iRobot Roomba 692 Vacuum

No. The Roomba 692 runs fine without the app or any mapping, and that simplicity is a big part of its appeal: press the button and it cleans. The app adds scheduling, but the Wi-Fi link isn't guaranteed, and in one case it wouldn't stay connected at all.

Now and then. It gets caught under tight spots, on certain rugs or on toys and needs a rescue. Pick up toys and move problem rugs before a run, and the 692 finishes on its own far more often. Check where it stalls the first few times to learn the trouble spots.

Yes, with daily runs. For shedding dogs, running the Roomba 692 every day keeps hair tumbleweeds off carpet and wood floors. The bin holds 0.5 liters, so empty it after each run and clear hair from the brushes regularly to keep pickup steady.

It does a good job, thick carpet included, as an in-between cleaner. The 692 keeps carpet tidy between full vacuums rather than replacing them, and its brushes loosen dirt before suction pulls it in, which suits regular light passes. Pair it with a full vacuum every week or two.

iRobot rates it at up to 90 minutes per charge, and it heads back to its charging base on its own when the battery runs low.