Roomba 694 vs. E5 DETAILED COMPARISON

In this article, we’ll look at the Roomba 694 and E5, the two basic iRobot options.

Roomba 694 is their latest version with a refreshed face, but with the same features as the 675.

While the Roomba E5 combines I and 600-Series functions, it uses the rubber extractors found in newer Roomba models.

Which option is better? I subjected both to an exhaustive series of tests to find out.

COMPARISON of Roomba 694 and E5

 

* If you click on this link and purchase, we will receive a commission at no additional cost.

Roomby 694 vs. E5

In this article, we will focus on the basic Roomba line, specifically the Roomba 694 and E5.

These two variants perfectly encapsulate the various options in this price category.

Roomba 694 is (one of Roomba’s newest products in the category of cheap robotic vacuum cleaners) with the same power, dustbin and power as older vacuum cleaners. 675 and 614but with an updated interface.

The Roomba E5 is an upgrade from the 694 because they both use the same engine and therefore have the same airflow.

One of the differences is the rubber extractors, which offer better mixing, which is evident in the results of the cleaning test (more on that later).

The cheapest variant: Roomba 694

Professionals

• The cheapest option
• Above average bin volume (600 ml)
• Abundance of parts
• Robot Workhorse lasts for years (with proper maintenance)
• It’s not as noisy as high airflow robots Roomba S9 or 980

Disadvantages

• Not good at collecting hair (long strands)
• Inefficient navigation (not suitable for large households)

Higher Class Room products will cost between $ 500 and $ 1,000, sometimes more depending on the season or location.

The Roomba 694 offers a cheaper way to own an iRobot product.

And that brings many benefits. One of them is the number of parts and the easy-to-disassemble modular design.

It’s (basically) the same product as the Roomba 675, but with a refreshed face without a handle.

The 694 has the same engine, trash can and everything else inside.

Like the other entry-level Roomba options, it uses older counter-vacuum cleaners that excel in dirt collection.

However, it retains the basic iRobot navigation, so it snaps in a random direction.

Don’t expect efficiency from this product because it is inexpensive, but it is hard to work and collects dirt well, especially on carpets.

I wouldn’t recommend it in a large home due to random navigation, but it excels in small homes or room-to-room cleaning.

Upgraded version: Roomba E5

Professionals

• Rubber extractors offer better mixing
• Excellent performance on the carpet
• Deeply cleans the carpet better than any cheap robotic vacuum cleaner I’ve tested (over 89%)
• Less hair tangles than the Roomby 694
• Comes with a handle that facilitates movement

Disadvantages

• Low airflow (below 7 CFM)
• Inefficient, random navigation

A level above Roomba 694 is Roomba E5. I think it’s iRobot’s response to consumer concerns that the older brush roller design isn’t able to withstand tangles.

Instead of using the older brush design, iRobot used the green counter-rotating extractors in the I-Series to improve cleaning performance.

The result is the best deep carpet cleaning performance in its class (89.66%), better than any cheap robotic vacuum cleaner I’ve reviewed.

It’s a notch above Roomba 694 and its ability to resist tangles makes it a better choice for pet owners.

Vacuum cleaners are not immune to tangling, but not having bristles makes cleaning easier, with most springs wrapped around the axles.

With these two enhancements, the Roomba E5 is a better choice for carpet and pet owners looking for a basic Roomba to clean their homes.

Unfortunately, it maintains the same navigation as the 600 series and moves randomly.

It is not very efficient and lacks advanced navigation features that are found in higher options such as I6 and S9.

Similarities between Roomba 694 and E5

There are many similarities between these basic Roomba options and I will go through them in this section.

1. Round shape

Roomba 694 and E5 have the same round frame, but slightly different dimensions – 694 is smaller (just a pinch).

The use of a round frame is a way for iRobot to maximize cleaning efficiency, as this shape moves better in tight spaces.

