Buying guide for Best Roombas
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Vacuuming usually tops most homeowners’ list of least favorite chores, so a Roomba — something that has become synonymous with automating a dreaded chore — has steadily been gaining in popularity. The BestReviews Testing Lab evaluated 17 of iRobot’s popular robot vacuums to identify the best Roombas. We graded each model on its ease of use, performance on carpet and hardwood, transition between flooring types and navigation capabilities. We also analyzed how well the product delivered on its manufacturer’s battery life claims.
Our testing began with setting up each Roomba to see how smoothly the process went and how long it took before it was ready for vacuuming. We also studied the suction performance and evaluated the size of the dustbin to determine how long the vacuums could clean. Additionally, we tested the Roombas on different surfaces and ran specific tests with different types of particles and debris to evaluate their suction power in everyday situations.
We also tested the connected iRobot app to see how it aided the robots’ performance. For models with advanced navigation features, we put them through their paces to see how well they could target clean and avoid obstacles. Finally, we considered how easy the Roombas were to empty, maintain and clean.
Our top pick is the Roomba Combo j7+, which can mop and vacuum your floors and react to obstacles in real time so you don't have to think about it.
Which Roomba model is best?
Best Roomba for Mopping and Vacuuming
Battery life: 128 min | Dimensions: 13.3” width x 3.4” high | Dustbin capacity: 0.4 L | Water tank capacity: 0.48 L | Weight: 7.35 lb | Mapping: Yes | Self-emptying: Yes | Voice commands: Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri | Scheduling: Yes
The Roomba Combo j7+ stands out for its ability to both vacuum and mop your floors on the same cleaning job. It offers a similar feature set as the j7+ but is equipped with a reusable mopping pad that fully retracts away from carpeting.
Because of the mopping feature, we first sent the robot on a mapping run to learn which floors were carpeted and which were hard surfaces. Impressively enough, it took just 34 minutes to map an entire floor with five rooms, correctly identifying all the surfaces and areas.
We were also blown away by its battery life — it ran for two hours and seven minutes before it needed recharging, the longest of all the models we tested.
Like the j7+, the j7+ Combo offered solid performance on carpet. During testing, it picked up pet hair without any issues. However, it sometimes required two passes to capture heavier debris like kitty litter and cereal. In its mopping mode, it cleaned up spilled iced tea without leaving any sticky residue. We also noticed it completely removed a stubborn sticky spot on laminate flooring on a routine cleaning run.
Additionally, it demonstrated excellent obstacle avoidance during testing. It pivoted away from a shoe we placed in its path and a stuffed dog toy. For those with pets, we were pleased that its rubber brushes didn’t become tangled with hair even in a testing area with two dogs. And since it includes a Clean Base, you don't have to worry about manually emptying the debris after it finishes vacuuming your floors.
Compared to other Roomba models, it covered more ground in less time. It vacuumed and mopped a 320-square-foot area in 52 minutes. This makes it ideal for those who don’t have much time to maintain their floors but want the most thorough clean possible. We scored it a 5 out of 5 for its versatility, top-notch mapping and navigation, and impressive battery life.
Read more: Roomba Combo j7+
Self-emptying and Stellar Suction
Battery life: 120 min | Dimensions: 13.7” L x 13.7” W x 3.4” H | Weight: 8.98 lb | Mapping: Yes | Self-emptying: Yes | Voice commands: Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri Shortcuts | Scheduling: Yes
The new Roomba Combo j9+ boasts many of the same impressive features as the Combo j7+, but it improves on others to tackle dirt, pet hair and other debris with greater efficiency.
It comes with a self-emptying Clean Base like the j7+, but the new base is 8.75 decibels quieter and automatically refills the robot’s clean water tank for up to 30 days in addition to emptying its onboard dustbin.
The Combo j9+ also uses the updated iRobot OS 7.0, which introduces new cleaning technologies. For instance, now this robot vacuum/mop combo can scrub in a back-and-forth motion — a feature iRobot dubs SmartScrub — that provides two times deeper scrubbing to remove stubborn residue and grime.
It even knows to automatically mop your bathroom floor last, so those messes aren’t spread throughout your home.
New release
On July 23, 2024, iRobot introduced its latest model, the Roomba Combo 10 Max Robot + AutoWash Dock. Here's more about what this powerful Roomba can do.
