For this comparison, we’ll look closely at iRobot’s two entry-level robot vacuums – the Roomba 675 vs. 690.
These variants are excellent options for folks looking for a robot vacuum adept at cleaning a carpet on the budget.
The Roomba 675, in particular, is one of the bestselling robot vacuums in the budget category or vacuums below $300 on Amazon.
An Overview of the Roomba 675 and 690
Roomba 675
- Airflow: 9 CFM
- Side Brush: Yes
- Navigation: Random
- Battery life: 75 mins.
- Filtration: Standard
- Dirt Capacity: 300 ml
- Recharge and Resume: No
- Deep Cleaning: 83%
Roomba 690
- Airflow: 8.2 CFM
- Side Brush: Yes
- Navigation: Random
- Battery life: 75 mins.
- Filtration: Standard
- Dirt Capacity: 300 ml
- Recharge and Resume: No
- Deep Cleaning: 85.16%
Introduction to the Roomba 675 vs. 690
With most new budget robot vacuums going high-tech with gyroscopes and optical sensors, Roomba keeps it basic with the Roomba 675 and 690.
Despite the lack of high-tech features, these two models are still some of Amazon’s more popular options.
Roomba products are so popular because of their two brush system that performs exceptionally well on carpet.
It scores consistently high on carpet tests despite having the standard navigation. The dirt detect sensor helps in this regard as it tells the robot to focus on these areas more.
Please note the Roomba 690 has been discontinued by iRobot, and the 675 takes its place.
Roomba 675: Entry-Level Price, High-End Deep Cleaning Results
One reason the Roomba 675 is so popular in Amazon despite the pinball navigation is its ability to deep clean carpet.
In deep cleaning tests with 100 grams of embedded sand on mid pile carpet, it was able to pick up 83%, which is better than some more expensive robot vacuums like the Roomba I7 (79%), Neato D4 (79%), Dyson 360 Heurist (80%), and Shark IQ (83%).
However, the 675 isn’t perfect. First, the random navigation isn’t efficient and won’t clean multiple rooms.
Lastly, the side brush spins rapidly, kicking debris around.
It won’t be a problem in the real world since you’ll use it to clean dust.
If you want to use this to clean pet litter on tile – it scatters them around.
Roomba 690: More Expensive, Same Specs as the 675
Looking at the product specifications, the Roomba 690 is very similar to the 675. There are some differences between the two. One is the color, and another is the dustbins latch.
Like the 675, the 690 traverses in a random direction, but it’s sophisticated enough to cover the whole area it’s cleaning.
The bad news is you’ll have to wait a long time, and this coverage is only applicable for single rooms.
Because of this randomness, cleaning more than one room will challenge the 690 (or the 675).
It’s slightly better than the 690 when it comes to deep cleaning carpet at a little over 85%, so it’s something to consider for homes with mostly carpet surfaces.
Similarities of the Roomba 675 and 690
Let’s quickly go through the similarities of these entry-level Roombas.
1. Round Shape
Most Roomba robot vacuums (except for the S9) have a round shape, and these two are no exception. Each one measures 13 inches wide and 3.7 inches tall. So it can go underneath furniture with at least 3.9 inches of clearance.
2. Interface
The button interface is similar – the round “clean” button at the middle flanked by the spot and dock buttons.
Both also have handles making it easier to move these around the home.
3. WIFI, Compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant
One feature l like with the 675 and 690 is it has WIFI. My back stiffens up from time to time, and bending over to push the “Clean” button is something unpleasant when it flares up.
The option to access the robot through the app is appealing to me, and I like the convenience it brings to the table. These are also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, and using voice is something more and more people use these days.
4. Dual brush
These robots have the same dual brush system found in all 600-series robots – bristle + squeegee combo. It’s one reason why Roomba products do so well cleaning carpets.
Here’s a look at the counter-rotating brushes of the 675 and 690.
You can see that both variants have the same brush layout. The brushes (primary and side brushes) are interchangeable.
