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  1. Home
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iRobot Roomba 960 vs Roomba 981

Which Robot Vacuum Is Better?

    Top
    Main Differences
    Design
      Build QualityUser MaintenanceRecurring CostStoringDirt CompartmentIn The BoxRangePortabilityBatteryQuality Of Life FeaturesTools And BrushesAlternative Configuration
    Performance
      Bare Floor Performance (Hardwood, Laminate, Tiles)Low-Pile Carpet PerformanceHigh-Pile Carpet PerformancePet Hair Floor PerformanceSuctionAirflowNoiseManeuverabilityPet Hair Furniture PerformanceAir QualityCracksStainsWater
    Automation
      Physical AutomationCompanion App Automation
    Comments

Products

iRobot Roomba 960
iRobot Roomba 981

Tested using Methodology v0.6

Updated Aug 27, 2025 02:57 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon

Tested using Methodology v0.7

Updated Aug 27, 2025 02:21 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon
iRobot Roomba 960 Picture

Track

iRobot Roomba 981 Picture

Track

Vacuum Type
Robot
Bagless
Yes
Cordless
Yes
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
Yes
Wet Compatible
No
Vacuum Type
Robot
Bagless
Yes
Cordless
Yes
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
Yes
Wet Compatible
No

Our Verdict

iRobot Roomba 960

iRobot Roomba 981

The iRobot Roomba 981 is a better vacuum than the iRobot Roomba 960. The 981 delivers better performance across all surface types. On the other hand, the 960 has a longer minimum battery life and recharges more quickly.

GIFT THIS COMPARISON

0 

Variants

  • Roomba 960 (Gray)
  • Roomba 981 (Black)
  • Roomba 980 (Black)

Review

See iRobot Roomba 960 Review
See iRobot Roomba 981 Review
0 
0 

Check Price

Gray
Roomba 960
SEE PRICE
Amazon
Black
Roomba 981
SEE PRICE
Amazon
Gray
Roomba 960
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
Roomba 980
SEE PRICE
Amazon
Gray
Roomba 960
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Night Blue
Roomba 981
SEARCH
Amazon
Gray
Roomba 960
SEARCH
Lowes.com
 
Gray
Roomba 960
SEARCH
HomeDepot.com
 
Gray
Roomba 960
SEARCH
iRobot
 
Read more

Main Differences for
Bare Floor

Threshold 

0.10

Bare Floor 
 

0.0
0.0
JOIN NOW  to see main differences

Full Comparison

Design

Build Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Vacuum Type 
 

Locked
Locked

Build Quality Picture  

iRobot Roomba 960 Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

User Maintenance 
 

N/A
N/A

Maintenance Picture  

iRobot Roomba 960 Maintenance Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Maintenance Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Brushroll Cleaning Video  

iRobot Roomba 960 Brushroll Cleaning Video Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for videos & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Brushroll Cleaning Video Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for videos & test results

Recurring Cost 
 

N/A
N/A

Recurring Cost Picture  

iRobot Roomba 960 Recurring Cost Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Recurring Cost Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Bag Part Number  

Locked
Locked

Filter Part Number  

Locked
Locked

HEPA Filter Part Number  

Locked
Locked

Storing 
 

N/A
N/A

Storing Picture  

iRobot Roomba 960 Storing Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Storing Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Height 
 

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Width 
 

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth 
 

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Cord Storing 
 

Locked
Locked

On-Board Tool Storage 
 

Locked
Locked

Vacuum Rack/Station 
 

Locked
Locked

Dirt Compartment 
 

N/A
N/A

Dirt Compartment Picture  

iRobot Roomba 960 Dirt Compartment Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Dirt Compartment Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Bagless 
 

Locked
Locked

Volume 
 

Lock gal (Lock L)
Lock gal (Lock L)

Full Indicator 
 

Locked
Locked

Bag Included 
 

Locked
Locked

In The Box 
 

In The Box Picture  

iRobot Roomba 960 In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Range 
 

N/A
N/A

Cordless 
 

Locked
Locked

Cord Length 
 

N/A
N/A

Hose Length 
 

N/A
N/A

Minimum Wand Length 
 

N/A
N/A

Maximum Wand Length 
 

N/A
N/A

Total Range 
 

N/A
N/A

Portability 
 

N/A
N/A

Total Weight 
 

Lock lbs (Lock kg)
Lock lbs (Lock kg)

