Roomba 860 Review–What’s the Different?

July 21, 2017 By admin Leave a Comment

Roomba 860 Review:There is a new Roomba on the market. It can lead to confusion. It’s not exactly ‘new’ in terms of technology, but it offers a number of reasons to pass. This is mainly due to the lower price point than other 800 series robots.

While the Roomba 980 (my review here) shook the game with new technology and – usually – WiFi app control, the Roomba 860 is focused on placing last year in the middle price range of robotic owners.

In this review I will cover the most important features (most of which are the same as other 800 series bots) and mark the pros and cons. Feel free to beat down if this is what you are looking for. Finally, I will propose a number of alternatives in a comparable price range to consider.

Content:

1 Key Features of the Roomba 860
2 for – (good) things that really come true
3 cons – (bad) things I wanted to improve
4 What is the difference between 860 vs 870 vs 880?
5 Roomba 860 alternatives to consider
6 Final Tasks – Is the 860 a good value?

Key Features of the Roomba 860

Here are some of the most important “outlets” I identified for the Roomba 860:

Less maintenance: In general, the 800 series requires significantly less regular maintenance compared with previous series (such as 600 and 700). Slowly but surely Roomba becomes a true “hands free” robot. There are still filters, brushes, empty trash cans, etc. Changed … when they go out, but generally you do not need to touch the device so much. This is partly due to the following function …
Tangle Free Extractors: Early Roomba’s had a hard time with some litter like pet (or human) hair and various stringy pieces of material. The “wrap-free” extractors were introduced with the 800 Series (860, 870, 880) as an improvement. In practice, it makes a difference to my 800 Series Roomba’s. It is still not a perfect system, that is, you still get tangles with heavy pet hair. Yet it’s a big step over the previous versions.
New AeroForce Cleaning: One of the most important upgrades for the 800 Series is the new patented cleaning technology. It is advertised to be up to 50% more effective in retrieving debris than the previous series. It’s difficult to quantify this in practice, but from the personal experience, the 800 series is definitely better to get rid of debris.
5 times the suction: iRobot advertises a more powerful vacuum “under the hood”. For the most part, this is true.
Extended battery life: The new batteries that come standard in the 800 series are a tier above the older range. The “XLife” lithium packs take a lot longer, so you do not have to replace the battery so much (iRobot cites “twice as much” as compared to the 600 and 700 series).
Extensive Scheduling: Like all Roomba’s, the 860 can be run on a fixed schedule. You can do it on a weekly or daily basis, as needed, at certain times (for example: when you are at work).
Different colors: Roomba comes up with a different color suit each time. The gray is different from the usual monotonous black, so if you have OCD and need your gray robot to fit your gray soul, this is a plus!
Roomba 860 review

Roomba 860 Pros – (Good) things that really come true

Better clean: Generally, the cumulative improvements made the Roomba 860 (and 800 series as a whole) much better. You can clean less often, because the Roomba does a better job for the first time.
Better purification: This corresponds to the previously mentioned “pro”, but the suction power is noticeably more powerful than the previous series. When robot cleaners were out for the first time, they were clearly not equal to the suction of traditional standing vacuum. Today, with bots like the 860, the difference is certainly less strong. It is not entirely unreasonable to expect that robots will fully absorb traditional vacuum cleaners over the next 3 years.
Return to Base: I like these robots to be smart enough to return to the base if they recognize their battery is low. It will go back and dock on its own. There was a lot of time when I had to find my “Roomba 560” or 650, and manually load it on the load.
Attractive pricing: This is undoubtedly the main reason why iRobot decided to release the 860 when it did (March 2016). With the $ 899 Roomba 980 leading the market and the $ 699 880 is still no more expensive than competitors, the 860 deposits at a $ 499 MSRP (available only here). This is a good idea in the series of the Botvac “D” series. Traditionally, Roomba has always led the competition.

UPDATE: The Roomba 860 is now available with this offer on Amazon.

