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121
Highlights
50
Differences
8
Reactions
0
Likes
iRobot Roomba 980
vs
iRobot Roomba 981:
121 Highlights & 50 Differences —
So, Which Robot Vacuum Actually Works Better
Learn how the Roomba 980 and 981 compare in cleaning efficiency. Find out which robot better suits your flooring and mess types.
What sets iRobot Roomba 980 apart from iRobot Roomba 981? This robot vacuums face-off compares specs like battery type, cliff sensors, noise level & extra filters and beyond.
iRobot Roomba 980 vs iRobot Roomba 981: In-Depth Comparison for Smart Home Cleaning
The iRobot Roomba 980 and iRobot Roomba 981 are both solid contenders in the Roomba 900 Series lineup, designed with pet owners and larger living spaces in mind. Each robot vacuum features a rechargeable Li-Ion battery offering around 120 minutes of runtime, with user-friendly app controls and voice assistant compatibility for seamless smart home integration. They share core navigation technology based on camera systems with SLAM support, enabling room recognition and virtual no-go zones. However, their differences become clear in navigation sophistication, cleaning technology, filtration, and smart features, providing distinct user experiences based on your cleaning needs and budget.
Why the iRobot Roomba 980 Raises the Bar on Smart Vacuuming
Cleaning-wise, the 980 employs a rubber main brush combined with auto-boost on carpets and an impressive top-positioned dustbin featuring auto dustbin lock and dust compression. These innovations enhance hygiene through the HEPA plus secondary filtration, ideal for allergen-sensitive households. Fast charging and a long-lasting battery cycle life of 300 rounds further solidify its premium status. The 980 also impresses with extended smart features like AI-powered obstacle recognition, do-not-disturb modes, and maintenance alerts, along with extra sensors for enhanced safety, including ultrasonic and magnetic detection.
The iRobot Roomba 981: Budget-Friendly Efficiency With Essential Features
The Roomba 981 has a more straightforward cleaning strategy using a hybrid main brush that excels in picking up 99% of dirt according to its specs, which beats the 980's 97%. Its superior 95% edge cleaning efficiency and ability to handle taller obstacles reinforce its capability for homes where debris variety and floor transitions are common.
This model retains helpful smart features, including scheduling, app control, and voice compatibility, but skips advanced mapping perks like multi-floor support or real-time mapping. It trades top-tier dustbin features for a simpler rear dustbin without dust compression and locks. The 981's quieter performance at 60 dB is a notable advantage for noise-sensitive environments. Though lacking fast charging and additional sensor arrays, the 981 covers the basics well and is supported by modular component replacements for easier repairs. All of this comes at a significant savings; currently available for around $251.00 at Amazon.
Quick Take of iRobot 980 vs 981: Strengths of iRobot Roomba 980 and 981
The Roomba 980 wins with its advanced, adaptive navigation and extensive smart mapping options, complemented by superior filtration and hygienic dustbin operation; perfect for tech-savvy users with complex home layouts. Conversely, the Roomba 981 delivers excellent dirt pickup and quieter operation with a hybrid brush system, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want reliable cleaning in straightforward floor plans.
Bottom Line: Smart Tech vs Practical Value
If you desire cutting-edge robotic vacuum technology with intelligent navigation, detailed room control, and maximized allergen filtration, the iRobot Roomba 980 is unquestionably the better investment despite its higher cost. On the other hand, the iRobot Roomba 981 serves admirably as an affordable alternative that maintains strong cleaning performance and quieter operation, suitable for simpler homes or users prioritizing budget over bells and whistles.
Verdict
Winner: iRobot Roomba 980 - For advanced navigation, multi-floor mapping, superior filtration, and a comprehensive smart feature set ideal for demanding cleaning scenarios.
Runner-up: iRobot Roomba 981 - For cost-conscious users seeking strong dirt pickup, quieter cleaning, and essential smart functions without advanced mapping or premium dustbin tech.
Side by side. The numbers. The features. No drama.
From feature sets to real-life wins and flaws, this robot vacuums comparison between iRobot Roomba 980 and iRobot Roomba 981 helps you cut through the noise.
One-year standard warranty, with excellent customer service and support.
Duration of warranty coverage in years.
In the battle of Warranty Period,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
59 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Warranty Period on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Product Name
What is the product name?
90
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
71
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
iRobot Roomba 980
The Roomba 980 is a high-end model from iRobot, offering smart features like Wi-Fi control and visual localization.
The official name of the robot vacuum.
In the battle of Product Name,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
19 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Product Name on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Model Line
What is the model line?
88
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
Roomba 900 Series
66
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
Roomba 900 Series
iRobot Roomba 980
Part of the 900 series, known for advanced navigation and cleaning technology.
Series or family name the product belongs to.
In the battle of Model Line,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
22 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Model Line on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Release Year
What year was it released?
80
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
2015
63
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
2018
iRobot Roomba 980
Released in 2015, still one of the top models in iRobot's lineup.
vs
Score History
Updated at 2025-12-17 04:59:58: 0Updated at 2025-12-22 08:34:23: 87Updated at 2026-04-10 03:25:31: 80
Score info for iRobot Roomba 981:
We base our scoring on 'Release Year' on the following:
Score 80: Moderately recent but older than 2019 and later.. Score reduced because release date is older
The year the robot vacuum was released.
In the battle of Release Year,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
17 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Release Year on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Color Options
What color options are available?
75
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
Black
63
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
Black
iRobot Roomba 980
Sleek black finish with a glossy top.
vs
Score History
Updated at 2025-12-17 04:59:58: 0Updated at 2025-12-22 08:34:23: 80Updated at 2026-04-10 03:25:31: 75
Score info for iRobot Roomba 981:
We base our scoring on 'Color Options' on the following:
Score 75: Common and basic color finish.. Score reduced because release date is older
The available color finishes for the product.
In the battle of Color Options,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
12 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Color Options on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Target Audience
Who is this designed for?
90
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
Pet Owners, Large Homes, Small Apartments
56
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
Pet Owners, Large Homes, Small Apartments
iRobot Roomba 980
Versatile for pet owners and larger homes, but also great for smaller spaces thanks to smart mapping.
vs
Score History
Updated at 2025-12-17 04:59:58: 0Updated at 2025-12-22 08:34:23: 82Updated at 2026-04-10 03:25:31: 80
Score info for iRobot Roomba 981:
We base our scoring on 'Target Audience' on the following:
Score 80: User base specifies a particular demographic, indicating some specialization. | User base defined by physical size, basic categorization without advanced implication. | Similar to Large Homes, size-based categorization without advanced relevance.. Score reduced because release date is older
Intended user base for the product.
In the battle of Target Audience,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
34 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Target Audience on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Model Number
What is the model number?
85
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
r980R99
63
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
R981020
Unique identifier used for the vacuum model.
In the battle of Model Number,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
22 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Model Number on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Finish Material
What is the finish material?
