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With their Botvac “D that was marginally enhance being recently released by competition Neato ” series, it was theorized that iRobot might be following suit. Yet, it has been a relatively long time since 870 debuted and the Roomba 880. I honestly didn’t know what to expect. Undoubtedly, iRobot isn’t interested in ceding any market share to competitors, and rightfully so.

As with all preceding Roomba’s there are things that I don’t enjoy and things to like. Regardless, it ’s going to be hard for me to not gift a few Roomba 980’s this year.

In this Roomba 980 review, I’ll get into the key attributes (what’s new) as well as the Advantages and Disadvantages. At the base, I’ll suggest a number of alternatives and make an overall recommendation.

Key Features – What’s New with the Roomba 980

The following are noteworthy features on the 980, and some of the new, updated:

More Battery Charge Life: The Roomba 980 is capable of running fro a full 2 hours before needed to recharge. This can be a personal best for Roomba. On some of my older 700 series vacuums I’ve come close to this with after market third party replacement batteries, but this is the greatest factory default (out of the box) battery life so far. It’s still not Lithium-ion (for those that like that), but it is an improvement.

iRobot HOME Program: For me, this really is the game changer. I’ve been waiting for robot vacuums to become fully integrated into the intelligent home experience. iRobot is the first robot hoover company – to my knowledge – that has an app similar to this. You can press “Clean” from anyplace and the 980 will start/stop as wanted. This really is perfect for people who are on the go (like me). I can get things began while I’m away, if I’m at work or from the house. The app is easy essentially functions as an advanced remote control and to use. On the Roomba’s that is older you could have a pre determined program to run each day, but not immediate control like this!

It’s actually more of an upgrade. In addition to the conventional “bumper” detectors, the Roomba 980 now features the “VSLAM” (Visual Simultaneous, Localization, and Mapping) technology. This can be a big deal. Essentially it enables the visual localization map the room and enables the Roomba to “look” out and up to help navigate. This really is the sort of ground breaking enhancement that significantly improves the 980 over previous versions. What does this mean almost? Bumping into things randomly and a more organized efficient and – – cleaning route.

More Suction Power: Happily, iRobot wasn’t content with just a couple of new features. They also upped their game in the power section. The AeroForce cleaning system is per cleaning cycle the same base technology, but 2 times more effective at picking up debris. It also has “carpet boost” which optimizes air power when it discovers a carpet or rug underneath. The end result is a more extensive clean, replicating a level that is higher conventional vacuum.

Improved Virtual Wall Lighthouse: Roomba uses these small towers to signal where to clean (and where not to clean…acting as an invisible wall impediment). The 980 has stepped up lighthouse game is ’sed by it. They truly are now smaller and take AA batteries (in contrast to the hulking “D” batteries for preceding set). This really is a fine improvement because who has extra “D” batteries lying around?

Things I like and Things I Don’t

Pros

The App is Awesome: It’s straightforward and reasonably simple, but it means everything to me. Having the ability to control my robot from my phone means the Roomba is now part of my house family that is smart. Picking up on where tools like Ecobee smart thermostats and the Nest have left off, iRobot has actually provided on a smart, net-connected, roomba vacuum. I’m already eagerly considering the options for future integration with my various smart house programs and controllers.

App Helps Screen Care: There’s a very trendy “diagnostics” part of the app that tracks different parts of the Roomba and uses straightforward bars to inform you when things need to be changed or serviced (believe emptying the bin, altering extractors, filters, etc…). Additionally, it tells you just how you can perform the desired maintenance demand.

Better on Carpeting: Robots vacuums always have a tendency to perform better on hardwood floors and tough flooring choices (tile, etc…). Now, the newly redesigned motor is not specially bad at conforming to carpet surfaces too. After detected, the 980 will engage a bit more muscle to completely clean carpeting the manner they should be cleaned. It was a subtle difference, challenging t tell from standing up even, but an important difference however.

The new program, the more powerful battery and the automatic recharging/resume feature makes the Roomba 980 even more hands free than the competition and both previous versions. Slowly but certainly, house robotics is living up to it’s assurance. If you hate vacuuming – or physically cannot do it anymore – this is the quintessential option that is outsourced. Short of hiring cleaning help, the Roomba 980 is now the smartest choice out there.

