iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum – Honest Review

There is no way you will talk about the history of robot vacuums that you will not mention iRobot. It is one of the pioneering companies of this category of vacuum cleaners. We are about to find out if that daring innovation reflects in the iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum.

iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum- Wi-Fi Connected Mapping, Works with Alexa, Ideal for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors,Black

The brand was founded in 1990 and since then it has been creating increasingly better robot vacuums.

To show its expertise in the robot vacuum category, it also makes a series of robot mops. These ones are meant to help you keep your hard floor looking shiny at all times.

That’s not all, this brand also manufactures pool cleaning robots. With that, you won’t have to go manual to clean your pools again neither will have to pay someone to do it.

The brand aims to make everyday activities easy for humans by designing innovative and increasingly useful robots.

 

 

Who Might Need The iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum?

Robot vacuum cleaners do have their own suction wars. If you are wondering who the high players are in this war, this vacuum is one of them. It has a powerful suction that picks up dirt off hard floors and carpets.

If you have pets in your home, the iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum might be a good choice as it is also great at picking up hairs on different floor types. You won’t even have to point it in the direction of dirt as it can detect it itself!

For those who have kids, babysitting them is hard enough so you don’t want a robot to babysit. That makes this vacuum something you might like. It is smart and will handle its business with minimal help.

It is thorough at cleaning and has a navigation system that covers your floor without missing a spot. When we further explain how the Roomba 960 goes about doing that, you will like it some more.

There are a lot more juicy details about this vacuum that you will find out if you stay with us. As a matter of fact, you will find out all you need to know about this robot vacuum.

So much that by the time you get to the end of the review, you will be able to confidently decide if you want it or not.

iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum- Wi-Fi Connected Mapping, Works with Alexa, Ideal for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors,Black

 

To get yours, click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

Features Of The iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum

Advanced Navigation Technology

iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum- Wi-Fi Connected Mapping, Works with Alexa, Ideal for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors,Black

 

Some robots just go straight to work when you set them loose. That’s what they are supposed to do, right?

Some of them take on their task in a random pattern which mostly causes them to miss some spots.

A robot vacuum with an innovative navigation technology such as the iRobot Roomba 960 goes about its job the smart way.

It first maps its surroundings and creates a sort of map. This is what it uses to find its way around your home.

It performs this feat using the iAdapt 2.0 navigation technology and the vSLAM. They help it scan, map, and memorize its surroundings.

So, when you get this robot, don’t be surprised it knows its way around your home as much as you do. This does not only make it easier for it to find its way around, but it also makes its cleaning faster.

 

Anti Fall

That’s not all, the Roomba 960 vacuum also has sensors on it that help it monitor the floor gradient. This helps it know when there is a change in the floor height.

For instance, if you are using the robot up the stairs, you won’t need to worry about it falling off. The sensor underneath will detect it.

 

iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum- Wi-Fi Connected Mapping, Works with Alexa, Ideal for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors,BlackCollision Prevention

Here is another function of the sensors. It detects when there is an obstacle ahead of it. The cool thing about this is that, it does not just avoid a collision, it knows how to handle it.

Let us explain. Assuming the robot is going around your living room doing its thing and then it gets to a stool. It won’t just avoid the stool all together, it would know there is a space between its legs and pass there.

This lets the robot get under furniture to clean out the space underneath it. Imagine your robot vacuum does not clean the entire perimeter underneath your dining table because it sees it as an obstacle.

 

 

Full Floor Coverage

 

With the scanning and map creation technology, the iRobot Roomba 960 can generate the map of your entire floor space.

That means it can clean an entire floor level going from one room to another.

For those who live in a home with different floor levels, here is the cool thing.

Once it is done with the ground floor, you can take it to the upper floor and it will create a map of that floor too.

With this, you can clean all the floors in your home. However, you will have to help it up and down the stairs. You will also have to be sure not to over-work the poor robot.

