Looking for a robot vacuum that can also mop your floors? I put the iRobot Roomba Combo J5+ to the test in a real-world family home with pets and kids. Here’s what you need to know—and whether it’s worth your money.
What is the iRobot Roomba Combo J5+?
The Roomba Combo J5+ is a dual-function robot vacuum and mop developed by iRobot. Although the vacuum body is labelled “J7,” the product is marketed as the J5 or J5+, with the “plus” indicating that it includes the self-emptying Clean Base.
iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum & Mop – Identifies and Avoids Obstacles Like Pet Waste & Cords, Empties Itself for 60 Days, Clean by Room with Smart Mapping, Works with Alexa
What’s in the Box?
When you open the box, you’ll find the Roomba J5+ robot vacuum, which uses the same body as the J7. It also comes with a self-emptying charging base, a combination dust bin and mop module, and a washable mop pad that comes pre-installed. Additionally, the package includes an extra vacuum bag and the standard set of documentation.
One standout feature is the Clean Base, which allows the vacuum to empty itself automatically. The mop attachment uses a gravity-fed system and is designed to work at the same time as the vacuuming process.
Vacuum Performance Test
I tested the Roomba J5+ in a home with two adults, two young children, and a large dog—and the results were impressive. After a full clean, it picked up a surprising amount of fine dust, hair, and debris, even though the floors had just been cleaned earlier that day by another robot vacuum.
Its AeroForce cleaning system uses dual rubber brush rollers, which did an excellent job of resisting hair tangles. The side brush collected long strands of human hair efficiently, and the rollers were very easy to clean afterward.
Mopping Test Results
The mopping feature performed well for a basic system. The mop pad was only slightly damp after a full cycle, and it didn’t leave puddles or streaks behind. While mopping, it continued to collect pet hair effectively, which is a nice bonus.
However, this is a gravity-fed mopping system, so there are no smart features like adjustable water flow or app-based mop controls. It’s not meant to deep-clean stuck-on stains, but it’s great for maintaining clean floors.
Using the iRobot App
The iRobot Home App adds a lot of value to the J5+. It allows for multi-floor mapping and gives you the option to set up custom cleaning zones, no-go zones, and no-mop zones. Scheduling is intuitive—you can set the robot to clean at specific times or automatically when you leave the house.
One of the app’s most useful features is its obstacle detection system. When the Roomba encounters an obstacle, it sends you a photo so you can mark it as temporary or permanent. The app also keeps a detailed log of your cleaning history and tracks when maintenance is due.
Performance Metrics: How Does It Stack Up?
| Metric | Roomba J5+ | Brand Average | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suction Power | Not disclosed | Lower side | ~3,800 Pa |
| CFM | 1.7 | 3 (avg) | 7.1 |
| Deep Clean Score | 95.5/100 | 88 | 85 |
| Noise Level | 68 dB | 68 | 69 |
| Battery Life | ~100–180 mins | 104 mins | 150 mins |
| Bin Size | 400 ml | 375 ml | 422 ml |
| Water Tank | 210 ml | 351 ml* | 233 ml |
| Height | 3.4 in | 3.5 in | 3.6 in |
| Battery Capacity | 2,200 mAh | 2,200 mAh | 3,500 mAh |
*Brand average includes standalone mops like the Braava Jet M6.
✅ What I Liked
The Roomba Combo J5+ stands out for its ability to vacuum and mop at the same time, which makes it a real time-saver. The self-emptying base significantly reduces the amount of manual upkeep required, making it a truly low-maintenance option.
Its obstacle detection feature works remarkably well and adds peace of mind, especially for pet owners or families with kids. The dual rubber rollers handle hair without tangling, which makes it ideal for homes with pets or long-haired residents. Most importantly, it delivers excellent real-world cleaning performance, picking up more debris than you’d expect from a robot of its suction level.
❌ What Could Be Better
Despite its solid performance, the Roomba J5+ isn’t perfect. Its suction power is lower than many competitors on paper, and the mopping system lacks smart features or adjustable settings. The water tank is relatively small, which may be an issue in larger homes.
Additionally, the J5+ doesn’t use LiDAR for navigation, relying instead on camera-based tech. And finally, the battery capacity is smaller than what you’ll find in some competing brands.
💡 Should You Buy the Roomba Combo J5+?
If you’re looking for a robot vacuum that also mops and requires very little manual intervention, the Roomba Combo J5+ is a solid choice. It’s especially well-suited for homes with pets or children, where daily debris and hair are common. The self-emptying Clean Base and strong app support make it one of the easiest-to-use models in its class.
You’ll get the most value from this robot if you care more about daily maintenance and automation than maximum suction or advanced mopping features. The cleaning performance is strong where it counts, and the app offers a ton of control and customization.
However, if you need a robot that scrubs floors or offers more powerful suction, you might want to consider other options like Roborock or DreameBot models. And if you’re on a tight budget, this may be more of a luxury buy than a necessity.
Final Verdict
The iRobot Roomba Combo J5+ is a well-rounded robot vacuum that delivers on its promises. While the mopping system is basic, the vacuuming power, smart features, and self-emptying convenience make this an excellent pick for busy households.
If you want a hands-free cleaning experience and don’t need fancy mop features, the J5+ is easy to recommend.
