iRobot Roomba 980 Review: Is It Really Worth It?

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Written by: Ryan Sneltzer
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Considering the iRobot Roomba 980 for your home? In this review, we’ll provide a straightforward analysis of its performance, user-friendliness, and value for money. Let’s explore if this robot vacuum is a worthy addition to your household.

iRobot Roomba 980 Robot Vacuum Cleaning
Pros:
  • Powerful suction.
  • Advanced navigation.
  • Long battery life.
Cons:
  • No pet hair mode.
  • Noisy on hardwood.
  • Maintenance challenges.
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Key Features of the iRobot Roomba 980

The iRobot Roomba 980 boasts several key features designed for efficient and convenient home cleaning. Let’s explore these features in detail.

  • Designed for Multiple Rooms: The Roomba 980’s intelligent navigation system allows it to seamlessly clean multiple rooms, making it an excellent choice for larger homes.
  • Spacious Dirt Bin: With a generously-sized dirt bin, you won’t find yourself constantly emptying it during cleaning sessions, saving you time and effort.
  • No Specific Pet Hair Mode: Unlike some robot vacuums, the Roomba 980 doesn’t have a dedicated pet hair cleaning mode. We’ll explore how it performs with pet hair shortly.
  • Dimensions and Weight: Its dimensions and weight make it a versatile option for various living spaces, striking a balance between size and mobility.
  • Dust Bag Full Indicator: This handy feature notifies you when it’s time to empty the dustbin, ensuring optimal cleaning performance.
  • Compact and Convenient: Its compact design allows for easy storage, and its user-friendly interface simplifies operation.

Performance Assessment


In evaluating the iRobot Roomba 980, we focus on its key performance metrics to provide a clear understanding of its capabilities in everyday use.

  • Cleaning Performance: On carpets, the Roomba 980 demonstrates strong suction, capturing 2.42 ounces of rice on midpile carpet, and 2.29 ounces on low-pile. However, its performance on hardwood is less impressive, managing to pick up only 2.13 ounces of rice.
  • Different Floor Types: The Roomba 980 is more effective on rugs than hardwood, a consideration for those with mixed flooring in their homes.
  • Mapping and Navigation: Utilizing iAdapt 2.0 navigation sensors and vSLAM technology, the Roomba 980 can map entire levels of your home for efficient cleaning around and under furniture.
  • Battery Capacity and Run Time: With a 3.3AH battery, it cleans continuously for up to 2 hours, recharging automatically when needed.
  • Maintenance and Convenience Features: It offers self-navigation and self-charging capabilities, Wi-Fi and app connectivity, and an easy-to-use large Clean button.
  • Noise Level: The Roomba 980’s noise level is around 67 dB, relatively quiet for a vacuum, though it can be louder on hardwood floors.
iRobot Roomba 980 Robot Vacuum Cleaning
Pros:
  • Powerful suction.
  • Advanced navigation.
  • Long battery life.
Cons:
  • No pet hair mode.
  • Noisy on hardwood.
  • Maintenance challenges.
Check Today's Price
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Pricing and Value

The iRobot Roomba 980, priced at $165.00 on eBay, offers advanced features for effective cleaning, suitable for larger homes. Its value is enhanced by user-friendly controls and robust performance, despite some noise on hardwood floors.

Final Verdict

In this iRobot Roomba 980 review, we’ve thoroughly examined its features and performance, weighing its pros and cons. The Roomba 980 impresses with its powerful suction, advanced navigation, and long battery life, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a high-tech cleaning solution. However, the lack of a Pet Hair Cleaner mode and the potential noise on hardwood floors are notable drawbacks. Balancing these aspects, the Roomba 980 emerges as a commendable option, especially for larger homes. Its advanced features and user-friendly design offer significant value, albeit with some limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the Roomba 980 have Wi-Fi connectivity and app support?

Yes, the Roomba 980 has Wi-Fi connectivity and app control for added convenience and easy scheduling.

Is the Roomba 980 suitable for large homes?

Absolutely. The Roomba 980 is designed for cleaning multiple rooms and larger spaces, making it ideal for larger homes or apartments.

How noisy is the iRobot Roomba 980 during operation?

 The Roomba 980 has a noise level of approximately 67 dB, which is relatively quiet for a vacuum cleaner. However, it may produce more noise when operating on hardwood floors.

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Ryan Sneltzer