So sánh irobot 980 và 960

iRobot Crop là một trong những công ty robot tiêu dùng hàng đầu hiện nay. Các sản phẩm của hãng luôn đáp ứng tốt tất cả nhu cầu về thiết kế, cấu hình lẫn tính năng tiện ích cho người dùng. Trong đó iRobot Roomba 960 đang là robot hút bụi thông minh được yêu thích của hãng.

iRobot Roomba 960 được ra mắt nhằm hướng tới phân khúc thấp hơn so với đàn anh cao cấp là iRobot 980. Tuy nhiên những tính năng của 980 thì dường như 960 đều được thừa hưởng. Để có nhìn cận cảnh về những ưu điểm lẫn khuyết điểm của máy, bài viết dưới đây FPT Shop sẽ đánh giá chi tiết iRobot 960.

Về thiết kế

Nếu nhìn về thiết kế của Roomba bạn có thể dễ dàng nhận ra rằng mọi sản phẩm của hãng đều có sự tương đồng. Tuy nhiên chúng vẫn có sự khác biệt nhất định, máy Roomba 960 có kích thước 13,8 x 3,6 inch và nặng khoảng 3.9kg. Nút làm sạch ở nằm trên cùng giữa làm sạch tại chỗ và nút home. Ngoài ra, máy cũng được tích hợp camera được đặt ở mặt trước cho phép chúng di chuyển uyển chuyển và nhịp nhàng hơn. Đây là thiết kế hoàn toàn hợp lý để thực hiện các công việc làm sạch hằng ngày một cách dễ dàng.

Màu sắc của iRobot 960 cũng là điểm sáng khi sở hữu màu chủ đạo chính là đen và xám kết hợp. Hai màu này tạo nên sự sang trọng và tinh tế cho sản phẩm để người dùng vừa có thể sử dụng như thiết bị vệ sinh lại vừa trang trí cùng những vật dụng khác trong nhà.

Cách hoạt động

Máy sẽ được vận hành bởi cặp rulo lăn bên dưới để giúp nâng và hạ để hút mọi thứ bụi bẩn trong nhà từ hạt cát đến các mảnh vụn. Để làm sạch hoàn toàn, máy còn được tích hợp chổi quét để quét sạch dọc các tường, chân tường cùng một số đồ vật khác… Không chỉ thế để xác nhận được mức độ bẩn của từng khu vực, iRobot 960 sở hữu một số cảm biến xác định nồng độ bụi.

iRobot 960 có thể được lập trình công việc trong vòng 7 ngày, ngoài ra máy còn có thể điều khiển từ xa với kết nối Wi-Fi và sử dụng bằng ứng dụng iRobot Home, tạo sự tiện lợi cao nhất cho người dùng.

Về tính năng

iRobot 960 có 3 tính năng làm sạch đặc trưng là One-cleaning pass, Two-cleaning pass và Automatic. Với One-cleaning pass máy sẽ thực hiện làm sạch toàn bộ khu vực yêu cầu một lần, Two-cleaning pass sẽ là 2 lần phù hợp với những nhà có nuôi thêm thú cưng và cuối cùng là Automatic cho phép thiết bị tự động quyết định số lần dựa trên kích thước phòng.

Khi trải nghiệm lần đầu, Roomba 960 sẽ dọn dẹp bằng tính năng tự động trên khu vực phòng khách bao gồm sàn gỗ và thảm thấp. Roomba 960 đã hoàn thành tốt nhiệm vụ, thiết bị đã né toàn bộ các chướng ngại vật trên sàn, làm sạch một cách tuyệt đối như bụi bẩn, vụn thức ăn, lông chó mèo.

Nhờ vào nhiều cải tiến đặc biệt, mà Roomba 960 còn có thệ nhận diện tốt các vật thể xung quanh và hiếm khi va chạm hay cố gắng lăn qua các vật dụng trong nhà, thậm chí cả cây bút nhỏ.

Roomba 960 không chỉ đáp ứng nhu cầu dọn dẹp tốt, nhận diện thông minh mà thiết bị còn có chế độ thiết lập tường giả để máy không thể vào khu bất kỳ. Sự tiện lợi này giúp người dùng có thể kiểm soát từng khu vực làm sạch tốt, hạn chế để máy tiếp xúc với khu vực không mong muốn.

