iRobot Roomba 960 Review: A Budget Version of the Roomba 980

When iRobot introduced the 980 to the market, it represented a significant shift in the way they designed their robots. The first significant change would be the navigation. Instead of using a thorough but yet inefficient random algorithm that a lot of consumers come to love, it followed suit with...

A cheaper version of the Roomba 980 (around $200 less; App-based control means you can control this robot anywhere with an internet connection; Comes with the same iAdapt 2.0 navigation found in the 980 for less; Predictable cleaning pattern make this more efficient than the older 700 and 800...

Short run time (just 75 minutes; Uses the older motor found in the 800 series; No turbo mode on carpet

iRobot Roomba 980 review

Between seriously powerful suction, a HEPA filter, and the two-hour battery this is one of the best robot vacuums around for sheer cleaning - except in the corners where the round design won't reach.

iRobot Roomba 980 Review

iRobot's Roomba vacuums have always been easy to use, but the new Roomba 980 introduces an even easier way to clean your home without getting off the couch: app control. The Roomba 980 connects to your home Wi-Fi network, so you can control it remotely from an app on your smartphone. It's iRobot's best 'bot yet, but $899.99 is a hefty price to pay for app control. The Neato Botvac Connected ($299.99 at Amazon) gets you similar Wi-Fi functionality for less, making it the better buy. And though it lacks Wi-Fi, our Editors' Choice remains the Neato XV Signature Pro for its much more reasonable balance of performance and price. Design and Features The Roomba 980 looks a lot like its most recent predecessor, the Roomba 880 . It's about as big, measuring 13.8 inches in diameter and 3.6 inches high, and weighing in at 8.7 pounds. For comparison, the Neato Botvac Connected, which uses a more corner-friendly "D"-shape instead of a circular design, measures 3.9 by 12.7 by 13.2 inches (HW...

The Roomba 980 is iRobot's best robotic vacuum yet, adding Wi-Fi and app control for even easier home cleaning, but the price for convenience is higher than ever.

Powerful; Good on rugs; Wi-Fi-enabled

Very expensive; Noisy

iRobot Roomba 980 review review

Excellent app; Surprising suction; Not afraid of cliffs – or more likely, stairs;

Can’t cut into corners; Shaken up by shag pile rugs;