Smart home technology: iRobot Roomba j7+ vs. Arlo Pro 5 Security Camera

Quick Verdict

The iRobot Roomba j7+ is the better choice for automated floor cleaning with its advanced navigation and self-emptying feature. The Arlo Pro 5 Security Camera is superior for home security, offering high-resolution video, color night vision, and smart alerts, but requires a subscription for full functionality.

The iRobot Roomba j7+ is a robot vacuum focused on automated cleaning with features like self-emptying and smart obstacle avoidance.
The Arlo Pro 5 Security Camera is designed for home security, offering 2K HDR video, color night vision, and smart home integration.
Roomba j7+ excels in cleaning performance with a 3-stage system and smart navigation, while the Arlo Pro 5 focuses on surveillance with high-resolution video and advanced alerts.
The Arlo Pro 5 requires a subscription for cloud storage and premium features, whereas the Roomba j7+ has a self-emptying base that lasts up to 60 days.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	iRobot Roomba j7+	Arlo Pro 5 Security Camera
Name	iRobot Roomba j7+	Arlo Pro 5 Security Camera
Automated Cleaning Performance	3-Stage Cleaning System with 10x Power-Lifting Suction, Edge-Sweeping Brush, Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes, Dirt Detect Technology	Not applicable
Obstacle Avoidance Technology	Precision Vision Navigation (camera-based)	Not applicable
Security Camera Resolution	Not applicable	2K HDR (2688 x 1520 max resolution), with video modes of 2K, 1080P, and 720P
Night Vision Capabilities	Not applicable	Color night vision using two high-power IR LEDs (850nm) with an IR cut filter
Motion Detection Sensitivity	Not applicable	Single motion detector with a 1300 horizontal detection angle, adjustable sensitivity, and customizable activity zones
Battery Life	Up to 75-86 minutes	Extended battery life with a low power mode, estimated up to 8 months
Smart Home Integration	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and Samsung SmartThings. Apple HomeKit requires an Arlo Pro Smart Hub
Self-Emptying Feature	Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal (up to 60 days)	Not applicable
Mobile App Functionality	Scheduling, customized maps, Keep Out Zones, Clean Zones, personalized suggestions	Arlo Secure App for camera management, settings customization, alerts, live feeds, and two-way audio
Two-Way Audio	Not available	Full duplex 2-way audio with noise and echo cancellation, single high-sensitivity microphone
Cloud Storage Options	Not available	Arlo Secure Plans subscription required for cloud storage and premium features
Real-time Alerts	Not available	Real-time alerts with Arlo Intelligence for people, vehicles, packages, fire, and animals
Price	Not available	Not available

Overall Comparison

iRobot Roomba j7+: Up to 75-86 minutes battery life, self-empties up to 60 days; Arlo Pro 5: 2K HDR video resolution, up to 8 months battery life, 130° motion detection.

Pros and Cons

iRobot Roomba j7+

Pros:

Systematic cleaning (room by room, in straight lines)
Effective on different floor types (hardwood, carpet, tile)
Avoids common obstacles (cords, pet waste, socks, shoes)
Self-emptying feature (up to 60 days)
Smart home integration (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT)
Mobile app control and customization

Cons:

No major disadvantages reported.

Arlo Pro 5 Security Camera

Pros:

2K HDR video quality
Color night vision
Adjustable motion detection sensitivity
Customizable activity zones
Integration with multiple smart home platforms
Two-way audio with noise and echo cancellation
Extended battery life
Real-time alerts with Arlo Intelligence

Cons:

Arlo Secure subscription required for cloud storage and premium features
Apple HomeKit requires an Arlo Pro Smart Hub

User Experiences and Feedback

iRobot Roomba j7+

What Users Love

No highlights reported.

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

Arlo Pro 5 Security Camera

What Users Love

Excellent video quality with 2K HDR, providing clear details and true-to-life colors, even at night.
Performs well in low-light conditions due to its color night vision and integrated spotlight.
Motion detection sensitivity can be adjusted in the Arlo Secure App.
Alerts are informative, providing details about the type of motion detected (person, vehicle, animal, package).

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

Arlo claims its advanced color night vision captures over 60 billion colors, exceeding human eye capability.
The integrated spotlight can illuminate faces up to 7 meters away.