Về thời lượng sử dụng, Roomba 960 có thể dùng trong 70 đến 80 phút. Nếu bạn muốn dùng máy lâu hơn mức mặc định thì máy cũng có thể hoàn toàn đáp ứng, khi sắp hết pin chúng sẽ tự động sạc và khi đầy pin máy tiếp tục hành trình làm sạch cho ngôi nhà. Tuy nhiên qua trải nghiệm thì Roomba 960 sẽ hoàn thành nhiệm vụ làm sạch chỉ trong 30 đến 60 phút nếu ngôi nhà thường xuyên được dọn dẹp. Mỗi lần hoàn thành nhiệm vụ, iRobot Home của máy sẽ ghi lại toàn bộ khu vực đã làm sạch bao gồm tất cả thông tin như thời gian, thời lượng…

Kết

iRobot Roomba 960 thật sự là thiết bị điện gia dụng cần thiết để giúp ngôi nhà luôn sạch sẽ, giúp nâng cao đời sống và bảo sức khỏe người dùng. Không chỉ thế máy còn giúp bạn tiết kiệm thời gian tối đa và có nhiều thời gian cho công việc và bên cạnh người yêu thương nhiều hơn thay vì phải luôn tay để vệ sinh nhà cửa theo kiểu truyền thống.

Robot hút bụi mình đang dùng là Irobot Roomba 960, Robot Mỹ dùng rất trâu bò, nặng mà phi qua thảm, qua chân bàn dày ầm ầm, pin được tầm 1 tiếng thoải mái hút qua hút lại các phòng (nhà mình Cc diện tích 90m2). Độ ồn thấp, cảm thấy rất tiện. Ra lệnh Hey Siri, Roomba On là chạy đi hút bụi, Roomba OFF là tự về dock sạc. Nhà hút 1 lần 1 tiếng là sạch cả nhà, mới hết pin. Mua có 9 triệu (hàng used mới có 1 tiếng) dùng 1 năm rồi, mà giờ check giá các nơi Nguyễn Y Vân, ai mua mới thì tầm 12 triệu. Cảm thấy không hối tiếc, mặc dù với giá đó có thể thêm 1 triệu hoặc mua được Xiao Mi Gen 2 mới nhưng sau 1 năm dùng không hề cảm thấy hối tiếc khi mua Irobot Rômba, các loại khác thì chưa được dùng qua nên không biết. Mình thì thích hàng có thương hiệu vì ưu tiên độ bền bỉ, tất nhiên nếu ai xài con Mì xào gen 2 thì hơn ở tính năng “khoanh vùng hút bụi với tường ảo”.

So với Irobot Roomba 980 thì đắt hơn 3 triệu mà chỉ hơn lực hút (nhưng sẽ ồn hơn), pin lâu hơn (khoảng 2 tiếng), nhưng với mình thì 960 đã là tuyệt vời rồi. Ai mà muốn giải phóng sức lao động cho người thân, thì máy hút bụi (bên dạnh máy rửa bát) đều là sự đầu tư thông thái và vô cùng hữu ích trong cuộc sống ngày càng hiện đại và...hại điện hiện nay. 😁

The newest series of Roombas to hit the shelves is the 900 series. These 900 series Roombas bring a lot to the table and offers the latest-and-greatest regarding robot vacuum technology.

But what’s the big difference?

• Brushroll: Dual Rubberized

• Brushroll: Dual Rubberized

This guide is going to break down the two current models available in the Roomba 900 series— Roomba 960 vs. 980. The look of each of these vacuums is almost identical, but under the hood, there are quite a few differences.

Follow along as we break down design, features, usability, and more for each of these robot vacuums to help you decide which of the Roomba 900 series models is the right vacuum for you.

Which is the better Roomba?

Roomba 960 vs. 980

If you’re looking for the best of the best, the 980 is the winner for this vacuum comparison. While the 960 has some really great features, the additions that 980 brings to the table really increases the overall cleaning performance and capability to service larger spaces.Check Price

Roomba 980 Review

The Roomba 980 is the top model that iRobot currently offers. It includes everything that the Roomba 960 has, but also has a stronger motor with a longer run time, a power boost mode for carpet cleaning, and an additional virtual wallincluded for controlled cleaning.

