Overall Score 6.4
Overall Score 5.9
Category | Features | iRobot Roomba j7 | iRobot 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 | 0.6L | 0.5L |
indicates when full | ✓ | ✓ | |
weight | 3.4kg | 4kg | |
width | 340mm | 351mm | |
height | 90mm | 92mm | |
CLEANING PERFORMANCE AND POWER FEATURES | battery power | ✗ | 3,000mAh |
operating time | 1.4h | 2h | |
charge time | 6h | 3h | |
has auto-off | ✓ | ✓ | |
has dirt sensor | ✓ | ✗ | |
OTHER FEATURES | is self-emptying | ✓ | ✗ |
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 generate a digital map of its cleaning space 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 iRobot Roomba j7 having the mapping feature can provide efficient cleaning in the mapped-out areas without accessing those that are not. iRobot Roomba 981 also has the mapping and navigation feature, navigation defines 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 spaces to be cleaned leaving out those that aren't.
iRobot Roomba j7 has an obstacle sensor, this 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 981 has this 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. No-go zones is a feature of many robot vacuum cleaners and iRobot Roomba j7 supports this feature.
These zones are essentially digital boundaries or restricted spaces that you can set up to prevent the robot from accessing specific areas or rooms during its cleaning cycle. Most modern robot vacuum cleaners such as the iRobot Roomba j7 are built to work with Amazon Alexa, which implies that they can be added to 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 require an Alexa-enabled device such as an Echo speaker for voice control to work with iRobot Roomba 981.
The iRobot Roomba j7 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 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 j7 has 3 cleaning modes, the cleaning modes offered by robot vacuums can vary depending on the make and model of the robot vacuum.
iRobot Roomba 981, having only 4 has more modes than the iRobot Roomba j7 with a difference of 1 Robot vacuum manufacturers may offer different cleaning modes to provide users with flexibility and adaptability to different cleaning scenarios. The iRobot Roomba j7 has a period of 1 year, this typically range from 1 - 2 years, but some higher-end brands may offer longer warranties. The iRobot Roomba 981, at 1 year has the same warranty period as that of iRobot Roomba j7.
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. iRobot Roomba j7's dustbin capacity is at 0.6L, dustbin capacity determines how much dust, debris, and pet hair the vacuum holds before it needs to be emptied. The iRobot Roomba 981, at 0.5L carries less dirt than the iRobot Roomba j7 by only 0.1L The dustbin capacity varies widely among 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 notify users when the dustbin is full and needs to be emptied. iRobot Roomba j7 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 show that it's full can improve the convenience of owning one since it reduces the need for constant monitoring.
The iRobot Roomba j7 weighs 3.4kg, 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 j7 by 0.6kg. It's advisable to consider the weight of the vacuum when getting a model, and that's if you plan to carry it up and down stairs iRobot Roomba j7 has a width of 340mm, aslo known as its cleaning path width, is the width of the area that it can effectively clean in a single pass.
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 981, at 351mm measures more in width than the iRobot Roomba j7 by 11mm. A wider cleaning path can cover more ground in a single pass, shortening the time it takes to clean a room. iRobot Roomba j7's height measures 90mm, here you are looking at the measurement from the bottom of the robot vacuum to its highest point.
Height is a key consideration, especially if you have furniture with low clearance in your home. The iRobot Roomba 981, at 92mm measures more in height than the iRobot Roomba j7 with a difference of 2mm. When selecting a robot vacuum, ensure that the robot vacuum can fit under the furniture and navigate effectively in your living space without getting stuck or causing damage.
The operating time of the iRobot Roomba j7 refers to the time the vacuum can clean continuously on a single battery charge before it needs to return to its charging dock for recharging. iRobot Roomba j7's operating time is 1.4h iRobot Roomba 981, at 2h lasts more than the iRobot Roomba j7 by 0.6h Always plan cleaning cycles around the vacuum's operating time to maximize efficiency and prevent "incomplete work" between charge intervals. iRobot Roomba j7 has a charge time of 6h, 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.
iRobot Roomba 981, at 3h spends lesser time charging than the iRobot Roomba j7 with a difference of only 3h. 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 is ready for its next cleaning cycle. Auto-off is a feature designed to automatically turn off the vacuum after it has completed an operation or when certain conditions occur.
iRobot Roomba j7 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 process. iRobot Roomba j7 has a dirt sensor, these are designed to detect the availability of dirt, dust, or debris in the area being cleaned and based on their readings adjust the vacuum's cleaning behavior during cleaning cycle.
Self-emptying robot vacuum cleaners like the iRobot Roomba j7, are modern robot vacuum models that have the ease of use feature to empty their dustbins automatically. iRobot Roomba j7 supports a smartphone app, through which you can control and monitor the vacuum without getting to it physically but through your smartphone or tablet. Both the iRobot Roomba 981 and iRobot Roomba j7 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 designed to reduce the chance of the robot vacuum becoming stuck while cleaning. Robot vacuums such as the iRobot Roomba j7 are equipped with various sensors and technologies to move around obstacles and avoid getting stuck, however the effectiveness of this feature can vary among different models. Both the iRobot Roomba 981 and iRobot Roomba j7 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.
These virtual barriers are typically set up and managed via the robot vacuum's mobile app, similar to no-go zones, these barriers are setup to help you control and restrict where the robot vacuum can and cannot go during cleaning. iRobot Roomba j7 has a route mapping feature that enables it to create a map of your home and schedule 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 work more efficiently and reduce the possibility of missing certain spots. Auto-docking is a feature in robot vacuum cleaners that indicates the vacuum's ability to autonomously return to its docking station when certain conditions are met such as getting work done, battery running low, or any malfunction. Both iRobot Roomba 981 and iRobot Roomba j7 support this feature, considered a convenient feature because it makes sure that the robot vacuum maintains its charge and readiness for cleaning without requiring manual intervention.
Most robot vacuum cleaners such as iRobot Roomba j7 come having an "cliff detection" 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 iRobot Roomba 981 is key in preventing accidents and protecting 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 j7 has this convenient feature, which enables you to set specific days or times of day for the robot vacuum to start cleaning your space. The scheduling feature in robot vacuums is particularly useful in keeping a consistently clean home with little or no manual intervention.
iRobot Roomba 981 too allows scheduling. iRobot Roomba j7 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, giving more efficient and customized cleaning routines.