Having a robot vacuum can be a game-changer for home cleaning, and Roomba from iRobot is a brand that has become synonymous with the category. Over the years—starting with the first Roomba launched to market in 2002—iRobot has continually improved on the technology, even adding vacuum + mop models that offer all-in-one cleaning solutions. Yet, while all Roombas include the brand’s signature tech, including smart mapping, scheduled cleanings and an edge-sweeping brush, the older models skimp on extras for a more wallet-friendly price. So below, we put together a comprehensive breakdown of the absolute best iRobot Roombas, from the budget-friendly 694 vacuum that’s under $200 right now to the ultra-fancy j+7 combo, which offers hands-free mopping and vacuuming while adjusting to each room.
What’s the Best iRobot Roomba? Our Home Editor Vetted 7 Best-Selling Models
From the j7+ to the Roomba 694
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
The Best iRobot Roombas of 2024 at a Glance
Best Overall
iRobot Roomba j7+ 7550
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Best Vacuum + Mop
iRobot Roomba Combo j9+
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Best Under $300
iRobot Roomba 694
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Most Powerful
iRobot Roomba s9+ 9550
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Best for Hardwood Floors
iRobot Braava Jet M6 6110
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How We Chose the Best Roombas
First, we prioritized editor-tested models, including the Roomba j7+, Roomba Combo j9+, Roomba s9+ and Braava Jet M6. After that, we sifted through thousands of reviews for each Rooma, making sure each one met the following criteria: 1) that it was manufactured no earlier than 2018, 2) that it included obstacle detection tech and voice compatibility and 3) that it could work on multiple surfaces, including carpet, hardwood floors and tile.
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Best Overall
Pros
- detects leftover dirt and returns to finish the job
- lets you customize how/when to clean each room
Cons
- occasionally makes its way into ‘keep-out’ zones
iRobot
First up: a vacuum-only model that scored 91 points out of 100 in a PureWow100 review. Aside from its three-stage cleaning system—which features 10 times the suction compared to previous models, an edge-sweeping brush and multi-surface brushes that are safe on hardwood floors—it has smart mapping technology that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions in advance. The smart map also lets you label and customize which rooms to clean—and it even has keep-out zones and clean zones, so you can target exactly where you want the robot to go (or cable-filled corners it should avoid). “You can see the edge-sweeping brush working away at wall moldings and corners while the multi-surface rubber brushes adjust to different floor types,” PureWow home editor Sydney Meister explains. “Not only does it do a thorough job of cleaning floors, but it detects leftover dirt and returns to finish the job.”
She also notes: “The obstacle avoidance is impressive; I rarely find it bumping into walls and doorways. The robot strategically plans its clean to hit hard-to-reach places—like under the fridge or next to the trash can—and it manages to get unstuck if it encounters an out-of-place item (or somehow makes its way underneath the couch).” To that end, it’s worth mentioning her warning: “There have been a few times when my roommate's yelled ‘SYDNEY!’” after the Roomba somehow made its way through the door. My suggestion is to keep the doors closed for rooms you don’t want to be cleaned—especially if they’re in back-to-back Zoom calls.”
Fast Facts
- What’s Included: 1 robot vacuum, 1 self-emptying clean base, 2 dirt disposal bags and 1 extra filter and corner brush
- Runtime: up to 90 minutes
Best Vacuum + Mop
Pros
- three modes: vacuum, mop or vac + mop
- cleans especially dirty areas first
- detects when heavy scrubbing is needed
Cons
- expensive
- extra mopping may be required in high-traffic areas
iRobot
If you’re looking to splurge, this guy basically doubles as a hired cleaning service with the suction of a vacuum and the scrubbing of a mop. What makes it stand out from the crowd is that it’s a fully hands-free device, which automatically lifts the mop pad up and away to the top of the robot, preventing wet messes (kind of like how a convertible raises its roof). It has three cleaning modes—vacuum, mop or vacuum + mop—and it uses a four-stage cleaning system with multi-surface brushes that automatically adjust to carpeted and hardwood floors. As for the mop, you can decide how much of the cleaning solution you want dispensed as it runs, as well as how many times the robot will scrub in each room. The auto-emptying clean base is then designed to unload dirt and debris after each use before replenishing the robot with liquid for the next mopping session. And while the Roomba can mop using water alone, you can also add an approved cleaning solution for a deeper scrub.