 

Dirt Detection Technology

iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum- Wi-Fi Connected Mapping, Works with Alexa, Ideal for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors,Black

 

It is one thing to be good at picking up dirt, it is another to be able to find it.

The iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum will not just clean dirt off your floors, it can identify where it is concentrated.

When it detects dirt, for instance in a highly trafficked area, it adjusts its suction power so it can clean it better.

The self-adjustment is a cool feature as it helps the robot manage power and the battery lasts longer.

 

Premium 3 Stage Cleaning

 

Powerful suction is not all it takes for a vacuum cleaner to clean the floor well. The brush plays a significant role too.

The Roomba 960 combines both of them to provide a triple action cleaning.

This robot vacuum will loosen the dirt on your floor with its fast spinning brush roll and side brush. The brush roll, underneath the robot, works mainly for carpets.

Once the dirt is loose, the brush(es) further lifts it off the floor or out from within the carpet fibers.

Finally, as the third stage of the process, the suction takes it all in into the dust cup. Now you are left with a deeply cleaned floor and carpet.

 

Highly Efficient Filter

If you have been using vacuum cleaners for some time now, you will understand how important the filter of the vacuum is.

Without the filter, only the dirt and debris will stay in the vacuum. Allergens and dust will flow back out into your home through the vacuum’s exhaust. If there are any sensitive people in the house, things won’t pan out well.

The filter in the iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum traps most of the airborne contaminants.

The manufacturer rates this filter to be 99% efficient at trapping allergens and particles as small as 10 microns. In case you don’t know how small microns are, the diameter of the human hair is about 50 microns.

 

Auto Charge and Resume

iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum- Wi-Fi Connected Mapping, Works with Alexa, Ideal for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors,Black

 

A lot of robot vacuum these days will head back to their docks to recharge when the battery is running low.

That is a good feat as it spares you some babysitting duties.

The iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum can do that too, and then some.

Only a few robot vacuums remember what they were doing before they had to go get a charge. This Roomba, however, remembers.

It does not only remember where it was cleaning, but it will also go back there and continue its job until it is done.

 

Wi-Fi and Voice Control

 

 

If you have a robot vacuum, you can at least cut yourself some slack about worrying to maintain a clean home.

Since it is autonomous, you don’t even need to be home to get a clean home!

This robot is Wi-Fi enabled and there is a dedicated app for it. All you have to do is to download the app on your smartphone and pair it with the vacuum.

Once that is done, you just opened up to some freedom.

With this app, you can control, schedule, and monitor your robot while you are away. You could be at work and schedule it to clean the floor so it is done before you get home. If you had already scheduled, you could also use the app to know how far it had worked.

That’s not all, the Roomba 960 is also compatible with voice control. To use this feature, you will need an Amazon Alexa device. Once you integrate them, you can speak and your robot will listen.

 

 

User-friendliness Of The iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum

iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum- Wi-Fi Connected Mapping, Works with Alexa, Ideal for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors,BlackThe iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum is a lot of things and ease of use is certainly one of them. Its autonomous operation is great on its own but as you can tell from the features we have discussed so far, it sounds good to have.

There are some other features of this vacuum that make it even more convenient. First of all, if you have pets in your home, this robot has what it takes to ensure that your floors are free of pet hairs.

Secondly, its brushes are made of rubber so you won’t need to bother about scratches on your floors.

Furthermore, this rubber brush can adjust its angle of contact such that it is always in contact with the floor. We are pretty sure you know what that means.

This vacuum also works great at cleaning edges. Even some full-sized vacuums still have problems with edges.

The iRobot Roomba 960 Robot also has a low profile which enables it to get underneath furniture and obstacles easily.

Another thing about this vacuum that you might like is the battery life. On a full charge, the Roomba 960 can work for up to 75 minutes before it needs a recharge.

With all you have read so far, will you say that this robot vacuum is user-friendly?

