Robot Vacuum Reviews

While robot vacuums can reduce the need for regular, full-blown sweeping, they don't replace traditional plug-in models. To keep them in top condition requires emptying the dust bin after each cleaning session, wiping down the sensors and cameras occasionally, and replacing filters and side brushes when needed.

It has a large bin and an auto-empty that is quiet. But its obstacle avoidance still gets caught in socks and cords, and it is unable to detect dirt that is close to baseboards.

iRobot Roomba 694

The Roomba 694 is an entry-level robot vacuum that has dual brush rollers (one bristle and one rubber) to sweep up dust, dirt and other debris from bare floors. The Roomba 694 also has 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 after multiple cleaning cycles.

The 694 is a great self-manipulator, and doesn't get caught in low furniture or cords. It does not have advanced obstacle-avoidance technology, and the battery can run out before returning to the dock.

It's still a good choice if you want an affordable robot vacuum that is easy to operate. You can control it manually using the 'Clean' 'Dock', and 'Spot Clean' buttons on its top cover or using voice commands that are relayed to your favorite voice assistant. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and can follow Siri commands using iOS Shortcuts.

Download the iRobot Home App on your smartphone or tablet to control the Roomba 694 remotely. The app lets you create customized cleaning schedules, as well as monitor the robot's performance. You can also make use of the app to stop cleaning jobs that are in progress, if you need to. The iRobot app will also notify users of errors in the event that the robot encounters a problem, such as if he is pushed into a furniture crevice.

The Roomba 694 is a decent vacuum cleaner, but it's not designed to maneuver stairs or narrow paths. It does not perform well at vacuuming low pile carpets and leaves behind a lot of tufts and hair clumps. If you have lots of carpet with low pile in your home, you might want to consider an alternative robot vacuum.

Contrary to the Roomba S9, which features an onboard HEPA filter, this model does not have an auto-emptying bin. The dirt compartment is moderate size, however it will need to be cleaned after every cleaning session. The iRobot Home App lets you look back at the history of your Roomba cleaning tasks. This includes the time and date they were completed, the method used to initiate them (app or scheduling buttons on the robot), the duration and the finished status.

The iRobot 694 is superior to the Coredy R550 because it feels more solidly constructed, has lower annual costs and has a bigger dust bin that charges faster, moves over obstacles such as electrical cords without difficulty, and performs better on both bare floors and high-pile carpet. Its companion app offers an enhanced set of automation capabilities as well. The Roomba 694 isn't as good as the Shark IQ robotic floor scrubber vacuum, though, which comes with a larger dirt compartment and lasts longer on a charge, and includes physical boundaries to prevent it from certain rooms.

Roomba 960 by iRobot

The Roomba 960 is one of the most advanced robot vacuums from iRobot. It comes with a variety of characteristics that differentiate it from other robots, such as advanced dirt detection and a map-saving technology. It also has a powerful cleaning system that is compatible with Alexa. It is a great option for those looking for an ultra-modern robot vacuum with outstanding cleaning capabilities and WiFi connectivity.

The 960 is a circular robotic equipped with two brushrolls made of rubber and three caster wheels for stability. It weighs 3.9kg making it simple to carry up and down the stairs. It can be purchased with docking station or without one, based on your preference. The docking station is essential for keeping the Roomba fully charged and connected even when it's not in use. The docking station is a convenient and simple method of keeping your robot clean and charged when it's not working.

iRobot designed 960 to work on carpets and bare floors. Its performance is outstanding on hard surfaces, and it's able to easily get rid of pet hair. It is also good at picking up large debris like kitty litter and cereal. It does not perform as well on carpets with a high pile, however. It picks up some pet hair and some larger debris, but struggles with smaller particles such as sand. Some sand gets stuck between the brushes and the dirt compartment.

In a test that used Quaker Oats, the 960 performed well and picked up the majority of the powder. The robot vacuum is able to move over obstacles and furniture. Its circular design also allows it to fit under the legs of chairs. The 960 is compatible with Alexa and can be controlled with voice commands. It can be programmed to automatically return to its charging station.

The 960 needs some maintenance. This includes regular replacement of the dust bin, filter, and spinning brush. It is recommended to replace these components every couple of months or so to ensure that they are in good shape. It is also recommended to clean the dirt compartment sensors on a regular basis. These parts will aid in making the Roomba run at its best budget robot vacuum and last longer if you keep them in good shape.

The 960 has a few shortcomings, but overall it is a great robotic vacuum. It is expensive however, it is worth it if you want an item that cleans well. It also has a wide range of features that make it a good option for people with busy lifestyles. 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 make it a part of your home decor.

Roomba 980 from iRobot

The Roomba is among the most advanced robotic cleaner in the iRobot's current line-up. The Roomba 980's full suite navigation sensors allows it to navigate under and around furniture, as well as along edges. Cliff Detect stops it from falling down the stairs. Its multi-surface brushes grab dirt and debris off any type of floor, while accelerating debris to the suction channel.

iRobot's vSLAM technology can record the surroundings as it moves, forming visual landmarks to aid in recollecting where it's been, and to avoid hitting objects and walls. The camera also spots dirtier areas, prompting the Roomba to automatically increase suction power and traverse the areas repeatedly before moving on.

A new feature that will be added to the app via October 2019 allows users to create digital Keep Out Zones that keep the Roomba from entering rooms in which they would like it to remain inaccessible. This functionality is a welcome addition to the already-strong suite of features available on the Roomba 980, and should prove to be a useful device for many people.

After a two-hour cleaning session the Roomba 980 returns to its docking station to recharge. It is the only robot vacuum cleaner industrial in its class with this feature. It lets you leave your robot to work even when you are away for long durations. The app's remote control feature allows you to start and stop cleaning sessions from anyplace in the world.

The Roomba app is enjoyable to use and the interface is straightforward and easy to use. The main screen is equipped with a large clean button which can be activated by one touch. The bottom row of icons gives quick access to settings like cleaning preferences, weekly schedules, and much more. You can also connect the app to your preferred smart assistant to make voice commands.

It can take a while for the Roomba app to recognize a command. It's a nagging flaw on a machine that is so heavily dependent on its smart controls, and it's particularly egregious given that the 980 is so expensive.

The Roomba 980, iRobot’s flagship model is a powerful piece of equipment. Its impressive cleaning power, two-hour battery life, and a variety of smart features make it an ideal choice among the top robot vacuums on the market. However, the absence of a separate remote control and slow app make it not as versatile as the other models. The 980 is a great option for those looking for a powerful automated vacuum that takes the burden off of you. Be prepared to spend an extra amount.