Should you buy the Roomba Model 880 or the 805?

Who likes to vacuum? I don’t. Automatic vacuums make your life so much easier! iRobot produces several different kinds of robot vacuums that make your life easier.

Looking to find out which vacuum you should buy? In this article we compare the iRobot Roomba 805 and the Roomba 880. They are more powerful and have more features than the Roomba 700 or the 600 series.

How the iRobot Roomba vacuums work

Automatic vacuums work pretty similarly to the regular ones. They have spinning brushes on the side that scoop dirt toward the vacuum, which sucks it up. The dirt collects inside a dustbin.

A Roomba has an indicator to let you know the dustbin is full. Its wheels can turn independently of each other, so it can spin easily.

It has sensors that detect objects in the way, walls, and dirt. Special sensors prevent the vacuum from falling down stairs.

The Roomba models 805 and 880 can clean either by following the walls, or a more random path. The vacuum changes direction whenever it runs into an obstacle in its path. It might take a bit longer than you would, but you’re not doing the work!

With the iRobot Roomba 800 series vacuums, you can set a cleaning schedule. Let the robot do all the work.

There are some differences in the 880 model versus the 805. However, there are a number of similarities as well. Both of the vacuums use the patented Aero-Force Three Stage cleaning system to deliver an excellent cleaning experience.

Accelerated air flow through a channel that’s sealed increases the suction power of the vacuums.

If you have allergies or need more powerful suction, the Roomba 880 is a better model for you.

Benefits of both Roomba model 805 and 880

The Roomba 800 series is great for pet owners with their tangle-free hair extractors. This feature has rubber treads that help grab dirt and debris. This makes it easier to suck up all the fur that otherwise tends to build up. I love animals, but there’s no denying they’re a hassle to clean up after. I have dogs and their fur gets simply everywhere! I need robots that specialize in pet fur like the Roombas.

They both have sensors to “see” objects in their path.

The Roomba 800 series, like the 700 and 600 models, have anti-tangle capabilities too. If they run into wires or tassels that start getting hoovered in, they’ll automatically turn their brushes off and try to pull away.

In addition to these, there are a number of capabilities that both robots have.

1. The Roomba 805 and 880 both weigh 8.38 lbs. This makes it easier to pick it up and change its location if you need to. They have automatic docking and recharging features. After its job is done, the Roomba will go back to its charging station and juice itself back up.
2. You can schedule your tidying with both models, so you’ll have clean floors any time you want them.
3. Both of them can be voice activated. If you don’t want to get up from the sofa because you’re streaming your favorite show, you don’t have to! What can be better than having your iRobot clean while you’re enjoying yourself?
4. Suitable for smaller houses, the Roomba 880 and 805 can handle low-to-medium pile carpets. Thicker carpets make it harder for the vacuum to dig out the dirt.
5. The Roomba specifications allow them to run for an hour before needing to recharge, which takes two hours.
6. Neither robot will fall down the stairs or other drops, as they both have cliff sensors.
7. Both include dirt detectors. This feature recognizes a dirtier area and has the vacuum to spend more time cleaning there. Rather than breaking your back going over and over the same dirty area with a traditional vacuum, you can let one of these robots do your dirty work.
8. They will let you know when their dustbins are full of an indicator. Once the dustbins are empty, your Roomba 805 or 880 will go back to cleaning.
9. Both of these vacuums have two cleaning brushes. One brush loosens the dirt, and the other picks it up.

To help you with your decision, we’ve collected their specs. Here’s a summary of features to help you compare the Roomba 805 and the Roomba 880 models.

Model differences

Which iRobot you should buy depends on your particular situation. The Roomba 880 model does have additional features that the 805 does not. The 800 series also has some advantages that the Roomba 700 and 600 series do not.

