Robot Vacuum Reviews
While robot vacuums cut down on the need for periodic full-blown sweeping, they can't substitute for traditional plug-in models. To ensure they are in good condition take the dust bins out after each cleaning session. Wipe down the sensors and camera periodically. Replace filters and side brushes when required.
It has a huge bin and an auto-empty that is quiet. But its obstacle avoidance still is entangled in socks and cords, and it is unable to detect dirt close to baseboards.
iRobot Roomba 694"
The Roomba 694 is an entry-level robot vacuum that uses dual brush rollers (one bristle and one rubber) to remove dirt, dust, and debris from bare floors. The Roomba 694 comes with a rotating brush that can pick up debris from corners and wall edges. The Roomba 694 is pretty effective in picking up pet hair, though it can leave some behind in the carpet fibers, if you let it run through several cleaning cycles.
The 694 is a reliable self-manipulator and doesn't get stuck in furniture that isn't high or around cords. It doesn't come with advanced obstacle-avoidance systems and the battery may be drained before it can return to dock.
It's still a great choice when you're looking for an affordable robot vacuum that is easy to use. You can control it manually using the 'Clean' "Dock" and the 'Spot Clean' buttons on its top cover or using voice commands that are relayed to your favorite voice assistant. It's compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, and it can be used to follow Siri commands from iOS Shortcuts.
Download the iRobot Home App on your tablet or smartphone to control the Roomba 694 remotely. The app lets you create customized cleaning schedules and track the robot's health. You can even use the app to end the cleaning task in progress, if needed. The iRobot app can also issue error alerts if the robot encounters a problem, such as if he wedges himself into an opening in the furniture.
The Roomba 694 is a decent vacuum cleaner, but it's not designed to maneuver narrow pathways or stairs. It does not do a good job cleaning carpets with low pile leaving behind numerous tufts and hair clumps. If you have many carpets with low pile in your home, you might think about an alternative robot vacuum.
This model, unlike the Roomba S9 which has an onboard HEPA Filter, does not have a bin that automatically empties itself. The dirt compartment inside is moderately sized, but you will have empty it at the end of each cleaning session. The iRobot Home app lets you look back at the history of your Roomba's cleaning tasks, including their time and date, how they were initiated (app, scheduling, or with the physical buttons on the robot) and their duration, and their completed status.
The iRobot 694 is better than the Coredy R550 because it feels more solidly constructed, has lower cost of operation, has a larger dustbin and charges faster, can maneuver over obstacles like electrical cords without difficulty, and performs better on carpets with high piles and bare floors. Its companion app provides the most advanced set of automation features, too. The Roomba 694 does not match the Shark IQ robotic vacuum, though, which comes with a larger dirt compartment and lasts longer on charge, and comes with physical boundaries to keep it out of certain areas.
iRobot Roomba 960
The Roomba 960 robot vacuum is one of the most advanced iRobot models. It comes with a variety of features that distinguish it from other robots, such as advanced dirt detection and map-saving technology. It also has a powerful cleaning system and is compatible with Alexa. This is a great option for those who want a high-tech robot vacuum with WiFi connectivity and outstanding cleaning performance.
The 9960 is a round robot equipped with two brushrolls made of rubber and three caster wheels to ensure stability. It weighs 3.9kg which makes it easy to carry up and down the stairs. You can purchase it with or without a docking system based on the features you prefer. The docking station keeps the Roomba connected and charged even when it's not in use. The docking station is an efficient and simple method of keeping your robot clean and powered when it's not.
iRobot designed 960 to work on carpet and floors that are not bare. Its performance is impressive on hard surfaces, and it can easily remove pet hair. It also does an excellent job of removing large amounts of debris, such as Kitty litter and cereal. It doesn't perform as well on high-pile carpet however. It picks up some pet hair and some larger debris, but is troublesome with smaller particles such as sand. robotic vacuum cleaner best of the sand gets stuck between the brushes and the dirt compartment.
In a test that used quaker oats the 960 did well in capturing the bulk of the powder. The robotic vacuum is able of maneuvering through a variety of obstacles and furniture, and the circular shape allows it to be tucked away under the legs of chairs. The 960 is compatible with Alexa, and can be activated 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 the spinning brush. These components should be replaced every few months to keep them in good condition. It is also recommended to clean the sensors in the dirt compartment regularly. In keeping these parts in good condition will keep the Roomba operating at its peak and will allow it to last longer.

The 960 is a good robotic vacuum, but it is not perfect. It's costly but it's worth it if your goal is a robot that can clean well. It also offers a variety of features that make it an excellent option for people with busy life. The iRobot App is simple to use and the Roomba's cleaning schedule is set. It comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can make it a part of your home decor.
Roomba 960 by iRobot
The Roomba 980 is the most advanced robotic vacuum available in the current lineup of iRobot's. The Roomba 980's full suite navigation sensors allows it to navigate around and under furniture, and along edges. Cliff Detect stops it from falling down stairs. The multi-surface rubber brushes let dirt slide off and collect it from any floor type and then swells debris into the suction channel.
iRobot's vSLAM captures the surrounding environment as it moves. It creates visual landmarks to help it remember its position and avoid bumping against walls and objects. The camera also spots dirtier areas, triggering the Roomba to automatically increase suction power and traverse these zones repeatedly before moving forward.
Users can set up digital Keep Out zones to stop the Roomba entering areas in the home that they don't want it to access. This feature was added to the app by October of 2019. This is a great addition to the Roomba 980's already impressive set of features, and will prove useful for many consumers.
After a two-hour cleaning session, Roomba 980 returns to its docking stations to recharge. It is the only robot of its kind that comes with this feature. It lets you leave your robot to work while you are away for long periods. The app's remote control feature lets you start or stop cleaning sessions from anyplace in the world.
The Roomba app is fun to use, and the interface is simple and easy to navigate. The main screen has an enormous clean button that can be activated with just a single click. The lower row of icons provides quick access to settings such as cleaning preferences, weekly schedules and more. The app can be linked with your smart assistant to give voice commands.
It can take a while for the Roomba app to recognize a command. It's a frustrating flaw in a machine that is so heavily dependent on its intelligent controls, and it's particularly egregious given that the 980 is so expensive.
The Roomba 980, iRobot’s flagship model, is a formidable piece of equipment. Its serious cleaning power, two-hour battery life, and a variety of smart features make it a top choice among the best robot vacuums in the industry. However, the absence of a separate remote control and slow app make it not as user-friendly as other models. However, the 980 is a good choice for those looking for an automated vacuum that takes care of itself. Make sure you set aside a little extra cash.