When it comes to the production of robot vacuums, many manufacturers can’t hold a candle to iRobot. It never disappoints and consistently produces some of the best robovacs in the market. Two of its popular models, the iRobot Roomba 675 and the iRobot Roomba 690 are continuously confused due to their similarities both in design, name, and performance.
Aside from the color and few different features, the two models are one and the same. Let us look at the similarities and differences between the two and determine which one is better.
Performance
Both units have a 3 stage cleaning system, which uses dual multi-surface brushes, a unique edge sweeping brush and vacuum suction. These features work in harmony to clear all the debris from the floor. The dual multi-surface brush has two brushes, one for loosening dirt and the other for picking up the dirt and directing it to the suction. The edge sweeping brush is uniquely configured at a 27 degrees angle to be able to get to the edges and corners of the house.
Runtime
The two robot vacuums are run by an 1800 mAh lithium-ion battery. This powerful battery can continuously provide power for 90 minutes, before recharging. The self-charging feature in both units also allows them to return to the charging station to dock and recharge automatically. It takes between 3 to 4 hours to charge the battery fully. However, the length of the recharge is based on the condition and discharge state of the battery.
Auto-adjust cleaning
The Roomba 675 and 690 also have an auto-adjust cleaning feature, which allows the cleaning head to adapt its height automatically to allow the brushes to come into contact with various floor surfaces. This feature allows the two units to clean both hard and carpeted floors efficiently. The fact that both units are only 3.6 inches in height means that they can easily maneuver under the sofas, beds and other hard to reach places.
Dirt detect technology
This is another feature that is included in both designs. The two robovacs have dirt detect sensors that allow them to recognize areas with the highest concentration of dirt and debris. This allows them to offer special attention to those areas, resulting in a consistent finish throughout the house.
Intelligent navigation
The two units are constructed with intelligent sensors that allow them to avoid obstacles and to navigate easily around the house. The intelligent sensors process information at a very high rate, making more than 60 decisions in a second.
This allows them to adapt easily to the surroundings and to take the necessary measures when faced with obstacles. They also have cliff detect sensors that allow them to avoid falling down stairways and drop-offs.
Home App
Another similarity between the Roomba 675 and 690 is that they can be operated remotely with the iRobot HOME App. Schedule cleaning can be done at the convenience of a smartphone, without the need to be in close proximity to the two devices.
You can also monitor the cleaning process or even view the cleaning history of the gadgets through your phone. The app also allows you to watch maintenance videos.
Voice-activated control
The two units from the Roomba 600 series are also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google assistant. This Wi-Fi enabled connectivity allows the two devices to be receptive to several voice commands.
You may command them through Amazon Alexa or Google assistant to start or stop cleaning or even dock at the charging station, and they will respond accordingly. It should be noted however that Amazon and Google devices need to be bought separately.
Filtration system
The AeroVac filtration system is used in both models. Even though it is not as effective as the AeroForce filtration system used in subsequent models, the AeroVac filter is also very effective in keeping air in the house clean. The filter is also categorized as a HEPA filter, which means that it is approved by all regulatory authorities.
Differences between iRobot Roomba 675 and 690
The only major difference between the two units is that the Roomba 690 has the Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier, while the Roomba 675 does not. The Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier accessory allows you to control where the 690 is supposed to clean specifically, without wandering to other areas.
Another difference, albeit negligible is the color of the two models. The Roomba 675 comes with an all-black finish, while the 690 is a blend between black and polished silver-white.
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The Bottom Line
Both models work efficiently to keep dirt, debris and pet hairs out of our homes. However, the Roomba 690 has a slight edge over the 675 model, not because it cleans better, but because it has the Dual Mode Virtual Barrier, which gives the user the ability to control where the robot vacuum should clean.
This is also the reason why the iRobot Roomba 690 costs a bit more than the 675 model. You need to understand however that the Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier only works well in a large household.
Therefore, if the cleaning area is small, then go for the Roomba 675 model and save yourself the extra dollars. In case you move to a bigger place, you can always add the Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier to your iRobot Roomba 675, as it is compatible with the accessory.
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