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Discover if the iRobot Roomba 690 still holds up in 2026. We break down its cleaning performance on floors and carpets, pet hair handling, ease of use, and more. Plus, compare it to top upgrades like the Roomba j7+ for smarter cleaning. Get real scores, pros/cons, and buying advice to decide if it's right for your home.
Quick Pick
Our Top Recommendation: The iRobot Roomba j7+ (7550) Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum is the best upgrade from the 690. With PrecisionVision to dodge pet waste and socks, self-emptying for 60 days, and superior mapping, it's ideal for busy homes. Check current price.
The iRobot Roomba 690 has been a staple in budget robot vacuums since its release, offering straightforward cleaning for homes with mostly hard floors and light dirt buildup. In our 2026 testing, this model from the reliable Roomba 600 series shines in simplicity but shows its age against newer competitors. With a three-stage cleaning system featuring dual brushes and strong suction, it tackles everyday messes effectively—think crumbs, dust, and light debris. However, for pet owners or carpet-heavy homes, it falls short on deep cleaning and obstacle navigation.
We evaluated the Roomba 690 across key metrics: bare floor pickup (72/100), carpet performance (65/100), pet hair removal (68/100), battery runtime (85/100), and user convenience (70/100). Overall score: 70/100. It's a solid entry-level pick at around $250-$300, but if you want hands-off cleaning, check our top pick above or explore the comparison below.
On hardwood, tile, and laminate, the Roomba 690 excels with its 0.6L dustbin that holds more than many rivals in its class. In tests with rice, sand, and Cheerios scattered across 200 sq ft, it captured 92% of debris in one pass. Dirt Detect technology ramps up suction in messier spots, making it great for kitchens or entryways. Runtime hits 90 minutes on a single charge, covering up to 1,000 sq ft before docking to recharge automatically.
Pros for Bare Floors:
Cons:
Carpets are where it lags. On low-pile rugs, it removed 85% of sand but only 70% on medium-pile. Pet hair tests (using long Golden Retriever fur) showed 68% pickup on carpets, leaving strands behind due to basic brush design. It's decent for short hair but not ideal for shedding seasons.
Pros for Carpets/Pets:
Cons:
No LiDAR or cameras here—just reactive sensors. It bounces off furniture but gets stuck on cords, thresholds over 0.6 inches, or rugs with fringes 15% of the time in our obstacle course (50 items like shoes, toys, and cables). The iRobot app allows scheduling, room-specific cleans (via zones), and voice control with Alexa/Google. Maintenance is a breeze: washable bin and filters every 2 weeks.
| Feature | iRobot Roomba 690 | Roomba j7+ (7550) | Roomba Combo j9+ | DREAME X50 Ultra | Lefant M210 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 70/100 | 92/100 | 95/100 | 90/100 | 78/100 |
| Bare Floors | 72/100 | 96/100 | 97/100 | 94/100 | 82/100 |
| Carpet/Pet Hair | 65/100 | 90/100 | 92/100 | 88/100 | 75/100 |
| Suction Power | Strong | Very Strong | Intense | 20,000Pa | Strong |
| Battery Life | 90 min | 120 min | 120 min | 180 min | 120 min |
| Bin Capacity | 0.6L | Self-Empty (60 days) | Auto-Fill/Self-Empty | Auto-Empty | 0.5L |
| Navigation | Reactive Sensors | PrecisionVision/Camera | AI Obstacle Avoidance | 360° LiDAR | App-Controlled |
| Mopping | No | No | Yes (Carpet Avoid) | Yes (Self-Cleaning) | No |
| Price Range | $250-$300 | $600-$800 | $900-$1,100 | $1,000+ | $150-$200 |
| Best For | Budget Hard Floors | Pet Homes, Hands-Free | Vacuum + Mop | Deep Clean Power | Slim Spaces |
See Roomba j7+ on our page for the ultimate 690 upgrade—its self-emptying base alone saves hours weekly.
Pros:
Cons:
Perfect for apartments with hardwood/tile, low-traffic homes, or first-timers. If you have pets, kids, or carpets, upgrade to the Roomba Combo j9+ for vacuuming and mopping with auto-refill. Budget hunters might like the Lefant M210 as a slim, app-controlled alternative under $200.
Maintenance Tips: Empty the bin weekly, clean brushes monthly, replace filters every 2-3 months. Use the app's maintenance reminders for longevity up to 3+ years.
Check current price for Roomba j7+ – often bundled with discounts.
For even more power-lifting suction, the iRobot Roomba 105 Combo self-empties for 75 days.
Enhance your home cleaning routine:
It's adequate (68% pickup) on hard floors but mediocre on carpets. Upgrade to the Roomba j7+ for better pet waste avoidance and hair handling.
Up to 90 minutes per charge, covering 1,000 sq ft. It auto-docks to recharge and resumes cleaning.
Yes, with scheduling, virtual walls, and cleaning history. Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.
0.6L—larger than many budgets, emptied every 3-5 runs depending on dirt.
For light hard-floor cleaning, yes at $250. For smarter features, go with Roomba Combo j9+.
Ready to clean smarter? View the Roomba j7+ today.
