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
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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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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.
