The iRobot Roomba 694 is an affordable, basic robot vacuum that offers effective cleaning with an app and voice control support.
It has a solid performance, rarely gets stuck, and boasts slightly better battery life than its predecessor, the Roomba 675.
While it’s similar in functionality, for those willing to spend more, the Shark IQ Robot XL is a lower-maintenance option.
Nevertheless, the Roomba 694 stands out as an excellent choice for first-time robot vacuum buyers and is highly recommended for entry-level models.
Pros
- Affordable and Basic: Ideal for first-time robot vacuum buyers.
- Effective Cleaning: Efficient on various floor types, including carpet, tile, and laminate.
- App and Voice Control Support: Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Solid Performance: Rarely gets stuck and handles dust, debris, and pet hair well.
- Improved Battery Life: Runs up to 120 minutes, exceeding the 90-minute estimate.
- Easy Setup: Straightforward installation and connection to the app.
- User-Friendly Features: Offers cleaning session history and remote operation through the app.
- Good Navigation System: Effectively avoids common obstacles.
Cons
- Lacks Advanced Features: No automatic recharge-and-resume function, making it less ideal for larger homes.
- Bin Capacity: Requires frequent emptying as it almost fills up after each cleaning session.
- Noise Level: Comparable to a washing machine, which might be disruptive for some users.
Easy Setup And Voice Control Integration For Roomba 694
Setting up the iRobot Roomba 694 is straightforward. It doesn’t have a separate remote, so you control it either through the buttons on the robot, its app, or by voice commands.
Box Contents:
- Roomba 694 Robot
- Charging Station
- Getting Started Guide
- Extra AeroVac Filter
It’s easy to connect to the app and virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Setup Steps:
- Place the charging station in a spot with good Wi-Fi and away from objects and stairs.
- Be careful with any extra cord to avoid the robot getting stuck.
- After activating the robot and placing it on the charger, download the iRobot Home app and follow the setup instructions.
For voice control, link the robot to your virtual assistant’s app. Here are specific steps for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant:
- For Amazon Alexa, navigate through the Alexa app to link the iRobot Home skill.
- For Google Assistant, use the Google Home app to add the iRobot Smart Home service.
Robust Performance and User-Friendly Features
The Roomba 694 is an efficient robotic vacuum that excels in battery life and cleaning performance.
Impressively, it runs up to 120 minutes on a single charge, surpassing its 90-minute estimate.
This model is adept at handling various floor types, including carpet, tile, and laminate, effectively gathering dust, debris, and pet hair.
Despite its almost full bin after each cleaning session, the Roomba 694 consistently leaves floors looking cleaner.
While it lacks advanced features like an automatic recharge-and-resume function, making it less ideal for larger homes, its basic navigation system is surprisingly effective, avoiding common obstacles and rarely getting stuck.
The noise level is comparable to a washing machine, but this can be managed by scheduling cleanings for when you’re away, easily done through the user-friendly companion app.
Additionally, the app provides a useful history of cleaning sessions and allows for convenient remote operation.
Overall, the Roomba 694 is a solid choice for those seeking a straightforward, reliable robotic vacuum.
Final Verdict
The iRobot Roomba 694 is an excellent choice for first-time robot vacuum users, offering ease of use, effective cleaning, and good battery life at an affordable price.
While it lacks some advanced features and requires frequent bin emptying, its performance and convenience make it a great entry-level option for everyday cleaning needs.