Looking for an effective robot vacuum without the costly bells and whistles? Two popular options from iRobot are the older 675 model and the newer 694. But how do these robotic cleaners compare in terms of cleaning power, features, mapping, and value?
This in-depth guide examines the key specs and performance of the Roomba 675 and 694 to see which mid-range model reigns supreme for home cleaning.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Roomba 675 | Roomba 694 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2020 |
| WiFi Connectivity | No | Yes, app control |
| Mapping | No | No |
| Run Time | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Container Size | 0.6 liters | 0.6 liters |
| Cleaning Features | 3-Stage Cleaning | 3-Stage Cleaning + Dirt Detect |
| Navigation | iAdapt sensors | iAdapt + visual navigation |
| Price | $199 | $274 |
Overview of the Roomba 675
The Roomba 675 has been one of iRobot’s best-selling models thanks to its thorough cleaning and approachable price point. Details:
- Uses multi-surface brushes and suction for 3-Stage Cleaning
- Cleans for 90 minutes before automatically docking to recharge
- Low profile design reaches under furniture
- Cliff Detect sensors prevent falls down stairs
- Dual multi-surface rubber brushes adapt to floors
- Operates via buttons or the included remote control
- Eco mode conserves energy while cleaning
- Works well for pet hair cleanup
- Typically costs around $199
While it lacks modern smart features, the 675 still delivers solid vacuuming at an affordable price.
Overview of the Roomba 694
As a newer 2020 model, the Roomba 694 improves upon the 675 in a few key ways:
- Adds WiFi connectivity for app control
- Roomba app lets you schedule and monitor cleaning
- Gets up to 90 minutes of run time per charge
- Same 3-Stage Cleaning as 675
- Dirt DetectTM pauses for concentrated cleaning of messy spots
- iAdapt navigation with cliff sensors
- Works on carpets and hard floors
- Conveniently empties into included bin
- Typically costs around $274
So for $75 more than the 675, the 694 adds WiFi, app control and high-traffic spot cleaning.
Also Read: Choose Between Eufy 25c And 30c Robot Vacuum.
Key Differences Between the Roomba 675 and 694
While the 675 and 694 share a lot in common, here are some of the key factors setting them apart:
- Release Date
The Roomba 675 and Roomba 694 are both impressive robotic vacuum cleaners, but they belong to different generations. The Roomba 675 was released back in 2017, marking a significant step forward in robotic vacuum technology at that time.
On the other hand, the Roomba 694 is a more recent model, hitting the market in 2020. The three-year gap between their release dates signifies that the 694 benefits from some advancements and refinements in technology that were not available when the 675 was introduced.
- WiFi and App Control
One of the standout features of the Roomba 694 is its integration with WiFi connectivity and app control. This innovation elevates the user experience to a new level of convenience and control.
With the 694, you can connect your robotic vacuum to your home WiFi network, allowing you to remotely schedule and monitor cleaning sessions from your smartphone or tablet.
This means you can initiate a cleaning cycle even when you’re not at home, which can be especially handy if you want your floors clean when you return from a trip or a long day at work.
The Roomba 675, on the other hand, lacks this smart functionality. Instead, it relies on more traditional control methods, such as a physical remote control or buttons directly on the device.
While these methods are still effective, they do not offer the same level of convenience and flexibility that WiFi and app control provide.
- Navigation System
Both the Roomba 675 and Roomba 694 employ iAdapt sensors, a technology developed by iRobot, to navigate and map your home efficiently.
These sensors help the robotic vacuum cleaners to avoid obstacles, maneuver around furniture, and ensure thorough coverage of your floors. However, the Roomba 694 takes navigation a step further with the inclusion of an optical sensor.
This optical sensor enhances the 694’s ability to create a basic visual map of your home. It can identify high-traffic areas and places where dirt tends to accumulate more, thanks to its Dirt Detect feature.
When the 694 detects particularly dirty spots, it can focus its cleaning efforts in those areas, ensuring a more targeted and efficient cleaning process. In contrast, the Roomba 675 does not have these mapping capabilities, which means it may not be as precise in addressing problem areas.