80
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
Plastic
33
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
Plastic
vs
Score History
Updated at 2025-12-17 04:59:58: 0Updated at 2025-12-22 08:34:23: 78Updated at 2026-04-10 03:25:31: 80
Score info for iRobot Roomba 981:
We base our scoring on 'Finish Material' on the following:
Score 80: Basic exterior build material without advanced surface finish.. Score reduced because release date is older
The exterior build material or surface finish.
In the battle of Finish Material,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
47 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Finish Material on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Country of Manufacture
Where is it manufactured?
75
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
China
26
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
China
vs
Score History
Updated at 2025-12-17 04:59:58: 0Updated at 2025-12-22 08:34:23: 80Updated at 2026-04-10 03:25:31: 75
Score info for iRobot Roomba 981:
We base our scoring on 'Country of Manufacture' on the following:
Score 75: Basic country name only, no additional detail.. Score reduced because release date is older
The country where the product is manufactured.
In the battle of Country of Manufacture,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
49 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Country of Manufacture on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
iRobot Roomba 980
Packaging dimensions ensure safe shipping and storage.
The width of the retail package.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Package Width on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Width
What is the width?
13.8
inch
0Votes
13.9
inch
0Votes
vs
Width
Width for iRobot Roomba 980 is 13.8 inches, while iRobot Roomba 981 is slightly larger at 13.9 inches. The 0.1 inch difference (0.25 cm) is minimal, suitable for users needing compact dimensions.
The width of the robot vacuum.
In the battle of Width,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
lower
0.1 inch
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Width on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Depth
What is the depth?
13.8
inch
0Votes
13.9
inch
0Votes
vs
Depth
Depth for iRobot Roomba 980 is 13.8 inches, compared to 13.9 inches on iRobot Roomba 981, making the 981 marginally deeper by 0.1 inch (0.25 cm). Both are nearly identical in depth.
The depth of the robot vacuum.
In the battle of Depth,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
lower
0.1 inch
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Depth on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Height
What is the height?
3.6
inch
0Votes
3.6
inch
0Votes
vs
Height
Height is identical at 3.6 inches for both iRobot Roomba 980 and iRobot Roomba 981, indicating similar clearance under furniture and ease of storage.
The height of the robot vacuum.
In the battle of Height,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
equal
3.60 inch
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Height on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Weight
What is the weight?
8.7
lbs
0Votes
8.7
lbs
0Votes
vs
Weight
Weight is the same at 8.7 lbs (3.95 kg) for both iRobot Roomba 980 and iRobot Roomba 981, offering equal portability and handling.
The weight of the robot vacuum.
In the battle of Weight,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
equal
8.70 lbs
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Weight on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Ground Clearance
What is the ground clearance?
0.4
inch
0Votes
0.5
inch
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
1 cm clearance, enabling Roomba to glide over thresholds and carpets.
iRobot Roomba 981
The 0.5-inch clearance (1.27 cm) allows the Roomba 981 to move across most floors, but it may struggle with very thick carpets or rugs.
The clearance between the vacuum’s underside and the floor.
In the battle of Ground Clearance,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
worse than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
lower
0.1 inch
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Ground Clearance on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Package Depth
What is the package depth?
19.5
inch
0Votes
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
iRobot Roomba 980
Size allows room for safe packaging of accessories.
The depth of the retail package.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Package Depth on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Package Height
What is the package height?
7.5
inch
0Votes
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
iRobot Roomba 980
Compact, easy-to-store packaging size.
The height of the retail package.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Package Height on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Package Weight
What is the package weight?
12.5
lbs
0Votes
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
iRobot Roomba 980
Equivalent to about 5.67 kg, includes both the robot and its accessories.
The total weight of the product package.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Package Weight on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Dock Width
What is the dock width?
5.5
inch
0Votes
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
iRobot Roomba 980
About 14 cm, standard for docking stations.
The width of the docking station.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Dock Width on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Dock Depth
What is the dock depth?
6.5
inch
0Votes
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
iRobot Roomba 980
Ensures stability when Roomba docks.
The depth of the docking station.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Dock Depth on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Dock Height
What is the dock height?
3.5
inch
0Votes
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
iRobot Roomba 980
About 8.9 cm, suitable for under-counter or baseboard clearance.
The height of the docking station.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Dock Height on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Dock Weight
What is the dock weight?
1.5
lbs
0Votes
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
iRobot Roomba 980
Equivalent to about 0.68 kg, lightweight and portable.
The weight of the docking station.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Dock Weight on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
In the battle of Night Vision Navigation,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Night Vision Navigation on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Cloud Map Sync is supported by iRobot Roomba 980 but not by Roomba 981, enabling 980 users to sync maps via cloud services.
Ability to sync maps via cloud.
In the battle of Cloud Map Sync,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
43 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Cloud Map Sync on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Navigation Type
What is the navigation type?
90
iRobot Roomba 980
1Votes
Adaptive, Structured
36
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
Random, Adaptive
vs
Navigation Type
Navigation Type differs: iRobot Roomba 980 uses Adaptive, Structured navigation, while Roomba 981 relies on Random, Adaptive. The 980 likely provides more systematic cleaning, ideal for organized coverage.
vs
Score History
Updated at 2025-12-17 04:59:58: 0Updated at 2025-12-22 08:34:23: 83Updated at 2026-04-10 03:25:31: 85
Score info for iRobot Roomba 981:
We base our scoring on 'Navigation Type' on the following:
Score 85: Basic, non-systematic navigation, lowest advancement. | Implies some ability to adjust navigation, showing moderate advancement.. Score reduced because release date is older
The basic navigation method used by the vacuum.
In the battle of Navigation Type,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
54 score
measurement.
Based on community votes for Navigation Type,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ earned
1 votes,
more than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉,
which got 0 votes.
I definitely prefer the adaptive and structured navigation. It makes a huge difference in how efficiently the robot cleans my home. Random navigation just doesnt cut it for me.
See more
Camera Based Navigation
Does it use camera navigation?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
vs
Camera Based Navigation
Both iRobot Roomba 980 and Roomba 981 feature Camera Based Navigation, aiding precise room mapping and navigation.
Uses a built-in camera for navigation.
In the battle of Camera Based Navigation,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
3 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Camera Based Navigation on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Multi Floor Mapping
Does it support multi-floor mapping?
Yes
1Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
vs
Multi Floor Mapping
Multi Floor Mapping is supported by iRobot Roomba 980 but not by Roomba 981, making 980 better for homes with multiple floors.
Can store multiple floor maps.
In the battle of Multi Floor Mapping,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
46 score
measurement.
Based on community votes for Multi Floor Mapping,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ earned
1 votes,
more than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉,
which got 0 votes.
Multi-floor mapping is essential for my house with multiple levels. The 980 offering this feature is a clear winner for me. It saves so much hassle.
See more
LIDAR Sensor
Does it use LIDAR?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
iRobot Roomba 980
This model uses camera-based navigation instead of LIDAR, making it less expensive while still accurate.
Laser-based sensor for precise mapping.
