iRobot Roomba 694 Vacuum Cleaner: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The iRobot Roomba 694 is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable robotic vacuum that offers smart features and strong cleaning performance. This model is part of iRobot's 600 series lineup of Roomba vacuums that deliver excellent cleaning with the added convenience of WiFi connectivity and app control.

Some of the key things to know about the Roomba 694:

• WiFi enabled - You can connect to the Roomba 694 from anywhere via the iRobot Home app to start, stop and schedule cleanings.

• Voice control - The vacuum is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant so you can control it with voice commands.

• 3-Stage Cleaning system - The Roomba uses a 3-stage system combining counter-rotating brushes, an edge-sweeping brush, and vacuum suction for thorough cleaning on carpets and hard floors.

• Dirt Detect Technology - Sensors allow the robot to detect high-traffic areas and spend more time cleaning them.

• Automatic Recharging - When battery gets low, it will automatically dock and recharge then resume cleaning.

The Roomba 694 provides a solid set of features that make robotic cleaning convenient and effective. Keep reading for a more in-depth look at how this vacuum performs.

Design

The Roomba 694 has a classic round Roomba shape, measuring 13.4 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches tall. It has a sleek, low-profile design that allows it to slide under furniture and other hard-to-reach areas.

The vacuum comes in a black color with accent colors that vary depending on the model. The top cover uses a durable plastic material that is scratch-resistant. The bottom utilizes removable extractors that can be taken out for cleaning.

Weighing just 6.8 pounds, the 694 is lightweight and easy to carry between rooms or up and down stairs. The handle on top makes it convenient to lift and transport. Despite its small footprint, the Roomba 694 still packs in powerful suction and cleaning capabilities.

The circular design allows the Roomba to easily navigate around furniture legs and other obstacles. It can transition smoothly between hard floors and carpets, adjusting its height accordingly. Sensors located around the edges help the robot avoid bumping into walls and other objects.

At just 3.5 inches tall, the 694 can fit under beds, sofas, tables, and other low clearances. This allows it to access dirt and dust bunnies that accumulate in hard-to-reach spots. However, the robot may struggle with high pile carpets or rugs due to its low ride height.

In contrast, the ECOVACS Winbot W1 Pro is designed specifically for cleaning windows. It has a unique design featuring two large suction pads that attach to glass surfaces. An oval-shaped body houses the motor, battery, and other internal components.

Weighing 5.7 pounds, the Winbot W1 Pro is lightweight enough to attach to windows securely. The suction pads are made from a soft silicone material that adheres to the glass without leaving any marks or residue. The robot can transition smoothly across different window types and sizes.

Measuring 12.6 x 4.3 x 7.1 inches, the Winbot W1 Pro has a thin profile that lets it clean hard-to-reach window spots. It can navigate around window frames and handles with ease. The robot's compact size also makes it easy to store away when not in use.

With specialized window cleaning features like edge, zig-zag, spiral, and frame cleaning modes, the Winbot W1 Pro is tailored for keeping glass surfaces spotless. In contrast, the Roomba 694 focuses on vacuuming floors throughout an entire home.

Both robots demonstrate well-designed, functional forms suited for their respective cleaning purposes. The low-clearance Roomba 694 can access under furniture areas while the slim Winbot W1 Pro can adhere to smooth glass for window washing.

Cleaning Performance

The Roomba 694 has strong cleaning performance suitable for most homes thanks to its 3-stage cleaning system. The vacuum has a decent amount of suction power, rated at 600Pa, which is suitable for picking up dust, dirt, pet hair and other debris from both carpets and hard floors. While it may struggle with embedded dirt in high pile carpets, it provides satisfactory daily cleaning.

The main cleaning head features dual multi-surface rubber brushes that are effective at grabbing dirt and debris. The brushes adjust to the different floor types and are tangle-free. On carpets, the brushes flick dirt into the vacuum's path, while on hard floors the brushes contain particles until sucked up. Some users note the spiral brush design can sometimes scatter debris rather than collect it, but overall the brushes are able to agitate and remove dust from multiple floor types. The vacuum can transition smoothly between bare floors and carpets during cleaning.

