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iRobot Roomba 697 review: 118 specs compared

Avg. price:~£220Max suction power:?Runtime:90 minDustbin capacity:600 mLMax threshold height:16 mm

iRobot Roomba 697 Review: Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Robot Vacuums category and whether it is worth buying.

iRobot Roomba 697
5.6/10

Overall score

Score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the robot vacuum's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best robot vacuums on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
Score components

80%

5.1

Technical score

20%

7.5

User score

â–¼Worse than 90% of robot vacuums
6.7

Value for money

Value for money
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the robot vacuum's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a robot vacuum with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components

70%

5.6

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

â–¼Worse than 92%
5.1

Technical score

Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of robot-vacuum performance across cleaning, navigation, mopping, battery life, filtration, brush design, smart features, and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare robot vacuums based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components

30%

5.9

Cleaning

23%

4.3

Navigation

18%

3.9

Mopping

12%

4.1

Battery

10%

7.7

Smart Features

7%

6.1

Design

â–¼Worse than 94%
7.5

User score

User score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the robot vacuum
When it matters
When you want to know how a robot vacuum handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

6.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 74%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of robot vacuum iRobot Roomba 697

Technical score
Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of robot-vacuum performance across cleaning, navigation, mopping, battery life, filtration, brush design, smart features, and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare robot vacuums based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components:

30%

5.9

Cleaning

23%

4.3

Navigation

18%

3.9

Mopping

12%

4.1

Battery

10%

7.7

Smart Features

7%

6.1

Design

5.1
User score
User score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the robot vacuum
When it matters
When you want to know how a robot vacuum handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

6.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.5
Popularity
Popularity
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the robot vacuum.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Popularity:
iRobot Roomba 697 has a popularity index of 6.5, higher than that of 49.1% of robot vacuums and equal to that of 1% of robot vacuums.
6.5
Value for money
Value for money
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the robot vacuum's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a robot vacuum with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components:

70%

5.6

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

6.7
Max suction power
?
N. of suction power levels
1
Market range: <2 – >4
This robot vacuum has 1 suction power levels, which is fewer than 92.3% of robot vacuums offer and the same number as 7.7% of robot vacuums offer.
Motor type
brushed
This robot vacuum uses a brushed motor, a type that is generally less efficient than those used by 97.5% of robot vacuums and also used by 2.5% of robot vacuums.
Power
33 W
Cleaning modes
3
Market range: <2 – >5
This robot vacuum offers 3 cleaning modes, which is fewer than 62% of robot vacuums offer and the same number as 27.7% of robot vacuums offer.
Show more
Mopping capability
no
This robot vacuum cannot mop floors, although 79% of robot vacuums offer this feature.
Mopping system type
none
This robot vacuum uses none for mopping. This system is less effective than those on 79.8% of robot vacuums and as effective as those on 20.2% of robot vacuums.
Mop pad type
none
Mop pad material
none
Mop pressure
N/A
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Primary navigation technology
random
This robot vacuum uses random as its primary navigation system, which is less capable than the systems in 96% of robot vacuums and matched by 4% of robot vacuums.
Mapping capability
no
This robot vacuum does not map the floor, although 74.2% of robot vacuums offer this feature.
Real-time mapping
no
This robot vacuum does not update its map in real time, although 68.7% of robot vacuums offer this feature.
Multiple map storage
no
This robot vacuum does not store multiple maps, although 56.6% of robot vacuums offer this feature.
Map editing
no
This robot vacuum does not support map editing, although 64% of robot vacuums offer this feature.
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App control
yes
This robot vacuum supports app control. 5.5% of robot vacuums support app control.
App name
iRobot Home
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This robot vacuum supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 6.3% of robot vacuums support Wi-Fi connectivity.
Supported Wi-Fi bands
2.4 GHz
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This robot vacuum supports Bluetooth connectivity. 35.5% of robot vacuums support Bluetooth connectivity.
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Battery capacity
1,800 mAh
Market range: <2.4k mAh – >5.2k mAh
This robot vacuum has a battery capacity of 1,800 mAh, which is lower than 95.3% of robot vacuums and equal to 4% of robot vacuums.
Battery type
Li-ion
Battery voltage
14.4 V
Runtime
90 min
Market range: <90 min – >240 min
This robot vacuum runs for 90 min per charge, which is shorter than 89.9% of robot vacuums and equal to 4.2% of robot vacuums.
Recharge and resume
no
This robot vacuum does not resume cleaning after charging, although 83.3% of robot vacuums offer this feature.
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Shape
round
Height
94 mm
Width
333 mm
Length
330 mm
Weight
3.54 kg
Market range: <2.59 kg – >4.76 kg
This robot vacuum weighs 3.54 kg, making it lighter than 50.6% of robot vacuums and the same weight as 0.4% of robot vacuums.
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iRobot Roomba 697 vs the average robot vacuum

