Overview
The direct answer to the question “What is the difference between Roomba 690 vs. Roomba 890” is huge. Roomba 890 has a smarter navigation system to identify the dirt and obstacles, a new brush design system (brushless extractors) to reduce hair tangling, a HEPA style filter to keep allergens better. Besides, Roomba 890 has full-bin indicator feature and 5X boosting feature.
While both the Roomba 690 and Roomba 890 are older models from iRobot, they are still very popular and have high-ratings. So, to decide which model is a better deal for you is depended on your home.
If you have carpets, a lot of furniture, hair and pet, it is better to choose Roomba 890. If your floor plan is simple and there is less hair, short hair and thin carpets, you can rely on Roomba 690.
For more information, you can also read our reviews for each of these robotic vacuums.
- IRobot Roomba 690 Robot Vacuum Reviews — Smart Technology Robotic Vacuum
- IRobot Roomba 890 Robot Vacuum Reviews — Wi-Fi Connected, Ideal For Pet Hair
You’ll also have to decide whether or not you want to for one of iRobot’s newer models with more advanced features such as the Roomba 960, 9+, i7 or the i7+ robotic vacuums.
Roomba 690 vs Roomba 890 – Detailed Comparison
Let’s discuss the difference in features, benefits, popularity and price of two models Roomba 690 and Roomba 890 to discover which one is a better choice for you.
Before that, check for Roomba 690 live test in the video below
Roomba 690 vs 890: Similarity
These models are iRobot core products of their series. Roomba 690 is the 2nd generation of Roomba 650 (core model of the series 600s). Roomba 890 is the core model of the 800s series.
They share a lot of similarities in motor use, dustbin capacity, runtime (about 60 minutes), charging time (120 minutes), wifi connection, Alexa voice possibility, automatic charging and scheduling features. So, why Roomba 890 is more expensive than Roomba 690, if they are constructed in the same way?
The reason is that Roomba 890 has some upgraded systems for giving a better cleaning, less tangling when dealing with hair, and a better filtration system.
Roomba 690 vs 890: Difference
Bristle extractor vs less tangling extractor
Roomba 690 uses the same brush system with Roomba 600s series which is a hard bristle to pick up the dust, hair and debris. The use of hard bristle might be unsuitable for home with dedicate wooden floors and home with a lot pets ad the hard bristle brush can pick up, wrap and become tangle when dealing with pet hair. Removing the hair out of this brush type is a bit tricky too.
Roomba 890 uses a less tangling brush system which is a rolling bar without the bristle. The design is expected to be less tangling when dealing with pet hair, although if you have to pick up a lot of long hair, it will also be wrapped too. Despite both brush systems can be tangled, removing wrapped hair out of Roomba 890 brush bar is easier.
Filtration: Aerovac vs HEPA
Roomba 690 uses Aerovac filters (foam filter), to capture dust and debris. On the other hand, Roomba 890 uses HEPA style filtration which is always recommended for users with allergy. This can prevent the dust and allergies to be escaped back to the air, causing you to be irritated.
Full dustbin indicator
Roomba 690 does not have such feature, while the 890 has. This is an additional benefits to those who have to clean the vast areas as the robot will notice when to empty the dust bin and you do not have to check often.
Popularity
Roomba 690 is more popular as it is cheaper than the 890 models while having a lot of state-of-the-art features, like mapping, navigation, scheduling, auto-charging, wifi connection, Alexa compatible, voice control and so on. It is the most common choice among iRobot affordable product line.
Roomba 890 is lesser chosen. It does have more benefits compared to the 690 unit (such as HEPA style filtration, 5x boost suction, less tangling extractor…). However, users often either choose Roomba 690 (an affordable option) or Roomba 900s series (model 980,960) to have the most advanced “smart” unit for it’s price (there are also the newer i7 models with even more features).
Price
Roomba 690 is much cheaper, Roomba 890 is 2x more than the 690 unit.
Verdict: Roomba 690 and 890
Both Roomba 690 and 890 are very popular models. Roomba 690 is recommended for apartment with bare floors, thin carpets and Roomba 890 is recommended for home with thick, medium pile carpet because the model has a 5x boost suction feature and more advanced allergen controls.