Roomba 694 vs 675 Comparison Review
If you ask any Tom, Dick, and Harry, Roombas are damn expensive. This is very true considering the two top models Roomba 980 and i7+ have a $900 plus price tag.
However, we have a few affordable models, and today we compare Roomba 694 vs 675 which cost around $300.
On the other hand, Roomba 675 is a newer model and still packs Wi-Fi as the major feature. But is it better than Roomba 694?
That’s what we are about to find out in this Roomba comparison review.
Which one to choose Roomba 675 or Roomba 694?
3 reasons to choose Roomba 694
- Long runtime with automatic recharge: Roomba 694 is equipped with an 1800 mAh battery for 90 minutes of work and automatic recharge for 2-3 hours.
- Virtual walls technology compatible: This Roomba supports virtual walls technology to define no-go zones that could be purchased separately.
- iRobot OS: The Roomba software constantly updates and improves the cleaning experience, learning your habits and preferences to recommend cleaning schedules.
Roomba 694 Works with Alexa
Released together with the Roomba 890 and 690, the 694 reigned as one of the most affordable smart Roombas. The earlier version, the 650 had every other desirable features except for Wi-Fi and Alexa compatibility.
Regarding cleaning performance, this vacuum cleaner packs the AeroVac 3-stage cleaning system. It boasts a 1st Gen motor that combines with the dual multisurface brush system for thorough bare floor cleaning.
For allergy sufferers, we also have AeroVac filters and, even though they are not 99% efficient like true HEPA filters, it’s worth the price.
When it comes to convenience, Roomba 694 has an increased 90 minutes runtime (compared with 60 minutes of the earlier 690 vac). It will recharge automatically but won’t resume cleaning.
It supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for Smartphone app compatibility as well as Alexa operation.
We like the iAdapt 1.0 navigation system though it will get the Roomba stuck a few times here and there. We don’t have Virtual Walls here. However, there is one key improvement in this model. Roomba 694 is the most affordable iRobot vac that learns your cleaning habits and can offer you personalized schedules based on this data.
verdictThis Roomba 694 is ideal for a range of cleaning needs. It can handle bare floors low carpet pile, and pet hair. If you have a small to medium apartments with few furniture, it is also a great purchase.
Roomba 675 an Excellent Deal
This is a pretty new model that was released to help Roomba stay afloat after discontinuing the other old Roomba 600 series robot vacuums. In fact, Roomba 694 vs 675 will reveal more similarities than differences. Thus, this model also has Wi-Fi and packs most of the standard features.
One significant thing is regarding boundary marking. Just like Roomba 694, the 675 vac comes without any Virtual Walls.
When it gets to the cleaning performance, we see nothing different from the old Roomba 694. It still maintains the 1st Generation motor that delivers an average of 600 pa. The brush system is still the same, and so is the filtration.
Even though this Roomba comes with the same iAdapt navigation system, it’s floor mapping is a little more advanced. At least it doesn’t move randomly like older models courtesy of updated software.
There are two large wheels for easy transitioning from the floor to carpets. A roller wheel at the front also makes turning a buzz.
verdictRoomba 675 is an excellent deal if you don’t really need Virtual Walls and you don’t want to spend more on an extra node to make it a pair. If you have large apartments, and many rooms, buy the Roomba 675.
Roomba 694 vs. Roomba 675 Head-to-Head Comparison
DESIGN, DIMENSIONS & AESTHETICS
The design of a vacuum cleaner is very important. Even though it doesn’t contribute directly to the cleaning performance, it determines where the Roomba will reach, and where it won’t reach. The aesthetics also matter even though this is a personal choice.
Roomba 694
Roomba 694, just like all iRobot robot vacuums is round shaped. It doesn’t reach the wall edges and corners like the D-shape models like Neato, but at least the side brush covers for this by sweeping the wall edges. The 694 measures 13.4-inches in diameter, 3.6-inches height, and weighs 6.7lbs. This vacuum has a light silver finish and grey accents.
Roomba 675
The 675 is also round shaped and comes with a side brush to clean the wall edges and deep corners as well. When it comes to dimensions, it has a 13-inch diameter and stands at 3.6-inches high. Regarding weight, the 675 weighed a bit more than the 694 – 7.8lbs. The finish is different from the 694 as it has a dark grey color with black accents.
CLEANING PERFORMANCE
The most important consideration when buying a robot vacuum is the cleaning performance. Just like all other cleaners, the cleaning performance is determined by an amalgam of aspects.
In this section, we are going to look at all these factors and how each contributes to the overall performance of the vacuum.
We will also share the cleaning tests results to highlight how each model performs in a real household setting.
Application
Vacuums are designed to handle a range of cleaning needs. We have vacuums for pet hair, carpets, hard floors and so on.
When buying, make sure the vacuum suits all your cleaning needs.
So, how does Roomba 675 compare to the 694?
Roomba 675
There’s no much difference between Roomba 694 vs 675. The newer Roomba 675 shares most of the features with the 694, so it’s also designed for bare floors, low-piled carpets and pet hair.
