It may come as a surprise that “roomba” is not a term used universally for robot vacuums. The uppercase “R” indicates that Roomba is a proper noun, not a generic trademark. Roombas are robot vacuums manufactured by iRobot, and identifying the top Roombas is a more precise endeavor than simply searching for the best robot vacuums overall. Nevertheless, Roomba’s renown, similar to that of Band-Aid or Kleenex, underscores iRobot’s legendary standing in the realm of automated floor cleaning.
This reputation is justified: iRobot was the forerunner in the robot vacuum industry and has reliably produced sturdy models for twenty years. Since the debut of the first Roomba in 2002, more than 20 models have been launched, but only a select few are truly worth considering in 2025.
iRobot unexpectedly introduced several new Roombas this spring
In March 2025, iRobot unveiled four new Roomba series, deviating from its typical summer launch schedule. This acceleration was probably a response to the spring unveiling of top robot vacuums at CES and the company’s financial difficulties. As a robot vacuum evaluator, I have observed Roombas facing challenges from smarter, budget-friendly rivals like Roborock and Shark.
The new Roomba 105, Roomba 205, Roomba Plus 405, and Roomba Plus 505 series contain eight models, many featuring novel designs that do not resemble the traditional Roomba. iRobot is advancing to keep pace with competitors, providing Roombas equipped with LiDAR for intelligent mapping, dual spinning mopping pads, and a variant that compresses dust instead of having self-emptying capabilities. Despite these advancements, the 2025 Roombas are surprisingly economical compared to earlier models.
The majority of new and some older Roombas will be on sale for Prime Day, taking place from July 8 to 11 in 2025. Even after last year’s unsuccessful acquisition attempt between Amazon and iRobot, Roomba bargains are a major component of Prime Day’s robot vacuum promotions.
With the introduction of new Roombas, the question persists: “Which Roomba stands as the best?” I have tried nearly every Roomba since 2019, and I continuously update this guide as I assess the 2025 models. After reviewing suction power, pet hair collection, mopping capabilities, smart mapping, obstacle detection, and pricing, I have pinpointed the Roombas that deliver the best value for various households.
How to distinguish between Roomba models
The iRobot Roomba 105, Roomba Combo i5+, and Roomba Combo j7+ (not to be confused with the Roomba j7) feature names that can be perplexing, but we can help clarify things. When looking to purchase a Roomba, you’ll choose from iRobot’s primary lineup: three to five series available on iRobot’s site. Models designated with a letter and number (such as j9+ or i5) or “Max” are superior to those identified solely by numbers (like 105, 205, or 692) or basic descriptors (like Roomba Vac or Essential).
A plus sign (like j9+) denotes a self-emptying dock, and Roombas designed for mopping include “Combo” in their name. “Max” is a new term introduced with the Roomba Combo 10 Max, which refers to a hybrid Roomba that cleans and dries its mopping pad within the dock. “Essential” indicates “most basic,” lacking smart mapping capabilities.
Other Roombas I’ve evaluated
I have tested several Roombas that are no longer significant contenders in the 2025 guide. The Roomba Combo j9+ does not wash or dry its mopping pad and is too pricey compared to its counterparts like the Roomba Combo 10 Max, Roomba Plus 505, or Roomba Max 705. The j9’s outdated status has also led to diminished discounts.
I have excluded 600 series Roombas for similar justifications: they struggle to compete with newer models that offer enhanced suction and smart mapping features. The Roomba 694 proved to be more irritating than commendable. The Roomba 694 and Roomba 692 are difficult to find and seldom priced lower than the Roomba 105, which has now become my top choice for the best budget-friendly Roomba.