Mini vs Root
Side-by-side comparison of Mini (Sphero) and Root (iRobot Corporation (Amazon subsidiary)) — specs, pricing, Robo Index, and verified deployments. Updated daily.
Optimize comparison for buyer
Optimized for Manufacturing buyers. Priority specs lifted to the top and marked with a target.
Layer 1: Identity & Trust
Manufacturer Country
- MiniUnited States
- RootUnited States
Year First Available
- Mini2017
- Root2018
Verified Deployments
- Mini0 Deployments
- Root0 Deployments
Layer 2: Operational
Price Range (USD)
- Mini$130 USD
- Root$199 USD
Battery / Shift Runtime
- Mini1 hrs
- Root—
Availability Status
- MiniACTIVE
- RootACTIVE
Layer 3: Category Specific
Reach
- Mini1,700 mm
- Root—
Payload Capacity
- Mini20 kg
- Root—
Max Speed
- Mini1 m/s
- Root0.1 m/s
Autonomy Level
- Mini—
- Rootsemi-autonomous
| Layer 1: Identity & Trust | ||
| Manufacturer Country | United States | United States |
| Year First Available (values differ) | 2017 | 2018 |
| Verified Deployments | 0 Deployments | 0 Deployments |
| Layer 2: Operational | ||
| Price Range (USD) (values differ) | $130 USD | $199 USD |
| Battery / Shift Runtime (values differ) | 1 hrs | — |
| Availability Status | ACTIVE | ACTIVE |
| Layer 3: Category Specific | ||
| Reach (priority for Manufacturing buyers) (values differ) | 1,700 mm | — |
| Payload Capacity (priority for Manufacturing buyers) (values differ) | 20 kg | — |
| Max Speed (values differ) | 1 m/s | 0.1 m/s |
| Autonomy Level (values differ) | — | semi-autonomous |
Insufficient data for full comparison
The following fields had no data for any of the selected robots: IP Rating
best in categoryweakest in categoryvalues differ
Trade-offs at a glance
Frequently asked
Who makes Mini and Root?
Mini is made by Sphero, based in US. Root is made by iRobot Corporation (Amazon subsidiary), based in US.
When were Mini and Root launched?
Mini launched in 2017. Root launched in 2018.
How much does Mini cost compared to Root?
Mini is listed at $130. Root is listed at $199.
How do Mini and Root compare on the Robo Index?
Mini scores 75/100. Root scores 75/100. The Robo Index blends specs, pricing transparency, verified deployments, and independent media coverage — see methodology for the full breakdown.
Are Mini and Root in the same category?
Both robots are classified as Education on Robolist. Filters and ranking treat them as direct alternatives.
What should a buyer ask vendors when choosing between Mini and Root?
Spec sheets only show part of the story. Useful vendor questions cover support, lifecycle, integration cost, and references. We have a buyer-focused checklist: The Education Robot Vendor RFP: Questions and Red Flags.
Going deeper — picking the right robot
The Education Robot Vendor RFP: Questions and Red Flags
10 min readEducation Robots
A 90-Day Classroom Robotics Rollout Playbook
9 min readEducation Robots
Decision Framework: Matching Robots to Grade Band and Learning Goals
10 min readEducation Robots
Build vs buy vs lease: which model fits a first deployment
8 min readChoosing Your First Robot
The hidden specs vendors hope you'll miss
10 min readReading the Spec Sheet
Want to be notified when specs or pricing change for these robots? Drop your email.
About this comparison
Mini vs Root compares two robots in the education category. All data is sourced from manufacturer spec sheets, verified deployments, and third-party filings; see our methodology for how the Robo Index is calculated.