Roomba 960 vs 980 iRobot Comparison Review
Roomba 960 vs 980 is our comprehensive side by side comparison of these 2 robot vacuums. The 900 series iRobot has the ability to navigate and clean an entire level of your home. The Roomba 980 features a more powerful motor with Carpet Boost and a longer battery for more continuous cleaning. You decide which unit is best for your situation.
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iRobot Roomba 960 |
iRobot Roomba 980 |
. Retail Price: $ Check Prices . |
. Retail Price: $ Check Prices . |
Specs: Dimensions – 13.8 in. x 3.6 in. Weight – 8.5 lbs. Run Time – Up to 75 minutes Wi-Fi Enabled Gen 2 Motor |
Specs: Dimensions – 13.8 in. x 3.6 in. Weight – 8.7 lbs. Run Time – Up to 120 minutes Wi-Fi Enabled Gen 3 Motor |
The specs of the iRobot Roomba 960 vs 980 stack up very closely. Both robots are the same size with only a slight variation in the weight. A key difference is the improved run time in the 980. You get up to an extra 45 minutes of run time with the 980. When the battery is low both units will return to base, recharge, and then resume cleaning until the job is done. According to iRobot run times will vary based on many factors including surface type. The 980 features the newest Gen 3 motor which allows for an increased power and performance on carpet and rugs.
![]() Roomba 960 Cleaning Pattern |
![]() Roomba 980 Cleaning Pattern |
Roomba 960 vs 980 | |
Operational Features iAdapt 2.0 Navigation with Visual Localization iAdapt Camera iRobot Home App Automatically Recharges Until the Job is Complete Low Profile Design Dual Mode Virtual Wall Technology One Button Operation – Just push the Clean button Schedule up to 7 cleanings per week Cliff Detection Sensors Indicator that bin is full – You can also check this with your App Docks and Charges after job is complete Compatible with Amazon Alexa Devices |
Operational Features iAdapt 2.0 Navigation with Visual Localization iAdapt Camera iRobot Home App Automatically Recharges Until the Job is Complete Low Profile Design Dual Mode Virtual Wall Technology One Button Operation – Just push the Clean button Schedule up to 7 cleanings per week Cliff Detection Sensors Indicator that bin is full – You can also check this with your App Docks and Charge after job is complete Compatible with Amazon Alexa Devices |
The iAdapt 2.0 Navigation and Visual Localization is a key feature which allows the Roomba to navigate and clean not only multiple rooms but an entire level of your home. It is able to keep track of what it’s cleaned and it’s current location. It will recharge if needed and continue to clean until the job is done. The iAdapt camera continually analyzes and builds maps of rooms within your home.
The low profile design allows to Roomba to clean where many vacuums won’t go.
Just push a button to start the cleaning process or you can schedule up to 7 cleanings a week
Dual Mode Virtual Wall Technology (1 included with 960 — 2 included with 980) gives you control over where your roomba cleans. Use this device to block off areas you don’t want the Roomba to go.
![]() Roomba 960 Under Furniture |
![]() Roomba 980 Under Furniture |

iRobot Roomba Smart Phone App
The iRobot Home App is available for both iPhone and Android. It is compatible with Apple devices running iOS8 or newer
Android devices running Android 4.3 or newer. It is only compatible with Roomba Series 900 and Braava Jet.
Note: Roomba® 600 and 800 Series vacuuming robot compatibility
•Now compatible with all Roomba® 690 models
•Now compatible with all Roomba® 890 models
These are some of the features available with your iRobot Home App:
Schedule cleaning cycles
Start or pause cleaning cycles
Select cleaning preferences
View Clean Map reports to see where your robot cleaned
Receive real time stats with push notifications
Review information for up to 30 previous cleaning jobs
Receive automatic software updates
Access help or contact customer service
Monitor current activity of your robot
View statistics such as coverage, cleaning time, and charging time
Choose 1 or 2 passes, final edge clean, and use of the Carpet Boost feature (980 only)
To fully enable the combined experience of your robot and the iRobot HOME App, you must have the following:
• Roomba® Wi-Fi® connected vacuuming robot: Wi-Fi® with 2.4GHz band support. The Clean Map reports are only available for Roomba 900 series vacuuming robots with software version 2.2 or greater.
Need help? Visit http://homesupport.irobot.com for answers to common questions or to contact our Customer service.
Roomba 960 vs 980 | |
Cleaning Features Run continuously for up to 75 minutes Aeroforce 3-Stage Cleaning System Dual counter-rotating extractors Spinning Side Brush Easily handles hair Up to 5 times the air power compared to Roomba 600 & 700 Series Cleans wall edges and corners Captures up to 99% of pollen, allergens, and particles |
Cleaning Features Run continuously for up to 120 minutes Aeroforce 3-Stage Cleaning System with Carpet Boost Dual counter-rotating extractors Spinning Side Brush Easily handles hair Up to 10 times the air power compared to Roomba 600 & 700 Series Cleans wall edges and corners Captures up to 99% of pollen, allergens, and particles |
The aeroforce 3-stage cleaning system features 2 counter rotating extractors made of durable rubber that easily pick up dirt, hair, debris without a minimum of tangles. The 980 also has the Roomba Carpet Boost which increases the air power up to 10x on carpet and rugs. The Roomba 960 vs 980 decision may come down to the more powerful motor and Carpet Boost.
Roomba 960 vs 980 | |
Warranty 1 Year Limited Warranty on Robot and Battery |
Warranty 1 Year Limited Warranty on Robot and Battery |
What’s in the Box? iRobot Roomba 960 Home Base Charging Station Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier Extra Filter Line Cord Extra Side Brush |
What’s in the Box? iRobot Roomba 980 Home Base Charging Station 2 Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier Extra Filter Line Cord Extra Side Brush |
iRobot Roomba 960 | iRobot Roomba 980 |
. Retail Price: $ Check Prices . |
. Retail Price: $ Check Prices . |
Check out our side by side comparison between the Roomba 980 vs Dyson 360
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Roomba works on and automatically adjust to all surface types:
Hardwood
Carpet
Tile
Laminate
Other Related Searches:

Roomba 960

Roomba 980