Roomba e5 next to Roomba 695.

Roomba e5 vs 690 – Differences You Need to Know

Deciding what kind of vacuum robot to get can be confusing sometimes because there are a lot of things to consider – price, design, performance, usability, and features – not to mention that there are hundreds of vacuum robots in the market to choose from.

In this article we will compare the iRobot Roomba E5 and 690, two of their best-selling entry-level robots. The E5 is a newer model. It has more advanced and upgraded features which is why it is more expensive. Meanwhile the 690 is a basic vacuum robot that is WiFi-enabled and has voice control. The Roomba 690 is also more affordable compared to the E5.

Read on if you want to know more about these two vacuum robots from iRobot’s Roomba line. We will discuss the differences, similarities, and specifications of the Roomba E5 and 690. We hope we can help you  make an informed decision before investing on any of these vacuum robots.

The Differences between Roomba E5 and 690

  • The Roomba E5 has 5x more air power than the 690 which makes it ideal for pet owners.
  • The Roomba E5 uses a HEPA type filter while the 690 uses an AeroVac filter.
  • The Roomba E5 has a Virtual Wall Barrier technology.
  • The Roomba 690 has a dust bin capacity of 600 ml while the E5 only has 500 ml dust capacity.
See Roomba 690 on Amazon

The Similarities between Roomba E5 and 690

  • They both use a premium 3-stage cleaning system: loosens, lifts, and suctions.
  • Both of them use a duo brush design: Edge-Sweeping brush and Dual Multi-Surface Brushes.
  • They use iRobot Roomba’s patented Dirt Detection technology.
  • They both have iAdapt Navigation technology.
  • Both are WiFi-enabled.
  • Both use lithium ion batteries and can run up to 90 minutes per charge.
  • They can be linked to the iRobot Home App to schedule and monitor cleaning sessions.
  • They recognize voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
  • They are both equipped with anti-tangle sensors.
See Roomba e5 on Amazon

The table below provides the specifications for the Roomba E5 and 690:

Roomba E5 Roomba 690
3-Stage Cleaning Yes Yes
Brushes Dual Multi-Surface Brushes, Edge-Sweeping Brush Dual Multi-Surface Brushes, Edge-Sweeping Brush
Power-Lifting Suction Yes No
Multi-Surface Cleaning with Auto-Adjust Cleaning Head Yes Yes
Automatically recharges itself No Yes
Automatically resumes cleaning No No
iAdapt Navigation technology Yes Yes
Navigation Camera No No
Battery  Lithium Ion Batteries Lithium Ion Batteries
Running Time Up to 90 minutes Up to 90 minutes
Dirt Detect Technology Yes Yes
Imprint Link Technology No No
Filter HEPA Type Filter AeroVac Filter
Dust Bin capacity 500 ml 600 ml
Scheduling Yes Yes
Cleaning Reporting No No
Automatic Dirt Disposal No No
Wireless Connectivity Yes Yes
Smart Home Integration Yes Yes
Intelligent Navigation  No No
Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes No No
Entire Level Cleaning No No
Height 3.6 inches 3.6 inches
Weight 7.2 lbs 7.8 lbs
Price Check on Amazon Check on Amazon

Comparing the iRobot Roomba e5 and 690 in Detail

Design and Dimensions

The Roomba E5 and 690 are very similar in appearance, although there are slight differences, they both have the classic iRobot design – round and has a black sturdy build.

The slight difference between these two vacuum robots is their color and the control button placements. The 690 has a touch of silver on its top surface. Its buttons are located at the center of the device. It has three buttons: CLEAN, Spot, and Dock with the CLEAN button in the middle while the other two were placed above and below the CLEAN button. Meanwhile, the E5 also has the same buttons, however, the Spot and Dock buttons are located on the side of the CLEAN button. The E5 also has an all-black design.

Underneath the Roomba E5 and 690 you will find a pair of wheels, brushes, and the sensors.

The two vacuum robots are both 3.6 inches tall. The 690 weighs 8.6 lbs, a little heavier than the 690’s 7.8 lbs. They also have a bumper ring, a handle, and full bin indicators that would automatically blink if the dust bin has reached its capacity.

Cleaning Performance

The performance of the Roomba E5 and 690 are quite similar too. They do not have that much difference when it comes to cleaning performance and smart features. They both have a premium 3-stage cleaning system that uses Dual Multi-Surface Brushes and Edge-Sweeping Brush. The Dual Multi-Surface Brushes pick up dust, dirt, and large debris while the Edge-Sweeping Brush removes the debris away from edges and corners. They both have a vacuum suction as well, however, the Roomba E5’s vacuum suction is 5x more powerful than the 690. The E5 has a power lifting suction while the 690 does not have this kind of feature.

These vacuum robots use filters as well to capture dirt that we can’t normally see because they’re too small. The Roomba E5’s filter is better than the 690. It has a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) Type Filter that captures 99% of allergens and small dust particles, as small as 10 microns. On the other hand, the 690 uses an AeroVac filter. The AeroVac filter is a decent filter but it is no match for the HEPA filter which is why the E5 is ideal for pet owners since HEPA filters can capture pet danders.

The dirt goes into the dust bin. The E5 and the 690 both use an AeroVac dust bin but the 690 has more dust bin capacity than the E5 – it has 600 ml capacity while the E5 has a dust bin capacity of 500 ml.

High-end technology

Aside from having high-tech machineries, the Roomba E5 and the 690 are equipped with advanced technologies. Both use the same iAdapt Navigation Technology and Dirt Detection Technology. The iAdapt Navigation  Technology uses cliff and bump sensors so the device can recognize walls and stairs which means you do not have to worry about them falling down the stairs or bumping into a wall or delicate objects. Meanwhile, the Dirt Detection technology spots dirty areas and cleans that area thoroughly until it is free from dirt and dust.

