Picture this: you’re juggling work, kids, pets, and a never-ending to-do list, yet your floors stay spotless without you lifting a finger. That’s the magic of the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, a 2-in-1 vacuum and mop that tackles dirt and grime with ease.
I’ve tested this little robot in my own home, and trust me, it’s a game-changer for anyone craving a cleaner space without the hassle. From smart mapping to voice control, it’s packed with features that make cleaning feel effortless.
You need this in your life—here’s why.
My Experience With The Roomba Combo i5
I’ll admit, I was skeptical when I first unboxed the Roomba Combo i5.
My old vacuum, a clunky upright, was a workout to drag around, and my previous robot vacuum had a knack for getting lost under furniture or refusing to clean anything but the kitchen.
But the i5?
It’s like the reliable friend you didn’t know you needed. Setting it up was a breeze—plug in the base, pop the robot on, and download the iRobot Home app.
Within minutes, I had it connected to my Wi-Fi and ready to map my apartment.
The first mapping run was oddly mesmerizing. I watched as the i5 methodically zipped around my 900-square-foot space, dodging chair legs and navigating around my dog’s water bowl like a pro.
It took about an hour and a half to map my main floor, which includes a living room, kitchen, and two bedrooms. The app let me tweak the room dividers and name each space, so I could send it to clean just the kitchen after dinner or the living room after my kids scattered crumbs everywhere.
That level of control felt like a small victory in my chaotic life.
What really sold me was how it handled the daily mess. I’ve got two dogs that shed like it’s their job, and the i5’s dual rubber brushes didn’t flinch. They scooped up fur, dirt, and the occasional blade of grass without tangling, which is a huge win compared to my old vacuum’s bristle brushes that turned into hairballs.
The mopping feature was a pleasant surprise, too. Swapping the vacuum bin for the mop bin was simple, and with just water in the tank, it left my hardwood floors looking fresh, tackling muddy paw prints with ease. It’s not perfect for deep stains, but for daily upkeep? It’s a lifesaver.
The i5’s voice control integration with Alexa was another highlight. I’d yell, “Alexa, tell Roomba to clean the kitchen!” while cooking, and off it went. It’s not flawless—it occasionally bumped into furniture or needed a nudge to find its dock—but overall, it’s been a reliable addition to my home.
Watching it glide under my couch to nab dust bunnies I didn’t even know existed made me wonder how I survived without it.
Pros of The Roomba Combo i5
- Smart Mapping That Actually Works
The i5’s Imprint Smart Mapping is a standout. Unlike my old robot vacuum that bumbled around aimlessly, this one learns your home’s layout and lets you direct it to specific rooms.
After a couple of mapping runs, I could tell it to clean just my living room, and it obeyed like a well-trained pet. The app’s interface is intuitive, letting you name rooms and set schedules. It’s not as fancy as some pricier models that map furniture, but for my needs, it’s spot-on.
- Dual Vacuum and Mop Functionality
The 2-in-1 design is a big win. You swap out the vacuum bin for the mop bin, and suddenly, your robot is scrubbing your hard floors. I loved how it handled light messes like spilled coffee or footprints on my hardwood.
The microfiber mop pad is designed to grip dirt, and while it’s not a deep-cleaning miracle, it keeps my floors looking fresh between manual mops. Plus, you can use water or a compatible cleaning solution, which gives you flexibility.
- Pet-Friendly Performance
If you’ve got furry friends, the i5’s dual multi-surface rubber brushes are a godsend. They adjust to different floor types—hardwood, tile, low-pile carpet—and don’t get clogged with pet hair. My dogs shed constantly, and the i5 sucked up their fur without complaint.
The high-efficiency filter also traps dander, which is great for keeping allergies in check. It’s not perfect on thicker rugs, but for daily pet hair cleanup, it’s fantastic.
- Voice Control and App Integration
Pairing the i5 with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant makes it feel futuristic. I’d be in the middle of a Zoom call and say, “Alexa, clean the living room,” and the i5 would spring into action.
