The vacuum's ability to generate 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 space. This can be used for several purposes, e.g.
the Roomba 981 having the mapping feature can dedicate efficient cleaning in the mapped-out areas keeping out of those that are not. iRobot Roomba i3 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 leaving out those that aren't.
Roomba 981 has an obstacle sensor, such a sensor serves the purpose of detecting and identifying obstacles in the robot's route, allowing it to navigate around them thus avoiding collisions. Also, the iRobot Roomba i3 has an obstacle sensor, obstacle sensors work together to provide the robot vacuum with a comprehensive understanding of its surroundings, 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. Most modern robot vacuum cleaners such as the 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.
iRobot Roomba i3 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 i3. The 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. The iRobot Roomba i3 is compatible with Google Assistant, it's advised to verify the level of compatibility with Google Assistant before purchasing a robot vacuum.
Roomba 981 has 4 cleaning modes, the cleaning modes offered by robot vacuum cleaners varies widely depending on the design of the robot vacuum. Roomba 981 has a period of 1 year, warranty periods typically range from 1 year to 2 years, but some higher-end brands may give longer warranty periods. The iRobot Roomba i3, at 1 year
has the same warranty period as that of 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. The Roomba 981's dustbin capacity is at 0.5L, dustbin capacity determines how much dust, dirt, and pet hair the robot vacuum can hold before it requires to be emptied. iRobot Roomba i3, at 0.4L
carries less dirt than the Roomba 981 with a difference of only 0.1L
The dustbin capacity varies widely among different robot vacuum models, and the size 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 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. iRobot Roomba i3 also can indicate when its dustbin is full, for a robot vacuum to indicate that it's full can improve the convenience of owning one since it minimizes the need for constant monitoring.
Roomba 981 weighs 4kg, robot vacuums are generally designed to be lightweight and compact for easy maneuverability and portability. iRobot Roomba i3, at 4.3kg
weighs more than the Roomba 981 with a difference of 0.3kg. It's important to consider the weight of the robot vacuum when getting a model, especially 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 duration it takes to clean a room
iRobot Roomba i3, at 337mm
measures less in width than the Roomba 981 with a difference of 14mm. A wider cleaning path can cover more ground in a single pass, shortening the time it takes to clean a room. Roomba 981's height measures 92mm, here you are looking at the measure from the bottom of the robot vacuum to its highest point.
Height is an important consideration, especially if you have obstacles with low clearance in your home. The iRobot Roomba i3, at 92mm
has the same height as that of Roomba 981. When choosing a robot vacuum, make sure 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 a crucial factor that determines how long the vacuum can run on a single charge. Battery capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), Roomba 981's battery power is 3,000mAh
The iRobot Roomba i3, at mAh1,800
has less battery power than the 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 cleaning cycles with fewer interruptions to recharge. The operating time of the Roomba 981 refers to the time the vacuum can clean continuously on a single charge before it needs to return to its charging dock for recharging.
Roomba 981's operating time is 2h
The iRobot Roomba i3, at 1.25h
spends less time than the Roomba 981 by only 0.75h
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. The iRobot Roomba i3, at 5h
charges for longer than the Roomba 981 with a difference of 2h.
Charge time is an important factor to consider when choosing a robot vacuum, as it determines how long you'll need to wait before the vacuum begins its next cleaning cycle. Auto-off is a feature designed to automatically turn off the vacuum after it has completed a cleaning cycle or when certain conditions occur. Roomba 981 has an auto-off feature, which is useful for energy efficiency and battery preservation.
Also, iRobot Roomba i3 supports 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. Roomba 981 supports a smartphone app, through which you can control and monitor the vacuum remotely through your smartphone or tablet. Both the iRobot Roomba i3 and Roomba 981 have mobile application support, mobile apps enhance the user experience by providing convenience, and ease update of features and functionalities.
This feature in robot vacuum cleaners is designed to reduce the likelihood of the robot vacuum getting trapped while 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 iRobot Roomba i3 and Roomba 981 have the "anti-stuck" feature, but clearing clutter, ensuring proper cable management, and creating clear paths for the vacuums can help further eliminate the chances of getting stuck during cleaning.
Roomba 981 has a route mapping feature which enables it to create a map of your space and plan efficient cleaning routes. This mapping capability improves the vacuum's ability to clean effectively and systematically. Route mapping is an important feature as it makes it possible for robot vacuums such as the iRobot Roomba i3 to adapt to the layout of your space to clean more efficiently and minimize the chance of missing certain spots.
Voice prompts are audible messages that the vacuum states to give you information on the different states of the vacuum. Roomba 981 supports this feature
iRobot Roomba i3 also supports voice prompts, this feature can be useful for you who like audible notifications or users who have visual impairments. Auto-docking is a feature in robot vacuum cleaners that indicates the vacuum's ability to autonomously return to its docking station when predetermined conditions are met such as getting work done, battery running low, or any malfunction.
Both iRobot Roomba i3 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. Most robot vacuum cleaners such as Roomba 981 come having an "cliff detection" feature. This feature is designed to prevent the robot vacuum from falling off stairs, ledges, or other elevated surfaces, hence its safety during operation.
This safety feature that is also available on the iRobot Roomba i3 is essential in preventing accidents and protecting the robot vacuum from damage. It gives you peace of mind by ensuring that the vacuum will not fall down a flight of stairs during its cleaning cycle. Roomba 981 has this convenient feature, which allows you to set specific days or times of day for the robot vacuum to automatically start working.
This feature in robot vacuums is particularly useful in maintaining a consistently clean space with little or no manual intervention. iRobot Roomba i3 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, iRobot Roomba i3 supports Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi connectivity enhances the convenience and flexibility of robot vacuum use, allowing for more efficient and customized cleaning routines.
