iRobot Roomba 692 review: Is It Worth the Investment? - Robot Chores (2024)

The Roomba 692 is an Amazon-exclusive iteration of the Roomba 690. So, what is the difference in price, performance, and overall value? That’s what we’re here to find out. On the surface, the only detectable difference is a slightly different exterior. But let’s get into our iRobot Roomba 692 review.

Performance level

For a start, the 692 picks up between 90 and 95% of debris across surface types. That means it’s a little less effective on carpets than on smooth surfaces, but that’s to be expected.

The battery life is as good as you could want with a 90-minute run time and self-charging behavior. The charge time is a bit long at three hours. Naturally, you can expect that to grow as the unit ages. But it’s not terrible.

Design

The look of the unit is simple with nothing much to complain about. Like most robot vacuums, it has little brushes it uses to sweep and detect obstacles. These look a bit insect-like, but it’s not really a drawback. It performs well on most surfaces. It’s slightly less efficient on carpet, which is to be expected. But it will charge and try again as much as it needs to. If you want it to perform optimally, you could limit it to hard floor areas.

Ease of Use

The unit is fully autonomous. Some reviewers say it has trouble focusing, and that it doesn’t run the most efficient patterns. But it is persistent, so it will get those dusty spots eventually, just not always on the first try. It does come with a control app that works on voice commands, so you can give it some guidance if needed.

Maneuverability

It runs automatically, but it only has its sensors and its internal algorithms to guide it. There is no digital mapping. Still, it manages to clean a high percentage of debris even with its mediocre maneuverability. Still, it seems to make up for this in persistence and with its app-supported control system. It will be at its best if there is not a lot of activity in the area where you use it.

Noise level

Like all Roombas, it has a double brush system that does a pretty good job picking up debris of almost any kind. It can be slightly noisier than some robot vacuums, but it will do a better job. The sound it makes during operation will only be a problem if you have an infant trying to sleep, or if you’re recording music. Otherwise, it’s practically silent.

Cleaning test

Like other models, it has been tested in closed areas with an inch of sand, and it performed admirably. The iRobot Roomba 692 suction power holds a pretty solid 90 to 94% pickup rate with understandable exceptions for wood chips stuck in the carpet and especially heavy, dense objects like rocks, and small bits of hardware.

Price/Value

For the price, this vacuum is a steal. Sure, it’s not as smart as other robot vacuums but with an average price of just over $200, it is well worth it. Overall, this vacuum may be good enough that when its rechargeable battery finally stops taking a charge, it might be worth it to just buy a new battery. That’s about the highest praise a robot vacuum can get.

Does the Roomba 692 have mapping?

It does not have room mapping, so its performance does not improve with use. But the price and app control more than makeup for this.

Does Roomba 692 need wifi?

It only needs wifi if you use the control app. Otherwise, it’s a good choice for areas where your signal doesn’t reach.

Verdict

The Roomba 692 is a great buy if you’re on a tight budget or are new to robot vacuums. The price is as low as it gets, and if you’re patient, it cleans as well as many of its higher-priced competitors. What it lacks in features, it more than makes up for in value for the price.

Do you think iRobot Roomba 692 can compete with 694? Check our full review here iRobot 692 vs 694