Which iRobot Roomba Should You Buy? Six Models for Different Homes

Crumbs under the dining table, dog hair along the baseboards, and a hallway rug that never seems to stay clean: the case for a robot vacuum is usually made by the third day of a busy week. The iRobot Roomba line covers everything from a basic model that simply runs a cleaning pass to self-emptying versions that carry on for weeks without your help. Choosing between them comes down to floor type, how much hair you deal with, and how much you want to touch the machine day to day.

The six models below span the range from entry level to self-emptying and combination vacuum-and-mop designs. Each description is limited to what the name and category show, such as the series number, the plus sign, and the self-emptying wording. Start with the buying rules, decide how automated you want your cleaning to be, and then compare the notes. As of 2026 the lineup keeps growing, so match features to your needs instead of chasing the highest model number.

Quick Picks

How to Choose

Decide whether self-emptying is worth it

A basic Roomba needs its small dustbin emptied after most runs, which is easy in a small apartment but tedious in a larger home. Self-emptying models, indicated by a plus sign or the words “self-emptying,” empty into a bag in the dock, typically lasting weeks between changes. If you have pets, allergies, or a busy schedule, the dock is worth the extra investment.

Match navigation to your floor plan

Entry-level models bump around and clean in a more random pattern, while newer ones map the home and clean in rows. A good rule of thumb is that homes over about 1,000 square feet or with several rooms benefit from mapping, which allows room-by-room cleaning and avoids missed spots. Check that the model can learn and save maps if you want to send it to the kitchen alone.

Check the floors and the clutter

Hard floors and low-pile rugs are easy for nearly every robot. Thick shag rugs, cables, and thin cords are common problems, so tidy the floor before a run. If you have dark flooring or very reflective surfaces, confirm that the sensors can handle them. For homes with pet waste accidents, look for obstacle avoidance mentioned in the product description before you buy.

Consider mopping and app features

Combination vacuum-and-mop models suit tile and hardwood but need water tank refills and regular pad cleaning. Wi-Fi control through a phone app lets you schedule cleanings, set no-go zones, and check the run history. Confirm that your home network is a 2.4 GHz network, since many robot vacuums connect only to that band during setup.

Maintenance matters as much as the model you pick. Plan to replace brushes every six to twelve months, filters every couple of months, and to cut away hair wrapped around the roller each week. Check that replacement parts are sold for the specific model, because older models are sometimes harder to supply. Finally, leave room around the dock so the robot can find its way home without struggling.

Our Picks Reviewed

iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum

The iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum is an entry-level model by the 600-series naming, aimed at small homes and apartments. It does not include a self-emptying dock, which keeps things simple and gives first-time robot owners an easy way to try the concept. It suits a studio or one-bedroom home with mostly hard floors, where a daily pass keeps crumbs and light dust in check and a quick bin rinse takes only a moment.

• Pro: an entry-tier model from the Roomba brand is a straightforward way to try robot vacuuming.
• Pro: a simple design with no dock is easy to store and set up in a small space.
• Con: without a self-emptying dock, you must empty the bin yourself, often after every run in a hairy household.
• Who should skip it: owners of larger homes, shedding pets, or anyone who wants minimal involvement.

iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

The iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum puts the self-emptying feature in the name, along with the i-series naming and an EVO tag. That mix suggests a mid-range option for homes where daily bin emptying would be a chore. Households with a dog or cat, or with allergy-prone members, often start here because the dock does the dusty part of the job so you rarely have to open the bin.

• Pro: self-emptying reduces how often you handle dust, which helps allergy sufferers and busy households.
• Pro: a mid-range i-series model sits between the basic and top-end Roombas, a sensible compromise.
• Con: a dock takes up floor space and needs bags that you must replace periodically.
• Who should skip it: renters in tiny apartments who would rather not give up floor space to a dock.

iRobot Roomba i7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

The iRobot Roomba i7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum has a higher series number than the i3, which positions it a step above for larger homes. Together with the self-emptying label, it suits multi-room cleaning with limited involvement from you. Families in a two-story house or a home with an open kitchen, living, and dining area usually fall into this group, because a bigger floor plan makes automation and scheduling more valuable.