In the battle of LIDAR Sensor,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
LIDAR Sensor on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
SLAM Support
Does it support SLAM?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
vs
SLAM Support
SLAM Support is present in both iRobot Roomba 980 and Roomba 981, enhancing simultaneous localization and mapping for efficient cleaning paths.
Supports simultaneous localization and mapping.
In the battle of SLAM Support,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
6 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
SLAM Support on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Mapping Technology
What mapping technology is used?
88
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
Camera
53
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
Camera
vs
Mapping Technology
Mapping Technology for both is Camera-based, supporting visual environment mapping during cleaning sessions.
vs
Score History
Updated at 2025-12-17 04:59:58: 0Updated at 2025-12-22 08:34:23: 85Updated at 2026-04-10 03:25:31: 88
Score info for iRobot Roomba 981:
We base our scoring on 'Mapping Technology' on the following:
Score 88: Basic visual input, less advanced than sensor fusion or AI.. Score reduced because release date is older
The system used to map the cleaning area.
In the battle of Mapping Technology,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
35 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Mapping Technology on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
3D Mapping Support
Does it support 3D mapping?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
iRobot Roomba 980
Does not support 3D mapping, but uses its camera for effective 2D floor tracking.
Provides 3D home layout mapping.
In the battle of 3D Mapping Support,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
3D Mapping Support on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Map Edit Support
Can you edit maps?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
vs
Map Edit Support
Map Edit Support is available on Roomba 980 but absent on Roomba 981, allowing 980 users to customize maps.
Allows editing maps to merge or split rooms.
In the battle of Map Edit Support,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
43 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Map Edit Support on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Map Export Import
Can maps be shared or imported?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
vs
Map Export Import
Map Export Import is available on Roomba 980 but missing on Roomba 981, providing advanced map management only to 980 users.
Export or import maps between devices.
In the battle of Map Export Import,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
43 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Map Export Import on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Auto Partitioning
Does it auto partition rooms?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
vs
Auto Partitioning
Auto Partitioning feature exists in iRobot Roomba 980 but not in 981, allowing automatic division of cleaning zones for 980 users.
Automatically divides rooms for cleaning.
In the battle of Auto Partitioning,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
44 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Auto Partitioning on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Obstacle Detection
Does it detect obstacles?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
vs
Obstacle Detection
Obstacle Detection is present in both iRobot Roomba 980 and Roomba 981, helping avoid collisions during cleaning.
Ability to detect and avoid obstacles.
In the battle of Obstacle Detection,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
4 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Obstacle Detection on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Virtual Walls/No-Go Zones
Can you set no-go zones?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
vs
Virtual Walls/No-Go Zones
Virtual Walls/No-Go Zones feature is supported by both models, allowing users to block off areas via app control.
Ability to set virtual boundaries in the app.
In the battle of Virtual Walls/No-Go Zones,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
6 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Virtual Walls/No-Go Zones on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Room Recognition
Does it recognize rooms?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
iRobot Roomba 980
Enables Roomba to identify and clean individual rooms separately.
Detects and labels different rooms.
In the battle of Room Recognition,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
4 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Room Recognition on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Docking Sensor
Does it have a docking sensor?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
vs
Docking Sensor
Docking Sensor is included in both models, aiding efficient return and docking.
Helps the robot align with the dock for charging.
In the battle of Docking Sensor,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
4 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Docking Sensor on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Map Storage Capacity
How many maps can it store?
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
Number of maps the device can store.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Map Storage Capacity on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Max Floor Count
How many floors are supported?
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
Maximum number of floors supported.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Max Floor Count on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
About 17 cm, good for cleaning both narrow and wide spaces.
iRobot Roomba 981
A 6.5-inch (16.5 cm) cleaning path is narrow compared to some competitors, meaning it may need multiple passes to clean larger areas efficiently.
Width of the cleaning path.
In the battle of Cleaning Path Width,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
0.2 inch
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Cleaning Path Width on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Carpet Detection Sensor exists in both models, enabling performance adjustment on carpets.
Detects carpets to adjust suction.
In the battle of Carpet Detection Sensor,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
4 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Carpet Detection Sensor on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
Number of adjustable suction settings.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Max Suction Levels on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Edge Cleaning Mode is available on both models, improving cleaning along walls and corners.
Special mode for cleaning edges and corners.
In the battle of Edge Cleaning Mode,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
3 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Edge Cleaning Mode on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Dirt Pickup Rate
What is the dirt pickup rate?
97
%
0Votes
99
%
1Votes
vs
Dirt Pickup Rate
Dirt Pickup Rate is 97% on Roomba 980 and 99% on Roomba 981, indicating slightly more efficient cleaning for the 981.
Percentage of dirt collected in one pass.
In the battle of Dirt Pickup Rate,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
worse than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
lower
2.0 %
measurement.
Based on community votes for Dirt Pickup Rate,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ earned
0 votes,
less than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉,
which got 1 votes.
A higher dirt pickup rate is key especially with pets. The 981s 99% pickup rate sounds really impressive. Id lean towards that for better cleaning.
See more
Edge Coverage Efficiency
What is the edge coverage efficiency?
90
%
0Votes
95
%
0Votes
vs
Edge Coverage Efficiency
Edge Coverage Efficiency is 90% for Roomba 980, improved to 95% on 981, enhancing edge cleaning for 981 users.
Efficiency of cleaning near edges.
In the battle of Edge Coverage Efficiency,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
worse than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
lower
5.0 %
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Edge Coverage Efficiency on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Max Cleaning Area
What is the max cleaning area?
2,000
sq ft
0Votes
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
iRobot Roomba 980
Ideal for homes up to 186 m², covering large areas in a single cleaning cycle.
Maximum area the vacuum can clean per charge.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Max Cleaning Area on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Updated at 2025-12-17 04:59:58: 0Updated at 2025-12-22 08:34:23: 82Updated at 2026-04-10 03:25:31: 80
Score info for iRobot Roomba 981:
We base our scoring on 'Floor Type Compatibility' on the following:
Score 80: Common surface type, basic material.. Score reduced because release date is older
Surfaces the vacuum is designed for.
In the battle of Floor Type Compatibility,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
47 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Floor Type Compatibility on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Max Carpet Height
What is the max carpet height?
0.8
inch
0Votes
0.5
inch
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Works well with most carpets but may struggle with higher pile options.
Maximum carpet thickness it can climb.
In the battle of Max Carpet Height,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
0.3 inch
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Max Carpet Height on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Max Obstacle Height
What is the max obstacle height?
0.5
inch
0Votes
1
inch
0Votes
vs
Max Obstacle Height
Max Obstacle Height is 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) for Roomba 980, higher at 1 inch (2.54 cm) for Roomba 981, benefiting 981 in obstacle traversal.
Maximum obstacle height it can climb.
In the battle of Max Obstacle Height,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
worse than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
lower
0.5 inch
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Max Obstacle Height on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Suction Power
What is the suction power?
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
Measures the vacuum’s suction strength.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Suction Power on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Max Airflow
What is the max airflow?
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
Maximum airflow delivered by the motor.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Max Airflow on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Auto Boost on Carpet
Does it auto boost on carpet?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Increases suction when cleaning carpets.