Roomba Combo 10 Max Robot + AutoWash Dock
Dimensions: 13.3” L x 13.3” W x 3.4” H | Weight: 11 lb | Mapping: Yes | Self-emptying: Yes | Voice commands: Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri Shortcuts | Scheduling: Yes
The Roomba Combo 10 Max Robot + AutoWash Dock is iRobot's most powerful and smartest robot vacuum and mop to date. Not only does it automatically refill the mopping solution tank and recharge itself, but it can also wash and dry its own mopping pad, empty debris and self-clean. Plus, it holds up to a week's worth of water to wash the robot's mopping pad and self-clean, so you spend less time maintaining it.
Also new to this model is Enhanced Dirt Detect Technology, which helps it detect the dirtiest areas of your home and focuses on those spots to ensure your floors are immaculate.
To ensure it can work with any smart home setup, iRobot also announced that this model will be compliant with the Matter smart home protocol by the end of the year and compatible with the Apple Home ecosystem.
Like our top pick, the Roomba j9+, it can also empty itself for up to 60 days and can avoid obstacles, including pet waste. Though the Roomba Combo i5 can vacuum and mop for about $1,000 less, the Roomba Combo 10 Max Robot + AutoWash Dock provides a truly hassle-free cleaning experience.
How we tested
To identify the best Roomba for our readers, we spared no effort in our in-depth testing process guided by the BestReviews Testing Lab.
Battery and runtime tests
We began with testing that could provide quantifiable metrics, so we started the robots with full batteries and monitored how long they ran before they needed recharging. Afterward, we observed how long it took for the batteries to fully recharge. We also emptied the Roomba’s dustbins and noted how long they could vacuum before they were full. Finally, we tested how long it took each model to fully clean a room, noting both the time and the square footage of the space.
Cleaning performance tests
We examined how the Roombas handled specific types of messes. We placed small to medium-sized particulates like kosher salt or coffee grounds, kitty litter, pet hair or thread and cereal on both hard flooring and carpeting and observed how well they could clean up the debris. We also tested how well the robots transitioned from one flooring type to another and how well they reacted when small objects like a backpack or a pet toy were placed in their paths.
Noise level and feature tests
In addition to these specific tests, we sent the robots out on routine cleaning runs to record general impressions of how they performed in everyday conditions. We also considered how noisy each model was and how easy they were to empty and clean. For models with smart mapping and voice commands, we explored how well these features worked and the value they added to the Roombas’ overall performance.
Benefits of using an iRobot Roomba
You'll save time
For many people, the main draw is the time that it can save in one’s house cleaning routine. Because it cleans on its own, you can move on to other cleaning chores while it’s doing the vacuuming for you. With the connected app, you can even send your Roomba out to clean while at work or running errands. The scheduling feature also lets you select a regular time to clean on a weekly or daily basis, depending on your needs.
Great for those with limited mobility
A Roomba is also a perfect vacuum option for anyone with limited mobility. You don’t have to push or carry it anywhere, and because it cleans on its own, you don’t have to stand at all to vacuum your home.
Cleaning hard-to-reach areas
The Roomba can also easily go under most furniture so you never have to worry about dust bunnies or pet hair collecting under your couch again. Just keep in mind that because of its small size and design, unfortunately, a Roomba cannot provide a deep clean, especially on carpeting. Ketia Daniel, our cleaning expert, recommends a dual-cleaning strategy for carpet: a Roomba for daily spruce-up cleaning and a full-sized vacuum with the power and filtration for a weekly deep clean to protect your flooring investment and your health.
iRobot Roomba features to consider
When trying to find the best Roomba for your cleaning needs, it helps to understand your options. Some features are standard in all models, but you can find more advanced technology and settings in premium Roombas.
Suction power
When shopping for a Roomba, the first thing to consider is the flooring you’ll use it on. Carpeting requires greater suction to lift debris from its fibers, while hard flooring doesn’t need such powerful suction because the dirt sits right on its surface.
All Roombas are advertised as effective for all floor types, including hardwood, tile and carpeting because their cleaning heads automatically adjust to keep their brushes in close contact with the floor surface. However, some models are better suited for carpeting than others because they feature superior suction power. Models like the Roomba i4 and Roomba j7+ offer 10 times the suction power as standard models, such as the Roomba 694. For the most power, the Roomba s9+ delivers an impressive 40 times the standard suction.
The improved suction allows these Roombas to pull dirt, debris and even pet hair out of carpeting for a more thorough cleaning. For example, during testing, we found that the s9+ could pick up a wad of pet hair from carpeting without leaving a single strand behind. The j7+ performed similarly, removing all the pet hair in a single pass. In a test with small lengths of cut thread, the i4 also showed effective suction on carpeting, removing most of the pieces on its first pass.
