Type to search

Share

If you already have eyes on another budget robot vacuum, then you need to stop right now and read this iRobot Roomba 694 review first! When it comes to budget robot vacuums, the iRobot Roomba 694 may be the best there is.

In iRobot’s lineup, the Roomba 694 may be one of the most affordable ones but it certainly does not skimp on a fantastic cleaning performance and useful features. This no-frills robot vacuum is perfect for busy homeowners and pet owners who are on a budget, and we’ll explain further in this comprehensive iRobot Roomba 694 review why that is.


About the iRobot Roomba 694

iRobot Roomba 694 Review
ManufactureriRobot
Model NameiRobot Roomba 694
ColorCharcoal Gray
Dimensions13.4”L x 13.4”W x 3.54”H
Weight Specifications6.77 lbs
Surface RecommendationWood, Hard Floors, Carpet
Battery Life90 minutes
Power SourceBattery Powered
Controller TypeAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Voice Control, iRobot App
Special FeaturesCordless, Automatic Rechargeable, Advanced Custom Cleaning, Good for Pet Hair, Wi-Fi Connected

Many other robot vacuums that are entry-level models may skimp out on features, suction power, and cleaning performance but the iRobot Roomba 694 begs to differ. Despite it being a budget vacuum, it has useful and advanced features that even high-end robot vacuums such as the Wyze Robot Vacuum, Shark IQ Robot Vacuum, and even the iRobot Roomba j7+ Robot Vacuum have to offer.

Some of which are the self-emptying feature, the ability to schedule cleanings that are customized to your preference, and Dirt Detect Technology. It’s even compatible with varying devices such as smartphones, Amazon Echo, Amazon Echo, Google Home, smartwatches, and its companion app; the iRobot Home App.


iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum Cleaner Benefits

iRobot Roomba 694 Review

You may want to think twice about calling the iRobot Roomba 694 a basic robot vacuum. With plenty of benefits, features, and smart technology, the iRobot Roomba 694 can do more than just a fantastic job at cleaning.

Budget-friendly but Well-Designed and Equipped

Many robot vacuums will cost an arm and a leg to give you advanced features and technology, but the iRobot Roomba 694 gives you all that and more despite staying affordable.

Starting with its design, the Roomba 694 has a sleek look to it. Despite it lacking a carrying handle, this Roomba is portable and light enough to be carried around to its charging dock or charging station. Although, you can create virtual walls to help lead it to its charging station, carrying this is no chore at all.

The Roomba 694 is wireless so you won’t see any electrical cords hanging from it. To top off its sleek look, the top center of this vacuum is ringed by a matte black plastic which has power, wi-fi, and battery light indicators.

Similar to other Roomba models, the iRobot Roomba 694 has dual multi-surface brushes that work together to accomplish a spotless cleaning job may it be vacuuming the hardwood floor of your dining room or carpet in the living room. The multi-surface brushes help grab dust, dirt, and large debris along its cleaning path. For a thorough cleaning session, the first brush of the Roomba 694 will loosen, lift, and pull in dust, dirt, and even dog hair from the different surfaces it passes through while the second brush will accelerate any left debris into its suction channel.

The Roomba 694 does more than keep floors clean. Thanks to its side brush, the Roomba 694 can also dust off the corners of your walls and vacuum the dirt that falls off. In case that gets you worried that the Roomba 694 will bump along the edges and corners, potentially damaging them, then fear not. The Roomba 694 has a full suite of advanced sensors that will allow it to detect and navigate under and around furniture, including edges.

To keep the Roomba 694 from falling down a flight of stairs, this robot vacuum comes equipped with Cliff Detect technology. So you are assured that you can leave the Roomba 694 cleaning on its own while you tend to other matters. The Roomba 694 also comes with a Virtual Barrier device or a Virtual Wall Barrier. This gives you more control and security over the specific rooms your Roomba 694 can keep cleaning in and stay out of. Otherwise, the Roomba 694 will be more like a giant pool ball that will keep going in a straight line until it bumps into an object or other obstacle so it can adjust its course and keep cleaning.

However, some downsides of the Roomba 694 are perhaps the fact that the self-emptying feature of this robot vacuum is sold separately and it could do for longer battery life. Although with plenty of other features, letting go of the self-emptying capability and longer battery life are good bargains considering that the Roomba 694 is a budget robot vacuum.

Powerful Enough to Clean Pet Hair and More

Just like other Roomba models, the Roomba 694 has an excellent cleaning performance before of its strong suction power and 3-Stage Cleaning System design.

