Roomba 694 vs 675: Unveiling the Ultimate Winner!
Discover the ultimate showdown between Roomba 675 and 694, two remarkable entry-level robot vacuums Compare specs, suction, design, navigation, filtration, features, cleaning modes, maintenance, and price Find your perfect match!
Comparing the Roomba 675 and 694
When comparing the Roomba 675 to the Roomba 694, we are looking at two entry-level robot vacuums with similar features and capabilities. The Roomba 694, released in 2020, is a Wi-Fi-enabled non-mapping robot vacuum that can be purchased directly from iRobot or various retailers. On the other hand, the Roomba 675 is an older model from 2018 that is primarily sold in big-box stores and online. Although it is not available in new condition from iRobot, you can still find new-in-box units at some major retailers.In terms of performance, our website Testing Lab conducted evaluations on the Roomba 694, focusing on suction, navigation, and filtration. The results showed that it slightly outperforms the older Roomba 675 in most tests and measurements. However, the difference is not significant. Therefore, unless you come across a new-in-the-box Roomba 675 at a considerable discount, we recommend choosing the Roomba 694 if you are in the market for a basic robot vacuum.
Roomba 675 vs. 694 specs
The Roomba 675 and 694 are both part of the 600-series Roombas and share many similar specifications. The main difference between them lies in the size of their dustbins and their respective weights.Roomba 675 specs
Product specificationsThe Roomba 675 has a battery life of 90 minutes and is designed with dimensions of 13.4" L x 13.4" W x 3.54" H. It features a dustbin capacity of 0.3 L and weighs approximately 7.59 lb. The navigation software used is iAdapt 1.0, while mapping, self-emptying, and object avoidance capabilities are not included. However, it does offer scheduling functionality for convenient use. Selective room cleaning is not supported. The Roomba 675 comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Roomba 694 specs
Product specificationsBattery life: 90 minutes (75 during testing)
Dimensions: 13.4” L x 13.4” W x 3.54” H
Dustbin capacity: 0.35 L
Weight: 6.77 lb
Navigation software: iAdapt 1.0
Mapping: Not available
Self-emptying: Not available
Object avoidance: Not available
Scheduling: Yes
Selective room cleaning: Not available
Warranty: 1-year limited
Roomba 694The Roomba 694 has the same shape and dimensions as the Roomba 675, measuring 13.4 inches across and 3.5 inches tall. However, it is slightly lighter, weighing less than 7 pounds. Its dustbin capacity is slightly larger, with 0.35 liters compared to 0.3 liters of the Roomba 675. Similar to the Roomba 675, the Roomba 694 is a bump-and-clean robot that lacks mapping or object avoidance capabilities. Nevertheless, it does support scheduling and can be controlled using voice assistants through the iRobot Home app and Wi-Fi. Additionally, it comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Suction comparison
Get the sale off nowConsidering both the Roomba 675 and the 694, neither of them boasts powerful suction. While iRobot doesn't readily provide suction power ratings, its 600-series robot vacuums serve as the baseline against which the more powerful models are measured. In general, Roombas rely on their three-stage cleaning system to effectively eliminate dirt and debris. Two rollers are employed to gather dirt and debris from different floor surfaces and direct them towards the suction path leading to the dustbin. To capture dirt from corners or edges, a spinning side brush is included, aiding the rollers in their cleaning process.The Roomba 694 performed satisfactorily in our hands-on testing. It effectively removed coffee grounds and table salt with minimal residue from different surfaces. However, it encountered difficulty in picking up dry rice and its side brush scattered loose debris, such as breakfast cereal. The Roomba 694 required multiple passes on both carpet and hard flooring to achieve optimal results with all test materials. It demonstrated no major issues in handling pet fur on various surfaces, except for leaving visible hairs on low-pile rugs. When vacuuming cat litter off of hard flooring, it left behind some grit.
On the other hand, the Roomba 675 shares an almost identical design with the 694. However, in direct comparisons, it has been observed to perform slightly worse. Despite having the same roller design, suction power, wheels, and side brush as the 694, the difference in performance remains debatable.
Design comparison
The Roomba 675 and 694 have similar designs with two notable distinctions. Firstly, the Roomba 675 features a convenient flip-up carrying handle, enabling effortless one-handed transportation between rooms. Conversely, the Roomba 694 lacks a handle or any comparable functionality.Secondly, the Roomba 694 boasts a larger dustbin capacity of 0.35 liters, whereas the Roomba 675's dustbin holds 0.3 liters. Although the additional 50 milliliters may not seem significant, it can potentially allow users to postpone emptying their 694 until another day, although we still recommend regular emptying to prevent interruptions during cleaning tasks.
