Keeping our homes clean can be challenging in today’s fast-paced world. Enter the Roomba 980, a smart robot vacuum that promises to make your life easier. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into this comprehensive review to determine if the Roomba 980 is the right choice for your home.
iRobot, a pioneer in the robot vacuum industry, has been revolutionizing home cleaning for years. The Roomba 980 represents a significant step forward in their product line, combining advanced navigation with powerful cleaning capabilities. As more households embrace smart home technology, robot vacuums like the Roomba 980 are becoming increasingly popular. But with a premium price tag, it’s essential to determine if this model offers true value for your investment.
Key Features of the Roomba 980
- Power Lifting Suction delivers 10X the air power for improved pick up performance; Automatically increases cleaning...
- Patented iAdapt 2.0 Navigation with vSLAM technology allows the robot to map its surroundings to clean an entire...
- Ideal for homes with pets; Premium 3 stage Cleaning System cleans the dirt and pet hair you see and the allergens...
iAdapt 2.0 Navigation with Visual Localization
The Roomba 980 utilizes iRobot’s iAdapt 2.0 Navigation system, a significant upgrade from previous models. This technology allows the vacuum to create a home map, ensuring efficient and thorough cleaning. Unlike earlier Roombas that moved in random patterns, the 980 cleans in straight lines, methodically covering your entire floor space.
Wi-Fi Connectivity and Smartphone App Control
One of the Roomba 980’s standout features is its Wi-Fi connectivity. Through the iRobot HOME App, you can start, stop, or schedule cleaning sessions from anywhere. This feature is particularly useful for those with busy lifestyles, allowing you to come home to clean floors without lifting a finger.
AeroForce 3-Stage Cleaning System
The 980 employs a powerful AeroForce 3-Stage Cleaning System. This system includes:
- Dual multi-surface rubber brushes that adjust and flex to maintain contact with floors
- A high-efficiency filter that captures 99% of allergens, pollen, and particles as small as 10 microns
- A powerful vacuum suction that pulls dirt and debris into the bin
Carpet Boost Technology
When the Roomba 980 detects carpets or rugs, it automatically increases suction power to provide a deeper clean. This Carpet Boost feature ensures that your carpets receive the extra attention they need without wasting battery life on hard floors.
Long Battery Life and Auto-Recharge Function
With up to 120 minutes of runtime, the Roomba 980 can clean large areas in a single session. When the battery runs low, it returns to its Home Base to recharge. Once recharged, it resumes cleaning where it left off, ensuring complete coverage of your home.
Design and Build Quality
The Roomba 980 sports a sleek, modern design that blends well with most home decor. Available in a sophisticated dark gray color, it measures 13.8 inches in diameter and 3.6 inches in height, allowing it to clean under most furniture easily.
Weighing in at 8.7 pounds, the 980 feels sturdy and well-built. The high-quality plastics used in its construction give it a premium feel and contribute to its durability. The low-profile bumper is equipped with sensors to help the Roomba navigate around obstacles gently.
Performance Analysis
Cleaning Efficiency
In our testing, the Roomba 980 performed exceptionally well on various surfaces:
- Hardwood Floors: Excellent pickup of dust, hair, and small debris
- Low-Pile Carpet: Very good performance, especially with the Carpet Boost feature
- High-Pile Carpet: Good performance, though some deep-seated dirt may remain
- Tiles: Effective cleaning, including grout lines
Edge cleaning was generally good, though some debris remained in corners. The side brush helps, but it’s less effective than some competing models in tight spaces.
Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance
The iAdapt 2.0 system shines when it comes to navigation. The Roomba 980 efficiently moves around furniture and transitions smoothly between rooms. It handles most cords well, though thin wires might occasionally get tangled.
Noise Levels
At its standard setting, the Roomba 980 operates at around 70 decibels, which is noticeable but not overly loud. When Carpet Boost kicks in, this increases to about 75 decibels, comparable to a normal conversation.
Battery Life
In our real-world testing, the Roomba 980 consistently exceeded 120 minutes of runtime on hard floors. On carpets with Carpet Boost active, this is reduced to about 90 minutes. Recharging takes approximately 3 hours.
Smart Home Integration
The Roomba 980 integrates nicely with smart home systems. It’s compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for voice-activated commands like “Start cleaning” or “Send Roomba home.”
The iRobot HOME App is intuitive and feature-rich. It allows users to easily set cleaning schedules, view cleaning maps, and receive notifications when cleaning is complete. The app also provides maintenance alerts and cleaning tips.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Maintaining the Roomba 980 is relatively straightforward:
- The 0.6-liter dust bin is easy to remove and empty
- The high-efficiency filter should be replaced every 2 months for optimal performance
- Brushes should be cleaned regularly and replaced every 6-12 months, depending on use
- Sensors should be wiped clean occasionally to ensure accurate navigation
While replacement parts aren’t cheap, they’re readily available and easy to install.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent navigation and mapping
- Strong cleaning performance, especially on carpets
- Long battery life with resume function
- User-friendly app with detailed cleaning reports
- Good smart home integration
Cons:
- Premium price point
- Can struggle with very plush carpets
- The bin size could be larger for big homes
- Corner cleaning is not as effective as some competitors
Some Questions About Roomba 980
Can the Roomba 980 handle pet hair effectively?