The side brush located on the front of the robot helps sweep particles from corners and edges into its path. This ensures edges and perimeter areas of rooms get cleaned properly.

Overall, while the suction power could be stronger, the Roomba 694's brush system allows it to effectively keep carpets and hard floors free of surface debris during daily cleaning sessions. The XIEBro HR1010 is another robot vacuum that offers powerful cleaning performance. It has a suction power of 2200Pa, significantly higher than the 600Pa of the Roomba 694. The strong suction allows it to thoroughly clean carpets and lift deep-seated dirt. It also has an efficient 5-stage brush system to agitate and direct dust and debris into the suction path. This includes two main brushes, two side brushes, and a roller brush. The brushes are tangle-free and can handle pet hair with ease. Users mention the XIEBro HR1010 has no trouble picking up dust and dirt from bare floors and low to medium pile carpets in just one pass. Its max mode boosts the suction to the highest setting for very dirty areas. With smart navigation and strong performance, the XIEBro HR1010 delivers a deeper clean compared to basic models like the Roomba 694.

In addition to its powerful suction and brush system, the XIEBro HR1010 has a large 0.7 liter dust bin to collect debris. This allows it to clean for longer periods without needing frequent emptying. It also has HEPA filtration to trap 99% of fine particles, preventing them from escaping back into the air. This makes it a great choice for allergy sufferers. The long 150 minute battery life gives it ample time to handle large homes up to 2200 sq ft. And features like smart mapping with the mobile app, selective room cleaning, and app/voice control make the XIEBro HR1010 extremely convenient to use.

While the Roomba 694 provides capable daily cleaning for light messes, the XIEBro HR1010's superior suction, brush system, large bin, and smart features allow it to deliver much stronger whole-home cleaning, making it a better option for pet owners and homes with lots of dust and debris. Its high-end performance competes with far more expensive robots from top brands. So for shoppers wanting serious cleaning power at a reasonable price, the XIEBro HR1010 is a great alternative to consider.

Navigation and Mapping

The Roomba 694 uses iRobot's state-of-the-art navigation sensors and algorithms to methodically clean your floors. It is equipped with the iRobot iAdapt 2.0 navigation system, which utilizes a full suite of sensors to navigate and map your home.

The vacuum is loaded with sensors to help it get around furniture legs, under cabinets, and around clutter on the floor. These include cliff-detect sensors to avoid stairs, an infrared sensor to detect dirt and avoid obstacles, and a bumper sensor to detect collisions. The 694 can easily transition between various floor types including hardwood, tile, and carpets.

One of the standout mapping capabilities is the ability to learn your home and build personal Smart Maps. This allows the robot to expertly clean in neat rows, cleaning each room efficiently. The vacuum learns the layout of your home and remembers where it has cleaned so it can systematically clean each zone. You can even label rooms in the iRobot Home app and customize cleaning schedules.

The intelligent navigation system along with advanced mapping technology allows the Roomba 694 to expertly navigate and clean autonomously, freeing you from vacuuming duties. It's able to efficiently map and keep track of where it's been and where it needs to clean.

Convenience Features

The iRobot Roomba 694 comes with several convenience features that make it easy to use.

Scheduling Options

You can schedule the Roomba to clean at specific times, even when you're not home. The iRobot app allows you to set up daily, weekly, and one-time cleanings. This is great for keeping your floors consistently clean without having to remember to start the vacuum.

App and Voice Controls

The iRobot app allows you to start, stop, and schedule cleanings right from your smartphone. You can also monitor cleaning progress and view maps of where your robot has cleaned. For voice controls, the Roomba 694 is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant enabled devices. Just use your voice to start and stop cleanings.

