iRobot Roomba 694 2025 Review: The Best Entry-Level Robot Vacuum for Smart Cleaning

Why the Roomba 694 is the Best Entry-Level Robot Vacuum in 2025

The iRobot Roomba 694 delivers premium cleaning performance at an accessible price point, making robot vacuum technology available to every household. At $274.99, it offers the perfect balance of cleaning power, smart features, and reliability from the brand that invented robot vacuums over 30 years ago.

After four months of daily use across hardwood floors, carpets, and tile in a 1,800 square foot home with two cats, the Roomba 694 has proven itself as an exceptional value. Its combination of effective cleaning, user-friendly app control, and iRobot's legendary build quality makes it the ideal first robot vacuum.

Design and Build Quality: Classic Roomba Reliability

The Roomba 694 features iRobot's proven round design that's been refined over three decades of robot vacuum innovation.

Dimensions and Weight

Measuring 13.4 inches in diameter and 3.54 inches tall, the Roomba 694 navigates easily under most furniture. At 7.44 pounds, it's light enough to carry between floors but heavy enough to maintain traction on carpets.

Premium Construction

The solid build quality inspires confidence. High-quality plastics resist scratches and impacts from daily use. After months of bumping into furniture and navigating tight spaces, the Roomba shows minimal wear.

Sleek Charcoal Finish

The matte charcoal gray exterior with textured top surface looks modern and hides dust better than glossy black models. The simple aesthetic fits any home decor.

Tactile Buttons

Three large physical buttons provide easy manual control:

• Clean Button: Start/pause cleaning cycle
• Home Button: Return to charging dock
• Spot Clean Button: Intensive cleaning in small areas

Cleaning Performance: Surprisingly Effective

The Roomba 694's 3-Stage Cleaning System delivers thorough cleaning across multiple floor types.

Dual Multi-Surface Brushes

Two counter-rotating rubber brushes work together to grab dirt, debris, and pet hair from carpets and hard floors. Unlike bristle brushes that tangle with hair, the rubber extractors resist tangling and require minimal maintenance.

Edge-Sweeping Brush

A specially designed side brush sweeps debris from corners and edges into the path of the main brushes. This 27-degree angle brush extends beyond the Roomba's body to clean tight against walls and furniture legs.

Powerful Suction

While not as powerful as premium models, the suction is more than adequate for everyday cleaning. It effectively picks up:

• Pet hair (even long cat hair)
• Dust and dirt
• Crumbs and food particles
• Small debris like rice and cereal
• Surface-level dirt from carpets

Multi-Surface Performance

The Roomba 694 automatically adjusts to different floor types:

• Hardwood Floors: Excellent performance, leaving floors noticeably cleaner
• Tile: Picks up dirt from grout lines and smooth tile surfaces
• Low-Pile Carpet: Good suction removes surface dirt and refreshes carpet appearance
• Medium-Pile Carpet: Adequate performance for maintenance cleaning
• Area Rugs: Climbs onto rugs without getting stuck

Note: For deep carpet cleaning or high-pile carpets, consider the higher-end Roomba i series or s series models.

Navigation: Smart iAdapt Technology

The Roomba 694 uses iRobot's iAdapt Navigation system with a full suite of sensors to navigate your home intelligently.

How It Works

The navigation system includes:

• Cliff Detection: Infrared sensors prevent falls down stairs
• Dirt Detect: Recognizes concentrated dirt areas and cleans more thoroughly
• Bump Sensors: Detects obstacles and adjusts path accordingly
• Adaptive Navigation: Makes up to 60 decisions per second

Cleaning Pattern

The Roomba uses a random navigation pattern rather than systematic rows. While this appears chaotic, the algorithm ensures complete coverage over time. In testing, the Roomba 694 cleaned entire rooms thoroughly, though it took multiple passes.

Obstacle Handling

The Roomba navigates around furniture legs, pet bowls, shoes, and other obstacles with surprising intelligence. It gently bumps objects to map their location, then navigates around them. The bumper's shock absorption protects both the Roomba and your furniture.

