Roomba 980 Vs. 960! [With Specification Chart]

Roomba robots, launched by iRobot, are one of the most popular and widely used cleaning robots in every household. One thing that makes the Roomba robots stand out is that there is a long list of robots that differ in features so that every type of customer can purchase a model according to their preference.

That is why I have discussed each and every aspect of the Roomba 980 and 960 below. This article will help you make your decision to choose between either of the models!

Similarities between Roomba 980 and 960

Here I will be discussing features that both of these models have in common.

Similar HEPA filters

Both models, the Roomba 980 and 960, make use of high-efficiency filters. These HEPA filters are no doubt one of the best filters; they work great in reducing home allergens and are thus ideal for people who suffer from allergies.

Wi-Fi enabled

The Roomba 980 and 960 are both fairly capable of connecting to your home network. This enables you to make use of wireless communications in order to operate your Roomba robot through the mobile app or voice controls.

Navigation and mapping

Both the models utilize the second adaptation of the iAdapt navigation in order to move through your house. This kind of navigation makes use of a camera in order to map your house so that the Roomba can navigate in an improved way.

Recharge and resume feature

The Roomba 980 and 96O are both equipped with the recharge and resume feature. This feature enables both the robots to sense low battery levels and return back to their dock. In this way, you are no longer required to carry the robot every time it runs out of battery.

Moreover, through this feature, both the models can resume cleaning right from the place they left once they fully recharge themselves.

Dirt detect technology

Both the models possess dirt detect technology. Through this insane technology, the robots can identify dirtier areas and clean them sufficiently. This results in the entire level being clean.

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Differences between Roomba 980 and 960

I have listed down a few notable differences between the Roomba 960 and 980.

Carpet boost technology

The Roomba 980 is equipped with carpet boost technology that enables it to vacuum carpeted flooring in an improved way. It is a fact that your robot needs to work harder on carpeted floors as compared to normal flooring; this is because carpet fibers trap dust and debris within them, which makes it difficult to extract them.

This is where the carpet boost technology comes into use. When the Roomba 980 is placed on the carpet, it senses the flooring, and automatically its motor speed is increased to enable the carpet boost feature. On the other hand, the Roomba 960 lacks any such feature. It will only operate on its standard motor speed on every type of flooring.

Different run times

The Roomba 960 possesses a 2130 mAh lithium-ion battery. This battery supplies the robot with 75 minutes of continuous runtime before the Roomba resumes working in order to recharge itself. On the contrary, the Roomba 980 is equipped with a 3000 mAh lithium-ion battery, which has proved to supply the Roomba with a runtime of up to 120 minutes.

Given the huge difference in the runtime of both models, this can be one of the most important factors for you to decide which model you will be purchasing.

Different suction power

The Roomba 980 is equipped with twice the suction power as compared to the Roomba 960. The suction power of the Roomba 980 is estimated to be a 10x AeroForce system, whereas that of the Roomba 960 is calculated to be only a 5x AeroForce system.

Different motors

The Roomba 980 includes a newer generation motor which is quite advanced. On the contrary, the Roomba 960 features an older motor which was also observed in the older Roomba 800 series.

Specification chart

Here, I have made a brief side-by-side comparison of each feature offered by the above-mentioned models.

Specs	Roomba 960	Roomba 980
Size	35.0 cm x 9.1 cm	13.8 inches in diameter, 3.6 inches in height
Weight	8.5 lbs	8.7 lbs
Navigation	iAdapt 2.0	iAdapt 2.0
Battery	2130 mAh lithium-ion battery	3000 mAh lithium-ion battery
Charge time	3 hours	3 hours
Run time	Up to 75 minutes	Up to 120 minutes
Automatic recharge	Yes	Yes
Carpet boost	No	Yes
Filter	HEPA	HEPA
Wireless communications	Yes	Yes
Mobile app	Yes	Yes
Voice control	Yes	Yes
Camera navigation	Yes	Yes
Containment	1 virtual wall barrier	2 virtual wall barrier
Warranty	1 year	1 year
Rollers	brushless	brushless

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Cleaning comparison – Roomba 980 and 960

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your Roomba robot are very crucial in order to keep it functional in the long term. Hence, I have mentioned a few simple steps that will aid you in cleaning your Roomba 980 and 960.

Cleaning the Roomba 960 and 980

As both the models have almost similar external features, you can take the same approaches to clean them. Follow the steps given below to thoroughly clean the Roomba 960 and 980. You are recommended to do this at least once a month.

• Firstly, you need to flip your Roomba upside down, and you will come across a removable dustbin. Detach the dustbin and empty all its content in the trash can.
• Do not forget to clean the compartment of the dustbin thoroughly with a damp cloth. You can even utilize a normal vacuum cleaner to extract all the dirt from the dustbin and its compartment.
• Next, remove its filter and lightly knock it with your fingers in order to get rid of all the dust and debris that might be stuck on it.
• Now press down on the tab of brushless rollers and detach them from the Roomba. Once you have managed to take out the rollers, clean them thoroughly, ensuring that there is no hair or dirt left on them.
• Next, fidget a little with the cater wheel, and it will come out. Once it detaches completely, cleans it and its compartment with a cloth.
• Now, unscrew the edge sweep brush and thoroughly clean it, ensuring that there is no dirt or hair left behind.

Maintenance and operational cost comparison

Energy consumption

Generally, all Roomba models draw around 28 watts of energy in order to recharge themselves fully. Hence, there is not any notable difference between the energy consumed by the Roomba 980 and 960.

Replacing the components of the Roomba 960 and 980

Both the Roomba models 980 and 960 are equipped with a one-step-ahead HEPA filter. Hence, if you wish to replace the filter on either of the models, it will cost you $34.99 for a pack of 3 filters. In case you look forward to replacing the edge sweep brush on the Roomba 980 or 960, you will have to spare around $14.99.

Lastly, if the dual anti-tangle brushless rollers present on the Roomba 980 and 960 need a replacement, it will cost you around $39.99.

Different cleaning options of Roomba 980 and 960

The Roomba 980 and 960 both offer a variety of similar cleaning features, with just one exception. Read the description below in order to find out the exception.

Cleaning options offered by the Roomba 960

The Roomba 960 offers a lot of features that can also be observed on older Roomba robots belonging to the 800 series. The Roomba 960 is equipped with tangle-free rubber extractors; these brushless rollers help clean your floors efficiently. Furthermore, it possesses smart dirt detect technology that provides you with spotless clean floors.

Lastly, the Roomba 960 includes a smart recharge and resume feature, which enables the Roomba robot to automatically recharge itself.

Cleaning options offered by the Roomba 980

Likewise, the Roomba 960, Roomba 980, offers similar cleaning features with just one exception. The Roomba 980 is equipped with a carpet boost feature which helps its brushless extractors to extract dirt and debris from fine carpet fibers leaving behind flawlessly cleaned carpets.

Concluding my thoughts on Roomba 980 vs. 960!

If you have a smaller home and a tight budget, the Roomba 960 will prove to be an ideal choice for you. It never fails in providing you with the same level of cleaning performance as the Roomba 980. However, it lacks the carpet boost feature.

In case you have a larger home with multiple rooms and carpeted floors, I will suggest going for the Roomba 980. The carpet boost feature on the Roomba 980 will solve all your cleaning problems.