When it comes to robotic vacuum cleaners, Roomba is a household name. Two hugely popular models are the Roomba 694 and i3, both coming with features designed to make cleaning floors easier and more efficient. The 694 and i3 are vacuum-only models equipped with iAdapt 1.0 navigation technology, featuring AeroVac and AeroForce filtration systems, respectively.
Both robots have three-stage cleaning processes using brushes and suction power that capture dirt from carpets and hard floors alike. Additionally, both models boast Wi-Fi connectivity that enables users to control their robot through smartphone app control via a smartphone app.
The Roomba 694 boasts a powerful 550pa suction power and 0.3L dustbin capacity, while the Roomba i3 offers stronger 850-900pa suction power and 0.5L dustbin capacity. Furthermore, this model also has recharge and resume capabilities, so it can continue cleaning where it left off after charging. Alternatively, the 694 offers automatic height adjustment to adapt to different carpet heights.
Both models are fantastic performers, but the one that best suits your needs and preferences will come down to what you’re using it for and where.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about these two robot vacuum cleaner models so you can make the best choice!
Roomba 694 vs. i3: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Roomba 694 | Roomba i3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Orientation | Vacuum-only | Vacuum-only |
| Suction Power | 550pa | 850-900pa |
| Filtration | AeroVac | AeroForce |
| Tools and Brushes | 3-stage cleaning system | Dual 3-stage cleaning system |
| Dustbin Features | 0.3L bin | 0.5L bin |
| Automation and Smart Features | iRobot Home App | Smartphone app |
| Battery and Runtime | 90 minutes | 75 minutes |
| Weight | 6.8 pounds | 11.4 pounds |
| Dimensions | 13.4″ x 13.4″ x 3.54″ | 13.34″ x 13.26″ x 3.63″ |
- Unique intelligence of iRobot OS to learn your habits and your routines
- Runtime: 90 minutes
- 3-Stage Cleaning system lifts dirt, dust and debris from carpets and hard floors while an Edge-Sweeping brush takes care of corners and edges.
- Auto-Adjust Cleaning Head automatically adapts its height to effectively clean carpets & hard floors
- iRobot's Patented Dirt Detect Technology allows the Roomba 694 robot vacuum to detect dirtier areas of your home and clean them more thoroughly
- Use the iRobot Home App or your voice assistant to tell the Roomba 694 robot to vacuum and consider it done
- Full suite of advanced sensors allow this robot to navigate under and around furniture, and along edges, while Cliff Detect keeps it from falling down stairs
- iAdapt navigation maps your home and utilizes sensors to avoid obstacles and prevent accidents
- Features the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal system
- High-efficiency filter can capture up to 99% of pollen, dust particles, and other allergens
- Compatible with voice control assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant
- The powerful motor provides ten times more suction power
Roomba 694 vs. i3: What’s the Difference?
These two vacuums have several distinct advantages that may make it difficult to decide which one is best suited for you.
Let’s explore the key differences between these two robot vacuum cleaner types.
Suction Power
The Roomba 694’s suction power of 550pa is significantly inferior to that of the Roomba i3, boasting 850-900pa. Suction power is one of the key factors when selecting a robot vacuum as it determines its efficiency. Roomba i3 has greater suction power, so it picks up dirt, dust, and debris better than its 694 counterpart.
Furthermore, due to its higher suction strength, Roomba i3 can effectively clean carpets and hard floors faster than its rival. Additionally, households with pets will benefit from using the Roomba i3 since it also easily captures pet hair and dander.
The Roomba 694, on the other hand, has a less powerful motor but still provides sufficient suction power for small apartments or homes with hard floors. Also, its suction can remove dust particles and smaller debris. While the Roomba 694 may handle light cleaning tasks well enough, it may struggle with more challenging jobs.
Automation and Smart Features
The Roomba 694 includes the iRobot Home app, which enables users to set a cleaning schedule and monitor its progress from their smartphones. They can also customize various settings within the app and receive notifications when their robot vacuum needs maintenance.