Three-stage cleaning
All Roomba models feature a patented three-stage cleaning system. The vacuums loosen, lift and suction dirt and debris to clean your floors effectively. They feature two multisurface brushes, which work together to thoroughly clean your floors. The first brush agitates the floor surface to loosen and lift embedded dirt, while the second brush directs the debris under the Roomba to ensure it is pulled in by the suction channel. Roombas also have an edge-sweeping brush that helps remove dirt from corners and edges.
However, some models clean more effectively because this three-stage cleaning system is paired with stronger suction power. For the most complete clean, you may want to opt for a higher-end Roomba model, such as the s9+ or j7+.
Battery life
All Roomba vacuums operate on a battery, but not all batteries provide the same cleaning time.
Some Roombas, such as the Roomba 692 and 694, are equipped with batteries that have 70 to 75 minutes of run time, while other mid-range models, like the i4, have a 90-minute battery life. For the longest-running Roomba, look for a model with a battery life of about 100 minutes, such as the Combo j7+ or s9+.
Self-charging capabilities
Every Roomba model has a self-charging feature, which means that they will automatically return to their docking station to charge when they’re running low on power.
They won’t go back to cleaning on their own, though, so you’ll need to set the vacuum back to cleaning again once it’s done charging.
However, some Roomba series like the i, j and s have a Recharge and Resume feature. It allows the vacuum to return to the docking station when it needs to charge but immediately pick up the cleaning job where it left off once it’s fully charged.
Mapping and navigation
Roombas utilize responsive navigation and sensors to create a high-efficiency cleaning pattern that allows them to move around furniture and other clutter without missing a beat. But while they can all learn your home to determine the best way to clean, some models offer better navigation and mapping features than others.
The best Roombas have smart mapping capabilities, which enables them to remember specific areas and rooms in your home for more targeted cleaning. Models like the Roomba i7, i3+ EVO, s9+, j7+ and i8+ as well as the iRobot Braava Jet M6 feature camera-aided navigation and can go on mapping runs to learn your home’s floor plan. They will designate most rooms on their own, but you can go into the app and rename areas or move dividers for improved accuracy.
For example, during testing, we sent the j7+ out on a mapping run before it vacuumed to help it learn the floor plan. It successfully mapped five rooms, accurately identifying all but one. To give the unidentified space a title, we only had to go into the iRobot app and add its name.
In addition to cleaning specific rooms, some models with smart mapping, like the s9+ and the j7+, let you create Clean Zones and Keep Out Zones in your home to target your cleaning. During testing with the s9+, we created a Keep Out Zone around pet bowls to avoid spills. The Roomba successfully avoided the bowls but effectively cleaned the rest of the space.
You can even find some models, such as the j7+ and Combo j7+ , that can detect and avoid certain objects like your smartphone's charging cable. These objects are also added to the Roomba’s map, so it knows to avoid them in the future.
Automatic dirt disposal
Roombas have an internal bin that holds all the dirt, dust, pet dander and other debris they collect during cleaning. The bin is easy to remove and empty into your trash can, but it can sometimes get messy. Also, a Roomba will stop vacuuming when its bin is full and won’t continue until you dispose of the dirt.
To avoid having to come into contact with mess — and allow vacuuming to continue uninterrupted -- some Roomba models like the Roomba i1+, Combo j7+ and s9+ are equipped with a Clean Base that contains a dirt disposal bag that can hold up to 60 days’ worth of dirt, dust and pet hair. These Roombas automatically empty their internal bins at the end of a cleaning session and return to the base during vacuuming to empty the bin when it’s full. That means a vacuuming session is never interrupted by a full bin you’re unaware of.
For a simple way to know if the Roomba you’re considering includes a Clean Base, check for a “+” in the model name.
Controls and scheduling
Nearly every Roomba is Wi-Fi-connected, which allows you to control your vacuum wirelessly with the Roomba app on your smartphone or tablet. That way, if you’re out running errands, you can turn the Roomba on to clean while you’re on the go so it’s done before you are back home.
You can also schedule your Roomba to clean the house at a designated time with the app. For example, we set up the j7+ to clean the kitchen and living at two specific times during the day, and it automatically went out to vacuum at the scheduled times without us needing to do a thing.
The app also allows you to check the Roomba’s cleaning history so you can be sure that certain areas of your home have been cleaned recently and to keep tabs on when you need to replace parts such as its brush roller, side brush and filter.
Voice commands
You can integrate your Roomba into your smart home setup by connecting them with a smart assistant, such as Alexa or Google Assistant. Once you register your Roomba, you can use voice commands to clean your home on-demand.
