Tired of constantly sweeping and vacuuming floors? Robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba 694 provide hands-free cleaning so you don’t have to lift a finger. But is this affordable WiFi-enabled bot right for your home?
Introduction
The chore of vacuuming is tedious and time-consuming. Robot vacuums automate floor cleaning so you can spend time doing what you love. Market leader iRobot pioneered robot vacuums in 2002 with the launch of the Roomba.
The Roomba 600 series is iRobot’s entry-level and most affordable robot vacuum line. The Roomba 694 model adds WiFi connectivity for controlling the robot via a mobile app.
We tested the Roomba 694 to see if this budget bot with app features could satisfy daily floor cleaning needs. Here is an overview of our key findings:
- Excellent for surface cleaning and edge cleaning
- Lacks advanced navigation and mapping of pricier Roombas
- Struggles with clusters of pet hair on hard floors
- Noisy operation compared to higher-end models
- Good value for hands-free daily maintenance
In a hurry? Click here to check out the iRobot 694 on Amazon.com
Overview of Key Features
The Roomba 694 comes equipped with features tailored for effective daily cleaning:
- WiFi Connectivity: Control cleaning schedules and monitor status remotely via iRobot app
- Voice Control: Use voice commands with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
- 3-Stage Cleaning System: Dual multi-surface brushes, edge-sweeping brush, and suction
- Dirt DetectTM Sensors: Focus cleaning on high-debris areas
- 90 Minute Runtime: Automatically recharges and resumes cleaning
Having WiFi and voice control in an affordable package makes the Roomba 694 stand out from other basic robot vacuums.
Performance Tests
We rigorously tested the Roomba 694 across various floor types and debris conditions. Here are the key results:
Surface Cleaning
| Floor Type | Debris Type | Pickup Score |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Floors | Dust, dirt, sand | 9/10 |
| Carpets | Dust, dirt, sand | 9/10 |
Edge Cleaning
- Thoroughly cleaned along edges and baseboards
Pet Hair Pickup
- Struggled with clusters and piles exceeding 1 inch tall
- Brushes often pushed hair around instead of suctioning
Navigation
- No advanced mapping
- Bumper sensors prevent collisions
- Random coverage pattern
The Roomba 694 delivered excellent surface cleaning across debris types and floors. However, navigation lacks the neat row-by-row coverage of pricier Roombas with vSLAM mapping.
How It Compares
We compared the Roomba 694 to two other popular robot vacuums to see how it stacks up:
| iRobot Roomba 694 | iRobot Roomba i3+ | Roborock S4 Max | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (as of 7/2023) | $274 | $599 | $429 |
| WiFi App Control | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Voice Control | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Navigation | Basic | vSLAM | LDS Mapping |
| Self-Emptying | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
While the most affordable, the Roomba 694 lags in navigation technology compared to similarly priced competitors like the Roborock S4 Max. However, the 694’s strong cleaning performance makes it a great budget choice for daily maintenance cleaning.
Our Verdict
The Roomba 694 is a solid budget robot vacuum ideal for daily surface cleaning and edge cleaning. It struggles with pet hair pickup compared to more advanced Roombas. We recommend the 694 if you want hands-free maintenance without spending over $500. For smarter navigation and cleaning, consider a mid-range model like the Roomba i3+.
Ready to Upgrade Your Cleaning Routine?
Tired of constant vacuuming? Get a robot vacuum to do the dirty work instead! Our top pick is the user-friendly iRobot Roomba i3+. Its advanced navigation provides complete floor coverage so you don’t have to think about vacuuming ever again.