The Roomba i3 offers users a smartphone app to control and monitor their robot vacuum from anywhere. Additionally, it features Recharge and Resume functions which let it recharge its battery quickly and resume cleaning where it left off. Moreover, the Roomba i3 is compatible with an Automatic Dirt Disposal Unit, which automatically empties the dustbin for hands-free convenience, making for an effortless cleaning experience.
Cleaning Performance
The Roomba i3 has a higher suction power of 850-900pa compared to its counterpart’s 550pa, making it more capable of picking up dirt, dust, and debris on hard floors and carpets. Furthermore, its dual multi-surface rubber brush system effectively lifts and cleans carpets and hard floors. Being made of rubber makes them resistant to tangling while adapting to various floor surfaces for an effective clean.
On the other hand, the Roomba 694 utilizes a three-stage cleaning system with two brushes and an edge brush to loosen, lift, and suction dirt and debris. While this works great on hard floors, it may not be as effective on carpets or rugs. Similarly, its brushes are less durable than those in the Roomba i3, requiring more frequent upkeep or replacement.
©Olga Miltsova/Shutterstock.com
Bin Capacity
The Roomba i3 boasts a larger dustbin capacity than its counterpart, the Roomba 694. This means the i3 can hold up to 400-500ml of dirt, dust, and debris while the smaller device only holds 300ml. Consequently, with this larger bin capacity comes extra cleaning time before emptying, making it ideal for larger homes or households with pets who shed lots of fur.
The Roomba 694’s smaller dustbin may be sufficient for smaller homes or apartments. However, larger households may require more frequent emptying. Furthermore, the i3’s dustbin features an advanced filter that captures 99% of allergens and dust particles, providing a cleaner environment for those with allergies or respiratory issues.
Design and Build Quality
The Roomba i3 and 694 differ in design and build quality. The Roomba i3 weighs 11.4 pounds, while the 694 only 6.8 pounds. Moreover, the i3 has a higher profile than 694, with an elevation of 3.63 inches versus 3.54 inches.
Furthermore, while both models boast durable build quality, the Roomba i3 exudes premium appeal due to its heavier weight and larger dimensions.
Battery and Runtime
The Roomba i3 and 694 offer different battery and runtime capacities. The i3 has a runtime of up to 75 minutes, while the 694 offers 90 minutes. While both models have similar charging times, the longer runtime of the 694 may be beneficial for larger homes or areas requiring frequent cleaning sessions.
Also, the i3 features a recharge and resume feature, which enables it to automatically return to its dock after charging. This feature is especially helpful when needing larger spaces or minimizing time away from docking stations.
Roomba 694 vs. i3: 6 Must-Know Facts
- The Roomba 694 and i3 are both vacuum-only cleaning robots without mopping capabilities.
- The Roomba 694 has a suction power of 550pa, while the i3 has higher suction levels between 850-900pa.
- The Roomba 694 has an impressive 90-minute runtime, while the i3 offers 75 minutes of battery life.
- Both Roomba models boast Wi-Fi connectivity and can be controlled using a smartphone app.
- The Roomba 694 features an automatic cleaning height adjustment feature to adapt to all carpet heights, while the i3 has a Carpet Boost feature.
- The Roomba i3 features Dirt Detect Technology, which detects the dirtiest areas. However, the Roomba 694 lacks this feature.
The History of Roomba
Roomba’s history began with iRobot, established in 1990 by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) roboticists. Their goal was to make practical robots a reality, and they have since sold over 40 million robots around the world.
Over the years, iRobot has created various robots for various applications, such as space exploration, mine detection, and disaster relief. In 2002, they released their first practical home robot, Roomba, which revolutionized how people clean their homes today.
The original Roomba model was a disc-shaped robot vacuum with sensors that navigated around rooms and avoided obstacles. It could easily clean carpets and hard floors and be programmed on an automated schedule. Customers praised its effectiveness and convenience, making the Roomba an instant hit.
