“This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.”
The Roomba 880 vs 890, this is the battle of the mid-priced Roombas. The Roomba 880 and 890 are the mid-priced Roombas in the iRobot collection. They hit the sweet spot between price and high tech features.
The Roomba 890 is based on the Roomba 880 and incorporates most of the features of the Roomba 880. Please note that these models are outmoded and two Roomba models that are similar to these models are the Roomba e5 and Roomba 960 models.
The main differences are the Roomba 890 has Wi-Fi connectivity. This means you can control your Roomba vacuum remotely and schedule cleaning jobs.
Roomba 880 vs 890, Compared Side by Side
Roomba 880 | Roomba 890 | |
---|---|---|
Navigation Technology | iAdapt Technology | iAdapt Technology |
Vacuuming Technology | Aeroforce | Aeroforce |
WiFi Support | No | Yes |
Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant Compatible | No | Yes |
Remote Control | Yes | Via smartphone App |
Battery Type | NiMh | Lithium-Ion |
Weight | 8.4 pounds | 8.4 pounds |
Dimensions | 13.9 x 13.9 x 3.6 inches | 13 x 13 x 3.6 inches |
Accessories | Room to room in up to 3 rooms with the included Virtual Wall Lighthouse beacons | 1 Dual Mode Virtual Wall |
Check Price | Check Price |
About the Roomba 880
- Automatically Recharges Itself
- WiFi Connectivity: No
- Remote Control: Yes
- Comes with two virtual walls
- App: No
The Roomba 880 is a mid-priced vacuum in the Roomba robot vacuum range. It is not a budget priced vacuum like those of the 600 series. However, there are quite a few features that differentiate this product from vacuums in previous series.
The Roomba 800 series is the first vacuum model in the Roomba series that uses Aeroforce technology. This provides better cleaning power than the AeroVac technology used in the previous Roomba series.
With Aeroforce cleaning system this Roomba has two bristle-free extractors that rotate in cohesion to break down dirt and debris at the same time speeding up airflow and increasing vacuum suction.
This feature not only provide greater vacuuming power but also reduces tangles. If you have pets you will find this model extremely handy since it reduces the maintenance time significantly.
This vacuum comes with a very handy remove control which simply increases the hands off aspect of having a Robot vacuum. More advanced models don’t come with this feature instead they come with a smart phone app that can control the vacuum.
The Roomba 880 has similar dimensions to the Roombas in the previous series. Actually, all Roombas have similar sizes and dimensions. The Roomba is around 13.9 inches in dimension ad 3.6 inches in height. This size is ideal for getting under low furniture and other hard to reach areas.
Excluding the Roombas in the 900 series all Roomba vacuums need to be restarted after they recharge at the their home base. They cannot continue with their previous cleaning job. Only the Roomba 960 and 980 have this feature. However, the Roomba 880 has a feature that mirrors this behavior.
The Roomba in theory can clean up to three rooms. The Roomba 880 comes with two virtual wall lighthouses that bean a path to block the Roomba’s path into one room.
Once it’s finished vacuuming that room the beam will turn off and allow the Roomba to clean the next room in its cleaning path. This is thus allowing the Roomba to clean one room thoroughly then move on to the next without human interference.
PROS
- Works on all floor types
- Ease of use
CONS
- Doesn’t have WiFi connectivity
- Cannot clean multiple rooms in one go
About the Roomba 890
- Automatically Recharges
- Remote Control: Via Smartphone App
- Comes with one virtual wall
- Battery life: Approximately 60 minutes
- Approximately 5 times cleaning power of the Roomba 690
- High Efficiency Filter
- Tangle Free Rollers
The Roomba 890 is one of the newest vacuums offered by iRobot and is an extension of the Roomba 880. So all the features you see in the Roomba 880 will be available in the Roomba 890.
The main difference in the Roomba 890 is the fact that it has Wi-Fi connectivity. Actually if you go to the iRobot site you will see that all the new Roombas now offer Wi-Fi Connectivity. This means that you can now schedule and start your Roomba remotely.
If you find that you need to tidy up your home quickly and you are stuck at work simply fire up the Roomba remotely and let her get started cleaning. The Roomba comes with an iRobot app that has features that allow you to track the battery life, check out your weekly schedule and more.
The Roomba 890 is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant so if you are enthralled with the idea of coming home from work and simply commanding the Roomba to start this is the Roomba for you.
All Roombas except the Roomba 980 use iAdapt technology. Basically, this software utilizes a number of sensors to allow the Roomba to find its way around your room without bumping into obstacles.
