When it comes to household chores, vacuuming is one of the most tedious and time-consuming tasks. Fortunately, robot vacuums have revolutionized the way we clean our homes, and iRobot‘s Roomba line is at the forefront of this technology. Two of the most popular models in their lineup are the Roomba 694 and the Roomba i3. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll compare these two robot vacuums head-to-head to help you decide which one is right for your home.
Roomba 694 vs i3: Specs Comparison
Let‘s start by taking a look at the key specifications of each model:
| Roomba 694 | Roomba i3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.4" x 13.4" x 3.54" | 13.34" x 13.26" x 3.63" |
| Weight | 6.77 lbs | 7.44 lbs |
| Suction Power | 550 Pa | 850-900 Pa |
| Runtime | 90 minutes | 75 minutes |
| Recharge & Resume | No | Yes |
| Navigation | iAdapt 1.0 | iAdapt 3.0 |
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.3L | 0.5L |
| Filtration | AeroVac | AeroForce |
| Clean Base Compatible | No | Yes |
| Price | $274.99 | $399.99 |
As you can see, while the two models share some similarities in size, there are quite a few differences when it comes to features and capabilities. Let‘s dive deeper into some of the key factors to consider.
Suction Power & Cleaning Performance
One of the most important factors in a robot vacuum‘s effectiveness is its suction power. The Roomba i3 has a clear advantage here with 850-900 Pa of suction compared to the Roomba 694‘s 550 Pa. This means the i3 can pick up more dirt, dust, and debris from your floors, especially on carpets where more suction is needed to pull out ground-in particles.
In terms of overall cleaning performance, both models do a great job on hard floors like hardwood, tile, and laminate. They feature iRobot‘s signature 3-stage cleaning system with dual multi-surface brushes and an edge-sweeping brush to thoroughly clean along walls and in corners.
However, the i3‘s increased suction power gives it an edge (no pun intended) when it comes to cleaning carpets. It can more easily lift matted-down fibers and extract embedded dirt. If your home has a lot of carpeting, the Roomba i3 is likely the better choice. The Roomba 694 is still a solid performer on low-pile carpets and area rugs, but may struggle more with thicker, high-pile carpeting.
Navigation & Mapping
Another key difference between the Roomba 694 and i3 is their navigation technology. The 694 uses iAdapt 1.0, which is iRobot‘s entry-level navigation system. It relies on a mostly random cleaning pattern, bouncing around your floors until it covers the entire space. While this approach is somewhat inefficient, it‘s still effective at picking up debris over time.
The Roomba i3, on the other hand, features iAdapt 3.0 navigation powered by a visual sensor and intelligent floor tracking sensors. This allows the i3 to clean in neat, methodical rows for a more efficient and thorough clean. It can also navigate around obstacles and under furniture more effectively.
However, one thing to note is that neither model comes with the ability to store maps of your home‘s floor plan or set up virtual no-go zones. For those more advanced mapping features, you‘ll need to upgrade to iRobot‘s higher-end i7 or s9 models.
Recharge & Resume + Automatic Dirt Disposal
Two convenient features you‘ll get with the Roomba i3 that aren‘t available on the 694 are Recharge & Resume and compatibility with iRobot‘s Clean Base automatic dirt disposal system.
With Recharge & Resume, the i3 will automatically return to its charging dock when the battery runs low, recharge itself, then pick up cleaning right where it left off. This is especially useful in larger homes that the i3 can‘t clean in a single session. The Roomba 694, by contrast, will simply return to its dock when the battery is depleted and wait to be manually restarted.
If you pair the Roomba i3 with the Clean Base (sold separately), the robot will automatically empty its dustbin into the Clean Base‘s disposable AllergenLock bags after each cleaning session. With a capacity of up to 60 days of debris, this takes the hassle out of regularly emptying the i3‘s onboard dustbin yourself. Just be aware that purchasing the Clean Base will add around $200 to the i3‘s price tag.
Design, Noise Levels & Dustbin Capacity
The Roomba 694 and i3 share a similar puck-like design common to all Roomba robot vacuums. The main difference is the i3‘s front bumper has a more distinguished groove running through it compared to the 694‘s flatter bumper. The i3 is also about 2/3 of a pound heavier than the 694.
