iRobot Roomba 675 and 690 [Which one is the Best?]

If you’re looking for low-cost robot vacuums, many people think they must find an off-brand or a new manufacturer to score a good bargain.

But iRobot has amazing robots at a reasonable price. Suppose you are aware of where to go. Roomba 675, the Roomba 675, and the Roomba 690 are just two of these models.

In this article, we’ll examine the two robots and describe the differences and similarities.

The aim is to give you the necessary information to help you determine which one is the best choice for you. My personal opinion is that it is best to go with the Roomba 675.

iRobot Roomba 675 and 690 Specifications and Features

Roomba 675 and the 690 clean systems are iRobot’s patent-pending 3-stage cleaning methods that can lift, loosen, and then suck in dirt and other debris.

The cleaning system is built on dual multi-surface brushing systems combined with vacuum suction that cleans all floor surfaces from dust and dirt particles to bigger debris like food for pets.

Notice: Both units are intended for dry dirt only.

iRobot Roomba 675 and 690 use identical 1800mAh lithium-ion batteries that provide the longest runtime of 60 minutes from just one charge.

Notice: on a flat and hard surface and with minimal obstructions, furniture, or similar objects, as well as with the latest program (firmware), Roomba 675 and 690 can clean up for as long as 90 minutes.

One of the intriguing features unique to Roomba 657/690 is that once the battery has been discharged, it returns to its charging station to recharge itself.

This typically takes between 3 and 4 hours, subject to the discharge state and the battery’s condition.

This is pretty standard for robotic vacuums that are home-based. However, it is important to be explained 🙂

Additionally, the Roomba 675/690 comes with an easier ‘I Adapt Navigation System’ that does not permit the Roomba 675/690 to restart the cleaning process after recharge.

iRobot Roomba 690 is also equipped with the ‘I Adapt Navigation System and isn’t able to recharge and resume cleaning.

However, iRobot Roomba 675 and 690 are equipped with the “I Adapt 2.0 Navigation System that allows the units to resume cleaning after charging.

Additionally, iRobot Roomba 960 and iRobot Roomba 980 are more expensive models.

Roomba 675/690 comes with one specially designed Edge-Sweeping Brush to enhance the cleaning of edges.

As the Roomba moves across the walls, the Edge-Sweeping Brush picks up the dirt and debris to move it into the vacuum in which the dual multi-surface brushes and vacuum suction perform their work.

Air filtration is excellent. However, it’s not as effective as in Roomba 890, 960, or 980 models, which utilize the ‘High-Efficiency Air Filter.’

Roomba 675/690 is a light unit that weighs only 7.8 pounds (3.53 kilograms). If stuck, it is easily removed from the level, clutter-free area.

It’s also a compact robot vacuum cleaner measuring 13.0 inches across and 3.7 inches tall (33 94% x 9.4 millimeters). The compact design makes it possible for the machine to be able to clean under beds and furniture.

iRobot Roomba comes with a set of sensors that aid in cleaning and ‘surviving in homes and apartments:

Cliff sensors (drop sensors) prevent the unit from falling from the staircase.

Acoustic sensors assist the unit in detecting the presence of dirt on floors, and then the unit can clean the area more thoroughly.

A gentle touch sensor will stop the device from bumping (too) into furniture, walls, or other obstructions.

The RCON sensor aids the unit in locating the charging station and docking it with it.

iRobot Roomba is a generally simple robot vacuum cleaner. However, it is recommended that you study the instruction manual before the first time!

Read More: Shark Rocket Deluxepro HV321 Upright Vacuum

Charging the iRobot Roomba

When it arrives, the iRobot Roomba’s battery isn’t fully charged due to the rules concerning lithium-ion batteries.

It can be operated immediately using only a half-full (or half-empty) battery. However, if the device senses the battery is low,

It will attempt to dock to its Home Base (also called docking station or charging station, charging base, etc.).

To help the unit locate the Home Base, it is crucial to position it in an open, clear space. It is suggested to leave some space in the vicinity of it.

Home Base – at least 1.5 feet (0.5 meters) on either side of the Home Base and at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) in the front of the Home Base.

It is also recommended to put the Home Base at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) away from the steps.

To prevent interference caused by Virtual Wall Barriers (Roomba 690 model), Keep them at a minimum of 8′ (2.4 meters) away from the Home Base.

Additionally, to permit Roomba to get information from an iRobot Home App, make sure your Home Base is in an area that has consistent WIFI coverage.

To allow the unit to recharge without interruption, It is advised to ensure that the Home Base is always plugged in.

Using the iRobot Home App

While Roomba 675/690 can be operated in place of the iRobot Home App, it is strongly recommended.

The iRobot Home App can be downloaded on iOS and Android smart devices.