The Roomba 694 has a suction power of 550pa, which is strong enough for cleaning small spaces and everyday messes. Complimenting it with its 3-Stage Cleaning System, dual multi-surface brushes, and edge-sweeping brush, the Roomba 694 does more than a decent job at cleaning. The Roomba 694 is strong enough to vacuum out the first layer of dirt, debris, and strands of long hair that may be lying on the floor.

Along with the dual brushes, the Roomba 694 can grab more dirt that may have been left out, while the edge-sweeping brush will clean out corners and edges. By the way, don’t be worried about hair wrapped around the brushes getting tangled as the Roomba 694 is equipped to avoid such instances. All that is cleaned out and happening even from just a quick pass by the iRobot Roomba 694. This also explains why the Roomba 694 is one of the best Roomba vacuums for pet hair.

However, the Roomba 694 does not stop there. To get more out of the cleaning session, the Roomba 694 has advanced Dirt Detect Technology that allows it to detect dirtier areas of your home. These high-traffic spots may be filled with pet hair, dog hair, dirt, debris, and more, and your Roomba 694 will be able to sense and eliminate these thoroughly.

Smart

Thanks to the iRobot Home App, the Roomba 694 will continue to learn and get smarter even if you have purchased a second-hand or old model. When it’s connected to the wi-fi, the Roomba 694 will receive the latest tech, software, updates, and features that are available in the iRobot Home App so it can continue to upgrade and give you the best cleaning service possible.

Thanks to its companion app, the iRobot App OS, the Roomba 694 can also do its cleaning around your schedule and preference. It’s smart enough to learn your preferred cleaning habits and needs. It can even recommend cleaning sessions and work harder on days and seasons that may need extra TLC.

Such a feature will come in handy during shedding season as pet owners may see more dog hair or pet hair lying around. Luckily, the Roomba 694 also comes with a high-efficiency filter and an extra filter for these much-needed cleaning occasions.

When you connect the Roomba 694 to the wifi and the iRobot app, you can also schedule cleanings so that your robot vacuum will work around your preference. Also through the app and with the help of a trusted Wi-Fi connection, the Roomba 694 can be given controlled via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa through simple voice commands. With such features, who knew having a smart home can be a budget-friendly journey?


Pros and Cons of the iRobot Roomba 694

ProsCons
✔️ Affordable
✔️ Equipped with plenty of features
✔️ Can create personalized cleaning routines
✔️ Has voice control capabilities
✔️ Can vacuum out pet hair
✖️ Short battery life
✖️ Self-emptying dock is sold separately
✖️ Not a mapping robot vacuum
✖️ Lacks a carrying handle

What People Are Saying About the iRobot Roomba 694

iRobot Roomba 694 Review

It’s not enough to hear all there is about this budget but more than capable vacuum in this iRobot Roomba 694 review. Take it from other users who have tried and tested this no-frills robot vacuum.

“The iRobot Roomba 694 is an upscale-looking robot vacuum, a solid cleaner, and thanks to its app, offers unique options beyond basic daily scheduling.”

MEGAN MCDONOUGH – TOM’S GUIDE

Where to Buy iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuums

iRobot Roomba 694 Review

Considering all the features and benefits that the iRobot Roomba 694 has to offer, this budget-friendly robot vac is truly a steal. Be one step closer to completing your smart home by purchasing the Roomba 694 here.


Frequently Asked Questions

Does the iRobot Roomba 694 have room mapping?

What year was the Roomba 694 released?


iRobot Roomba 694 Review

iRobot Roomba 694

When it comes to budget-friendly robot vacuums, the iRobot Roomba 694 is a cleaning device that will give you every penny’s worth and more.

It’s the perfect addition to your growing smart home as it will learn your cleaning habits and preferences, and even make recommendations. Aside from this, it’s strong enough to vacuum out pet hair, dirt, dust, and debris may they be on the floor or corners of your walls.

Price
10
Functionality
9
Quality
8

Summary

The iRobot Roomba 694 is a more than capable budget robot vacuum. To say that it's a "basic" model may be downplaying this no-frills robot vacuum as it is still equipped with plenty of features and tech that allow it to perform more than a decent cleaning job.

Total Rating

9.0
Tags:
Sota Takahashi

Sota Takahashi is a Japanese-born electrical engineer. At the age of 18, he moved to Seattle and completed his Electrical Engineering degree at the University of Washington, Seattle. Being a fan of all things tech, he channels his geeky side through this website, and with his wife Linda, shares knowledge about robot pets and how they can be lifelong and advantageous companions for both children and the elderly.

  • 1