Which is better: Panda X7 or iRobot Roomba 896?

Not long ago, a new robot vacuum cleaner appeared on the market. Panda X7, which has already gained popularity in its price segment and has become one of the best robot vacuums of 2019 (at least for the first quarter). To understand how good this robot is, we decided to compare it with the similarly priced iRobot Roomba 896, which is no less popular and the flagship model of the 800 series. The comparison will be based on three main parameters: package contents, specifications, and functionality. It's worth noting that at the time of writing, the Panda costs $300, while the Roomba costs around $350, so the X7 already has a slight advantage in price. We'll discuss which robot vacuum is better at the end of this comparison.

Comparison criteria

Equipment

So, the Panda X7 is equipped as follows:

1. The robot vacuum cleaner itself.
2. Charging base with power adapter.
3. Remote control.
4. Air filters (2 pcs).
5. Side brushes (4 pcs).
6. Removable wet cleaning unit with two cloths.
7. Brush for cleaning the dust bin.
8. Operating instructions.
9. Warranty card.

At the same time, the iRobot Roomba 896 package includes the following:

1. Robot vacuum cleaner.
2. Charging base.
3. Virtual wall (1 pc).
4. Spare filter and side brush.
5. Instructions and warranty card.

As we can see, the Panda doesn't come with a motion limiter, which is a definite drawback. However, it comes with slightly more consumables and a remote control, which is a plus. Furthermore, the Panda X7 is equipped with a wet cleaning unit, something the Roomba 896 lacks.

Total 3:1 in favor of Panda.

Technical specifications

We've provided a comparison of the Panda X7 and iRobot Roomba 896's specifications in the table below:

	Panda X7	iRobot Roomba 896
Type of cleaning	Dry and wet	Dry
Cleaning area	Up to 150 sq.m.	80-100 sq.m.
Dust collector capacity	0.6 l	0.6 l
Battery	Li-Ion 2500 mAh	Li-Ion, 1850 mAh
Opening hours	Up to 120 min	Up to 120 min
Charging time	Up to 300 min	180 min
Noise level	Up to 50 dB	60 dB
Dimensions	33*7.5 cm	35.3*9.3 cm
Weight	3.3 kg	3.81 kg
Control	Remote control, app	Application

As you can see, the Panda X7 wins hands down in terms of specifications. The only area where this robot vacuum cleaner falls short compared to the Roomba 896 is its charging time. Otherwise, the Panda clearly has the edge, giving it a 7:1 score.

Functional capabilities

The most important criterion for comparing robot vacuums is their cleaning efficiency, which depends largely on their functionality. It's worth noting right away that the Panda X7 not only performs dry cleaning but also mops the floor with a damp cloth, which is automatically mopped. Importantly, the X7 has an electronically controlled water supply. This means that when it stops or returns to its base, it shuts off the supply, preventing a puddle from forming underneath the robot. Meanwhile, the iRobot 896, like other Roomba models, only performs dry mopping.

Both robot vacuums feature modern navigation, Wi-Fi control, room mapping, and can be programmed by day of the week. Their apps are quite user-friendly and easy to use, so it's difficult to name a clear winner.

In terms of dry cleaning performance (and we can only compare them within the scope of this review), the Roomba has the edge, as it features two counter-rotating rollers that effectively pick up debris, pet hair, and other types of dirt. The Panda X7's central brush isn't as effective, but it still performs well. The Panda has two side brushes, while the iRobot has one. The two side brushes are better at cleaning smooth surfaces and corners.

Lastly, it's important to note the ability to restrict cleaning areas. As mentioned, the iRobot Roomba 896 is equipped with a virtual wall, meaning you can restrict it from entering certain rooms and areas within a room (for example, where your pet's dishes are). The Panda X7 doesn't have this feature, which isn't entirely convenient, but it's not a deal-breaker.

The final score is 2:2. There's no clear winner; each robot vacuum cleaner is good in its own way.

Let's sum it up

A comparison of the iRobot Roomba 896 and Panda X7 revealed that the latter robot vacuum cleaner wins in terms of features and accessories, but there's no clear winner in terms of functionality and cleaning performance—everything depends on the individual. However, as we've already mentioned, the Panda X7 is slightly cheaper.

If you're looking for a modern robot vacuum cleaner for both dry and wet cleaning, the Panda X7 is a better choice. However, if wet cleaning isn't as important to you, and keeping your floors free of small debris and dust is more important, the iRobot will do a better job.

This concludes our subjective comparison. If you have any questions or would like to express your opinion regarding the robot vacuums reviewed, please leave a comment below!