Robot vacuums continue to rise in popularity, especially those from iRobot. Among their wide range of innovative products, the Roomba 805 and Roomba 650 are both affordable, efficient, and versatile. They do make use of different cleaning technologies, filters and extractors, however. So, let’s find out which one would be the better buy for your own home.
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Roomba 805 VS 650 Comparison Chart
| Model | Roomba 805 | Roomba 650 |
 |  | |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Rating | ||
| Technology | AeroForce | AeroVac |
| Dirt Detect | Series 2 | Series 1 |
| Sensors | Acoustic | Acoustic & Optical |
| HEPA Filter | Yes | No |
| Extractors | Rubber debris extractors | Bristle brush bars |
| Virtual Wall | Yes, Dual Mode | Yes, Dual Mode |
| Scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Suction Power | 600 Pa | 600 Pa |
Technology
While the Roomba 650 uses an AeroVac cleaning sensor, the Roomba 805 features AeroForce technology.
Because AeroForce was developed later, it is said to be five times as powerful as AeroVac. The Roomba 650 comes from the older 600 series and thereby uses AeroVac. It utilizes Series 1 Dirt Detect involving an acoustic sensor. The Roomba 805 with AeroForce features Series 2 Dirt Detect using both acoustic and optical sensors. This means the 805 can detect tinier particles than the 650.
HEPA Filtration
The Roomba 805 possesses HEPA filters while the Roomba 650 comes with regular filters.
As the Roomba 805 has a better dirt detection sensor and stronger suction ability, it can pick up smaller debris. The 805 is therefore able to collect allergens, pollen, dander, hair and microparticles that the Roomba 650 cannot. The HEPA filter keeps particles as small as 10 microns within the dust container preventing them from flying around the air while the robot is at work.
Extractors
Where the Roomba 650 still uses bristle brush bars, the Roomba 805 features rubber rollers.
iRobot introduced rubberized debris extractors in the 800 and 900 series. The Roomba 805 is built with this tangle-free feature. It can help prevent clogs so there are fewer chances of downtime from having to remove obstructions. The Roomba 650 still has brushes that agitate dust and dirt during cleaning sessions. Debris can get stuck in the bristles leading to clogs which will have to be removed by hand.
Virtual Wall
Virtual wall technology is available for both the Roomba 805 and Roomba 650 specifically dual mode virtual wall barriers.
The Roomba 805 and Roomba 650 share the trait of being packaged with a Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier. As the name states, it arrives in two modes. The first is Virtual Wall mode where the device acts as a wall preventing the robot from crossing. The second is Halo mode which creates a defensive barrier around a particular object such as a bowl or vase. To add, the 805 is stated to memorize the locations of the barriers whereas the 650 seems to bounce off them.
Scheduling
The Roomba 805 and Roomba 650 can be preset to clean up to 7 days a week.
Onboard scheduling is another feature that the Roomba 805 and Roomba 650 share. This function is not as convenient as what you’d find in newer models that can be operated through the iRobot Home app. Still, it allows you to set the robot to auto-clean on specific times for every day of the week.
Verdict
More functionality and better technology make the Roomba 805 the better choice even though it is less popular than the Roomba 650.
Although the Roomba 650 is more budget-friendly, it does not carry features that you may require in a robotic vacuum. The bristled brushes also add more trouble with maintenance and will require replacing faster than the rubber rollers of the Roomba 805.
Last update on 2020-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API