Both the Roomba 675 and Roomba 694 exhibit robust design elements, featuring hefty drive wheels and a resilient body made of grey-and-black plastic. However, it should be noted that their sleek surfaces have the propensity to attract fingerprints, while their bumpers have the tendency to accumulate superficial scuffs.
Navigation comparison
The effectiveness of bump-and-clean navigation in keeping an area clean relies on frequent usage of a robot vacuum. However, in a single cleaning session, robot vacuums with this navigation method may repeatedly go over certain spots while completely missing long stretches of flooring. During our observation of the Roomba 694 test unit, it continuously performed the same maneuvers around a table and chairs, completely ignoring an open area nearby. Witnessing this can be quite frustrating.
Both the Roomba 694 and the Roomba 675 lack mapping capabilities and are unable to remember the layout of your home. They also lack real obstacle avoidance. During testing, the Roomba 694 pushed a child's toy and repeatedly bumped into the legs of our testers. However, it did demonstrate no difficulties transitioning between hard flooring and carpet, and only faced slight challenges with curled rug edges. As the Roomba 675 shares the same navigation intelligence, wheels, and sensors, it is expected to perform similarly.
Filtration comparison
The dustbins of both the Roomba 675 and Roomba 694 utilize iRobot’s AeroVac filters. These specialized mesh filters are designed to capture particles that the vacuum encounters, preventing them from being released back into the surrounding air. It is important to note that these filters, which are of the same size as those used in all 600 series Roombas, are not classified as HEPA-type or high-performance filters. Therefore, they are unable to effectively trap small particles measuring less than 0.5 microns, making them less than ideal for individuals with allergies.Features and cleaning modes
In a departure from the previous models, the Roomba 675 no longer incorporates separate "low" and "high" cleaning modes. Instead, it leverages sensors and intelligent technology to automatically enhance suction power when operating on carpeted areas or locations with high levels of dirt. This innovative feature has also been integrated into subsequent models, including the Roomba 694.Both the Roomba 675 and 694, like most other Roombas, have a spot-clean mode. This mode can be activated by pressing the "Spot" button on their top panel. When in spot-cleaning mode, a Roomba 675 or Roomba 694 will move in a spiral pattern up to 3 feet, navigating around any obstacles in its path. It will then spiral back inward, effectively removing any debris in its way.
One notable feature of the Roomba 675 is its Wi-Fi connectivity and app control. This entry-level robot vacuum, along with the Roomba 694, does not come with a handheld remote. Instead, it can connect to Wi-Fi and be controlled through the iRobot Home app. This allows for remote activation, status monitoring, and scheduling, just like the Roomba 694.
Both the Roomba 675 and 694 operate on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1,800 mAH, allowing for a run time of approximately 90 minutes. However, during our evaluation, the 694 lasted only 75 minutes in a carpeted apartment before returning to its Home Base charging dock – it is important to note that the carpeted surface may have played a role in this reduced run time compared to bare floors. Fortunately, both models can be fully recharged within two to three hours. Our Roomba 694 test unit, in particular, indicated its readiness for cleaning after a mere two hours of charging.
While having Wi-Fi capabilities and app control is convenient, controlling Roombas like the 675 or 694 can be just as easily done by manually picking them up, placing them down, and pressing the "Clean" button. This is especially beneficial for individuals who prefer appliances that function without the need for dealing with apps or additional options.
Cleaning and maintenance
Both the maintenance and cleaning processes for the Roomba 675 and Roomba 694 are quite similar. Both models feature dustbins that require frequent emptying, which can be effortlessly accomplished by utilizing the simple button located on top of their chassis. However, it is important to note that although the dustbin of the Roomba 675 has a capacity of 0.3 liters, it should not be rinsed with water, whereas the dustbin of the Roomba 694 can be rinsed.Additionally, both models are equipped with a bristle brush roller that should be regularly checked for any entangled pet fur, thread, or human hair. The brush roller, as well as the rubber beater brush, can be easily removed from the roller assemblies located under the units. It is essential to inspect both units for any debris present in their roller compartments, around their wheel axles, and within their internal vacuum paths. Furthermore, wiping the sensors and charging contacts with a dry cloth on a weekly basis or so is highly recommended to ensure optimal performance.
Price
The Roomba 675 is no longer being sold new by iRobot. However, it can still be purchased as new-in-the-box models from brick-and-mortar Target stores or through online platforms like Walmart and Best Buy. The original list price for the Roomba 675 was $279.99. Currently, the prices for both new-in-the-box and refurbished models range from $150 to $200.On the other hand, the Roomba 694 is readily available for purchase directly from iRobot. It is listed at a price of $274.99, but it often receives discounts below $250 or even $200.