The navigation and autonomy is suited for rooms with minimal traffic and small apartments.
Vacuum power
A good vacuum cleaner should have a powerful, and efficient motor. It should also operate quietly.
Roomba 675
On the other hand, Roomba 675 has maintained the 1st Generation motor which also delivers an average of 550-600Pa too.
The operation is quiet as well, but you can only rely on this vacuum for bare floor and low pile carpet vacuuming.
Brush system
The brush system works hand in hand with the motor. While the brush agitates dirt, the suction picks up the dirt. There’s also a side brush that sweeps dirt into the path of the vacuum ready for suctioning.
So, how do the two Roomba’s compare here?
Roomba 694
Roomba 694 comes with a dual multisurface bristle brush system.
It is excellent in agitating and picking up dirt on all types of surfaces. The only shortcoming is the constant tangling especially if you have the long-haired dog breeds. The bristles are also not best for fragile floors like hardwood as they scratch them.
On the side, we have a sweeping brush for the wall edges.
Roomba 675
The new Roomba 675 also boasts a dual multisurface brush system.
However, this time round, it is not a bristle brush, but rubber extractors which are gentle on hard floors like hardwood, but it will still tangle if you constantly deal with the long dog hairs.
There’s also a sweeping side brush for the wall edges and deep corners where the round shape design of the Roomba won’t allow it to reach.
Filtration system
Robot vacuums, just like the canisters and upright vacuums don’t only pick up dirt, they also get rid of the bad odor, and most importantly the allergens.
The best system is true HEPA filtration which is 99.97% efficient compared to their HEPA style counterparts that are 85-90% efficient.
Roomba 675
The same filtration system has been retained in the Roomba 675.
It can capture the mild allergens and other bad odors but not as efficiently as the advanced Roomba’s with AeroForce HEPA filter, for example, the Roomba 890 and 980.
Dirt detection
One unique feature iRobot vacuums have is dirt detection. This system automatically detects where there is dirt and switches the Roomba to spot mode for intensive cleaning.
So far, iRobot has developed two Dirt Detect systems.
- The first is called Dirt Detect 1.0 (Series I) which uses acoustic sensors to detect dirt.
- The other system is Dirt Detect 2.0 which combines acoustic and optical sensors.
Roomba 675
The 675 also has the Dirt Detect Series I and even though there’s a better system, it is still a great deal considering other brands don’t offer this feature.
Cleaning tests
As usual, we did comprehensive cleaning tests on different surfaces, using everyday household dirt.
We tested the two vacuums on the hardwood, low pile carpet, and high pile carpet. We used Cheerios, sugar, flour, rice, kitty litter, sand and pet hair.
So, how did Roomba 694 and 675 perform?
Hardwood floor test
On the hardwood, Roomba 675 and 694 did an excellent job picking up all the dirt we put on their way.
The only hurdle seemed to be the flour. They both left a cloudy patch because of the tiny particles that couldn’t be picked up. But after several passes, everything vanished.
Low pile carpet test
On low pile, the two Roombas also did a great job. All the large dirt debris including Cheerios were picked up without any problem.
However, with the small dirt particles like sugar and flour, as well as kitty litter, the two struggled, but at the end of the day, they managed to collect most of the dirt.
High pile carpet test
This was the ultimate test and one which greatly overwhelmed the two Roombas. High pile requires powerful vacuum power to flush out the dirt that hides deep inside the pile and long strands.
Unfortunately, the Roomba 675 and 694 lack powerful suction. They picked up Cheerios only.
The rest of the dirt we’re not picked up very well, and that’s the reason we have always insisted that you get the special vacuums for carpets, for example, Roomba 980 or the Botvac Connected D7.
CONVENIENCE
There are several aspects that you need to consider when assessing the convenience of a robot vacuum.
Autonomy
Robot vacuums are cordless meaning they have rechargeable batteries that power the motor. That means you have to consider the runtime it offers and most importantly, power management.
Roomba 675
The newer Roomba 675 also comes with the 1800mAh battery that lasts around an hour, a bit shorter than Roomba 694. This vacuum will also recharge automatically, but it lacks the resume function. So, if you have a large apartment, this is not the best option. Pick the Roomba 960 or 980 as they resume cleaning after recharging.
Smart connectivity
Roomba 675
The 675 also supports 2.4Ghz WiFi for Smartphone operation as well as Alexa. Even though the new Roomba models will have wireless updates, it’s not confirmed whether the 675 will also support these updates.
Scheduling
Roomba 675
The 675 also comes with the scheduling function. It will also be programmed from the App or manually using buttons. Unfortunately, you can program it to clean once daily only.
NAVIGATION AND MANEUVERABILITY
Robot vacuums work independently. You don’t have to push it or operate it manually like canisters or upright vacuums. When choosing a vacuum cleaner, there are several things to consider as far as navigation and maneuverability are concerned.
Navigation
The navigation system is an integral part of the vacuum cleaner. iRobot is famous for developing a sophisticated navigation system. The brand is renowned for its patented iAdapt navigation system.
