Overall Score 6.7
Overall Score 5.9
Category | Features | iRobot Roomba i3 Evo | Roomba 981 |
---|---|---|---|
COMMONLY ASKED FOR FEATURES | has mapping and navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
has an obstacle sensor | ✓ | ✓ | |
supports no-go zones | ✓ | ✗ | |
works with alexa | ✓ | ✓ | |
compatible with google assistant | ✓ | ✓ | |
number of cleaning modes | 3only | 4only | |
warranty period | 1year | 1year | |
DESIGN FEATURES | dustbin capacity | 0.5L | 0.5L |
indicates when full | ✓ | ✓ | |
weight | 6.8kg | 4kg | |
width | 133mm | 351mm | |
height | 36mm | 92mm | |
CLEANING PERFORMANCE AND POWER FEATURES | battery power | 1,800mAh | 3,000mAh |
operating time | 1.5h | 2h | |
charge time | 2h | 3h | |
has auto-off | ✓ | ✓ | |
has dirt sensor | ✓ | ✗ | |
OTHER FEATURES | has problem area cleaning | ✓ | ✗ |
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 robot vacuum's ability to generate a digital map of its cleaning area is one of the commonly asked-for features. This map allows the robot to "understand" the layout of the space. Mapping and navigation can be used for several purposes, e.g.
the iRobot Roomba i3 Evo having the mapping feature can provide efficient cleaning in the mapped-out areas keeping out of those that are not. The Roomba 981 also has the mapping and navigation feature, navigation involves how the robot vacuum moves around the cleaning area. 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.
iRobot Roomba i3 Evo has an obstacle sensor, such a sensor serves the purpose of detecting and identifying obstacles in the robot's route, this allwos it to navigate around them thus avoiding collisions. Also, the Roomba 981 has this sensor, obstacle sensors work together to provide the robot vacuum with a better understanding of its surroundings, enabling it to navigate around furniture, walls, and other objects when cleaning a room thus preventing damage to both the robot and its obstacles. No-go zones is a feature found on many robot vacuum cleaners and iRobot Roomba i3 Evo supports this feature.
These zones are essentially digital boundaries or restricted areas that you can set up to prevent the robot from entering specific areas or rooms during its cleaning cycle. Many modern robot vacuum cleaners such as the iRobot Roomba i3 Evo are designed to work with Amazon Alexa, which implies that they can be integrated with the Amazon Echo ecosystem and programmed using voice commands. 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 i3 Evo 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 Roomba 981 is compatible with Google Assistant, it's advised to verify the level of compatibility with Google Assistant before purchasing a robot vacuum. The iRobot Roomba i3 Evo has 3 cleaning modes, the number of cleaning modes offered by robot vacuum cleaners varies depending on the design of the robot vacuum.
Roomba 981, having only 4 has more modes than the iRobot Roomba i3 Evo by 1 Robot vacuum manufacturers offer different cleaning modes to provide users with flexibility and adaptability to various cleaning floors. iRobot Roomba i3 Evo has a period of 1 year, warranty periods typically range from 1 - 2 years, however some higher-end models may offer longer warranties. The Roomba 981, at 1 year has the same warranty period as that of iRobot Roomba i3 Evo.
When thinking of buying 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. The iRobot Roomba i3 Evo's dustbin capacity is at 0.5L, dustbin capacity determines how much dust, dirt, and pet hair the robot vacuum can hold before it can be emptied. Roomba 981, at 0.5L has the same dustbin capacity as the iRobot Roomba i3 Evo The dustbin capacity can vary 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 dirt collection container is full and needs to be emptied. iRobot Roomba i3 Evo supports this feature, which prevents the robot vacuum from getting clogged which means performance will be maintained as soon as the bin is emptied. Roomba 981 also can indicate when its dustbin is full, for a robot vacuum to show that it's full can improve the convenience of owning one since it minimizes the need for constant monitoring.
