Ecovacs Deebot vs iRobot Roomba

Robot vacuums have quietly become a genuine chore-killer for NZ homes. Here's how the two biggest names stack up on mapping, maintenance and price.

Two different approaches

Both Ecovacs and iRobot now sell flagship robots with LiDAR or structured-light mapping, self-emptying base stations, and mopping attachments — but they arrived at that formula from different directions. Ecovacs has moved fast on features like retractable mop pads and obstacle-avoidance cameras, while iRobot has focused on refining suction and navigation reliability over more generations.

NZ pricing

A flagship Ecovacs Deebot with self-empty station typically runs $1,299-$1,599 at Noel Leeming and Harvey Norman, occasionally dropping below $1,199 during sales at Mighty Ape. A comparable flagship Roomba with its Clean Base sits at $1,499-$1,799, generally the pricier of the two for equivalent features.

Mapping and navigation

• Ecovacs flagships use LiDAR (TrueMapping) plus AI obstacle avoidance cameras that recognise cords, shoes and pet mess reasonably well
• Roomba flagships use a mix of camera-based and structured light mapping (PrecisionVision), with a longer track record of consistent room recognition
• Both support multi-floor mapping and no-go zones set through their respective apps
• Ecovacs updates its obstacle recognition model more frequently via app updates

Mopping and maintenance

Ecovacs has generally led on mopping innovation — vibrating or rotating mop heads that lift automatically on carpet, and self-washing, self-drying base stations that reduce the smell issue that plagued earlier robot mops. Roomba's Combo lineup added similar lift-and-mop tech but Ecovacs still tends to get new mopping features first each generation.

App and ecosystem

The iRobot Home app is simpler and more polished for first-time users, with fewer menus to dig through. The Ecovacs Home app packs in more granular controls — suction per room, mop water levels, cleaning schedules by zone — which power users will appreciate but casual buyers may find overwhelming at first.

Reliability and support

iRobot has been in the category longer and NZ retailer service networks are more established for warranty repairs. Ecovacs has closed most of that gap in the last couple of years, but if after-sales support history matters more to you than the newest feature, that's a point in Roomba's favour.

Which to buy

Pick Ecovacs for the most features per dollar and the strongest mopping performance right now. Pick Roomba if you want the more mature app experience and a longer-established NZ support history, and don't mind paying a bit more for it.