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iRobot Roomba 690 Review: Your Guide to Affordable Automated Cleaning

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By Ben Carter

Updated June 2025
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8.2

Consumers Best Verdict: iRobot Roomba 690 Highlights

The iRobot Roomba 690 offers a compelling entry point into the world of robotic vacuums. It combines iRobot's trusted cleaning technology with smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity and app control, making automated floor care more accessible for everyday homes.

For shoppers seeking a reliable and user-friendly robot vacuum without breaking the bank, the Roomba 690 is a solid choice. It excels in daily maintenance cleaning, particularly for hard floors and low-pile carpets, and its app integration adds a layer of convenience. While it lacks the advanced navigation of premium models, its overall value and performance make it a strong contender in its price segment.

In-Depth Look

In-Depth Look: iRobot Roomba 690 Features & Considerations

Core Features & Consumer Benefits

The Roomba 690 is packed with features designed to simplify your cleaning routine:

3-Stage Cleaning System

Loosens, lifts, and suctions dirt, dust, and hair from hard floors and carpets, ensuring a thorough clean.

Wi-Fi Connectivity & App Control

Start, schedule, and monitor cleaning sessions from anywhere using the iRobot HOME App, offering ultimate convenience.

Dirt Detect™ Technology

Patented sensors recognize concentrated areas of dirt, like high-traffic zones, and prompt the robot to clean them more intensely.

Auto-Adjust Cleaning Head

Automatically adapts its height to keep the multi-surface brushes in close contact with different floor surfaces, effectively cleaning carpets and hard floors.

Scheduling Capability

Program the Roomba 690 to clean on a set schedule, up to 7 times per week, so your floors are always clean without manual intervention.

Important Considerations & Potential Downsides

- Basic Navigation

Utilizes iAdapt 1.0 navigation, which is more random than systematic. It may miss spots or take longer to clean an area compared to models with advanced mapping.

- Smaller Dustbin Capacity

The dustbin requires relatively frequent emptying, especially in homes with pets or high dirt accumulation.

- Potential for Getting Stuck

Like many robot vacuums in its class, it can sometimes get caught on loose cords, rug tassels, or under low furniture.

- Noise Level

While not excessively loud, it's noticeable during operation, which might be a concern for some users, especially if running while at home.

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Who Is the iRobot Roomba 690 Best For?

First-time robot vacuum users looking for an affordable and easy-to-use introduction to automated cleaning.

Pet owners needing assistance with daily pet hair and dander management on hard floors and low-pile carpets.

Individuals or families in small to medium-sized homes or apartments where advanced mapping isn't a necessity.

Budget-conscious consumers wanting smart features like app control and voice assistant compatibility without a premium price tag.

Those who appreciate the convenience of scheduled cleanings to maintain a consistently tidy home with minimal effort.

Who Might Want to Explore Other Options?

- Owners of large or multi-story homes who would benefit from more advanced navigation and mapping features for efficient, systematic coverage.

- Users needing specific cleaning zone capabilities, such as virtual no-go zones, which are not available on this model.

- Individuals highly sensitive to noise, as there are quieter robot vacuum models available on the market.

- Those with predominantly high-pile or shag carpets, where the Roomba 690 might struggle more than specialized models.

Frequently Asked Questions

The iRobot Roomba 690 is quite effective at picking up pet hair thanks to its 3-Stage Cleaning System and dual multi-surface brushes. While it may not have the specialized anti-tangle features of higher-end models, it generally does a good job for daily maintenance in homes with pets.

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