Compare Flagship iRobot Vacuum Cleaners: Roomba 960 vs. Roomba 980

iRobot Roomba 980iRobot Roomba 960
PhotoiRobot Roomba 980iRobot Roomba 960
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SRR Score 147125
Mapping / Path planning YesYes
Mapping Sensor Type cameracamera
High-Precision Map YesYes
Objects recognition (front camera) NoNo
Recharge & Resume YesYes
Autocally Docks and Recharges YesYes
Noise Level 70 dB65 dB
Display NoNo
Side Brushes (one or two) 11
Voice Prompts YesYes
  Cleaning Features
Suction Power 1700 Pa900 Pa
Сleaning Area 185 / 1991 ft2150 / 1615 ft2
Dustbin Capacity 600 ml / 20.29 oz600 ml / 20.29 oz
Disposable dustbag capacity N/AN/A
Automatic Dirt Disposal NoNo
Barrier-cross Height 20 mm / 0.79 in20 mm / 0.79 in
HEPA filter YesYes
Washable Filter NoNo
Mopping Features
Wet Mopping NoNo
Electric water flow control N/AN/A
Water Tank Capacity --
Vibrating mopping pad NoNo
Automatic mop lifting NoNo
Auto water tank refilling NoNo
Auto mop washing N/AN/A
  Battery
Battery Capacity 3300 mAh2600 mAh
Battery life 120 min75 min
Charging Time 120 min120 min
Rated Power (Watts) 43 W30 W
  Control
Scheduling YesYes
IR/RF Remote Control NoNo
Wi-Fi / Smartphone App YesYes
Wi-Fi Frequency Band 2.4 GHz2.4 GHz
Amazon Alexa Support YesYes
Google Assistant Support YesYes
Magnetic/Optical Virtual Walls YesYes
  App Features
Real-time tracking NoNo
Digital Blocked Areas NoNo
Zoned cleaning NoNo
Multi-floor maps NoNo
Manual movement control NoNo
Selected Room Cleaning NoNo
No-mop zones N/AN/A
  Sensors
Carpet Boost YesNo
Anti-drop / Cliff Sensor YesYes
Dirt Sensor YesYes
Full Dustbin Sensor YesYes
Other Specifications
Weight 3.94 kg / 8.69 lbs3.8 kg / 8.38 lbs
Width 35.3 cm / 13.9 in35 cm / 13.78 in
Height 9.14 cm / 3.6 in8.9 cm / 3.5 in
In the box charging station, line cord, extra side brush, 2 dual mode virtual wall barriers with batteries, extra filtercharging station, line cord, extra filter, cleaning tool, owner’s guide, documentation package, dual-mode virtual wall, extra side brush
Release Date Sep 2015Aug 2016
Warranty 12 months12 months

Features Comparison Chart

You might be wondering what are the differences between the flagship Roomba 960 and 980. It is always challenging to pick up the best robot vacuum for your needs. We are here to make it easier for you. Here are what makes the Roomba 980 different from the Roomba 960:

Similarities between the Roomba 960 and 980

  1. Mapping technology. They both are equipped with a camera sensor that creates a map of a cleaning area. Navigation pattern it the same for both
  2. Dirt detect provides deeper cleaning on high-traffic areas
  3. Full bin indicator shows when you need to empty the dustbox. You can both pause or stop cleaning when doing that
  4. The Roomba 980 and 960 are equipped with silicone brushless rollers that are perfect for pet and long human hair
  5. The same 600 ml dustbin

Differences

  1. Battery life. Since they both come with a recharge & resume feature, they can cover more in a cleaning cycle than those that do not have the function. The Roomba 980 works about 45 minutes longer
  2. Thanks to the longer battery life, the Roomba 980 is more suitable for bigger homes; the Roomba 960 is good for small and average-sized houses
  3. The Roomba 980 has stronger suction. It performs better on thicker carpets
  4. Along with stronger suction power, the Roomba 980 has smart carpet identification. When the sensors recognize carpet flooring, the robot boosts air power to max level
  5. Price. The Roomba 980 costs about $300 more than the Roomba 960.

The Roomba 960 is ideal for smaller homes with bare floors and thin carpets. It would clean thicker carpets too though it struggles with the smallest particulars when it comes to carpet performance.

The Roomba 980 can do both: hard floor and carpets that are up to 20 mm of height. Thanks to the excellent climbing ability, carpet boost, and stronger suction power, the Roomba 980 can clean carpets.

Both: the Roomba 960 and 980 are perfect for pet hair thanks to the brushless rollers that are tangle-free and require minimum maintenance.


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