The Roomba 960 Vs 980
To get the most bang for your buck, choose the best robot vacuum cleaner available. This article comparing the Roomba 960 vs 980 will focus on the key distinctions between these two models.
Roomba 960 vs 980: Which iRobot Vacuum Is Best for You?. If you’re shopping for a smart robot vacuum, the Roomba 960 vs 980 debate is one you’ll want to resolve before hitting “buy.” Both models from iRobot’s 900 series are known for their advanced cleaning features, intelligent navigation, and powerful performance. So, which one is right for your home? In this post, we’ll compare the Roomba 960 and 980 in terms of cleaning power, battery life, navigation, smart features, and price to help you make the best choice.
editor’s note: May 12, 2025. I have edited the content and updated the in-depth reviews of the Roomba 960 vs 980 so that customers can better understand and choose the right product.
General introduction: The Roomba 960 vs 980
The Roomba 960 and 980 are iRobot’s flagship 900-series robot vacuums, both utilizing advanced navigation and mapping technology (iAdapt 2.0 with a top-mounted camera) for efficient cleaning. Although they share similar button layouts and bumper rings, the Roomba 980 features a dark gray/black finish, while the 960 comes in a matte gray.
Key differences lie in their performance and specifications. The Roomba 980 is equipped with a more powerful Gen3 motor, an automated Carpet Boost mode for enhanced suction on carpets, and a larger battery, resulting in longer runtime. In contrast, the 960 uses the older Gen2 motor and a smaller battery, making it less powerful but also more budget-friendly.
Both models offer Wi-Fi connectivity and are compatible with the iRobot Home app, allowing for easy scheduling and control. While the 980 excels in suction power and battery life, the 960 remains an attractive option for those seeking a reliable robot vacuum at a lower cost.
Roomba 960
Roomba 960 Pros:
- More affordable
- Smart navigation
- App and voice control
- Recharge and resume
Roomba 960 Cons:
- Lower suction
- Shorter battery life
- No carpet boost
Roomba 980
Roomba 980 Pros:
- Stronger suction (10x)
- Carpet Boost feature
- Longer battery life
- Ideal for larger homes
Roomba 980 Cons:
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Higher price point
Both vacuums are Wi-Fi connected and work with voice assistants (Alexa/Google). They map each floor of your home and remember the layout, and they even offer the Recharge & Resume feature: when the battery gets low, the robot returns to its dock to recharge, then picks up right where it left off. In short, the 960 offers almost all of the 980’s modern features at a lower cost, but with less suction and shorter run time
Side-by-Side Feature Comparison:
| Feature | Roomba 960 | Roomba 980 |
|---|---|---|
| Suction Motor | Gen 2 motor (same as 800-series); base suction 5× (vs older Roombas) | Gen 3 motor (more powerful); base suction 5×; Carpet Boost auto-mode (up to ~10× on carpet) |
| Run Time | ~75 minutes (per charge) | ~120 minutes (per charge); longer battery life |
| Navigation | iAdapt 2.0 with vSLAM camera (visual mapping) | iAdapt 2.0 with vSLAM camera (visual mapping) |
| Carpet Boost | No – uses fixed suction power (no automatic boost) | Yes – automatic Power Boost mode increases suction on carpets |
| Wi-Fi / App | Wi-Fi connected; works with the iRobot Home app for scheduling, updates, and voice control | Wi-Fi connected; iRobot Home app & voice control (Alexa/Google) |
| Mapping | Camera-based SLAM mapping; saves floor plan(s); multi-room cleaning | Camera-based SLAM mapping; saves floor plan(s); multi-room cleaning |
| Accessories | Comes with one Virtual Wall barrier (typically) | Includes two Virtual Wall barriers for setting no-go zones |
| Price (typical) | Lower; launched ~$699 (now often ~$300–$450 new) | Higher; launched ~$999 (now ~$500–$900 new) |
The table highlights that the 980’s stronger motor and Carpet Boost mode (blue) give it a cleaning edge, especially on thick carpets. Both vacuums share iRobot’s intelligent navigation, Wi-Fi connectivity, and app integration.
Differences between Roomba 960 and 980
Performance Analysis
Both models clean hard floors and low-pile rugs effectively, but the 980 excels at deep carpets and pet hair. Important findings:
Hard Floors: Roombas effectively sweep and vacuum wood and tile floors. Nearly 100% of tiny particles are picked up on hardwood. Dual multi-surface rubber brushes and powerful suction quickly remove dust and crumbs from smooth floors. Users say any model keeps floors clean with frequent runs (e.g., twice-weekly cleaning “as stunning as the first day”).