246810TotalBatteryDesignSmart FeaturesNavigationCleaningMopping
  • Detects dirtier areas
    This robot vacuum detects dirtier areas, while the average robot vacuum does not detect dirtier areas.
  • Adjusts its cleaning height automatically
    This robot vacuum adjusts its cleaning height automatically, while the average robot vacuum uses a fixed cleaning height.
  • 200 mL larger dustbin
    This robot vacuum has a larger onboard dustbin than the average robot vacuum (600 mL vs 400 mL). The average robot vacuum has a dustbin capacity of 400 mL.
    600 mL vs 400 mL
  • 2.5 h shorter charging time
    This robot vacuum takes less time to recharge fully than the average robot vacuum (2 h vs 4.5 h). The average robot vacuum takes 4.5 h.
    2 h vs 4.5 h
  • 4.07 kg lighter base station
    This robot vacuum has a lighter base station than the average robot vacuum (0.2 kg vs 4.3 kg). The average robot vacuum's base station weighs 4.3 kg.
    0.23 kg vs 4.3 kg
  • 0.3 m longer power cord
    This robot vacuum has a longer power cord than the average robot vacuum (1.8 m vs 1.5 m). The average robot vacuum's power cord is 1.5 m long.
    1.8 m vs 1.5 m
  • 2.5 h shorter charging time
    This robot vacuum takes less time to recharge fully than the average robot vacuum (2 h vs 4.5 h). The average robot vacuum takes 4.5 h.
    2 h vs 4.5 h
  • 4.07 kg lighter base station
    This robot vacuum has a lighter base station than the average robot vacuum (0.2 kg vs 4.3 kg). The average robot vacuum's base station weighs 4.3 kg.
    0.23 kg vs 4.3 kg
  • 0.3 m longer power cord
    This robot vacuum has a longer power cord than the average robot vacuum (1.8 m vs 1.5 m). The average robot vacuum's power cord is 1.5 m long.
    1.8 m vs 1.5 m
  • Detects dirtier areas
    This robot vacuum detects dirtier areas, while the average robot vacuum does not detect dirtier areas.
  • Adjusts its cleaning height automatically
    This robot vacuum adjusts its cleaning height automatically, while the average robot vacuum uses a fixed cleaning height.
  • 200 mL larger dustbin
    This robot vacuum has a larger onboard dustbin than the average robot vacuum (600 mL vs 400 mL). The average robot vacuum has a dustbin capacity of 400 mL.
    600 mL vs 400 mL
  • More basic obstacle avoidance
    This robot vacuum uses infrared for obstacle avoidance, while the average robot vacuum uses hybrid.
    infrared vs hybrid
  • More basic navigation
    This robot vacuum uses random for navigation, while the average robot vacuum uses LiDAR.
    random vs LiDAR
  • 3 fewer suction power levels
    This robot vacuum offers fewer suction power levels than the average robot vacuum (1 vs 4). The average robot vacuum offers 4 suction power levels.
    1 vs 4
  • Does not detect carpets automatically
    This robot vacuum does not detect carpets automatically, while the average robot vacuum detects carpets automatically.
  • No no-mop zones
    This robot vacuum does not support no-mop zones, while the average robot vacuum does. 53.1% of robot vacuums support this feature.
  • Does not boost suction automatically on carpets
    This robot vacuum does not boost suction automatically on carpets, while the average robot vacuum boosts suction on carpets automatically.
  • 1 fewer cleaning modes
    This robot vacuum offers fewer cleaning modes than the average robot vacuum (3 vs 4). The average robot vacuum offers 4 cleaning modes.
    3 vs 4
  • Does not map the floor
    This robot vacuum does not map the floor, while the average robot vacuum maps the floor.
  • 12.6% worse value for money
    iRobot Roomba 697 has worse value for money than the average robot vacuum (6.74 vs 7.6).
    6.74 vs 7.59
  • 6% lower user score
    User score
    7.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the robot vacuum
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a robot vacuum handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    iRobot Roomba 697
    the average robot vacuum
    iRobot Roomba 697 has a lower user score than the average robot vacuum (7.55 vs 8).
    7.55 vs 8
  • 60 min shorter runtime
    This robot vacuum runs for less time per charge than the average robot vacuum (90 min vs 150 min). The average robot vacuum runs for 150 min.
    90 min vs 150 min
  • 1,400 mAh smaller battery capacity
    This robot vacuum has a smaller battery capacity than the average robot vacuum (1,800 mAh vs 3,200 mAh). The average robot vacuum has a battery capacity of 3,200 mAh.
    1,800 mAh vs 3,200 mAh
  • Does not resume cleaning after charging
    This robot vacuum does not resume cleaning after charging, while the average robot vacuum resumes cleaning after charging.
  • 1.6 W higher standby power consumption
    This robot vacuum draws more power in standby than the average robot vacuum (3.6 W vs 2 W). The average robot vacuum draws 2 W in standby.