5. Single side brush
Another similarity with the 675 and 690 is both have one side brush. The design is the same, and both spin at the same speed.
6. Navigation
All Roomba 600 series robots – 614, 675, and 690 utilize a standard algorithm. These robots will pinball around in a random direction.
However, the algorithm is sophisticated enough to cover the whole area it clears.
It isn’t efficient and best suited for cleaning single rooms where its thoroughness is most felt.
What is the difference between the Roomba 675 and 690?
Roomba 675 and 690 are the same robots at their core.
Both have the same motor, battery, brush, and layout, but there are subtle differences I’ll enumerate below.
1. Color
The Roomba 695 has a darker color scheme with matte black, charcoal gray combo, and silver buttons. In contrast, the 690 has a lighter light gray and matte black finish. Note that glossy areas can attract fingerprints, so just a heads up.
2. Virtual Wall
Only the Roomba 690 comes with a virtual wall in the box if you purchase it from Amazon.
The 675 doesn’t come with any virtual wall – you’ll need to purchase one separately.
A virtual wall is an apparatus that blocks the robot’s path from off-limit areas.
It has two modes:
- Wall mode: fires an IR signal with a range of 10 feet, preventing the robot from going past it.
- Halo mode: instead of a straight signal, halo mode fires a 4-foot diameter area the robot can’t enter.
Neither robot supports no-go lines or no-go zones present in other Roomba options like the 960, I3, I7, and S9.
3. Dust bin latch
Lastly, there’s a slight variation with the dust container latch. The 675 has a round latch, and the 690 is more of a trapezoid shape. This difference doesn’t affect how you empty it. However, avoid picking up the robot from the rear, or you’ll risk dropping it if you accidentally press on the handle.
How do the Roomba 675 and 690 navigate?
As I’ve said earlier, the 675 and 690 traverses like a pinball.
It toggles between cleaning randomly and vacuuming the edges to tidy up the baseboards.
However, the dirt detect system is one difference between these robots and other random navigating robots.
A sensor underneath the robot tells it to focus on dirtier zones. I’ve seen this in action in all of the cleaning tests. It’s a reason why, along with the dual brushes, why the 675 and 690 did so well in cleaning embedded sand.
As you can see above, the 690 goes in a random direction.
One issue with the Roomba 600 series is it doesn’t slow down and bumps into furniture hard.
I’ve seen it time and time again. It can be a problem for delicate, easily scratched furniture.
But it won’t be an issue for those who don’t have expensive furniture.
App features
The 675 and 690 will work with the iRobot Home app.
You won’t get a lot when it comes to features than a Xiaomi Home App, but it’s pretty responsive.
It has a revamped interface, and you’ll have access to basic features like scheduling.
However, you won’t be able to schedule more than once per day. After choosing the day, you cannot select the same day in subsequent tries, which I hope iRobot can remedy.
This feature is the reason why I like the Xiaomi Home app.
There’s also an automation tab providing users an option to sync with other home integration apps. Please check the screenshot below.
How much power do the Roomba 675 and 690 have?
Neither of these robots has high airflow. Each one registered below 10 CFM with the anemometer.
The Roomba 675 recorded 8.37 CFM, and the 690 at slightly lower at 8.2 CFM.
Even if the 675 appears to have more power than the 690, the difference is minimal and has little bearing on how well it cleans.
Cleaning performance comparison
Before my analysis, let’s look at the cleaning test results for both.
Roborock Model | Roomba 675 | Roomba 690 |
---|---|---|
Overall | 93.58% | 94.25% |
Hard Floor | 96.15% | 97.55% |
Carpet (Surface Pickup) | 99% | 97.92% |
Sand on hard floor | 94.1% | 96.4% |
Carpet (Deep Cleaning) | 85.1% | 85.16% |
The Roomba 690 has better overall scores than the 675, but there’s one caveat: the navigation’s randomness.
It’s hard to get two tests exactly the same because these robots lack the predictability of something with smart navigation.