2. Rear waste bin

Both robots have trash bins mounted at the back, but different designs (more on that below).

3. Random navigation

These robots use iRobot’s “adaptive navigation”, which is their imaginative way of saying that it’s being played around them.

But it is smart enough to clean most dirt, even on a smaller area. The larger the area, the less effective it is and the higher the risk that it will not return to its home base.

I would not recommend any of this to larger households due to the inefficient design and lack of VSLAM.

Thanks to the gyroscope and optical navigation sensors, the cheapest Roomba with smart navigation would be the Roomba I3 (without a clean base).

4. Brush layout

Another similarity is the layout of the brushes, as they both use opposing brushes and one side brush.

One difference is the material used for the primary brushes.

5. Interface

Both have a simple interface with only three buttons – home, cleaning and dock.

The rest of the features are available through iRobot.

6. Running time and battery

Like most basic Roomba options, the Roomba 694 and E5 use the same 1800 mAh lithium-ion battery with a stated operating time of 90 minutes.

These robots do not have recharging and recovery, because neither of them has an advanced navigation algorithm, so after recharging, it is written on the dock.

7. Compatible with iRobot Home

Roomba 694 and E5 are compatible with the iRobot home application.

The 694 and E5 versions have no special features, but provide consumers with easy access via their smartphones.

It offers the basics, such as planning and access from anywhere, and the most beneficial aspect would be error code triggers that show consumers what’s wrong and how to fix it.

Differences between Roomba 694 and E5

Next we look at the differences between Roomba 694 and E5.

1. Brush roller material

The biggest difference between these robots is the brush roller material used.

The Roomba 694 uses a combination of bristles and a rubber blade, while the E5 uses newer rubber pullers (same as Roomba series I and S extractors).

2. Trash capacity

While both robots have the same trash can located at the back, their capacity differs.

The Roomby 694 bin is larger at 600 ml compared to the smaller 400 ml volume of the E5.

Another variant is the opening in the Roomby 694 has a wider opening, which facilitates emptying.

The Roomby E5 bin is similar to the I-Series with a narrower revolving door.

3. Filter material

The following deviation is the filter material.

In the previous point, you’ll notice that I shared a photo of the Roomba 694 trash can with the filter door open.

It uses a thinner filter material that sieves poorly, and the thicker E5 filter has a larger surface area.

iRobot says the Roomba E5 uses a highly efficient filter using a thicker paper element. So it is not washable (unfortunately).

Compared to Roomba 694, however, it provides better filtration.

4. Handle

One subtle difference between these robots is the handle present in Roomba E5, which is missing in Roomba 694.

This may or may not be a big issue depending on how your home is organized.

I like the multi-level household handle because it makes it easier and more convenient to transport the robot.

One of my Pets with the Roomba 694 design is the location of the release button in the middle upper part, which you can accidentally press, so there is a risk that the robot will fall to the floor if you are not careful.

Application features

Both robots are compatible with the iRobot application and in this section we will go through the functions.

Don’t expect much from these robots, as they both use a random navigation algorithm.

These lack advanced features such as clean zones or protection zones.

1. Error code explanator

One new iRobot feature introduced in Roomba 694 is an explanation of in-app error codes.

When I reviewed Roomba 675 and E5, I didn’t see this feature. So it’s a welcome upgrade.

It helps users quickly decode what’s wrong with their robot, and there will be many instances when this happens, saving guesswork.

It shows what is wrong and provides suggestions for fixing the error code.

2. Planning

Both applications offer a scheduling feature so consumers can automate the vacuuming task.

But it only allows scheduling once a day, so it’s a limiting factor.

Only higher class I3, I6, S9 and J7 They have multiple schedule options, but you will need to spend more to gain this benefit.

3. History Tab

The history card is like a odometer of these robots. Displays previous cleaning cycles plus duration.

There is no practical function other than informing consumers how much the robot has been used.

