Wi-Fi just makes life easier. Now, you can apply that technology to your household chores. The Roomba 695 and the Roomba 690 are two robot vacuums made by iRobot that boast Wi-Fi connectivity. You can use either robot vacuum with your smartphone or virtual assistant.
They also have a unique two-brushroll system that promises to lift debris of all size from any floor imaginable. Both robot vacuums contain a powerful, suction-maintaining lithium-ion battery and Dirt Detect sensors that handle heavy-traffic areas with ease.
While the 695 and the 690 are swift little movers, the iRobot Roomba 690 is slightly shorter and slimmer. The iRobot Roomba 695 also offers an additional cleaning pattern that takes care of dirt in corners and along wall borders. Plus, it alerts you when the debris bin needs to be emptied.
Suction
Roomba 695
The Roomba 695 is equipped with iRobot’s proprietary triple-stage cleaning technology, which includes lithium-ion battery-powered suction, a side brush and a pair of brushrolls. The side brush sits at a 27-degree angle for optimal edge cleaning, and the brushrolls spin toward one another, grabbing every speck of dirt in their path.
As the robotic vacuum moves from one type of surface to the next, the undercarriage plate lowers and raises to come in close contact with the floor. The pop-out bin holds an impressive 0.6 liters of debris, which means fewer trips to the trash can. This bin even contains an AeroVac filter for fine-particle filtration.
Roomba 690
Like the Roomba 695, the 690 operates on iRobot’s three-stage cleaning system. The counter-rotating brushrolls loosen and lift stubborn debris, and the side brush does an excellent job of whisking away dirt and dust. With its lithium-ion battery, the Roomba 690 can run for 70 minutes and recharge in just 3 hours.
You also get the benefit of an auto-adjusting floor head. When the robot drives on the carpet, the under-plate raises. When it drives on bare floors, it lowers. No matter what surface it cleans, the robot vacuum’s AeroVac technology generates quiet suction of 65 decibels.
Conclusion: Each robot vacuum boasts a dual-brushroll setup that gathers particles of all sizes as well as a smartly angled side propeller brush. Their floor plates instantly adjust to the floor the robots are cleaning, and they run on a no-fade lithium-ion battery. Plus, the robotic vacuums are quiet, and they can hold plenty of debris.
Sensors
Roomba 695
There is no shortage of sensors on the Roomba 695. It has sensors that guide it away from stairs and other fall hazards, and there are sensors that tell it to steer clear of objects like furniture and people. When the robot comes across large concentrations of debris, its Dirt Detect sensors boost the suction for a quick, thorough clean.
You never have to worry about the 695 dying in the middle of a vacuuming session. When the battery is low, sensors direct the robot vacuum to its dock where it sits and recharges, and there is even a full-bin indicator. With a pair of dual-mode barriers, you can create two invisible halos or walls to block the entrance to certain areas.
Roomba 690
iRobot chose to implement iAdapt technology when designing the Roomba 690’s sensor system. This system has an array of sensors that do everything from preventing falls and to stopping collisions. Acoustic Dirt Detect sensors find and remove piles of dirt with a temporary increase in suction, and there is a sensor that knows and tells you when the dirt bin is full.
The Roomba 690 comes with one dual-mode virtual barrier, which makes a 4-foot-wide halo or a 10-foot-long wall. To help you monitor the robot’s performance and battery, the top panel features several backlit indicators. You also get extra reassurance in the event of an accidental collision with the robot vacuum’s sturdy bumper.
Conclusion: With a robot vacuum, you can never have too many sensors. iRobot covers every base imaginable in the 695 and 690 with iAdapt technology. The Dirt Detect sensors are particularly helpful for homes with pets and children. While both robotic vacuum cleaners come with a virtual barrier, the 695 has two while the 690 only has one.
Size
Roomba 695
At 13.4 inches in diameter, the 7.8-pound 695 robot vacuum has a wide cleaning path, making the most of its overall run time. It’s also 3.7 inches tall, so it can fit under many pieces of furniture, which saves you the trouble of moving that heavy couch in the living room. If you need to clean a small mess on the floor, the Roomba 695 offers spot mode. For perimeter vacuuming, there is also edge mode.
How do you engage the robot’s functions? You have several options. You can use the onboard buttons to dock, pause and start the robot. Alternatively, you can install the HOME app on your iPhone or Android to create a weekly schedule, receive push notifications and more. Voice control is another option via Alexa or Assistant.
Roomba 690
This robot vacuum cleaner differs in weight and size from the Roomba 695. It weighs 7.4 pounds and measures 3.6 inches in height. It’s somewhat slimmer at 13 inches wide, but that diameter still makes for a sizable cleaning path. The Roomba 690 offers weekly scheduling and spot cleaning.
As far as the controls go, the ones on the 690 work the same as those on the 695. There is a dock, start and pause button on the robot itself, and you can give the robot vacuum voice commands with your Amazon or Google virtual assistant. The 690 is also compatible with iRobot’s HOME app that you can use to check the battery level, generate a performance log and even locate the robot with an audible indicator.
Conclusion: Their size is where the Roomba 695 and 690 vary the most. The 695 outweighs the 690 by almost half a pound, and it’s just a smidge taller and wider. While each robotic vacuum gives you the option of voice commands and a smartphone app, the Roomba 695 is the only robot that offers perimeter mode.
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Maximizing Convenience
iRobot proves its value once again with the Roomba 695 and the Roomba 690. With Wi-Fi connectivity at the forefront of their features, you have the ability to control these robotic vacuum cleaners anytime, anywhere, including via voice commands.
Automate your vacuuming needs with the robots’ adjustable floor plate, weekly scheduling function and Dirt Detect sensors. Each robot vacuum cleans like a champ thanks to its pair of bushrolls and single side brush. Their dirt bins hold over a one-half liter of debris, and they both contain a high-capacity lithium-ion battery.
If you’re a stickler for impeccably clean baseboards, the iRobot Roomba 695 vacuum‘s perimeter mode makes that possible. This robot also comes with an extra dual-mode virtual barrier. However, if you’re looking for a slimmer, lighter robotic vacuum cleaner, the iRobot Roomba 690 is the way to go. Regardless of the robotic vacuum you choose, you’ll be amazed at how easier it will make your life.
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