The 980 model has the same large on-board camera that the 960 has, which allows this robot vacuum to scan its surroundings and make intelligent cleaning decisions based on the observations. The Roomba 980 is pricey, but it’s also one of the very best robot vacuums ever developed.

Pros

• Includes a stronger motor for a more powerful clean.
• Power boost mode offers stronger suction when cleaning carpeted floors.

Cons

• This is most expensive model that Roomba currently offers.
• It’s slightly louder than the Roomba 960 when running at full power.

Overall, the Roomba 980 is a high-quality robot vacuum that offers low-maintenance cleaning, without sacrificing suction or cleaning performance. While this model is the most expensive, the added features it includes truly make this model one of the most impressive robot vacuums that we’ve reviewed to date. Especially if you have a larger home, these bonuses could be a real incentive to bite the bullet.

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Roomba 960 Review

The Roomba 960 model is one step below the Roomba 980. It has many of the same features as the 980, since it’s in the same series, but it lacks the more powerful motor and Power Boost carpet cleaning feature.

Additionally, the 960 also has a shorter run time, but with these setbacks also comes a much lower price tag.

Roomba 960 uses the same on-board camera, advanced navigation system, and AeroForce filtration system, just to name a few features. For top-of-the-line performance, at a reduced cost, the Roomba 960 really shines.

Pros

• Has a reduced price compared to the Roomba 980 model.
• Comes with improved iAdapt 2.0 navigation with on-board camera.

Cons

• Lacks Power Boost and the stronger motor with improved suction.
• Has a shorter run time — 75 minutes versus 120 minutes with the 980 model.

Overall, the Roomba 960 is an excellent robot vacuum if you’re looking for impressive features, but don’t want to drop an arm and a leg for a vacuum cleaner. It has wifi capability, great cleaning performance, and exceptional navigation. Depending on the details of space you need to clean, the added features for the Roomba 980 might not be completely worth the added cost.

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iRobot Roomba Comparisons

Want to see how these top-of-the-line Roombas compare to other robot vacuums on the market?

Don’t miss our Best Roomba guide and reviews where we break down what makes Roomba unique and how these differences compare to the overall performance of competitive robot vacuums. 

Roomba 980 Design

The design of the Roomba 980 is sleek and simple. The central camera scans the room as it cleans, taking mental notes of furniture, walls, or other obstacles.

There is a small handle at the front of the vacuum to manually return it to the charger; you can also simply push the home button and it will drive back to the charger on its own.

Aesthetically speaking, the design of the Roomba 980 is similar to that of the Roomba 960, but this is vastly different from robot vacuum in the 600, 700, or 800 series, which all lack the on-board camera.

1. Auto clean: start / return home
2. Camera
3. Handle
4. Bumper ring

Roomba 980 robot vacuum – features

Roomba 960 Design

The design of the Roomba 960 mimics that of the 980. The buttons and on-board camera are all in the same position. Aesthetically, the 960 model takes a bit of a lighter approach and uses matte gray and charcoal accents for a more contrasted look.

The “CLEAN” button can be used to start a cycle or you can send Roomba back home with the smaller button with a house icon. The classic Roomba bumper ring helps to protect your walls and furniture (as well as itself) as it navigates during a cleaning.

1. Auto clean: start / return home
2. Camera
3. Sensor
4. Bumper ring

Roomba 960 robot vacuum – features

How Roomba 980 Cleans

The Roomba 980 cleans using a three-stage cleaning process; agitate, vacuum, and suction.

The advanced dual brushrolls do a better job of agitating dirt and debris, compared to the older bristle-style brushroll (as shown on the Roomba 690, Roomba 650, and other older models).  Spinning brushes help sweep debris from edges and corners and into path of the central brushroll.

The 980 model offers a stronger motor compared to the one used on the Roomba 960, which uses the same motor in the Roomba 890 and other 800 series robots. Along with a longer run time, this motor also offers stronger suction and a Power Boost mode when vacuuming over carpeted floors.

