Roomba 671 Review

Pros

• Wifi-connectivity; use with iRobot Home App, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
• Great value price
• Up to 90 minute run time

Cons

• Does not have an on-board camera that is used to map out your home
• No Recharge & Resume feature
• Lacks dirt detect technology

Roomba 671 vs. 675 vs 690

Before we dive into the specifics of the 671, we’re going to do a quick comparison between 3 popular and similar Roomba models at this price range.

Below we have a side-by-side comparison of the Roomba 671 vs. 675 vs 690.

Also, you can see our more in-depth Roomba 675 vs. 690 comparison here in addition to our best Roomba guide here.

Roomba 671 Design

The design of the Roomba 671 robot vacuum feels similar to the other models in the 600 series; most specifically the Roomba 675.

From the outside, these robot vacuums look identical.

Both of these models have a round body style with a bumper on the front and a dust bin release on the opposite side.

The controls in the center are for:

1. Starting / pausing a cleanup
2. Sending back to the dock
3. Spot cleaning

The Underside

On the underside of the Roomba 671, the similarities continue.

There is one side spinning brush that helps to capture debris along corners and edges and drag it into the cleaning path of the central brushroll.

There are 2 large wheels in the middle that help it to transition from varying floor types as well as 1 smaller wheel at the front for navigating, steering, and performing 360° turns.

Brushrolls & Brushes

The brushroll of the Roomba 671 is a bristle style, which matches the brush style on all of the 600 Series Roombas.

Note to pet owners: If you have a trouble with a lot of hair on your floors, you may want to check out the updated dual rubberized brushroll on the newer Roomba models.

Rubberized brushrolls help to prevent tangles from hair or other debris and are easier to clean as well.

RELATED: Check out the Roomba E5 for a budget-friendly Roomba with rubberized brushroll and other upgraded features.

Size & Dimensions

In terms of size, the Roomba 671 is similar in size to the other Roombas. It has a round body with a carrying handle on the top and bumpers around the front edge.

How big is the vacuum?

The Roomba 671 is:

• 13.4″ diameter
• 3.4″ tall
• 7.8 pounds

Accessories & Parts

The Roomba 671 includes the following parts and accessories:

• Roomba 671 robot vacuum
• Charging base
• Power cord
• Owner’s Guide

This model does not come with a virtual wall, but it is compatible with the dual-mode barrier. You can purchase one seperately from iRobot directly or from a third-party vendor.

CHECK PRICE: Click here to check the price for a dual-mode virtual barrier.

Features

The features on the Roomba 671 are pretty basic, but for the price, you really get a well-rounded machine.

Top features on the Roomba 671 include:

• Scheduled cleaning cycles (daily / weekly or specific one-time event)
• Auto return to charging
• Wifi-connectivity and app-based control
• Voice-control (when paired with an Amazon Alexa device)

Some features that it’s missing that you may be looking for include:

• Virtual barriers (If you need this, check out the Roomba 690)
• Recharge & Resume (If you need this, check out the Roomba 980)
• Zoned cleaning (If you need this, check out the Roomba i7)
• Digital mapping (If you need this, check out the Roomba 890)
• Automatic dustbin emptying (If you need this, check out the Roomba S9+)

Cleaning Performance

While we haven’t been able to personally test the Roomba 671 robot vacuum, there are a few assumptions we can make about cleaning performance based on other Roomba models.

For instance, take the Roomba 690. This robot vacuum shares a lot of the same performance specs with the Roomba 671 including the same:

• Brushroll
• Spinning brushes
• Motors
• Navigation technology

The biggest difference between Roomba 671 vs. 690 is Dirt Detect. This is a technology on the 690 that allows it detect dirt and work harder to clean those areas.

However, our cleaning tests are done on a small testing lane so for the sake of the cleaning scores, I don’t think Dirt Detect would drastically impact the results of cleaning performance.

The Roomba 671 would likely perform similarly to the Roomba 690, as listed below:

The biggest struggle with any of the 600 series Roombas is going to be fine debris in carpet. The higher the pile, the more suction needed to thoroughly clean it.

Usability

When it comes to usability, the Roomba 671 is is easy to get going. Straight out of the box, most Roombas come with at least 50% of a charge. However, it is recommended to let it get a full charge before running the Roomba for its first cleaning.

In addition, Roomba recommends letting it complete the full run cycle and let it return to the dock naturally instead of stopping the cleaning and manually putting it back. Fully draining and fully charging the battery helps to promote good battery longevity.

Okay, so you’re ready to get started. Follow the tips below for three different ways to get your Roomba cleaning.

For the fastest cycle…

1. Unbox the vacuum.
2. Press clean on the robot vacuum.
3. The Roomba will begin a cycle.

For app-based cycles…

1. Unbox the vacuum.
2. Install the iRobot app onto your smartphone.
3. Pair the robot vacuum to your phone.
4. Use the app to schedule a cleaning cycle or start one right away.

For voice-controlled cycles…

1. Unbox the vacuum.
2. Connect the vacuum to your wifi network.
3. Pair the robot to your Amazon Alexa device.
4. Use voice commands to schedule or start a cleaning.

Using the App & Voice Commands

The smartphone app is a fantastic tool to access more features and settings than what are available directly on the vacuum itself. Setting up the app takes about 5 minutes and once it’s paired, you generally won’t have to repair unless something changes on your network (like a new password).

The primary home screen on the iRobot app looks very much like the vacuum itself. There is a large “CLEAN” button which makes it easy to know how to quickly put the vacuum to work.

You can choose to click this button for an automated cycle to begin or you can choose one of the other cycles, like spot cleaning or send it back to the charging dock.

Is the Roomba 671 a Good Value?

The value of the Roomba 671 is good, but honestly, it’s not the best that Roomba has to offer.

As Roombas age, new budget options enter the field and can sometimes be offered at a lower price due to supply and demand.

As is the case with the Roomba 671.

The Roomba 675 offers all of the same features as the 671, but also includes Dirt Detect technology for about the same price, which makes the 675 a bit of a better value.

For most users the Roomba 675 is likely going to be a better value and better overall choice.

Roomba 671 Specifications

For a full list of the Roomba 671 specifications, check out the table below:

Who Should Buy the Roomba 671?

If you’re on a budget, but want a Roomba that can get the job done, the 671 is still a solid choice.

I would recommend the Roomba 671 if you’re looking for the following features in a robot vacuum: 

• Want basic features: If you don’t need advanced bells-and-whistles, like digital mapping, zoned cleaning, Recharge & Resume, etc, then the 671 may certainly fit the bill. It offers simple features and a low price out the door.
• Want wifi connectivity: One feature that is a nice addition on the 671 is wifi connectivity. This technology allows for app-based cleaning cycles and even voice command cleanings (which paired with a device like Amazon Alexa).
• Low price: At the end of the day, the Roomba 671 still offers good cleaning performance and at a very low price compared to newer, more advanced models. If the bottom dollar is your top concern, the 671 won’t disappoint.

Click here for more information or to check the price on the Roomba 671.