There are three systems:
- iAdapt,
- iAdapt 2.0,
- iAdapt 3.0.
Roomba 675
Roomba 675 also comes with the old iAdapt 1.0 navigation despite being released just recently. Just like the 694, don’t expect it to navigate without hitting obstacles here and there.
Floor mapping
Roomba 675
In the case of Roomba 675, the scanning and mapping system is still based on iAdapt 1.0. However, we noted that it is at least intelligent and makes better decisions because of the upgraded software.
Boundary Marking
There are instances where you will need to contain your robot vacuum. Maybe you don’t want it to go near the dog’s feeding area or other restricted zones.
So, how do you go about this?
But do all Roomba 600 series come with this technology?
Roomba 675
On the other hand, the Roomba 675 doesn’t come with any Virtual Walls node supplied with the package either. But it has been designed to work with Virtual Walls technology. So if you will need boundary marking, you will need to purchase a pair of Virtual Walls, and that means extra budget.
WINNER: Roomba 694 or 675?
We have come to the end of this Roomba 675 vs. 694 comparison review. It is now time to declare the winner between these two cheap Roomba’s.
verdictThe Roomba 694 is the ultimate winner here as it offers smart personalized schedules based on your cleaning habbits. That is what gives it the edge over Roomba 675. So, if you will need to contain your robot vacuum, the 694 is the best.
While the Roomba 694 wins the battle of features, the 675 can’t be ruled out just yet. If you’re looking for a budget robot vacuum, it is the best. Though the functionality is almost the same, the 675 is slightly cheaper because it has sacrificed the Virtual Walls device.
Roomba 694 vs. 675 vs. 890
The two 600 series Roomba vacuums are very identical in terms of performance. But how do they compare to the more advanced 800 series, specifically the Roomba 890?
Here are the similarities and differences of Roomba 694 and 675 vs. 890.
Roomba 600 vs. 800 Similarities
- Design – There are no worthy differences in terms of the design of these vacuums. The difference in color and dimensions are very minimal.
- Navigation and mapping – The three vacuums share the same iAdapt 1.0 navigation and floor mapping system.
- Runtime – These Roombas are also sharing the same 1800mAh battery, and that means the runtime is also the same.
- Smart connectivity – Roomba 694, 675 and 890 have 2.4GHZ WiFi for Smartphone operation. They are also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Roomba 600 vs. 800 Differences
- Vacuum power – The advantage of Roomba 890 is that it comes with the 2nd Generation motor that delivers 5* more air power (1000Pa) just like Roomba 960. However, the two Roba 600 vacuums have a 1st Generation motor.
- Filtration system – Roomba 694 and 675 have HEPA style filtration system (AeroVac) while the 890 has true HEPA filtration system (AeroForce).
- Dirt Detection – The Roomba 890 also has the advanced Dirt Detect Series II while the 675 and 694 have Dirt Detect Series I.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roomba 675 or 694 newer?
How does Roomba 675 know when the cleaning is completed?
Which Roomba is better 694 or 675?
Does Roomba 675 come with virtual wall?
Does Roomba 694 have mapping?
Roomba 694 vs Roomba 675: which model is more affordable?
Roomba 694 vs Roomba 675: which model is more powerful?
How can I use virtual walls with my Roomba 694?
Can I schedule daily cleaning on my Roomba 675?
WRAPPING UP
Indeed, Roomba’s are very expensive. However, models like the 694 and 675 offer a cheap venue for homeowners on a budget.
So, if the high price tag of the Roomba 980 and i7+ scares you, look no further. The 600 series robot vacuums are still worthy purchases.
Ocie Borge
Excellent post. I’m dealing with some of these issues as well..
Otilia Schuchard
I used to be able to find good information from your blog articles.
Kirby Petrecca
I’m amazed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s both educative and amusing, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is something which not enough people are speaking intelligently about. Now i’m very happy that I found this during my hunt for something relating to this.
Anne
Hi! Thanks for the review. You said these models have fall-protection sensors. Does it mean the vacuums may reject cleaning dark floors and rugs considering them a drop?
Richard Harrison
Thank you very much for your question! The truth is that many users mention this problem. Sometimes, Roomba vacuums can stop cleaning on dark surfaces. However, if your floor is that dark, we can recommend you tapping the sensors and let your robot go one more time. This is strange, but the nice price is worth it.
Barb A
Is it necessary to buy Alexa station to use Roombas? Can I run it on its own?
Swartzcop Kennedy
Thank you very much for your question! Indeed, Roomba 694 and 675 do not compulsory require Alexa or Google Assistant. You can use them on their own. Alexa and Google assistants just help you control your robot with more ease.
Doreen
I have several carpets with high fiber. Will Roomba 675 go over them?
Swartzcop Kennedy
Thank you very much for your question! Roomba 675 can climb and clean carpets with maximum fiber height of approximately 1.5 cm (⅝ in). With higher carpets it can face difficulties.