Overall Score 5.9
Overall Score 5.9
Category | Features | iRobot Roomba 981 | iRobot Roomba 676 |
---|---|---|---|
COMMONLY ASKED FOR FEATURES | can clean all floor types | ✗ | ✓ |
has mapping and navigation | ✓ | ✗ | |
has an obstacle sensor | ✓ | ✓ | |
works with alexa | ✓ | ✓ | |
compatible with google assistant | ✓ | ✓ | |
number of cleaning modes | 4only | ✗ | |
warranty period | 1year | 1year | |
DESIGN FEATURES | dustbin capacity | 0.5L | 0.35L |
indicates when full | ✓ | ✗ | |
weight | 4kg | 3kg | |
width | 351mm | 340mm | |
height | 92mm | 92mm | |
CLEANING PERFORMANCE AND POWER FEATURES | battery power | 3,000mAh | 1,800mAh |
operating time | 2h | 2h | |
charge time | 3h | 2h | |
operating power consumption | ✗ | 33W | |
has auto-off | ✓ | ✓ | |
has dirt sensor | ✗ | ✓ | |
OTHER FEATURES | 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 | ✓ | ✓ | |
See Price on Amazon | See Price on Amazon |
A vacuum's ability to create a 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 desired space. This can be used for different situations, for example the iRobot Roomba 981 having the mapping feature can dedicate efficient cleaning in the mapped-out areas without accessing those that are not.
iRobot Roomba 981 has an obstacle sensor, this serves the purpose of detecting and identifying obstacles in the robot's way, allowing it to navigate around them thus avoiding collisions. Also, the iRobot Roomba 676 has an obstacle sensor, obstacle sensors work together to provide the robot vacuum with a better understanding of its surroundings, making it possible to navigate around furniture, walls, and other objects when cleaning a room and avoiding damage to both the robot and its obstacles. Many modern robot vacuum cleaners such as the iRobot Roomba 981 are built to work with Amazon Alexa, which implies that they can be added to the Amazon Echo ecosystem and controlled using voice commands.
The iRobot Roomba 676 can also work with Amazon Alexa, keep in mind that you will require an Alexa-enabled device such as an Echo speaker for voice control to work with iRobot Roomba 676. The iRobot Roomba 981 is compatible with Google Assistant, enabling you to control it using voice commands through Google Home devices or the Google Assistant app found on smartphones and tablets. iRobot Roomba 676 too is compatible with Google Assistant, it's always essential to verify the level of compatibility with Google Assistant before buying a robot vacuum.
The iRobot Roomba 981 has 4 cleaning modes, the number of cleaning modes supported by robot vacuum cleaners varies widely depending on the make and model of the robot vacuum. iRobot Roomba 981 has a period of 1 year, this typically range from 1 - 2 years, however some higher-end brands may offer longer warranty periods. The iRobot Roomba 676, at 1 year has the same warranty period as that of iRobot Roomba 981.
When thinking of buying a robot vacuum cleaner, it's essential to read and understand the warranty terms and conditions, alongside any limitations or exclusions that may apply. iRobot Roomba 981's dustbin capacity is at 0.5L, dustbin capacity indicates how much dust, dirt, and pet hair the robot vacuum holds before it can be emptied. iRobot Roomba 676, at 0.35L carries less dirt than the iRobot Roomba 981 with a difference of only 0.15L The dustbin capacity can vary widely among different robot vacuum models, and the capcity you choose should depend on your cleaning needs and the size of the area you want to clean.
Many robot vacuum cleaners are equipped with sensors and indicators to alert users when the dirt collection container is full and needs to be emptied. iRobot Roomba 981 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 weighs 4kg, robot vacuums are commonly designed to be lightweight and compact to easily get around and carrying around.
iRobot Roomba 676, at 3kg is lighter than the iRobot Roomba 981 by 1kg. It's important to consider the weight of the vacuum when choosing a model, especially if you plan to carry it up and down stairs iRobot Roomba 981 has a width of 351mm, 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 space iRobot Roomba 676, at 340mm measures less in width than the iRobot Roomba 981 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 981's height measures 92mm, here you are considering the measurement from the bottom to its highest point. Height is an important consideration, especially if you have furniture with low clearance in your home.
iRobot Roomba 676, at 92mm has the same height as that of iRobot Roomba 981. When choosing a robot vacuum, make sure that the robot vacuum can fit under the furniture and navigate effectively in your living space without getting stuck or causing damage. The battery power of a robot vacuum cleaner is a crucial factor that determines how long the vacuum can operate on a single charge.
