When it comes to premium robot vacuums, the iRobot Roomba 980 and 985 stand out as powerful cleaning solutions designed to tackle dirt, dust, and debris with superior efficiency. Both models offer excellent suction power, smart features, and advanced navigation, but what sets them apart? This comparison will dive into the key differences between the Roomba 980 and 985, including their cleaning performance, smart capabilities, design, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetic and Size
The Roomba 980 and 985 share almost identical design features, both sporting a sleek, round black chassis with the signature brushed silver trim around the edges. The build quality is solid, and both models are compact enough to easily fit under most furniture.
| Feature | Roomba 980 | Roomba 985 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.4 x 3.6 inches | 13.4 x 3.6 inches |
| Weight | 8.7 lbs | 8.7 lbs |
| Finish | Black with Silver Trim | Black with Silver Trim |
Both models have the same size and weight, making them equally easy to store and maneuver around the home. The slight design differences are mostly cosmetic, with the Roomba 985 featuring a slight color variation, but this does not affect its functionality.
Cleaning Performance
Suction Power and Brush System
Both the Roomba 980 and 985 come equipped with iRobot’s AeroForce® 3-Stage Cleaning System, featuring Dual Multi-Surface Brushes, a high-efficiency filter, and robust suction. However, the Roomba 985 boasts a slightly more powerful motor, giving it a marginally higher suction capacity, which improves its cleaning efficiency, particularly on carpets.
| Cleaning Aspect | Roomba 980 | Roomba 985 |
|---|---|---|
| Suction Power | High | Very High |
| Brush System | AeroForce® Dual Brushes | AeroForce® Dual Brushes |
Both models deliver excellent cleaning performance on hard floors, low-pile carpets, and high-pile carpets, but the Roomba 985’s superior suction allows it to pick up finer particles and debris more effectively, especially in homes with thicker carpets or pets.
Performance on Various Surfaces
| Surface Type | Roomba 980 Performance | Roomba 985 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwood Floors | Excellent | Excellent |
| Low-Pile Carpets | Excellent | Excellent |
| High-Pile Carpets | Good | Excellent |
Both vacuums are fantastic on hardwood floors and low-pile carpets. However, the Roomba 985 excels in homes with high-pile carpets, offering better suction to lift debris from deeper fibers. Pet owners will also appreciate the enhanced performance of the 985 in removing pet hair from all types of surfaces.
Navigation and Mapping
iAdapt 2.0 Navigation with Visual Localization
The Roomba 980 and 985 feature iAdapt® 2.0 Navigation with Visual Localization, which allows them to map out the environment and clean more efficiently by following a methodical cleaning pattern. This is an upgrade from earlier models that use random navigation. The Roomba 985, however, has some enhanced mapping capabilities that make it more efficient at cleaning large, multi-room spaces.
| Navigation Feature | Roomba 980 | Roomba 985 |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation System | iAdapt® 2.0 with Visual Localization | iAdapt® 2.0 with Visual Localization |
| Smart Mapping | Yes | Yes |
| Obstacle Avoidance | Advanced | Advanced |
Both models use similar advanced navigation, ensuring they clean rooms systematically without missing spots. The Roomba 985, with its refined mapping technology, is slightly faster at covering large areas and can more accurately detect where cleaning is needed.
Battery Life and Runtime
Longer Battery Life on the Roomba 985
Both models feature an impressive battery life, but the Roomba 985 offers slightly better runtime due to an upgraded battery and energy-efficient components.
| Battery Aspect | Roomba 980 | Roomba 985 |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime | ~120 minutes | ~120 minutes |
| Recharge and Resume | Yes | Yes |
Both the Roomba 980 and 985 offer up to 120 minutes of continuous cleaning, and both support the “Recharge and Resume” feature. If the battery runs low during cleaning, the robot will return to its charging dock, recharge, and then resume cleaning from where it left off. This feature is especially helpful for larger homes.
Smart Features
Wi-Fi Connectivity and App Control
Both the Roomba 980 and 985 support Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control them remotely through the iRobot Home app. They also integrate seamlessly with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling voice control.
| Feature | Roomba 980 | Roomba 985 |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| App Control | Advanced | Advanced |
| Voice Commands | Alexa/Google | Alexa/Google |
While both models offer similar app functionalities, the Roomba 985 has a slightly more refined app experience, offering more detailed cleaning reports, customized schedules, and enhanced cleaning options. The Roomba 980’s app provides basic scheduling and remote control, but the 985 offers a more user-friendly interface with additional options for customization.
Maintenance and Accessories
Similar Maintenance Requirements
Both the Roomba 980 and 985 require routine maintenance, such as emptying the dustbin, cleaning the brushes, and replacing the filter every few months. However, the Roomba 985 comes with a larger dustbin, which means you may have to empty it less frequently.
| Maintenance Aspect | Roomba 980 | Roomba 985 |
|---|---|---|
| Dustbin Capacity | 600 ml | 600 ml |
| Filter Type | High-Efficiency | High-Efficiency |
Both models come equipped with the same dustbin capacity and high-efficiency filter, which captures fine particles and allergens, making them suitable for homes with pets or allergy sufferers. Routine maintenance for both models is easy and straightforward, requiring occasional brush cleaning and filter replacement.
Price and Value
| Aspect | Roomba 980 | Roomba 985 |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Higher | Higher |
| Value for Money | Excellent | Excellent |
Although both the Roomba 980 and 985 are premium models, the 985 is usually priced slightly higher due to its improved suction power, longer battery life, and more efficient navigation. However, both vacuums provide excellent value for money, considering their advanced features and cleaning capabilities.
Who Should Choose Which?
| User Type | Recommended Model |
|---|---|
| Small to Medium Homes | Roomba 980 |
| Pet Owners | Roomba 985 |
| High-Pile Carpet Owners | Roomba 985 |
| Tech-Savvy Users | Roomba 985 |
Final Verdict
Both the Roomba 980 and 985 offer exceptional cleaning power, smart features, and efficient navigation. The Roomba 980 is an excellent choice for users who want a high-performance robot vacuum without the need for additional suction power or advanced mapping features. It’s perfect for homes with moderate cleaning needs and is an excellent value for its price.
- Choose the Roomba 980 if you want a reliable, high-quality robot vacuum that performs well on most floor types and offers solid smart features without breaking the bank.
- Opt for the Roomba 985 if you need enhanced suction power, more efficient cleaning, and better performance on high-pile carpets or homes with pets. Its advanced navigation and longer battery life make it an ideal choice for larger homes or more complex cleaning tasks.
Ultimately, the Roomba 985 provides a more powerful, advanced experience, while the Roomba 980 remains a fantastic option for those looking for a premium robot vacuum at a slightly lower price point.