iRobot Roomba 104 Combo Review: Is This Budget Robot Vacuum Worth It?

Today, we’re taking a closer look at the iRobot Roomba 104 Combo. Essentially, it’s the same as the Roomba 105, with the key difference being that the 104 is an Amazon exclusive. This exclusivity allows iRobot to offer discounts without impacting the 105’s pricing. Functionally, there’s no difference between the two models, so if you’ve read our review of the 105, much of what follows will feel familiar. For shoppers, the best approach is simply to choose whichever model is priced lower.

For this review, we’re comparing the iRobot Roomba 104 Combo to the averages of over 125 robot vacuums we’ve tested. We purchased this unit ourselves to provide an honest and unfiltered take.

Unboxing and Setup

Unboxing the iRobot Roomba 104 Combo is straightforward. Inside the box, you’ll find the robot vacuum, its charging station with power cord, a mop pad, and product literature. Setup is simple: plug in the dock, fill the water tank, charge the vacuum, and connect it to the iRobot Home app. One thing to note is that the newer app can feel unintuitive, particularly for users familiar with the legacy Home app. However, even first-time users should be able to manage basic scheduling and cleaning without much trouble.

Design and Build Quality

The Roomba 104 Combo benefits from a lighter navigation module, which contributes to faster mapping and smoother operation. Build quality is solid and feels dependable, as you would expect from iRobot. Cleaning performance is reliable, handling dust, debris, and pet hair with ease. That said, hair tangling on the roller is noticeable, which is a common limitation for budget-friendly models that don’t use a conical or split roller system.

Cleaning Performance

The Roomba 104 Combo delivers 7,000 pascals of suction, which is strong for an entry-level vacuum, although slightly below the category average. It performs quietly, just a couple of decibels above average, making it unobtrusive during cleaning sessions. On carpet, it reached 395 feet per minute, slightly under the 420 FPM average we’ve observed, while air flow peaked at 0.55 kPa. These numbers translate to solid real-world cleaning performance, with a practical cleaning score of 90 out of 100, compared to an average of 88 for similar devices.

The vacuum’s mopping functionality is basic, using a simple drag-and-wipe system. There’s no mop lifting, auto-wash, or self-cleaning, but the water tank is sufficient for multiple cleaning sessions before refilling. Meanwhile, the optional auto-empty dock is a notable convenience, significantly reducing maintenance by automatically collecting dirt from the vacuum.

Smart Features and App

The iRobot Home app provides a range of features, including customizable cleaning schedules, smart mapping, zone targeting, multi-floor support, and no-go zones. The vacuum also supports voice control through Alexa or Google Assistant. Despite the feature set, the app’s interface can be clunky and unintuitive, which may frustrate users who rely heavily on digital controls.

User Feedback and Common Issues

The Roomba 104 Combo averages four stars online, with users praising its affordability and effectiveness on dust, debris, and pet hair. The smart mapping, scheduling options, and auto-empty dock are frequently highlighted as strengths. On the flip side, some users note that the vacuum struggles with advanced obstacle avoidance, edge cleaning is average, and ongoing bag costs add up over time. There are also occasional reports of units failing to power on or charge properly.

Conclusion

The iRobot Roomba 104 Combo brings welcome improvements to iRobot’s entry-level lineup, including lighter navigation and faster mapping. It cleans reliably and handles dust, debris, and pet hair well. The optional auto-empty dock further enhances convenience, making maintenance easier for busy households.

However, the vacuum is not without its shortcomings. The app can be unintuitive, mopping capabilities are minimal, and obstacle avoidance is limited. While it’s a solid choice for budget-conscious users, it feels more like a careful evolution than a bold innovation. With a few hardware upgrades, like a conical roller brush, and improvements to the app interface, the Roomba 104 Combo could become a stronger contender in the robot vacuum market.