iRobot Roomba i8+ ultimately represents a better deal than the iRobot Roomba i7. The i8+ comes with an additional dirtbag for its self-emptying station, an extra high-efficiency filter, and a virtual barrier device that you can use to set up no-go zones without opening the vacuum's companion app. The i8+ also uses a higher-capacity battery that yields a longer runtime; however, it does take a little longer to recharge.
The iRobot Roomba i8+ and Roborock Q5 each have advantages. The iRobot feels better made, has easier-to-clean brushrolls, uses higher-capacity dirtbags for its base station, and comes bundled with two extra filters and two extra dirtbags. It also does a better job of sealing in fine allergens and charges a lot faster. However, the Roborock has a much longer overall battery life, delivers notably superior debris pickup performance on bare floors, and has a more comprehensive suite of automation functions in its app, like being able to control the vacuum manually using the 'Pin n Go' function. The Roborock's LIDAR sensor also allows for superior maneuverability in the dark.
The iRobot Roomba i8+ is better than the iRobot Roomba i3. The i8+ has a longer overall battery life, delivers superior performance on bare floors as well as carpets, and does a better job of maneuvering itself.
The iRobot Roomba i8+ is better than the Shark AI Robot. The iRobot is better-built, easier to maintain, does a bettre job of handling pet hair, and has a significantly better companion app. It also comes with a self-emptying dock that reduces hands-on maintenance requirements and an automatic surface detection system. That said, the Shark has a longer maximum battery life.
Test Results
The iRobot Roomba i8+ feels impressively well-built, with a body made mainly from high-grade plastic and dense rubber wheels. It feels very similar in construction to other iRobot models, but most like the iRobot Roomba i7.
No assembly is required after taking the vacuum out of its box, with one dirtbag already being installed in its base station. However, you will have to pair the vacuum with the station.
The iRobot i8+ has a couple of parts that need periodic cleaning, but they're easy to access.
- Dirtbag: You can simply access the disposable dirtbag inside the base station by opening its top lid and lifting it out. A seal cover falls in place once the bag is lifted out, preventing any dust from escaping. There's an indicator light that changes from white to red to let you know when to replace the bag or if there's a blockage.
- Dirt compartment: The vacuum's internal dustbin can be easily slid free from the back of the vacuum after pressing the release button. You can wash this part with water and wipe it with a dry cloth or tap it against your garbage bin to dislodge dirt. You should clean this part after every use.
- Brushrolls: You can easily access the brushrolls by removing the brush guard under the vacuum. Since there are no bristles to get in the way, it's pretty easy to remove any tangled hair by using your hands or scissors. It can be hard to get the brushroll to fit back into place once removed, though. You should clean this part once a month or twice a month if you have pets.
- Side brush: You need a screwdriver to remove the side brush. You should clean it by removing tangled hairs once a month or twice a month if you have pets.
- Filter: The filter is inside the vacuum's dirt compartment. You can tap it against your garbage bin to remove any debris stuck to it once a week, or twice a week if you have pets. Note that you can't wash this part.
- Wheel: You can pull the wheel out of its cavity and push it out of the socket to dislodge any hair or debris stuck to it. You should clean this part every two weeks.
- Sensors: You should clean the vacuum's sensors once a month with a dry cloth.
Any part that's washed in water should dry for 24 hours before use again.
Like the i7+ variant of the iRobot Roomba i7, this vacuum incurs somewhat high recurring costs.
- Dirtbag: You need to replace the disposable dirtbag when full. They're sold in packs of three from the manufacturer website.
- Brushrolls: You need to swap out the brushrolls every 12 months. You can buy a new set from the manufacturer here.
- Side brush: You can remove and replace the side brush every 12 months. They're sold in packs of three from the manufacturer website.
- HEPA filter: The HEPA filter needs replacing every two months. New filters are no longer available directly from the manufacturer's website, but resellers do still offer OEM replacements, as seen here. Compatible filters from third-party manufacturers are also available.
- Front caster wheel: You should remove and replace the wheel every twelve months. You can purchase this part from iRobot here.
iRobot sells a 'Replenishment Kit' that contains three side brushes, a new pair of multi-floor rubber brushrolls, and three HEPA filters.
The iRobot i8+ is pretty easy to store. Its base station is taller but slightly narrower than other self-emptying robot vacuums like the yeedi vac station, making it a little easier to fit in a nook between furniture. You can wrap up any excess length of power cord behind the vacuum.
The iRobot Roomba i8+ can hold an impressive amount of debris. The manufacturer advertises that the base station dirtbags can hold 30 dustbins worth of debris. In the real world, its capacity works out to just under 2.4L, which is similar to the capacity of full-size canister vacuums like the Miele Complete C3 and comfortably exceeds the size of the Shark EZ Robot Self-Empty's external dirt compartment. An indicator light on the station lets you know when the bag is full or if there's an obstruction in the tunnel leading toward the bag. The app can notify you when the dirt compartment or bag is full.
- iRobot Roomba i8+ robot vacuum
- Charging dock/bag emptying station (not included with Roomba Combo i8 variant)
- Charging cable
- 'Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier' device
- 3x HEPA filter
- 2x multi-surface rubber brushrolls
- 2x side brush (one already attached to the vacuum)
- Dirt compartments
- 4x dirtbags (not included with Roomba Combo i8 variant)
- User guide
The following attachments are exclusive to the Roomba Combo i8 and Roomba Combo i8+ models:
- Water tank
- 2x Microfiber mopping cloths
The following attachment is exclusive to the i8 Combo model:
- Charging dock
The iRobot i8+'s range is limited only by its remaining battery life. That said, it can't climb or descend stairs.
