How to Choose an iRobot Robot Vacuum or Mop for Your Home

Start by deciding two things: whether you need vacuuming only or vacuuming plus mopping, and whether you want a dock that empties the bin for you. On iRobot's site, that splits the catalog into Roomba Vac models (vacuum only) and Roomba Combo models (vacuum and mop), with Plus and Max tiers layered on top. If you have mostly carpet and empty the bin yourself, a Vac model is enough. If you have hard floors throughout and want hands-free emptying, look at a Combo in the Plus or Max line. The steps below show how to narrow the list using iRobot's own tools, then confirm the purchase and the ongoing accessory cost.

Step 1: Match the robot type to your floors

iRobot organizes its lineup into three groups on the site:

The site's own headline for the Combo line is "Hands-free Vacuuming and Mopping," so if mopping is a must, stay in the Combo column. If you only need vacuuming, the Vac column is smaller and typically simpler.

Check the dock before you commit

"Plus" and "Max" naming signals differences in the robot and dock rather than a single spec. The homepage lists a Roomba Max 715 Vac + AutoEvac Dock bundle, which tells you the AutoEvac dock is sold both bundled and as a separate concept. Before buying, confirm on the product page whether the model you picked includes a self-emptying dock or ships as a standalone robot — the same series name can appear with and without the dock.

Step 2: Use iRobot's own selection tools

The site provides two shortcuts that do the filtering for you:

1. Help me choose — a short questionnaire ("Answer a few simple questions to find out!"). Use it when you're unsure whether you need a Vac or a Combo.
2. Compare Products — a side-by-side table. Use it once you have two or three candidates, and check the rows that matter to you: dock type, mopping capability, and included accessories.

A practical workflow: run Help me choose first to get a shortlist, then open Compare Products and eliminate anything that lacks the dock or mopping feature you need.

Step 3: Confirm budget, promotions, and trade-in

The site surfaces several ways to adjust the final price:

• Deals and Accessory Deals & Offers pages collect current promotions.
• The homepage banner advertises "Hot New Robots. Cool $200 Savings," so check whether the model you want is part of an active promotion before checkout.
• Trade In Program lets you offset cost with an old device.
• eGift Card and Refer & Earn are additional purchase paths listed in the navigation.

Pricing itself is not published in the material reviewed here, so treat any figure as something to verify on the live product page rather than assume. Payment runs through Braintree, per the site's payment platform listing.

Note the Protect+ plan

The homepage states purchases include a 2-Year Protect+ Plan. Confirm on the product page whether this applies to the specific model you're buying, since the banner describes it generally rather than per SKU.

Step 4: Budget for accessories and maintenance

iRobot's accessory section is organized by type, which maps directly to what you'll re-buy:

• Dirt Disposal Bags — only relevant if you choose a self-emptying dock; bag consumption is a recurring cost.
• Filters and Brushes — needed for every vacuum model.
• Cleaning Pads and Hard Floor Cleaner — needed only if you buy a Combo or the Electro Plus.
• Accessory Bundles — often cheaper than buying parts individually.

The site's own guidance is that "regular maintenance with genuine iRobot Accessories keeps your robot healthy and cleaning in top condition." Before finalizing, price out one replacement cycle (bags, a filter, brushes, pads) so the total cost of ownership is clear, not just the robot.

Common sticking points

• Buying a Combo for carpet-heavy homes. Mopping adds value mainly on hard floors; if most of your home is carpet, a Vac model plus a separate mop may suit you better.
• Assuming every model self-empties. Check the dock explicitly — the AutoEvac dock appears as a named bundle component, not a default across the line.
• Overlooking the Electro Plus. It's a floor cleaner, not a robot vacuum, so don't compare it against Roomba models on cleaning coverage.
• Skipping the comparison table. Model numbers within the Plus and Max ranges are close together; the Compare Products view is the fastest way to see what actually differs.

Bottom line

Choose Vac if you only need vacuuming, Combo if you have hard floors and want mopping, and add a self-emptying dock only after confirming it's included in the specific bundle. Use Help me choose to shortlist, Compare Products to decide, then check Deals and Trade In before checkout — and price one round of bags, filters, brushes, and pads so the running cost is part of your decision.