The best part, according to Meister, is the SmartScrub and Dirt Detective modes. “At first, I thought these features would be gimmicky, no way would this thing will detect areas that need extra scrubbing or suction. But boy, was I wrong. I’ve watched the Roomba spend nearly three minutes scrubbing back and forth in the same spot, just as you would with a stick vac or mop head. And I was even more impressed by the Dirt Detective feature, which asses each room for common dirt areas and uses data from each cleaning job to prioritize where to clean first. Translation: This guy has learned to spend an extra ten minutes under my bathroom sink (somewhere I wouldn’t dare to clean without rubber gloves).”
Fast Facts
- What’s Included: 1 robot vacuum + mop, 1 clean base with auto-fill, 1 mopping pad and 1 extra dirt disposal bag, filter and corner brush
- Runtime: up to 120 minutes
Best Under $300
Pros
- scheduled cleanings via app
- Alexa-compatible
Cons
- no self-emptying base
- no mapping features
iRobot
Compatible with WiFi and Alexa, this no-frills vac can be controlled from your phone whenever you need it. And if you have pets but can't shell out $500 or more for iRobot's flashier models, this guy will get the job done just as well as the s9+ (our number four pick for pet hair on this list). It doesn't have a self-emptying canister, but it does have multi-surface rubber brushes that are less prone to tangling and flexible enough to pick up those tough-to-grab fur textures. This model is also designed to learn your cleaning habits, so it can offer customized schedules—and it even suggests extra cleanings during heavy pollen seasons to eliminate any extra allergens around the house.
James, an Amazon reviewer, says, “It picks up quite a lot of hair from floors and carpets—we have a cat and each time we use it, the chamber gets filled up with orange fur…I was also concerned that it might get stuck somewhere, which it did. BUT when it gets caught it realizes that it's stuck, says that there is an error and stops. It only happened once, but it’s nice to know that it shuts off rather than constantly trying to run.” Plus, while many people seemed to be confused by the cleaning pattern of this model (it doesn’t have a smart map), James adds, “Although it seems random—the way it will go straight into a hallway and turn on a dime to the bathroom—it manages to do so without bumping into anything! Quite impressive!”
Fast Facts
- What’s Included: 1 robot vacuum, 1 charging base and 1 extra filter
- Runtime: 90 minutes
Most Powerful
Pros
- 40x suction compared to other models
- larger brush captures chunks of pet hair
- automatically empties
Cons
- expensive
iRobot
Why is this iRobot's most powerful and highest-end Roomba to date? Not only does the s9+ robot have 40x the suction compared to other Roombas (per iRobot’s website), but it’s also engineered with larger multi-surface rubber brushes, meaning it can tackle pet hair and debris like a pro. Take it from one enthusiastic Best Buy reviewer named Craig, who was most impressed with the new brush design: “MUCH improved from the iRobot model I had before this. I first tested the s9+ on a carpet that hadn’t been vacuumed in several weeks—and I live with four cats and two dogs. Instead of just sucking up the loose hair, it grabbed and balled up the fur in handful-sized tufts wherever it ran.” Beyond that, it also captures allergens, pollen, pet hair, dirt and debris with a specially designed corner brush, making it especially adept at deep-cleaning cleaning corners and along edges. Add to that the fact that it automatically empties everything into the dock after 60 days to prevent buildup in the robot.