In the battle of Auto Boost on Carpet,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
4 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Auto Boost on Carpet on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Side Brushes
How many side brushes does it have?
90
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
1
13
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
1
vs
Score History
Updated at 2025-12-17 04:59:58: 0Updated at 2025-12-22 08:34:23: 88Updated at 2026-04-10 03:25:31: 90
Score info for iRobot Roomba 981:
We base our scoring on 'Side Brushes' on the following:
Score 90: Represents a single side brush, indicating a basic configuration.. Score reduced because release date is older
Number of side brushes installed.
In the battle of Side Brushes,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
77 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Side Brushes on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Auto Brush Adjust
Does it auto adjust the brush?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
vs
Auto Brush Adjust
Auto Brush Adjust feature exists on both iRobot Roomba 980 and 981, enhancing brush performance on different surfaces.
Brush height adjusts to surface.
In the battle of Auto Brush Adjust,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
4 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Auto Brush Adjust on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Max Brush Speed
What is the max brush speed?
1,000
RPM
0Votes
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
vs
Max Brush Speed
Max Brush Speed is 1000 RPM on Roomba 980, unavailable on 981, suggesting 980 offers specified brush rotation speed.
Maximum rotation speed of the main brush.
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Max Brush Speed on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Spot Cleaning Mode
Does it support spot cleaning?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
vs
Spot Cleaning Mode
Spot Cleaning Mode is supported by both iRobot Roomba variants, good for concentrated messes.
Cleans a small targeted area.
In the battle of Spot Cleaning Mode,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
3 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Spot Cleaning Mode on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Auto Dirt Detection
Does it detect dirt levels?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Detects high dirt concentration areas.
In the battle of Auto Dirt Detection,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
4 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Auto Dirt Detection on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Max Cleaning Cycles Per Day
How many cleaning cycles per day?
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
Maximum number of cleaning runs per day.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Max Cleaning Cycles Per Day on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Dustbin Material is Transparent on Roomba 980 and Plastic on Roomba 981, impacting visual bin status monitoring.
Material used for dustbin construction.
In the battle of Dustbin Material,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
worse than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
lower
8 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Dustbin Material on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Dust compression is a game changer for larger homes and less frequent emptying. It means I dont have to deal with the dustbin as often. The 980 takes the lead here.
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
31
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
2
vs
Filter Layers
Filter Layers count is unavailable on Roomba 980, but Roomba 981 has 2 layers, indicating enhanced filtration in 981.
vs
Score History
Updated at 2025-12-17 04:59:58: 0Updated at 2025-12-22 08:34:23: 75Updated at 2026-04-10 03:25:31: 85
Score info for iRobot Roomba 981:
We base our scoring on 'Filter Layers' on the following:
Score 85: Two filter layers, more advanced than one layer.. Score reduced because release date is older
Number of filter layers in system.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Filter Layers on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Dustbin Capacity
What is the dustbin capacity?
20.22
oz
0Votes
20.28
oz
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Approximately 600 ml, large enough for multiple cleaning cycles before needing to be emptied.
iRobot Roomba 981
With a 10.14 oz (300 mL) dustbin, it can hold a reasonable amount of dirt for its compact size, although it requires regular emptying.
Maximum dustbin volume.
In the battle of Dustbin Capacity,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
worse than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
lower
0.1 oz
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Dustbin Capacity on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Filtration Type
What filtration type is used?
75
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
HEPA
83
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
HEPA
iRobot Roomba 980
Captures 99% of allergens, ideal for allergy sufferers and homes with pets.
iRobot Roomba 981
The HEPA filter traps small particles like pet dander, making it an excellent choice for homes with allergies or pets.
vs
Score History
Updated at 2025-12-17 04:59:58: 0Updated at 2025-12-22 08:34:23: 87Updated at 2026-04-10 03:25:31: 90
Score info for iRobot Roomba 981:
We base our scoring on 'Filtration Type' on the following:
Score 90: High-efficiency particulate filter; considered advanced among listed types.. Score reduced because release date is older
Type of filter system installed.
In the battle of Filtration Type,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
worse than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
lower
8 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Filtration Type on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Dustbin Position
Where is the dustbin positioned?
80
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
Top
63
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
Back
vs
Dustbin Position
Dustbin Position differs: Top on Roomba 980 and Back on Roomba 981, affecting convenience of access depending on preference.
vs
Score History
Updated at 2025-12-17 04:59:58: 0Updated at 2025-12-22 08:34:23: 78Updated at 2026-04-10 03:25:31: 75
Score info for iRobot Roomba 981:
We base our scoring on 'Dustbin Position' on the following:
Score 75: Common dustbin location, neither distinctly modern nor outdated.. Score reduced because release date is older
Where the dustbin is located in the vacuum.
In the battle of Dustbin Position,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
17 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Dustbin Position on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Secondary Filter
Does it have a secondary filter?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
iRobot Roomba 980
Provides additional filtration for improved air quality.
Additional filter stage beyond main.
In the battle of Secondary Filter,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
47 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Secondary Filter on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Max Dust Retention Efficiency
What is the dust retention efficiency?
99
%
0Votes
99
%
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Ensures excellent dust and allergen capture.
Efficiency of capturing fine dust.
In the battle of Max Dust Retention Efficiency,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
equal
99.00 %
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Max Dust Retention Efficiency on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Anti Allergen System
Does it have an anti-allergen system?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
iRobot Roomba 980
Helps reduce allergens, making it beneficial for homes with sensitive individuals.
Designed to trap allergens and dust mites.
In the battle of Anti Allergen System,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
1 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Anti Allergen System on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Auto Dustbin Lock
Does it have an auto dustbin lock?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Prevents dust escape when removing bin.
In the battle of Auto Dustbin Lock,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
47 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Auto Dustbin Lock on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Emptying Cycle Period
What is the emptying cycle duration?
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
The maximum period for the robot vacuum to empty the dustbin.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Emptying Cycle Period on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Bin Full Indicator
Does it have a bin full indicator?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Alerts when dustbin is full.
In the battle of Bin Full Indicator,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
1 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Bin Full Indicator on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Bag Type
What type of dust collection bag does it use?
90
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
Bagless
63
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
Bagless
Type of dust collection system used.
In the battle of Bag Type,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
27 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Bag Type on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Auto Empty Notification
Does it notify for auto empty?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
vs
Auto Empty Notification
Auto Empty Notification is supported on Roomba 980 but missing on 981, offering better maintenance alerts to 980 owners.
Sends alert when dustbin auto emptied.
In the battle of Auto Empty Notification,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
worse than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
4 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Auto Empty Notification on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
UV Sterilization
Does it use UV sterilization?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Uses UV light for sterilizing dustbin.
In the battle of UV Sterilization,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
UV Sterilization on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
In the battle of Water Flow Levels,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
75 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Water Flow Levels on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Mopping Function
Does it support mopping?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
iRobot Roomba 980
No mopping capability, focuses entirely on vacuuming.
