The iRobot Roomba 690 is among the cheapest Roomba models. It is part of iRobot’s Roomba 600 Series and its design is based on the Roomba 650. And just like other models from the 600 Series, the Roomba 690 is a mid-range and entry-level vacuum robot. It is, however, an upgraded version so it is equipped with some of the smart features latest Roomba units have.
This vacuum robot is perfect for small to medium-sized homes. It has a random navigation system and uses the same 3-stage cleaning system of other Roomba robot vacuums. It cleans dirt, dust, and hair on any kind of floor and is smart enough for you to schedule cleaning sessions through the iRobot Home App. It also has smart home integration so you can use your Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa to control the device.
Contents
- Design and Dimensions
- Performance and Technology
- Power
- Navigation and Connectivity
- Features
- Alternatives
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Q. Can I move my Roomba 690 around the house?
- Q. Does it pick up pet hair?
- Q. Can it get into corners?
- Q. Does it have WiFi?
- Q. How long is the running time of the Roomba 690?
- Q. Does it clean well as a regular vacuum cleaner?
- Q. Can I replace the main battery?
- Q. What will it do when there are lightweight obstacles on the ground?
- Q. Will the Roomba 690 detect if there is a flight of stairs?
- Q. Does the Roomba 690 damage hardwood baseboards?
- What I like about the Roomba 690
- What I don’t like about the Roomba 690
- Verdict
Design and Dimensions
The Roomba 690 is the upgraded version of the Roomba 650 and their designs are very similar. It is a round black device with a touch of silver. In the center of the device you will find the CLEAN or power button along with the Dock and Spot buttons which have been replaced with icons. Aside from the buttons, the device does not have any other fancy decorations. It looks very sleek and modern.
This robot vacuum is 3.6 inches tall and has a weight of 7.8 lbs.
Performance and Technology
Just like the other Roombas from the 600 Series, the Roomba 690 has a 3-stage cleaning system and it uses a duo brush design to loosen, lift, and suction dust, dirt, and hair from any type of floor like hardwood, tile, linoleum, or carpet. This vacuum robot is excellent in cleaning because it is equipped with Dual Multi-Surface Brushes which collects dust, dirt, and large debris; and Edge-Sweeping Brush that sweeps the debris away from edges and corners. Aside from having two different brushes it also uses a vacuum suction and an AeroVac filter to capture all fine dust particles.
The Roomba 690 also uses state-of-the-art technology including iRobot’s patented Dirt Detect Technology and iAdapt Technology. The Dirt Detect Technology allows the Roomba 690 to detect dirty areas and clean that area until it is free from dust and dirt. Meanwhile, the iAdapt Technology helps the device navigate through the area and when it encounters an obstacle it will automatically move away preventing it from bumping to a wall or falling down the stairs. You also don’t have to worry about the cords being sucked by the vacuum robot because the Roomba 690 has sensors that recognize whether there’s a cord or tassel in the way. It also has one Virtual Wall, a technology that creates an invisible barrier that the device won’t cross making it easy for you to control the device to a particular area.
Power
Just like the other more affordable Roomba units, the Roomba 690 uses a lithium ion battery and runs for up to 90 minutes. The device also automatically returns to its base and recharges itself and it usually takes 2 to 3 hours before it is fully charged. Compared to more expensive Roomba units, the Roomba 690 has better battery life because more advanced Roombas use nickel-metal hydride batteries that run out of power faster.
Instead of smart navigation, this vacuum robot uses random navigation. It randomly pinballs around the room as it cleans. Unlike the more expensive Roomba units, the Roomba 690 does not use Imprint Smart Mapping Technology, a technology that allows the device to remember the layout of your home, nor a camera that maps your home. Despite not having smart navigation, the good thing about the Roomba 690 is that it is WiFi-enabled so it can be connected to the iRobot Home App and recognizes voice commands through Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
The iRobot Home App is an app that you download on your smartphone or tablet. It allows you to schedule cleaning sessions for your Roomba 690 and monitor it as well. Since it does not have a remote control, the wireless connection is a good feature because it allows more hands-free control.