• Pro: a higher-tier i-series model tends to be better suited to larger layouts than entry-level robots.
• Pro: self-emptying means weeks of cleaning between bag changes, which suits busy households.
• Con: stepping up the series costs more, and features beyond the basics may not matter for a small home.
• Who should skip it: single-room apartment dwellers who would not use the extra capability.

iRobot Roomba j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

The iRobot Roomba j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum belongs to the j-series, a newer family than the i-series, and also includes the self-emptying dock. It is the choice for people who want a more recent design with less hands-on work. Because newer series tend to bring updated sensing and software, shoppers who plan to keep one machine for several years may find it worth the extra thought compared with older designs.

• Pro: a newer series generally means more recent design thinking and software behind the model.
• Pro: self-emptying means less bin handling and fewer interruptions through the week.
• Con: newer models are typically priced above older series, and the added capability may not matter to every buyer.
• Who should skip it: shoppers who only need a basic clean on a tight budget.

iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ Robot Vacuum and Mop

The iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ Robot Vacuum and Mop states both functions in the name, which makes it a two-in-one for homes with large areas of hard flooring. It appeals to people who want one machine to handle crumbs and light mopping. Kitchens, entryways, and dining areas, where spills and footprints collect, are the obvious places for a machine like this, while bedrooms with rugs may not need the mopping feature.

• Pro: a combination design reduces the number of cleaning tools you need to own and store.
• Pro: tile and hardwood owners get both vacuuming and mopping from one routine.
• Con: mopping adds water refills and pad cleaning, which adds chores compared with vacuum-only robots.
• Who should skip it: homes that are mostly carpet, where mopping would add little value.

iRobot Roomba s9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

The iRobot Roomba s9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum sits in the s-series, the range the brand uses for its premium models, and includes the plus designation for the self-emptying dock. It is aimed at large homes and buyers who want the high end of the lineup. For some owners the appeal is simply having the most capable machine in the family, and for others it is the confidence that a big, busy house will be covered without much attention.

• Pro: a premium series gives you the brand’s top-tier design, which suits large or complex floor plans.
• Pro: self-emptying lets you leave the machine alone for long stretches.
• Con: premium models are the most expensive in the family, which is hard to justify for a small apartment.
• Who should skip it: budget-focused buyers and anyone with a small, simple floor plan.

Which One Fits

• Small apartment, first robot: iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum.
• Pet hair, mid-size home: iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum.
• Larger multi-room home: iRobot Roomba i7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum.
• Newer design, less upkeep: iRobot Roomba j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum.
• Hard floors with spills: iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ Robot Vacuum and Mop.
• Large home, premium choice: iRobot Roomba s9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum.

Common Mistakes

1. Buying a basic model for a large home and being disappointed by the cleaning pattern.
2. Forgetting to pick up cords, socks, and pet toys before a run.
3. Skipping brush and filter replacements, which weakens performance over time.
4. Putting the dock in a cramped spot where the robot struggles to return.
5. Assuming a mop model replaces a deeper manual cleaning from time to time.

FAQ

Do Roombas work on carpet?

Yes. Low and medium pile carpets are fine for most models, while very thick shag may slow the robot.

Will the robot work with my Wi-Fi?

It needs a stable connection during setup. The guide to the best home network explains mesh systems that cover every room your robot visits.

How loud is a robot vacuum?

Louder than a quiet fan, quieter than most upright vacuums. Schedule runs while you are out for the best result.

Can it help with allergies?

Self-emptying models limit your exposure to dust when emptying the bin. Pair it with one of the best home HEPA filter choices for the air itself.

Is it safe around strings and cables?

Loose cords can tangle in brushes. Keep thin cables lifted and tidy any craft strings or yoyo cords before a run.