What's Changed With Roomba, and How Do You Compare Today's Models?

Published September 23, 2026 · By the BotLineup editors · Prices and specs as of that date, from the pages under Sources

Summary

Several current Roombas map your home with a laser and clean in straight rows, so the old picture of a robot bumping around at random no longer holds. To make sense of the lineup, answer two questions: do you want a vacuum-only "Vac" or a vacuum-and-mop "Combo"? And do you want an AutoEmpty dock that only takes the debris, or an AutoWash dock that also cleans the mop?

Reading the model names

iRobot's US store lists the Roomba 105, 205, Plus 405 and 505, Max 705, and Combo 10 Max, among others. "Vac" means vacuum-only and "Combo" means it also mops. Docks come in two kinds: AutoEmpty, which pulls debris out of the robot, and AutoWash, which also washes the mop. For example, the Plus 405 Combo and Max 705 Combo ship with an AutoWash dock, while the Roomba 105 and Max 705 Vac come with AutoEmpty.

Example: Roomba 105 Vac + AutoEmpty Dock

The Roomba 105 Vac maps with ClearView LiDAR and, iRobot says, cleans in neat rows even in the dark. It stores up to three maps for different levels, and the app lets you pick rooms and set keep-out zones. It uses a multi-surface bristle brush and an edge-sweeping brush, and the dock holds up to 75 days of debris. It does not mop.

The company behind Roomba has changed

iRobot went through a pre-packaged Chapter 11 process, and on January 23, 2026 it announced the completion of a court-supervised transaction that left it wholly owned by Picea (Shenzhen PICEA Robotics Co., Ltd. and Santrum Hong Kong Co., Limited), previously its primary contract manufacturer. iRobot says it is keeping its Bedford, Massachusetts headquarters. For something you will use for years, it is worth checking warranty terms and where app and parts support come from before you buy.

Narrowing it down

First decide whether you need mopping (Vac or Combo), then whether you want to wash mop pads yourself (AutoEmpty or AutoWash). The same robot can be sold with or without a dock, and the price changes a lot, so compare full bundle names.

Shopping for one? Robot vacuums by price and feature →

Sources

We have not tested these products. Specs, prices, stock and terms are as published on these pages on the date above and can change; check the manufacturer or retailer before you buy.

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