When it comes to navigating the world of robotic vacuum cleaners, two popular models from iRobot stand out: the Roomba 981 and the Roomba 694. Both of these roombas are designed to make cleaning easier and more efficient, but they have distinct differences in terms of features, performance, and price.

Design and Build

The Roomba 981 has a sleek and premium design, with a glossy black finish and a slim profile that allows it to fit under most furniture. It measures 13.9 inches in diameter and 3.6 inches in height, making it compact enough to navigate through tight spaces. The device weighs around 8.7 pounds, which is relatively lightweight compared to other robotic vacuums on the market.

In contrast, the Roomba 694 has a more basic design, with a matte black finish and a slightly larger diameter of 13 inches. It stands at 3.5 inches in height and weighs around 6.8 pounds, making it even lighter than the 981. While the 694 may not have the same premium look as the 981, its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to maneuver and store.

Cleaning Performance

Both roombas are equipped with advanced navigation systems and powerful suction capabilities, but the Roomba 981 has a more sophisticated cleaning system. It features a dual-mode vacuum that captures dirt, dust, and allergens, as well as a carpet boost mode that increases suction power on high-pile carpets and rugs. The 981 also comes with two virtual wall barriers that can be used to block off areas you don't want the robot to clean.

The Roomba 694, on the other hand, has a more basic cleaning system, but it's still effective at picking up dirt, dust, and debris from hard floors and low-pile carpets. It doesn't have the same level of suction power as the 981, but it's still capable of delivering a thorough clean. The 694 also comes with one virtual wall barrier, which can be used to block off areas you don't want the robot to enter.

Navigation and Mapping

The Roomba 981 has a more advanced navigation system, featuring iRobot's patented iAdapt technology that allows it to map out your home and adapt to changes in the environment. It also comes with Wi-Fi connectivity, which enables you to schedule cleanings, monitor the device's progress, and receive notifications when the cleaning is complete.

The Roomba 694 has a more basic navigation system, using a combination of infrared sensors and bumpers to navigate around furniture and other obstacles. While it doesn't have the same level of mapping capabilities as the 981, it's still able to effectively clean your home without getting stuck or lost.

Battery Life and Charging

The Roomba 981 has a longer battery life, with up to 120 minutes of cleaning time on a single charge. It also comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can be charged via the included charging dock.

The Roomba 694 has a shorter battery life, with up to 90 minutes of cleaning time on a single charge. However, it's still able to clean most homes in a single session, and it also comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can be charged via the included charging dock.

Price

One of the main differences between these two roombas is the price. The Roomba 981 is generally more expensive, with a retail price of around $800-$900. The Roomba 694, on the other hand, is significantly cheaper, with a retail price of around $300-$400.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Roomba 981 and the Roomba 694 are high-quality robotic vacuum cleaners that can make cleaning easier and more efficient. However, they have distinct differences in terms of features, performance, and price. The Roomba 981 is a more premium device with advanced navigation and cleaning capabilities, making it suitable for larger homes or those with complex floor plans. The Roomba 694, on the other hand, is a more basic but still effective device that's perfect for smaller homes or those on a budget.

Ultimately, the choice between these two roombas will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a high-end device with advanced features and superior cleaning performance, the Roomba 981 may be the better choice. But if you're on a budget or just want a reliable and easy-to-use robotic vacuum cleaner, the Roomba 694 is definitely worth considering.