Home Robot Vacuum Cleaners Roomba 981 Vs. Roomba 676

Roomba 981 Vs. Roomba 676 Features Review

12 minute read   Last updated on Jan 11, 2025

Key features of the Roomba 981

Overall Score 5.9

  • Battery Power of 3000 mAh
VS

Key features of the Roomba 676

Overall Score 5.9

  • Can Clean All Floor Types
  • Battery Power of 1800 mAh

A summary by feature comparison

Category Features Roomba 981 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
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A robot vacuum's ability to create a digital map of its cleaning space is one of the commonly asked-for features. The map it creates allows the robot to keep a record of the layout of the space. Mapping and navigation can be used for several purposes, e.g.

the Roomba 981 having the mapping feature can provide efficient cleaning in the mapped-out areas keeping out of those that are not. Roomba 981 has an obstacle sensor, this serves the purpose of detecting and identifying objects in the robot's path, allowing it to navigate around them thus avoiding collisions. Also, the Roomba 676 has this sensor, obstacle sensors work together to provide the robot vacuum with a comprehensive understanding of its environment, making it possible 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 Roomba 981 are designed to work with Amazon Alexa, which means that they can be integrated with the Amazon Echo ecosystem and controlled using voice commands. The Roomba 676 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 Roomba 676. Roomba 981 is compatible with Google Assistant, enabling you to control it using voice commands via Google Home devices or the Google Assistant app installed on smartphones and tablets.

Roomba 676 is compatible with Google Assistant, it's advised to verify the level of compatibility with Google Assistant before purchasing a robot vacuum. The Roomba 981 has 4 cleaning modes, the number of cleaning modes supported by robot vacuums can vary widely depending on the design of the robot vacuum. The Roomba 981 has a period of 1 year, this typically range from 1 - 2 years, but some higher-end brands may offer longer warranty periods.

The Roomba 676, at 1 year has the same warranty period as that of Roomba 981. When considering a robot vacuum cleaner, it's essential to read and understand the warranty terms and conditions, as well as any limitations or exclusions that may apply. Roomba 981's dustbin capacity is at 0.5L, dustbin capacity indicates how much dust, dirt, and pet hair the vacuum can hold before it can be emptied.

Roomba 676, at 0.35L carries less dirt than the Roomba 981 by only 0.15L The dustbin capacity varies 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. Most robot vacuum cleaners are equipped with sensors and indicators to notify users when the dustbin is full and needs to be emptied. Roomba 981 supports this feature, which prevents the robot vacuum from getting clogged thus performance will be maintained as soon as the bin is emptied.

The Roomba 981 weighs 4kg, robot vacuums are generally designed to be lightweight and compact to easily get around and portability. The Roomba 676, at 3kg is lighter than the Roomba 981 by 1kg. It's advisable to take in consideration the weight of the robot vacuum when getting a model, and that's if you plan to carry it up and down stairs Roomba 981 has a width of 351mm, aslo known as its cleaning path width, refers to the width of the area that it 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 Roomba 676, at 340mm measures less in width than the Roomba 981 with a difference of 11mm. A wider cleaning path can cover more ground in a single pass, reducing the time it takes to clean a room. Roomba 981's height measures 92mm, here you are considering the measurement from the bottom to its highest point.

Height is a key consideration, especially if you have furniture with limited clearance in your home. Roomba 676, at 92mm has the same height as that of Roomba 981. When choosing 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 battery power of a robot vacuum cleaner is important as it determines how long the vacuum can run on a single charge. It is typically measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), Roomba 981's battery power is 3,000mAh Roomba 676, at mAh1,800 has less battery power than the Roomba 981 by only A bigger capacity usually means longer battery life which can be of advantage if you have a large space or if you prefer the robot vacuum to complete operations with fewer 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 battery charge before it needs to be recharged.

Roomba 981's operating time is 2h The Roomba 676, at 2h has the same operating time as the Roomba 981 Always plan cleaning cycles around the vacuum's operating time to maximize efficiency and prevent "incomplete work" between charge intervals. 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. Roomba 676, at 2h spends lesser time charging than the 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 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. Roomba 981 has an auto-off feature, which is useful for energy efficiency and battery preservation.

Also, Roomba 676 supports 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 process. 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 Roomba 676 and 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 becoming stuck during cleaning. Robot vacuums such as the Roomba 981 are equipped with various sensors and technologies to move around obstacles and avoid getting trapped, however the effectiveness of this feature varies among different models. Both the Roomba 676 and Roomba 981 have the "anti-stuck" feature, but clearing clutter, ensuring proper cable management, and creating clear paths for the vacuums helps to further eliminate the chances of getting stuck while cleaning.

Roomba 981 has a route mapping feature that enables it to generate a map of your space and plan efficient cleaning routes. This mapping capability improves the vacuum's ability to clean effectively and systematically. Voice prompts are audible messages that the vacuum emits to provide you alerts on the different states of the vacuum.

Roomba 981 supports this feature Roomba 676 also supports voice prompts, this feature can be useful for you who prefer audible notifications or users who have visual impairments. Auto-docking is a feature that refers to the vacuum's ability to return to its docking station when certain conditions are met such as getting work done, battery running low, or any malfunction. Both Roomba 676 and 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 Roomba 981 come equipped with an "anti-fall" feature. This feature is intended to prevent the robot vacuum from falling off stairs, ledges, or other elevated surfaces, ensuring its safety during operation. This safety feature that is also available on the Roomba 676 is essential in preventing accidents and protecting 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. Roomba 981 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 keeping a consistently clean space with little or no manual intervention.

Roomba 676 too can be scheduled. 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, Roomba 676 supports Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi connectivity improves the ease and flexibility of robot vacuum usage, giving more efficient and customized cleaning routines.

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