Also Read: Comparison Between Shark and Roborock
- Brushes
When it comes to cleaning performance, both the Roomba 675 and Roomba 694 feature identical rubber brushes. These brushes are designed to be versatile and adaptable to different types of flooring, whether it’s carpet, hardwood, tile, or laminate.
They have the ability to flex and adjust to the surface they’re cleaning, ensuring that debris and dirt are effectively picked up.
There is no distinction in brush style or performance between these two models, meaning you can expect similar cleaning results from both the Roomba 675 and 694. They are well-equipped to handle various floor types and keep your home clean.
- Battery Life and Charging
The Roomba 675 and Roomba 694 share the same specifications when it comes to battery life and charging. Both models have a maximum runtime of approximately 90 minutes on a single charge.
This runtime is typically sufficient for covering the cleaning needs of most households, allowing the robotic vacuum to navigate through multiple rooms and ensure a thorough cleaning.
Once their battery levels start running low, both the 675 and 694 are programmed to automatically return to their docking station to recharge.
Charging is a relatively quick process, and the robots will be ready for their next cleaning session in no time. This feature ensures that the vacuum cleaners are always prepared to clean, even if you have a larger home.
- Bin Size
In terms of dirt collection capacity, both the Roomba 675 and Roomba 694 come equipped with a 0.6-liter dirt bin. This bin size is moderately small, which means it can fill up relatively quickly, especially in larger homes or if you have pets that shed a lot of fur.
As a result, you may find yourself needing to empty the dirt bin more frequently to maintain optimal cleaning performance.
It’s important to note that the bin size is the same for both models, so there’s no advantage in this regard with either the Roomba 675 or 694. You can expect to perform regular maintenance by emptying the bin after each cleaning cycle to ensure uninterrupted cleaning efficiency.
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- Price
The price difference between the Roomba 675 and Roomba 694 is a noteworthy factor to consider. Due to its older release date and the absence of advanced features like WiFi connectivity and app control, the Roomba 675 is generally more budget-friendly.
It can often be found for around $199 or even lower, depending on promotions and discounts.
On the other hand, the Roomba 694, with its added WiFi capabilities and app control, typically commands a higher price point.
You can expect to pay approximately $274 at its retail price. While the 694 offers enhanced convenience and control, it’s important to weigh whether the additional cost aligns with your cleaning needs and preferences.
- Worth the Upgrade?
Ultimately, the decision between the Roomba 675 and Roomba 694 depends on your priorities and budget. The Roomba 694, with its WiFi connectivity and app control, represents a modern and convenient approach to home cleaning.
If the ability to schedule and monitor cleanings remotely is important to you, along with the added benefit of visual mapping and Dirt Detect, then the 694 is a worthwhile upgrade.
However, if you’re content with manual control via a remote or buttons and don’t require the smart features, the Roomba 675 can still serve as an efficient workhorse for your cleaning needs.
It comes at a more budget-friendly price point, making it an attractive option for those looking for reliable cleaning performance without the bells and whistles of the latest technology.
Both the Roomba 675 and Roomba 694 have their merits, and the choice ultimately comes down to your specific requirements and budget considerations.
Whether you prioritize cost-effectiveness or advanced features, you can trust that both models will help keep your floors clean and tidy.
Also Read: Comaprison Between Miele and Roomba
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The 694 is one of iRobot’s newer models, first released in 2020. So it is only a few years old, Vs. the 675 which launched back in 2017.
The 694 lacks true visual mapping of your home. But its Dirt Detect technology uses optical sensors to identify high-traffic areas and focus cleaning there.
No, the older 675 does not have any mapping capabilities. It uses iAdapt sensors to methodically navigate and clean your home.
Yes, the dual multi-surface brushes on the 694 are effective at grabbing pet hair from carpets and floors. Its suction power helps remove embedded fur.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Roomba 694 offers worthwhile upgrades from the 675 like WiFi, app controls and spot cleaning focus. But the 675 remains a tempting budget buy under $200 for solid all-around vacuuming without the bells and whistles.
Weigh the smart features against price to decide if the 694 upgrade makes sense for removing pet hair and debris in your home. Either way, you get a thorough cleaning robot minus the costly navigation smarts.