Indicates whether the vacuum supports mopping.
In the battle of Mopping Function,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Mopping Function on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Y-Shaped Mopping Path
Does it use a Y-shaped path?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Follows Y-pattern for scrubbing effect.
In the battle of Y-Shaped Mopping Path,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Y-Shaped Mopping Path on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Stain Removal Mode
Does it have stain removal mode?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Special mode for tough stains.
In the battle of Stain Removal Mode,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Stain Removal Mode on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Water Tank Capacity
What is the water tank capacity?
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
Maximum volume of water tank.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Water Tank Capacity on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Water Tank Type
What type of water tank is used?
75
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
None
1
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
None
The system used to dispense water.
In the battle of Water Tank Type,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
74 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Water Tank Type on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Water Level Sensor
Does it have a water level sensor?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Detects water level in the mop tank.
In the battle of Water Level Sensor,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Water Level Sensor on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Tank Empty Sensor
Does it have a tank empty sensor?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Notifies when mop tank is empty.
In the battle of Tank Empty Sensor,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Tank Empty Sensor on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Water Flow Control
Can water flow be controlled?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Ability to adjust water flow rate.
In the battle of Water Flow Control,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Water Flow Control on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Water Heating Function
Does it heat water?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Heats water for better cleaning.
In the battle of Water Heating Function,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Water Heating Function on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Mop Material
What is the mop material?
90
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
None
0
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
None
vs
Score History
Updated at 2025-12-17 04:59:58: 0Updated at 2025-12-22 08:34:23: 88Updated at 2026-04-10 03:25:31: 90
Score info for iRobot Roomba 981:
We base our scoring on 'Mop Material' on the following:
Score 90: Indicates lack of material, not applicable.. Score reduced because release date is older
Type of material used in mop pad.
In the battle of Mop Material,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
90 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Mop Material on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Detachable Mop
Is the mop detachable?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Mop pad can be removed when not needed.
In the battle of Detachable Mop,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Detachable Mop on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Vibrating Mop
Does it use a vibrating mop?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Mop pad vibrates for scrubbing action.
In the battle of Vibrating Mop,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Vibrating Mop on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Rotating Mop
Does it have rotating mops?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Mop pads rotate to scrub the floor.
In the battle of Rotating Mop,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Rotating Mop on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Auto Mop Lift on Carpet
Does it auto lift mop on carpet?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Automatically lifts mop on carpets.
In the battle of Auto Mop Lift on Carpet,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Auto Mop Lift on Carpet on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Disposable Mop Pads
Does it support disposable mop pads?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Uses single-use mop pads.
In the battle of Disposable Mop Pads,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Disposable Mop Pads on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Reusable Mop Pads
Does it use reusable mop pads?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Uses washable, reusable mop pads.
In the battle of Reusable Mop Pads,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Reusable Mop Pads on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Max Mop Coverage Area
What is the max mop coverage area?
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
Maximum area it can mop per refill.
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Max Mop Coverage Area on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Mop Pressure
What is the mop pressure?
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
Amount of pressure applied by mop.
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Mop Pressure on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Auto Mop Drying
Does it have auto mop drying?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Dock feature that dries mop pads automatically.
In the battle of Auto Mop Drying,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Auto Mop Drying on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
In the battle of Dock Alignment Assistance,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Dock Alignment Assistance on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Max Charging Time
What is the charging time?
3
hours
0Votes
3
hours
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
A full charge takes approximately 3 hours.
iRobot Roomba 981
Charging takes about 3 hours, a standard time for robot vacuums, ensuring it’s ready to clean again in a reasonable amount of time.
Maximum charging time required.
In the battle of Max Charging Time,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
equal
3.00 hours
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Max Charging Time on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Fast Charging
Does it have fast charging?
Yes
1Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
iRobot Roomba 980
Quick recharge feature helps get the robot back to work faster.
Supports faster charging time.
In the battle of Fast Charging,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
43 score
measurement.
Based on community votes for Fast Charging,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ earned
1 votes,
more than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉,
which got 0 votes.
Fast charging is super convenient when you need a quick clean between chores. I like the idea of the robot getting back to work sooner. The 980 has this nice advantage.
See more
Max Battery Life Cycles
What is the max battery life cycles?
80
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
300
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
iRobot Roomba 980
Long battery life expectancy, ensuring years of reliable operation.
Maximum charge cycles supported by battery.
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Max Battery Life Cycles on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Battery Level Indicator
Does it have a battery level indicator?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
iRobot Roomba 980
Shows when the battery is low or needs charging.
Shows current battery level.
In the battle of Battery Level Indicator,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
1 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Battery Level Indicator on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Wireless Charging
Does it support wireless charging?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
iRobot Roomba 980
Does not feature wireless charging but uses a standard charging dock.
Supports contactless charging.
In the battle of Wireless Charging,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Wireless Charging on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Smart Charging Control
Does it have smart charging control?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
iRobot Roomba 980
Optimizes charging to prolong battery life.
Optimizes charging to extend battery life.
In the battle of Smart Charging Control,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
6 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Smart Charging Control on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Charging Dock Type
What type of charging dock does it use?
85
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
Standard
13
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
Standard
iRobot Roomba 980
The standard charging dock is included.
Type of dock used for charging.
In the battle of Charging Dock Type,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
72 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Charging Dock Type on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Dock Charging Power
What is the dock charging power?
30
Watt
0Votes
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
vs
Dock Charging Power
Dock Charging Power is 30 Watts on Roomba 980, unavailable for Roomba 981, indicating faster or more efficient charging dock for 980.
Charging power provided by dock.
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Dock Charging Power on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Dock Return Accuracy
What is the dock return accuracy?
95
%
0Votes
90
%
0Votes
vs
Dock Return Accuracy
Dock Return Accuracy is 95% for Roomba 980 and 90% for Roomba 981, helping 980 dock more precisely.
Accuracy of docking process.
In the battle of Dock Return Accuracy,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
5.0 %
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Dock Return Accuracy on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Max Dock Range
What is the max dock range?
20
ft
0Votes
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
iRobot Roomba 980
Works from a range of up to 6 meters, ideal for spacious homes.
Maximum distance it can find its dock.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Max Dock Range on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Battery Capacity
What is the battery capacity?
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
3,300
mAh
0Votes
vs
Battery Capacity
Battery Capacity is unavailable for Roomba 980 and 3300 mAh for Roomba 981, giving 981 potential for longer operating time.
Battery storage capacity.
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Battery Capacity on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Replaceable Battery
Is the battery replaceable?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Battery can be swapped or replaced.
In the battle of Replaceable Battery,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
6 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Replaceable Battery on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Auto Recharge
Does it auto recharge?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Automatically returns to dock when low on battery.
In the battle of Auto Recharge,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
4 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Auto Recharge on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Recharge and Resume
Does it recharge and resume?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Resumes cleaning after charging.
In the battle of Recharge and Resume,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
3 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Recharge and Resume on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Voltage Compatibility
What voltage does it support?
90
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
110V, 240V
13
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
110V, 220V
Compatible power input range.
