Sometimes, the search for the perfect robot mop is very hard if there are so many choices around the market. Looking for different brands and models is a daunting task by itself, but I believe that scrutinizing all the products from a specific manufacturer is harder. This is because the robots might share similar traits with each either, blurring their identities and strong points.
Fortunately, I am well-versed in all things robotic mop, and I will be more than happy to serve you in this field. In this article, we will take a look at the major differences between 3 robot models that are some of the best mopping robots on the market: the iRobot Braava Jet M6 vs 380t vs Jet 240. By the end, you should have a clear distinction between the three, as well as the decision of whether to purchase them or not.
*The product links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase after following one, I make a small commission from the sale at no additional cost to you. Please see our disclosure page for more information.
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At a glance
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The quick answer
It is not a surprise that the Braava Jet M6 is superior to the Braava Jet 240 and Braava 380. After all, the device has everything you need for a robot mop that is updated with the latest technology and smartphone connection.
For starters, the Braava Jet M6 has better personalization, meaning that a user can truly “own” the device through the application. Also, there are much more features available to the Braava jet M6 such as the smart home connection, specific room cleaning, clean zones, as well as connection with other Roomba models.
When put together, you get a behemoth of a device that is ready to serve you under every single command that you make. This makes the competition non-existent, as the device is practically better in every aspect available to a competent robot mop compared to the other two.
Product Overviews
iRobot Braava Jet M6
The iRobot Braava Jet M6 is recognized as a great robot even by today’s standards. It has the hardware and software to match its glory, thanks to solid features such as Precision Jet, Smart Navigation, and recharge and resume. Smart Mapping allows the robot to create a virtual image of the house that you can track anytime and anywhere. Also, it has added capabilities of multiple room cleaning.
One thing that I simply love with the Braava Jet M6 is that it has multiple cleaning options that will change the way that your house is cleaned. Also, the logical row cleaning is very beneficial as it makes the whole process very efficient.
Another thing that I like the most about the iRobot Braava Jet M6 is that it is tailored towards customizability.
Read the full iRobot Braava Jet M6 review
- Alexa and Google Ready
- Automatic Docking
- One of the best robot mops in the market
- A bit expensive
- Sweeping issues
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
iRobot Braava 380t
The iRobot Braava 380t is a mopping robot that helps you maintain sparklingly clean floors. It wipes dust, dirt, and smudges off hard surfaces with dry or damp cloths to keep your house looking its best.
The iRobot Braava has two cleaning settings to suit your needs, ranging from basic to extreme. The Braava 380t dry mops in sweep mode, using dry cleaning cloths to move in straight lines over your flooring. In mop mode, it employs a unique back and forth mopping pad action as well as damp cleaning cloth
During the clean cycle, a special Reservoir Cleaning Pad sprays liquid throughout the procedure to keep the cloth damp mop wet. Braava’s removable multi-purpose magnetic cleaning pads are simple to attach and remove, making it simple to clean all of your items.
The NorthStar Navigation System 2 works like an indoor GPS, projecting a signal that your Braava 380t keeps track of so it where it was and where it needed to go.
Read the full iRobot Braava 380t review
- Multiple cleaning setting
- Compact size
- Onboard reservoir
- It doesn’t come with remote control.
- No scheduling options.
- Cleaning availability is limited and needs a GPS cube so that it can navigate properly.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
iRobot Braava Jet 240
The iRobot Braava Jet 240 can be seen as the less advanced counterpart of the Braava Jet M6. It lacks some of the major features that are jampacked in the M6 while still retaining good and cleaning power in a simple manner. Despite being an old version, it has a precision jet spray that allows water to touch all the areas of concern that need to be cleaned. The clearance is also low, making it capable of running under furniture for a deeper clean.
One feature that I like with the Braava Jet 240 is that it is equipped with automatic cleaning mode selection such as Wet Mopping, Damp Mopping, and Sweeping. This allows a user to leave the device as is while he/she is busy with other stuff, then come back to a surface that’s squeaky clean. Overall, it is a great robot especially for those that simply want an upgrade.
Read the full iRobot Braava Jet 240 review
- Simple operation
- Active cleaning modes
- Precision Spray
- A bit too small for coverage
- Tank can not occupy so much water
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Side-by-side comparison
Let us take a look at some features that are similar to the 3 iRobot Devices.
