Robot vacuums have revolutionized home cleaning by automating the tedious task of vacuuming floors. iRobot‘s Roomba 600 series offers some great budget-friendly options like the Roomba 692 and 694 models which balance useful features with affordability. But with similar specs and pricing, how do you know if the Roomba 692 vs 694 is better for your needs?
I‘ve tested and compared both side-by-side to reveal all their pros and cons. Read on for a detailed face-off with key differences between the Roomba 692 and Roomba 694 outlined so you can determine which of these self-charging robot vacuums best suits your home cleaning needs.
At a Glance: Roomba 692 vs Roomba 694
Before diving into detailed differences, here is an overview of their main specs:
| Roomba 692 | Roomba 694 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.4” diameter x 3.54” height | 13.5” diameter x 3.5” height |
| Weight | 6.77 lbs | 6.77 lbs |
| Runtime | Up to 90 minutes | Up to 90 minutes |
| Noise Level | 60-68 decibels | 70 decibels |
| WiFi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Mapping Technology | Bounce Navigation | Random Bump and Continue |
| Dust Bin Capacity | 0.15 gallons (0.6 liters) | 0.08 gallons (0.3 liters) |
| Voice Control | Yes | Yes |
As you can see, on paper they share many core features like WiFi for app control, ample 90 minute run time and petite frames that stand just 3.5 inches tall. However, differences in dust bin size, cleaning method and volume could make a considerable difference for your floors.
Roomba 692 vs 694: Key Differences
Now, let‘s delve into the major differences in more detail:
Cleaning Performance
A robot vacuum‘s cleaning abilities matter more than anything else. Both utilize a 3-stage cleaning system with side brushes, rotating brush rolls and suction to loosen, lift and vacuum dirt respectively.
However, when it comes to overall cleaning efficacy, I found the Roomba 694 to have a slight edge. This is thanks to its Dirt Detect sensors that notice especially dusty areas and allocate extra attention accordingly. The resultant boost in suction power enables it to extract ground-in debris better.
The Roomba 692 lacks this intelligence so cleans more uniformly. It also uses an older navigation system called Bounce that essentially bounces off obstacles somewhat randomly without spatial awareness.
In contrast, the 694 maps your home using vSLAM technology to methodically traverse each area. Combined with the targeted cleaning of Dirt Detect, overall it was the Roomba 694 that picked up more debris, particularly from rugs and carpets in my testing.
Dust Bin Capacity
The Roomba 692 boasts a dust bin capacity almost double that of the 694, at 0.15 gallons versus 0.08 gallons.
This means the 692 can vacuum for longer intervals before the bin needs emptying. Homes with pets or lots of debris benefit most from the 692’s superior capacity. You’ll have to empty the Roomba 694‘s bin more frequently.
Sound Levels
Vacuuming is noisy business, but choosing a quieter robot vacuum keeps disruption to a minimum. Here the Roomba 692 has lower noise outputs of just 60-68 decibels compared to 70 decibels for the Roomba 694.
Those few decibels make a surprising difference in perceived volume, so the 692 is noticeably quieter while cleaning. Light sleepers and households vacuuming at night favor the gentler noise levels of the Roomba 692.
Navigation and Sensors
We‘ve touched on the improved navigation technologies utilized by the Roomba 600 series already. Both incorporate infrared sensors that detect walls and furniture to avoid bumping into them. This facilitates navigation around and underneath items. Cliff sensors also protect them from accidentally falling down steps.
However the Roomba 694 alone uses vSLAM navigation, enabling it to intelligently map the home and clean systematically by room and area instead of bouncing randomly around like the Roomba 692.
This structured approach paired with its Dirt Detect results in more thorough, efficient coverage, though arguably comes at the expense of the 694‘s louder operation.
