7 Best Roomba Vacuum Cleaners of 2026

The iRobot Roomba Plus 505 Combo isn’t just a step forward—it’s a full-system revolution in robotic cleaning. With 70x more suction power than older Roomba models and an advanced DualClean Mop Pad system, it delivers a level of deep, scrubbing mopping action that most robot vacuums can’t touch. What truly sets it apart is the AutoWash Dock, which doesn’t just empty the bin—it automatically washes and heats-dries the mop pads after every use, eliminating mildew and odors. For pet owners or families with high-traffic homes, this hands-free hygiene loop is a game-changer, solving the biggest pain point in combo robot cleaners: sticky, smelly pads.

In real-world testing, the Roomba Plus 505 shines across mixed flooring. Its LiDAR navigation maps homes swiftly and accurately, adjusting cleaning paths room by room. The PrecisionVision AI is impressively sharp—routinely avoiding socks, cords, and even pet accidents with confidence. On hardwood, the mopping performance is remarkably thorough, especially with the SmartScrub mode engaged for coffee spills or dried sauce. However, it struggles slightly on extra-thick rugs where the mopping pad brushes too low, occasionally dragging. While it auto-lifts pads on carpets, transitions aren’t always seamless on plush or uneven surfaces, requiring occasional manual intervention.

Compared to the Roomba 105 Combo, the Plus 505 is in a different league—offering heated drying, smarter AI obstacle avoidance, and deeper scrubbing. It’s also a more complete package than the Max 705 Vac, adding true mopping capabilities without sacrificing suction power. This model is ideal for tech-savvy households that want set-and-forget cleaning with both vacuuming and mopping handled intelligently. It delivers more automation and fewer compromises than nearly any other combo robot at its level.

The iRobot Roomba 105 Vac is a no-nonsense powerhouse that punches well above its price tag. Despite its budget-friendly positioning, it packs 70x more suction than the older 600 series and uses a 3-stage cleaning system with a multi-surface rubber brush and edge-sweeping bristles to conquer dust bunnies and debris in corners. Its ClearView LiDAR navigation delivers surprisingly precise mapping, allowing it to clean in neat, methodical rows—something often missing in entry-level robots. For renters or first-time users, this is the perfect balance of performance and simplicity, turning daily maintenance into a truly hands-off task.

During testing, the Roomba 105 Vac consistently covered 1,000+ sq ft homes on a single charge, resuming cleaning after self-recharging with minimal overlap. It handles transitions between hardwood and low-pile carpets smoothly and navigates around furniture with confidence. While it lacks advanced obstacle recognition, it uses sensor-based navigation to avoid stairs and large objects. The app integration is straightforward, letting users schedule cleans, create keep-out zones, and monitor filter life. That said, it can occasionally get tangled in cords or scatter small toys—something higher-end models with AI avoid.

When stacked against the Roomba Vac Essential, the 105 Vac offers better suction, smarter navigation, and full app control, making it a smarter long-term investment. It doesn’t mop or self-empty, but for those who want a reliable, affordable vacuum that just works, this model delivers exceptional value. It’s the most capable entry-level robot iRobot currently offers—offering high-end navigation at a fraction of the cost.

The iRobot Roomba 105 Combo is a compelling middle ground—offering true vacuum-mop duality without breaking the bank. Its standout feature is the AutoEmpty Dock, which keeps the bin clean for up to 75 days, making it one of the most hands-free budget combos on the market. With 70x more suction power and a microfiber mop pad with SmartScrub, it handles everyday messes effectively on hard floors. The automatic carpet detection is flawless—lifting the mop pad instantly when transitioning to rugs, ensuring they stay dry and safe.

In real-world use, the 105 Combo excels in small to medium homes with mostly hard flooring. The LiDAR navigation ensures consistent coverage, and the app allows room-specific cleaning, suction adjustment, and mopping intensity control. The mopping function uses a micro-pump to regulate water flow, preventing over-saturation. However, the mop pad lacks active scrubbing motion—relying on robot movement for cleaning—so it’s less effective on dried-on spills. It also doesn’t wash or dry the pad automatically, requiring manual cleaning weekly.

Compared to the Plus 505 Combo, it lacks heated drying, spinning mop pads, and AI obstacle avoidance, but it delivers 80% of the functionality at half the price. It’s a smarter buy than the basic Roomba 105 Vac if you want mopping without upgrading to premium tiers. For budget-conscious buyers seeking self-emptying and dry carpet assurance, this model strikes the best balance in its class.

The iRobot Roomba Vac Essential (Q0120) is the bare-bones entry point into the iRobot ecosystem, but it still packs a surprising punch. It features a 3-stage cleaning system with decent suction and an edge-sweeping brush that grabs dust along baseboards—something many budget bots miss. Its low-profile design lets it glide under beds and sofas, reaching spots often ignored. While it lacks advanced mapping, it uses smart navigation to clean in neat rows, covering rooms thoroughly without major backtracking. For those who want a simple, no-frills robot vacuum that just works, this model delivers on the basics.