Roomba 860 Cons – (bad) things I wanted to improve

Wifi App: It’s still very annoying that iRobot has not made Wi-Fi check available for older series. The Roomba 980 is amazing (see my recent review), partly because it has … but it’s almost double the price! To be honest, a third party company has developed a Thinking Cleaner Faceplate for the 500 and 600 Series (see my version here) and is being developed for a similar device for the 800 Series. In essence, it’s smartify’s of your old Roomba and you can control it through a mobile app.
Limited “Bells and Whistles”: As you can see in my “Differences” table below, the Roomba 860 comes with the smallest “extras”. The core robot is almost identical, but you may find some additional accessories that offer the 870 or 880.
No remote control: one of these extras is the standard remote control at the Roomba 880. It is not a deal breaker for most people, but it may be nice to stop / start your Roomba without having to leave the coach. It looks like a TV remote and does not come with the 860 or 870 model.
No return to base / recharge and resume: This was one of the features I really loved the new Roomba 980. You do not have to manually resume the cleaning cycle. While the 800 Series is smart enough to go home and dock when it’s low on juice, it’s not smart enough to resume where it’s left alone. This means it’s a bit more hands on than the last 900 series.
Still around Randomly: iRobot improved this with the 980, but the 860 still feels like it is running around as it cleans. There is a method of fooling because the technology ensures that every centimeter is thoroughly cleaned, but it can be a bit nervous to look.
Battery Run-Time is about the same: Despite the new batteries, I have not seen a clear difference in terms of the actual runtime for a clean. That is a little disappointing. You would think that battery technology is one of the simpler things you can improve.
Corners Are Still 50/50: One of the most important knocks on Roomba is that their round design makes it harder to make their corners effective. This is one of the main distinctions between the brand Neato Botvac vs Roomba. While I have noticed the 800 series, it’s better to hug the skirts, but still a little less love. It’s a little annoying because this is generally the “hard to get” places to do by hand. Still, if the Roomba is the 95% solution, then this is the 5% I still go.

What is the difference between Roomba 860 vs 870 vs 880?

This is a fairly general question I get. The short answer is: nothing in terms of the device itself. The main differences are the “packages” they enter, ie the accessories.

Depending on your needs, this can compare with a better value instead of purchasing the various accessories separately.

	Roomba 860	Roomba 870	Roomba 880
Home Charging Base	1	1	1
Extra HEPA Filter	1	1	1
Virtual Wall	1	2	2
Remote Control	0	0	1

Roomba 860 Alternatives to consider

If you’re just like me, you’re probably interested in what the other options are in a similar price range. This way I usually make my purchase decisions as soon as I define my personal budget.

Roomba 880:

You can read my full review, but here are the highlights … This is the top of the line for the 800 series. From this writing it is the “second best” package to buy in function of features immediately after the Roomba 980. As you can see from the table above, the external and additional virtual walls are pretty easy-to-use features. The disadvantage? It’s about $ 175 more expensive overall, but see here for the latest discounts.

Botvac D80:

I’ve completely reviewed it here, but here are the highlights. The Neato Botvac D80 is after the same target as the 860. The price point is almost identical (check here). The D80 is very similar in terms of performance, with a few exceptions. It is much better to clean the corners because of its unique design. It also has an intuitive touchscreen display that is a bit more user-friendly to communicate (error resolution, etc …). It is also extensively organized and does not contain any Roomba zigzags.

Roomba 770:

You can read my full reviews here. It starts to feel a bit dated, but the 770 is one of iRobot’s best-selling models of all time. The main differences are that it’s not good to clean debris (no AeroForce 3 Stage Cleaning) and it does not have the nice new wrap-free extractors. In short, it requires a little more maintenance.It completely cheaper than others. Go check this listing for the latest discounts.

Final Roomba 860 Review – Is the Roomba 860 a good value?

I certainly noted some “disadvantages” in this review, but do not be afraid of them. I’m a geek, so I’m pretty critical. Overall, the Roomba is still a great time saver I would not want to live without. The 860 is significant for the older siblings (namely the 600 and 700 series), but you do not have to pay more of a premium.

If you are looking for the best overall value (bang for your money), the 860 is probably the same in the sweet spot. It is available via iRobot on this offer, but it has also been released on Amazon Be sure to check them out here.

