David Bridges
iRobot typically does not engage in CES, resulting in a lack of new Roomba excitement during the late winter months, unlike its competitors. However, this year, their absence from CES does not diminish their presence in the spring cleaning spotlight. On March 11, iRobot unveiled four innovative series of Roombas, marking a significant launch unlike any other seen before. The price range for these new models starts at $299 and goes up to $999, with preorders launching on March 18 at irobot.com and shipping set to begin on March 23.
Revolutionizing the Roomba Lineup: iRobot’s New Releases
Roombas have long been a cornerstone of the robot vacuum industry due to iRobot’s pioneering spirit in introducing cutting-edge features to consumers. For instance, the launch of the i7+ in 2018 amazed everyone with its ability to memorize home layouts, while the j7 in 2021 showcased its avoidance capabilities for phone chargers. However, once the initial excitement fades, iRobot tends to stagnate, allowing other brands to catch up and offer similar features at lower costs. This has led to both budget and premium Roombas struggling to provide value for money. Aware of this criticism, iRobot has taken substantial steps to address these concerns and enhance their offerings significantly.
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This 2025 Roomba launch showcases an impressive variety and depth that surpasses previous releases, resembling a complete reimagining of the Roomba family. With new circular LiDAR laser towers on most models and the addition of white color options, the latest Roombas bear little resemblance to their predecessors. In total, eight new models are available under four distinct categories: Roomba 105, Roomba 205, Roomba Plus 405, and Roomba Plus 505. The introduction of white Roombas caters to those who prefer a more modern aesthetic over the traditional black plastic look. The new models come with features such as mopping, self-emptying capabilities, or a combination of both, allowing consumers to select the features that best meet their needs while staying within their budget. A key feature across all new models is advanced smart mapping.
Now, let’s delve deeper into the unique characteristics of the 2025 Roomba series.
Affordable Innovation: Discover the Roomba 105 Series
Credit: iRobot
Credit: iRobot
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Roomba 105 (standalone) — $299
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Roomba 105 with AutoEmpty dock — $449
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Roomba 105 Combo (standalone) — $319
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Roomba 105 Combo with AutoEmpty dock — $469
While the upper-tier Roombas make a groundbreaking entry into the market, the lower-end models have historically fallen short of expectations. For instance, in April 2024, iRobot released two budget Roombas—neither of which featured smart mapping—priced at $250 or more. The Combo 2 Essential, which can mop and self-empty but lacks smart mapping, was later introduced at $424.99. In today’s market, a robot vacuum that merely bounces around randomly is unlikely to justify its cost, especially if priced above $100.
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The newly released Roomba 105 series offers a substantially smarter choice within the $300 to $500 price bracket. Each model within the 105 range features LiDAR-powered smart mapping, allowing for targeted cleaning of specified rooms upon request. Compared to older mid-range models like the i3 and i5, the Roomba 105s have upgraded to a four-stage cleaning system, providing up to 70 times more suction power than the earlier base-tier 600 series Roombas. This significant improvement ensures that even those on a budget can enjoy high-performance cleaning capabilities.
When selecting a Roomba 105, there are numerous customization options available to suit your preferences. While the two models without “Combo” in their names do not mop, one still includes automatic emptying features. Alternatively, you might consider a Combo version without the AutoEmpty dock to save both money and space, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Elevate Your Cleaning Game with the Roomba 205 Series
Credit: iRobot
Credit: iRobot
The Roomba 205 DustCompactor series introduces a groundbreaking solution for those living in compact spaces, offering a clever alternative to traditional bulky self-emptying docks. Instead of trying to fit a self-emptying canister into a tiny dock, iRobot has innovated by compacting the dust itself. As debris is collected, the Roomba 205 condenses it, allowing users to go up to 60 days without needing to empty the onboard dust bin.
This innovative dock is no larger than a standard tissue box and allows the Roomba to maintain a low profile by eliminating the LiDAR tower. This design enables the vacuum to be stored easily under furniture such as TV stands or beds while still providing the convenience of automatic emptying, making it an excellent option for space-conscious consumers.
Mashable Deals
The Roomba 205 DustCompactor also benefits from the advanced four-stage cleaning system and is available in both Combo and non-Combo versions, providing users with a choice that fits their cleaning needs.
Experience Premium Cleaning with the Roomba Plus 405 Combo and 505 Combo
The Roomba Plus 405 Combo.
Credit: iRobot
The Roomba Plus 505 Combo.
Credit: iRobot
The Roomba Plus 405 and 505 models introduce the AutoWash Dock, marking the first time iRobot has launched a Roomba with self-washing and drying mopping pads priced under $1,000 (with the 405 retailing for under $800). This combination of premium maintenance features and affordable pricing is a long-awaited development from iRobot.
Both models replace the retractable mopping arm featured in previous Combo lines such as the j7, j9, and 10 Max with two innovative spinning mopping pads, referred to by iRobot as DualClean. During my product briefing with iRobot, I learned that this dual-spinning pad system has proven to scrub more effectively than a single flat pad, enhancing the overall cleaning efficiency.
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A notable distinction between the Roomba Plus 405 and 505 is that the spinning pads on the Plus 505 utilize iRobot’s PerfectEdge technology, allowing them to extend outward from the vacuum to effectively clean edges and corners. This innovative hinged pad design has significantly improved my cleaning experience, particularly in areas near kitchen counters, delivering a comprehensive wall-to-wall cleaning solution.
Furthermore, the Roomba Plus 505 incorporates advanced small obstacle avoidance technology, enabling it to navigate around random floor clutter, such as charging cords, loose laundry, and pet waste. This feature allows users to initiate cleaning without the need to tidy up beforehand. Throughout my testing of various robot vacuums over the past two years, iRobot’s PrecisionVision obstacle avoidance has consistently demonstrated superior accuracy. While other Roomba models offer this capability at various price points, the Roomba Plus 505 Combo stands out as the only model under $1,000 to combine this feature with the innovative AutoWash Dock, offering exceptional value and convenience.
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Brandon Fletcher