Of course, it’s also smart—as in, so smart that it increases suction on carpeted areas and learns the layout of your home with personal smart maps after each clean. Plus, it’s Alexa and Google Assistant compatible, so you can say “Roomba, clean my kitchen” after things get crazy during meal prep. In a PureWow100 review, PureWow freelancer Lex Goodman adds, “One of my favorite parts, however, is that you can set the Braava M6 to start immediately after the Roomba finishes vacuuming. Who doesn’t love a good collaboration?” (More on that below.)
Fast Facts
- What’s Included: 1 robot vacuum + mop, 1 clean base with auto-fill, 1 dirt disposal bag and 1 dusting brush
- Runtime: 120 minutes
Best for Hardwood Floors
Pros
- works as a wet/dry mop
- scrubs hardwood floors without causing damage
Cons
- might need additional mopping for especially sticky floors
iRobot
Speaking of the Braava Jet, this is another PureWow editor-approved cleaner for hardwood floors. The first thing to note is that it’s a mop, but it packs the same voice compatibility and smart mapping as its Roomba vacuum counterparts. It cleans under furniture, abides by “no cleaning” zones that you can conveniently set on your iRobot app and can both spot clean and deep clean. More to the point, it’s best for cleaning hardwood surfaces in particular because the Braava doubles as a wet/dry mop—and comes with a microfiber pad that’s recommended for hardwood floors. You can opt for a dry clean (kind of like a Swiffer) or a wet clean, and so long as you use the right solution, it’ll leave your floors sparkling without causing damage.
One Amazon reviewer named Victoria also says it’s great for all flooring types: “I attached the dry sweep pad and set it loose on our hardwood floors…I was shocked at the amount of dirt the dry sweep run picked up, even after I had just vacuumed! (Cat hair was gone, omg.) I ran the wet mop next and was impressed by how nice the floors looked after—no damage.)” She also adds: “We ran the wet mop on our [very gross] kitchen floors, and I have to admit, I'm impressed. It removed much more than I expected, including some gross unidentified gunk near our trash can. In fact, I would say the only gunk it was not capable of removing was some truly stuck to the ground food particles. Everything else, spills, sticky stuff…all gone.”
Fast Facts
- What’s Included: 1 robot mop, 1 charging dock, 1 cleaning solution sample, 2 single-use sweeping pads, 1 dock tray, 1 washable mop pad and 2 single-use wet mopping pads
- Runtime: 150 minutes
Best for Pet Hair
Pros
- treaded rubber brush is designed with pets in mind
- filtration system that captures allergens
Cons
- less powerful suction
- no self-emptying base
- no mapping features
iRobot
Designed specifically with pet owners in mind, this number is engineered with treaded rubber rollers that are engineered to pick up pet hair and fur. It isn't as powerful as some of the others, justifying the lower price, but it comes with everything you need from a robovac: powerful three-stage cleaning, dirt detection, scheduled cleaning options and app and voice assistants. Plus, another standout feature is the filtration system, which (per the brand) captures 99 percent of allergens, like mold and dust mites. The only thing to note here is that it doesn’t have smart mapping features and the camera is on top—instead of in front—of the Roomba, so it’s prone to bumping into objects that might be lower to the ground.
“I bought this to help with a long hair dog,” Rebecca, an Amazon reviewer, shares. “The double-silicone brushes help prevent it from becoming a tangled mess you have to cut out of the brush. And while hairs still get wrapped around them separately, it doesn't stop the iRobot from rotating (so it can finish the job). Our dog is a rough Collie, so lots of fluff to pick sometimes, and the machine is really easy to clean out.”