Features
| Roomba 690 | |
| 3-Stage Cleaning | Yes |
| Brushes | Dual Multi-Surface Brushes, Edge-Sweeping Brush |
| Vacuum Suction | Yes |
| Multi-Surface Cleaning with Auto-Adjust Cleaning Head | Yes |
| Automatically recharges itself | Yes |
| Automatically resumes cleaning | No |
| iAdapt Navigation with full suite of sensors | Yes |
| Dirt Detect Technology | Yes |
| Filter | AeroVac filter |
| Scheduling | Yes |
| Wireless Connectivity | Yes |
| Smart Home Integration | Yes |
| Intelligent Navigation | Yes |
| Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes | No |
| Entire Level Cleaning | No |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
Alternatives
Lefant Robot Vacuum
The Lefant Robot Vacuum is among the cheapest vacuum robots that you can find in the market. It is also equipped with smart features and is much cheaper than the Roomba 690. This vacuum robot has FreeMove Technology that prevents it from getting stuck and it has a High Efficiency Cleaning System that uses powerful suction and a roller brush combined with dual side brushes. Just like the Roomba 690, it also has an app that you can use to control the device itself and to schedule cleaning sessions. It also has a remote control, an accessory that the Roomba 690 lacks. The Lefant Robot Vacuum also has smart home integration: Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Proscenic M7 Pro LDS Robot Vacuum Cleaner
This vacuum robot is more advanced than the Roomba 690 and is more expensive. It has an Advanced Laser Technology which helps the device to intelligently navigate by creating a real-time map of your home. It also has Selective Cleaning which allows you to pick the areas the device would clean. This vacuum robot is powered by a Nidec brushless motor. When it comes to power, the Proscenic M7 Pro is so much better than the Roomba 690. It can run up to 150 minutes compared to Roomba 690’s 90-minute run.
Roborock S5 Robot Vacuum and Mop
This robot vacuum is also on the expensive side. It is more expensive than the Roomba 690 and is more advanced. It has smart navigation compared to the Roomba 690’s random navigation. It is also WiFi-enabled and can be connected to the Mi Home App plus it is compatible with Android, iOS, and Amazon Alexa. When it comes to battery life, the Roborock S5 is also better. It has 150 minutes of running time and is ideal for large houses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I move my Roomba 690 around the house?
A. Yes, the Roomba 690 can be moved around the house even from upstairs to downstairs.
Q. Does it pick up pet hair?
A. Yes, the Roomba 690 picks up pet hair so much more than a normal vacuum cleaner.
Q. Can it get into corners?
A. Yes, the Roomba 690 has an Edge-Sweeping Brush designed at a 27-degree angle to sweep dust and debris away from edges and corners.
Q. Does it have WiFi?
A. Yes, the Roomba 690 supports wireless connectivity and is WiFi-enabled.
Q. How long is the running time of the Roomba 690?
The Roomba 690 uses lithium ion batteries and can run up to 90 minutes.
Q. Does it clean well as a regular vacuum cleaner?
A. Yes, it does, especially if you move the obstructions like chairs so it can really reach into all areas.
Q. Can I replace the main battery?
A. Yes, the battery is replaceable. There are five screws on the bottom of the device that houses its battery.
Q. What will it do when there are lightweight obstacles on the ground?
A. The Roomba 690 will push lightweight objects, like small toys, out of the way.
Q. Will the Roomba 690 detect if there is a flight of stairs?
A. Yes, the Roomba 690 has iAdapt Technology that prevents it from falling down the stairs.
Q. Does the Roomba 690 damage hardwood baseboards?
A. No, the Roomba 690 will not mark or damage baseboards or flooring.
What I like about the Roomba 690
- Cleans everywhere, even under the furniture.
- Good for pet hair.
- Has s a 3-stage cleaning system: loosens, lifts, and suctions.
- Has duo brush design: Edge-Sweeping brush and Dual Multi-Surface Brushes.
- Uses vacuum suction as well.
- iAdapt technology along with cliff and bump sensors that keeps the device from falling off the stairs.
- Patented Dirt Detection technology.
- Lithium ion batteries that can run up to 90 minutes.
- WiFi-enabled
- Can be linked to the iRobot Home App to schedule and monitor cleaning sessions.
- Recognizes voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Has anti-tangle sensors.
What I don’t like about the Roomba 690
- Does not have a HEPA filter.
- Does not come with a remote control.
- Does not have Smart Navigation.
- Has a small bin.
- It’s a loud device.
Verdict
The Roomba 690 is a good vacuum robot. It does the cleaning job well enough and it uses state-of-the-art technologies that more expensive Roomba units also use. It can also be linked to the iRobot Home App where you can schedule cleaning sessions and monitor the device while it cleans. To make sure that even ultra fine dust is cleaned, iRobot also equipped an AeroVac filter on the Roomba 690.
It also recognizes voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This vacuum robot also has one Virtual Wall and there’s an extra filter included. Aside from having WiFi connectivity, the Roomba 690 also has iAdapt technology and Dirt Detect technology that some affordable vacuum robots do not have. It also has an impressive battery life. For an entry-level vacuum robot, having more than 1 hour of battery life is good enough already. The Roomba 690 has up to 90 minutes of running time compared to more expensive Roomba units that have 60 minutes running time.
Overall, the Roomba 690 is a great device especially for those who are looking for a budget-friendly vacuum robot. This device won’t break the bank. It is affordable and it has smart features that advanced Roombas have. Its cleaning ability is also impressive and it is best for small to medium-sized houses.