The Roomba 980 is excellent at picking up pet hair from hard floors and carpets.
How often do I need to empty the bin?
Emptying the bin after every 1-2 cleaning sessions is typically sufficient for average households.
Can it clean multiple floors in a home?
Yes, you can use the Roomba 980 on different floors, but you must move it between levels manually.
Is it safe to use around children and pets?
The Roomba 980 has sensors to avoid collisions and drop-offs, making it safe around children and pets. However, it’s always best to supervise initial uses.
How long does the Roomba 980 typically last?
With proper maintenance, many users report that their Roomba 980 lasts 4-6 years or more.
Price and Value for Money
The Roomba 980 is positioned in the upper tier of the robot vacuum market. While it’s not the cheapest option, its advanced features and reliable performance justify the investment for many users. Compared to similar models from other brands, the 980 holds its own regarding features and cleaning efficiency.
User Reviews and Ratings
Across major retailers and tech review sites, the Roomba 980 consistently receives ratings of 4 to 4.5 out of 5 stars. Users praise its thorough cleaning, long battery life, and smart features. Some criticisms include its price and occasional navigation hiccups in very cluttered spaces.
Who Should Buy the Roomba 980?
The Roomba 980 is ideal for:
- Large homes with mixed flooring types
- Pet owners dealing with regular pet hair
- Tech-savvy users who appreciate smart home integration
- Busy professionals who want to automate their cleaning routine
Thanks to its Carpet Boost feature, it’s particularly well-suited for homes with a mix of hardwood floors and carpets.
Conclusion
The iRobot Roomba 980 is a powerful, intelligent robot vacuum that delivers on its promises. Its advanced navigation, strong suction, and smart features make it a top contender in the high-end robot vacuum market. While it comes with a premium price tag, the time and effort it saves in keeping your floors clean can be well worth the investment for many households.
If you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it cleaning solution that can effectively handle various floor types, the Roomba 980 is worth considering. It’s not perfect—no robot vacuum is—but it’s a reliable, feature-rich option that can significantly ease your cleaning routine.
Faqs About Roomba 980
- How old is Roomba 980?
- The Roomba 980 was released in September 2015, making it about nine years old as of 2024.
- How long does Roomba 980 last? With proper maintenance, a Roomba 980 can last 4-6 years or more, depending on usage and care.
- Does Roomba 980 learn the floor plan?
- Yes, the Roomba 980 uses visual simultaneous localization and mapping (vSLAM) technology to learn and remember your home’s layout.
- How loud is the iRobot 980?
- The Roomba 980 operates around 70 decibels, which is comparable to a normal conversation or background music.
- Does Roomba 980 have a camera?
- Yes, the Roomba 980 has a camera for navigation and mapping, but it doesn’t record or store images.
- Does Roomba 980 have WIFI?
- Yes, the Roomba 980 has WiFi connectivity, allowing it to be controlled via the iRobot HOME app.
- Does Roomba work on dark floors?
- Most Roombas, including the 980, can work on dark floors, but very dark or black floors might occasionally cause issues with cliff sensors.
- How does Roomba 980 work?
- The Roomba 980 uses sensors, a camera, and mapping technology to navigate and clean your home. It has a powerful motor for suction and brush rolls for debris collection.
- Does iRobot avoid stairs?
- Yes, Roomba models including the 980 have cliff sensors that detect stairs and steep drops, preventing them from falling.
- What are the disadvantages of a Roomba?
- Disadvantages include higher cost, potential for getting stuck, need for regular maintenance, less powerful suction than traditional vacuums, and limited effectiveness on high-pile carpets.
- Is it OK to use Roomba every day?
- Yes, it’s fine to use a Roomba daily. Regular cleaning can help maintain cleaner floors and extend the life of your carpets.
- How do I maintain my Roomba 980?
- Regularly empty the bin, clean the brushes and filters, wipe the sensors, and replace parts according to the user manual.
- How much is the original Roomba 980?
- The Roomba 980’s original retail price was around $899, but because it’s an older model, prices may vary now.
- Is Roomba a Chinese company?
- No, Roomba is a product line of iRobot, an American company founded in Massachusetts. However, Amazon acquired iRobot in 2022.
- Is Roomba worth it in 2024?
- Roombas can be worth it in 2024 for their convenience and smart features, but newer models might offer better value and performance than older ones.