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Do you want to know the differences between the Roomba 690 vs. e5 models? Do you want to know which one is the best Roomba model?
Roomba is one of the biggest names in the industry, so all their devices are good in their own rights, but we understand you want the model that is right for you.
We are going to review of both models so that you can understand:
- Their differences
- Their similarities
- Pros
- Cons
- Best features
Quick Comparison: Roomba 690 vs E5
ROOMBA 690
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- Budget Option
- Wifi Compatible
- Good for all floor types
Roomba E5
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- Budget/ Mid priced Option
- Wifi Compatible
- Good for all floor types
- More Cleaning Power
The Roomba E5 is a beast in a bundle. Compared to the 690, it is available at lower prices from most retailers, making it a complete bargain.
The Roomba 690 is sold with a Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier that helps with partitioning your home, but that can be purchased separately for the Roomba e5. Amazon has it for approximately $40.00.
The feature that makes the e5 a better device is its exceptional suction capabilities.
What are the differences between the Roomba 690 and E5 models?
Both of these devices have certain similar features, however, there are some essential differences that we will be highlighting today. iRobot built these remarkable robots to preform intelligently while doing their cleaning duties.
They both have sensors that help them detect steps and drop-offs in your home, and they are both able to safely navigate around and under furniture and other objects.
We know that they have a lot in common, but what is it that truly sets them apart? Here are some features that are different in both products.
5 Times the Suction Strength of the 600 Series
All Roomba products have good suction capabilities, but the Roomba e5 stands tall above the 690.
The Roomba e5 has five times the suction capabilities of the Roomba 690, and this is one significant difference in the products.
Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier
The Roomba 690 is packaged with the Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier, but the e5 is not. The Virtual Wall Barrier can be used to keep the robot away from certain rooms and items in your home.
Best Vacuum for Pets
For those pet lovers or pet owners to be, the Roomba E5 was designed and built just for you. The Roomba E5 can clean pesky pet allergens, but unfortunately, the Roomba 690 is not quite there yet.
Appearance
The Roomba 690 has an interesting color scheme. The top of the robot is silver and black with green streaks with a black side panel that also has a green streak. The e5 is an all-black model.
Price
The Roomba E5 is priced a little less than the Roomba 690. Given that the e5 is more powerful when it comes on to suction, we are not complaining.
What is the Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier?
Being able to control where your robot cleans is just as important as when it cleans. The device allows you to program which rooms should be accessed and which items in your home the robot should stay away from.
For example, you can use the Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier to keep the robot out of the washroom, or you can keep it away from the kid’s playpen.
What are the Similarities
Let’s look at some of the things that the iRobot team thought to be essential for these two remarkable devices.
Type of battery
iRobot chose the Lithium-Ion battery type to power these two devices.
WiFi Connectivity
Both the Roomba 690 and E5 models have WiFi capabilities that allow you to schedule and monitor them correctly.
Navigation System
A complete suite of intelligent sensors allows both devices to navigate around and under objects in your home.
Run time
Before docking to recharge themselves, both of these vacuum robots can run for up to 90 minutes.
Size
The devices are both quite small at under 14″ in diameter and just above 3.5″ in height.
The Roomba 690 is engineered with the iRobot patented 3-Stage Cleaning System that cleans multiple surfaces. Edges are no problem for the Roomba 690 as it has edge sweeping brushes that can clean all the edges in your home.
The Roomba 690 knows when to charge itself, so You do not need to worry about the device being ready to work. Once the battery is running low or when it finishes a cleaning cycle, the Roomba 690 automatically returns to the dock.
The Roomba 690 was built with sensors as part of iRobots patented dirt detect technology. These sensors alert the Roomba device to clean harder in particular areas where dirt is highly concentrated in your home.
The state-of-the-art sensors of the Roomba 690 are no joke. The devices are built with sensors that allow them to navigate to your home easily and efficiently around objects so that it can clean those hard-to-reach spaces.
The sensors of the Roomba 690 also allows it to stay away from cliffs and drop-offs in your home, so you don’t have to worry about the device falling down the stairs.
Be sure to install the iRobot home app so that you can schedule your Roomba 690 remotely and on the go so you can set up cleaning while on the go.