Fast Facts
- What’s Included: 1 robot vacuum, 1 charging dock, 1 filter and 1 cleaning pad
- Runtime: 150 minutes
Best Budget Vacuum + Mop
Pros
- affordable version of the j9+
- easy to switch from mop to vac mode
- same smart tech as the j7 vac
Cons
- doesn’t automatically switch from vacuuming to mopping
- self-emptying base not included
iRobot
If you’re not in the market to spend thousands on the Combo j9+, this is a budget-friendly alternative that’ll get the job done. Basically, iRobot elevated its best-selling Roomba j7 vacuum here with a mopping option—all it takes is the simple switch of a bin to switch to mop mode. It has all of the same features as the j7, including voice compatibility, smart-mapping and multi-surface brush rolls—and you can even use the app to create No Mop Zones. The main difference, however, is that the j5 requires you to swap in a separate bin when mopping, and you’ll need to move area rugs out of the way (the j9 will automatically switch to mop mode and avoid carpeted areas). It’s still a Roomba vac though, so when it’s vacuuming, it uses a powerful four-stage cleaning system that pulls in dirt, debris and pet hair.
Take it from Sammy, an Amazon reviewer who loves the versatility of this model: “I most appreciate the scheduling feature. I set up the Roomba to vacuum and mop three days per week while I'm at work. I come home and the floors are [sparkling]. You can also set up multiple schedules; I have a ‘mopping only’ schedule (which only does the kitchen and hallways), as well as an upstairs schedule… love that you can set it up to clean different areas at different times.” That said, you’ll want to keep her warning in mind: “The mopping feature is great but does require a little more prep. You change out the vacuum cartridge for the mopping one. You fill the mop cartridge with water but be aware the water begins to wet the mopping pad immediately, so I wouldn't set this up in advance, as the water will start to pool.”
Fast Facts
- What’s Included: 1 robot vacuum + mop, 1 Roomba combo bin, 1 charging station, 1 mop pad, 1 drip tray and 1 extra filter
- Runtime: 180 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Roomba?
Roomba is a brand of robot vacuum made by iRobot. While there are many other branded robot vacuums on the market today, Roomba remains among the best. Round in shape, they recharge in a dock to run wirelessly. Press a button on the front (or use an app or your voice with the latest models) and the vacuum will dutifully begin vacuuming the floors on its own using the brushes and edge sweeping tool on the underside to capture all kinds of microscopic dust and debris.
The vacuums scoot around obstacles, like a dining room table, get under furniture, like a couch or bed, then return to a dock once done or when they need to recharge before continuing. These vacuums usually use neat rows to clean, ensuring every area is sufficiently covered, including smartly navigating around corners and furniture. All Roomba vacuums can detect stairs as well so they stop before dropping down a flight. This means you can leave doorways open without worry.
Roomba robot vacuums work equally well on hard flooring, tiles, and even carpets and area rugs, so you can clean all the floors in your home, digging up dirt from crevices and within the fibers of carpeting of all kinds. Most models have dual multi-surface rubber brushes and an Edge-Sweeping Brush to get every detail, but different models have different suction strengths.
What Features Are in The Latest Roomba Vacuums?
Newer Roomba models, like the Combo j9+, can even create smart maps of your home to memorize where permanent furniture is and more efficiently navigate around items with each subsequent clean. This also allows you to name rooms in the app to set individual room cleans, like just the kitchen after a big baking session. Speaking of which, most models on the market today offer some form of Wi-Fi connectivity and the highest-end ones can even be controlled by voice using Alexa or Google Assistant.
With older models, you can grab the dustbin and empty it in the garbage once a clean is done. The newer models come with the option for an Automatic Dirt Disposal Clean Base dock that sucks the dirt into a bag you need only empty and replace every few months when full.
How Much Is a Roomba?
iRobot Roomba vacuums aren't super cheap, but they can range in price from $250 all the way up to $1,400 for a top-line model. But Roomba vacuums go on sale several times each year, so you can often find one on promotion or for a deep discount.
Many of the models that work with the Automatic Dirt Disposal Clean Base can be purchased without the dock for less (same model name minus the "+" in the name), but I'd highly recommend buying the dock as it makes clean-up a breeze. This means you need to buy replacement bags, since each one lasts for several months on average, depending on how often you clean. But a single three-pack of disposal bags should last a full year.
