Roomba 694 vs 692: Unveiling the Ultimate Winner!

Comparing the Roomba 692 and Roomba 694

When comparing the Roomba 692 and Roomba 694, it becomes evident that they are essentially the same machine. Through our rigorous testing in the Testing Lab on our website, we have determined that they share identical build, construction, and capabilities. Their differentiation lies solely in their accessories and availability.

The Roomba 694, which can be purchased directly from iRobot, is also conveniently available at various other retailers. Serving as the introductory model in the Roomba line, this non-mapping, bump-and-go Roomba can be operated effortlessly using its buttons.

The Roomba 692 and Roomba 694 are two identical machines. Both models share the same specifications, including battery capacity, size, weight, navigation software, and capabilities. They also have the same limitations. However, there is a slight difference in the accessories they come with. The Roomba 692, which is an Amazon-exclusive model, only includes one AeroVac dustbin filter. On the other hand, the Roomba 694 comes with two AeroVac dustbin filters.

694Roomba 692

Roomba 692 and Roomba 694 specs

Roomba 692 specs

">Testing team checking Roomba 692 capabilities on carpet.

Product specifications

Battery life: 70 minutes | 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: No | Self-emptying: No | Object avoidance: No | Scheduling: Yes | Selective room cleaning: No | Warranty: 1-year limited

The Roomba 692 is a compact and lightweight robot vacuum with a similar design and specifications as previous models in the Roomba 600 series. With a round body measuring 13.4 inches in diameter and just over 3.5 inches thick, it is easy to maneuver between rooms. However, unlike earlier models, it does not have a built-in carry handle. The vacuum features a 0.35-liter dustbin that needs manual emptying.

Introduced in 2018, the Roomba 692 utilizes iRobot's iAdapt 1.0 navigation software, which allows it to move in semi-random directions. While it does not have advanced functionalities like mapping or object avoidance, it does support scheduling through the iRobot Home app. Additionally, the vacuum is Wi-Fi enabled and comes with a one-year limited warranty.

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Roomba 694 specs

The Roomba 694 is currently being tested by our dedicated team to assess its performance on both vinyl flooring and carpet surfaces. We aim to provide accurate and reliable results to help you make an informed decision.

Product specifications:

- Battery life: 75 minutes

- 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: No

- Self-emptying: No

- Object avoidance: No

- Scheduling: Yes

- Selective room cleaning: No

- Warranty: 1-year limited

The Roomba 694, released in 2020, shares the same specifications as the Roomba 692. It features a compact round body measuring 13.4 inches in diameter and slightly over 3.5 inches in height, with a weight of 6.77 pounds. Similar to the Roomba 692, the Roomba 694 lacks mapping and object avoidance capabilities, relying on the bump-and-go iAdapt 1.0 navigation system found in basic Roomba models. Additionally, it comes with a non-emptying dustbin of the same size as the Roomba 692. While the Roomba 694 supports Wi-Fi connectivity and can be scheduled through the iRobot Home app, it does not offer selective room cleaning.

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Battery life comparison

The Roomba 692 and Roomba 694 both utilize identical rechargeable 1,800 mAH batteries that can be replaced by the user.

Our testing revealed that neither of our test models performed as well as iRobot claims, failing to reach the 90-minute runtime. The Roomba 692 lasted for 70 minutes before requiring a recharge, while the Roomba 694 managed 75 minutes. Both models effectively cleaned an area of approximately 360 square feet, with 90% of the surface being covered in medium-pile carpet and the remaining 10% consisting of hardwood.

Both returned to their Home Base charging docks successfully without completely losing power. The Roomba 692 recharged in one hour and 45 minutes, while the Roomba 694 took two hours.

Suction comparison

It is important to note that iRobot doesn't provide exact measurements for the suction strength of their vacuums. However, the Roomba 692 and 694, which belong to the 600-series models, serve as the benchmark for comparing the suction power of other, more advanced Roomba models.

Both Roomba test models performed comparably well in our carpet and hard flooring tests. The Roomba 694 effectively removed ground coffee from medium-high carpet, leaving minimal visible residue, although some may remain in the pile. The Roomba 692 achieved the same result. When it came to removing breakfast cereal from the carpet, the Roomba 694 successfully picked up and eliminated most pieces, but it did crush a few with its wheels and scatter others out of reach with its side brush. The Roomba 692 also encountered similar challenges in this regard. However, both models managed to collect all the cereal pieces within their reach after a few passes.