Automatic Recharging

When battery runs low, the Roomba will automatically return to its charging base before resuming cleaning. This allows the vacuum to fully recharge and pick up right where it left off without any intervention needed. The Roomba can repeatedly dock and recharge itself as needed to completely clean large areas.

Maintenance

The iRobot Roomba 694 requires little day-to-day maintenance thanks to its self-emptying design. The dust bin itself can hold around 60 days' worth of debris before needing to be emptied. To empty the bin, just remove it from the robot and dispose of the contents.

The high-efficiency filter only needs to be cleaned every 1-2 months. It's very easy to access the filter housing behind the dust bin. The filters can be tapped clean or replaced as needed.

The extractors that house the brushes are also easy to remove, clean, and replace. The brushes themselves should be inspected weekly and any debris or hair removed. Replacement extractors and filters are readily available from iRobot. Overall the maintenance demands are low, especially compared to manual vacuuming.

Noise Level

The Roomba 694 operates at a volume comparable to a regular upright vacuum cleaner, around 65-70 decibels. This makes it loud enough that you'll want to avoid using it at night or during conversations, but it's not an obtrusive level of noise. The 694 has improved noise optimization compared to some older Roomba models, making a more consistent hum rather than sudden loud bursts of suction. However, some users may still find the noise too intrusive for daily cleaning routines. If you prefer a quieter vacuum, consider the Roomba e5 which operates closer to 60 decibels. But the 694 offers solid cleaning performance while keeping noise to a reasonable level. You'll notice the noise but it likely won't bother you if using the vacuum at normal times of day.

Battery Life

The Roomba 694 has excellent battery life for a robot vacuum cleaner. It offers an expected runtime of around 90 minutes per charge. This is enough time to thoroughly clean multiple rooms or a large open concept area on one charge.

The vacuum will automatically return to its charging base when the battery gets low, so you don't have to worry about it running out of juice mid-cleaning cycle. Once docked, it only takes around 3 hours to recharge the battery fully. This quick recharge time means you can start another cleaning cycle relatively fast if needed.

The long runtime per charge combined with the fast recharge time makes the Roomba 694 convenient to use day after day without having to wait for the battery. You can schedule it to clean daily or every other day without running into battery issues. Overall, the battery performance is a major plus for this model.

Price

When the iRobot Roomba 694 first launched, it had an MSRP of $274.99. This places it squarely in the mid-range for robot vacuums in terms of upfront cost. However, when you consider the value this vacuum provides, it's easy to see why it's one of the best-selling models.

For the price, you get powerful suction, intelligent navigation via vSLAM technology, app and voice control, and a 3-stage cleaning system. The Roomba 694 can handle all floor types and is ideal for homes with pets. You'll get up to 90 minutes of runtime before it automatically docks and recharges.

While there are cheaper robot vacuums out there, they usually have limited features and performance. The Roomba 694 hits the sweet spot of balancing price and functionality, making it an excellent value for most households.

When you calculate the time savings and convenience of having an automated vacuum clean for you multiple times per week, the price becomes even more justified. Overall, the Roomba 694 delivers tremendous value for the money compared to more expensive premium models with similar capabilities.

Conclusion

The iRobot Roomba 694 is a solid mid-range robotic vacuum that offers good performance for the price. Here's a quick summary of the pros and cons:

Pros

• Effective cleaning on carpets and hard floors
• Convenient scheduling and app control
• Good battery life of around 90 minutes
• Automatic recharging and resuming
• Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant

Cons

• No mapping features
• Can get stuck on obstacles more often than premium models
• Louder than other Roombas
• No spot cleaning mode

Overall, the Roomba 694 delivers reliable automated cleaning for homes with pets and kids. It navigates efficiently to clean your floors thoroughly. The WiFi connectivity and app integration provide added convenience.

For the price, the Roomba 694 is a worthwhile investment if you're looking for an introduction to robotic vacuums. It takes care of daily vacuuming without the effort on your end. The smart features and solid performance make it a recommended option for busy households.