A technology that creates an invisible barrier the vacuum robot can’t cross, called the Virtual Wall Barrier, is being used by the Roomba E5. The technology will make cleaning easier for you because you do not have to worry about the E5 going into particular areas in the house. This technology also allows the device to avoid getting too close on fragile objects. The Roomba 690 does not offer this technology.

You also do not have to worry about electrical wires and cords being sucked by the Roomba E5 and Roomba 690 because they are both equipped with Anti-Tangle technology which means both robots are able to recognize electrical wires, cords, even tassels.

Power and battery life

When it comes to battery life, both the Roomba E5 and 690 are a match. They both use 1,800 mAh lithium ion batteries and both can run up to 90 minutes per charge. They are also capable of automatically going back to their docks to recharge when their battery is low. However, both of them also do not resume cleaning from where they left off.

Navigation

The Roomba E5 and 690 do not have a camera for navigation. They also do not use the Imprint Smart Mapping Technology, a technology that allows the device to remember the layout of your home, unlike the more expensive Roomba units. These two vacuum robots use random navigation therefore both of them do not follow a specific route. They randomly pinballs around the room as they clean.

Connectivity

A very useful smart feature to have is the ability to connect to home networks. The Roomba E5 and 690  support WiFi which means they can be linked to the iRobot Home App. – an app that you can download on your smartphone or tablet that lets you directly control the device without physically reaching for it. You can also monitor and schedule cleaning sessions through the app. The app basically becomes a remote control, an accessory that both the Roomba E5 and 690 do not have.

Aside from the iRobot Home App, another way to control these robots is through voice commands. The Roomba E5 and 690 recognizes voice commands via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. Which Roomba unit is ideal for pet hair?

A. The Roomba E5 is better. The vacuum suction of Roomba 690 is okay but the vacuum suction of E5 has 5x more air power.

Q. What does Anti-Tangle Technology do?

A. The Anti-Tangle Technology prevents the vacuum suction of the Roomba E5 and 690 to pull in electrical cords and wires as well as tassels.

Q. Do they have a tendency to fall down the stairs?

A. No, the Roomba E5 and 690 has a technology called iAdapt Navigation that uses cliff and bump sensors. The sensors protect the robot from falling down the stairs or from bumping into a wall.

Q. Can I use Virtual Wall Barriers?

Yes. The Roomba E5 already comes with a free Virtual Wall Barrier. For the 690, you have to purchase it separately.

Q. How long is the battery life of these vacuum robots?

A. Both the Roomba E5 and 690 have up to 90 minutes running time per charge.

Q. Can they go up and down the stairs?

A. No, the Roomba E5 and 690 can’t go up or down the stairs. You may carry them into another floor if you like.

Q. Are the batteries replaceable?

A. The main batteries of Roomba E5 and 690 are replaceable. You can unscrew the five screws on the bottom of the device that houses the batteries.

Q. Do they have a remote control accessory?

A. No. Unfortunately, both the Roomba E5 and 690 do not have a remote control, however, you can turn your smartphone and or tablet into a remote control by downloading the iRobot Home App.

Q. Is the WiFi feature really useful?

A. Yes, the Roomba E5 and 690 do not have remote controls and the only way to control and monitor the device without physically reaching for it is through the iRobot Home App and voice commands via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Q. Can these vacuum robots reach into corners?

A. Yes, the Roomba E5 and 690 use Edge-Sweeping Brush designed at a 27-degree angle to sweep dust and debris away from edges and corners.

See Roomba 690 on Amazon

What to like about the 690

  • Cleans everywhere, even under the furniture.
  • 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.
  • Has 600 ml dust capacity.
  • iAdapt technology along with cliff and bump sensors that keeps the device from falling off the stairs.
  • Uses 600 ml AeroVac Dust Bin and has an AeroVac filter.
  • 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.
  • More affordable than the Roomba 690.
See Roomba e5 on Amazon

What to like about the E5

  • It has everything the 690 offers.
  • Its vacuum suction has 5x more air power.
  • Has a HEPA type filter.
  • Comes with a Virtual Wall Barrier.

Conclusion

Vacuum robots are a good investment. They could be expensive but they are worth buying since they keep your floors clean. The iRobot Roomba E5 and 690 are entry-level vacuum robots therefore they won’t burn a hole in your pocket. They are affordable plus they are packed with high-tech machineries and state-of-the-art technologies.

The Roomba E5 and 690 are very similar. They have a 3-stage cleaning system that’s capable of cleaning various types  of floor like hardwood, tile, linoleum, and carpet. They both have decent battery life too and they automatically docks and recharges once the battery is low. They also have the same technologies, iAdapt Navigation and Dirt Detection technologies. It’s just that the E5 has 5x more power – it’s a newer model so upgrades are to be expected. The Roomba E5 also has an upgraded filter. It uses a HEPA type filter while the 690 uses an AeroVac filter. It also comes with a  free Virtual Wall Barrier. The E5, basically, has all the features of the 690 except for the dust bin capacity. The 690 has a 600 ml dust bin capacity compared to the E5’s 500 ml dust capacity.

Choosing which vacuum robot to buy all boils down to what you need and your budget. If you are in need of a vacuum robot that has more power, the E5 is the one for you. It has 5x more air power than the 690 plus it has a much better filter. However, if you are on a tight budget, the Roomba 690 is already a good choice. It has an impressive cleaning performance, can connect to your home network, and is equipped with smart technologies too.

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