After the Will Smith blockbuster film “I, Robot” was released, we never thought about helpful robot companions the same again. Mr. Smith showed us that the robots really just wanted to control humanity. Even crazier, one of the top companies to produce robotic, in-home, vacuums decided on the name iRobot.
We all love a nice clean floor, but who wants to spend the time cleaning? Wouldn’t it be nice if we just had a way to keep everything clean without having to lug around a vacuum, or a broom? Thanks to science fiction becoming reality, we have robots designed and programmed to keep our floors dust free. Read along as we put the Roomba 761 vs 650 to determine which vac boasts the most suck.
We promise you can trust the Roomba 761 and the 650, and we will help you decide which bot should be given the pleasure of eating your dust.
Quick Comparison
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INDIVIDUAL REVIEWS
Roomba 650
When it comes to the dream of effortless house work, the Roomba 650 carries us a little bit closer to “set it, and forget it” cleaning. In designing the 650, iRobot went for the most connectivity and convenience for robot owners.
Step one was the integration of Wi-Fi into the 650’s software design. When used in conjunction with the iRobot app, you can control the scheduling and functions of your bot companion. The app lets you control 650 without even having to touch it. Heck, you don’t even have to talk to it.
Once you get all set up, you can schedule the 650 to operate whenever you want it to. The seven day scheduling makes this little bot more like an employee punching a timecard. We put it to the test, and let the 650 run around the shop while we worked on other projects. The scheduling worked, well like clockwork.
The 650 exited its charging station, and returned exactly how we set it to. The scheduling was so efficient we made the 650 employee of the week, and considered reviewing our company attendance policy.
For those who want a simpler experience, the 650 has an auto push to start function. It is as easy as it sounds. Push the button and the bot starts cleaning. The 3.6” inch tall robot slips and slides easily under chairs, couches, cabinets, and tables using an array of sensors. The sensors help detect obstacles and right the path, and help it form falling off stairs. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the sensors is that they automatically detect surface types, and adjust modes to maximize cleaning power.
Watch the auto roamer in action in this video:
Running around our dirty little shop put the 650 through all the paces of agitating debris, suction, and the nifty side brushes that pull dirt away from walls and edges. 650 performed reasonably well, and our only major complaint was that the dust bin was kind of small, requiring us to actually touch the thing to empty the bin.
PROS
What we like:
- Easy to program
- Easy to clean
- Great for animals, or grubby employees
- Self-docking when finished with schedule or low battery.
CONS
What we didn’t like:
- Small debris bin
- Long hair is easily trapped
- Dangerous for cables or other debris
- Can get trapped in small spaces, kind of like a real life pong
Roomba 761
Entry number two in the bot battle of the Roomba 761 vs 650. The Roomba 761 is a member of the iRobot 700 series of home vacuum robots. The 700 series of vacs is designed specifically to hunt down the trickiest trouble spots. Like the 650 this beastly dirt buster can be scheduled for up to seven cleaning periods. This can be multiple times a day, or one day per week.
We used the 761 in our workshop and office, so setting multiple times in a day was very convenient. We are typically out collecting dirt on the weekends, and don’t deposit it on the shop floor until Monday. Flexibility in scheduling is very nice, and removes the need to babysit the bot.
The 761 doesn’t have the Wi-Fi, but it comes with a remote that allows simple programming and control of the robot. You lose the ability to control with your phone, but you also don’t have to depend on a Wi-Fi connection to maintain control over the bot.
The beautiful features of the iAdapt responsive navigation developed by iRobot is an enhanced system that allows the 761 to more accurately scan and adapt its cleaning patterns to match your home. The 761’s slim profile enables it to learn where your furniture is located, and how to get to the tricky dust mites that lurk in the dark places beneath furniture.
Watch the 761 do the dirt dance:
The last endearing aspect of the 761 is the advanced HEPA allergen filters. We work with vacuums all the time, and purposely create messes that would make our grannies squirm. With the messes come sneezing and watery eyes. After a short time of testing the 761, we had to stock a few less tissues in the workshop.
PROS
What we like:
- Long two hour battery life
- Automatic return to charge base
- Surprisingly quite
- Adaptive navigation reduces getting stuck
CONS
What we didn’t like:
- Can take multiple passes to clean an area
- Does get stuck behind doors and in grooves in doorways
- Can be a hazard to rug tassels and loose cords
CONCLUSION
In the bot battle, Roomba 761 vs 650, we put both bots through a rigorous gladiatorial arena. Both performed very well, but there are no ties in battle. We are giving the ring to the 650.
While we liked the remote control of the 761, and the allergen control, the ability to link the 650 over Wi-Fi and program it with our phone gave it the win. In the smart phone age, being able to connect our favorite devices always gives bonus points. The iRobot Home app gives customizable access to almost all aspects of the robot. If it wasn’t for having to clean out the dust bin, the 650 would be perfect.