Navigation comparison

Next we look at how these robots orient themselves. Both use iRobot “adaptive navigation”, which simply means that it circulates randomly throughout the area.

But it’s not as stupid as I thought, because it can clean up most of the debris.

However, the problem with this algorithm is that it tends to skip space.

Yes, it cleans most areas, but this coverage decreases with increasing room size.

She runs to a point and then tries to return to her home base to recharge.

But be aware that these robots do not have the ability to recharge and recover, so once they dock, they will stay there until you press the purge button again or until the next scheduled cleanup.

Air flow comparison

Robot manufacturers have no universal metrics for publishing performance data, so consumers can guess how much suction each model can have.

It is almost impossible to measure a robot’s suction due to various sensors that prevent it from operating when it is not flat on the ground.

One of the tools that can measure power is an anemometer.

It does not measure suction, but the flow of air passing through the main brush, which is a good metric for performance, because robots with a high air flow tend to collect dirt better.

Here are the results.

• Roomba 694: 7.27 CFM
• Roomba E5: 6.98 CFM

Roomba 694 has a slightly higher airflow than E5, but I consider this difference to be non-factor because the difference is small.

Roomba’s counter-rotating brushes are also designed for maximum dirt trapping, especially on carpets where these robots excel.

Cleaning comparison

Next we look at how the airflow data translates into how well these robots clean.

I tested Quaker oats, quinoa, pet bedding, coffee grounds, hair and sand.

In the table above, you can see that the Roomba E5 was better overall, even though it had a lower airflow.

It is a degree higher and (one of those) rare cases where a robot with a lower air flow has overcome something with a higher air flow.

The above results prove that rubber extractors offer better mixing and scooping than older combinations of bristles and rubber blades.

Which option is better for hard floors?

Roomba E5 is clearly a better option with an eye and measured tests. He picked up more sand on this surface than Roomba 694 (97.3% vs. 96.8%).

Here is before and after for Roomba E5.

A Roomba 694.

Another proof of the better properties of hard floors are the higher overall surface dirt tests (99% vs. 96.3%), which show that rubber vacuum cleaners catch more dirt.

Edge cleaning comparison

One of the disadvantages of the Roomba round frame is the below-average cleaning performance at the edges.

First we look at the photos before and after.

The first is Roomba E5.

A Roomba 694.

Roomba 694 collected more dirt on this surface, but one caveat is that I used a lighter coffee grounds compared to the pet bedding I used with the E5.

But the common theme is that these robots do not have enough airflow to level the narrow brush roller to collect dirt.

Round-frame robots rarely catch effectively in this area.

Some that I tested and that turned out well are Ecovacs T8 AIVI and Ulteni D7.

The former was good due to the higher airflow and two side brushes.

Hair wrap comparison

Another thing we’ll look at is how well these robots have done on the strands of hair.

Roomba 694 gained more hair in five and seven inch tests, which surprised me because E5 doesn’t have bristles.

One silver rim is that the E5 rubber extractors are easier to clean because they have no bristles.

Most of the hair wrapped around its axes.

And some around the side brush.

With the Roomby 694, most of the springs are wound on a bristle brush, which can be more difficult to loosen.

What’s better about a rug?

E5 rubber vacuum cleaners have worked better on the carpet than the more traditional 694 brushes.

It rose a few percentage points higher on surface fragments (98.72% 96.85%) and almost 10% better on embedded sand (89,66% 80.2%).

This deviation may not sound too much on paper, but it is a significant difference given that these robots have the same random navigation.

These tests show that Roomba E5 is better for carpet cleaning.

Runtime comparison

Both robots use the same 1800 mAh lithium-ion battery with the same stated run time 90 minuteswhich is not ideal for large spaces.

None of them have a recharge and recovery function, so I would not recommend any of them for cleaning large households.

Noise comparison

The advantage of using a weak engine is lower noise.

I used a sound level meter to check the noise level and here are the results.

