Roomba 880 vs 890 Reviews, Differences, & a Comparison Chart

When it comes to Roomba robots, iRobot’s 800 series is best known for its quality and great features. There are many devices launched under this series, but the two robots that appear to have strengthened their holds are the Roomba 880 and the Roomba 890. With these robots, you get to enjoy a unique combination of value and astounding features in combination so that you get an excellent cleaning solution that you can feel satisfied with. Let’s check out the Roomba 880 vs 890.

Yes, there are minor differences between these robots, yet they are strong enough to pull you to one side or another. The robots also have similarities between them, which are sure to make a choice fairly difficult. In this article, you will get to read an entire side-to-side comparison between these two robots.

Comparison Chart

In this section, we will prepare a chart and comparatively review the two robots based on their features and distinctive characteristics. The benefit of this exercise is that anyone who needs to make a buying decision can do so by simply looking at these features side by side showing Roomba 880 vs Roomba 890.

Features	iRobot ROOMBA 880	iRobot ROOMBA 890
Battery type	NiMH	Li-Ion
Battery life	>60 minutes	>120 minutes
Filter	A highly efficient HEPA filter	A highly efficient HEPA filter
Navigation + mapping	iAdapt gen 1	iAdapt gen 1
Spot cleaning function	X	X
Self-cleaning feature	X	X
Remote control available	X
iHome customer support		X
Voice control feature		X
Barrier	Virtual lighthouse (2)	Virtual Wall barrier (1)

As you can see, the chart above lets you have a closer look at the features of each of the robots side by side. 

Let’s now move to the next section, where we will discuss differences and similarities between the Roomba 880 and the Roomba 890.

Roomba 880 vs Roomba 890: Differences And Similarities

It is important for anyone who wants to make a decision to be fully aware of the facts regarding the Roomba 880 and the Roomba 890.

The knowledge regarding differences and similarities between the two robots is critically important. Unless one fully understands the aspects where these robots differ, it seems unlikely that one will be able to make an informed decision.

Differences between Roomba 880 & Roomba 890

It’s true that both the Roombas belong to the iRobot’s world-famous 800 series, yet it doesn’t indicate anywhere that the two devices are necessarily the same. However, the fact remains that each of these robots has its own distinctive features, setting it apart from the other.

Despite the fact that there are only very slight differences between the Roomba 880 and the Roomba 890 yet, each of these differences could significantly impact your buying decision.  

Check Best Price of Roomba 880

Here are some key aspects in which the Roomba 880 differs from Roomba 890:

1.   The Roomba 880 is equipped with a Nickel Metal Hydride Battery (NiMH), whereas the Roomba 890 has a relatively modern Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery. It is worth mentioning that NiMH is a rather old type of battery material.
2.   The 880 can be controlled using a remote control. The remote comes with the device. On the other hand, the Roomba 890 makes use of an iHome application that you can download and use from your smartphone.
3.   There are lighthouse smart barriers with the Roomba 880, which are not available with the Roomba 890. The latter device instead uses what are called virtual wall barriers.
4.   If you are looking for a voice control activation feature using Alexa and Google Assistant, then you should go for the Roomba 890, as the 880 lacks this facility.
5.   Despite being the latest robots of iRobot’s 800 series, the two robots are not necessarily the same. As compared to the Roomba 890, the 880 has a number of buttons that’s primarily due to the fact that the former Roomba has iHome control options, allowing you to handle the device remotely.

The above are five of the most critical differences between the two robots. If you are looking to make a purchase decision, these differences should guide you on the right path.

Related Article: 11 Best Robot Vacuums 2019 [DEEBOT vs ROOMBA vs SHARK]

Similarities between Roomba 880 vs Roomba 890

As the differences distinguish one Roomba from the other, the choice is actually made more difficult because of the similarities.

The following features are commonly shared by the Roomba 880 and 890.

1.   The iAdapt first-generation mapping and navigation system is the common software between both Roombas.
2.   The Roomba 880 and 890 employ AeroForce is common between the two.
3.   Each device is fully capable of cleaning the space entirely. It makes use of a high-quality HEPA filter to ensure the efficient removal and cleaning of even the smallest allergens and dirt particles from the space. This means that each device has the best capability to provide the deep cleansing of the area.
4.   As soon as their trash collection bin is complete, both the Roombas single it through an indicating light.
5.   In case you need some extra cleaning at any particular point in the property, you can do so by using the spot cleaning feature that is available with both Roomba 880 and 890.
6.   For those with a busy schedule might appreciate if the cleaning can be done as per their schedule. This feature is available on both devices. You can pre-set a cleaning schedule as per your convenience with both Roomba 880 and 890.

Having had a look at the similarities and differences between the two devices, let us now proceed to the next section, where we briefly consider certain features of both devices.

Features of Both Devices

The Battery

The Roomba 880 has a NiMH battery, whereas the Roomba 890 is equipped with a rather modern Li-Ion battery type. This means that 890 is capable of charging quicker than the 880. The Li-Ion battery also has a better lifespan than the NiMH battery type.

The reports suggesting that 890 can work for up to 120 minutes on a single charge are yet to be verified , yet it does perform better than the battery of the Roomba 880.

The bottom-line conclusion is that the Roomba 890 is at a position to advantage owing to its newer Li-Ion battery type that can charge quickly and lasts longer.

Check Best Price of Roomba 890

Control

With the Roomba 880, you get to enjoy remote control of the cleaning processes. It allows you to set a schedule for when you’d like to start the cleaning. However, the remote works only if you are within 15 feet of the device.

There is no remote control with the 890 yet it gives you an even more advanced facility. Users are able to control the device using an iHome application from their smartphone. This is a wireless technology that gives you complete control over the vacuum cleaner. There is no restriction of the limit with the iHome app. Even if you are away from home, you can still control the vacuum provided there is Wi-Fi connectivity.

Our bottom line conclusion is that the Roomba 890 is a better choice in terms of control as you can handle the vacuum cleaner with a Wi-Fi application.

Related Article: 13 Best iRobot Roomba Models to Buy – COMPARE ROOMBA MODELS

Spot Cleaning Feature

When it comes to spot clean features, both the Roomba 880 and Roomba 890 are equal in this.

As soon as you enable this feature, each vacuum cleaner tends to leave its typically assigned route and goes to the area you pinpoint for cleaning.

The benefit of this feature is that the vacuum cleaners’ sensor lets you know when the spot has been cleared of all debris and dirt.

In terms of spot cleaning features, both cleaners are equally workable.

Check Best Price of Roomba 890

Verdict & Conclusion

This decision was though because both vacuum cleaners have attractive features that affect their ease of use and price.

The Roomba 880, for example, is a perfect entry-level vacuum cleaner robot that contains features that are good enough to make one excited about home cleaning automation.

On the other hand, the Roomba 890 is a fairly superior vacuum cleaner. If you are willing to pay a higher price, then the Roomba 890 is most definitely an excellent choice to go for.

As we draw closer to the conclusion, we’d like to pick our favorite robot. The Roomba 890 is our choice because it has certain aspects that make it superior to the 880!

However, the final choice rests with the consumer. It is all your needs and preferences. The better robot for you would be one that you think is closest to fulfilling your personal needs and budget.

We can only hope that this blog helps in making the choice easier for you.