Roomba 650 v 980:: Robot vacs in general

LDJ

After my cheapo, no brand, robot vac died a death, I really need to get a replacement.
Looked at the Dyson but that seems overpriced and poorly designed (too tall to go under sofas and other furniture) so it seems the Roomba is the way to go next.
There quite a price difference between the 650 (£370) and the 980 (£769) on Amazon and both have excellent reviews. The Wifi capabilities would be handy so I could set it to go off when I'm out and think about it, but its not a deal breaker.

Has anyone got experience of the two and is the 980 really worth more than double the 650?

Or is there something else I should be considering?

outoftheknow

It seems some features are quite expensive - they are added one at a time as the price increases. Apologies all from the Oz site - couldn't be bothered doing it all again on the UK site hopefully the models are the same!

Roomba 630
iRobot

Robotic Vacuum, iAdapt Navigation, Dirt Detect

Roomba 650
iRobot

Robotic Vacuum, iAdapt Navigation, Dirt Detect Series II, Schedule Cleaning

Adds the second version of dirt detect and schedule cleaning as opposed to manual push of button only.


Roomba 866
iRobot

Robotic Vacuum, iAdapt Navigation, Dirt Detect Series II, AeroForce Cleaning, Schedule Cleaning


Adds Aeroforce cleaning (50%More suck and extract allegedly)


Roomba 980
iRobot

Robotic Vacuum, iAdapt Navigation, Dirt Detect Series II, AeroForce Carpet Boost, Schedule Cleaning   App

Adds an improved Aeroforce that does even better on carpets and the app.


If I was looking at these I would be happy with the 650. It vacuums and has a schedule option.   It claims to avoid getting tangled in tassels etc and won't fall down the stairs. The move up to the 866 might happen if I had the spare cash to get the extra cleaning (well promised extra suction at least). I don't think I would go the extra extra for more alleged suction on carpets and an app which in reality (IMO) is a novelty. I am not a fan of adding an app and remote operation of things that really don't need it. Especially not for a premium such as iRobot seem to charge.

I have a Samsung robot cleaner and that does me fine. It is actually annoying with my new furniture since it doesn't fit underneath, but it doesn't see an obstacle and reverse either. It is just the wrong height and gets jammed. Something to check despite all the blurb saying it goes under furniture - there is furniture out there that doesn't meet generalisations

ActiveAvocado

outoftheknow is right about saving money and going with the 650 but I would go one tier higher, something like the 860.

The only reason is that the 650 doesn't have brushless rollers, which make picking hair out of the Roomba much easier. The 860 is the cheapest robot vacuum on the market today with brushless rollers, which in my opinion is the killer feature of Roombas over other brands.

source: Best Roomba Models - Comparison Chart 2017

NewfieDrool

I've a Neato XV21 and it's been great. The newer models have a better lithium battery if you purchase to higher end models  and you can use either a brushless roller or a mix.
The Roomba 900 series using a camera to map the room and it has the ability to learn the area so it can improve its cleaning time. They don't like darkness though so it must have light to work at its best and they are more friendly and don't bounce of furniture and walls. The 980 has the ability to clean the room once or twice and edge cleaning to finish off.
The Neatos use room mapping and use a system with a sensor that spins around mapping the room. This can work in low light and is effective but unlike the Roomba camera you have moving parts which are known to fail and wear out.
It does have a better pickup on some surfaces.
Neato does not have the auto sensing like the 980 but the top model comes with Eco mode but Roomba have the better dirt sensor and so it has better battery management as it can adjust airflow on the go.
Both Roomba and Neato do the job, customer support would be Roomba though as they seem to handle problems better.
Both need regular cleaning and the Roomba has the heads up with packing the dust in the container.
The only other real difference is the brush length, the Roomba being shorter and central and the Neato being almost full length and at the front. The Neato does tend to leave crap at the brush entrance at times and mine has no sensor when it's full so it can block the front section on a run of there's a fair bit of dust and crap.
I'm not impressed with the Dyson, they have a lot to catch up on even though it has better pickup. I wonder if it will go the same way their washing machine went.

louisscook

I will go for  Roomba 980, between Roomba 650 v 980. But if you ask me which is good and value for money then I will recommend you to Roomba 960. You can learn more about all Roomba comparison before making a decision. Roomba 980 has carpet Boost technology and 960 don't have this is the main difference. I would not tell you to buy the cheap model.

gazmitch

You mentioned looking at the Roomba 860 or the 880 the difference between these two isn't that much and I'm on a budget so which you would you choose, as some of the newer Roomba's are very expensive now.