Also, the issue of the side brush scattering debris adds to the unpredictability.
The Roomba 675 and 690 disbursed stuff around in all the tests, resulting in a bigger mess.
However, I don’t think it’s a big deal for daily cleaning since you’re dealing with dust. It’s going to be a problem if you’re using this for cleaning a big pile of a mess, as you’ll see in the clip below.
Which is better for hard floors?
- Roomba 675: 93.58%
- Roomba 690: 96.4%
The Roomba 690 did slightly better than the 675. Again, the issue stands with the side brush spinning too fast.
If you’re expecting these robots to pick up clumps of sand on hard floors, it won’t.
As you’ve seen in my video reviews, the side brush will scatter it.
Edge cleaning comparison
These robots didn’t do well cleaning edges, at least with pet litter. It left a good chunk at the edge.
The round shape and narrow brush limit its capability to clean these areas, plus the rapidly spinning brushes scatter debris.
Large debris comparison
There will be no issues with the 675 and 690 cleaning large debris like Fruit loops and Cheerios.
As you’ll see below, it will pick up large pieces of dirt.
Both have the clearance and agitation to do the task.
Hair wrap comparison
I tested the Roomba 690 how it fares against one gram of human hair, five to seven inches long, on hard floors and carpet.
Most of the hair wrapped on the brush roll after the five-inch test.
It did not do as well as I’d hoped it would. Most of the longer strands are wrapped on the bristle brush.
Please note that the 690 or 675 doesn’t have an anti-tangle system to resist hair wrapping.
I also tested the Roomba 675 with five to seven inches of human hair, and most of it wrapped on the brush.
Don’t buy either of these options if you live with pets or someone with long hair. A better alternative would be the Roomba E5 with its rubber extractors.
Deep cleaning comparison
One reason why Roomba products are beloved is their ability to deep clean carpets. The Roomba 675 and 690 are some of the best at doing so in the budget category.
I rubbed 100 grams of sand on mid-pile carpet for the test and then ran the robot for about five minutes,
Afterward, I weighed the dustbin (also weighed it empty beforehand) to get the results.
The bin was weight empty and full, and here are the results.
- Roomba 690: 85.16%
- Roomba 675: 85.1%
These two options are basically even in cleaning embedded sand on mid pile carpet. The 0.06% difference is minimal, so expect the same performance between the two options.
Surprisingly these robots are better than the Roomba I7 in this test. The Roomba 690 is at par with the Roborock S5 max, a more expensive option.
Dirt detect helps as it focuses on areas with more dirt.
Dust bin comparison
While there are some differences with the release latch, the basic design of the 675 and 690 is the same.
These robots have the same dust bin, and the only difference is the latch. You can’t interchange these two containers.
Aside from the latch, it’s similar all around.
The openings have the same wide openings. It looks big, but it can only hold up to 0.3 liters because the door sits low, so you’ll often have to empty the bin.
One plus of the wide opening is it’s easy to empty.
Both robots have a standard filter, and it isn’t a HEPA, so it cannot block allergens.
The material on it is pretty thin and doesn’t have a lot of surface area.
However, these bins aren’t interchangeable – the 690 latch is different from the 675 bin with a rounder shape.
Also, there’s no sensor inside it to notify users if it’s full – you’ll have to check manually. The best practice for me is to dump it after every cleaning cycle.
Noise level comparison
I tested both the Roomba 690 and 675 with a sound meter from a few feet away, and it was close. The 690 recorded 65.7 decibels while the 675 had 65.6 decibels.
In short, it was practically identical. The sound of the motor was similar to both robots.
Run time comparison
According to Roomba, both the 675 and 690 will run for up to 90 minutes.
It’s a decent figure, but the lack of a smart navigation algorithm or recharge and resume limits its coverage.
To maximize its strengths, you’ll have to move it from one room to another to clean it individually.
Maintenance
Upkeep will be similar for both the 675 and 690. You’ll need to clean these areas regularly.