Hard floor Expertise
Hard floor Expertise refers to a robot’s ability to perform well when used on hard flooring. Hard floors can come in the form of tiles, wood, vinyl, concrete, and even stone tilings. This is a feature that makes or breaks the effectiveness of a robot mop as if it is not able to deal with such areas, then it is good for nothing device.
All three devices, namely the Jet M6, Jet 240, and Braava 380, do amazingly well in any hard flooring scenario. Different materials in a tile floor such as, dirt, and mud, they were all able to remove this debris effectively. However, it seemed that the Braava Jet M6 had an edge over the 2 others as it did not leave any trace or mark of dirt.
Cleaning Modes of Robot Mop
Cleaning modes refer to the different statuses or operations that a robotic mop can undergo to. It is essential to have this feature in any device as it allows for customization as well as personalization of robot cleaning duties.
For the Braava Jet M6, two cleaning modes are present, and these are the Sweep or Mop. How does the mopping robot determine which model to choose? The answer is simple. Depending on the equipped cleaning pad which can either be a sweeping pad or mopping pad, the robot will automatically shift gears. These function with the help of vibrating cleaning head units.
On the other hand, the Braava 240 has 3 main cleaning modes. It has a Sweep, Damp Mop, and Wet Mopping Mode option, meaning that mopping roles are more particular based on year needs. Similar to the M6, it also chooses which mode to use based on the applied such as wet mopping pads.
Lastly, the Braava 380t solely relies on manual selection of the cleaning mode. It also has a Sweep and Mop option that will greatly benefit users to some high degree.
Cleaning Solution
Unlike other robot mops that solely need water for cleaning, the iRobot series can be integrated with the Roomba Cleaning Solution, meaning that a better state of clean can be achieved thanks to the liquid that helps remove dirt and gunk faster.
The feature in which every iRobot Braava model shines is navigation. For the Jet M6, a very useful smart mapping option is integrated. For the 240 and 380t models, and adaptive navigation is installed, meaning that it will be able to smartly determine where it is at a specified period.
This feature means that the mopping robots will not run around randomly and begin sweeping spaces that are already finished. Thus, better efficiency can be seen based on the time taken to complete the whole process as well as the overall cleanliness of the house.
Key Differences
The key differences between the three robot mops are as follows:
Precision Jet Spray
Precision jet spray refers to a feature in the robot mops that are used to scatter the water over the surface that it will clean. If a robot has this, then it means that every water spread on an area will be efficient and effective for cleaning.
Both the iRobot Braava M6 and 240 models are equipped with this functionality, sadly, the Braava 380t does not have this feature as it relies on traditional methods of spraying water.
In reality, I believe that this option has great benefits both in the robot and the user’s perspective as it allows the device to not spread water in itself, increasing the endurance of the robot in the long run.
Ideal Cleaning Area
An ideal cleaning area is defined as places in the house where the robot can do its optimal operation. For the Braava Jet M6, the ideal cleaning space is multiple rooms and large spaces. With various sensors equipped to deal with any room as well as virtual navigation that allows it to save different layouts in its database, it is more than capable of doing this task.
On the other hand, the smaller and more compact Braava Jet 240 is best used from a kitchen and bathroom perspective. Thanks to its small form factor, it can easily zoom through the different areas such as under cupboards, tables, or other furniture.
Lastly, the more manual-oriented Braava 380t is supposed to do well in large spaces. This is because it lacks some important automation features that will help it do well in smaller areas.
Truth be told, these robots can do well on any assigned surface, but they do the best in the places recommended above.
Cleaning Pattern
A cleaning pattern refers to a robot’s set of defined movements while cleaning. As the smarter and more advanced version, the Braava Jet M6 is equipped with masterful logical and neat rows cleaning pattern that disallows it to go back to a spot that it has already cleaned
Compared to this, both the 380 and 240’s navigation are only equipped with adaptive cleaning in which the robots determine the good paths to take and use them as reference for the entire mopping process. This proves to be less efficient than the logical neat rows of the advanced version.
Recharge and Resume
Recharge and resume is a very important robot mop feature as it allows a user to leave a robot mop alone without thinking about operation stopping at any time due to low battery. Only the Braava Jet M6 has this functionality since all other robots in this review need to either be picked up or replaced with rechargeable batteries to replenish energy.
