Home Robot Vacuum Cleaners Irobot Roomba 698 Vs. Irobot Roomba 981

Irobot Roomba 698 Vs. Irobot Roomba 981 Features Review

13 minute read   Last updated on Aug 18, 2024
iRobot Roomba 981

iRobot Roomba 981

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Key features of the iRobot Roomba 981

Overall Score 5.9

  • Battery Power of 3000 mAh
VS
iRobot Roomba 698

iRobot Roomba 698

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Key features of the iRobot Roomba 698

Overall Score 5.6

A summary by feature comparison

Category Features iRobot Roomba 981 iRobot Roomba 698
COMMONLY ASKED FOR FEATURES has mapping and navigation
has an obstacle sensor
works with alexa
compatible with google assistant
number of cleaning modes 4only
warranty period 1year 2year
DESIGN FEATURES dustbin capacity 0.5L 0.6L
indicates when full
weight 4kg 3kg
width 351mm 340mm
height 92mm 92mm
CLEANING PERFORMANCE AND POWER FEATURES battery power 3,000mAh
operating time 2h 1.5h
charge time 3h 2h
has auto-off
has dirt sensor
OTHER FEATURES has carpet detection
support a mobile application
doesn't get stuck
supports virtual barriers
has route mapping
has voice prompts
supports auto docking
has anti-fall sensor
can be scheduled
supports wi-fi
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The robot vacuum's ability to create a digital map of its cleaning area is one of the commonly asked-for features. The map it creates allows the robot to "understand" the layout of the space. Mapping and navigation can be used for several purposes, e.g.

the iRobot Roomba 698 having the mapping feature can provide efficient cleaning in the mapped-out areas without accessing those that are not. The iRobot Roomba 981 also has the mapping and navigation feature, navigation involves how the robot vacuum moves around the space. Mapping and navigation often go hand in hand to help the vacuum move to the mapped-out areas to be cleaned ignoring those that aren't.

iRobot Roomba 698 has an obstacle sensor, this serves the purpose of detecting and identifying objects in the robot's way, allowing it to navigate around them thus avoiding collisions. Also, the iRobot Roomba 981 has an obstacle sensor, obstacle sensors work together to provide the robot vacuum with a comprehensive understanding of its environment, enabling it to navigate around furniture, walls, and other objects when cleaning a room thus preventing damage to both the robot and its obstacles. Many modern robot vacuum cleaners such as the iRobot Roomba 698 are built to work with Amazon Alexa, which means that they can be integrated with the Amazon Echo ecosystem and programmed using voice commands.

The iRobot Roomba 981 can also work with Amazon Alexa, keep in mind that you will need an Alexa-enabled device such as an Echo speaker for voice control to work with your robot vacuum. iRobot Roomba 698 is compatible with Google Assistant, enabling you to control it using voice commands through Google Home devices or the Google Assistant app installed on smartphones and tablets. The iRobot Roomba 981 too is compatible with Google Assistant, it's always essential to verify the level of compatibility with Google Assistant before purchasing a robot vacuum.

The iRobot Roomba 698 has a period of 2 year, this typically range from 1 year to 2 years, but some higher-end brands may give longer warranty periods. iRobot Roomba 981, at 1 year has a shorter warranty period than the iRobot Roomba 698 with a difference of 1 year. When thinking of buying a robot vacuum cleaner, it's important to read and understand the warranty terms and conditions, alongside any limitations or exclusions that may apply.

The iRobot Roomba 698's dustbin capacity is at 0.6L, dustbin capacity determines how much dust, dirt, and pet hair the vacuum holds before it can be emptied. iRobot Roomba 981, at 0.5L carries less dirt than the iRobot Roomba 698 with a difference of only 0.1L The dustbin capacity varies widely among robot vacuum models, and the capcity you choose should be based on your cleaning needs and the size of the area you want to clean. Most robot vacuum cleaners are equipped with sensors and indicators to notify users when the dirt collection container is full and needs to be emptied.

iRobot Roomba 698 supports this feature, which prevents the robot vacuum from getting clogged which means performance will be maintained as soon as the bin is emptied. iRobot Roomba 981 also can indicate when its dustbin is full, for a robot vacuum to alert that it's full can improve the convenience of owning one since it reduces the need for constant monitoring. iRobot Roomba 698 weighs 3kg, robot vacuums are commonly designed to be lightweight and compact for easy maneuverability and portability.

iRobot Roomba 981, at 4kg weighs more than the iRobot Roomba 698 with a difference of 1kg. It's advisable to consider the weight of the robot vacuum when selecting a model, especially if you plan to carry it up and down stairs iRobot Roomba 698 has a width of 340mm, aslo known as its cleaning path width, is the width of the area that the robot vacuum can effectively clean in one go. The width of a robot vacuum is key as it can affect its efficiency and the time it takes to clean a room The iRobot Roomba 981, at 351mm measures more in width than the iRobot Roomba 698 with a difference of 11mm.

