If you’re in the market for a low-cost robovac, the Roomba 694 and Roomba 675 are two options worth considering. Part of iRobot’s entry-level Roomba 600 Series, the 694 and 675 share several features in common.
However, a closer look reveals a difference in design and slight advantages favoring the Roomba 694. Below, we compare these affordable vacuum cleaners to help you choose.
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Roomba 694 vs 675 Robot Vacuum Comparison Chart
Design
iRobot’s Roomba 694 has a more refined design than the
The Roomba 694 and 675 belong to iRobot’s budget-tier models. Although made from plastic, the robovacs have a solid build quality. You can say the same for their cleaning components and removable dustbins. For additional protection, the 694 and 675 are also clad with bumpers.
Where the two vacuums are distinguishable is in their aesthetics. Here, the
In contrast, the Roomba 694 refines the appearance typically associated with the Roomba 600 series. Instead of a shiny plastic coating, the 694 opts for a matte finish. It also comes with a three-button control panel in a sleeker black color. And in keeping with the more understated aesthetic, the 694 ditches the built-in handle.
You don’t need it anyway. The 694 only weighs a little over six pounds. On the other hand, the 675 comes close to eight pounds. In terms of dimensions, the two Roombas are more or less the same. While they’re not the slimmest robot vacuums around, they’re low-profile enough to fit under most furniture at home.
Underneath, the Roomba 694 and 675 are identical. You’ll find the sensors, a central brush system, and navigational wheels here.
Cleaning Performance
The Roomba 694 and 675 have identical cleaning features. The 694’s only edge is its inclusion of an extra filter.
iRobot’s budget-friendly vacuums are anchored on the company’s 3-Stage Cleaning System. So on the Roomba 694 and 675, it’s all about suction power, loosening and lifting dirt, and sweeping the edges of your home. Moreover, iRobot shares that the 694 and 675’s cleaning functions are suitable for most bare floor surfaces and low-pile carpets.
However, power is not the strongest suit of the Roomba 600 Series. At the most, the 694 and 675 can reach up to 600Pa of suction power. For pet hair or surface-level dirt, this should be enough. But if you need deeper cleaning, the 2,500Pa offered by the Roomba S9 is better.
As for filtration, the 694 and 675 use AeroVac, which isn’t designed for allergens. However, the Roomba 694 at least adds an extra filter out of the box.
Now, the 694 and 675 can tackle household messes, dirt, and even pet hair. Their dual multi-surface brushes combine a flexible beater and a bristled brush roll. The beater agitates dirt across the floor without tangling, while the bristled brush lifts the loosened debris for suctioning. Meanwhile, a rotating side brush sweeps along walls, edges, and corners.
Lastly, the Roomba 694 and 675 are equipped with Dirt Detect Technology. This allows the vacuums to repeat-clean dirtier, high-traffic areas of your home, like hallways and entryways.
The Roomba 694 and 675 come equipped with iRobot’s first-gen iAdapt Navigation but lack digital mapping.
One of the downsides of a low-cost Roomba like the 694 and 675 is that they lack digital mapping. This means they can’t create a layout of your home that allows you to label rooms. Instead, the 694 and 675 use the original iAdapt Navigation technology.
Advanced Roombas like the j7 and i7 have upgraded iAdapt versions and are equipped with cameras. Together with advanced sensors, these robovacs navigate in neat rows. The likes of the j7 even feature obstacle avoidance to avoid pet waste or power cords.
In contrast, the Roomba 694 and 675 tend to move around your room in a random pattern. They do come with Cliff Detect to prevent them from going down the stairs. Plus, both learn to clean under and around furniture in due time. But given the basic navigation technology, expect these machines to occasionally bump into things.
Smart Features and Battery Life
Both the Roomba 694 and 675 offer cleaning recommendations, voice command support, and two-hour runtimes.
Like most robot vacuums, iRobot’s Roomba 694 and 675 are operated hands-free. If you want to start them without pressing a button, you can do so via the iRobot Home. Aside from remote operations and controls, the app allows users to schedule cleaning. Homeowners can also control the vacuums with voice commands, provided they own an Alexa or Google Home-enabled device.
The Roomba 694 and 675 also learns your cleaning habits and schedules. These insights can be seen in recommendations on iRobot Home, like extra cleaning during pet shedding season. However, as they are budget models, the 694 and 675 don’t support Keep Out Zones via the app. To set up boundaries, you’ll have to buy a Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier.
As for battery life, the 694 and 675 will surprise you. Despite being advertised for 90 minutes of runtime, both robovacs can clean beyond that. On the 694, you can get up to 130 minutes of operation, while the 675’s battery can last up to 120 minutes.
Click here to read other iRobot Roomba 694 reviews.
Verdict
The iRobot Roomba 694 is a slightly upgraded version of the
Except for their exterior design, the iRobot Roomba 694 and Roomba 675 are identical in terms of functionality. Both rely on a 3-Stage Cleaning System, work on multiple surfaces, and use basic navigation technology. If the 694 has an edge, it’s the extra minutes of runtime. For homeowners who prefer a longer battery life, then the 694 comes out better. But if you don’t mind losing a few minutes of cleaning time, the 675 will cost you less.
FAQs
The Roomba 694 has a sleeker faceplate while the
The
No. iRobot’s
Yes. The Roomba 694 has an auto-adjusting head that adapts its height across hard floor and carpeted surfaces.