Stair Safety

Multiple cliff-detection sensors ensure the Roomba never falls down stairs or ledges. In months of testing near stairways, it never once fell—it always stops, backs up, and changes direction.

Battery Life and Charging: Up to 90 Minutes Runtime

The Roomba 694 features a lithium-ion battery providing up to 90 minutes of cleaning on a full charge—sufficient for most homes.

Real-World Battery Performance

• Hardwood/Tile: 85-90 minutes of runtime
• Carpet: 60-75 minutes (requires more power)
• Mixed Surfaces: 70-80 minutes typical

Automatic Recharging

When the battery runs low, the Roomba automatically returns to its charging dock. Once recharged, it does not resume cleaning (resume feature available on higher-end models). For most homes under 1,000 square feet, the Roomba completes cleaning on a single charge.

Charging Time

A full charge takes approximately 2-3 hours. The Home Base charging dock provides convenient drop-and-forget charging—simply push the Home button, and the Roomba returns automatically.

iRobot Home App: Complete Smart Control

The free iRobot Home app (iOS and Android) unlocks the Roomba 694's smart capabilities.

Scheduling

Create cleaning schedules by day and time. Set the Roomba to clean Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10 AM while you're at work. Come home to clean floors every day without lifting a finger.

Remote Control

Start, stop, or send the Roomba home from anywhere with internet access. Forgot to start cleaning before leaving? Launch a cleaning cycle from your phone.

Cleaning History

View detailed logs showing:

• Date and time of each cleaning
• Duration of cleaning session
• Area covered (in square feet)
• Battery usage

Maintenance Reminders

The app notifies you when parts need attention:

• Empty dustbin
• Clean brushes
• Replace filters
• Clean sensors

Product Support

Access user manuals, troubleshooting guides, and customer support directly through the app.

Voice Control: Alexa and Google Assistant Integration

The Roomba 694 works seamlessly with voice assistants for hands-free control.

Alexa Commands

• "Alexa, ask Roomba to start cleaning"
• "Alexa, ask Roomba to stop"
• "Alexa, ask Roomba to go home"
• "Alexa, ask Roomba about the battery level"

Google Assistant Commands

• "Hey Google, start Roomba"
• "Hey Google, stop Roomba"
• "Hey Google, send Roomba home"

Voice control works reliably and adds tremendous convenience—start cleaning without getting up from the couch or while cooking dinner.

Maintenance: Simple and Straightforward

The Roomba 694 requires minimal maintenance to keep running optimally.

Dustbin Cleaning

Empty the 0.3-liter dustbin after each use (or when the app notifies you). Removal is simple—press the release button, lift out the bin, and dump contents in the trash. Rinse the bin periodically for thorough cleaning.

Brush Cleaning

Remove and clean brushes weekly if you have pets, monthly otherwise. The rubber extractors resist hair tangling but benefit from occasional cleaning. The included maintenance tool removes any wrapped hair easily.

Filter Replacement

Replace the filter every 2-3 months for optimal performance. Replacement filters are inexpensive and available on Amazon.

Sensor Cleaning

Wipe cliff detection sensors and bumper sensors monthly with a soft, dry cloth. Clean sensors ensure proper navigation and stair detection.

Wheel Maintenance

Remove the front caster wheel periodically to clear accumulated hair and debris. The side wheels rarely need attention.

What's in the Box

• Roomba 694 robot vacuum
• Home Base charging dock
• Power cord for charging dock
• Extra filter
• Documentation and quick start guide

Pros and Cons

Who Should Buy the Roomba 694?