• Roomba 694: 65.6 dB
• Roomba E5: 65.6 dB

Both have the same noise level of 65.6 decibels, which is not surprising because these robots use the same engine.

Maintenance

Like all robotic vacuum cleaners, the Roomba 694 and E5 need some TLC to operate at their peak for years.

Below are the parts you will need to clean or replace.

1. Counter-rotating brushes: Clean these brushes at least once a week (more if you have pets) to remove any accumulated hair or dirt.
2. Side brush: Another hair magnet that needs cleaning every week. Use a Philips screwdriver to remove and loosen the hair cover on the base.
3. Bin: Empty the rubbish bin after each run to prevent it from spilling over the brush roller.
4. Filter: Use a soft bristle brush to remove dirt from the filter. Please note that these filters are not washable, so you will need to use this method or a hand-held vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean and extend life.
5. Fall sensors: Clean the fall sensors under the robot (once a month) to prevent the error code from running and deactivating the robot.
6. Robot frame: Wipe the robot’s body with a clean microfiber cloth at least once a month to prevent dust from accumulating on the surface.

Check out my article on how to do it Roomby 690 cleaning for more details on cleaning the base iRobot product. It’s (basically) the same robot and the steps will be similar.

Product specifications

Model	Roomba 694	Roomba E5
Width	13.4″	13.3″
Height	3.54″	3.6″
Filter	High-Efficiency	High-Efficiency
Navigation	Random	Smart Navigation
Run time	90 mins.	90 mins.
Recharge and Resume	No	No
Map Saving	No	No
Dustbin capacity	600 ml	400 ml
Auto empty capacity	N/A	N/A
Airflow	7.27 CFM (Max)	6.98 CFM
Warranty	1-year limited	1-year limited
Price	Check Price	Check Price

Where can I buy these robotic vacuum cleaners?

Roomba 694 and E5 are available in online stores such as Amazon. For the latest pricing information, see the links below.

• Roomba 694

BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

• Roomba E5

BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

Disclaimer: I earn a commission when you buy through any of the links above, but at no additional cost to you, so it’s a win for us!

Which is better choice, Roomba 694 or E5?

There is not much difference in price between these options, so it should not be the deciding factor.

But the design of the brush roller can influence your decision in both directions.

Newer Roomba E5 rubber vacuum cleaners are better at trapping dirt, especially on carpets, with an increase of almost 10% on embedded sand.

The more traditional Roomby 694 brushes are good, but they are more difficult to maintain and take up less than E5.

However, the Roomba 694 is newer with better availability than the Roomba E5, currently out of stock on Amazon.

3 reasons to choose Roomba 694

1. Cheapest variant Roomba: Roomba 694 is the cheapest offer of iRobot robotic vacuum cleaners.
2. Larger bins: Its 600 ml capacity is 40% larger than the 400 ml E5 volume.
3. Quality carpet cleaning: Despite the low airflow, the Roomba 694 captures dirt on the carpet in a decent percentage.

3 reasons to choose Roomba E5

1. Better on carpets: E5 rubber extractors provide better mixing, which is reflected in carpet cleaning tests.
2. Easier roller cleaning: This variant uses rubber extractors, which are easier to clean than the more traditional Roomba 694 brushes.
3. Excellent deep cleaning: The 89% E5 score is one of the best robotic vacuum cleaners I’ve tested.

Verdict: Roomba E5 is a better choice

While these robotic vacuum cleaners are close in every aspect, the Roomba E5 is a better choice in my opinion.

Rubber vacuum cleaners have proven to be a better tool for vacuuming dirt, especially on carpets (surface and settled dirt).

Its lack of bristles also makes cleaning easier than the more traditional Roomby 694 brushes.

If you can find a brand new or even refurbished E5, this is a good choice with full availability of iRobot parts.

You can buy a second-hand robot and buy brand new spare parts to get a whole new performance.