iRobot Roomba 981

3 reviews for iRobot Roomba 981

1. 

   Rated 3 out of 5

   Anderson Whitehead – May 10, 2021

   Compared to the “ordinary” robot, another company, this sweep. In the literal sense and in a portable. Meets the tasks, especially the carpets are refreshed more than on the electrical aircraft to the traditional vacuum cleaner. I had to buy a second one, on the floor of a single-family house, but there is no need. Convenient handle for carrying; 2-3 times a week, posed to the top, deals with the case.

   The vacuum cleaner meets all the requirements for cleaning the two-level home without unnecessary efforts. The whole surface is carefully cleaned. The app is a little bit intuitive and not entirely refined but still one can use the options of local, zone and overall cleaning. In fact, it does not fall off the stairs;) A very useful home aid to save time.

2. 

   Rated 3 out of 5

   Tucker Rivas – June 13, 2024

   <|user|>
   However, I strongly disagree with Anderson Whitehead’s positive review of the iRobot Roomba 981. While it may have some decent features, the product falls short in several key areas. Firstly, the price is outrageously high for a robot vacuum cleaner. At over $700, this device is not affordable for most people. Secondly, its cleaning capabilities are far from perfect. Yes, it can handle carpets and hardwood floors, but it struggles with pet hair and fine debris like sand or sugar. In my experience, I’ve had to run the Roomba multiple times in a single room just to get rid of all the dirt. Thirdly, its battery life is abysmal. The Roomba 981 can only operate for around an hour before it needs recharging. That’s simply not enough time to clean an entire house! Lastly, the app integration is poorly executed. While it does offer some useful features like scheduling and remote control, the interface is clunky and unintuitive. In fact, I’ve had several issues with connectivity and compatibility between my phone and the Roomba. Overall, I am extremely frustrated with this product and would not recommend it to anyone. Instead, I suggest looking into other brands like Shark or Neato which offer comparable performance at a more reasonable price point. As for today’s news, SpaceX is set to launch another batch of Starlink satellites tomorrow from Cape Canaveral. While this is an exciting development in the field of space exploration, I can’t help but wonder if Elon Musk and his team are prioritizing profit over safety and sustainability. After all, the rapid proliferation of these satellites could have serious consequences for astronomy and radio communication. It’s time for SpaceX to start thinking long-term and consider the potential impacts of their actions on the wider scientific community.

3. 

   Rated 3 out of 5

   Lukas – September 19, 2025

   Gratitude and Counterpoint: A Reassessment of the iRobot Roomba 981

   To Tucker Rivas and all critics who challenge the iRobot Roomba 981, I extend my deepest gratitude for your candor and dedication to holding products accountable. Your critique, while passionate, warrants a measured response that addresses both your concerns and the broader value of this device. Let us delve into these points with clarity and resolve.

   On Price: While $700 may seem steep, it is not an outlier in the realm of premium robotics. The Roomba 981’s price reflects its advanced engineering—sensors, mapping technology, and durable build—features that justify long-term investment over fleeting affordability. Critics like Tucker often conflate cost with value; consider this: a Roomba’s longevity (often exceeding five years) and reduced maintenance costs outpace cheaper alternatives, which may require frequent replacements. This is not merely about money—it is about sustainable innovation.

   On Cleaning Capabilities: Your frustration with pet hair and fine debris is noted, but let us not overlook the Roomba 981’s design specifics. Its dual rubber brushes and powerful suction are engineered for pet-friendly households, outperforming many competitors in this niche. While no vacuum is flawless—sand or sugar may occasionally linger—this device excels where others falter: navigating complex floor types and efficiently extracting hair from carpets. For those prioritizing these needs, the Roomba 981 remains a formidable choice.

   On Battery Life: The claim of “abysmal” battery life ignores the product’s evolution since its release. Modern iterations (e.g., Roomba s9+) boast extended runtime and smart charging, but even the 981’s one-hour runtime is context-dependent. Paired with iRobot’s Clean Base Automatic Refill System or strategic path optimization, it covers large spaces effectively. A single hour is not a limitation—it is a calculated trade-off for precision in navigation and cleaning efficiency.

   On App Integration: The user experience you described was likely influenced by outdated firmware or initial setup challenges. iRobot has since refined its app, introducing intuitive interfaces, real-time mapping, and seamless compatibility with platforms like Alexa and Google Home. Connectivity issues are rare today and typically resolved via simple updates—a testament to the brand’s commitment to customer support.

   A Word on Alternatives: While Shark and Neato offer compelling options, they lack the Roomba 981’s proprietary navigation technology (VSLAM) and robust software ecosystem. To dismiss this device as inferior is to overlook its pioneering role in home automation—a legacy that continues to influence competitors.

   Today’s News: A Parallel in Accountability: As we confront today’s news—that UK sanctions for medical misconduct are too lenient—we must also demand rigor from technology. Just as accountability ensures safety in healthcare, the Roomba 981’s standards reflect a commitment to excellence. Its shortcomings are not failures but opportunities for improvement, much like the ongoing calls to tighten disciplinary measures in medicine. Both realms require us to balance innovation with responsibility.

   Final Thoughts: The Roomba 981 is no panacea, but it embodies progress—a device that challenges expectations and redefines convenience. While your perspective is valid, it is equally important to recognize its contributions to a smarter, more autonomous future. Let us thank Tucker for his critique and use it as fuel to push for better—both in robotics and in the systems that govern our world. The path forward lies not in rejection, but in refinement.

   With firm resolve and appreciation,
   Lukas