As with all preceding Roomba’s there are things that I don’t enjoy and things to enjoy. It ’s going to be challenging for me to not gift a couple of Roomba 980’s this year.
At the bottom, I’ll make an overall recommendation and suggest a number of options.
Key Attributes – What’s New with the Roomba 980
The following are some of the new, upgraded, and remarkable characteristics on the 980:
More Battery Charge Life: The Roomba 980 is now capable of running fro a complete 2 hours before needed to recharge. This really is a personal best for Roomba. It’s still not Lithium ion (for individuals who like that), but it's an improvement.
iRobot HOUSE App: For me, this is the game changer. I’ve been waiting for robot vacuums to become more completely integrated into the smart home experience. iRobot is the first robot vacuum firm – to my knowledge – that's an app similar to this. It's possible for you to press “Clean” from anywhere and the 980 will start/stop as desired. This can be perfect for people who are on the go (like me). I can get things began while I’m away if I’m at work or from your house. The app is easy enough basically functions as an advanced remote control and to use. On the Roomba’s that is older you could have a predetermined program to run every day, but not instant control in this way!
New Navigation System: It’s really more of an upgrade. This really is a big deal. Basically it lets the visual localization map the room and enables the Roomba to “look” up and out to help navigate. This can be the sort of ground-breaking betterment that vastly enhances the 980 over previous versions. What does this mean almost? Less bumping into a more organized efficient and – – cleaning path and things at random.
More Suction Power: Mercifully, iRobot wasn’t content with just a few new features. In addition they upped their game in the power section. The AeroForce cleaning system is per cleaning cycle the same base technology, but 2 times more efficient at picking up debris. Additionally, it has “carpet boost” which maximizes air power when it detects a carpet or rug underneath. The outcome is a vacuum that is traditional that is more comprehensive clean, repeating a higher standard.
Improved Virtual Wall Lighthouse: Roomba uses these small towers to indicate where to clean (and where not to clean…acting as an invisible wall obstacle). The 980 has stepped up lighthouse game is ’sed by it. They're now smaller and require AA batteries (as opposed to the hulking “D” batteries for preceding series). Because who has spare “D” batteries lying around this really is a fine improvement?
Matters I enjoy and Things I Don’t
Pros
It means everything to me: It’s straightforward and reasonably simple, although the Program is Awesome. Being able to control my robot from my telephone means the Roomba is now part of my smart dwelling family. Picking up on where tools like Ecobee smart thermostats and the Nest have left off, iRobot has really delivered on a smart, web-joined, roomba vacuum. I thinking about the options for future integration with my various smart home apps and controllers.
Program Helps Screen Care: There's a very cool “diagnostics” part of the app that monitors distinct parts of the Roomba and uses straightforward bars to tell you when things need to be changed or serviced (think emptying the bin, changing extractors, filters, etc…). Additionally, it tells you just how you can perform the desired care demand.
Better on Carpeting: Robots hoovers always often perform better on hardwood floors and hard flooring choices (tile, etc…). Now, the newly redesigned motor is not particularly bad at adjusting to carpeting surfaces as well. After found, a little more muscle wills engage to thoroughly clean carpeting the way they should be cleaned. It was a subtle difference, an important difference nonetheless, although t that is difficult tell from standing up even.
More Hands Off/User Friendly: in summary, it’s more of a robot! The new program, the battery that is more powerful and the automatic recharging/resume feature makes the Roomba 980 even more hands free than the competition and both previous versions. Slowly but surely, dwelling robotics is living up to it’s promise. If you hate vacuuming – or physically cannot do it anymore – this is the quintessential outsourced option. Short the Roomba 980 is the best option out there.
Navigation is Apparently Improved: Sometimes new attributes are added and I can scarcely tell the difference. Not so with the new navigation technology. For cleaning in a randomized, haphazard pattern in the recent past, Roomba’s have had the knock. While the ending result was clean floors, how it happened wasn’t rather. Nevertheless, it was also a bit inefficient. This was among the comparisons I liked about most Neato versions. The 980 is considerably more organized, methodical, and efficient.
