Last updated: 21 March 2026
Best Roomba Models — Which iRobot is Right for You?
iRobot invented the robot vacuum category back in 2002, and for over a decade the Roomba name was synonymous with autonomous cleaning. But in 2026, with fierce competition from Chinese manufacturers, is the Roomba still the best choice for UK homes? We break down the current range, what iRobot does well, and where the brand falls short.
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A Brief History of iRobot and Roomba
iRobot was founded in 1990 by three MIT roboticists: Colin Angle, Helen Greiner, and Rodney Brooks. iRobot has sold over 50 million robots worldwide since 2002 (iRobot investor relations). The company initially focused on military and industrial robots before launching the first Roomba in 2002. That original model was a genuine breakthrough: a robot that could navigate around furniture, detect stairs, and vacuum your floors autonomously.
Over the following two decades, iRobot refined the formula with better navigation (moving from random bounce patterns to systematic LiDAR-based mapping), improved suction, and smart home integration. The brand became a household name in the UK, stocked by Currys, Argos, John Lewis, and Amazon. In 2022, Amazon announced plans to acquire iRobot for $1.7 billion, though the deal faced regulatory scrutiny and was ultimately abandoned in early 2024.
Today, iRobot operates independently but faces significant financial pressure. The company has had to restructure, and its product lineup competes against a wave of innovative Chinese brands that have leapfrogged Roomba in many technical aspects.
The Current Roomba Range (2025-2026)
j-Series (Premium)
The Roomba j9+ and j7+ represent iRobot's best technology. These models feature PrecisionVision navigation with camera-based obstacle avoidance, strong suction (up to 5,000 Pa on the j9+), and compatibility with the Clean Base self-emptying dock. The j-series excels at identifying and avoiding obstacles like cables, shoes, and pet waste, an area where iRobot was genuinely pioneering. The Roomba j7+ correctly identified and avoided 98% of pet waste in Which? testing.
UK pricing sits around £699-£999 depending on the dock configuration, placing these models in direct competition with flagship models from Roborock and Dreame that offer considerably more features.
i-Series (Mid-Range)
The Roomba i5+ and i3+ offer three-stage cleaning and decent navigation at more accessible price points (£349-£499). These models use iRobot's Reactive Sensor navigation rather than camera-based avoidance, meaning they are less effective at avoiding small obstacles. They still pair with the Clean Base dock and deliver solid vacuum-only performance on carpets and hard floors.
Combo Range (Vacuum + Mop)
iRobot's Combo j9+ and Combo Essential models add mopping functionality. The Combo j9+ has an innovative retractable mop pad that lifts automatically on carpet, a smart solution. However, the mopping performance is decidedly average compared to the vibrating and rotating mop systems from Roborock, Dreame, and Ecovacs. There is no self-washing mop dock in the Roomba ecosystem, meaning you must manually rinse the mop pads after each session.
What Roomba Does Well
Brand Trust
Well-built machines with excellent longevity. Spare parts are easy to find in the UK.
Obstacle Avoidance
PrecisionVision was one of the first effective camera-based systems and remains reliable.
UK Availability
Stocked by Currys, Argos, John Lewis. Easy returns, local warranty, and phone support.
Carpet Cleaning
Consistently strong on carpets with rubber extractors that resist hair tangles.
Where Roomba Falls Short in 2026
Why Roomba Isn't in Our Top 5
We do not currently have a Roomba in our top 5 robot vacuums for the UK. This is not because Roombas are bad products. They are well-made, reliable machines. The issue is value. At current UK prices, Chinese brands offer significantly more features per pound. A £449 Eufy X10 Pro includes a self-emptying and self-washing dock. A £599 Shark PowerDetect provides superior carpet cleaning. A £1,199 Dreame X40 Ultra delivers 12,000 Pa suction with an extending mop.
If iRobot adjusts its UK pricing or introduces a competitive all-in-one dock, we would be happy to reconsider. For now, we recommend checking our homepage rankings for alternatives that deliver better value.
Who Should Still Buy a Roomba?
Despite the value concerns, Roomba remains a sensible choice for specific buyers:
- Brand-loyal users:If you have had positive experiences with iRobot and value continuity, the j9+ is a solid upgrade.
- Tech-averse households:Roombas work brilliantly out of the box with minimal app interaction. The setup is the simplest in the industry.
- Carpet-heavy homes:If mopping is not a priority and you primarily need excellent carpet cleaning, the Roomba j-series delivers. For multi-storey homes, see our guide on robot vacuums and stairs.
- UK support priority:iRobot offers local UK phone support and easy returns through major retailers. Some Chinese brands rely on email-only support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roomba was once the undisputed king of robot vacuums, but in 2026 the landscape has shifted. Chinese competitors like Roborock, Dreame, and Ecovacs now offer significantly more features at lower prices. A Roomba j9+ costs around £900 and lacks features like self-washing mops and extending side brushes that you get from competitors at £600-£800. If brand trust and excellent customer support matter most to you, Roomba is still solid. But for pure value, other brands have overtaken iRobot.
Roombas are well-built machines that typically last 4-6 years with proper maintenance. The battery will likely need replacing after 2-3 years (around £50-£70 for an official replacement). Side brushes and filters should be swapped every 2-3 months. The build quality of iRobot products remains one of the best in the industry, and spare parts are widely available in the UK through Amazon and authorised retailers.
In 2026, Chinese brands (Roborock, Dreame, Ecovacs, Eufy) offer better value at every price point. They lead in suction power (up to 12,000 Pa vs Roomba's 5,000 Pa), mopping capability, and dock features. Roomba's advantages are brand recognition, wide UK retail availability, and proven long-term reliability. If you want the most features per pound, Chinese brands win. If you want peace of mind from a household name, Roomba still delivers.
The Roomba j9+ is iRobot's best model for pet owners. Its PrecisionVision navigation can identify and avoid pet waste (a genuine differentiator), and it has strong suction for pet hair on carpets. The self-emptying dock means you do not need to handle the dustbin. However, at £899+, the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra offers similar pet waste avoidance plus superior mopping and stronger suction for £300-£400 more but with a complete all-in-one dock.
If you have pets or a busy household, a self-emptying base is genuinely life-changing. It means weeks between thinking about the robot at all. Roomba's Clean Base works well, though it uses proprietary bags (about £20 for 3). Competitors like Roborock and Dreame include self-emptying in their all-in-one docks alongside self-washing mops and auto-refilling water tanks, making them better overall value if you want the full hands-free experience.