The Roomba 694 is perfect for:

• First-Time Robot Vacuum Buyers: Affordable entry into robot vacuum technology
• Pet Owners: Excellent for managing pet hair and dander
• Busy Professionals: Automated cleaning frees up time
• Apartment Dwellers: Ideal size for smaller spaces
• Elderly or Mobility-Limited Users: Reduces physical demands of vacuuming
• Maintenance Cleaners: Perfect for keeping floors clean between deep cleans
• Smart Home Enthusiasts: Integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant
• Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Premium brand at accessible price

Comparison: Roomba 694 vs Competition

Feature	Roomba 694	Eufy 11S	Shark ION
Price	$274.99	$199.99	$249.99
WiFi & App	Yes	No	Yes
Voice Control	Alexa & Google	No	Alexa & Google
Runtime	90 minutes	100 minutes	120 minutes
Build Quality	Excellent	Good	Good
Brand Reputation	Industry leader	Good value brand	Established brand

Verdict: The Roomba 694 offers the best combination of brand reliability, smart features, and cleaning performance. While competitors may offer longer runtime or lower prices, iRobot's proven track record and superior build quality justify the investment.

Customer Reviews: What Users Are Saying

With over 56,000 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, the Roomba 694 is one of Amazon's highest-rated robot vacuums:

"This is my first robot vacuum, and I'm blown away. My apartment stays clean with zero effort. I schedule it to run every day while I'm at work, and I come home to clean floors. Worth every penny, especially for the price."

- Jennifer L., Verified Purchase

"We have two cats and used to vacuum daily. The Roomba handles all the cat hair with ease. The brushes don't tangle like our old vacuum, and emptying the bin is quick. It's been running reliably for 8 months without issues."

- Mark T., Verified Purchase

"My mom is 75 and has trouble vacuuming. I bought her the Roomba 694, and it's changed her life. She just presses the button, and it does everything. The app lets me check on it remotely and help her troubleshoot. Best gift ever!"

- Sarah K., Verified Purchase

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Roomba 694

1. Prepare Your Space: Pick up cords, toys, and small objects before cleaning
2. Schedule Regular Cleanings: Daily schedules keep floors consistently clean
3. Empty Dustbin Regularly: Don't let bin fill completely for best suction
4. Close Problem Doors: Shut doors to rooms with thick rugs or tight spaces
5. Use Virtual Wall (Optional): Purchase Virtual Wall accessory to block specific areas
6. Clean Brushes Weekly: Remove wrapped hair for optimal performance
7. Replace Filters: Change filters every 2-3 months
8. Position Home Base: Place on hard floors against walls with clearance on sides
9. Run Multiple Times: For thorough cleaning, schedule back-to-back sessions
10. Keep Firmware Updated: App automatically updates for latest features

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Roomba 694 work on dark or black floors?

Yes, the Roomba 694's cliff sensors work on dark floors. However, extremely dark or highly reflective floors can occasionally confuse cliff sensors. Most users report no issues with dark hardwood or tile.

Can it clean multiple rooms?

Yes, the Roomba navigates through doorways to clean multiple rooms on a single charge. It doesn't create maps or clean room-by-room systematically (those features require higher-end models), but it will eventually cover all accessible areas.

How loud is the Roomba 694?

At approximately 65 decibels, it's quieter than traditional vacuums (70-80 dB) but not silent. You can hold conversations in the same room, though you'll need to raise your voice slightly. It's quiet enough for scheduled cleaning while working from home.

Does it work with 5GHz WiFi?

No, the Roomba 694 requires 2.4 GHz WiFi. Most modern routers broadcast both frequencies, so simply connect to your 2.4 GHz network during setup.

Can I use it if I have pets?

Absolutely! The Roomba 694 excels at pet hair pickup. The rubber brushes resist tangling with pet hair better than bristle brushes. Many pet owners run their Roomba daily to manage shedding.

Final Verdict: The Best Entry-Level Robot Vacuum

The iRobot Roomba 694 delivers genuine Roomba quality and performance at an accessible price. At $274.99, it offers the perfect introduction to robot vacuum technology with effective cleaning, smart features, and the reliability that made iRobot the industry leader.

Overall Rating: 4.4/5 Stars

Whether you're a busy professional seeking automated cleaning, a pet owner managing shedding, or anyone wanting to reclaim time spent on vacuuming, the Roomba 694 delivers exceptional value. It's simply the best entry-level robot vacuum available in 2025.