In the battle of Voltage Compatibility,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
77 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Voltage Compatibility on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
In the battle of Cleaning Time Scheduling,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
4 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Cleaning Time Scheduling on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Voice Assistant Compatibility
Which voice assistants are supported?
85
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
Alexa, Google Assistant
78
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
Alexa, Google Assistant
iRobot Roomba 981
The Roomba 981 integrates well with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control it with voice commands for added convenience.
vs
Score History
Updated at 2025-12-17 04:59:58: 0Updated at 2025-12-22 08:34:23: 88Updated at 2026-04-10 03:25:31: 85
Score info for iRobot Roomba 981:
We base our scoring on 'Voice Assistant Compatibility' on the following:
Score 85: Recognized modern voice assistant, advanced and relevant. | Recognized modern voice assistant, advanced and highly relevant.. Score reduced because release date is older
Compatible voice assistants.
In the battle of Voice Assistant Compatibility,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
7 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Voice Assistant Compatibility on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Selective Room Cleaning
Does it support selective room cleaning?
Yes
1Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
vs
Selective Room Cleaning
Selective Room Cleaning is available only on Roomba 980, enhancing targeted cleaning capabilities.
Allows cleaning of specific rooms.
In the battle of Selective Room Cleaning,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
43 score
measurement.
Based on community votes for Selective Room Cleaning,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ earned
1 votes,
more than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉,
which got 0 votes.
Being able to send the robot to clean specific rooms is a must-have for me. It offers so much more control and efficiency. The 980 wins on smart features like this.
See more
App Control
Does it have app control?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
vs
App Control
App Control is supported on both, enabling remote management.
Can be controlled via smartphone app.
In the battle of App Control,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
8 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
App Control on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Remote Control
Does it support remote control?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Supports physical remote control.
In the battle of Remote Control,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Remote Control on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Does it have Wi-Fi connectivity?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Connects to Wi-Fi network.
In the battle of Wi-Fi Connectivity,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
3 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Wi-Fi Connectivity on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Bluetooth Connectivity
Does it support Bluetooth?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Connects via Bluetooth.
In the battle of Bluetooth Connectivity,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Bluetooth Connectivity on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Multi-User Support
Does it support multi-user access?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Allows multiple users to access app.
In the battle of Multi-User Support,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
6 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Multi-User Support on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Multi-Language Support
Does the app support multiple languages?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
App supports multiple languages.
In the battle of Multi-Language Support,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
equal
46 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Multi-Language Support on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Remote Start
Can it be started remotely?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Allows starting cleaning remotely.
In the battle of Remote Start,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
5 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Remote Start on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Zone Cleaning
Does it support zone cleaning?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Can clean custom zones within a room.
In the battle of Zone Cleaning,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
43 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Zone Cleaning on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Real Time Mapping
Does it support real time mapping?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
vs
Real Time Mapping
Real Time Mapping exists on Roomba 980 but not on Roomba 981, giving 980 better navigation feedback.
Updates map live during cleaning.
In the battle of Real Time Mapping,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
46 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Real Time Mapping on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Object Recognition Sensor
Does it have object recognition?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
vs
Object Recognition Sensor
Object Recognition Sensor is available on Roomba 980 and absent on Roomba 981, improving obstacle detection on 980.
Recognizes objects like shoes, cables, or toys.
In the battle of Object Recognition Sensor,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
44 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Object Recognition Sensor on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
AI-Powered Obstacle Recognition
Does it have AI-powered obstacle recognition?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
vs
AI-Powered Obstacle Recognition
AI-Powered Obstacle Recognition is supported on Roomba 980 only, enhancing avoidance intelligence.
Recognizes obstacles using AI.
In the battle of AI-Powered Obstacle Recognition,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
47 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
AI-Powered Obstacle Recognition on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Eco Mode
Does it have eco mode?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Energy saving mode for reduced power use.
In the battle of Eco Mode,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
4 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Eco Mode on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Pet Mode
Does it have pet mode?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Special cleaning mode for pet hair.
In the battle of Pet Mode,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
6 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Pet Mode on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Do Not Disturb Mode
Does it have do not disturb mode?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Disables operation during set hours.
In the battle of Do Not Disturb Mode,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
43 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Do Not Disturb Mode on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Smart Charging Scheduler
Does it have smart charging scheduler?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Optimizes charging times based on schedule.
In the battle of Smart Charging Scheduler,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
equal
46 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Smart Charging Scheduler on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Smart Home Integration
Does it integrate with smart home systems?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Connects with smart home ecosystems.
In the battle of Smart Home Integration,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
6 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Smart Home Integration on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
IFTTT Support
Does it support IFTTT?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Can connect via IFTTT automations.
In the battle of IFTTT Support,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
4 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
IFTTT Support on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
OTA Updates
Does it support OTA updates?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Supports over the air firmware updates.
In the battle of OTA Updates,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
6 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
OTA Updates on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Cleaning History
Does it track cleaning history?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Tracks and displays cleaning history.
In the battle of Cleaning History,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
1 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Cleaning History on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Remote Monitoring
Does it support remote monitoring?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Allows monitoring cleaning progress remotely.
In the battle of Remote Monitoring,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
5 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Remote Monitoring on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Maintenance Alerts
Does it give maintenance alerts?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Sends notifications for required maintenance.
In the battle of Maintenance Alerts,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
6 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Maintenance Alerts on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Lost Robot Locator
Does it have a lost robot locator?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Helps locate robot if misplaced.
In the battle of Lost Robot Locator,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
3 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Lost Robot Locator on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Magnetic Sensor exists on Roomba 980 but not on Roomba 981, aiding boundary detection for 980.
Recognizes magnetic boundary strips.
In the battle of Magnetic Sensor,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
44 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Magnetic Sensor on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Edge Detection Sensor
Does it have an edge detection sensor?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Detects room edges for better cleaning.
In the battle of Edge Detection Sensor,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
4 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Edge Detection Sensor on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Infrared Sensors
Does it use infrared sensors?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Uses infrared for obstacle detection.
In the battle of Infrared Sensors,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
4 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Infrared Sensors on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Ultrasonic Sensors
Does it use ultrasonic sensors?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
vs
Ultrasonic Sensors
Ultrasonic Sensors are present on Roomba 980 but missing on Roomba 981, improving object detection for 980.
Uses sound waves for precise detection.
In the battle of Ultrasonic Sensors,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
44 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Ultrasonic Sensors on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Gyroscope Sensor
Does it have a gyroscope sensor?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Helps stabilize direction and mapping.
In the battle of Gyroscope Sensor,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
6 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Gyroscope Sensor on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Accelerometer Sensor
Does it have an accelerometer sensor?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Detects tilt or movement for safety.
In the battle of Accelerometer Sensor,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
7 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Accelerometer Sensor on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Wheel Lift Sensor
Does it have a wheel lift sensor?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Detects when wheels lift off the floor.
In the battle of Wheel Lift Sensor,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
4 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Wheel Lift Sensor on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Anti-Tangling Sensors
Does it have anti-tangling sensors?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Prevents getting stuck in cords or carpets.
