Robot Vacuum Reviews
While robot vacuums reduce the need for regular, thorough sweeping, they aren't able to replace the traditional plug-in models. Keeping them in top shape requires emptying the trash bin after each cleaning session, wiping the sensors and cameras occasionally as well as replacing filters and side brushes when needed.
It has a decent-sized bin and an automatic emptying. But its obstacle avoidance still is entangled in socks and cords, and it is unable to detect dirt near baseboards.
iRobot Roomba 694
The Roomba 694 robot vacuum is an entry level robot vacuum that has dual roller brushes (one bristle and one rubber) to collect dust, dirt and other debris from flooring that is not bare. The Roomba 694 also comes with an adjustable brush that can clean up debris from corners and wall edges. The Roomba 694 does a good job of removing pet hair. However, it could leave a few hairs in carpet fibers following multiple cleaning cycles.
The 694 does an adequate job of moving itself around and does not get stuck on things like low furniture or cords. However, it doesn't come equipped with the latest obstacle avoidance technology and its battery may run out before it returns to its dock.
It's still a good option when you're looking for an affordable robot vacuum that is simple to operate. You can manually control it by pressing the 'Clean "Dock," and the 'Spot Clean' buttons on the top of its cover or by using voice commands transmitted through your preferred voice assistant. It's compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, and it can follow Siri commands in Shortcuts for iOS.
You can also control the Roomba 694 remotely from any location by downloading the iRobot Home app on your smartphone or tablet. The app allows you to design custom cleaning schedules for your needs and also monitor the robot's performance. You can also use the app to end the cleaning task in progress, if you need to. The iRobot Home app will also provide error notifications when the robot encounters a problem, such as if it wedges itself into the crevices of furniture.
While the Roomba 694 does an excellent job of navigating around the house, it is not designed for stairs or narrow pathways. It also does a terrible job of cleaning carpets with low pile, leaving many tufts and clumps of hair behind. You may want to choose an alternative robot vacuum for flooring with low pile in your home.
Unlike the Roomba S9, which features an onboard HEPA filter This model does not have a self-emptying bin. The dirt compartment is a moderate size, but it must be cleaned after every cleaning session. The iRobot Home App lets you review the record of your Roomba cleaning tasks. This includes the date and time they were completed, the method used to start them (app or scheduling buttons on the robot) as well as the duration and the status of completion.
The iRobot 694 is better than the Coredy R550 because it feels more solidly constructed, has lower annual costs and has a bigger dust bin and charges faster, can maneuver over obstacles like electrical cords without difficulty, and performs better on both bare floors and high-pile carpet. Its companion app offers a more advanced suite of automation capabilities, too. The Roomba 694 doesn't match the Shark IQ robotic vacuum, however, it has a much bigger dirt compartment and lasts longer on a charge, and has physical boundaries to keep it out of certain rooms.
Roomba 960 by iRobot

The Roomba 960 is one of the most advanced robot vacuums from iRobot. It has several features that distinguish it from other robots, such as advanced dirt detection and a map-saving technology. It comes with an impressive vacuum system and is compatible with Alexa. This is a great option for those who want a high-tech robot vacuum that has WiFi connectivity and excellent cleaning performance.
The 960 is a circular robotic equipped with two brushrolls made of rubber and three caster wheels for stability. It is easy to raise and lower, as it weighs only 3.9kg. You can buy it with or without docking systems, depending on what you prefer. The docking station keeps the Roomba connected and charged when it's not working. The docking station is a practical and simple way to keep your robot tidy and fully charged even when it's not in use.
iRobot designed 960 to work on carpets and floors that are not bare. Its performance is impressive on hard surfaces, and it's able to effortlessly remove pet hair. It also excels in picking up large pieces of debris such as cereal and kitty-litter. It performs less well on high pile carpet. It picks up some pet hair, as well as some larger debris, but has trouble with smaller particles such as sand. Sand gets caught between the brushes and dirt compartment.
In a test that used the oats of quaker, the 960 performed well and picked up the majority of the powder. The robotic vacuum can maneuver around a wide variety of furniture and obstacles and its circular design permits it to fit snugly under chair legs. good robot vacuum is Alexa compatible and can be controlled via voice commands. It can also be programmed to automatically return to its charging station.
The 960 requires a bit of maintenance, including regular replacement of the filter, dust bin and the spinning brush. It is recommended to replace these components every few months or so to ensure they are in good shape. It is also recommended to clean the sensors in the dirt compartment regularly. In keeping these components in good shape will keep the Roomba running at peak performance and make it last longer.
The 960 has some flaws, but overall, it is a top robotic vacuum. It is fairly expensive, but it is worth the money if you are looking for a robot that has exceptional cleaning capabilities. It also offers a variety of features that make it a great option for people with busy lives. The iRobot App is easy to use, and Roomba's cleaning schedule can be set. It comes in a variety of finishes and colors, to allow you to match the Roomba to your decor.
Roomba 960 by iRobot
The Roomba 980 is the most sophisticated robotic vacuum in the current lineup of iRobot's. The Roomba 980's full suite navigation sensors allow it to navigate around and under furniture, as well as along edges. Cliff Detect prevents it from falling down stairs. The multi-surface brushes can remove dirt and debris off any kind of floor, while moving debris into the suction channel.
iRobot's vSLAM technology captures the environment when it moves, and creates visual landmarks that aid in recollecting where it's been and avoid bumping into walls and objects. The camera also can detect dirtier areas. This triggers the Roomba to automatically boost its suction power and then traverse these zones repeatedly before moving forward.
Users can create digital Keep Out zones to stop the Roomba from entering areas of the home they do not want it to access. This feature was added to the app in October of 2019. This feature is a fantastic addition to the Roomba 980's already impressive list of features and will prove beneficial for a lot of consumers.
After a two-hour cleaning session, Roomba 980 returns to its docking stations to recharge. It's the only robot in this class to offer such a feature, and it lets you to leave it alone to perform its task when you're away for long periods of time. The app's remote control feature lets you start or stop cleaning sessions from anyplace in the world.
The Roomba app is a joy to use and the interface is straightforward and easy to use. The main screen features the big clean button that can be activated by just a single tap, and the bottom row of icons provides quick access to settings, such as cleaning preferences as well as a weekly schedule and much more. You can also connect the app to your smart assistant of choice to issue voice commands.
It can take a while for the Roomba app to recognize the need for. It's a nagging flaw on an appliance that is so heavily dependent on its smart controls, and it's especially awry considering that the 980 is incredibly expensive.
The Roomba 980, iRobot’s flagship model, is a formidable piece of equipment. Its serious cleaning power, two-hour battery life, and a host of intelligent features make it a top choice among the top robot vacuums in the industry. However, its absence of a remote control that is specifically designed for it and sluggish app mean it's not as user-friendly as some of the competition. The 980 is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a powerful, automated vacuum that will take care of itself. Make sure you set aside a little extra cash.