 

 

Pros Of The iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum

iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum- Wi-Fi Connected Mapping, Works with Alexa, Ideal for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors,Blacki. It has a powerful suction that easily picks up pet hairs.

ii. It has a three-stage cleaning process.

iii. The vacuum can work on different floor types.

iv. It uses a high-efficiency filter.

v. You can control and monitor it via the app and voice.

vi. The vacuum comes with a virtual wall to keep it from where you don’t want it.

vii. It can clean an entire floor going from room to room.

viii. It uses an advanced navigation system to move and avoid collisions.

ix. The vacuum can automatically recharge and resume from where it stopped.

x. The app works well and gives you a wide range of controls.

xi. It cleans edges.

xii. It is low profile and can get under furniture.

 

iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum- Wi-Fi Connected Mapping, Works with Alexa, Ideal for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors,Black

To get yours, click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cons Of The iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum

i. The vacuum has issues with dark-colored areas. For instance, if your carpet has dark patches, it will not vacuum there.

ii. Though the vacuum works well but it sometimes needs rescuing.

 

 

 

Alternatives To The iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum

More Affordable Option – iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum

iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum-Wi-Fi Connectivity, Works with Alexa, Good for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors, Self-Charging

To get yours, click here

 

 

 

 

 

The Roomba vacuum series truly represents what the brand stands for, performance.

This robot also sports advanced sensors that help it navigate its way through your home. The robot will avoid obstacles and falls. That’s not all, its sensors also help it detect dirt so it goes for them wherever they may hide.

It is equipped with Wi-Fi functionality so that you can command the vacuum from your smartphone. If you have an Alexa device, you can go a step further and use voice control. You can read up on the review of this vacuum too.

 

High-End Option – Samsung Powerbot R7070 Pet Robot Vacuum

Samsung Electronics R7070 Robot Vacuum Self-cleaning Brush for Pet Hair, Ideal for Carpets & Hard Floors with 5160Pa Strong Performance, Works with Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant

 

To get yours, click here

 

 

 

 

 

This is one of Samsung’s most successful robot vacuums.

Firstly, the brush roll on this vacuum is self-cleaning. Normally, you will have to manually remove the tangles on the brush especially if it picked hairs.

Secondly, it uses a double technology for its navigation and sensors which essentially puts its performance at outstanding.

Lastly, when it comes to suction power, this one is a juggernaut.

If you like what this robot vacuum has to offer, you can check out our review of its twin brother, the Samsung Powerbot R7040.

 

User-Friendly Option – ILIFE A7 Robot Vacuum

ILIFE A7 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner with High Suction, LCD Display, Multi-Task Schedule, Path Mode and Dual Roller Brushes for Hard Floor and Thin Carpets

 

To get yours, click here

 

 

 

 

 

ILIFE is known for making great robots at competitive prices. Firstly, the suction power is strong and with its interchangeable brush roll, you can clean on both carpets and on hard floors.

Secondly, you will always get a thorough clean of your home with the controls available to you. It has 5 different cleaning modes.

Furthermore, this vacuum has a multi-task programmable schedule system. What this means is that you can schedule different tasks for your robot to carry out at certain times.

If you get creative with this, your robot can clean your floors while you sleep or are out. That way, you will always wake up to or come back home to a nicely cleaned floor. If you want to know more about this robot, read our review on it.

 

Opposite Spectrum – Shark Rotator Professional Upright Vacuum

Shark Rotator Professional Upright Corded Bagless Vacuum for Carpet and Hard Floor with Lift-Away Hand Vacuum and Anti-Allergy Seal (NV501), White with Red Chrome

 

To get yours, click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you want a visibly good clean for your carpets, this vacuum can give you that. It has good suction and a well-designed brush roll that combs deep into the fibers of your carpet to clean them out.

Its swivel steering also makes movement a breeze both on hard floors and carpets. You won’t even have any problem cleaning around furniture and obstacles.

If you need versatility, you will also find it in this vacuum. It has the Lift-Away design that lets you convert this upright vacuum into a handheld canister vacuum. This lets you carry out above the floor cleaning.