The Roomba 890 also comes with one dual mode virtual wall barrier. Basically, you can use the virtual wall mode to prevent the Roomba from cleaning certain areas or rooms.
There is also a halo mode that prevents the Roomba from going near certain objects. For example if you wanted the Roomba to avoid the dog dish. This is a great feature if you have pets.
We have a number of other comparisons on our site. You might find the comparisons between the Roomba 890 and the Roomba 980 and the Roomba 690. If you have hardwood floors have a look at our recommendation for Roombas on wood floors.
PROS
- Tangle free dirt and debris extractors so you have less maintenance
- Stronger Cleaning Power than the Roomba 690
- Has WiFi connectivity
- Compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alea
CONS
- Cannot recharge and resume cleaning job like Roombas in the 900 series
- Doesn’t have the carpet boost feature of the Roomba 980
Similarities between the Roomba 880 and 890
The Roomba 880 and the Roomba 890 have the following similarities:
- Return to home dock automatically when the battery is running low
- AeroForce technology
- iAdapt Technology
- Full Bin Indicator
- Debris extractors instead of bristle brushes
- Spot Cleaning
- Similar size
- Similar weight
- Can schedule cleaning jobs
- Auto Recharge
Differences between the Roomba 880 and 890
The Roomba 880 and the Roomba 890 have the following differences:
- The Roomba 890 has Wi-Fi connectivity, the Roomba 880 doesn’t
- The Roomba 890 is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- The Roomba 880 has two virtual walls, The Roomba 890 has one dual mode virtual wall barrier
- The Roomba 890 has Lithium-ion batteries
- The Roomba 880 is usually cheaper
- The Roomba 890 can be scheduled via the iRobot App.
- The Roomba 880 comes with a remote control; The Roomba 890 is controlled via your smart phone.
What features you will not get with the Roomba 880 and the Roomba 890
The Roombas in the 800 series are a good combination of price and technology. A few of the features you wont get with the Roomba 800 series are listed below:
Wifi Connectivity and Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa Compatibility: You will only find these features in the Roomb 890 model . You will not find them in the Roomba 880 model.
Ability to Recharge and Resume cleaning Job: Only the Roombas in the 900 series have this feature. This is a great option if you have multiple rooms or a very large house..
iAdapt 2.0 technology: This feature is available in the 900 series. Basically this navigation technology has visual localization that helps the Roomba to map the entire level of your house and keep track of your location.
This feature ensures a more complete and thorough cleaning. The iAdapt technology also has a suite of sensors to allow the Roomba to navigate around furniture and clutter in your room
Cleaning: The Roomba 980 has a carpet boost feature that provides 10 times the cleaning power of Roombas in the 600, 700 and 800 series. This is a great feature if you have a lot of carpets in your house.
Another interesting feature is the edge cleaning mode available in the 900 series. Most Roombas have a side brush to clean the edges of the room; however, the Roombas in the 900 series have a special edge cleaning mode that will allow the Roomba to pay special attention to the edges of the room when it is finished cleaning.
One other feature that is unique to Roombas in the 900 series is the two pass cleaning feature. If you have an area that is a bit dirtier than others you can request two pass cleaning. This feature is really helpful if you have pets in your home.
Are these Roombas Good for Pets?
The Roombas in the 800 series are ideal for cleaning up pet hair and other debris that your pet might track in your house.
One of the main reasons we like these vacuums is the 800 series utilize AeroForce cleaning technology. These vacuums use bristle free and tangle free dirt and debris extractors.
These extractors break down dirt and debris and prevent hair and debris clogs.
Another plus of Robot vacuums in general is you can schedule a cleaning job every day if you want so you don’t have to continuously clean up after your pet.
Are These Roombas Good for Hardwood Floors and Carpets?
The Roombas in the 800 series have five times more vacuuming power than previous Roomba series. This translates into a better cleaning job for your hardwood floors and carpets.
If you want extra cleaning power for your carpets you can consider the Roomba980 which has a carpet boost feature that gives you up to ten times more cleaning power.
Our Verdict Should I buy the Roomba 880 or 890
You should buy the Roomba 880 if you are looking for a mid-range vacuum that has a good combination of price and technology features.
If you are not interested in WiFi connectivity or looking for an appliance that is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa this is a good solid pick.
You should buy the Roomba 890 if you love the idea of being able to control your vacuum remotely. The main feature that differentiates the Roomba 890 from the Roomba 880 is WiFi connectivity.
If you have your heart set on setting up your devices to be compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. The Roomba 890 is the Roomba for you.
If you can find the Roomba 890 at a cheaper price we suggest you buy the Roomba 890 instead of the Roomba 880.