The iRobot Roomba i8+ is extremely portable. While it's on the heavier side for a robot vacuum, it has an integrated carrying handle to make it easier to bring it to another room or floor.
The iRobot Roomba i8+ has superb battery performance. iRobot's claim of its battery offering 20% additional capacity over the unit in the iRobot Roomba i7 bears out in the real world, as the latter can only run for about 75 minutes. However, this vacuum does take longer to recharge than the i7. You can keep an eye on the vacuum's current charge level by monitoring the indicator light around the 'Clean' touch-sensitive button, which switches from solid white to solid red as the charge level drops.
The iRobot i8+ has a few extra convenience features. Its surface detection system allows it to adjust the height of its cleaning head to match the floor type that it's on. It can also focus on cleaning areas with a higher concentration of debris. However, you can't adjust any of these parameters manually.
The iRobot Roomba i8+ has a single side brush that moves debris from the outside edges of the vacuum into the path of its main brushroll.
The iRobot Roomba i8+ delivers great performance on bare floors. It easily clears away small debris like rice and the majority of bulkier debris like cereal.
Note: All testing was completed when the dirt compartment was empty, with the data for the 0.25L, 0.75L, and 1.5L tests being copied from the 0L test. Since this vacuum automatically empties its internal dirt compartment when docked, it doesn't lose suction performance as its internal dustbin fills up.
The iRobot Roomba i8+ delivers middling performance on low-pile carpet. It really struggles with clearing away fine material like baking soda, though it does a decent job when it comes to dealing with larger debris like sand.
Note: All testing was completed when the dirt compartment was empty, with the data for the 0.25L, 0.75L, and 1.5L tests being copied from the 0L test. Since this vacuum automatically empties its internal dirt compartment when docked, it doesn't lose suction performance as its internal dustbin fills up.
The iRobot i8+'s performance on high-pile carpet is okay. It does a good job of clearing away larger debris like sand but struggles with fine debris like baking soda.
Note: All testing was completed when the dirt compartment was empty, with the data for the 0.25L, 0.75L, and 1.5L tests being copied from the 0L test. Since this vacuum automatically empties its internal dirt compartment when docked, it doesn't lose suction performance as its internal dustbin fills up.
The iRobot Roomba i8+'s pet hair-pickup performance is great. While it has a hard time dealing with pet hair on low-pile carpet, it easily clears it away on bare floors and high-pile carpet. However, pet hair pickup performance can be somewhat inconsistent, as this kind of debris tends to get stuck at the entry point to its dirt compartment, as seen here and here.
The iRobot Roomba i8's real-world suction performance is poor. Like most other robot vacuums, its suction inlet is positioned too high above the contact surface to create a tight seal, so real-world suction measurements are low.
The iRobot Roomba i8+ is very quiet. You won't have too much trouble hearing what people nearby are saying, even with the vacuum running nearby.
The iRobot Roomba i8+ does an excellent job of maneuvering itself. It uses the same iAdapt 3.0 system as the iRobot Roomba i7, which uses optical sensors to plot a course through its coverage area. It cleans in an organized, thorough pattern. The vacuum is small enough to clean under most tables, couches, and chairs and can climb onto thicker-pile carpeting without too much trouble. However, it can drag around lightweight rugs.
The iRobot Roomba i8+ does a great job of sealing in fine allergens thanks to its onboard high-efficiency filter.
The iRobot Roomba i8+ does a terrible job of clearing away debris in cracks and crevices. It doesn't exert enough suction force to draw out debris from deeper crevices, and its side brush is ineffective in helping to dislodge debris.
The iRobot Roomba i8+ does a terrible job of dealing with stains. If you want mopping capability, you'll have to go for the Roomba Combo i8 or Roomba Combo i8+ variant; just note that these variants are only available in certain markets, and we haven't tested this mopping system's overall performance.
The iRobot Roomba i8+ has a wide array of automation features. You don't need an internet connection to use this vacuum, thanks to its physical controls. You can use the 'Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier' device to restrict the vacuum's movements to a specific area without having to use its companion app. It has two settings. 'Halo Mode' creates a circular no-go zone with a radius of about 12 inches from the center point of the barrier device. Meanwhile, 'Virtual Wall Mode' generates a straight barrier line, which is handy for blocking off doorways through which you don't want the vacuum to cross. Beyond that, there's also the vacuum's self-emptying capability, allowing it to transfer debris from its dustbin into an external dirtbag in its base station, reducing hands-on maintenance requirements. However, unlike the iRobot Roomba j7, it can't identify and avoid hazards like pet waste in real time.
The iRobot HOME app is great. It's very easy to use and features a broad range of animated infographics that demonstrate the vacuum's features as well as maintenance procedures. Once the vacuum's stored a map of your home, you can set dedicated cleaning times for specific rooms, direct it to clean a specific area, and create virtual barriers using the map. The app also displays battery life, and you can use it check previous cleaning jobs. A separate menu tab lets you see the replacement intervals for various parts, like its high-efficiency filter or side brush. You can also pair the vacuum with Alexa or Google Home devices, allowing you to use voice commands.