In testing, it handled daily dust and light debris well on hard floors and low-pile rugs. It runs up to 120 minutes on a charge and automatically returns to recharge—resuming where it left off. The spot cleaning mode is handy for spills, spinning in place for up to 2 minutes. However, it has no app-based room selection or scheduling, limiting customization. It connects to Wi-Fi and works with Alexa, but setup is basic, and mapping is minimal—more “coverage” than “precision.”

Compared to the Roomba 105 Vac, it’s a clear step down—missing LiDAR, app scheduling, and advanced suction. But for under $75, it’s one of the most reliable entry-level options available. It’s ideal for small apartments, dorms, or as a secondary robot for low-traffic areas. It may not be smart, but it’s dependable, compact, and effective for light cleaning—making it a solid starting point.

The iRobot Roomba Max 705 Vac is built for one thing: raw cleaning power. With 180x more suction in Spot Clean mode than the 600 series and dual anti-tangle rubber brushes, it obliterates pet hair, cereal spills, and deep-seated dirt with authority. The PrecisionVision AI adds confidence, recognizing and avoiding socks, cords, and pet waste—reducing cleanup interruptions. Paired with the AutoEmpty Dock, it delivers up to 75 days of hands-free operation, making it a top contender for busy pet owners who hate touching dirt.

In performance tests, the Max 705 excelled on carpets, where its Carpet Boost mode automatically ramps up suction. The Dirt Detect Technology repeatedly passes over high-traffic zones, ensuring no mess is left behind. Its LiDAR mapping is fast and accurate, and the app allows room-by-room cleaning and suction adjustment. However, it’s only a vacuum—no mopping—which limits its versatility compared to combo models. It also lacks mop pad washing or drying features, but that’s expected at this specialization level.

Against the Plus 505 Combo, it trades mopping for superior suction and pet hair mastery. It’s also more powerful than the Plus 504, though both target pet owners. If your priority is maximum debris removal without mopping, the Max 705 is the most powerful Roomba vacuum in this lineup. It justifies its premium cost with relentless performance and minimal maintenance.

The iRobot Roomba Plus 504 is a pet owner’s dream, engineered to dominate homes with shedding pets and muddy paws. Its dual rubber brushes resist tangles and maintain constant floor contact, while 150x more suction than the 600 series obliterates embedded pet hair and tracked-in dirt. The PrecisionVision AI is a standout—confidently dodging toys, socks, and even pet waste, reducing manual resets. With the AutoEmpty Dock, it stays clean for 75 days, trapping 99% of allergens as small as 0.7 microns—ideal for allergy sufferers.

In real-world testing, the Plus 504 tackled high-pile rugs and hardwood with equal ease, switching to Carpet Boost mode automatically. The Dirt Detect feature made multiple passes over muddy entryways, ensuring complete cleanup. Its LiDAR navigation is precise, and the app allows room-specific cleaning, suction adjustment, and scheduling. However, like other vac-only models, it offers no mopping functionality, which may push some buyers toward combo units despite pet focus.

Compared to the Max 705 Vac, it has slightly less suction but is more focused on pet-specific challenges with smarter AI and allergen control. It outperforms the Roomba 105 Vac in every category and justifies its cost with long-term convenience and deep-cleaning power. For pet families wanting set-and-forget vacuuming with elite hair handling, this is the ultimate choice.

The iRobot Roomba Plus 405 is the sweet spot of value and automation in the combo robot market. It delivers 70x more suction, spinning DualClean mop pads, and SmartScrub for 2x deeper cleaning—making it one of the few budget robots that actually scrubs, not just wets, floors. The AutoWash Dock is a revelation: auto-emptying the bin, washing the pads, and drying them—keeping everything fresh for up to four weeks of mopping. For under $360, that level of integrated automation is unmatched.

In testing, the Plus 405 covered homes up to 1,500 sq ft with excellent efficiency. Its LiDAR mapping is fast, and Clean Zones let users target mess-prone areas like kitchens. The mop pads lift automatically on carpets, and transitions are smooth. While mopping performance isn’t quite as aggressive as the Plus 505, it handles daily spills and footprints with ease—especially when using cleaning solution. The only limitation is heated drying, which the 505 has but this model lacks, potentially leading to mild odors over time.

Against the Roomba 105 Combo, the Plus 405 offers active pad washing, spinning mops, and better scrubbing—justifying the price bump. It’s less expensive than the Plus 505 but missing heated drying and extended AI detection. For those who want true hands-free vacuum-and-mop without paying top dollar, this is the best value combo iRobot offers—balancing features, price, and performance perfectly.