The updated 2025 Roombas have revolutionized the industry

Prior to March 2025, this comparison guide would have looked different. Both iRobot and Shark were stagnating in their offerings, competing to be the most mediocre. However, iRobot disrupted the market by overhauling the Roomba series ahead of schedule. The newest models consist of eight new Roombas across four categories: Roomba 105, 205, Roomba Plus 405, and 505, priced between $299 and $999. This strategic move may have been a last-ditch attempt to rescue the company from a reportedly dire financial state.

iRobot has tackled numerous weaknesses, prioritizing affordability without compromising features such as smart mapping, even in the most budget-friendly models.

The 2025 Roombas are equipped with LiDAR towers, marking a first for the brand.

Where Roomba shines: Minor obstacle avoidance and a variety of models

iRobot provides a greater selection of robot vacuums than Shark, attracting a broader customer base. More models result in enhanced customization options for features and price. For those willing to invest in a premium robot vacuum, iRobot presents more autonomous options, including mopping pads that lift over carpets, self-emptying docks that clean and dry pads, and small obstacle avoidance cameras.

The Roomba range enables you to select features according to your budget. You could choose the standalone Roomba j7 with small obstacle avoidance for as little as $299 on sale, or explore the DustCompactor design with or without mopping for under $500. Even the most affordable 2025 Roombas provide LiDAR-driven smart mapping and 70 times the suction of the 600 series Roombas.

The Roomba collection has broadened to incorporate self-sufficient mopping models, ideal for those who wish to avoid handling wet pads. While Shark has only a single robot vacuum featuring self-maintaining mopping pads, several Roombas provide this attribute at different price levels:

– Roomba Plus 405 Combo for as low as $399.99 on sale (no small obstacle avoidance)
– Roomba Plus 505 Combo for as low as $599 on sale (includes small obstacle avoidance)
– Roomba Combo 10 Max for as low as $599.99 on sale (enhanced suction and small obstacle avoidance)
– Roomba Max 705 Combo for $1,299.99 (roller mop, stronger suction power, and small obstacle avoidance)

For households with pet hair, self-rinsing mopping pads are crucial. Otherwise, hair will attach to the wet pad until it is manually cleaned.

iRobot has shifted away from conventional flat mopping pads. The Roomba Plus 405 and 505 Combo utilize dual spinning mopping pads, a design favored by many iRobot consumers. The Roomba Max 705 Combo boasts a roller mop, rivaling premium releases like the Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller.

Nevertheless, not everyone prefers a combo robot vacuum and mop. Some individuals favor vacuums that do not include mopping abilities. iRobot has responded to this by launching a vacuum-only model of its most powerful version, the Max 705 Vac.

The Roomba Max 705 Combo features a paint roller-like mop and a wooden docking station.

iRobot’s small obstacle avoidance is unparalleled, surpassing Shark and other manufacturers. All j-series Roombas, the Roomba Combo 10 Max, the Roomba Plus 505 Combo, and both 705s come equipped with a unique small obstacle detection camera system. This technology helps navigate around items such as phone chargers, cords, socks, or pet waste, addressing a frequent complaint regarding robot vacuums becoming stuck.

I first appreciated this convenience while testing the Roomba j7+ and Combo j7+, and it’s difficult to return to vacuums lacking small obstacle avoidance. I would sacrifice more thorough cleaning for a vacuum with this capability.

Where Roomba has shortcomings: Compromising at both ends of the spectrum

With dwindling profits and a sudden product overhaul, it’s evident that consumers were weary of pricey Roombas that fell short. Although Roomba has become more reasonable in terms of pricing, Shark continues to provide better budget alternatives. For instance, a basic robot vacuum with smart mapping and self-emptying is less expensive from Shark. The Roomba 105 + AutoEmpty Dock retails for $449.99 at full price or $299.99 on sale, while the Shark IQ RV2302AE provides identical features for as low as $199.99 on sale. There are also more powerful budget robot vacuums from brands like Roborock.

In the lowest price segment, iRobot’s models priced between $150 and $250 do not justify the expense. In April 2024, iRobot missed the chance to enhance its budget Roomba lineup by introducing more models without smart mapping. I wouldn’t recommend the Roomba Essential line to anyone, as smart mapping is vital for any robot vacuum.

In my experience, allowing a robot vacuum to clean