For example, you can say, “Alexa, ask Roomba to start vacuuming,” or “Hey Google, pause vacuuming.” Advanced models, such as the s9+ and the j7+, offer a broader range of voice commands, such as cleaning a specific room or around/under a certain piece of furniture.
Mopping
Having a robot vacuum to suck up dirt, dust and pet hair around your home is certainly convenient, but a model that can also handle wet and sticky messes may be even more of a time-saver.
The Combo j7+ is a hybrid Roomba that both vacuums and mops throughout your home. We sent it out on a mapping run before cleaning, so it could learn which areas were carpeted and which featured hard flooring. It then vacuumed and mopped simultaneously without wetting any of the carpeted surfaces.
If a hybrid model isn’t for you, you can also opt for a robot mop like the Braava Jet M6 to pair with your Roomba. You can even set it to automatically begin mopping as soon as a vacuum job is complete.
Tangle-free extractors
If you have a pet, opt for a Roomba model equipped with tangle-free extractors, such as the Combo j7+, j7+, i4, i8+ and s9+. These extractors help lift pet fur, hair, and other fibers from the floor without allowing them to become entangled in the Roomba’s brushes. Instead of traditional bristle brushes, which pet hair tends to get caught up in, these models have rubber brushes. The flexible design of the brushes prevents hair from wrapping around them and getting stuck.
In a house with a lot of pet dander, the tangle-free roller will keep your Roomba from stalling so it can continue to work as efficiently as possible.
High-efficiency filter
If you or another household member suffers from allergies, you’ll want a Roomba fitted with a high-efficiency filter, which the j7+ and s9+ offer. The filter can capture 99% of allergens, pollen and particles that are as small as 10 microns to limit the dander in your home.
Clean map reports
Some Roombas, like the i3+, i8+ and s9+, provide Clean Map reports. These maps provide a visual representation of where your Roomba has cleaned by marking out the areas with light green hue. You can also see any spots the vacuum missed, which are colored white on the map.
Clean Map reports also show you where the Roomba detected high concentrations of dirt, marking these areas with dark-green dots. This information can help you clean more thoroughly because you can send your robot out to vacuum those spots often. This feature can come in handy in a home with small children and/or pets, where there may be crumbs, hair and other debris you’re unaware of.
Custom cleaning preferences
If you’re very particular about how clean your floors are and don’t trust an automatic vacuum to get the job done as precisely as you’d like, choose a Roomba model that provides custom cleaning preferences, such as the s9+ or j7+.
With the custom cleaning preferences, you can adjust various settings, including the number of cleaning passes and the suction power. It’s easy to do in the iRobot app, so you can create a customized cleaning plan even when you’re away from home.
How much do Roombas cost?
Purchasing a Roomba is a costly investment, so it’s important to shop carefully. Typically, you’ll pay between $200 and $1,000 for one.
If you plan to only use the Roomba for maintenance work and still rely on a traditional vacuum to do the heavy lifting when it comes to cleaning your floors, opt for a basic model, such as the 694 or i1+, that costs around $275.
If you’re relying on your Roomba to do most of the floor cleaning in your home and want improved navigation, a mid-tier model, such as the i3+ EVO or i4, is a better fit. These Roombas generally cost between $400 and $550.
If you want a model that can do all of the floor cleaning in your home and offers the most sophisticated navigation, you’ll want to choose a higher-end option, such as the j7+ or s9+, that is equipped with features that allow for more thorough cleaning; expect to spend between $800 and $1,000.
How to clean a Roomba
The exact process for cleaning a Roomba can vary based on the model, but the steps are fairly similar. Most models, including the i4+, the j7+, the i8+ and the Combo j7+, feature access to the dustbin at their front side. You press a tab and to remove the bin from the robot. However, the s9+’s dustbin is located at the top of the vacuum, so you open the top door to remove it. Once you remove the bin, hold it over the trash, and push the release button to open it and dispose of the dirt. Wash the bin in warm water and dry it thoroughly before returning it to the Roomba.
In addition to the dustbin, you should also clean the vacuum’s sensors, brushes and wheels. Turn your Roomba upside down, and press on the lever that releases the two rolling brushes. If there is hair wrapped around the brushes, pull it off. For tangled hair, you may need a pair of scissors or a kitchen knife to remove it.
Cleaning a Roomba’s caster wheels is easy because it pops out without any fuss. You can then wipe it down and clean out its wheel well. The side wheels aren’t removable, but you can push them aside to remove any dirt, hair or dust that may be trapped around them. Before you put your Roomba back to charge, wipe down the contacts on its underside with a clean, dry cloth. That will ensure that it continues to charge properly.