This Shark also has the dual filtration system just like the vacuum we are featuring. The Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology and HEPA filtration together seal in 99.99% of the allergens in your home. With this vacuum, allergic and asthmatic occupants can breathe deeply and comfortably.

 

 

Comparison Table

Featured More Affordable High-End Variant User-Friendly Opposite Spectrum
Products iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum- Wi-Fi Connected Mapping, Works with Alexa, Ideal for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors,Black

iRobot Roomba 960

 

Buy now

iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum-Wi-Fi Connectivity, Works with Alexa, Good for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors, Self-Charging

iRobot Roomba 675 Robot

 

Buy now

Samsung Electronics R7070 Robot Vacuum Self-cleaning Brush for Pet Hair, Ideal for Carpets & Hard Floors with 5160Pa Strong Performance, Works with Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant

Samsung Powerbot R7070

 

Buy now

ILIFE A7 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner with High Suction, LCD Display, Multi-Task Schedule, Path Mode and Dual Roller Brushes for Hard Floor and Thin Carpets

ILIFE A7 Robot Vacuum

 

Buy now

Shark Rotator Professional Upright Corded Bagless Vacuum for Carpet and Hard Floor with Lift-Away Hand Vacuum and Anti-Allergy Seal (NV501), White with Red Chrome

Shark Rotator Professional Upright Vacuum

 

Buy now

Dimension 13.8 x 13.8 x 3.6 inches 13.4 x 13.4 x 3.5 inches 13.7 x 13.4 x 3.8 inches 13 x 13 x 3 inches 45.7 x 12.2 x 12.2 inches
Weight 8.6 lbs 6.77 lbs 9.5 lbs 5.5 lbs 15.5 lbs
Mode of control / Attachments App and Voice Wi-Fi and Alexa App, Voice control, remote control Remote control and App Dusting brush, multi-tool, power brush
Runtime / Cord length 75 minutes 90 minutes Up to 90 minutes 90 minutes 30 feet
Special Feature It resumes from where it stops after recharging The vacuum has a Dirt Detect technology The vacuum has a 20-watt suction You can schedule up to a week’s cleaning You can convert it into a canister vacuum

 

 

General Feeling Among Users

iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum- Wi-Fi Connected Mapping, Works with Alexa, Ideal for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors,BlackThe users of the Roomba 960 hail it for how well it cleans. Those of them who own pets say that it cleans pet hairs pretty well. A user, who has three dogs that shed a lot, said she rarely has hair-free floors until she got this robot.

Majority of the users also said that the vacuum is easy to clean and that it is made with durable materials. They are also generally satisfied with the battery life.

Users also praise how well it finds its way around the house and how it slows down to avoid a collision. Its ability to get under furniture and clean from room to room is another thing they had to praise.

Some users also mentioned how well the app works. Most of them said it was easy setting it up and liked the range of things it allows you to do.

Some complaints…

A certain user had a problem with how his Roomba refuses to clean over dark patches on his carpet because the robot thought it was a vertical fall.

This is apparently the only flaw this particular user was not pleased with. However, in his case, he said that he managed to disable the anti-fall sensor which kind of solved the problem.

Before anyone else thinks of doing this, you should know that he does not have stairs in his home. So, it is not like the vacuum needed that sensor anyway.

 

 

Our Verdict

This is a good robot vacuum on many counts. It is not the best out there, but it serves its purpose quite well. A lot of robot vacuums often have issues with their apps, but there were no real complaints about this one.

We don’t love the iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum. The simple reason is that we can easily find less expensive variants that offer more value for money. However, we like it for all the good things it is capable of doing right.

Now, you have our verdict, what is yours? Would you want to give it a try or you would want to see more of our robot vacuum reviews? If you want it, you should go get it now!

iRobot Roomba 960 Robot Vacuum- Wi-Fi Connected Mapping, Works with Alexa, Ideal for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors,Black

To get yours, click here