In the battle of Anti-Tangling Sensors,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
4 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Anti-Tangling Sensors on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Anti-Collision Safety
Does it have anti-collision safety?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Minimizes collisions with obstacles.
In the battle of Anti-Collision Safety,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
7 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Anti-Collision Safety on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Child Safety Lock
Does it have child safety lock?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
vs
Child Safety Lock
Child Safety Lock is included in Roomba 980 but not in 981, offering enhanced safety on 980.
Prevents accidental activation by children.
In the battle of Child Safety Lock,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
47 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Child Safety Lock on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Overheat Protection
Does it have overheat protection?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Prevents overheating damage.
In the battle of Overheat Protection,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
7 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Overheat Protection on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Short Circuit Protection
Does it have short circuit protection?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Prevents electrical damage from short circuits.
In the battle of Short Circuit Protection,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
7 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Short Circuit Protection on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Battery Safety Certification
What battery safety certification is included?
85
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
UL, CE
81
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
UL, IEC
Certification for battery safety compliance.
In the battle of Battery Safety Certification,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
4 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Battery Safety Certification on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Flame Retardant Materials
Is it made with flame retardant materials?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Uses flame resistant housing.
In the battle of Flame Retardant Materials,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
3 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Flame Retardant Materials on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Noise Level is 70 dB for Roomba 980 and quieter at 60 dB for Roomba 981, a noticeable 10 dB difference benefiting 981 users preferring quieter cleaning.
Average operating sound level.
In the battle of Noise Level,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
worse than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
10.0 dB
measurement.
Based on community votes for Noise Level,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ earned
0 votes,
less than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉,
which got 1 votes.
I really value a quieter robot vacuum running around the house. 60 dB is much better than 70 dB for everyday use. The 981 is definitely more appealing for that reason.
See more
Operating Temperature Range
What is the operating temperature range?
80
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
32–104°F
73
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
32–104°F
iRobot Roomba 981
This vacuum operates well within a standard household temperature range, ensuring reliability in most indoor environments.
Temperature range where the vacuum operates safely.
In the battle of Operating Temperature Range,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
7 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Operating Temperature Range on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Operating Humidity Range
What is the operating humidity range?
80
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
0–90%
73
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
0–90%
iRobot Roomba 981
This wide humidity tolerance ensures that the Roomba 981 performs well in various climates, including homes with high humidity like bathrooms.
Humidity range suitable for operation.
In the battle of Operating Humidity Range,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
7 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Operating Humidity Range on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Quiet Mode
Does it have quiet mode?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
vs
Quiet Mode
Quiet Mode is available on Roomba 980 but absent on Roomba 981, useful for noise-sensitive environments with 980.
Special mode to reduce noise output.
In the battle of Quiet Mode,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
worse than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
1 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Quiet Mode on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Energy Star Certification
Is it Energy Star certified?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
vs
Energy Star Certification
Energy Star Certification is granted to Roomba 980 but not to Roomba 981, showing higher energy efficiency for 980.
Certified for energy efficiency.
In the battle of Energy Star Certification,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
47 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Energy Star Certification on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Power Consumption Standby
What is the standby power consumption?
2
Watt
0Votes
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
Energy consumed while idle.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Power Consumption Standby on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Power Consumption Cleaning
What is the cleaning power consumption?
25
Watt
0Votes
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
Energy consumed while cleaning.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Power Consumption Cleaning on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Power Consumption Charging
What is the charging power consumption?
30
Watt
0Votes
Who knows?
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
(Help us out by suggesting one!)
Power used while charging.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Power Consumption Charging on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Material Safety Certification
What material safety certification is included?
80
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
UL, CE
38
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
UL, CE
Certifications for eco safe materials.
In the battle of Material Safety Certification,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
42 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Material Safety Certification on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Recyclable Materials
Is it made from recyclable materials?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Made with recyclable materials.
In the battle of Recyclable Materials,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
3 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Recyclable Materials on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Whether a mat for water protection under the dock is included.
In the battle of Protective Mat,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Protective Mat on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Extra Brushes
How many extra brushes are included?
80
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
1
48
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
1
vs
Extra Brushes
Extra Brushes count is 1 for both models, supplying additional cleaning parts.
Number of spare brushes in the package.
In the battle of Extra Brushes,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
32 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Extra Brushes on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Cleaning Tool
Is a cleaning tool included?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
iRobot Roomba 981
Includes a cleaning tool to help you maintain the brushrolls and filters, ensuring that hair and debris do not accumulate.
Whether a cleaning comb or tool is included.
In the battle of Cleaning Tool,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
3 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Cleaning Tool on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Extra Mop Pads
How many extra mop pads are included?
75
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
None
0
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
0
Number of spare mop pads in the package.
In the battle of Extra Mop Pads,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
equal
75 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Extra Mop Pads on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Extra Mop Cloths
How many extra mop cloths are included?
75
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
None
0
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
0
Number of additional mop cloths included.
In the battle of Extra Mop Cloths,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
equal
75 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Extra Mop Cloths on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Extra Battery
Is an extra battery included?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Whether an additional battery is included.
In the battle of Extra Battery,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Extra Battery on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Starter Cleaning Solution
Is a starter cleaning solution included?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Whether a bottle of cleaning solution is provided.
In the battle of Starter Cleaning Solution,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Starter Cleaning Solution on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Dock Station Type
What type of dock station is included?
85
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
Standard
33
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
Charging Dock
vs
Score History
Updated at 2025-12-17 04:59:58: 0Updated at 2025-12-22 08:34:23: 80Updated at 2026-04-10 03:25:31: 85
Score info for iRobot Roomba 981:
We base our scoring on 'Dock Station Type' on the following:
Score 85: Basic charging functionality, no extra features mentioned.. Score reduced because release date is older
Type of dock included.
In the battle of Dock Station Type,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
52 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Dock Station Type on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Accessory Storage Bag
Is an accessory storage bag included?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
vs
Accessory Storage Bag
Accessory Storage Bag is included with Roomba 980 but not with Roomba 981, affecting accessory organization options.
Whether a storage bag for accessories is included.
In the battle of Accessory Storage Bag,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
43 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Accessory Storage Bag on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
In the battle of Service Appointments Online,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
6 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Service Appointments Online on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Modular Component Replacement
Are components modular and replaceable?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
1Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Components can be swapped out individually.
In the battle of Modular Component Replacement,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
worse than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Based on community votes for Modular Component Replacement,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ earned
0 votes,
less than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉,
which got 1 votes.
I like the idea of being able to easily replace components to extend the life of the vacuum. Modular design is a big plus for maintainability. The 981 seems like a better long-term investment.
See more
Filter Replacement Indicator
Does it have a filter replacement indicator?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Notifies when filter needs replacing.
In the battle of Filter Replacement Indicator,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
1 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Filter Replacement Indicator on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Brush Replacement Indicator
Does it have a brush replacement indicator?
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
Yes
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Notifies when brush needs replacing.
