iRobot Roomba 694 Review: Would Owners Buy It Again?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this vacuum in person. This verdict is based on our analysis of lab tests, expert reviews and retailer owner feedback, all listed at the end of this article. Our method.
A fine basic robot if you have light messes and no mapping needs
Tom's Guide scored the Roomba 694 90.85 in lab testing, with strong results on hardwood and cereal-sized debris. Its limits are just as clear. It drives in a random bump-and-clean pattern with no mapping, and tests found it weak on pet hair, with one lab picking up only about half of five-inch strands. Owners who want a low-effort daily crumb catcher are mostly happy. Owners with shedding pets or large homes should look at newer designs.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- want a simple scheduled vacuum for hard floors and low carpet
- like an app with scheduling but don't need room maps
- prefer a brand with widely available replacement parts
Skip it if you…
- have long-haired or shedding pets
- want the robot to map rooms and clean in neat rows
- need a HEPA filter for allergies
The Roomba 694 is iRobot's entry-level Wi-Fi robot vacuum. It uses a bump-and-clean approach, runs from a phone app or Alexa and returns to its dock to recharge.
Because the design has been around for a while, we looked for lab numbers and for what owners say after the novelty wears off.
What owners say, at a glance
Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.
The key specs
| Navigation | Random bump-and-clean, no room mapping |
|---|---|
| Control | Phone app with scheduling and geofencing, plus Alexa (Tom's Guide) |
| Recharge time | About 3 hours (Tom's Guide) |
| Size | About 13.4 in wide and 3.54 in tall (Best Cordless Vacuum Guide) |
| Filter | No HEPA filter (Gadget Review) |
What owners love
What owners complain about
How it holds up over time
This is a simple machine with a long track record, and replacement brushes, filters and batteries are easy to find. One lab described it as a workhorse that should last for years if maintained. The wear items are the side brush, rollers, filter and battery, so budget some upkeep time. It lacks the mapping and obstacle sensing that make newer robots less likely to tangle or stall.
Tips from owners
- Pick up cords and small items before each run so it doesn't stall.
- Cut hair off the brushes every week or two if you have pets.
- Use virtual wall barriers to keep it out of rooms it can't handle.
- Schedule it for when you're out since it can be audible while suctioning.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Strong results on hardwood and low carpet
- Simple app scheduling and Alexa support
- Replacement parts are easy to find
- Docks itself when finished
What owners complain about
- Random navigation, no mapping
- Weak on long pet hair
- No HEPA filter
- Can get stuck on rugs and obstacles
Other options owners compare
These are the budget robot vacuums most often compared with the Roomba 694.
| Model | Navigation | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| iRobot Roomba 694 (this review) | Random bump-and-clean | You want a simple app-controlled robot | See on Amazon |
| eufy RoboVac 11S MAX | Random, slim body | You want a thin robot with stronger suction and a remote | See on Amazon |
| Shark ION Robot Vacuum (AV753) | Random with sensors | You want a longer runtime and a tri-brush design | See on Amazon |
Want a no-fuss robot for everyday crumbs?
Check the current price and bundle options on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Roomba 694 map my home?
No. It uses a random bump-and-clean pattern, according to Tom's Guide.
Is it good for pet hair?
Only so-so. Tom's Guide measured 67.5% dog hair pickup on carpet, and hair can wrap around the brushes.
Does it have a HEPA filter?
No, Gadget Review notes it does not.
Can I schedule it?
Yes. The app supports scheduling and geofencing, and it works with Alexa.
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Sources we analyzed
- Tom's Guide: iRobot Roomba 694 review — lab score, dog hair, recharge time, navigation
- Best Cordless Vacuum Guide: Roomba 694 review — size, pet hair strand results, longevity
- Gadget Review: iRobot Roomba 694 review — no HEPA filter and filter replacement
- RTINGS: Eufy RoboVac 11S vs Roomba 694 — build, maintenance and head-to-head
- Sam's Club: Roomba 692 owner reviews — owner themes on a closely related model
Figures reflect each source as of October 06, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.