iRobot Roomba 960 Vs 980 – Comparison Guide 2020

If you are in search of a robot vacuum cleaner, then one of the best choices in the market is an iRobot Roomba model. Currently, the two high-end models of this brand are the Roomba 960 and 980 which we’ll compare in this article.

Images Credit: http://www.irobot.com/

Both of these robot vacuums come with some high-tech features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, mapping tech, Cliff Detection, mobile app control, self-recharge and much more.

Even though both of these vacuums look identical and have several common features and characteristics, they still have quite a few differences under the hood which we’ll discuss below.

Roomba 980 Review

Roomba 980 is the latest model of iRobot and offers everything that is included in Roomba 960 and also a much stronger and newer motor with higher battery life, an additional virtual wall for controlled cleaning, and power boost mode for better cleaning of carpets.

It also has on-board sensors which allows it to scan its overall surroundings and make smart decisions for proper cleaning based on these observations. Even though Roomba 980 is quite pricey, it is one of the best vacuums available in the market.

Roomba 980 Components and Accessories

The Roomba 980 robot vacuum comes with the following components:

Charging base – The charging unit consists of a base and a charging rod. When the battery of Roomba 980 runs low on charge, it automatically returns to its charging unit to charge up. In case it has not finished with its cleaning job yet, after charging it will start its cleaning schedule to where it left off and continued until it’s done.

HEPA filter – This filter works along with the AeroForce filtration system for enhanced cleaning power.

Spinning brush – The spinning brush is fixed into the bottom of the vacuum and spins while cleaning, enabling Roomba to clean around the corners and edges.

Virtual Wall Barriers – The Roomba 980 come with 2 virtual wall barriers. These can be utilized to block off some areas in the house that you don’t want the vacuum to enter. For example you might not want the Roomba to enter into the kitchen and laundry room during its cleaning job, so you just place the two virtual wall barriers in these rooms and you are done.

Roomba 980 Specifications

• 8 inches length
• 8 inches width
• 6 inches height
• 7 pounds weight
• Dustbin capacity of 0.3L
• Lithium-ion battery
• iAdapt 2 navigation
• 120 minutes of battery life
• 2-3 hours charging time
• Optical and acoustic sensors
• Cliff detection
• Brushless rollers
• Sweeps wall edges and corners
• 2 Virtual wall barriers
• Extra replacement filter
• Carpet boost technology
• 1-year warranty

Roomba 960 Review

Roomba 960 is an older version of Roomba 980, and although it contains most of the features that are available in Roomba 980, it lacks the power boost carpet cleaning and enhanced powerful motor.

Furthermore, it also has shorter run time (75 min compared to 120 min of the 980 model). It should be noted, however, that Roomba 960 is available at a much lower price (around $200 cheaper). Additionally, Roomba 960 also has the same navigation system, on-board camera, and the AeroForce filtration system as the 980.

Roomba 960 Components and Accessories

Roomba 960 consists of the following parts and accessories:

Charging base – The charging unit of Roomba 960 is similar to that of Roomba 980, however with shorter run time. It also comes with the return to charge automatically feature when the battery is low and resume its work where it left off when the charging has been completed.

HEPA filter – This filter works along with the AeroForce filtration system for enhanced cleaning power.

Spinning brush – The spinning brush spins while cleaning, enabling Roomba to clean around the corners and edges. It is fixed into the bottom of the vacuum.

Virtual Wall Barriers – The Roomba 960 features only 1 virtual wall barrier compared to 2 for the 980 model. It works similarly to that of Roomba 980 and helps to stay off the spaces that you do not want Roomba to get into.

Roomba 960 Specifications 

• 8 inches length
• 8 inches width
• 6 inches height
• 6 pounds weight
• Dustbin capacity of 0.3L
• Lithium-ion battery
• iAdapt 2 navigation
• 75 minutes of battery life
• 2-3 hours charging time
• Optical and acoustic sensors
• Cliff detection
• Brushless rollers
• Sweeps wall edges and corners
• 1 Virtual wall barrier
• Extra replacement filter
• 1-year warranty

Comparison: Roomba 980 Vs 960

Now, we will be comparing both the robots to analyze them with respect to various aspects and conclude which iRobot vacuum is better than the other. So, let’s start!

Set Up Process

It is very important for people to know that whether the product they are buying is easier to set up or not. No one wants to spend hours on YouTube tutorials or guidebooks to understand the process.