Weight In Hand 
 

Lock lbs (Lock kg)
Lock lbs (Lock kg)

Carrying handle 
 

Locked
Locked

Battery 
 

N/A
N/A

Minimum Battery Life 
 

Lock min
Lock min

Maximum Battery Life 
 

Lock min
Lock min

Recharge Time 
 

Lock min
Lock min

Recharge Dock 
 

Locked
Locked

Battery Life Indicator 
 

Locked
Locked

Removable Batteries 
 

Locked
Locked

Quality Of Life Features 
 

Picture Of Controls  

iRobot Roomba 960 Picture Of Controls Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Picture Of Controls Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Rotating Head 
 

Locked
Locked

Power Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Self-Propelled 
 

Locked
Locked

Headlights 
 

Locked
Locked

Easy On/Off 
 

Locked
Locked

Head Surface Type Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Tools And Brushes 
 

Tools And Brush Picture  

iRobot Roomba 960 Tools And Brush Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Tools And Brush Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Brushroll 
 

Locked
Locked

Brushroll On/Off 
 

Locked
Locked

Removable Brushroll 
 

Locked
Locked

Turbo Brush 
 

Locked
Locked

Crevice Tool 
 

Locked
Locked

Upholstery Tool 
 

Locked
Locked

Soft Bristle Brush 
 

Locked
Locked

Hard Bristle Brush 
 

Locked
Locked

Extension Wand 
 

Locked
Locked

Ceiling Fan Tool 
 

Locked
Locked

Pet Grooming Tool 
 

Locked
Locked

Alternative Configuration 
 

Alternative Configuration Photo 1  

iRobot Roomba 960 Alternative Configuration Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Alternative Configuration Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Alternative Configuration Photo 2  

iRobot Roomba 960 Alternative Configuration Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Alternative Configuration Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Blower Mode 
 

Locked
Locked
Performance

Bare Floor Performance (Hardwood, Laminate, Tiles) 
 

N/A
N/A

Setting Used  

Locked
Locked

Bare Floor Large Debris Graph  

iRobot Roomba 960 Bare Floor Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Bare Floor Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Large Debris at 0 gal (0L)  

Lock%
Lock%

Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)  

Lock%
Lock%

Large Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)  

N/A
N/A

Large Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)  

N/A
N/A

Large Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)  

N/A
N/A

Large Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)  

N/A
N/A

Bare Floor Small Debris Graph  

iRobot Roomba 960 Bare Floor Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Bare Floor Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Small Debris at 0 gal (0L)  

Lock%
Lock%

Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)  

≈ Lock%
Lock%

Small Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)  

N/A
N/A

Small Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)  

N/A
N/A

Small Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)  

N/A
N/A

Small Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)  

N/A
N/A

Low-Pile Carpet Performance 
 

N/A
N/A

Setting Used  

Locked
Locked

Low Carpet Large Debris Graph  

iRobot Roomba 960 Low Carpet Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Low Carpet Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Large Debris at 0 gal (0L)  

Lock%
Lock%

Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)  

≈ Lock%
Lock%

Large Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)  

N/A
N/A

Large Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)  

N/A
N/A

Large Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)  

N/A
N/A

Large Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)  

N/A
N/A

Low Carpet Small Debris Graph  

iRobot Roomba 960 Low Carpet Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Low Carpet Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Small Debris at 0 gal (0L)  

Lock%
Lock%

Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)  

≈ Lock%
Lock%

Small Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)  

N/A
N/A

Small Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)  

N/A
N/A

Small Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)  

N/A
N/A

Small Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)  

N/A
N/A

High-Pile Carpet Performance 
 

N/A
N/A

Setting Used  

Locked
Locked

High Carpet Large Debris Graph  

iRobot Roomba 960 High Carpet Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 High Carpet Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Large Debris at 0 gal (0L)  

Lock%
Lock%

Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)  

≈ Lock%
Lock%

Large Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)  

N/A
N/A

Large Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)  

N/A
N/A

Large Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)  

N/A
N/A

Large Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)  

N/A
N/A

High Carpet Small Debris Graph  

iRobot Roomba 960 High Carpet Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 High Carpet Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Small Debris at 0 gal (0L)  

Lock%
Lock%

Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)  

≈ Lock%
Lock%

Small Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)  

N/A
N/A

Small Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)  

N/A
N/A

Small Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)  

N/A
N/A

Small Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)  

N/A
N/A

Pet Hair Floor Performance 
 

N/A
N/A

Pet Hair Graph  

iRobot Roomba 960 Pet Hair Graph Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Pet Hair Graph Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Bare Floor 
 