- Main brush and side brush: These components take the most beating, and often, stuff like hair and grime accumulate under the side brush and the axles of the primary brushes. Check these areas at least once a week.
- Sensors: Check the cliff sensors beneath these robots and clean them using clean cotton buds or microfiber towels to function at their optimal level.
- Wheels: Perhaps the most neglected part of a robot vacuum. The 675 and 690 have three wheels – one castor wheel in front for steering and two rubber wheels in the middle. Use a slightly damp towel and wipe these parts down.
- Dust bin: Empty the dust container after every cleaning cycle so dust mites don’t breed. Check the filter for dirt that can accumulate. The filter isn’t washable, so don’t immerse it underwater.
Related: Please check this how-to guide on cleaning the Roomba 690.
Availability of parts
Buying components for any Roomba model won’t be a problem, even with older models like the Roomba 675 and 690. Since both these robots use the same modules, you can purchase parts for the 675, which will fit the 690, and vice-versa.
Another reason to strongly consider these products is the ease of replacing components. Parts like the battery are easily replaced using a Philips screwdriver.
If you live in the ASEAN region, parts such as filters and brushes are available in stores like Amazon, Walmart, and even Aliexpress.
Spec Comparison
Model | Roomba 675 | Roomba 690 |
---|---|---|
Width | 13" | 13" |
Height | 3.7" | 3.7" |
Filter | Standard | Standard |
Virtual Wall | No | Yes |
Navigation | Random | Random |
Run time (Turbo mode) | 90 mins. | 90 mins. |
Power | 9 cfm | 8.2 cfm |
Warranty | 1-year limited | 1-year limited |
Price |
Other Roomba comparisons
I’ve published other Roomba comparisons. Please check the links below to read these articles.
- Roomba Comparison
- Roomba 614 vs. 675
- Roomba 675 vs. E5
- Roomba 690 vs. 960
- Roomba E5 vs. 960
- Roomba 960 vs. 980
- Roomba 960 vs. S9
- Roomba I7 vs. I7+ vs. E5
- Roomba I7 vs. 980
- Roomba I7 vs. S9
Comparing Roomba to other brands.
Where can I buy these robots?
You can buy the Roomba 675 and 690 from online stores like Amazon and Walmart. Check the links below for the latest pricing.
Disclaimer: I will earn a commission if you purchase through any of the links above, but at no extra cost to you, so it’s a win-win for both of us!
Which is better, Roomba 675 or 690?
There isn’t much difference between these two entry-level Roomba products in terms of features.
As you’ll see in the deep cleaning performance, the power figures are close, where the difference is only a few percentage points.
Both will run for up to 90 minutes and utilize a random cleaning pattern, so these robots are essentially the same products.
Right now, the Roomba 675 is the cheaper option than the discontinued 690, so it’s the better option, even minus the virtual wall.
You can purchase this part separately and still spend less than the 690.
3 Reasons to buy the Roomba 675
- Cheaper than the 690: The 675 is less expensive than the 690 making a better alternative of the two.
- Decent at deep cleaning carpet: Even with the low airflow, it picked up 83% of embedded sand on medium-pile carpet.
- Dirt detect: Tells the robot to focus on dirtier areas, which is why it did well cleaning embedded dirt.
2 Reasons to buy the Roomba 690
- Virtual wall: This variant has a virtual wall, while the 675 does not. This device blocks the robot’s path from off-limit zones in your home.
- Excellent at cleaning embedded dirt: The 85.16% score of the 690 is one of the best among all robot vacuums I’ve tested in this category.
The Verdict: Roomba 675 is a Better Alternative
I like the Roomba 675 better because it’s cheaper by a significant amount on Amazon.
Even if you purchase two virtual walls, you’d still be spending less than the 690.
Realize that the prices are fluid and may change anytime.
The bottom line is these two robots are the same products with minor variations in the color, accessories, and dust bin latch.
As long as the 675 stays at its current price levels, it’s better to buy than the 690.