The Roomba 980 uses advanced dirt detection technology and iAdapt 2.0 navigation to methodically clean the space using straighter lines and less bumping compared to older models.

In addition, the 980 has two additional edge sensors at the rear of the vacuum, which help Roomba to better understand its surroundings and potential drop hazards.

1. Dual brushroll
2. Spinning brush
3. Charging pins
4. Dust bin / filter
5. Edge sensors

Roomba 9800 robot vacuum – how it cleans

How Roomba 960 Cleans

The Roomba 960 cleans using the same three-stage cleaning process: agitate, vacuum, and suction. It uses the same spinning brush to clean the edges and corners with a central dual rubber brushroll.

The 960 model uses the same motor that’s found in the 800 series, like the Roomba 890. This older motor also means a shorter run time, but 75 minutes is still impressive for any robot vacuum.

Also, the 960 has the Recharge & Resume so even though the run time is shorter, it can recharge itself and return to cleaning without you having to lift a finger.

The Roomba 960 also has the same advanced dirt detection and iAdapt 2.0 technolgoies as the 980 model. This makes for improved navigation and more logical cleaning patterns. The 960 uses memory-mapping and the on-board camera to identify obstacles as it cleans.

1. Wheels
2. Spinning brush
3. Charging pins
4. Dual brushrolls
5. Dust bin / filter
6. Edge Sensors

Roomba 960 robot vacuum – how it cleans

Roomba 980 Size & Dimensions

The Roomba 980 is 13.8″ in diameter and 3.6″ tall. Both of the robot vacuums in this comparison are in the Roomba 900 series, so the size is the same. The Roomba 980 weighs 8.7 lbs.

• Diameter – 13.8″
• Height – 3.6″

Roomba 960 Size & Dimensions

The Roomba 960 is 13.8″ in diameter and is 3.6″ tall, just like the Roomba 980. The 960 model also weighs 8.7 pounds. For the sake of comparison, these are negligible factors between these vacuums.

• Diameter – 13.8″
• Height – 3.6″

Roomba 980 Accessories & Parts

The Roomba 980 robot vacuum comes with the following parts and accessories:

1. Charging base – The charging station comes with a base unit and charging cord. When the Roomba 980 gets low it will automatically return to the charging station to juice it. If it has cleaning left to do, after a charge, it will return to wherever it left off in the cycle and continue working until the job is done.
2. Spinning brush – The spinning brush installs into the underside of the vacuum and spins as it cleans, allowing Roomba to clean around edges and in corners.
3. Virtual wall barriers –The Roomba 980 comes with two virtual wall barriers. These can be used to block off straight passes, (e.g.. a doorway) or a radial area (e.g, around a pet food station). Having two barriers is especially useful for larger homes.
4. HEPA filter – This filter pairs with the AeroForce filtration system for advanced cleaning power, beyond that of the older AeroVac system, like what’s found with the Roomba 690 robot vacuum.

Roomba 980 robot vacuum – accessories

Roomba 960 Accessories & Parts

The Roomba 960 robot vacuum comes with the following parts and accessories:

1. Charging base  – This charging station is the same as the one that comes with the Roomba 980. With a low battery, the Roomba 960 will return to charge automatically, as needed. The 960 also has the Recharge & Resume feature so any cleaning that it did not complete in the first cycle, it will finish up after a charge.
2. Spinning brush – This spinning brush helps to keep the edges and corners clear of debris, sweeping it into the path of the larger brushroll as it cleans. This is a part that simply installs into the underside of the vacuum.
3. Virtual wall barrier –Unlike the 980 model that comes with two barriers, the 960 model only comes with one. However, it works in the same way and helps to block off spaces that you don’t want the Roomba to venture into.
4. HEPA filter – This HEPA filter works with the AeroForce filtration system, like the Roomba 980 filter. This part is interchangeable between all Roombas equipped with the AeroForce system.

Roomba 960 robot vacuum – accessories

RELATED – Need an upright vacuum cleaner instead? Check out our Shark reviews, Dyson reviews, and Bissell reviews for other great brands.