The iRobot Home app is equally handy, letting you schedule cleanings or check the robot’s status. It even tells you when to replace filters or brushes, which takes the guesswork out of maintenance.
- Compact and Low-Profile Design
The i5’s sleek design slips under furniture like a ninja. It glided under my couch and kitchen cabinets, places my old upright couldn’t reach without me lying on the floor.
Its round shape somehow manages to snag dust from corners, though it’s not as precise as a D-shaped model. Still, for a robot this compact, it covers a lot of ground.
Cons of The Roomba Combo i5
- Limited Suction Power on Carpets
The i5’s suction is solid for hard floors and low-pile rugs, but it struggles on thicker carpets. I noticed it left some embedded dirt behind on my area rug, where my upright vacuum still reigns supreme.
If you’ve got wall-to-wall carpeting or heavy-duty messes, you might need to supplement with a more powerful vacuum for deep cleaning.
- Manual Bin Swapping
The biggest hassle is switching between the vacuum and mop bins. Unlike pricier models like the Roomba Combo j9+, which can vacuum and mop simultaneously, the i5 requires you to manually swap bins.
It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a bit annoying when you want to clean both hard floors and carpets in one go. You’ll also need to store the extra bin somewhere, which can be a pain in a small space.
- Small Dustbin Capacity
The dustbin is on the smaller side, especially if you’re dealing with a lot of pet hair or debris. In my home, I had to empty it after every couple of runs, which isn’t ideal for a “set it and forget it” vibe.
The self-emptying version (i5+) solves this, but it’s pricier, and the standard i5 requires more hands-on attention.
- Occasional Navigation Hiccups
The i5’s navigation is generally good, but it’s not infallible. It bumped into my coffee table a few times and once got stuck under a chair.
It also struggled to find its dock in low light, which was frustrating. While it’s smarter than older random-pathing Roombas, it’s not as precise as models with advanced obstacle avoidance.
- Mopping Limitations
The mopping feature is great for light messes, but don’t expect it to tackle stubborn stains. I tried it on a dried juice spill, and it needed multiple passes to make a dent.
You’ll still need a traditional mop for tough jobs, and the lack of a drip tray means you have to remove the mop pad right after use to avoid wet spots on your floor.
Maintenance Tips For The Roomba Combo i5
- Empty the Dustbin Regularly: The i5’s dustbin fills up fast, especially in homes with pets or kids. I check mine after every two runs to avoid it getting too full, which can affect suction. Just pop it out, dump the contents, and give it a quick wipe with a dry cloth. If you’ve got the i5+ with the self-emptying base, you’re off the hook for up to 60 days, but you’ll still need to replace the disposable bag periodically.
- Clean the Brushes Weekly: Those dual rubber brushes are great at avoiding tangles, but they still collect some hair and debris. I spend a few minutes each week removing the brushes (the quick-release catches make this easy) and clearing out any gunk. A small brush or cloth works well. This keeps the i5 running smoothly and prevents debris from clogging the suction path.
- Replace Filters Every Few Months: The high-efficiency filter traps dust and dander, but it needs replacing every two to three months, depending on use. I noticed a drop in performance when I let mine go too long. iRobot’s branded filters are pricier, but I’ve found off-brand ones that work just as well for less. The app will nudge you when it’s time for a swap, which is handy.
- Maintain the Mop Pad: After each mopping session, remove the microfiber mop pad and rinse it under warm water with a bit of mild soap. I let mine air dry to avoid mildew. If it’s looking worn, replace it every few months—iRobot sells spares, but generic pads are cheaper and often just as effective. Always empty the water tank after mopping to prevent leaks.
- Keep Sensors and Wheels Clean: The i5’s sensors and wheels can get dusty, which messes with navigation. I wipe the cliff sensors (those little dots on the bottom) and the charging contacts with a dry cloth every couple of weeks. The wheels need a quick check for hair or debris, too. A clean robot is a happy robot, and this takes less than five minutes.
- Update the Software: The iRobot Home app occasionally pushes software updates that improve performance or fix bugs. I make sure to install these as soon as they’re available—it’s as simple as tapping a button in the app. This keeps the i5’s mapping and navigation running smoothly and ensures you’re getting the latest features.