The iRobot Roomba i3 Evo weighs 6.8kg, robot vacuums are generally designed to be lightweight and compact to easily get around and carrying around. Roomba 981, at 4kg is lighter than the iRobot Roomba i3 Evo by 2.8kg. It's advisable to take in consideration the weight of the vacuum when getting a model, especially if you plan to carry it up and down stairs iRobot Roomba i3 Evo has a width of 133mm, aslo known as its cleaning path width, is the width of the area that the robot vacuum can effectively clean in a single pass.
The width of a robot vacuum is key as it can affect its efficiency and the time it takes to clean a room The Roomba 981, at 351mm measures more in width than the iRobot Roomba i3 Evo by 218mm. A wider cleaning path can cover more ground in a single pass, reducing the time it takes to clean a room. iRobot Roomba i3 Evo's height measures 36mm, 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 obstacles with limited clearance in your home. The Roomba 981, at 92mm measures more in height than the iRobot Roomba i3 Evo with a difference of 56mm. 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 battery power of a robot vacuum cleaner is a crucial factor that determines how long the vacuum can run on a single charge. It is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), iRobot Roomba i3 Evo's battery power is 1,800mAh The Roomba 981, at mAh3,000 has more battery power than the iRobot Roomba i3 Evo by A bigger capacity implies longer battery life which can be beneficial if you have a large room or if you prefer the robot vacuum to complete cleaning cycles 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.
iRobot Roomba i3 Evo's operating time is 1.5h The Roomba 981, at 2h lasts more than the iRobot Roomba i3 Evo by 0.5h Always plan cleaning cycles around the vacuum's operating time to maximize efficiency and prevent "incomplete work" between charge intervals. iRobot Roomba i3 Evo 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 Roomba 981, at 3h charges for longer than the iRobot Roomba i3 Evo with a difference of 1h.
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. This feature is designed to automatically turn off the vacuum after it has completed an operation or when certain conditions occur. iRobot Roomba i3 Evo has an auto-off feature, which is useful for energy efficiency and battery preservation.
Also, 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 process. iRobot Roomba i3 Evo has a dirt sensor, these are designed to detect the concentration of dirt, dust, or debris in the room being cleaned and can be used to adjust the vacuum's cleaning behavior during cleaning cycle. Problem area cleaning allows you to command a robot vacuum to focus on cleaning a particular area in your home, iRobot Roomba i3 Evo supports this, which can be particularly useful for addressing particular area messes or busy areas.
iRobot Roomba i3 Evo 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 981 and iRobot Roomba i3 Evo have mobile application support, mobile apps enhance your experience by providing convenience, and ease update of features and functionalities. This feature in robot vacuum cleaners is intended to eliminate the chance of the robot vacuum becoming stuck during cleaning.
Robot vacuums such as the iRobot Roomba i3 Evo are equipped with various sensors and technologies to move around obstacles and avoid getting trapped, but the effectiveness of this feature varies among different models. Both the Roomba 981 and iRobot Roomba i3 Evo have the "anti-stuck" feature, however clearing clutter, ensuring proper cable management, and creating clear paths for the vacuums can help further eliminate the chances of becoming stuck during 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 i3 Evo has a route mapping feature that enables it to create a map of your home and schedule efficient cleaning routes. This mapping capability improves the vacuum's ability to clean effectively and systematically. Route mapping is a valuable feature as it enables robot vacuums such as the Roomba 981 to adapt to the layout of your space to work more efficiently and minimize the chance of missing certain spots.
Voice prompts are audible messages that the vacuum emits to give you alerts on the different states of the vacuum. iRobot Roomba i3 Evo supports this feature Roomba 981 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 refers to the vacuum's ability to return to its docking station when predetermined conditions are met such as done with cleaning, battery running low, or any malfunction.
Both Roomba 981 and iRobot Roomba i3 Evo support this feature, considered a convenient feature because it ensures that the robot vacuum keeps its charge and readiness for cleaning with little or no manual intervention. Most robot vacuum cleaners such as iRobot Roomba i3 Evo come equipped with 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 while cleaning.
This safety feature that is also available on the Roomba 981 is essential in avoiding accidents and keeping 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. iRobot Roomba i3 Evo 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 981 supports Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi connectivity improves the convenience and flexibility of robot vacuum use, giving more efficient and customized cleaning routines.