It still bumps into matters to gain its relevance, especially in rooms with tons of furniture. Only not nearly to the degree it did in the past. On careful observation it seems the 980 will remember these “lumps” for future cleans and will not keep doing it with exactly the same wild abandon.
Smarter Algorithm: This robot is actually smarter than it’s the competitors and forerunners.
Powerful Secondary Components Marketplace: Unlike other robot businesses, the Roomba has a deluge of after market businesses specializing in creating parts and better replacement accessories. For example, I’ve been able to locate replacement batteries that are not worse than the factory default ones.
Superb Customer Service: iRobot remains the leader when it comes to customers service. This more of a general “ace” and specific to this model, but still worth noting. Every time I’ve needed to replace a Roomba, I’ve had no issues. They may be also great at walking you through diagnosing problems.
Better Suction Overall: My two quasi scientific ways of quantifying this are that A) I can sense a lot more wind/atmosphere coming from the unit and B) those bigger particles of grit that only high powered vacs tend to get are being caught in the dust bin.
Cons
App Could be More: because I’m thrilled with the new app, This isn’t actually a legit gripe. It’s more of a wish. I’d like to fully integrate my Roomba with the remainder of my house that is smart. It would be nice to be able to handle everything from one app (and one control like the SmartThings Hub and others). It likely wouldn’t be challenging to do and it may be something iRobot already plans to do anyhow.
Still Not “Perfect”: It’s a clear improvement, but it not perfect. It sometimes gets confused by power cords and can have problem with considerable thresholds. It’s simple to “Roomba evidence” your house once in a while it will get stuck, but once you determine the issue areas. It’s not quite like an individual….yet.
Both the Neato Botvac Connected and the Dyson Eye are rumored to be coming out “ soon. How soon? I can’t really tell. The Botvac Joined (which features similar app controls) will likely be out occasionally this year, but no firm release date continues to be set. The Dyson Eye has been rumored to be in the works for years, but I haven’t heard much lately about an anticipated release date. It could be 6-12 months away. What this means is the Roomba 980 could have some harder competition on the horizon. Right now, the 980 is the greatest robot on the market, but that could change. Particularly if the price points are more affordable, Roomba could be seriously undercut. UPDATE: The Dyson 360 Eye has recently been released. Generally speaking, it has a more powerful vacuum, but less competent room -to-room navigation. It's possible for you to read my full review for additional information.
Doesn’t Work in Entire Darkness: As long as there is some light i.e. you can see your way around, the 980 should function fine. Nevertheless, for pitch black rooms you may necessarily get an error code. If cleaning at night or in a basement with no lights, this could be a concern. My easy alternative is to keep on in every room that needs it.
Carpet Foster is Loud: It picks up more dirt, so I’m a happy customer, but it worth noting. Don’t plan on sleeping in the exact same room.
Just Available in One Location: So far – as is often the case with new releases – the Roomba 980 is ONLY accessible via the iRobot store here. That is likely because they would like to control pricing. When it’s released to other marketplaces like carton retailers and Amazon, I’ll be sure to upgrade this post. UPGRADE 10/8#158/15: It’s only been released to Amazon (see here for the listing)!
Cost: As always, iRobot is the price leader. All their robots are usually slightly to moderately more costly as opposed to contest. The 980 is no different. Actually, it’s pretty darn pricey! At RM 4850 per unit, this really is likely not something that’s not difficult to spring for. You'll be able to check out this listing for more detailed pricing information. In this instance, you do get what you buy. This generation really HAS enhanced many important facets. Hands down, this can be the best robot vacuum now available. Still, if this is your first robot, you may want to look into some less expensive – but still qualified – choices (see below)
Other Roomba 980 Alternatives to Consider
If the cost is too much of a sticking point, not to worry. There are other great hoovers with contemplating.
Roomba 880
Occasionally last years model is the best value. Sure, it’s not the latest and greatest, but it nonetheless can offer many of exactly the same advantages. You get 3 virtual Lighthouses which allow for establishing a perimeter for bigger houses and spaces. You are able to have a look at my review of it here. At some time, it was the most effective robot vacuum money could purchase. The AeroForce cleaning system that is patented is 50% more effective at cleaning up debris than the 700 series. This, joined with a a remote control, a better battery, and a larger dust bin made it the most hands free device at the time. It doesn’t have the groundbreaking app, but it's all the other essential attributes for a true runner up. Most importantly, it’s a full cheaper compared to the 980 (check this listing for even steeper reductions). Still costly, but a lot less so.