Low/Medium Pile Carpet: 960 and 980 reliably pick up litter (cereal, pet kibble, hair) on area rugs and low-pile carpet. In side-by-side testing, the 960 “performs a bit better on high-pile and low-pile carpets” than many rivals, and the 980 can only improve. When it finds carpet, the 980’s Boost mode boosts suction to remove embedded dirt that the 960 missed. Due to its power, users say the 980 “excels” in carpet cleaning.
Pet Hair: Both vacuums include iRobot’s tangle-free rubber brush, which resists hair wrap. The 960 handles loose hair and dander nicely on hard floors and short carpets in cat and dog houses. The 980 lifts thick pet hair on plush carpet better than the 960, according to users. One customer says, “960 and 980 are top-notch; 980’s carpet boost and powerful motor” are the primary distinctions (robotreviews.com). Overall, pet owners rate both Roombas well, although the 980 is typically recommended for pet hair removal.
In conclusion, the Roomba 980 is “fantastic at cleaning on both carpet and hard floors” and has maximum suction on carpeted areas, while the Roomba 960 cleans smooth floors and most rugs well. Both use camera-based SLAM to systematically cover the space and avoid impediments.
Battery Life and Charging
The two models differ significantly in battery size and runtime:
Roomba 960: Runs about 75 minutes on a full charge. Its smaller Li-ion battery means it often has to recharge mid-job in a large house. However, it supports Recharge & Resume: when the battery is low, the 960 returns to its base to recharge, then automatically goes back and finishes the job where it left off
Roomba 980: Runs about 120 minutes per charge (thanks to its ~3300 mAh battery). This extended runtime lets it cover much more area (especially useful in big homes). Like the 960, the 980 will recharge and resume cleaning if needed.
Charging time for both is roughly 2–3 hours under normal conditions. Both models use iRobot’s lithium-ion battery technology (quick to recharge), and either will automatically go back to charge at any point. In practice, you can expect the 960 to need a mid-clean return on a very large floor (since 75 min is less), whereas the 980 often cleans an entire level without a break
Smart Features and App Integration
Both Roombas fully leverage iRobot’s smart home features:
iRobot Home App: The iRobot Home app (iOS/Android) connects to any model via Wi-Fi. You may schedule cleanings, start/stop the vacuum remotely, and monitor cleaning history on the app. The app lets you enable/disable carpet boost and get status alerts. One review says this software “lets you do basic stuff like starting and stopping your [Roomba] and scheduling cleaning times” with a touch.
Voice Control: Both units work with Alexa and Google Assistant. You can say commands like “Hey Google, start Roomba” to initiate a run. This feature is identical on the 960 and 980.
Mapping & Scheduling: The robot saves maps of your home (up to multiple floor plans) so you can schedule room-by-room cleaning. Note that the 900 series (including 960/980) can store maps but does not support iRobot’s newer Imprint Smart Maps room-by-room selection. Still, you can schedule cleaning by time (daily/weekly), and the Roomba will generally clean the whole accessible area on that schedule.
Virtual Walls: The 980 package comes with two virtual wall barriers (triangular devices) to block off areas or create no-go zones, whereas the 960 typically includes one. These allow you to restrict the robot from certain rooms or objects.
Custom Preferences: Via the app, you can enable features like Edge Cleaning, Two-Pass Cleaning, or Finish When Full. The 980, in particular, has an app screen for preferences (carpet boost on/off, extra passes, etc.). Both robots receive over-the-air software updates through the app, ensuring ongoing improvements.
Overall, smart features are nearly identical between the two models. Both connect to the same app and have scheduling and voice support. The only extra “smart” benefit for the 980 is the included second Virtual Wall. Users can expect robust connectivity and control in either case.
Price and Value
The Roomba 960 and 980 have a notable price gap due to their feature differences. Historically, iRobot launched the 980 at around $999 and the 960 at about $799, a $200 difference. In practice today:
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Roomba 960: You can often find the 960 for $300–$400 new on sale at major retailers (Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart). Refurbished or open-box units may be under $300. For example, one source notes that the 960 was discounted from ~$700 to $600 in a promotion, and it frequently drops further with sales. Its lower cost makes it a great value for mid-sized homes and smooth floors.