Cleaning Tests

At Modern Castle, we put all of the vacuums through our standard vacuum cleaning tests. These cleaning tests are designed to test a vacuum’s full range of cleaning performance, from large debris to small.

We perform a total of 12 debris tests, using three different flooring types and four types of debris. We test on engineered hardwoods, low pile carpet, and high pile carpet.

On each of those floor types, we test rice, dry cereal, kitty litter, and sugar. For the robot vacuum cleaning tests, we allow the vacuums to clean for up to 15 minutes or less time if it stops on its own.

• Rice – 3 ounces
• Dry Cereal – 1 ounce
• Kitty Litter – 3 ounces
• Sugar – 3 ounces

Testing Debris – From left to right: Rice (3 oz.), Kitty Litter (3 oz), Cereal (1 oz), Sugar (3 oz)

Roomba 980 Hardwood Floor Tests

The Roomba 980 robot vacuum did fantastic on the hardwood floor tests and captured 100% of all debris types that we tested.

See before and after test images.

Roomba 980 Low Pile Carpet Tests

The low carpet test results were similar to the hardwoods, capturing 100% of debris during the rice, cereal and kitty litter tests. The sugar test was a bit more difficult, as the Roomba 980 only captured 89%.

See before and after test images.

Roomba 980 High Pile Carpet Tests

The high carpet test results were pretty consistent to the performance on the low carpet. The higher carpet resulted in more struggle capturing that fine debris during the sugar test—leaving 53% on the carpet.

See before and after test images.

Roomba 960 Hardwood Tests

The Roomba 960 robot vacuum also did amazing on the hardwood floor test, capturing 100% of all debris types that we tested.

See before and after test images.

Roomba 960 Low Pile Carpet Tests

The low carpet tests results for the Roomba 960 were pretty consistent with the 980 model, only slightly worse. Rice, cereal, and kitty litter debris were no problem, while fine sugar debris was a bit more of a struggle.

See before and after test images.

Roomba 960 High Pile Carpet Tests

The high carpet test results for the 960 were more on par with the results of the 980. Again, we saw exceptional cleaning performance for rice, cereal, and kitty litter and with poorer performance during the sugar test.

See before and after test images.

Roomba 980 Usability

The usability for the Roomba 980 was intuitive and user-friendly. Setting up the vacuum involved unboxing it, plugging it in to charger, and then pressing “CLEAN”. That’s it.

If you want to program scheduled cleanings, we simply enabled wifi, paired it with vacuum, and were ready to schedule within a few short minutes. Once paired, you can use your smartphone, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant to control your vacuum.

Roomba 980 – on-board camera

The 980 model also generates digital map reports as it cleans, which basically creates a map of where it goes. Using this feature, you can make sure every room was cleaned or identify trouble spots.

2019 Update – In October 2019 iRobot released an update for the 980 and 960, allowing users to begin creating Keep Out Zones using the iRobot app. These Keep Out Zones can prevent Roomba from entering rooms / certain areas of your home. Keep Out Zones are digital zones created within the app itself.

2020 Update – at some point in the last few months iRobot seems to have removed the Keep Out Zone feature for the 960. However, the feature still remains on the 980.

Roomba 960 Usability

The usability for the Roomba 960 is basically identical to that of the Roomba 980. It has a similar setup, simple wifi compatibility, and an accessible “CLEAN” button.

The on-board camera also means that you don’t have to follow it around making sure it doesn’t collide with sensitive items or tricky obstacles. Generally, the Roomba 960 will see these things and change course prior to a collision.

Roomba 960 robot vacuum – usability

The only slight difference in usability between the Roomba 980 vs. 960 is having two virtual walls with the 980 vs. only one with the 960. Otherwise, they are basically the same.

Roomba 980 Maneuverability

The Roomba 980’s maneuverability is one of the most advanced we’ve seen to date in robot vacuums. The round shape allows for a 360° turning radius. In addition, the on-board camera and advanced navigation system helps to ensure that your Roomba is not carelessly bumping along.

• Weight – 8.7 lbs.
• Width – 13.8″
• Height – 3.6″
• Turning – 360°

The Roomba 980 can actively sense obstacles and change course prior to hitting them, which is a big upgrade from older models that had a sort of “bump-and-continue” approach. This feature is enhanced by the addition of advanced dirt detection and memory-mapping.