What is the best Roomba Model-My #1 best Roomba Pick

July 19, 2017 By admin Leave a Comment

What is the best Roomba Model? My #1 best Roomba models are compared below.

Quick Overview for the Best Roomba Model:

Are you in a Hurry checkout our best roomba model(s) pick below!

For the lowest priced Roomba without extra frills, check out the Roomba 650.
For the best mix of VALUE and FUNCTIONS, I would go with the Roomba 880.
For the best GENERAL Roomba (where the price is not an objection), the Roomba 980 is the best roomba on the market today.

For the full details read more …

Roomba’s are all the rage. Whether you are watching funny cat videos online or receiving positive feedback from friends, the Roomba is definitely the most popular and wanted robot piston. When it comes to picking the right Roomba, it’s not always easy.

There are a number of different generations and models out there!. Sometimes the differences do not seem significant, but the price chart varies.

In this resource page, I emphasize on the best Roomba model based on affordability, value, and overall performance. At the bottom of the page you will find a comparison table for easy contrast of all best Roomba model(s). Again feel free to checkout our roomba black friday deals for special discounts.

Looking for the Best Roomba Model(s) Right Now?

These are the current deals ongoing for the best Roomba model(s) right now:

Model	Retail Price	Deal Price	Percentage Savings
Roomba 650	$374.00	Check Live Pricing Here	20%
Roomba 690	$374.99	Check Live Pricing Here	13%
Roomba 980	$899.00	Check Live Pricing Here	11%

NOTE: All images on this page for the best roomba model are “clickable”. If you see something on this page that makes you interesting, you can click on the photo for free to get more info, read consumer reports,reviews and checkout prices, etc.

Best affordable Roomba

In this category we look at the best budget Roomba models. This is a useful category for price conscious consumers who just want a Rooma for the best possible price. You may be able to meet an older model, but the properties of these Roomba’s are usually more than adequate for your average home. If you are looking for the cheapest Roomba, please refer to the suggestions below.

The Roomba 630

The Roomba 630 is one of the most affordable Roomba vacuums available on the market. It contains all the standard features you would expect from Roomba at a very reasonable price. Here you can read our full review for all details. However, I have included a brief summary below.

The core of the Roomba 630 is the iAdapt and Dirt Detect patented technology systems. These systems are still using Roomba, even in their latest versions. The iAdapt software is designed to ensure that the entire room is completely cleaned thoroughly, leaving no area untouched. Vapor detection allows Roomba to adjust mid-vacuum to different levels of debris and dirt. Once identified, the Roomba 630 will take extra time to clean these “problems”. This effectively mimics what a person would do with a traditional upright vacuum. It’s not always perfect, but it’s pretty close!

The good news is that the Roomba 630 has many standard features or fun features like a virtual wall (1 standard included) to help with space management/containment. This is very useful to clearly define which areas should be cleaned. However, in most cases, you can make your home to be “Roomba-proof” as a result of technical constraints and the fact that there is only one virtual wall available.

First of all, the Roomba 630 is available here for a bargain (price will be updated automatically).

Best Value Roomba

Unlike the budget category, the value category combines affordability with features. In short, if you want to expand your dollar to the furthest of the best features, this is the category for you. The newest Roomba’s usually come at a steep price premium, but sometimes the overdue model is not very different and has a significantly lower sticker price.

The Roomba 770(one of the Best Roomba model)

The Roomba 770 is an excellent balance of affordability and features. It’s a “previous year” generation, but it has many of the most important features that the 800 series has. While you will miss a few extras, overall performance is still more than enough for most homes. You can read our full roomba 770 review here. As before, I included the following key features:

This “middle class” Roomba has a lot to find. Built on the iAdapt and Vapor Detection Systems, the Roomba introduced 770 double HEPA filters to help absorb dust, allergens and other particles while leaving only “clean air”. This is especially useful for pet owners or for people with air sensitivity. A brand new cleaning head is an important feature of the 700 Series, which improves overall cleaning performance. Finally, iRobot added what needed energy management. In total, you’ll see about 50% more battery life versus the 600 series.