Botvac D80
I wasn’t overly impressed with the first Botvac release, but some helpful progress have been made by the new “D” chain. Notably, they’ve fixed a problem with the brush (by changing a bearing) to ensure it is less susceptible to getting tangled (particularly with human and pet hair, in my own experience). The Botvac D80 doesn’t simply look better, it also performs better than preceding Neato models. The suction power is the greatest yet and comparable to the new Roomba 980. However, you won’t get the app controls, but it’s still not too hard to schedule and use. The patented laser navigation technology means more organized courses and it normally works quite nicely. Where it usually retails for less as opposed to top line Roomba’s, it's possible for you to see this listing here.
Roomba 650
It’s still dependable, although it’s been around for a while. It’s also MUCH more affordable. Attempt the 650 out to see if it for the needs if budget is the top concern. Yes, it’s missing a bunch of “extras” that is nice but the cleaning technology that is core is till there. The 650 is ideal for people who have small houses, apartments, or just a small space they want consistently cleaned. I still have mine running to this day after 3 years (and a few replacement batteries). Best of all, you can locate the 650 for a very affordable price at this listing.
The rumored Dyson Eye is formally under development, as I mentioned previously. Who knows when it will be released. They still haven’t discussed release dates, but as of this period it will be unlikely to strike before the 2015 Holiday season. The new attributes on the Roomba 980 may actually lead them to delay launch until the core characteristics can be matched by them.
UPGRADE: See my full review.
The more interesting option is the the Neato Botvac “Connected” robot which aims to add similar WiFi capacity to the Roomba 980. You are able to read more here. They’ll have to get it done soon to capitalize fully, although it'd make sense about them to release it prior to the 2015 Holiday season.
Presuming Cleaner Faceplate
I was somewhat skeptical of this “work-around” at first, but it actually works reasonably well. Thinking Cleaner was the result of a successful Kickstarter campaign. It adds or 600 series robot and WiFi capacity together. Disbelieving? I was too. Essentially, you attach a “faceplate” that changes your Roomba. It’s simple enough to attach. On top of that, it can synchronize with other smart house programs (like SmartThings, etc…), something that I’ve criticized the Roomba 980 for not doing. It is possible to do most of the exact same functions just in intuitive way and a polished”. If you must find your lost Roomba the app is pretty sound and will let you schedule remotely, alarm you when your Roomba needs help and plays a tune. It’s accessible for just a fraction of the price of a Roomba that is new here.
Presuming Cleanser is working on a brand new faceplate for the 700/800 series, but as of yet it only exists as a Kickstarter job here.
Who is this a great option for? 1) Present owners of a 500 or 600 series Roomba. 2) Prospective buyers who need WiFi capacity, but can’t manage/don’t need to spend $899 on the 980. As an example, purchasing a brand new Roomba 650 and Believing Cleaner Faceplate will run you .
Roomba 980 vs Botvac Linked
I needed to touch on this briefly because I’ve been getting a lot of questions about it, although I’ll be writing up a full comparison shortly.
What are the Key Differences?
Both Botvac Connected and the Roomba 980 feature WiFi enabled management. This really is undoubtedly the headline characteristic for both. I personally favor the Roomba program better, but both are comparable when it comes to attributes/utilization.
UPDATE: You'll be able to read my complete comparison (recently finished) right here.
Ultimate Call – Is the Roomba 980 Worth it?
The 980 is the greatest robot for the occupation, if you've got a larger house or office/business that needs to be cleaned often. It recharge own as needed and can cover the ground. The 980 has the most electricity/suction and the best cleaning technology of any robot to get the job done if you'll need a vacuuming occupation that strongly resembles a traditional upright vacuum clean.
However, if you have a little flat, the 980 becomes an extravagance. One caveat: If you are a geek like me, it doesn’t matter. This can be a MUST own!
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