When it comes to noise levels, both models are fairly average for robot vacuums. You can definitely hear them running, but the noise is more of a background hum rather than a loud disturbance. The Roomba i3 does get a bit louder on maximum suction power mode compared to the 694, but this is to be expected given its higher suction.
As we mentioned in the specs table, the i3 has a larger dustbin capacity of 0.5L compared to the 694‘s 0.3L capacity. This means the i3 can collect more debris before needing to be emptied, which is always a plus. Of course, if you pair the i3 with the Clean Base, the dustbin capacity becomes less of an issue since it will empty itself automatically.
Setup, App Control & Voice Commands
Both the Roomba 694 and i3 are very easy to set up using the iRobot Home app. Once you unbox the robot and plug in the charging dock, you just need to download the app and follow the prompts to connect the Roomba to your home‘s WiFi network. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes.
From the app, you can start and stop cleaning sessions, set schedules, and monitor the Roomba‘s cleaning progress. You can also view cleaning history, get push notifications about the robot‘s status, and access maintenance reminders to keep the Roomba running in top shape. The app is intuitive and easy to use, although it would be nice to have a manual steering option to send the robot directly to specific spots.
In addition to app control, both models work with voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. With voice commands, you can start, stop, and dock the robot by simply speaking to your smart home device. It‘s a convenient hands-free way to control the Roomba, especially if your hands are full or you‘re not right next to your phone.
Maintenance, Reliability & Customer Service
To keep the Roomba 694 and i3 performing their best, you‘ll need to perform some regular maintenance. This includes emptying the dustbin (for the 694 and i3 without the Clean Base), cleaning the brushes and filter, and wiping down the sensors. Expect to do this every week or two depending on how frequently you use the robot and how dirty your floors get.
You‘ll also occasionally need to replace the filters, brushes, and wheels as they wear down over time. Fortunately, iRobot sells replacement parts on their website, and they‘re generally easy to swap out yourself. Just make sure you‘re getting the right parts for your specific Roomba model.
In terms of reliability, iRobot has a solid reputation for producing durable, long-lasting robot vacuums. The Roomba 694 and i3 are no exception and should provide years of reliable cleaning with proper care and maintenance. If any issues do arise, iRobot offers a 1-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship.
iRobot‘s customer service is also generally well-regarded, with support available through phone, email, and live chat on their website. They also have an extensive knowledge base with articles and videos covering everything from setup and troubleshooting to maintenance and replacement parts.
Price & Value
As of March 2023, the Roomba 694 has a list price of $274.99 while the Roomba i3 costs $399.99. This makes the i3 about $125 more expensive than the 694. For the extra money, you‘re getting stronger suction, smarter navigation, a larger dustbin, the Recharge & Resume feature, and Clean Base compatibility.
Whether that added cost is worth it will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you have mostly hard floors and are looking for an affordable robot vacuum to help with daily maintenance, the Roomba 694 offers excellent bang for your buck. It‘s a reliable, no-frills option that will get the job done.
On the other hand, if you have a larger home with lots of carpets, the Roomba i3‘s increased suction power and more advanced navigation will likely be worth the extra investment. And if you really want to minimize maintenance, springing for the Clean Base as well will let the i3 empty its own dustbin.
It‘s also worth keeping an eye out for sales and promotions, as iRobot often discounts their Roomba vacuums around major holidays like Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. You may be able to snag the i3 for closer to the 694‘s regular price if you catch a good deal.
Roomba 694 vs i3: Which Should You Buy?
So which Roomba model should you ultimately go with? Here‘s a quick breakdown:
Buy the Roomba 694 if:
- You have mostly hard floors
- You want an affordable, no-frills robot vacuum
- You don‘t mind a random navigation pattern
Buy the Roomba i3 if:
- You have a mix of hard floors and carpet
- You want stronger suction and smarter navigation
- You value the Recharge & Resume feature and Clean Base compatibility
- You don‘t mind spending a bit more for added convenience
Whichever model you choose, both the Roomba 694 and i3 are solid options that will help make the chore of vacuuming much less of a hassle. By taking the time to consider your specific needs and budget, you‘ll be able to select the robot vacuum that‘s right for you. Happy cleaning!