In the battle of Brush Replacement Indicator,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
1 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Brush Replacement Indicator on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Self-Cleaning Brush
Does it have a self-cleaning brush?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Main brush can automatically clean itself.
In the battle of Self-Cleaning Brush,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Self-Cleaning Brush on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Washable Mop Cloth
Is the mop cloth washable?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Mop cloth can be washed and reused.
In the battle of Washable Mop Cloth,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Washable Mop Cloth on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Filter Lifetime
What is the filter lifetime?
3
months
0Votes
2
months
0Votes
vs
Filter Lifetime
Filter Lifetime is 3 months for Roomba 980 and shorter at 2 months for Roomba 981, impacting maintenance frequency.
Expected lifespan of the filter.
In the battle of Filter Lifetime,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
1.0 months
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Filter Lifetime on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Service Availability
What is the service availability?
90
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
Global
93
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
Global
vs
Score History
Updated at 2025-12-17 04:59:58: 0Updated at 2025-12-22 08:34:23: 85Updated at 2026-04-10 03:25:31: 90
Score info for iRobot Roomba 981:
We base our scoring on 'Service Availability' on the following:
Score 90: Coverage is worldwide, representing the most comprehensive availability.. Score reduced because release date is older
Availability of repair service coverage.
In the battle of Service Availability,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
worse than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
lower
3 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Service Availability on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Customer Support Channels
What customer support channels are available?
90
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
Phone, Email, Chat, App Support
38
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
Phone, Email, Chat, App Support
Available support methods.
In the battle of Customer Support Channels,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
52 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Customer Support Channels on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Repair Turnaround Time
What is the repair turnaround time?
85
iRobot Roomba 980
0Votes
Fast
23
iRobot Roomba 981
0Votes
Average
Average time for repair service.
In the battle of Repair Turnaround Time,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
better than
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
, delivering
higher
62 score
measurement.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Repair Turnaround Time on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Warranty Extension Option
Is a warranty extension option available?
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 980
No
0Votes
iRobot Roomba 981
Option to purchase extended warranty.
In the battle of Warranty Extension Option,
iRobot Roomba 980 ◉ is
same as
iRobot Roomba 981 ◉
.
Don’t keep it to yourself — be the first to react and review the
Warranty Extension Option on iRobot Roomba 980 ◉
vs iRobot Roomba 981 ◉ and help others decide!
Surveys
Because hot takes deserve votes.
Cleaning Performance
How would you rate the cleaning performance of this robot vacuum?
Excellent — Picks up all debris and cleans every corner with ease.
0Votes
0Votes
Very Good — Cleans most areas with minor spots left.
0Votes
0Votes
Good — Cleans effectively, but some areas need a little attention.
0Votes
0Votes
Fair — Leaves debris in some areas and may require additional cleaning.
0Votes
0Votes
Poor — Struggles to clean and leaves significant debris behind.
0Votes
0Votes
Battery Life
How would you rate the battery life of this robot vacuum?
Excellent — Runs for 2+ hours on a single charge.
0Votes
0Votes
Very Good — Runs for 1.5 to 2 hours on a single charge.
0Votes
0Votes
Good — Runs for 1 to 1.5 hours on a single charge.
0Votes
0Votes
Fair — Runs for 30 to 60 minutes on a single charge.
0Votes
0Votes
Poor — Runs for less than 30 minutes on a single charge.
0Votes
0Votes
Noise Level
How would you rate the noise level of this robot vacuum?
Very Quiet — Barely noticeable even in a quiet room.
0Votes
0Votes
Quiet — Slightly noticeable but not disruptive.
0Votes
0Votes
Average — Noticeable and can be a bit distracting.
0Votes
0Votes
Loud — Noticeable and bothersome in quiet spaces.
0Votes
0Votes
Very Loud — Distracting and uncomfortable to be around.
0Votes
0Votes
Ease of Setup
How easy was it to set up this robot vacuum?
Very Easy — Set up was quick and intuitive with no issues.
0Votes
0Votes
Easy — Simple setup with minimal guidance needed.
0Votes
0Votes
Average — Took a bit of time but manageable with instructions.
0Votes
0Votes
Difficult — Had trouble setting it up and needed assistance.
0Votes
0Votes
Very Difficult — Setup was complicated and confusing.
0Votes
0Votes
Design Appeal
How would you rate the design and appearance of this robot vacuum?
Stylish — Sleek, modern design that fits well in any room.
0Votes
0Votes
Attractive — Looks good and suits most home styles.
0Votes
0Votes
Neutral — Basic design that doesn't stand out.
0Votes
0Votes
Unattractive — Design feels bulky or outdated.
0Votes
0Votes
Poor — Design is unappealing and doesn't blend well in the home.
0Votes
0Votes
Pricing
How would you rate the value for money of this robot vacuum?
Great value for money — You get more than what you paid for.
0Votes
0Votes
Pretty good price — Worth the price for the features.
0Votes
0Votes
Fair deal — Reasonable for what it offers.
0Votes
0Votes
Kinda pricey — Expensive for what it does.
0Votes
0Votes
Crazy expensive — The price is too high for the features offered.
0Votes
0Votes
Cleaning Modes
How would you rate the variety and effectiveness of cleaning modes?
Excellent — Multiple modes that work well for different floor types and needs.
0Votes
0Votes
Very Good — Several modes that cover most cleaning situations.
0Votes
0Votes
Good — Few modes, but they get the job done.
0Votes
0Votes
Fair — Limited modes and may require manual intervention.
0Votes
0Votes
Poor — Only one cleaning mode, insufficient for all needs.
0Votes
0Votes
Navigation and Mapping
How would you rate the robot vacuum’s navigation and mapping ability?
Excellent — Very precise, maps entire home, avoids obstacles effectively.
0Votes
0Votes
Very Good — Maps large areas with few obstacles.
0Votes
0Votes
Good — Navigates well but occasionally bumps into things.
0Votes
0Votes
Fair — Struggles with navigation and often misses areas.
0Votes
0Votes
Poor — Poor at mapping or getting stuck frequently.
0Votes
0Votes
App and Smart Features
How would you rate the app and smart features of this robot vacuum?
Excellent — Easy to use app with great features like scheduling, remote control, and updates.
0Votes
0Votes
Very Good — App is functional with scheduling and cleaning status features.
0Votes
0Votes
Good — App works, but lacks advanced features.
0Votes
0Votes
Fair — App is limited and occasionally buggy.
0Votes
0Votes
Poor — App is difficult to use or doesn’t work properly.
0Votes
0Votes
Durability and Build Quality
How would you rate the durability and build quality of this robot vacuum?
Excellent — Sturdy construction, feels premium, and built to last.
0Votes
0Votes
Very Good — Well-built, feels solid with no major issues.
0Votes
0Votes
Good — Decent build quality but feels a bit flimsy at times.
0Votes
0Votes
Fair — Some parts feel weak or cheaply made.
0Votes
0Votes
Poor — Fragile and prone to damage from regular use.
Supermod
Moderator
Recaptor
0
Cartling