    3.6 W vs 2 W
  • Older model
    This robot vacuum was released in 2020, earlier than the average robot vacuum in 2023. The average release year for robot vacuums is 2023.
    2020 vs 2023
  • No maintenance notifications
    This robot vacuum does not provide maintenance notifications, while the average robot vacuum does. 76.8% of robot vacuums offer these.
  • No cleaning reports
    This robot vacuum does not provide cleaning reports, while the average robot vacuum does. 87.4% of robot vacuums offer these.
  • More basic obstacle avoidance
    This robot vacuum uses infrared for obstacle avoidance, while the average robot vacuum uses hybrid.
    infrared vs hybrid
  • More basic navigation
    This robot vacuum uses random for navigation, while the average robot vacuum uses LiDAR.
    random vs LiDAR
  • No no-mop zones
    This robot vacuum does not support no-mop zones, while the average robot vacuum does. 53.1% of robot vacuums support this feature.
  • Does not map the floor
    This robot vacuum does not map the floor, while the average robot vacuum maps the floor.
  • Does not support map editing
    This robot vacuum does not support map editing, while the average robot vacuum lets you edit maps.
  • Does not store multiple maps
    This robot vacuum does not store multiple maps, while the average robot vacuum stores multiple maps.
  • Does not recognize individual rooms
    This robot vacuum does not recognize individual rooms, while the average robot vacuum recognizes individual rooms.
  • Does not update its map in real time
    This robot vacuum does not update its map in real time, while the average robot vacuum updates its map in real time.
  • 4 mm lower threshold clearance
    This robot vacuum can only cross lower thresholds than the average robot vacuum (16 mm vs 20 mm). The average robot vacuum can cross thresholds up to 20 mm high.
    16 mm vs 20 mm
  • Does not support virtual boundaries
    This robot vacuum does not support virtual boundaries, while the average robot vacuum supports virtual boundaries.
  • Does not show its location in real time
    This robot vacuum does not show its location in real time, while the average robot vacuum shows its location in real time.
  • 3 fewer suction power levels
    This robot vacuum offers fewer suction power levels than the average robot vacuum (1 vs 4). The average robot vacuum offers 4 suction power levels.
    1 vs 4
  • Does not detect carpets automatically
    This robot vacuum does not detect carpets automatically, while the average robot vacuum detects carpets automatically.
  • Does not boost suction automatically on carpets
    This robot vacuum does not boost suction automatically on carpets, while the average robot vacuum boosts suction on carpets automatically.
  • 1 fewer cleaning modes
    This robot vacuum offers fewer cleaning modes than the average robot vacuum (3 vs 4). The average robot vacuum offers 4 cleaning modes.
    3 vs 4
  • Does not support zone cleaning
    This robot vacuum does not support zone cleaning, while the average robot vacuum supports zone cleaning.
  • Does not support room-by-room cleaning
    This robot vacuum does not support room-by-room cleaning, while the average robot vacuum supports room-by-room cleaning.
  • Non-washable filter
    This robot vacuum does not have a washable filter, while the average robot vacuum does. 72.5% of robot vacuums have a washable filter.
  • More basic filter
    This robot vacuum uses a AeroVac filter, while the average robot vacuum uses HEPA.
    AeroVac vs HEPA
  • Less efficient motor type
    This robot vacuum uses a generally less efficient motor type than the average robot vacuum (brushed vs brushless).
    brushed vs brushless
  • Does not include a cleaning tool
    This robot vacuum does not include a cleaning tool, while the average robot vacuum includes a cleaning tool.
  • Non-washable dustbin
    This robot vacuum does not have a washable dustbin, while the average robot vacuum does. 83.6% of robot vacuums have a washable dustbin.
  • 8 mm narrower main brush
    This robot vacuum has a narrower main brush than the average robot vacuum (170 mm vs 178 mm). The average robot vacuum has a main brush 178 mm wide.
    170 mm vs 178 mm
  • Cannot mop floors
    This robot vacuum cannot mop floors, while the average robot vacuum can mop floors.
  • No water flow control
    This robot vacuum does not support water flow control, while the average robot vacuum does. 70% of robot vacuums support water flow control.
  • Less capable mopping system
    This robot vacuum uses none for mopping, while the average robot vacuum uses static pad.
    none vs static pad
  • 3 fewer water flow levels
    This robot vacuum offers fewer water flow levels than the average robot vacuum (0 vs 3). The average number of water flow levels is 3.
    0 vs 3