1. The Roomba 880 has stronger suction than the 805: 1000 pa versus 600 pa. Pa is a standard suction measurement.
2. The 880 model has two side brushes instead of one. These brushes can dig into the dirt around edges and corners.
3. HEPA filters catch smaller particles than regular filters, so they’re better for those with allergies. Roomba 880 has a HEPA filter. The 805 model, like the 700 series, comes with a high-efficiency filter, which is still superior to many others currently on the market. It picks up smaller particles compared to filters from other manufacturers. But it doesn’t pick up the very tiny particles that a HEPA filter will.
4. The model 880 provides remote control.
5. The Roomba 880 can climb a bit higher too: 0.63” as opposed to 0.59”. This comes in handy if you have rugs with a thicker pile.
6. It’s slightly smaller, with dimensions of 13.9”x13.9”x3.62”, which makes it a bit more agile than the 805, at 18.2”x16.5”x5.5”. Although they’re the same weight, the smaller size on the Roomba 880 is easier to move around for many people.
7. With iRobot vacuums, a “virtual wall” allows the vacuum to clean in a specific area. Both models include this feature. However, the 880 comes with two “lighthouses” to help define these areas. You can use the lighthouses to define a room, so the robots know to finish cleaning one area before moving on to another. This also lets you block off areas you don’t want your Roomba to go.
8. The two have different types of batteries. Model 805 comes with a lithium-ion battery. These lead to longer life and quicker charging. An X life high power battery, which is used in the 880, is more powerful, but not as efficient.
9. The Roomba 880 model is usually priced at about $200 higher than its sister vacuum.

You may also like: Roomba 860 vs 890 Comparison

What do other buyers think? 805 model

• Most reviewers praised the cleaning ability. Pet owners like myself found that the Roomba 805 worked perfectly well when picking up animal (and human!) hair. Those of us with long hair definitely need this feature.
• One issue customers had is that sometimes the automatic docking capability doesn’t work. The Roomba does not go back “home” once it’s finished cleaning. The buyers have had to manually replace Roomba back at its docking station to let it recharge.
• Small dustbin, so you frequently have to clean it out so the robot can get on with its job.

What do other buyers think? 880 model

• This one is also excellent for pet owners. With more powerful suction than the 700 and 600 series Roomba vacuums, it can capture more fur.
• Hardwood floors seem to be this vacuum’s forte, as opposed to carpets.
• The cleaning action is better when small items are picked up before it cleans. This avoids confusing the sensors and lets it clean on a better path.
• As with its sister, the small dustbin on the Roomba 880 means frequent trips to clean it out.

Buyer’s Guide – FAQ

How does the Roomba do under tables and chairs?

Not great. It can get stuck by a table or chair leg. You will have to keep an eye on your Roomba when it’s cleaning this area to move it when necessary.

It’s round, so does the edge cleaning work?

The sweeping brushes actually do a good job of getting into the corners.

Can I use it in the kids’ room with all their toys on the floor?

Both of these Roomba models work much better if toys and other objects are picked up off the floor first. They will vacuum up anything that fits under them, and may get stuck around larger items.

If you don’t want to pick things up before vacuuming, be prepared to babysit your Roomba 880 or 805 a bit more than you expected.

Summary

Programmable vacuums like the iRobot Roomba models can save a lot of time if you know how to use them. The 880 and 805 will spend more time cleaning dirtier areas, so they save your back too.

These two models work best with a little bit of oversight. Their dustbins fill up quickly due to their small size. You’ll need to empty them frequently.

Your robot vac tends to get confused when encountering things like table legs. You’ll need to move it so it can go about its business. It’s also helpful to pick up objects like toys from the floor first before scheduling your Roomba.

The Roomba 880 has some features that the Roomba 805 doesn’t. These may justify its higher price tag to buyers who need these advantages, such as the HEPA filter or more powerful suction.

Other buyers will find the 805 model provides good value for your cleaning experience.

Still not sure whether the Roomba 880 or 805 is best for you? You might also consider the Roomba 900 series, which has the ability to connect to wi-fi. These more recent Roombas will talk to Alexa or Google Home for you.