Navigation is Apparently Enhanced: I will hardly tell the difference and Occasionally new features are added. For cleaning in a randomized, haphazard pattern previously, Roomba’s have had the knock. While the end result was clean floors, how it happened wasn’t fairly. Nevertheless, it was also a bit ineffective. This was among the contrasts I enjoyed about most Neato versions. The 980 is efficient, methodical, and much more organized.

It still bumps into things to gain its impacts, particularly in rooms with lots of furniture. Only not nearly to the degree it did in the past. On careful observation it appears the 980 will recall these “bumps” for future cleans and will not keep doing it with precisely the same wild abandon.

Smarter Algorithm: This robot is actually smarter than it’s the opposition and predecessors.

Excellent Customer Service: iRobot continues to be the leader as it pertains to customers service. This more of a general “pro” and specific to this model, but still worth noting. Every time I’ve needed to replace a Roomba, I’ve had no problems. They truly are also good at walking you through diagnosing issues.

Powerful Secondary Components Marketplace: Unlike other robot firms, the Roomba has a deluge of after market businesses specializing in creating parts and better replacement accessories. For instance, I’ve been able to locate replacement batteries that are better in relation to the factory default ones.

Better Suction Overall: My two quasi scientific ways of measuring this are that A) I can feel a lot more wind/atmosphere coming out of the device and B) those bigger particles of determination that only high powered vacs often get are being caught in the dust bin.

Disadvantages

Use Could be More: because I’m thrilled with the new program, This isn’t really a legit gripe. It’s more of a wish. I’d like to completely integrate my Roomba with the remainder of my home that is smart. It would be pleasant to be able to manage everything from one program (and one controller like the SmartThings Hub and others). It probably wouldn’t be hard to do and it may be something iRobot already plans to do anyway.

Not “Perfect”: It’s a clear improvement, but it’s still not perfect. It occasionally gets confused by power cords and can have trouble with considerable thresholds. It’s simple to “Roomba evidence” your house once in a while it will get stuck, but once you figure out the problem areas. It’s not quite like a human….yet.

The Dyson Eye and the Neato Botvac Joined are rumored to be coming out “ soon”. How soon? I can’t actually tell. The Botvac Joined (which features similar app managements) will probably be out occasionally this year, but no firm release date continues to be set. I ‘ven’t heard much recently about an anticipated release date, although the Dyson Eye has been rumored to be in the works for years. It could still be 6-12 months away. What this means is that the Roomba 980 could have some harder competition on the horizon. Right now, the 980 is the greatest robot on the market, but that could change. Specially if the price points are more affordable, Roomba could be severely undercut. UPGRADE: The Dyson 360 Eye has recently been released. Generally, it’s a more powerful vacuum, but less qualified room -to-room navigation. It’s possible for you to read my complete review for more details.

Nevertheless, for pitch black rooms you are going to inevitably get an error code. If cleaning at night or in a cellar with no lights, this could be a concern. My simple solution is to keep on in every room that wants it.

Carpet Foster is Loud: It picks up more dirt, so I’m a happy customer, but it worth noting. Don’t plan on sleeping in exactly the same room.

Just Accessible in One Place: So far as is frequently true for new releases – the Roomba 980 is ONLY available via the iRobot shop here. This is likely because they want to control pricing. When it’s released to other marketplaces like carton retailers and Amazon, I’ll be sure to upgrade this post.

Cost: As always, iRobot is the cost leader. All their robots usually are somewhat to somewhat more expensive than the competition. The 980 is different. In fact, it’s fairly darn expensive! At RM 4850 per unit, this is probably not something that’s not difficult to spring for. You are able to take a look at this listing for more detailed pricing info. In this instance, you do get what you buy. Many important features really HAVE improved. Hands down, this can be the best robot vacuum now accessible. Still, if this is your first robot, you might want to look into some less pricey – but still qualified – alternatives (see below)

Other Roomba 980 Choices to Consider

If the cost is too much of a sticking point, not to worry. There are with considering other great vacuums.

Roomba 880

Sometimes last years version is the best value around. Sure, it’s not the latest and greatest, but it nevertheless can offer many of the same advantages. At the time, it was the best robot hoover cash could purchase. The patented AeroForce cleaning system is 50% more effective at cleaning up debris than the 700 series. This, combined with a a remote control, a better battery, and a larger dust bin made it the most hands free device at the time. It has all the other crucial features for a real runner up, although it doesn’t have the groundbreaking app. Most significantly, it’s a complete cheaper compared to 980 (check this listing for even steeper reductions). Still pricey, but a lot less so.