A wider cleaning path can cover more ground in a single pass, shortening the time it takes to clean a room. iRobot Roomba 698's height measures 92mm, here you are considering the measure from the bottom of the robot vacuum to its highest point. Height is an important consideration, especially if you have furniture with low clearance in your home.

iRobot Roomba 981, at 92mm has the same height as that of iRobot Roomba 698. When selecting a robot vacuum, ensure that the robot vacuum can go under the furniture and navigate effectively in your living space without getting stuck or causing damage. The operating time of the iRobot Roomba 698 refers to the amount of time the vacuum can clean continuously on a single battery charge before it needs to return to its charging dock for recharging.

iRobot Roomba 698's operating time is 1.5h iRobot Roomba 981, at 2h lasts more than the iRobot Roomba 698 with a difference of 0.5h Always plan cleaning cycles around the vacuum's operating time to maximize efficiency and prevent "incomplete work" between charge intervals. iRobot Roomba 698 has a charge time of 2h, the charge time of a robot vacuum cleaner refers to the amount of time it takes for the vacuum's battery to recharge fully after it has been depleted during a cleaning cycle. The iRobot Roomba 981, at 3h charges for longer than the iRobot Roomba 698 with a difference of 1h.

Charge time is an important factor to consider when choosing a robot vacuum, since it determines how long you'll need to wait before the vacuum begins its next cleaning cycle. This feature is designed to automatically turn off the vacuum after it has completed an operation or when specific conditions occur. iRobot Roomba 698 has an auto-off feature, which is useful for energy efficiency and battery preservation.

Also, iRobot Roomba 981 has this feature, overall, the auto-off feature in a robot vacuum is a valuable addition that in a way promotes energy efficiency, prolongs the vacuum's lifespan, enhances safety, and adds convenience to the cleaning operations. iRobot Roomba 698 has a dirt sensor, dirt sensors are designed to detect the availability of dirt, dust, or debris in the area being cleaned and can be used to adjust the vacuum's cleaning behavior during operation. iRobot Roomba 698 has carpet detection, which allows the vacuum to detect and adjust to all kinds of floor surfaces, to be specific recognizing when it transitions from hard floors like hardwood to carpeted areas.

iRobot Roomba 698 supports a smartphone app, that allows you to control and monitor the vacuum remotely through your smartphone or tablet. Both the iRobot Roomba 981 and iRobot Roomba 698 have mobile application support, this enhances the user experience by providing convenience, and ease update of features and functionalities. This feature in robot vacuum cleaners is intended to eliminate the likelihood of the robot vacuum getting stuck during cleaning.

Robot vacuums such as the iRobot Roomba 698 are equipped with various sensors and technologies to move around obstacles and avoid getting stuck, but the effectiveness of this feature can vary among different models. Both the iRobot Roomba 981 and iRobot Roomba 698 have the "anti-stuck" feature, however clearing clutter, ensuring proper cable management, and creating clear paths for the vacuums helps to further reduce the chances of becoming stuck while cleaning. Virtual barriers are typically set up and controlled via the robot vacuum's mobile app, similar to no-go zones, these barriers are designed to help you control and restrict where the robot vacuum can and cannot go during cleaning.

iRobot Roomba 698 has a route mapping feature which enables it to generate a map of your home and plan efficient cleaning routes. This mapping capability enhances the vacuum's ability to work effectively and systematically. Route mapping is an important feature as it makes it possible for robot vacuums such as the iRobot Roomba 981 to adapt to the layout of your space to clean more efficiently and minimize the risk of missing certain spots.

Most robot vacuum cleaners such as iRobot Roomba 698 come equipped with an "cliff detection" feature. This feature is intended to prevent the robot vacuum from falling off stairs, ledges, or other elevated surfaces, hence its safety while cleaning. This safety feature that is also available on the iRobot Roomba 981 is essential in mitigating accidents and keeping the robot vacuum from damage.

It gives you peace of mind knowing that the vacuum will not fall off a ledge during its cleaning cycle. iRobot Roomba 698 has this convenient feature, which enables you to set certain days or times of day for the robot vacuum to start working. This feature in robot vacuums is particularly useful in maintaining a consistently clean home without the need for manual intervention.

iRobot Roomba 981 too can be scheduled. iRobot Roomba 698 supports Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi-enabled robot vacuums offer several advantages and features, such as remote control, mobile app integration, voice assistant compatibility, and remote monitoring. Also, iRobot Roomba 981 supports Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi connectivity improves the ease and flexibility of robot vacuum use, allowing for more efficient and customized cleaning routines.

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