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Roomba 980: The 980 remains pricier. New units (where still available) tend to run $500–$800, depending on sales. Refurbished models can be found in the $300–$500 range. When it was new, reviewers pointed out that at ~$900, it was “very, very expensive” but also “the best Roomba yet”. Today’s pricing reflects that premium: you’re paying for the stronger motor, more runtime, and extras like the second virtual wall.
Value proposition: If your home is mostly hardwood or you’re price-conscious, the 960 delivers excellent performance for the money. Its lower price lets you get iAdapt 2.0 mapping and app control without breaking the bank. The 980 is best for larger homes, heavy carpeting, or when you want the absolute maximum cleaning power and convenience. It commands a higher price but includes all top-end features. (Remember: user reviews often conclude the 960 “is an excellent robot vacuum” with most features, and the 980 adds only a few extras for a higher cos.
As a reference, both models can be purchased online. For example, Roomba 960 on Amazon and Roomba 980 on Amazon (links to major retailer listings) give you an idea of current pricing and deals. (Be sure to check for warranties and return policies, especially on “Renewed” listings.)
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re deciding between the Roomba 960 vs 980, here’s the bottom line:
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Choose the Roomba 980 if you have a lot of carpets, larger rooms, or want the best performance available in the 900 series.
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Choose the Roomba 960 if you want smart features and solid cleaning for a lower price, and your home has mostly hardwood or tile.
Both models offer intelligent navigation, app connectivity, and iRobot reliability. Your decision ultimately depends on your budget and flooring type.
Buy the Roomba 960 if: If you have hard flooring or low-pile carpets and a reasonable budget, choose the Roomba 960. Medium households without significant runtime should use it. Apart from turbo boost on thick carpet, the 960 cleans all surfaces nicely. One expert user said the 960 “works the same as the 980” and is excellent for hardwood floors despite the loss increase. The 960 is great for wood and laminate vacuuming and saving money. It retains SLAM mapping, app scheduling, and superb suction. (You may increase its battery later to match the 980’s run time.)
Buy the Roomba 980 if: The Roomba 980 is best for homes with lots of carpet (particularly medium/heavy pile) or dogs that shed. The 980’s high suction and automated Carpet Boost will remove dirt and pet hair left by the 960. This option is ideal for bigger houses since the 120-minute duration covers more space. For “the absolute newest and best” Roomba with minimum compromises, iRobot offers the 980. The larger engine, longer battery, and additional virtual wall justify the greater price for heavy-duty cleaning. Consider the 980 the “no excuses” model—it cleans better and can handle larger tasks without human assistance.
Tech-savvy tip: Both robots work the same way with voice assistants and the app, so that is not a deciding factor. Focus on floor type and budget. If in doubt, consider the 980 for peace of mind on carpets: users say “if it keeps running long term, it’s a winner”. But if price is tight, the 960 still “doesn’t sacrifice suction or cleaning performance” significantly for most homes.
Final Thoughts
When comparing the Roomba 960 vs 980, you’re choosing between value and power. The 980 wins in performance, but the 960 is a smart choice for smaller homes and tighter budgets.
Still unsure? Ask yourself:
Do you have thick carpets? → Go for the 980
Are you budget-conscious with mostly hard floors? → The 960 will do the job well
Whichever you choose, you’re getting a reliable and intelligent cleaning companion from iRobot.
The Roomba 980 is a high-quality, low-maintenance vacuum with great suction and cleaning capabilities. This model is the most costly, but its added features make it one of the best vacuums we’ve examined. If you have a bigger house, these advantages may be enough to make you bite the bullet.
To address the classic question: Roomba 960 or 980? We suggest the following. We suggest the Roomba 960 for most. It includes all the 980’s excellent features and everything you need in a robot vacuum, and is cheaper. Carpet stimulation may boost battery life and improve Roomba 980 performance if you have hardwood floors and a few carpets or a big fireplace with numerous rooms on one level.
Ultimately, we hope our reviews will help you make an informed choice when it comes to choosing a vacuum cleaner for your home, as this appliance can significantly improve the time you spend cleaning your home. Texmexicanfood is dedicated to helping you find quality appliances at affordable prices. We appreciate your trust in us and invite you to contact us at any time with any questions or comments. Enjoy!