PROS
- Sleek design helps the robot to fit in easily with most decors.
- Cleans for a full 90 minutes.
- It can navigate under and around furniture
- Genius angled design that helps with cleaning corners and edges.
- Cleans high traffic areas with efficiency due to Roomba’s dirt detect technology
CONS
- Might miss a few spots here and there
- The bin is not large enough for larger homes
We know that you still have questions to ask about this intelligent vacuum, so we will be answering the most pressing ones below.
Is the Roomba 690 worth it?
The device is a little more expensive than others in its class. We do not think that the extra stuff in the box makes it worth the extra bucks as they can be purchased separately and still do not hit your pocket as much.
Does the Roomba 690 empty itself?
Unfortunately, the Roomba 690 cannot do this. When the bin is full, it needs to be emptied manually.
Does Roomba 690 have mapping?
The Roombas in this series do not have this feature. To circumvent this, you should use the virtual wall barrier to select rooms for the device to clean and objects that it should stay away from.
Does Roomba 690 require WIFI?
WiFi would definitely allow you to maximize the device’s potential by utilizing all its features, but it is not required for all of them. It can clean without WiFi.
What does the Roomba 690 come with?
When you purchase the device, you will get the coveted Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier with two AA batteries, an extra filter, 1 Flat Cleaning Tool, a line cord, the Home Base Charging Station, the Owner’s Guide and Documentation Package and of course the Roomba 690.
If you are a pet owner, you will fall in love with this vacuum. The Roomba E5 has multi-surface rubber brushes that are ideal for cleaning pet hair.
The Roomba E5 is one of the most powerful vacuums in its class, as five times the suction power off the Roomba 600 series.
The Roomba E5 is able to navigate homes to provide exceptional clean intelligently. The low profile of the robot is ideal for those hard to reach places.
PROS
- 5-times the suction power of all Roomba 600 series devices.
- It is easy to use and it has hands-free options for even more convenience
- Works very well in a home with pets.
CONS
- A larger bin would have allowed for more autonomous operation. The small bin will require constant cleaning if there is a lot of debris to clean.
- The e5 sometimes have difficulties in returning to the docking station.
Let’s review some of those burning questions about the e5.
Is the Roomba e5 worth it?
Most definitely. If you’re trying to get your home cleaned with as little hassle as possible, while on a budget, then this Roomba is definitely worth it. This Roomba is mighty, and it comes at a comparable price to others in its class.
Does the Roomba e5 empty itself?
No, the Roomba e5 does not have the Clean Base Dirt Disposal unit that automatically empties the roomba when it is full.
Does Roomba e5 have mapping?
The Roomba E5 is not built with a camera, so, unfortunately, it does not have a mapping feature. Remember that you can buy a Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier to help you to control the rooms that the device cleans and the objects that it should avoid.
Does the Roomba e5 work on carpet?
Yes, the Roomba E5 is capable of cleaning your carpets just as it does on your hardwood floor.
The Roomba 690 vs. e5, the Ultimate Match Up
The Roomba 690 and e5 models are packed with features that will help clean your home better. Let’s review these features so you can make a decision on which one is best for you.
Design
The Roomba e5 is a full black model while the 690 has a silver belt on the top. The 690 also has small green stripes.
Accessories
The devices are both sold with a charging station and a line cord but the 690 is sold with the virtual wall barrier, an extra filter and a flat cleaning tool.
Dual Mode Virtual Wall
Both devices are compatible with the virtual wall, but only the 690 is sold with this.
Performance
The e5 has a stronger vacuum. It is 5 times stronger than that of the 690.
Cleaning System
The Roomba 690 and e5, both have a 3-stage cleaning system that is efficient against a lot of debris.
WiFi Connectivity
The devices do not need WiFi to operate, but they have some features that do require it
Size
The Roomba 690 weighs in at 7.8lbs and measures 13″ in diameter while the Roomba e5 is 7.2lbs and has a diameter of 13.3″.
Run time
Both are capable of running for up to 90mins on a single charge.
Conclusion
Both devices are great to have in your home. If you are looking to get a robot that can get into all the places you need to clean with little to no supervision, you can’t go wrong with either one.
The e5 Packs a bigger punch, so that is one thing to consider.