Over time, iRobot refined and enhanced their Roomba robot, adding features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, automatic dirt disposal, and advanced navigation technology. They also expanded their lineup of home robots with the Braava mopping robot and Root coding robot.
Today, iRobot remains dedicated to creating robots that provide people with smarter ways of cleaning and accomplishing more in their daily lives. With the launch of Roomba j7+ in 2021, they continue pushing the boundaries of what home robots can do. As they celebrate over 30 years of leadership in this industry, iRobot looks set to continue revolutionizing how we live and work through its innovative robots.
- PrecisionVision navigation technology
- Self-emptying bin
- Recharge and resume
- Pet poop guarantee
Roomba 694 vs. i3: Pros and Cons
Roomba 694
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Automatic cleaning schedules can be conveniently scheduled through the smartphone app | Mopping performance is limited, severely restricting its cleaning abilities |
| Three-stage system with powerful suction power effectively removes dirt from all corners | Carpet Boost feature may not be as powerful as other models available on the market |
| Up to 90 minutes of runtime on hard floors | Limited capacity means frequent emptying required |
| Automatically adjusts its cleaning head to accommodate different carpet heights | Lack of a mapping function makes tracking where the robot has cleaned difficult |
Roomba i3
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Focused cleaning with Dirt Detect Technology targets the dirtiest areas for thorough cleaning | Dustbin capacity of 400-500 ml may require somewhat frequent emptying |
| The cleaning time estimation feature helps plan tasks more efficiently | Runtime of 75 minutes may not be enough for larger homes |
| Compatible with an Automatic Dirt Disposal Unit for an effortless experience | Carpet Boost feature may not be as powerful as other models |
| Strong suction power of 850-900pa provides deep penetration for carpets and floors alike | Heavier weight of 11.4 pounds may make it more challenging to carry and store |
- Unique intelligence of iRobot OS to learn your habits and your routines
- Runtime: 90 minutes
- 3-Stage Cleaning system lifts dirt, dust and debris from carpets and hard floors while an Edge-Sweeping brush takes care of corners and edges.
- Auto-Adjust Cleaning Head automatically adapts its height to effectively clean carpets & hard floors
- iRobot's Patented Dirt Detect Technology allows the Roomba 694 robot vacuum to detect dirtier areas of your home and clean them more thoroughly
- Use the iRobot Home App or your voice assistant to tell the Roomba 694 robot to vacuum and consider it done
- Full suite of advanced sensors allow this robot to navigate under and around furniture, and along edges, while Cliff Detect keeps it from falling down stairs
- iAdapt navigation maps your home and utilizes sensors to avoid obstacles and prevent accidents
- Features the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal system
- High-efficiency filter can capture up to 99% of pollen, dust particles, and other allergens
- Compatible with voice control assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant
- The powerful motor provides ten times more suction power
Roomba 694 vs. i3: Which One Should You Buy?
Roomba 694 and i3 have a fair amount of shared features, such as iAdapt 1.0 navigation and AeroVac filtration. However, the Roomba i3 stands out due to its suction power, larger dustbin size, and additional smart features like Dirt Detect Technology for automatic dirt disposal.
On the other hand, the Roomba 694 provides automatic cleaning schedules, longer runtime, and automatic height adjustment. Furthermore, it’s lighter and more affordable than the Roomba i3, making it an excellent option for those seeking both efficiency and affordability in a robotic vacuum cleaner.
In general, if you have a larger home with high-traffic areas, the Roomba i3 is the better option due to its stronger suction power and larger dustbin size. Additionally, its focus on dirtier spots and ability to estimate cleaning time make it more efficient and time-saving than other devices.
Conversely, if you live in a smaller apartment or house with mostly hardwood floors, the Roomba 694 is an ideal option. Its automatic cleaning schedules and extended battery life will keep your floors spotless without needing too much attention from you.
Overall, both the Roomba 694 and i3 are excellent robotic vacuums that can make cleaning simpler and more efficient. Before making a decision, take into account your preferences, needs, and home setup.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Ekaterina_Minaeva/Shutterstock.com.