Botvac D80

I wasn’t overly impressed with the original Botvac release, but some helpful improvements have been made by the new “D” chain. Notably, they’ve repaired a problem with the brush (by altering a bearing) to allow it to be less susceptible to getting tangled (particularly with human and pet hair, in my own experience). The Botvac D80 doesn’t merely seem better, it also functionally performs better than previous Neato models. The suction power is arguably comparable to the new Roomba 980 and the greatest yet. It not too hard use and to schedule, although still, you won’t get the app managements. The patented laser navigation technology means more organized routes and it normally works fairly well. It’s possible for you to see this listing here, where it generally retails for less than the top line Roomba’s.

Roomba 650

It’s been around for some time, but it’s not still false. It’s also MUCH cheaper. Try the 650 out if it’s good enough to your needs to see if budget is your top concern. Yes, it’s missing a bunch of extras” that is “ that is fine but the core cleaning technology is till there. The 650 is perfect for people that have flats, little homes, or just a small area they desire regularly cleaned. It does not come with the conventional HEPA filter (great for those with allergies and pet owners) like the 880 and 980, but the AeroVac filter does a good enough job. On the whole, this really is an excellent robot for those just getting started, curious to see if the technology works for their needs. I still have mine running to this day after 3 years (and a few replacement batteries). Best of all, you’re able to find the 650 for a very affordable price at this listing.

Thinking Cleaner Faceplate

I was a little skeptical of this “work around” at first, but it really works reasonably well. Thinking Cleanser was the effect of a successful Kickstarter campaign. It functionally adds or 600 series robot and WiFi ability together. Disbelieving? I was also. Essentially, you attach a “faceplate” that changes your Roomba. It’s easy to attach. You can do most of the exact same functions in intuitive way and a less “ polished”, merely as the Roomba 980 WiFi. If you have to locate your lost Roomba the program is pretty stable and will let you schedule remotely, alert you when your Roomba needs help and plays a song. It’s available just for a fraction of the cost of a brand new Roomba here.

Thinking Cleaner is working on a new faceplate for the 700/800 chain, but as of yet it only as a Kickstarter endeavor here.

Who is this a good option for? 2) Prospective buyers who desire WiFi capacity, but can’t manage/don’t want to spend too much on the 980. By way of example, by purchasing a brand new Roomba 650 and Believing Cleaner Faceplate, you will be run no more than $500 total.

The long rumored Dyson Eye is officially under development as I mentioned previously. Who knows when it will be released. Only at that period it’ll be unlikely to hit before the 2015 Holiday season, although they still haven’t discussed release dates. The new attributes on the Roomba 980 may actually cause them to delay release until they are able to match the core attributes.

The possibility that is fascinating is the the Neato Botvac “Linked” robot which aims to add WiFi ability that is similar to the Roomba 980. You are able to read more here. It’d seem sensible for them to release it prior to the 2015 Holiday season, but they’ll have to take action soon to capitalize fully.

UPGRADE: The Botvac Linked has formally been released in early Novemeber 2015! See my full review.

Roomba 980 vs Botvac Connected

I’ll be writing up a full comparison soon, but I desired to touch on this briefly because I’ve been getting a lot of questions about it.

What are the Essential Differences? 2) The Botvac now has “Eco” and “Turbo” mode. 3) The Roomba 980 has “carpet boost” and the Botvac doesn’t.

Both Botvac Connected and the Roomba 980 attribute WiFi enabled management. This really is certainly the headline feature for both. Both are similar in terms of features/usage, although Personally, I prefer the Roomba program better.

UPGRADE: You’ll be able to read my complete comparison (recently completed) right here.

Final Call – Is the Roomba 980 Worth it?

The brief answer: Yes! The longer reply? If you’ve the cash, this can be arguably the greatest robot vacuum cleaner on the market. At the minimum, it’s definitely the greatest roomba version to date.

If you’ve a bigger house or office/company that needs to be cleaned regularly, the 980 is the best robot for the occupation. It can cover the ground and recharge own as needed. The 980 has the most power/suction and the best cleaning tech of any robot to get the job done if you’ll need a vacuuming job that strongly resembles a traditional upright vacuum clean.

But if you have a little flat, the 980 becomes an extravagance. One caveat: it doesn’t matter, in case you are a geek like me. This can be a MUST own!