With recharge and resume, the robot will automatically detect its charging dock when low battery levels are reached. After charging, it will go back to where it left off; resuming all previous activities before the interruption.
Smart Mapping
Smart Mapping is a robot mop’s ability to make an entire layout of the house from scratch just with the use of LiDAR or VSLAM Sensors. With this functionality, you will be able to see where your device is located at specific times. Also, Smart Mapping recognizes different rooms at which the robot operates, making it a smart companion all in all.
Only the Braava Jet M6 has this feature, and it is not available on the 380 and 240 models. For me, this is what makes the Braava Jet M6 special, as it can take cleaning satisfaction to a whole new different level.
Personalized Cleaning
Personalized Cleaning refers to the user’s customization of processes based on their needs and preferences. This can only be accessed with the Roomba app, which in turn, is only available for the Braava Jet M6. If you can’t recognize the pattern, it is obvious that the iRobot company buffed this behemoth to near perfection, equipping it with all the possible technology needed for a robot mop.
Through the app, the system will recommend various cleaning routines as it learns how you behave and treat your robot mop. This will allow certain interactions such as recommended cleaning times during spring when allergens are present everywhere or in winter where the temperature is cold. Thus, it becomes a smart, predictive companion that you will grow to love.
Smart Home
One of the most lovable features to graze the robot industry is Smart Home integration. With various automation systems such as Alexa and Google pumping this industry, it has become a sought-after function especially to those that like to fiddle around with voice commands.
As you guessed, only the Braava Jet M6 has this power and it does not exist in any way on the Braava 380 and 240. If you want to make the most out of your Smart Home system, this robot mop is the way to go.
Roomba Team-up
Another feature that is available in the Braava Jet M6 is the Team-up wherein it can be connected to various vacuum models of the brand for simultaneous usage. For example, if you have a Roomba S9 and would want to vacuum and mop at the same time, then this function will be very beneficial to you. just bear in mind that it is not available for all Roomba vacuums; only those that are more advanced.
FAQs
How heavy are the robot mops?
The Braava Jet M6 is weighted at a light 4.85 lbs. On the other hand, the 380t is smaller at 4 lbs while the Jet 240 is at around 2.7 lbs.
Is iRobot a good brand?
iRobot is a brand that has constantly exceeded expectations in the robot home automation industry. They have been in this market for several years now, and are always dishing out top-rated products that every mop enthusiasts know and love. Thus, they are a very trustworthy brand that deserves recognition and respect.
What are the costs of these robots?
As different models, they have spread apart from each other in terms of price. The Braava Jet M6 is the most expensive one at around $350 without a shipping fee. On the other hand, the Braava 380t is around $250. Lastly, the Jet 240 is priced at $200.
Does Braava Jet 240 have mapping?
No, the robot does not have mapping capabilities. If you are looking for a device that has one, then you should stick towards the Braava Jet M6. It has smart mapping capabilities that allow a user to have an overall layout of the house that can be viewed virtually with the device. Moreover, you can employ restricted areas with the app to tell the robot where to go.
Do they work well under rugs and carpets?
Unfortunately, modern robot mops don’t do well on the carpet partly because they are made solely for hard floors and hard surfaces. Thus, they may have problems dealing with rugs that are on the softer side. Not to mention, these devices are more than likely to wet or dampen the rugs due to the spray capabilities that they have. It is better to use a specific carpet cleaner rather than Braava Robots that are specific for mopping.
Final thoughts
Overall, the iRobot Braava Jet M6 is the best one of the bunch and it is very hard to argue with this fact. It is buffed with important technology such as smart mapping, complete clean control, smart cleaning modes, and app control. For the best features that can be seen in a smart mop, the Braava jet M6 is a fit for you.
On the other hand, for those that do not want to deal with very sophisticated features and just want a mix of manual and automated cleaning, the Braava 380twill fit you well. After all, the robot is large enough to cover wide spaces without the need for human intervention except for charging.
Lastly, the Braava Jet 240 can be seen as the most beginner-friendly of the bunch. If you are someone who desires a robot that can help you learn more about mops as well as help you with cleaning processes at a low price, then the Jet 240 should suffice.
All robots in this review get a seal of approval from me, but the Jet M6 is simply too good to miss.
