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You may be surprised to find out that “Roomba” isn’t a general term for robotic vacuum cleaners; it’s actually a brand name, with that capital “R” indicating it is a proper noun rather than a broad descriptor. Roombas are robotic vacuums produced exclusively by iRobot, making the quest for the finest Roombas much more specific than just searching for the best robot vacuums in general. Nonetheless, Roomba’s brand recognition—comparable to names like Band-Aid or Kleenex—underscores how iconic iRobot has become in the realm of automated cleaning.
There’s a solid reason for this prominence. iRobot didn’t just emerge early in the robot vacuum market; it has been delivering some of the most dependable models for over two decades. Since the debut of the first Roomba in 2002, more than 20 models have been introduced. However, if you’re in the market for a Roomba in 2025, there are only a handful of key models that you should be aware of.
## Unveiling iRobot’s 2025 Roomba Collection
In March 2025, iRobot disrupted its typical summer release routine by unveiling four new Roomba series. The timing likely wasn’t coincidental: the company faced tough competition from notable robot vacuums presented at CES 2025 and was grappling with financial hurdles. As a professional tester of robot vacuums, I can attest that Roombas were beginning to lag behind smarter, competitively priced alternatives from brands such as Roborock and Shark.
The new Roomba 105, Roomba 205, Roomba Plus 405, and Roomba Plus 505 series consist of eight models altogether, many of which showcase innovative designs that move away from the traditional Roomba appearance.
iRobot is evidently striving to catch up. For the first time, Roombas now come equipped with features like LiDAR-based intelligent mapping, dual spinning mopping pads, and even a dust compactor that compresses debris rather than simply emptying it. In spite of these enhancements, the 2025 Roombas are surprisingly budget-friendly—particularly when compared to older models, which are now often discounted.
👉 **SEE ALSO:** [Shark vs. Roomba: Comparing top-rated robot vacuum lineups](https://mashable.com/comparison/shark-vs-roomba)
## Understanding the New Roomba Models
Between the Roomba 105, the Roomba Combo i5+, and the Roomba Combo j7+ (which should not be mistaken for the Roomba j7), the naming convention can be confusing. However, once you grasp the fundamentals, it becomes simpler to navigate.
When shopping, concentrate on iRobot’s primary lineup—the three to five Roomba series featured on its website. Here’s a brief summary:
– Models with a letter and number (such as j9+ or i5) or the word “Max” signify more advanced options.
– Models identified solely by numbers (like 105, 205, or 692) or just words (like Roomba Vac or Essential) are more basic.
– If the model name includes a plus sign (+), that indicates it includes a self-emptying dock.
– “Combo” models are capable of both vacuuming and mopping.
– “Max,” a new term introduced with the Roomba Combo 10 Max, denotes that the hybrid Roomba can wash and dry its mopping pad within the dock.
– “Essential” models are the most fundamental, lacking features like smart mapping.
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| Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable | Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable |
## Which Roomba Is Right for You?
Having tested nearly every Roomba that has been released since 2019, I regularly refresh this guide to showcase the best options available. I assess models based on suction strength, pet hair removal, mopping performance, smart mapping, obstacle detection, and overall value.
(As of now, I’ve already evaluated one of the new 2025 series, with assessments of the other models in progress.)
**UPDATE: April 27, 2025, 5:00 a.m. EDT**
Following my examination of the new Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo, I’ve incorporated it into this guide. iRobot also released the Roomba 105, Roomba Plus 405, and Roomba Plus 505 in March, and I’ll revise this guide with firsthand impressions as my testing continues.
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