With the Home App from iRobot, users can schedule cleaning tasks while at home, control their vacuum’s schedule for cleaning, get help and tips, switch on push notifications for real-time updates on cleaning tasks, and more.

It is also compatible with other devices such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The user can now request Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to stop, start, or even charge the vacuum.

Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier

Utilizing the Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier (Roomba 690), The user can have greater control over what Roomba 690 can be accessed and kept clean.

Multi-Room Cleaning is not accessible on Roomba 690 or 890 that use the I Adapt Navigation System.

Still, iRobot Roomba 675 and 690 are equipped with the iAdapt 2.0 Navigation System, which allows the Multi-Room Clean feature.

To manage your Roomba 690, you can use the Virtual Wall Barrier or shut the doors.

If additional Virtual Wall Barriers are required, you can order them separately.

Notice: since both iRobot Roomba 675 and 690 have excellent sensors for cliffs, they may have issues with carpets that have deep dark (especially dark black) stripes.

Cliff sensors could give false positive’ cliff-sensing and change the Roomba another way.

To prevent their Roombas from entering a specific space certain area, some Roomba users use black matte duct tape to the floor.

This is generally effective; however, it’s not recognized as a valid support method.

I suggest that if you do not require the virtual wall(s) and have a simple home layout, choose Roomba 675.

If you want a more complex home, choose Roomba 690. And for cleaning homes with a lot of space, opt for Roomba 980 or 960 or a newer Roomba model.

Similarities of the iRobot Roomba 675 and 690

Let’s look at the similarities between these two entry-level Roombas.

Round Shape the majority of Roomba robotic vacuums (except for the S9) have a circular design, and these two aren’t different.

They measure 13 inches in width in length and 3.7 inches in height. It can be placed under furniture with at least 3.9 inches of clearance.

Interface

The button interface is identical to the circular “clean” button in the middle and is flanked by the dock and spot buttons.

They also come with handles, making moving them easily throughout the house.

WIFI, Compatibility with Alexa as well as Google Assistant

One thing I like about the 675 and 690 models is that it comes with WIFI. My back muscles stiffen up at times, and bending down to press the “Clean” “Clean” button is something unpleasant when it starts to flare up.

The option of accessing the robot using the app is attractive to me, and I love its convenience.

It is fully compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, and using voice commands is something that more and more people are using nowadays.

Dual brush

The robots use the identical dual brush system found in all 600-series robotics – bristle and squeegee combination.

This is one of the reasons why Roomba products work so well cleaning carpets.

Here’s a look into the counter-rotating brushes in both iRobot Roomba 675 and 690.

Both versions have the same brush arrangement. Both brushes (primary along with side ones) can be interchanged.

Single side brush

Another thing similar to the 675 and 690 is that each has a side brush. The design is identical, and both are spinning at the same speed.

Navigation

The Roomba 600 series robotics use a common algorithm, including 614, 675, and 690. The robots can pinball in random directions.

The algorithm, however, is sufficiently sophisticated to cover the entire area it removes.

iRobot Roomba 675 vs 690 – Roomba Comparison

iRobot Roomba 675

iRobot Roomba 690

iRobot Roomba 675 and 690 are two very similar models. It’s not surprising since the Roomba 675/690 is based upon the well-tested Roomba model 675.

Contrary to Roomba, the 675 models, the Roomba 690 model is Wi-Fi-enabled, which permits access to the iRobot Home App to manage and schedule cleaning tasks.

Additionally, the Roomba 690 is an Amazon Alexa and Google Home-compatible vacuum.

Roomba 675 model uses a NiMH battery Roomba 690 is equipped with the latest lithium-ion battery.

Which is more compact and efficient, does not have memory effects of any kind, and can be charged for longer periods without any negative impact on the capacity.

The Roomba 675 is a little wider but a bit slower and heavier. Roomba size is 13.39 by 3.6 inches. 7.9 pounds compared to. Roomba 690 measurements that are 13x 3.7 inches. 7.8 lbs.

In short, the Roomba 690 comes with numerous improvements that make it an ideal option.

Conclusion

Since both iRobot Roomba 675 and 690 belong to the 600 series, it’s probable that all of the features, excluding a few, will be similar.

But it is important to remember that the Roomba 690 is on the more expensive side.

Additionally, this model can be used with dual barrier modes, which means that when needed, it could be added to your current configuration at a minimum cost.

The Roomba 600 series is among the oldest models of robot vacuum cleaners.

Therefore, it’s only natural to expect that features are identical to one another and somewhat behind concerning the latest iRobot models, such as the Roomba i7.

Despite the features and price, the Roomba 675 can still be considered one of the most popular iRobot vacuums.