Lock%
Lock%

Low-Pile Carpet 
 

Lock%
Lock%

High-Pile Carpet 
 

Lock%
Lock%

Suction 
 

N/A
N/A

Suction Video  

iRobot Roomba 960 Suction Video Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for videos & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Suction Video Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for videos & test results

Maximum Hose Suction 
 

N/A

Maximum Head Suction 
 

Lock inH₂O (Lock kPa)
Lock inH₂O (Lock kPa)

Setting Used For Maximum  

Locked

Normal Head Suction 
 

Lock inH₂O (Lock kPa)
Lock inH₂O (Lock kPa)

Setting Used For Normal  

Locked
Locked

Hose Diameter 
 

N/A
N/A

Airflow 
 

N/A
N/A

Maximum Airflow Video  

iRobot Roomba 960 Maximum Airflow Video Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for videos & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Maximum Airflow Video Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for videos & test results

Maximum Hose Airflow 
 

Lock CFM (Lock m³/min)

Noise 
 

N/A
N/A

Noise Video 
 

iRobot Roomba 960 Noise Video Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for videos & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Noise Video Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for videos & test results

Bare Floor 
 

Lock dBA
Lock dBA

Low-Pile Carpet 
 

Lock dBA
Lock dBA

Maneuverability 
 

N/A
N/A

Maneuverability Video  

iRobot Roomba 960 Maneuverability Video Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for videos & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Maneuverability Video Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for videos & test results

Pet Hair Furniture Performance 
 

N/A
N/A

Sofa Pickup Video  

iRobot Roomba 960 Sofa Pickup Video Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for videos & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Sofa Pickup Video Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for videos & test results

Sofa Pickup Post Test  

iRobot Roomba 960 Sofa Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Sofa Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Air Quality 
 

Sealing Quality Video  

iRobot Roomba 960 Sealing Quality Video Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for videos & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Sealing Quality Video Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for videos & test results

Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA) 
 

Locked
Locked

Cracks 
 

N/A
N/A

Cracks Video  

iRobot Roomba 960 Cracks Video Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for videos & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Cracks Video Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for videos & test results

Wood Cracks Post Test  

iRobot Roomba 960 Wood Cracks Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Wood Cracks Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Stains 
 

N/A
N/A

Stain Video  

iRobot Roomba 960 Stain Video Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for videos & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Stain Video Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for videos & test results

Stain Pickup Post Test  

iRobot Roomba 960 Stain Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Stain Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Water 
 

N/A
N/A

Wet Compatible 
 

Locked
Locked

Water Video  

iRobot Roomba 960 Water Video Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for videos & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Water Video Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for videos & test results

Water Pickup Post Test  

iRobot Roomba 960 Water Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Water Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Automation

Physical Automation 
 

N/A
N/A

Automatic Recharging 
 

Locked
Locked

Automatic Bag Emptying 
 

Locked
Locked

Pathing Algorithm 
 

Locked
Locked

Physical Boundary Markers 
 

Locked
Locked

Scheduled Start Buttons 
 

Locked
Locked

Cycle Control Buttons 
 

Locked
Locked

Navigation Control Buttons 
 

Locked
Locked

Companion App Automation 
 

N/A
N/A

Companion App Screen Grabs  

iRobot Roomba 960 Companion App Screen Grabs Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

iRobot Roomba 981 Companion App Screen Grabs Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

App Name 
 

Locked
Locked

iOS Availability 
 

Locked
Locked

Android Availability 
 

Locked
Locked

Software Boundary Markers (No Go Zones) 
 

Locked
Locked

App Scheduled Start 
 

Locked
Locked

App Cycle Control 
 

Locked
Locked

Navigation Control within App 
 

Locked
Locked

Check Price

Gray
Roomba 960
SEE PRICE
Amazon
Black
Roomba 981
SEE PRICE
Amazon
Gray
Roomba 960
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
Roomba 980
SEE PRICE
Amazon
Gray
Roomba 960
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Night Blue
Roomba 981
SEARCH
Amazon
Gray
Roomba 960
SEARCH
Lowes.com
 
Gray
Roomba 960
SEARCH
HomeDepot.com
 
Gray
Roomba 960
SEARCH
iRobot
 
Back to Top

iRobot Roomba 960

iRobot Roomba 981

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 2 years ago

iRobot Roomba 960 vs iRobot Roomba 981: Main Discussion

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