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about iRobot Roomba 697

  • Excellent suction across parquet, carpets, and tiles.
  • The compact design cleans easily beneath furniture and beds.
  • The rotating side brush collects dirt along skirting boards and in corners.
  • The intuitive iRobot Home app schedules, monitors, starts, and pauses remotely.
  • An anti-jam safety system stops and corrects itself around tangled cables or objects.
  • Widely available batteries and brushes extend service life.

What customers don't like about iRobot Roomba 697

  • Random basic navigation covers areas more slowly than laser-mapped models.
  • Large, complex homes lack selective room cleaning.
  • Small cables, socks, and light rugs should be cleared to prevent sticking.
  • The side brush and wheels need regular cleaning because they collect hair.

Verdict

The iRobot Roomba 697 is an entry-level, 3.54 kg robot vacuum featuring a 600 ml bagless dust container, a 3-stage cleaning system with dual multi-surface brushes, an adjustable cleaning head, and a 65 dB noise level. Its main pros include a 90-minute lithium-ion battery life with automatic dock recharging, advanced Dirt Detect acoustic and optical sensors that focus on high-traffic messes, and seamless smart integration via Wi-Fi with the iRobot HOME app, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. However, its primary cons are its reliance on older random navigation instead of advanced room mapping, a lack of physical carrying handles, and an inability to support wet mopping or automatic dustbin emptying.

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