When it comes to robotic vacuums, the Roomba 980 and Roborock S6 are two of the most popular models on the market. Both offer advanced cleaning systems, smart navigation, and powerful suction, but they are designed with slightly different priorities in mind. In this detailed comparison, we will break down the key differences and similarities between the Roomba 980 and Roborock S6, helping you determine which robotic vacuum is the best fit for your home.
Key Specifications: Roomba 980 vs Roborock S6
First, let’s look at the key specifications of both the Roomba 980 and Roborock S6 to understand their core features and performance capabilities.
| Feature | Roomba 980 | Roborock S6 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.9 x 3.6 inches | 13.8 x 3.8 inches |
| Weight | 8.7 lbs | 7.8 lbs |
| Battery Life | Up to 120 minutes | Up to 180 minutes |
| Suction Power | 1,800 Pa | 2,000 Pa |
| Brush System | AeroForce® Dual Brushes | Main Brush + Side Brush |
| Navigation | iAdapt® 2.0 Navigation with Visual Localization | LiDAR Navigation + Smart Mapping |
| Mapping | Yes (Imprint Smart Mapping) | Yes (Multi-floor Mapping) |
| Dustbin Capacity | 600 ml | 460 ml |
| Water Tank for Mopping | No | Yes (Optional) |
| Filter Type | High-Efficiency Filter | High-Efficiency Filter |
| App Control | iRobot Home app | Mi Home / Roborock app |
| Voice Control | Alexa/Google Assistant | Alexa/Google Assistant |
| Automatic Dirt Disposal | No | No |
| Price Range | Premium | Premium |
Cleaning Performance: Roomba 980 vs Roborock S6
Suction Power and Brush System
When it comes to raw suction power, the Roborock S6 has the edge. With a suction capacity of 2,000 Pa, it is more powerful than the Roomba 980, which offers 1,800 Pa. This higher suction power allows the Roborock S6 to better handle deep-cleaning tasks, especially on carpets, where it excels in pulling out embedded dirt, dust, and pet hair.
The Roomba 980, however, is equipped with iRobot’s AeroForce® Dual Brushes, which help to clean effectively on both carpets and hard floors. While it may not have the same suction power as the Roborock S6, its brush system is specifically designed to pick up debris efficiently across a variety of surfaces.
| Surface Type | Roomba 980 Performance | Roborock S6 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwood Floors | Excellent | Excellent |
| Low-Pile Carpets | Excellent | Excellent |
| Medium-Pile Carpets | Excellent | Excellent |
| High-Pile Carpets | Very Good | Excellent (Deep Cleaning) |
| Pet Hair | Excellent | Excellent |
Mopping Feature
One key advantage of the Roborock S6 over the Roomba 980 is its mopping functionality. The S6 comes with an optional water tank that allows it to perform dry and wet cleaning in a single pass. This makes the S6 an excellent option for homes with a mix of hard floors that need both sweeping and mopping.
In contrast, the Roomba 980 does not offer any mopping capabilities, focusing solely on vacuuming. If you are looking for a robot vacuum that can also mop, the Roborock S6 will be the superior option.
Navigation and Mapping: Roomba 980 vs Roborock S6
Both the Roomba 980 and Roborock S6 utilize advanced navigation systems to clean your home efficiently, but they operate in different ways.
Roomba 980 Navigation
The Roomba 980 uses iAdapt® 2.0 Navigation with Visual Localization, which helps it map your home and navigate it intelligently. It uses a combination of sensors and cameras to detect obstacles and ensure a thorough clean. The Roomba 980 can navigate around furniture, under beds, and over door thresholds with ease. It also offers “Imprint Smart Mapping,” which allows the vacuum to create an evolving map of your home for more efficient cleaning sessions.
While the iAdapt® 2.0 system is reliable, it is not as advanced as the LiDAR system used by the Roborock S6.
Roborock S6 Navigation
The Roborock S6 features a LiDAR-based navigation system, which offers a more precise and accurate mapping experience compared to the Roomba 980. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) helps the vacuum create an accurate map of your home in real-time, allowing it to navigate more efficiently and clean in a systematic manner. The Roborock S6 can also store multiple floor plans, making it ideal for multi-level homes.
The Roborock S6’s navigation allows it to clean in a more methodical, back-and-forth pattern, ensuring that no areas are missed. It also offers more efficient cleaning paths and reduces the chances of getting stuck, making it a more reliable option for complex layouts.
Battery Life and Runtime: Roomba 980 vs Roborock S6
Battery life is a critical factor when choosing a robotic vacuum, especially for larger homes.
The Roomba 980 provides up to 120 minutes of continuous cleaning on a single charge. This is sufficient for cleaning medium to large homes, but it may require recharging in larger spaces.
The Roborock S6 boasts a longer battery life of up to 180 minutes, making it ideal for larger homes or homes with multiple levels. With its longer runtime, the Roborock S6 can cover more ground before needing to recharge, which is especially helpful for those with expansive living spaces.
Filtration and Allergy Protection
Both the Roomba 980 and Roborock S6 feature high-efficiency filters that capture dust, dirt, and allergens. These filters are designed to improve indoor air quality by trapping fine particles, making both vacuums suitable for homes with allergy sufferers.
The Roomba 980 uses a high-efficiency filter that traps 99% of dirt, dust, and allergens, making it an excellent choice for allergy-prone households. The Roborock S6’s high-efficiency filter offers similar performance, capturing small particles and allergens, ensuring that the air quality in your home remains optimal.
| Feature | Roomba 980 | Roborock S6 |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Type | High-Efficiency Filter | High-Efficiency Filter |
| Pet Hair | Excellent | Excellent |
| Air Quality | Good (99% filtration) | Good (99% filtration) |
Price and Value: Roomba 980 vs Roborock S6
Both the Roomba 980 and Roborock S6 are premium robotic vacuums, but the Roborock S6 offers a few additional features, such as longer battery life, mopping functionality, and LiDAR navigation, which may justify its slightly higher price.
The Roomba 980, while offering solid cleaning performance and reliable navigation, is more affordable than the Roborock S6, especially considering it lacks mopping functionality and the advanced LiDAR system.
| Feature | Roomba 980 | Roborock S6 |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Premium | Premium |
| Value for Money | Excellent for straightforward vacuuming | Excellent for multi-surface cleaning and mopping |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the Roomba 980 if:
- You need a reliable, high-performing vacuum that excels on both carpets and hard floors.
- You don’t need mopping capabilities and prefer a more traditional vacuuming experience.
- You are looking for a robot vacuum with a solid balance of performance and affordability.
Choose the Roborock S6 if:
- You want a vacuum with superior battery life and a longer runtime for larger homes.
- You need a vacuum that can both sweep and mop for a more complete cleaning solution.
- You prefer a more advanced navigation system with multi-floor mapping and systematic cleaning.
Final Verdict
Both the Roomba 980 and Roborock S6 are excellent robotic vacuums, each offering a range of features designed to meet specific needs. The Roomba 980 excels in reliable performance, particularly on carpets and hard floors, while the Roborock S6 offers more advanced navigation, longer battery life, and additional mopping functionality.
If you’re seeking a vacuum that can handle both sweeping and mopping, and if you need the most efficient cleaning path with the best battery life, the Roborock S6 is the better choice. However, if you are on a budget or don’t need mopping capabilities, the Roomba 980 will still deliver outstanding results in terms of cleaning performance and value.