Roomba 690 vs 960 – Smart iRobots for Everyday Use
The test of the Roomba 960 vs 690 concerns two low-profile units with voice recognition and Wi-Fi-connectivity. The 960 is remarkable for its high performing AeroForce filter and large camera for improved navigation. The 690 is a budget-friendly model handling any bare floors.
Suction and dustbin capacity
When checking the iRobot Roomba 690 vs 960 in terms of their power, both units have conducted themselves credibly due to a 3-Stage Cleaning System. However, the 960 can deliver 5X suction for heavy dirt.
There’s no big difference between the vacuums’ containers – the 960’s dustbin has 750 ml and the 690’s one – 700 ml. It means the user has to empty them 2 or 3 times before the vacs will clean the whole house.
Using area
By comparing Roomba 690 vs 960 using area, the 960 features “smart” mapping versus the 690’s random one. So, it reaches such areas as an entertainment center, bar stool chairs, tables, etc. Besides, it comes with modes for removing spots and cleaning edges.
This model can move between floors with no difficulty. It senses the stairs and doesn’t fall over the edge. In its turn, the 690 does a better job of cleaning if you move all obstacles to let it reach all areas of the carpet and flooring.
Noise level
If heeding the noise of iRobot 690 vs 960, both units aren’t completely quiet, but their loudness depends on the type of surface it is cleaning. With regard to the claimed specs, 690 is a bit louder (61 dB) than the 960 (65 dB).
Carpet cleaning
Now let’s compare Roomba 690 vs 960 from a position of removing debris from wooly coverings, though this option is claimed for both models.
The 960 handles low and high-pile carpets, but in the latter case, it leaves some clumps of pet hair behind because of two small rubber rollers instead of the one large brush roller. The 690s can’t cope with the high-pile rugs. No sense even to try it on the high-pile coverings, as it uses a lot of battery power to move through them.
Roomba 690 Pros & Cons
- The transitions from bare floors to low pile rugs are flawless.
- It’s heavy (11.7 pounds) despite the low height and average container.
Roomba 960 Pros & Cons
- The unit has large wheels on it to be able to drive over high door thresholds.
- If this iRobot sucks up a sock, a towel or a dryer sheet, it automatically switches off to prevent burning out the engine. The app will inform the user about the problem.
- There’s no opportunity to schedule this model to work in specific rooms on different days.