iRobot Roomba 690 Review: Affordable Automated Cleaning
By Ben Carter
8.2
Consumers Best Verdict: iRobot Highlights
From a value lens, iRobot still earns points for reliability, plentiful spare parts, and ongoing app support for legacy models. The Roomba 690 handles crumbs, dust, and day-to-day debris in small spaces without fuss. That said, allergy sufferers, large homes, and pet-heavy households will want newer tech (mapping, stronger suction, better filtration). My take: grab the 690 if you want affordable, proven cleaning and you’re okay skipping modern bells and whistles.
Short version? The iRobot Roomba 690 still gets the job done in 2025—if your expectations are right-sized. It’s a basic, dependable cleaner from a trusted brand, and when you catch it at a solid refurb price, it’s hard not to nod and go, yep, that’s fair. Navigation is old-school bump-and-go, suction is modest, and there’s no fancy mapping. But it’s simple, sturdy, and easy to live with. If you came here for an irobot roomba 690 review that cuts through the noise: it’s a budget-friendly classic, not a feature-packed powerhouse.
In-Depth Look: iRobot Features & Considerations
Core Features & Consumer Benefits
Here’s what stands out about the Roomba 690 in real-world, 2025 living—nothing flashy, but it all adds up.
Straightforward app + voice control
Schedule cleanings and start/stop runs via the iRobot Home app or basic Alexa/Google Assistant commands—easy enough for anyone.
Dirt Detect helps where it matters
It lingers on high-traffic spots (think entry mats and kitchen zones) so you get extra passes where mess actually lives.
Low profile, solid coverage
Slides under sofas and toe-kicks many newer, taller bots miss—sneaky useful, and you’ll notice it.
Edge-sweeping brush
Pulls debris from baseboards and corners into the intake path—less post-run touch-up with a hand vac.
Huge parts ecosystem
Filters, brushes, and batteries are easy to find and cheap, which keeps long-term ownership costs low.
Important Considerations & Potential Downsides
- No mapping or room targeting
The 690 pinballs its way around and doesn’t resume where it left off after recharging—best for smaller spaces.
- Basic filtration and a small bin
Not ideal for allergy-prone households; you’ll empty it more often than newer models.
- Older brush design can tangle
Long hair and heavy pet fur may wrap around the brush more than on newer, upgraded roller designs.
- Mostly refurbished in 2025
New units are rare; check seller warranties and return windows, and note it’s 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi only.
Who Is the iRobot Best For?
Budget-minded first-time buyers
You want a low-cost entry into robot vacuums that handles everyday crumbs and dust without drama.
Small apartments and dorms
Compact spaces with mostly hard floors or low-pile rugs where bump-and-go navigation is totally fine.
Set-it-and-forget-it schedulers
You like daily runs on autopilot and don’t need room-by-room mapping or custom no-go zones.
Light pet or no-pet homes
Minimal shedding where basic suction and older brushes won’t be overwhelmed.
Refurb deal hunters
You’re comfortable buying renewed and value easy-to-find replacement parts to keep costs down.
