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How Loud is a Roomba in Decibels (dB)?
Pete Ortiz
Last updated:
A few decades ago, the idea of robots taking over various domestic chores seemed like the stuff we’d only ever see in sci-fi films. However, thanks to rapidly evolving technology, various automatic appliances have found themselves in our homes, unburdening us from monotonous and tedious tasks to make our lives easier.
An excellent example of such appliances is the iRobot Roomba vacuum cleaner. These are automatic cleaners that don’t require you to push them around. Just sit back and let them roam around your home, doing all the work for you!
Convenient, right? So what’s the catch?
Some users cite the noise levels of these automatic cleaners as their main weakness. Not many people are willing to trade the peace and comfort of their homes for anything, not even for robotic cleaning.
But exactly how loud is a Roomba in decibels?
How Loud is a Decibel?
A decibel (dB) is the standard unit for measuring the intensity of sound. The higher the dB rating of an appliance or machine, the louder it’ll be. It’s measured using a dB reader that pulses up and down depending on the noise level.
Put in perspective, 10–20 dB is a very soft sound, like that of someone breathing normally or leaves rustling. During a normal conversation, the noise level will range from 50–60 dB, whereas the sound of a noisy restaurant or heavy traffic ranges from 80–90db.
Above 90 dB is now what you can consider as loud noise, which includes the sound of power tools, motorcycles, and even rock concerts at 110 dB. At the top of the chart are events such as a rocket launch, with a rating of up to 180 dB.
Fortunately, no vacuum cleaner will reach the noise levels of a rock concert or rocket launch!
How Loud is a Roomba?
iRobot Roomba vacuums are relatively quiet, with an average dB rating of 48 to 71 dB. As such, the quietest model will be slightly lower in noise than a normal conversation, meaning you can go about your day without noticing it.
Even the loudest model at 71 dB is not too loud and should not interfere much with your home’s comfort. However, for these, you might want to leave the vacuum on when you’re away to reduce the level of interference.
Even the loudest Roomba vacuum cleaners are quieter compared to other upright models. Top models like Dyson can get a dB rating as high as 90 dB, which is a lot of noise compared to the measly 71 dBs of Roomba.
Noise Level Comparison for Different Roomba Models
Various factors determine how loud your Roomba vacuum cleaner will be, including the surface being cleaned, the design of the model, and the vacuum’s suction power.
In the table below, we compare the noise level of different Roomba models when used on carpets vs. hardwood floors to make it easy for you to decide.
Roomba Model
Noise on Carpets
Noise on Hardwood floors
j7+
48
55
s9+
50
54
i7+
51
53
i4
61
62
700 series
66
70
800 series
66
71
900 series
67
70
600 series
67
71
500 series
68
71
Conclusion
In conclusion, Roomba models are not loud. At an average noise level of 60 dB, Roomba models are quieter than the industry average, making them an excellent choice of automatic vacuum cleaners.
Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing.
As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden.