Roomba 694 vs i3 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Roomba 694 & Roomba i3 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Roomba i3 rather than the Roomba 694.

Table Of Contents hide
1 Why Do I Recommend The Roomba i3?
2 Side By Side Comparison
3 What Common Both Can Do?
4 Common Features

Why Do I Recommend The Roomba i3? 

  • The Roomba i3 features advanced smart navigation for complete and methodical room coverage, while the Roomba 694 uses random navigation.
  • Roomba i3 comes with dual multi-surface rubber rollers for reduced hair tangling and stronger pickup on carpets, whereas the Roomba 694 uses a bristle and rubber brush.
  • It supports compatibility with the Clean Base self-emptying dock for hands-free dustbin management, while the Roomba 694 has a standard bin that must be emptied manually.
  • The Roomba i3 includes a high-efficiency HEPA-style filter to capture fine dust and allergens for cleaner indoor air, whereas the Roomba 694 uses a basic filter with less effective allergen containment.
  • Roomba i3 features recharge and resume capability to automatically continue cleaning after recharging, while the Roomba 694 stops cleaning when its battery is depleted and requires a manual restart.
  • It has stronger suction power for deeper debris removal on both carpets and hard floors, whereas the Roomba 694 provides lower suction performance.
  • The Roomba i3 supports Imprint Smart Mapping for room-by-room control and targeted cleaning, while the Roomba 694 lacks any mapping ability.
  • Roomba i3 comes with a more robust obstacle detection system for smoother navigation around furniture and fewer collisions, whereas the Roomba 694 uses simpler sensors.

Maybe the Roomba 694 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Roomba i3. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Check Roomba i3 Best Price

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureRoomba i3Roomba 694
Navigation algorithmSystematic rows / “smart pathing”Random / bump-and-go style
Brushroll typeDual rubber rollersBristle + rubber mixed
Filter typeHEPA-style / higher filtrationBasic filter
Height / thicknessSlightly taller heightSlightly lower height
Noise levelQuieterLouder
Edge / corner cleaning efficiencyMore efficient edges/corners due to dual brushes/rollersLess efficient edges/corners
Material and finishFabric-textured or more refined finish in some modelsGlossy plastic finish
Battery recharge timeSlightly faster recharge in many testsLonger to recharge
App featuresMore advanced control in app; better coverage reports/mapsBasic scheduling, voice commands
Recurring maintenance – brush cleaning frequencyLowerHigher
WeightHeavierLighter
“Full dustbin” indicatorMore likely to have full bin indication or sensor feedbackMay lack or basic
PriceCheck Roomba i3 PriceCheck Roomba 694 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Both Roomba 694 and Roomba i3 connect to home Wi-Fi networks, allowing users to start, stop, or schedule cleaning runs remotely from a smartphone or smart assistant.
  • iRobot Home App Support: Each model integrates with the iRobot Home app, enabling scheduling, cleaning history viewing, and basic control from anywhere with an internet connection.
  • Voice Control (Alexa/Google Assistant): Both vacuums can be controlled using simple voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant, making hands-free operation easy when you’re busy.
  • Automatic Recharge: When the battery runs low, each robot automatically returns to its charging dock to recharge, ensuring they are ready for the next cleaning cycle without user intervention.
  • Cliff/Sensor Drop Protection: Built-in cliff sensors on both models prevent accidental falls down stairs or off ledges, protecting the robot and home surfaces.
  • Dirt Detect Technology: Both feature iRobot’s Dirt Detect sensors, which recognize high-traffic or heavily soiled areas and prompt the robot to concentrate on those spots for a deeper clean.
  • Multi-Surface Cleaning: Each vacuum seamlessly transitions between hardwood, tile, and carpet, maintaining suction and cleaning performance across different floor types.
  • Auto-Adjust Cleaning Head: The cleaning head on both models automatically adapts its height to maintain optimal contact with varying floor surfaces, improving pickup efficiency.
  • Edge-Sweeping Brush: A side-mounted edge-sweeping brush helps both robots pull dirt and debris from corners and along walls into the main suction path.
  • Cleaning Schedules via App: Users can create daily or weekly cleaning schedules for both the Roomba 694 and i3 directly through the app, enabling consistent maintenance of floors.
  • Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery: Each model uses a long-lasting lithium-ion battery, which offers consistent power output and a longer overall lifespan compared to older battery types.
  • Carpet & Hard Floor Cleaning: Both vacuums are designed to effectively clean a variety of surfaces, from low-pile carpet to hard floors, without manual adjustments.
  • HEPA-type Filter Availability: While filter designs differ slightly, both can use high-efficiency filters that capture fine dust and allergens, promoting cleaner indoor air.
  • OTA Firmware Updates: Over-the-air updates keep both models current with performance improvements and occasional new features, extending their usability.
  • Compact Round Form Factor: The shared round, low-profile design allows both robots to maneuver under furniture and around obstacles efficiently.
  • Obstacle Detection Sensors: Both are equipped with sensors that detect furniture and other objects, helping them avoid collisions and navigate effectively.
  • Works with Virtual Wall Barriers: Each model is compatible with iRobot’s Virtual Wall devices, which create invisible boundaries to keep the robot out of restricted areas.

