Wi-Fi Enabled iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum Cleaner

iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum: Wi-Fi Connected Mapping

Nov 03, 2020
3417

My very own iRobot Roomba 960 reviews

Having trouble balancing work and life while maintaining a neat and tidy living space? No frets, you are not the only one. 

In fact, I was also in your shoes before I discovered my own brilliant solution. And I am going to share it with you with these iRobot Roomba 960 reviews! 

The little home helper from the future

Just a little something about myself: I work as a typical office worker who spends his 9 to 5 at work every weekday. This time constraint has left me with little time to take proper care of myself, let alone keeping my home in a neat and tidy condition. 

AVERAGE SCORE8.7

For cleaning up hair
9
Durability
8.7
Easy to clean
8.6
Battery life
8.5
Suction power
9

This struggle leaves me with the question of whether there is a solution out there that will suit my busy schedule. And this is when I stumbled upon robot vacuum cleaners, which are automated vacuum cleaners that can clean my home while I am away. In other words, this is a perfect solution for busy workers like me.

If you have similar issues when it comes to balancing your time like me, then you are definitely going to love these machines the same way as I do. I chose to purchase the iRobot Roomba 960 robotic vacuum cleaner, which is one of the newest models from the well-known brand featuring some of the best robot vacuums.

While there are a lot of iRobot Roomba 960 reviews on the internet, I feel that they do not fully capture the wonders of this tiny yet miraculous machine. And that is the reason why I took it upon myself to share with you my experience and some tips for using this robot vacuum.

 iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum

Via: Amazon.com

Introducing The iRobot Roomba 960 Vacuum

I am sure anyone who is familiar with robot vacuum cleaners will be familiar with the Roomba series from iRobot. After all, the brand is known as the pioneer for this type of vacuum cleaner. And the iRobot Roomba 960 vacuuming robot is the newest addition to their impressive catalog of products.

With a robot vacuum, all you need to do is to connect it with your home Wi-Fi and you are ready to control it remotely from the comfort of wherever you are, so long as you have your phone with you.Well, at least that is what is expected when we think about robot vacuums. However, the newer iRobot models have some special tricks that set them apart from the competition.

➜ RELATED: Bissell Cleanview 9595A: Affordable King

Being the newest addition in a long line of good robot vacuum generations, the iRobot Roomba 960 model offers the latest solutions to some problems that its predecessors had in addition to the superior features that the Roomba series is already known for. A complete list of the pros to owning an iRobot Roomba 960 include the following:

  • Intuitive Setup: The Roomba 960 only takes a few minutes to assemble and set up full remote control.
  • Improved navigation: Compared to its predecessors, the Roomba 960 has been integrated with a smart auto-navigating system.
  • Cleaning scheduling: You can now schedule cleaning jobs for your Roomba 960 instead of having to rely on manual control to start the jobs.

Of course the vacuum cleaner is not flawless and it does have some limitations. These include:

  • No steering options
  • Navigation failures leading to accidents and getting stuck

We are going to discuss these pros and cons  in more detail below to let you get a more comprehensive view of the vacuum.

The Modern Technologies

As mentioned above, there are a lot of great things that a Roomba 960 comes equipped with.

No time for proper home cleaning is heartbreaking
No time for proper home cleaning is heartbreaking

User-Friendly Design

I cannot stress enough how easy it was for me to put the robot vacuum together and get it ready to clean in less than 10 minutes. This was especially great because at first I was not sure about purchasing these robot vacuums because I was not a tech-savvy person. I would not want to spend my precious time from my already busy schedule reading guides to know how to use a machine.

But very surprisingly, I was able to assemble the vacuum intuitively without any professional assistance. It was also equally easy for me to download the accompanying mobile application and finish  the setup as I was guided by the step-by-step instructions. And so in less than 10 minutes, I have created my very own little robot helper around the house.

Needless to say, this user-friendly design is an important feature for products like these, especially for customers like me. This is because these vacuums are intended to be helpers for busy people like myself. Specifications have it that the less time it requires us out of our busy schedule to know how to use it, the more attractive and effective as a solution it becomes for us.

But if you are still concerned that such a high level of technology will be too overwhelming and difficult for you to handle, then no worries. Because you can always contact the iRobot support team on their website for assistance. They will be more than happy to help you with any problems you may have.

Navigation System

The critical flaw with old robot vacuum models was the lack of an efficient navigation system. This means old robot vacuums have the tendency to wander around aimlessly until it runs out of battery. And you have no other way than praying that it will have cleaned everywhere it is supposed to clean by that time. Not to anyone’s surprise, it does not most of the time.