In our pet hair tests with cut-up threads, the Roomba 692 slightly outperformed the 694. The 692 managed to pick up all the thread strands, while the 694 missed a single strand. However, it should be noted that we discovered most of the threads were wrapped around the brush rollers of both test models, instead of being stored in their dustbins. This forced us to manually clean the rollers.

In terms of our hard flooring tests, we observed similar outcomes, except that the side brushes of both test models scattered table salt and cereal more widely on hardwood compared to carpet. As a result, the robots took longer to locate and remove these scattered particles. The sound produced by both Roombas was also louder on hardwood than on carpet, although we measured the noise levels at 63 to 64 decibels on both surfaces. Additionally, like most round robot vacuums, neither the Roomba 692 nor the 694 performed exceptionally well in corners, regardless of whether it was carpet or hardwood flooring, as there was still visible residue remaining.

Design comparison

The Roomba 692 and 694 have identical physical appearances, featuring glossy plastic top plates that easily collect fingerprints during testing. Their compact height of 3.5 inches becomes problematic during performance tests, as they often attempt to maneuver underneath low shelves and furniture on carpeted surfaces that shorter vacuums can access and taller vacuums wouldn't dare try. Invariably, both models end up getting stuck in the narrow gap, resulting in an error message and requiring human intervention.

Navigation comparison

Both the Roomba 692 and 694 utilize adaptive or bump-and-go navigation. They move in a specific direction until encountering an obstacle, then try to navigate around it before changing direction. While this basic intelligence proves effective over time, in a single cleaning session, both models tend to overlook entire sections of the floor or carpet while going over certain spots repeatedly, which can be frustrating to observe.

Neither model has obstacle avoidance, but in our tests, their bump-and-go navigation caused them to change direction upon encountering scattered pens or testers' feet. However, when faced with a lightweight stuffed toy, both the Roomba 694 and 692 pushed it a certain distance before altering their course.

Features comparison

The Roomba 692 and 694 only differ in the number of AeroVac filters included in the packaging. AeroVac filters are mesh filters that easily fit into the dustbins of both models, effectively preventing larger particles such as pet dander or pollen from being released into the air during the vacuuming process (Please note that these AeroVac filters are not HEPA-type filters and are incapable of filtering anything smaller than 0.5 microns). The Roomba 694 is accompanied by two AeroVac filters, whereas the Roomba 692 includes one pre-installed in its dustbin.

Other than that, the two Roombas are identical feature for feature, including spot-cleaning mode, dustbin size and Wi-Fi connectability.

User experience

When it comes to the Roomba 692 and 694, regular cleaning is key. To ensure their optimal performance, we recommend placing them on their backs and removing the rollers to check for any hair or debris. Additionally, it's important to inspect their drive wheels, front caster wheel, and side brush for dirt and tangles. Don't forget to clean the charging contacts and sensor windows using a dry cloth.

User experience

The Roomba 692 and 694 are perfect choices for those who are new to robot vacuums and want to experience their capabilities. Despite their lower suction power, they can efficiently handle light cleaning tasks with minimal supervision or control. While both models can be connected to Wi-Fi and controlled through the iRobot Home App, it's important to note that Wi-Fi or the app are not essential for their basic functionality. Apart from scheduling and voice control features, there aren't many additional functions exclusive to the app. Instead, the Roomba 692 and 694 can operate as straightforward cleaning appliances. Simply pick them up, place them in a room, select "Clean," and let them do the job.

Price

The prices of the Roomba 692 and 694 differ, despite their essentially identical features. The Roomba 694 serves as the base model and can be purchased directly from iRobot or various major retailers. It has a suggested retail price of $274.99. On the other hand, the Roomba 692 is an exclusive product available only on Amazon, with a price tag of $299.99. Despite the 694 being slightly more expensive, Amazon frequently offers discounts on it, even though it comes with only one AeroVac filter.

Bottom line

Although the Roomba 692 and 694 are essentially the same machine, our tests showed minimal differences between the two. Nonetheless, we believe the Roomba 694 surpasses the 692 in a head-to-head comparison of these models. It is more widely available from various retailers, has a lower base price, and includes an additional filter. These factors make the Roomba 694 a smarter purchase compared to its nearly identical counterpart, the Roomba 692.