The iRobot Roomba series has long stood out as a benchmark in the robot vacuum cleaner market, renowned for its advanced navigation, reliable cleaning performance, and user-friendly design. Among its popular models, the Roomba 960 and 980 are often pitted against each other by consumers seeking a high-quality automated cleaning solution. While the Roomba 980 is positioned as a more feature-rich option, the 960 remains a top choice for many users—including myself—due to its balanced performance and cost-effectiveness. In this article, we will conduct an in-depth comparison of the Roomba 960 vs 980, exploring their shared capabilities, key differences, and overall value proposition to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Features Common to Both – Roomba 960 vs. Roomba 980
When comparing Roomba 960 vs 980, it’s important to start with their common core features, as these form the backbone of their cleaning functionality and user experience. Both models are equipped with iRobot’s signature iAdapt 2.0 Navigation system paired with Visual Localization technology, enabling them to map your home intelligently, navigate around obstacles, and ensure comprehensive coverage without missing areas. This predictable cleaning pattern ensures that every corner of your living space is addressed, a key advantage over random-navigation robot vacuums.
In terms of power and battery performance, the two models are identical. Both feature a high-capacity power tool battery that delivers up to 75 minutes of continuous cleaning—an impressive runtime that can handle most medium to large-sized homes in a single session. When the Roomba battery runs low, the auto-recharge function kicks in: the vacuum automatically returns to its charging base to replenish power, ensuring it’s ready for the next cleaning cycle. This seamless battery management eliminates the need for manual intervention, enhancing convenience.
Both the Roomba 960 and 980 also share the AeroForce Cleaning System, a proprietary technology that optimizes suction power and dirt separation to capture fine dust, pet hair, and debris effectively. Complementary to this system are the side brushes, which sweep dirt from edges and corners into the main cleaning path, while the camera sensor enhances navigation accuracy and obstacle detection.
User control is another area of overlap. Both models can be fully operated via a smartphone app (compatible with Android and iOS devices), allowing you to start, stop, schedule cleanings, and adjust settings remotely. Additionally, each package includes 2 virtual walls—accessories that let you block off specific areas (e.g., pet bowls, fragile items) to prevent the vacuum from entering. Finally, both models come with a 1-year warranty for the robot itself and a 6-month warranty for the battery, providing peace of mind regarding product durability.
Unique Features of the 980 and 960 Model
While the Roomba 960 and 980 are nearly identical in most aspects, there is one distinct feature that sets them apart: the carpet booster function exclusive to the Roomba 980. This feature is designed to address the unique cleaning challenges of carpets, which tend to trap dirt and debris deeper within their fibers. When the Roomba 980’s sensors detect carpeted surfaces, it automatically increases suction power to deliver a deeper clean, effectively removing embedded dirt that standard suction might miss. Users can also toggle this feature on or off via the smartphone app, giving them control over cleaning intensity.
The Roomba 960, by contrast, does not include the carpet booster function. It relies on its standard AeroForce Cleaning System to clean carpets, which is effective but requires more time to achieve the same level of deep cleaning as the 980. For users with minimal carpeted areas or who prioritize efficiency over deep cleaning, this difference may be negligible.
Price Difference between the Roomba 960 and Roomba 980
The most significant practical difference between the Roomba 960 and 980 is their price point. The Roomba 960 is priced at $699.99, while the 980 retails for $897.99—representing a $198 premium for the carpet booster feature alone. When evaluating value for money, it’s critical to assess whether this single additional feature justifies the nearly 28% higher price tag.
For most users, the answer is likely no. The core cleaning performance, navigation, battery life, app control, and accessories of both models are identical. The Roomba 960 is fully capable of cleaning carpets; it simply takes a bit longer than the 980. For households with hardwood floors, tile, or low-pile carpets, the carpet booster function offers little to no added benefit. Even for those with high-pile carpets, the incremental improvement in cleaning speed and depth may not be worth the extra cost, especially if budget is a consideration.
The Conclusion
When weighing the Roomba 960 vs 980, the decision ultimately hinges on your specific needs and budget:
- Choose the Roomba 960 if: You prioritize cost-effectiveness, have a mix of hard floors and low-to-medium pile carpets, or don’t require specialized deep cleaning for carpets. It delivers all the core features that make Roomba vacuums reliable and convenient, at a more accessible price point.
- Choose the Roomba 980 if: You have extensive high-pile carpets, value time-saving deep cleaning, and have the extra budget to spare. The carpet booster function is a meaningful upgrade for carpet-heavy homes, though it comes at a significant cost.
In summary, the Roomba 960 and 980 are both exceptional robot vacuums, but the 960 offers superior value for the vast majority of users. The $198 price difference for a single feature is difficult to justify given their near-identical performance in all other areas. Unless carpet deep cleaning is a non-negotiable priority, the Roomba 960 remains the smarter, more cost-effective choice—one that I personally stand by after testing both models.