As a well-added feature, the 770 comes standard with an infrared remote control, which allows you to manually control the Roomba (if required) without stopping or “chasing”. This is not a huge feature, but it’s definitely a “fun to have”.

You will probably need to scale an additional $ 100 dollar over 630 to buy the 770, but it is still a significant cost savings on the latest models. You can find the latest updated prices here.

The Roomba 860(one of the Best Roomba model)

iRobot recently released the 860 target for budget conscious customers who still want to search for recent technology without the latest prices.

For full roomba 860 reviews, check here. The 860 does not get out of the box, but you can always add virtual walls + accessories (replacement brushes, filters) as you need them. To date, this is the most affordable 800-series robot and can be considered the “new” middle class Roomba (it’s only slightly more expensive than the 770). Check out the latest prices on the 860.

Best overall performance Roomba

In this category you will find the very best roomba model currently on the market. Price is not the main concern, but with the latest features. What you miss with the older models is the newest cutting edge robotics technology that can often form a crucial turning point for Roomba’s. IRobot has a large budget for R & D, so they’re constantly looking for ways to improve their new models with groundbreaking new features. If you need the best and the last, see below my recommendations:

The Roomba 880(one of the Best Roomba model)

The Roomba 880 is the cream of the crop in terms of Roomba’s and robot dredges in general. If you are looking for the latest features and innovations in home robotics, then this is the vacuum for you. Of course you pay a premium. You can read my in-depth analysis of the roomba 880 reviews here. Otherwise, check out the following features:

The roomba 880 binds it all together well. You get automatic docking where the device returns to the home station between sessions, the AeroForce Performance Cleaning System, automated scheduling and iAdapt-responsive technology.

But the 880 also takes a few notches in important areas. First, the AeroForce has extra extractors for optimal airflow, resulting in less maintenance and wear. The added efficiency is up to 5x more than previous versions. Another feature is a larger trash can. This is a long time ago a complaint from Roomba users and iRobot has now been delivered. A smaller feature is the quieter engine. In the past, Roomba’s was criticized as a bit noisier than desired.

If you want the best, you have to pay a little premium. The Roomba 880 models are not cheap, but you can find some good discounts here.

The Roomba 980(one of the best Roomba model)

iRobot just released the Roomba 980 and it’s still the best! It introduces a new app to run the Roomba Web for remote control / management. This is huge. IRobot is the first robotic vacuum cleaner to do this. They also have improved suction power, carpet performance, better navigation (using VSLAM visual localization technology) and lasting battery life. The 980 also goes back to the base to load (like the Roomba 880), but can now pick up where it is automatically switched off. The only disadvantage? It is also expensive for this offer. Still, if the budget is not worried, it is now the best Roomba there. You can read my full Roomba 980 review here.

The Roomba 960(one of the best Roomba model)

If you only want WiFi features but do not worry too much about the other 980 features, the 960 can be the perfect option for you.

You can read the full Roomba 960 review here, but the 960 is essentially an 800-series robot with the same WiFi functionality as the last 980. You can view the latest prices here.

Best Roomba Model Comparison

If you are curious about the other best Roomba model(s) that I have not mentioned, you will find some great robots in the market and it goes through the latest 900-series vacuum. As you can see, the price changes quite dramatically with the 800 series, but you can find some good deals in the 600-700 series, depending on your needs. For the first time robot vacuum buyers, you can not go wrong with each of these, but you get better reliability of the latest models.

When it comes to best Roomba model comparisons, each of them are great choices in their own right. The main thing for you to consider here is how much money you are looking or willing to spend, versus how many features and how much functionality you want out of your Roomba. If you want a really basic one that won’t cost too much, the roomba 650 and roomba 665 make for great choices.

If you want slightly better ones, the 805 and 880 are good options too. If you want the very best Roomba around, you need to go for the 960 (which is also the most expensive). Remember folks, each of these Roombas does a fine job at vacuuming, but the cheaper ones will require more time to clean, plus more maintenance too. I hope this reviews has made your day in picking one of the best Roomba model out there?