Comparing the Roomba 805 to the 880 is a great way to decide which vacuum from iRobot can handle the cleaning that your home needs. Instead of spending hours researching these two robotic cleaners and trying to see what they can do for you, you can use our article to learn about the pros and cons of each one. We also did a quick comparison to help you see what features are exclusive to certain vacuums.
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iRobot Roomba 805 vs 880: Which is Better?
As both the 805 and 880 are similar in terms of design and power, you might be confused about which is the better robot vacuum.
We give the win to the Roomba 880 because it is available directly from Roomba and comes with full support from the company.
If you go with the 805 vacuum, you can only buy from third-party sellers and may have some issues with the warranty that you get.
iRobot Roomba 805 Review
The iRobot Roomba 805 robotic vacuum has everything that you love about Roomba vacuums, including a scheduling feature that allows users to set cleaning cycles for the coming week.
With two built-in virtual walls, you can keep the 805 confined to certain spaces or let it run free across two rooms.
In homes with different types of flooring, this vacuum can automatically adjust as it moves across those surfaces without requiring that you do a thing.
It moves easily under furniture and other obstacles due to its low profile too.
Pros
- Sensors adapt to the layout of your home
- Schedule mode lets you set schedules for a full week
- Low profile design
- Works well in corners
- Tangle-free feature
Cons
- Battery takes a long time to charge
- May have problems moving across different surfaces
Bottom Line
Though Roomba now offers better vacuums, the iRobot Roomba 805 vacuum cleaning robot still has some fans. It has a tangle-free feature that keeps debris from twisting around the roller and causing clogs. The low profile of the 805 helps it fit under more of the furniture in your home too.
iRobot Roomba 880 Review
The iRobot Roomba 880 vacuum cleaning robot uses Dirt Series II technology to detect more of the debris on your floors.
It then targets that debris for concentrated cleaning.
A spinning brush located on the side of the vacuum runs along baseboards and other surfaces to remove dirt and pet hair without damaging those areas.
It also uses three-stage cleaning to agitate, brush and vacuum dirt and other debris.
Pros
- Can clean three rooms per cycle or schedule
- Removes up to 50% more debris than similar vacuums do
- Finds and removes fine particles
- Battery lasts twice as long as others do
- Focused cleaning options
Cons
- Can miss some debris on the floor
- Might miss some obstacles and bump into them
Bottom Line
with the iRobot Roomba 880 robotic vacuum cleaner, you get the same scheduling feature that the 805 has but also get a filter that works on fine particles that others miss. It weighs less than nine pounds and comes with a three-stage cleaning system. You get twice the battery life too.
Comparison List: Differences and Similarities
Now is the time to look at the robot Roomba 805 features and how they compare to the features on the Roomba 880.
Multi-Room Cleaning
One of the biggest difference between these two robotic cleaners concerns how many rooms they can clean. While you can only clean two rooms at a time with the 805, the 880 can clean up to three rooms. Another thing to consider is the Lighthouse feature that the 880 features.
This allows you to establish boundaries in your home that the vacuum cannot pass. Though this feature is compatible with the 805, you’ll need to purchase it separately.
Filter
The 805 can tackle light cleaning and use a roller that sweeps up any debris that it passes, but this model does not include any type of filtration. When you invest in the Roomba 880, you get HEPA filters inside. These filters absorb the fine particles left behind by kids and pets as well as debris that similar vacuums often miss.
Remote Control
Though both vacuums have built-in cleaning schedules, only the 880 comes with a remote control that helps you easily set that schedule. You can purchase a compatible remote and sync it to the other vacuum. The 880 also has a CLEAN button on the top that gives you the convenience of pushing one button and sending the vacuum out to clean.
Manufacturer Support
A top reason why the 880 wins in comparison to the 805 is because of the support that is available from the manufacturer. It is still in production, which lets you get help if something goes wrong. As Roomba no longer makes the 805, you can only buy it from third-party sellers and may not get as strong of a warranty.
Battery
Roomba includes a standard lithium-ion battery with the 805 vacuum that may not last as long as you would like. The manufacturer added an XLife extended battery to the 880 vacuum. Not only does this help the vacuum cleaning for longer periods, but it also extends the overall life of that battery.
Roomba 805 or 880: Which Should You Buy?
If you have a large home or want to clean more areas, the Roomba 880 is your best bet. Though both models come with scheduling settings, the 880 cleans up to three rooms per cycle. The 805 can only handle two rooms at a time. We also recommend the 880 over the 805 because it comes with more support from Roomba.
Final Thoughts on the iRobot Roomba 805 vs 880
Why spend time hunched over a vacuum cleaner as you move through your home when you can choose a robotic vacuum that can remove all of the debris from your home? Roomba makes some great robotic cleaners that can target pet hair, spilled food, dust and loads of other debris.
When you read through the iRobot Roomba 880 manual, you’ll find that this vacuum targets the fine particles that others miss.
Both the manual for the 880 and the iRobot Roomba 805 manual includes tips on how to use those vacuums in your home too. While both are great for most homes, we recommend the 880 due to the customer support that is available and the larger cleaning capacity.