In addition, lack of an efficient navigation system makes them prone to accidents in houses with many raised areas where the Roomba has to work. Some systems even mistook dark color carpets for stairs and avoided cleaning those carpets. They also left annoyingly repetitive notifications on your phone that they encountered a cliff when they had not. These flaws greatly limited their cleaning potential and capacity.

This was fixed with the newer models. The Roomba 960 that I have has a smarter navigating system. And thanks to this system, it is able to differentiate clearly between the different floor types and remember the layout of the room that it is working in.

When I gave it a test and put it in my living room, it could remember that it cleaned under my sofa and avoided that part to move on to other parts. And although one of my carpets was pitch-black, there was no problem with the vacuum cleaner when it was working on the carpet. With this smart navigating system, I can always rest assured knowing that my machine can work entirely by itself without my supervision or babysitting.

 iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum Wi-Fi Connected Mapping

Via: Amazon.com

Smart Scheduling

I have to admit that this is one of the best things that this vacuum cleaner is able to do for busy people like me. With me not being physically home from 9 to 5, it used to be impossible for me to have the machine give my home a cleaning during the day before I got home. But it all changed when I found out that I could schedule my Roomba 960 through the app on my phone.

After I discovered this feature, you can say that I have been abusing it ever since. It simply is so convenient! I do not have to do anything else once I have the schedule set once. And I can even do something like scheduling my Roomba to give a heavy duty cleaning in the morning and then a light cleaning in the afternoon. This is all possible thanks to modern technology, of course.

If you are familiar with a robot cleaner then you would know that they tend to run nonstop for about 75 minutes before needing to be recharged. But the newer robot vacuum cleaners such as this Roomba 960 can find its way back to its charging station. This essentially means the machine can work nonstop as long as you give it a 2-hour break to rest in-between.

You can use this to your advantage and also schedule it in such a way that is like what I did above: A deep clean, then rest, and then another cleaning session  but a bit lighter.

Performance

I purchased this vacuum cleaner fully knowing that it is one of the newest vacuum models on the market. And so, I also fully expected that only the best performance quality awaited me. Thankfully, it did not disappoint me.

The first thing that must be mentioned, which I am sure is also what you are most interested about, is the suction power. While the suction is not on par with a full sized vacuum cleaner, it still manages to suck up a lot.

By the time I got home, I always saw that its dust bin was full and the house was clean, even the wall corners. Only the carpets were still a little bit dusty, although that could always be fixed easily with a light manual cleaning.

Secondly, the shape of the vacuum cleaner... I just love how this little machine conveniently dances around the underside of my sofa, my table and other living room furniture. I have read that this design is one of the smallest of its kind specifically just to be able to do that. It is also quite relaxing to watch the machine doing its work on the weekends.

But despite what iRobot Roomba 960 reviews might say otherwise, users have reported that the small shape of the vacuum makes it rather clumsy when it comes to dealing with thick carpets. Perhaps this is the reason why my carpets were a bit dirty, but I am fine to do some light manual cleaning myself, when the alternative is to be doing heavy cleaning during my weekends.

Alternative Options To Consider

If for whatever reason you do not enjoy the 960 as much as I do, the least I can do is to recommend a few other options for your consideration.

iRobot Roomba 960C: This and the Roomba 960 are basically the same thing, and you will be shocked to hear the difference between them. The extra “c” only means that this is a Roomba 960 sold by Costco. What a surprise, no? But actually, this version of the Roomba 960 offers an extra virtual wall plus an upgraded repair kit with more replacement parts than the original. And yet, it is still the same price as the original. I’d think this is a very good deal if I was living in the U.S.

iRobot Roomba E5: You can think of this as a more budget friendly version of the Roomba 960. This is a smaller cleaner with a less effective capacity, but it is available at a more affordable price while being a close sibling to the Roomba 960. Considering that the price is what people find the most unattractive about the Roomba 960, this offers a decent alternative option for your consideration. For more details about this model, please find a more dedicated iRobot Room E5 reviews.

CONCLUSION

It was a headache for me trying to find a solution to my scheduling problem. But after sorting through my “what are the best vacuum cleaners for busy people” research, I have discovered my perfect solution in a robot vacuum cleaner. But I also wanted my investment to be worth it, and that is why I chose the iRobot Roomba 960 model over the older models with less impressive features.

I hope that my post  above has taught you a bit more about the wonders of having a little helper like a Roomba 960 around the house, especially for people with busy work and life balance like me. Click here to check out this little wonder yourself.

Related Product Reviews

Shark Apex Uplight Lift-Away Duoclean LZ601: Strong Suction In A Compact Body

Even though robot vacuums have become popular and gained a significant market share, there are some areas where they still fall short. People with pets or those who need to vacuum high places will know this, and this makes manual models like upright vacuums still essential for their homes.

Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Washer Fh50150: A Solid Basic Carpet Cleaner For Small Cleanup Jobs

If you own pets and your carpet lies in a heavy traffic area, it may collect so much dirt and pet hair between the fibers that even a good vacuum cleaner fails to get rid of them completely. This is when a carpet cleaner, or a carpet shampooer, like the Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe, can come in handy.

Shark IONFlex 2X DuoClean IF251: Flexible Enough For You?

While the cleaning aspects of vacuums can be quite effective, especially when dealing with small and scattered debris, sometimes it’s still not worth taking your bulky machine out just to start vacuuming specific spots on the floor. As a result, you might want to consider a model that’s more portable and accessible.

Bissell Pet Stain Eraser: Redefining Pet Stain Cleaning

Even our beloved pets may make us mad when they leave a mess in our house, especially on a beautiful carpet. This is something every owner has to consider and deal with when they decide to have a pet. Instead of taking it out on them, you should think about getting a carpet cleaner, like the Bissell Pet Stain Eraser - a popular choice among handheld models on the market. But why exactly is this compact machine the go to choice of so many customers? Let's find out right in this in-depth review.

Hoover PowerDash Pet FH50700: Your Ultimate Cleaning Companion

A carpet cleaner would be one of the most important gadgets you could possibly have in your home if your house’s floor plan is made up of mostly carpeting.

Hoover WindTunnel Max UH30600: The Ultimate Solution To Your Cleaning Needs

For those looking for a new vacuum cleaner, Hoover isn’t a shabby place to start the search.

Hoover UH72400: A Practical Choice for Modern Households

Even though corded vacuums are not the go-to choice of many vacuum users these days, these electrical-powered machines still have their supporters because of their stable electricity supply. What's better than vacuuming your house without being interrupted because of a short battery life?

Hoover FloorMate Deluxe FH40160: Experience Unrivaled Floor Cleaning

Are you looking for a versatile wet and dry vacuum cleaner to remove dry dust and dirt but also wet debris and spillages? If so, you probably need a high-quality Hoover hard floor cleaner to keep your floor clean.

TOP Reviews Suggested

Hardwood floors are considered a type of sensitive flooring. Besides being extremely careful about how you clean the floor, you will also need to put a lot of thought into the tools and equipment you use to clean it. For example, the best dust mops for hardwood floors.
You can shoulder the blame on your cats as much as you want, and it is still your responsibility to clean up their mess at the end of the day. But this is no easy task, and not all pet owners are lucky enough to have their cats doing their business in the litter box all the time.
For homeowners, daily mopping is something that you should never skip, as it helps to clean up all the dirt while keeping your floors nice and shiny. And most importantly, it would only take a few minutes for you to finish the process, especially with the best sponge mop available.
Why should I get the best vacuum for vinyl plank floors and not just use a random model?
People usually overlook the utility of the best mop for vinyl floors due to its own advantages. The reason vinyl floors are a popular choice, particularly for bathrooms and kitchens, is because they're affordable, easy to clean, and waterproof.
Shark has come a long way from the original Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352, which is arguably one of the best and most innovative vacuum introduced up until now, with a great upright vacuum lineup, featuring many new and interesting products that offer wider choices for consumers.
Shark is famous for producing high-quality vacuums at friendly prices. In my opinion, after spending years testing different vacuums, the Shark apex vacuum is one of the best vacuum Shark ever produced. This model is perfect for anyone who looks for a powerful upright vacuum for deep cleaning purposes.
There are two important questions that anyone who is looking for a good vacuum cleaner to buy always ask: How is the performance? and How well-designed is it?
Shark is a famous vacuum brand. The company offers customers a wide range of powerful, affordable, and easy-to-use products. Their vacuums are durable, ensuring that homeowners can use them for years without experiencing any failure, even on extensive vacuuming tasks. Shark Navigator Lift Away is a famous product line of this company with a series of well-made and portable vacuums, greatly enhancing users' mobility.
Laminate flooring has gained popularity recently, surpassing traditional hardwood floors. Not only does it offer the same cozy charm, but laminate floors are also less expensive to install, more durable, and hygienic.
With so many different models and brands of vacuum cleaners flooding the market and each manufacturer claiming that their product is the best, you may be confused when you need to choose a suitable one for yourself. Of all the types of vacuum cleaners, the stick type has emerged as one of the most popular today.
If only our pets don’t shed like crazy every time shedding seasons roll around, they would have been the perfect creatures. But considering the way they provide us their unconditional love, the least we could do is clean up after them.