Roomba 960 and 980 are DIY gadgets that take some time to set up, but we wouldn’t want you to think that the process is too difficult. The setup procedure of Roomba 960 and 980 is quite easy and straightforward. It needs you to press some buttons and download the iRobot app for the vacuum cleaner.

On the off chance that you are unable to set it up, you can refer to the user guide for directions. Also, you can also contact the support team at the website of iRobot. They’ll happily assist you with anything that you need.

Performance and Cleaning Efficiency

On the off chance that you have a much older version of Roomba or have read reviews about the products of the previous generation, you would know that they had a random cleaning order. For instance, older Roomba models, for the most part, cleaned the same area again and again which caused battery drainage and the house being left partly cleaned.

All things considered, this issue has been solved for both Roomba 960 and 980. They clean your home in a smarter way, and it’ll make a point to not miss any spot in the room it’s cleaning.

Roomba 960 Vs older models

Roomba 960 is known for having a 2x improved performance rate over the Roomba 600-models, and it’s nearly on a par with the 980. Not at all like the past models,

Roomba 960 does not need to be looked after and you can be 100% sure that it’ll clean your home without breaking or colliding with the walls, tables or tumbling down the stairs. In short, Roomba 960 is quite a reliable automated vacuum that can be trusted.

Roomba 980 Vs older models

As for the Roomba 980, it is the most developed automated vacuum available. It has improved specifications, capacities and cleaning abilities. Roomba 980 is an intelligent floor cleaner that uses a preplanned framework that ensures that the automated vacuum cleans all of your home.

Other Capabilities

Roomba 960 and 980 both have an on-board camera that enables smart and intelligent floor cleaning to navigate itself all through your home. What’s more, they both utilize technology sensors that additionally helps the vacuum to dodge any hindrances like walls, tables, chairs, stands, and stairs.

Roomba 980 will flabbergast you with its performance rate, and we are 100% certain that it’ll surpass your expectations. Not only that, Roomba 980 has a power boost feature that enhances the power of the device and makes it much more effective when cleaning carpets.

What we like the most about Roomba 980 and 960 is its block-off feature. For instance, on the off chance that you need to confine the vacuum from cleaning certain spots, you can put that area on a “block-off” and Roomba won’t touch or go close it.

A standout amongst the most critical points of interest of Roomba 980 and 960 both is the lithium-ion batteries that enhance the lifespan of the automated vacuum. Roomba 980 has a better battery than the 960 version, and by having these new batteries, the life expectancy of Roomba 980 has enhanced, and it can clean your home longer without requiring frequent recharge.

Without any doubt, Roomba 980 is a trusted, reliable and quality-made intelligent floor cleaner that’ll impeccably clean your home.

If we compare the specifications of both the robots, it’s evident that Roomba 980 is the better iRobot vacuum of the two.

The power boost feature and 10x more power are sufficient to figure out which of these automated vacuums is a predominant device. However, the price difference of around $200 might not be worth the extra features if one does not need them anyway.

House Mapping and Cleaning Capabilities

When you turn on either Roomba 960 or 980, it’ll proceed straight until it collides with an obstacle. The very first thing the device will attempt is to map out your house.

They are both great at discovering their direction and ensuring everything is very much cleaned. Both work very good on all surfaces, and they are very effective in cleaning pet hair as well.

Moreover, cleaning under couches and beds is supported on both models with no problems.

Roomba 960 and 980 both have the ability to know where the charging unit is and whenever the battery becomes low, they will consequently dock themselves and get a full charge. And when they get charged, they automatically return to the position they left off and resume cleaning.

Though the power boost mode in 980, or also known as the carpet mode, uses a lot of power and also produces loud noises, it is supposed to work great on carpets.

In the general mode, Roomba 980 can keep running up to 120 minutes compared to the 75 minutes run-time of Roomba 960. The main issue Roomba 980 had was cleaning sand. However, it’s not a major issue since you’ll seldom discover sand in a house or a loft. Roomba 960 faced some issues with cleaning rugs and mats, leaving a little bit of dirt. However, it was not much of an issue.

Final Verdict

If your home is smaller and does not have many carpets etc, then we suggest to go with the Roomba 960 since you will save around $200 compared to 980 model.

If you have a larger home which requires longer running times and also has many carpets and rugs, then we suggest to buy Roomba 980 for its better cleaning capabilities with carpets and longer running duration.