It is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), iRobot Roomba 981's battery power is 3,000mAh iRobot Roomba 676, at mAh1,800 has less battery power than the iRobot Roomba 981 with a difference of only A bigger capacity usually means longer battery life which can be beneficial if you have a large home or if you prefer the robot vacuum to complete operations with less interruptions to recharge. The operating time of a robot vacuum cleaner refers to the amount of time the vacuum can clean continuously on a single charge before it needs to be recharged. iRobot Roomba 981's operating time is 2h iRobot Roomba 676, at 2h has the same operating time as the iRobot Roomba 981 Always plan cleaning cycles around the vacuum's operating time to maximize efficiency and prevent "incomplete work" between charge intervals.
iRobot Roomba 981 has a charge time of 3h, 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 676, at 2h spends lesser time charging than the iRobot Roomba 981 by only 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 is ready for its next cleaning cycle.
This feature is designed to automatically turn off the vacuum after it has completed an operation or when certain conditions occur. iRobot Roomba 981 has an auto-off feature, which is useful for energy efficiency and battery preservation. Also, iRobot Roomba 676 has this feature, overall, the auto-off feature in a robot vacuum is a key addition that in a way promotes energy efficiency, prolongs the vacuum's lifespan, enhances safety, and adds convenience to the cleaning operations.
iRobot Roomba 981 supports a smartphone app, that allows you to control and monitor the vacuum without getting to it physically but through your smartphone or tablet. Both the iRobot Roomba 676 and iRobot Roomba 981 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 designed to eliminate the chance of the robot vacuum getting stuck during cleaning.
Robot vacuums such as the iRobot Roomba 981 are equipped with various sensors and technologies to navigate around obstacles and avoid getting trapped, however the effectiveness of this feature can vary among different models. Both the iRobot Roomba 676 and iRobot Roomba 981 have the "anti-stuck" feature, but clearing clutter, ensuring proper cable management, and creating clear paths for the vacuums can help further reduce the chances of becoming stuck during cleaning. iRobot Roomba 981 has a route mapping feature that enables it to create a map of your space and schedule efficient cleaning routes.
This mapping capability enhances the vacuum's ability to clean effectively and systematically. Voice prompts are notifications that the vacuum states to provide you information on the different states of the vacuum. iRobot Roomba 981 supports this feature The iRobot Roomba 676 also supports voice prompts, this feature is useful for you who prefer audible notifications or users who have visual impairments.
Auto-docking is a feature in robot vacuum cleaners that refers to the vacuum's ability to autonomously return to its docking station when predetermined conditions are met such as done with cleaning, battery running low, or any malfunction. Both iRobot Roomba 676 and iRobot Roomba 981 support this feature, considered a convenient feature because it ensures that the robot vacuum maintains its charge and readiness for cleaning without requiring manual intervention. Modern robot vacuum cleaners such as iRobot Roomba 981 come equipped with an "cliff detection" feature.
This feature is intended to save the robot vacuum from falling off stairs, ledges, or other elevated surfaces, thus its safety during operation. This safety feature that is also available on the iRobot Roomba 676 is essential in preventing accidents and keeping the robot vacuum from damage. It gives you peace of mind knowing that the vacuum will not fall down a flight of stairs during its cleaning cycle.
iRobot Roomba 981 has this convenient feature, which enables you to set specific days or times of day for the robot vacuum to automatically start working. The scheduling feature in robot vacuums is specifically useful in keeping a consistently clean space without the need for manual intervention. iRobot Roomba 676 too allows scheduling.
iRobot Roomba 981 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 676 supports Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi connectivity enhances the convenience and flexibility of robot vacuum use, allowing for more efficient and customized cleaning routines.