Roomba 960 Maneuverability

The Roomba 960’s maneuverability is also similar to that of the Roomba 980. The Roomba 960 has the same round body and 360° turning radius that Roomba’s are known for. The 960 has the same quality on-board camera and advanced iAdapt 2.0 navigation system, which results in limited bumping.

• Weight – 8.7 lbs.
• Width – 13.8″
• Height – 3.6″
• Turning – 360°

Like the Roomba 980, the Roomba 960 also has advanced dirt detection and memory-mapping, which helps these 900 series vacuums to find and eliminate dirt faster than older models.

Roomba 980 Maintenance

The maintenance for the Roomba 980 is fairly consistent with most other Roomba vacuum models. General maintenance like emptying the dust bin and cleaning the filter will help your parts to last even longer. When it is time to replace, we found the process to be quick and easy, and it didn’t require specialty tools.

The cost to maintain the unit isaround $37 / year.

Below is the replacement frequency (recommended by the manufacturer) as well as the associated replacement costs.

Roomba 960 Maintenance

The maintenance for the Roomba 960 is also pretty straightforward. Replacement frequencies and the cost for each replacement part are consistent with those of the Roomba 980 since the parts are so similar. The exact replacement frequency may vary depending on use and environment.

The cost to maintain the unit is around $35 / year.

Here is a table that outlines replacement frequency and the cost, with parts provided by third party retailers.

Roomba 980 Battery

The battery for the Roomba 980 can last up to 120 minutes, according the manufacturer. Charge time is around 2-3 hours, but may be longer depending on how long the Roomba has been left unused.

The 980 can also charge up in the middle of a cleaning and return to the spot it left off, if the cycle needs to go beyond 120 minutes.

Roomba 960 Battery

The battery for the Roomba 960 can last up to 75 minutes, 45 minutes less than the run time of the Roomba 980 (according to the manufacturer). That being said, the Recharge & Resume technology is certainly a nice add.

With this feature, Roomba can return to the charging base in the middle of a cleaning cycle, juice up, and then return to the wherever it left off in order to clean the entire space.

Noise Comparison

The amount of noise a vacuum makes may vary by size, type, and cleaning power. Generally speaking, robot vacuums are one of the quieter vacuum types, compared to the uprights like the Shark Navigator Pro or even handhelds like the Hoover Air Cordless, which are both louder when running at full power.

Compared to the Roomba 960, the Roomba 980was slightly louder, likely due to its more powerful motor.

At 3′ away, the Roomba 980 robot vacuum emits 70 dB of sound.

At 3′ away, the Roomba 960 robot vacuum emits 65 dB of sound.

Roomba 980 Value

Overall, the value of the 980 is good. Although the price is quite a bit more than the Roomba 960, the added features make the 980 a more powerful machine.

Especially if you’re looking for something that could take on the daily dirt and messes of a larger home, the Roomba 980 could be a great choice. The advancements that the 980 includes over the 960 would be particularly valuable for these types of environments.

• Warranty – 1-year limited
• Returns – Varies by retailer
• Company – Great
• Value – Good

As a company, the iRobot name is not new in the robot vacuum market. When we looked into the values, principles, and overall performance, iRobot was impressive.

Roomba 960 Value

Overall, the value of the Roomba 960 is excellent— better than the value of the Roomba 980 in my opinion.

The price is about what you’d expect for a top-of-the-line robot vacuum in today’s market. Furthermore, the 960 offers some excellent features and add-ons that you’re not going to get with older Roomba models, like the digital map reports and advanced iAdapt 2.0 navigation.

• Warranty – 1-year limited
• Returns – Varies by retailer
• Company – Great
• Value – Great

If you don’t need the especially long run time or the Power Boost mode for carpet, this robot will likely do the job, and do it more effectively than some of the older Roomba models.

Roomba 980 Specifications

Roomba 960 Specifications

Roomba 980 vs. 960: Which Should You Buy?

So if you’re wanting a top-of-the-line robot vacuum, which one of these Roombas is right for you? While both of these vacuums had excellent cleaning performance overall, the Roomba 980 definitely had some features that pushed it to a new level, beyond the Roomba 960.

