Robot vacuums have become increasingly popular in recent years, allowing busy households to keep floors clean with minimal effort. Two of iRobot’s top models are the Roomba 960 and 694, both offering powerful suction and smart navigation at different price points.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the key differences between the Roomba 960 and 694 to help you determine which is better for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Roomba 960 | Roomba 694 |
| Launch Year | 2016 | 2017 |
| Suction Power | 5x Stronger | Standard Power |
| Running Time | 75 min | 90 min |
| WiFi Connectivity | Yes | No |
| Smart Mapping | Yes | No |
| Virtual Walls | Yes | No |
| Price | $$$ | $$ |
Overview of the Roomba 960
The Roomba 960 was launched in September 2016 as a high-end model with smart navigation and WiFi connectivity. This vacuum uses vSLAM technology to map your home and clean in neat rows. It has 5x the air power of the 600 series for improved pickup on carpets.
Some key features of the Roomba 960 include:
- Strong Suction Power: With a motor that’s around 5 times more powerful than the 600 series, the 960 delivers excellent cleaning performance on carpets and hard floors.
- Smart Navigation: The 960 uses vSLAM technology to map your home and clean methodically in neat rows. This allows for efficient, thorough cleaning.
- App Control & Scheduling: You can use the iRobot app to schedule and monitor cleanings, customize preferences, and access custom cleaning recommendations.
- WiFi Connectivity: The 960 connects via WiFi to the app, allowing you to control it remotely.
- Low-Profile Design: At 3.6 inches tall, the 960 can fit under most furniture and clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Automatic Recharging: When battery runs low, the 960 will automatically dock and recharge before resuming cleaning.
- Virtual Wall Barriers: Dual mode virtual walls contain the robot in desired areas.
- 75 Minute Run Time: A longer run time allows the 960 to clean larger homes in a single session.
With its advanced navigation system, robust suction power, and WiFi enabled app control, the Roomba 960 delivers a thorough clean without much effort from you. It’s ideal for cleaning larger homes of up to 1,800 square feet.
Also Read: comparison Between Lefant And Eufy
Overview of the Roomba 694
The Roomba 694 was released in 2017 as an updated model in the 600 series intended for more basic cleaning needs. While it lacks the advanced mapping and WiFi capabilities of the 960, the 694 still has decent pickup power and useful features.
Key features of the Roomba 694 include:
- Standard Suction Power: With the standard 3-stage cleaning system, the 694 delivers sufficient suction for everyday cleaning of hard floors and carpets.
- Edge-Sweeping Brush: The side brush specifically targets dirt along walls and furniture edges.
- Simple Navigation: Uses iRobot’s iAdapt sensors to navigate and adjust cleaning paths throughout your home.
- Low Profile: At 3.5 inches tall, the 694 slides easily under beds, sofas and more to access dust and debris.
- 90 Minute Run Time: A good run time allows the 694 to cover up to 1,000 square feet on a single charge.
- Dirt Detect: Infrared sensors detect concentrated areas of dirt, triggering increased suction power.
- Auto Recharge: When battery is low, the 694 travels back to its dock to recharge before finishing the job.
The Roomba 694 works well for everyday cleaning of hard floors and low-pile carpets in smaller homes. It lacks smart mapping but still covers floors efficiently with its navigation sensors.
Also Read: Choose Between Eufy 25c And 30c Robot Vacuum.
Key Differences Between the Roomba 960 and 694
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each model, let’s compare them across some key factors:
- Suction Power
The biggest difference is in suction power – the Roomba 960 has 5x the air power of the 600 series, including the 694. This allows the 960 to pickup more dirt, dust, pet hair and debris, especially on carpets. The 694 has sufficient suction for hard floors and low-pile carpets, but can struggle on thicker carpets.
- Navigation System
The 960 uses vSLAM technology to actively map rooms and clean in neat rows for organized coverage. The 694 relies on iAdapt sensors to bounce around and cover open areas of floor. Both navigate well around furniture and walls, but the 960’s smart mapping is more thorough.
- WiFi-Connectivity
You can connect the 960 to the iRobot app for full control, scheduling, custom cleaning preferences and software updates. The 694 lacks WiFi and can only be programmed with button presses on the device.
- Run Time
The 694 has a slightly longer battery life at 90 minutes vs 75 minutes for the 960. Both can cover large spaces in a single cleaning cycle. The 960 will just recharge itself more frequently.
- Virtual Walls
Only the 960 comes with dual-mode virtual wall barriers that create an invisible boundary to contain the robot in desired cleaning zones. The 694 lacks this feature.
- Price
As a high-end model with advanced technology, the Roomba 960 costs significantly more than the budget-friendly 694. The 960 is around $499, while the 694 ranges from $199 to $299.
- Ideal Home Size
With its stronger suction and methodical navigation, the 960 can efficiently clean homes up to 1,800 square feet. The 694 works best in smaller homes around 1,000 square feet.
Overall the Roomba 960 wins out in terms of cleaning performance and features due to its superior suction, smart mapping, WiFi connectivity, run time and accessories. But the 694 still provides decent everyday cleaning for smaller homes at a more budget-friendly price point.
Also Read: Differences Between Shark AI And Roomba J7.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Roomba 960 is worth the higher price for its powerful suction, systematic navigation, WiFi connectivity and overall better cleaning performance. It’s the better choice for larger homes, thicker carpets, and convenient app control.
No, the 694 does not have vSLAM mapping technology. It uses basic iAdapt sensors to navigate and adjust its cleaning path throughout your home. The 960 is better for methodical room-to-room cleaning.
The Roomba 600 series 694 was released in 2017 as an update over older 600 series models. It added some nice upgrades like a 90 minute run time and Dirt Detect sensors.
The 960 first launched in September 2016. While not the latest model today, the 960 still utilizes advanced technology like vSLAM smart mapping and powerful suction that performs well.
Also Read: Comparison Between the Roomba 675 and 694
Also watch this review video:
Final Thoughts
When choosing between the Roomba 960 and 694, consider your home size, floor types, desired features, and budget. The 960 delivers superior cleaning performance and convenience for a higher price. But the 694 can efficiently clean small homes and hard flooring on a budget.
If you want strong suction for carpets, organized mapping, WiFi connectivity and a robust feature set, go with the Roomba 960. For simple daily cleaning of hard floors and small spaces, the 694 gets the job done at a more affordable price point.
Evaluate your cleaning needs and home layout to determine if the 960’s advanced capabilities are worth the upgrade over the 694. Either of these Roombas can automate vacuuming and give you more free time at home.