Comparison of Roomba Combo i5 With Other Brands
- Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra
Roborock’s S8 MaxV Ultra is a beast of a hybrid vacuum and mop, but it comes with a hefty price tag.
Unlike the i5, it vacuums and mops simultaneously without needing to swap bins, and its self-emptying dock also washes and dries the mop pad.
I was impressed by its powerful suction on carpets, which outshines the i5’s performance on thicker rugs.
It also uses LiDAR for precise navigation, rarely getting stuck.
However, the app feels more complex than iRobot’s, and the setup process is less beginner-friendly.
If you want a truly hands-off experience and can afford the splurge, the S8 MaxV Ultra is tempting, but the i5 offers similar core features for a fraction of the cost.
- Eufy RoboVac 11S Max
For budget-conscious folks, Eufy’s RoboVac 11S Max is a solid vacuum-only option. It lacks the i5’s mopping capability and smart mapping, relying instead on random-path navigation. I found it less efficient, often missing spots or doubling back unnecessarily.
Its suction is decent for hard floors, but it struggles with pet hair compared to the i5’s rubber brushes. The lack of app-based room selection or voice control makes it feel dated next to the i5.
If you just need a cheap vacuum for small spaces, it’s fine, but the i5’s versatility and smarts make it a better long-term investment.
- Ecovacs Deebot X9 Pro Omni
The Ecovacs Deebot X9 Pro Omni is another high-end competitor with advanced features like simultaneous vacuuming and mopping, plus a dock that empties, washes, and refills itself.
Its suction power is stronger than the i5’s, especially on carpets, and its obstacle avoidance is top-notch, rarely bumping into furniture. I loved how it tackled dried stains better than the i5’s mop.
However, it’s nearly double the price, and the app can be glitchy, occasionally losing connection. The i5 is simpler and more affordable, making it a better pick for those who don’t need all the bells and whistles.
- Shark IQ Robot Vacuum
Shark’s IQ Robot Vacuum offers smart mapping and self-emptying like the i5+, but it doesn’t mop. Its suction is comparable to the i5’s on hard floors, but it handles carpets slightly better.
I found its navigation less reliable, though—it got stuck more often and struggled with low-light conditions. The app is decent but not as polished as iRobot’s, and voice control integration felt clunkier.
If you don’t need mopping and want a mid-range option, Shark’s a contender, but the i5’s dual functionality gives it an edge for mixed flooring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, the Roomba Combo i5 features Imprint Smart Mapping, which lets it learn and map your home’s layout. You can direct it to clean specific rooms via the iRobot Home app or voice commands with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant. It’s not as advanced as some pricier models, but it’s reliable for targeting specific areas.
The Roomba Combo i5 is a solid choice for daily maintenance cleaning. Its vacuuming handles pet hair and light debris well, and the mopping feature is great for keeping hard floors fresh. It’s not ideal for deep cleaning or thick carpets, but for the price, it’s a versatile and convenient option.
The best Roomba depends on your needs. The Combo i5 is great for budget-conscious buyers wanting a vacuum-mop hybrid with smart mapping. For more power and simultaneous vacuuming/mopping, the Combo j9+ is better but pricier. If you need top-tier automation, the Combo 10 Max is the ultimate, especially for pet-heavy homes.
The i5 works on low-pile carpets, picking up surface dirt and pet hair decently. However, its suction isn’t strong enough for deep cleaning or thick carpets. It’s best for homes with mostly hard floors and some low-pile rugs, where it can vacuum and mop effectively.
Why the Roomba Combo i5 Is Worth It?
After weeks of testing, I’m sold on the Roomba Combo i5. It’s not perfect, but it’s a reliable, affordable way to keep your floors clean with minimal effort. The smart mapping, pet-friendly brushes, and dual vacuum-mop functionality make it a standout for busy households.
If you’re tired of sweeping and mopping, grab the i5—it’s a small investment for a big payoff in time and sanity.