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Smart Home · head to head

Roomba vs SmartThings

Roomba logo

Roomba

Smart Home

iRobot's intelligent robot vacuum series

From
$399.99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SmartThings logo

SmartThings

Smart Home

Samsung's intelligent IoT platform for smart homes

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only SmartThings has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Roomba limited promotional pricing detail (savings of $100 mentioned but exact promo terms not specified); SmartThings cloud-dependent with no offline operation; requires internet and Samsung servers for all device control
  • They diverge on capability: Roomba covers Smart Mapping, SmartThings covers Multi-Brand Support.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Roomba and SmartThings actually diverge.

Attributes where Roomba and SmartThings differ
AttributeRoombaSmartThings
Starting price$399.99/one-timeFree
Pricing modelone-timeUnknown
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsIOS, Android, WebiOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub
Founded19901938

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Smart Home).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Roomba

  • Smart Mapping
  • Auto-Empty Base
  • Multi-Room Navigation
  • Dirt Detect
  • Alexa
  • Google Home
  • IFTTT
  • Smart schedules

Only in SmartThings

  • Multi-Brand Support
  • Device Control
  • Automations
  • Cloud Backup
  • 500+ device types
  • Voice Control
  • Routines
  • IFTTT integration

Both cover

  • IOS support
  • Android support
  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Roomba

  • Automated vacuuming and mopping of home floorsnot SmartThings
  • Scheduled cleaning managed through a connected appnot SmartThings

SmartThings

  • Smart home controlnot Roomba
  • Automation routinesnot Roomba
  • Device integrationnot Roomba
  • Remote monitoringnot Roomba

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Roomba

  • Limited promotional pricing detail (savings of $100 mentioned but exact promo terms not specified)
  • Financing through Affirm with variable APR up to 36% available

SmartThings

  • Cloud-dependent with no offline operation; requires internet and Samsung servers for all device control
  • Cloud communication adds latency compared to local hubs; device response delays up to one second
  • Confusing app transition between SmartThings Classic and SmartThings Connect with certain automations only working in one app
  • API changes requiring paid subscriptions starting October 2026 break third-party integrations like Home Assistant

Pricing, plan by plan

Roomba

$399.99/one-time
  • Roomba Electro Plus$399.99/one-time
    • Disinfecting floor cleaner
  • Roomba Plus 415 Combo$499.99/one-time
    • Vacuum and mop combo
    • Reduced from $599.99
  • Roomba Plus 515 Combo$599.99/one-time
    • Vacuum and mop combo
    • Reduced from $699.99
  • Roomba Plus 575 Combo$699.99/one-time
    • Vacuum and mop combo
    • Reduced from $799.99

SmartThings

Free
  • Basic (SmartThings app)Free
    • Device control and automation
    • Support for Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Matter

Which should you pick?

Choose Roomba if

  • You need smart mapping.
  • You work on IOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want auto-empty base.
Roomba review

Choose SmartThings if

  • You need multi-brand support.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub.
  • You also want device control.
SmartThings review

Questions people ask

Is Roomba or SmartThings better?
Neither clearly leads. Roomba starts at $399.99/one-time and SmartThings at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Roomba or SmartThings?
SmartThings has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $399.99/one-time for Roomba and Free for SmartThings.
Does Roomba or SmartThings run on more platforms?
Roomba runs on IOS, Android, Web. SmartThings runs on iOS, Android, Web, SmartThings Hub.
Can I use SmartThings for free?
Yes. SmartThings has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Roomba starts at $399.99/one-time.
What is Roomba best used for?
Roomba is most often used for automated vacuuming and mopping of home floors, scheduled cleaning managed through a connected app. Of those, automated vacuuming and mopping of home floors and scheduled cleaning managed through a connected app are not what SmartThings is typically brought in for.
What can Roomba do that SmartThings cannot?
Roomba covers Smart Mapping, Auto-Empty Base, Multi-Room Navigation, Dirt Detect. SmartThings covers Multi-Brand Support, Device Control, Automations, Cloud Backup. Both handle IOS support, Android support, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Roomba: How much do Roomba robots cost?

Combo models range from $499.99 to $999.99. Roomba Max 715 vacuum is $699.99. Roomba Electro Plus disinfecting cleaner is $399.99. Current promotions save up to $100 on select combo models.

Source
SmartThings: Does SmartThings work offline?

No, SmartThings requires internet and Samsung servers to function. It cannot operate offline; all device control depends on cloud connectivity.

Source
Roomba: Are there financing options available?

Yes, Affirm financing is available with APR rates between 0-36%. Example: $700 purchase at 15% APR = $63.24 per month for 12 months.

Source
SmartThings: Which communication protocols does SmartThings support?

SmartThings natively handles Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and Matter protocols simultaneously through mesh networking.

Source
Roomba: What trade-in and discount programs does iRobot offer?

Trade-in program credits up to $195 for eligible used robots. New customers save 10% on first purchase with email signup. Free shipping on orders over $39.99. Price matching available on identical competitor models.

Source
SmartThings: What is the cost of SmartThings API access for developers?

Starting October 2026, non-commercial developers using SmartThings API for third-party integrations like Home Assistant must pay $4.99/month. Free access continues through Q3 2026.

Source
SmartThings: Does SmartThings support voice assistants?

Yes, SmartThings is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.

Source
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