Roomba i2 vs. 692 Comparison Review

The new Roomba i2 is similar to its predecessors, except for a few differences. It is also a round-shaped robot vacuum with a low-profile design, so it can creep under low-profile furniture where dirt concentrates. The diameter is 13.5-inches, while the thickness is 3.6-inches.

As for the weight, it’s slightly heavier at 7lbs. Perhaps the biggest difference is the aesthetics. The Roomba i2 is grey and has three buttons at the top interface alongside the iRobot logo.

The Roomba i2 is a vacuum-only cleaner designed for all types of bare floors. You can rely on it if you have hardwood, tile, ceramic, vinyl, concrete, and even laminate floors.

But unfortunately, it’s not the best for homes with high pile carpets and area rugs, but it offers satisfactory vacuuming on low-pile to medium-pile carpets.

Last, this Roomba can also handle pet hair, from the short pet hair to the stubborn long pet hair that tends to jam the brushroll.

The Roomba i2 may be a new model, but it is lacking when it comes to suction power. It comes with the 2nd Gen motor that puts up an average of 850 – 900pa. This is the same motor that the likes of Roomba 800 series and the entire Roomba i series come with.

Unfortunately, it is a single-speed motor, so adjusting the suction levels is impossible. All the same, it does a great job picking up small to medium-sized debris on hard floors. However, the suction is insufficient to deep clean high pile carpets.

Despite being one of the latest models from the American brand, the Roomba i2 doesn’t have a mopping function. Instead, it sweeps and vacuums only. But luckily, you can enjoy the convenience of vacuuming and mopping courtesy of Imprint Link Technology. Just link the i2 with the Braava M6 (bought separately) and sit back. The Roomba will first vacuum and then the Braava takes over.

The Roomba i2 is a new robot vacuum, but unfortunately, the navigation is powered by iAdapt 1.0, which is an old navigation technology. Based on Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithms, it relies on a set of sensors to move around your home when cleaning.

There are obstacle avoidance sensors that detect obstacles and a retractable bumper that absorbs impact. But unlike the old models with iAdapt 1.0, iRobot has built this Roomba with Reactive Sensor Technology, enabling it to avoid obstacles with high accuracy. There are also cliff detection sensors that prevent it from falling off the stairs and Dirt Detect series II, which uses optical and acoustic sensors to locate spots with concentrated dirt.

Regarding boundary marking, the Roomba i2 is compatible with Virtual Walls, but none is supplied. However, there is a bundle that includes the robot vacuum and Virtual Walls.

The Roomba i2 is guided by an above-average mapping system. It’s not a smart mapping system but enables the robot cleaner to move around in neat rows to guarantee entire level cleaning. It did really well in a room with average traffic, covering almost 95% of the floor.

However, you might have a few more untouched spots in large apartments with lots of furniture. All the same, it’s a worthy choice. For the record, there are no top-of-the-range features such as Keep Out Zones, Clean Zones, etc.

The Roomba i2 is not designed to just sweep and vacuum; it also comes in handy in eliminating elements that cause bad odor or trigger allergies. iRobot included high-efficiency filters which capture 99% of allergens and other elements, leaving the atmosphere fresh.

One thing to note is that these are not true-HEPA filters. Genuine HEPA-grade filters capture particulates down to 0.3 microns while Roomba’s high-efficiency filters capture elements down to 0.6 microns.

One of the best features of the Roomba i2 is the brush system. There are two brushes: the primary brush and a secondary brush. The primary brush is a Dual Multi-Surface Rubberized Brush. There is one brush for agitating dirt and stubborn debris and another for lifting the dirt.

Also worth mentioning is the anti-tangle system that prevents the brush from getting jammed with long hairs. The other brush is a sweeping side brush that reaches the deep corners and wall edges where the main brush can’t reach.

The Roomba i2 comes with an onboard bin with a 0.5L capacity. This is enough to hold the daily dirt of a busy household. There is also a full bin indicator that alerts homeowners when the bin requires emptying. But the icing on the cake is the robot’s compatibility with iRobot’s Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal Technology. The disposal unit is not supplied, but you can purchase it separately for hands-free cleaning and forget about bin emptying for a month or so. The Clean Base does all the heavy lifting for you.

The Roomba i2 is equipped with a lithium-ion battery with a 1800mAh capacity. It can power the robot for around 75 minutes before it docks to recharge. The recharge time is approximately 2-3 hours, give or take.

One great thing about the iRobot i2 is that it knows exactly where it left off after recharging, so it will resume cleaning once it gets enough juice.

While the Roomba i2 might not have smart mapping, it is well endowed with other smart features. First, it is powered by 2.4GHz WiFi. It’s not compatible with 5GHz despite being a new model in an age when 5GHz is the talk of the town.

Like its predecessors, it supports mobile app operation via the iRobot HOME App. Worth mentioning is the company’s innovative iRobot OS, which is a game changer. It improves on the previous iRobot Genius Home Intelligence. iRobot OS takes personalized cleaning to the next level. It can now adapt to your ever-changing schedule with more personalized suggestions.

You can schedule days, times, and specific areas that need more attention. Besides, the Roomba i2 syncs with Alexa and Google Assistant and understands voice commands better.

iRobot is a renowned brand with a good reputation for manufacturing top-quality robot vacuums. The Roomba i2 is one of those products and tags along with a generous 1-year warranty that the company honors as long as the terms and conditions of the warranty have been adhered to fully.

The Roomba i2’s brush must be checked regularly, not just when they seize. Inspect the main brushroll and remove any tangles and other kinds of dirt that may hinder the optimal performance of the brush, especially tangled hair.

Besides the main brushroll, the side brush also requires maintenance. Check whether it is spinning freely and remove anything that could be jamming it. Replace the main brush and side brush after 2-3 months, depending on wear and tear.

To ensure optimal performance, the Roomba i2’s filter should be cleaned at least twice a month or thrice if you live in a dusty environment. Pop out the filter cartridge, remove excess dirt and rinse it thoroughly using cold water. Wait for it to dry before putting it back. Buy a replacement after 2-3 months.

Roomba i2 comes with a large 0.5L onboard bin that needs to be emptied when full, but preferably daily. For the i2, the bin must be emptied manually but remember, this vacuum is compatible with self-emptying technology. If you have the Clean Base, you only need to intervene when the disposable bag in the Clean Base unit gets full, that is in a month or even longer.