But that being said, the Roomba 960 has a significantly lower price tag and many of the same features as the 980 model.

Similar features include: advanced dirt detection, AeroForce filtration system, digital map reports, wifi compatibility, and a long run time (over an hour, per manufacturer data).

Check 980 Price

Check 960 Price

While both vacuums are in the 900 series, there are a couple differences, which may or may not be large factors in your decision-making process. The main differences between these two robot vacuums are:

• Advanced motor – The 980 uses an advanced Gen 3 motor, which provides up to 10 times the air power, over the Gen 2 motor that is used in the Roomba 960 (according to iRobot). This motor is slightly louder than the Gen 2 motor, but the added suction power is certainly a bonus. The Gen 2 motor of the Roomba 960 is the same motor used in the 800 series Roombas.
• Power Boost – With this advanced motor, comes the capability to offer Power Boost, which kicks in automatically when the Roomba detects that it is vacuuming carpet.
• Longer run time – Although the 75 minute run time from the Roomba 960 would likely be sufficient for most jobs, the Roomba 980 boasts a 120 minute run time. If you don’t want to wait for a recharge, this longer run time may mean it could get the job done on a single charge.

Roomba 980 Cleaning Performance

Roomba 960 Cleaning Performance

Winner: Roomba 980

If you’re looking for the absolute best-of-the-best, the Roomba 980 is one of the most impressive robot vacuums we’ve tested to date. It has everything the Roomba 960 has— and more. Excellent cleaning performance, long run time, and intuitive navigation all help the Roomba 980 to be more self-sufficient, meaning less time chasing your robot and an overall better clean.Check Price

Winning Factors

Should You Buy the Roomba 980?

The Roomba 980 is simply one of the best robot vacuums we’ve tested to date. It offers excellent cleaning performance, and intuitive navigation, and the digital map reports are great for seeing where your Roomba has been. This vacuum can be controlled with your smartphone or even voice-activated with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

You Should Buy If You…

1. Want a longer run time – If you’re looking for the longest run time, the Roomba can run for up to 120 minutes, versus the Roomba 960 which only runs for approximately 75 minutes.
2. Want a stronger motor – The Roomba 980 comes with the Gen 3 motor, versus the Roomba 960 uses the Gen 2 motor, and offers up to 10 times the suction, when in Power Boost mode (According the iRobot.)
3. Want an extra virtual wall barrier – The Roomba 980 comes with two virtual wall barriers which can be useful for larger homes or areas with more sensitive areas that you need to block your Roomba from.

For more information or to buy, check out the Roomba 980 here.

Should You Buy the Roomba 960?

The Roomba 960 is another excellent option and perfect for people who want to spend a little less, or who don’t need the special features that the Roomba 980 offers. Although not quite as advanced as the 980, the Roomba 960 is still equipped with impressive features that are unique to the 900 series, like Digital Map Reports and Recharge & Resume.

To save a few bucks, the Roomba 960 is certainly up to the task of cleaning most homes, and by any standard is still an exception vacuum cleaner.

You Should Buy If You…

1. Want a lower price tag – Although exact prices may vary by retailer and promotions, the Roomba 960 is less expensive than the Roomba 980.
2. Want digital map reports -As an upgrade from the Roomba 800 series, the Roomba 960 offers digital map reports that show where the Roomba has been during each cleaning cycle. This is great for people who are not home when Roomba is on the move or if you’re noticing trouble areas.
3. Want “Recharge & Resume” technology – This technology is also unique to the Roomba 900 series robot vacuums. Recharge & Resume allows Roomba to clean until the battery is low, return itself to the charger for a quick boost, and then continue cleaning wherever it left off in the cleaning cycle. The 960 will continue this cycle until the job is done.

For more information or to buy, check out the Roomba 960 here.

• October 28, 2020 – At some point with the last few months iRobot removed the Keep Out Zone feature from the Roomba 960. We updated our content above to reflect this change.
• October 29, 2019 – Added information about the new Keep Out Zones.
• October 15, 2018 – Added a new comparison table to the top of the page.
• January 18, 2018 – Initial version of the page was published.