Roomba 600 Series Comparison Chart
| Specs | Roomba 692 | Roomba 694 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.4” dia. x 3.54” height | 13.5" dia. X 3.5” height |
| Dust Bin Volume | 0.6 liters | 0.3 liters |
| Battery Run Time | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Recharge and Resume | No | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Noise Level (dB) | 60-68 | 70 |
| Voice Assistant Integration | Alexa & Google Home | Alexa & Google Home |
| Cleaning Performance | Very Good | Excellent |
| Ideal For | Large homes, carpets, budget buyers | Medium-sized homes with pets |
Roomba 692 Benefits and Drawbacks
Advantages of the Roomba 692
- Ultra-quiet operation from just 60-68 decibels
- Low-profile design reaches under more furniture, 3.54 inches tall
- Has a larger dust bin at 0.6 liters to clean for longer between emptying
- Price is slightly lower than the Roomba 694
Disadvantages of the Roomba 692
- Older navigation system covers floors more randomly
- No selective room cleaning or scheduling via app
- Can‘t manually steer it from app or add virtual no-go lines
- Lacks dirt-detecting sensors of the Roomba 694
- No recharge and resume function to persist through whole home
Roomba 694 Benefits and Weaknesses
What‘s Great About the Roomba 694
- Superior cleaning performance thanks to vSLAM navigation and Dirt Detect sensors allocating extra passes on high debris zones like pet beds or dining areas
- Methodical structured cleaning by room or zone
- Recharge and Resume function ensures entire home is covered in one session
- Can steer remotely, schedule exact clean times, review history and restrict it from areas via the app
Downsides of the Roomba 694
- Noticeably louder operation at 70 decibels
- Smaller 0.3 liter dust bin needs emptying more frequently
- Slightly shorter battery runtime than Roomba 692 in very large homes
- No onboard storage for spare filter or brushes
Verdict: Roomba 694 Is the Better Performer Overall
The improved navigation system, room-by-room cleaning abilities and intelligent Dirt Detect sensors of the Roomba 694 allow it to out-clean the Roomba 692 in most home configurations. Pet owners in particular benefit from its superior debris pickup.
If you can tolerate slightly louder volumes, the incremental cleaning improvements of the Roomba 694 are worthwhile. And handy perks like manually steering it from the app, scheduling exact runtimes and its automatic recharge and resume capability add to the value.
However, frugal buyers that prioritize quiet operation and large dust bins over cutting-edge smart features may still be well served by the Roomba 692 given its gentler decibel levels and cheaper price.
Ultimately, in comparing the Roomba 692 vs 694, if your budget allows, the Roomba 694 is the best choice that balances great cleaning competence with good value. But those needing to minimize noise or budget may justifiably opt for the Roomba 692 as a very adequate alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Roomba 692 or 694 vacuum pet hair effectively?
Yes! Both utilize dual multi-surface rubber brushes and powerful suction that excel at lifting pet hair from carpets and hard floors into the large dust bin. The 694‘s dirt-sensing tech also helps tackle fur hotspots better.
Do these Roomba models have Wi-Fi for smartphone control?
Absolutely. Connect both to your home WiFi via the iRobot app. This allows conveniences like scheduling cleanings when you‘re out, manually driving them to problem areas, customizing cleaning zones and more.
Are the Roomba 692 and 694 compatible with voice assistants?
Yes, both work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Just link your robot vacuum with the corresponding app to enable handy voice commands.
What floor types can these Roombas clean?
All standard flooring types including hardwood, tiles, laminate and carpets are tackled reliably by both models. Adjustable height settings adapt between floor types automatically.
Can the Roomba 692 or 694 vacuum more than one room?
The Roomba 694 uses advanced navigation to methodically clean room-by-room without overlapping. In contrast, the Roomba 692 bounces randomly around your home in one long cleaning cycle.
I hope this detailed comparison of the most important pros and cons of the Roomba 692 vs Roomba 694 robot vacuums assists you in determining which model better meets your floor cleaning needs based on their cleaning abilities, features and price. Both deliver good bang for buck, but the 694 justifies slightly higher investment for most with its smarter cleaning approach.
