Roomba Combo i5+ from iRobot Corp. - 2-in-1 cleaning with self-empty dock

Reviewed: ad hoc news Lifestyle & Consumer desk. Edited and checked on 2026-06-26, 20:54. Details in the imprint.

The Roomba Combo i5+ rolls off its dock with a quiet hum, then noses along the skirting board and across the kitchen tiles, its small mop pad leaving a thin, damp trail that dries in minutes. In many homes this compact robot has replaced the Sunday vacuum ritual.

What the Combo i5+ does

Roomba Combo i5+ is iRobot's mid-range 2-in-1 robot that vacuums and mops in one run, using a removable bin that houses both the dust compartment and the water tank. Its Clean Base station automatically sucks debris from the robot into a sealed bag after each job.

Instead of full LiDAR mapping, the robot uses iRobot's iAdapt navigation with sensors to build smart maps over time and then relies on iRobot OS to recognize rooms like "kitchen" or "hallway" for targeted cleaning. That software layer is where chief product officer Keith Hartsfield sees the long-term differentiator.

How it feels in daily use

On hardwood floors the Combo i5+ sounds more like a distant hairdryer than a bulky upright vacuum, and its low profile lets it slide under many sofas where dust often lingers. Pressing the large physical Clean button gives a satisfying click that many app-heavy rivals have abandoned.

The mop module, a small pad clipped under the bin, applies light pressure and is best for everyday film rather than dried-on kitchen spills. Reviewers at tech site Tom's Guide describe its mopping as adequate for maintenance, but not a substitute for a manual deep scrub.

Specs, price and limits

According to iRobot's official product page, the Combo i5+ offers up to 75 minutes of runtime, supports Wi-Fi and voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant, and integrates room-based routines through iRobot OS. In the US the robot lists at around 549 dollars, with promotions occasionally pushing it lower.

Its main limitation is the absence of obstacle-avoiding cameras, which means socks, charging cables and pet toys can still cause hiccups. Reviewers at PCMag note that owners need to tidy floors first if they want cleaning runs to go smoothly.

Who the robot suits

For a small apartment with mixed hard floors and low-pile rugs, the Combo i5+ can keep everyday dirt in check and lightly wipe the kitchen area, cutting down on manual sweeping. Families with kids and pets will appreciate the self-emptying base, which reduces bin handling to roughly once a month.

Colin Angle, iRobot's co-founder, has long argued that software will make robots better housemates rather than just gadgets. The Combo i5+ feels designed around that idea, with schedules, room names and no-go zones configured in the app instead of on the dock.

Company context and shares

iRobot emerged from MIT spinoff roots in 1990 and has grown into one of the best-known home robot brands, though competition from Asian rivals has intensified over the last decade. iRobot Corp. shares (ISIN US4627261005) trade on Nasdaq in US dollars.

This article was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Product information without guarantee; prices and availability may change at short notice. No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Stock-market transactions involve risks up to total loss.