Check Roomba 694 Best Price

Check Roomba i3 Best Price

Common Features

FeatureRoomba 694Roomba i3
Wi-Fi ConnectivityYesYes
iRobot Home App SupportYesYes
Voice Control (Alexa/Google Assistant)YesYes
Automatic RechargeYesYes
Cliff/Sensor Drop ProtectionYesYes
Dirt Detect TechnologyYesYes
Multi-Surface CleaningYesYes
Auto-Adjust Cleaning HeadYesYes
Edge-Sweeping BrushYesYes
Cleaning Schedules via AppYesYes
Rechargeable Lithium-Ion BatteryYesYes
Carpet & Hard Floor CleaningYesYes
HEPA-type Filter AvailabilityYesYes
OTA Firmware UpdatesYesYes
Compact Round Form FactorYesYes
Obstacle Detection SensorsYesYes
Works with Virtual Wall BarriersYesYes
Price Check Roomba 694 Price Check Roomba i3 Price

FAQ

Do both Roomba 694 and i3 connect to Wi-Fi?
Yes, both models connect to Wi-Fi, allowing control through the iRobot Home app or via voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.

Can either model handle both carpet and hard floors?
Yes, both vacuums are designed to clean multiple surfaces, automatically adjusting suction and brush height to transition between carpet, tile, and hardwood.

Is there a self-emptying option for either model?
The Roomba i3 is compatible with the Clean Base self-emptying dock when purchased as the i3+, while the Roomba 694 does not support a self-emptying feature.

Do both have Dirt Detect technology?
Yes, both the Roomba 694 and i3 use Dirt Detect sensors to identify areas with higher dirt concentration and clean those spots more thoroughly.

How do their filters compare for allergen control?
Both use high-efficiency filters that capture fine dust and allergens, but the i3’s filter is rated slightly higher, offering better air quality for allergy-sensitive homes.

What is the difference in battery life between the two?
The Roomba 694 typically runs up to about 75 minutes, while the i3 averages around 90 minutes, though the i3’s efficient navigation often completes cleaning faster.

Do they both recharge automatically?
Yes, both models automatically return to their charging docks when the battery is low, ensuring they are ready for the next cleaning cycle.

Can I schedule cleaning with the app on both models?
Yes, the iRobot Home app allows you to schedule daily or weekly cleaning sessions on both the Roomba 694 and i3.

Are the brushes the same on both vacuums?
No, the Roomba 694 uses a combination of bristle and rubber brushes, while the i3 features dual multi-surface rubber rollers that resist hair tangling and clean more effectively.

Do both work with Virtual Wall barriers?
Yes, both the Roomba 694 and i3 are compatible with iRobot Virtual Wall devices to restrict cleaning areas as needed.

How noisy are these vacuums?
Both produce a typical robotic vacuum sound, but the i3 tends to be slightly quieter during operation compared to the Roomba 694.

Are firmware updates available for both models?
Yes, both receive over-the-air firmware updates through the iRobot Home app, providing performance improvements and occasional new features.

Do either of them have mapping features?
The Roomba 694 does not create maps, while the i3 can generate basic cleaning maps and, with firmware updates, supports room-by-room cleaning.

Which model is better for pet hair?
The Roomba i3 is better suited for homes with pets thanks to its dual rubber rollers and stronger suction, which reduce tangling and capture more hair and dander.

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