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iRobot Roomba Combo j5 Plus Review: Your All-In-One Cleaning Solution?

Smart cleaning should be as effortless as it is effective, but finding a device that truly does both isn’t always easy. That’s why I put the iRobot Roomba Combo j5 Plus through its paces—a combination robot vacuum and mop that promises convenience and efficiency, yet isn’t without a few hiccups.

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My First Impression of the iRobot Roomba Combo j5 Plus

Author – Timothy Carnahan

I was a bit cautious when I first unboxed the Roomba Combo j5 Plus. With so many robot vacuums available, it wasn’t immediately clear if this model could deliver on its dual promise of vacuuming and mopping. However, the sleek design and many positive reviews caught my eye right away. The setup was refreshingly simple—just unbox, download the iRobot app, and follow the easy mapping instructions. Within minutes, I had it navigating my home and tackling everyday messes. It felt designed for the everyday user, balancing advanced features with user-friendly operation.

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Screenshot of the Roomba Combo j5 Plus home mapping feature within the app. - iRobot Roomba Combo j5 Plus specifications​
iRobot Roomba Combo j5 Plus robot vacuum cleaning a tiled floor. - Roomba Combo j5 Plus performance on carpets​ & Roomba Combo j5 Plus mopping functionality​

Technical Details

Using the Roomba Combo j5 Plus day after day has been a mixed bag. It excels on carpets, especially when it comes to picking up pet hair—a real win for pet owners. The robust design and dual-function capability make it a handy everyday cleaning companion. However, it does have its shortcomings: it struggles with fine dust, and its single-brush design makes edges and corners a challenge. Plus, it can be a bit noisy during docking and when emptying debris. Despite these issues, its ability to return to its dock and resume cleaning without missing a beat adds to its overall convenience.

Technical Details:

Physical & Design Specifications

Feature Detail
Dimensions Approximately 13.8 inches in diameter and 3.6 inches in height, designed to navigate under furniture with ease.
Design Highlights Sleek, contemporary style with a prominent dustbin, bright green rubber brushes, and integrated light and camera for navigation.
Versatile Functionality Swappable vacuum and mopping bins enable dual cleaning modes for both carpets and hard floors.

* Specs obtained from iRobot documentation and in-house testing.


Connectivity, Setup & Additional Features

Feature Detail
App Control User-friendly iRobot app offers scheduling, cleaning history, and customizable cleaning preferences.
Smart Home Integration Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for effortless voice-activated control.
Mapping & Navigation Advanced mapping features allow you to define cleaning zones and set virtual barriers for targeted cleaning.
Auto Recharge & Resume Automatically returns to its charging dock when low on battery and resumes cleaning where it left off.

* Specs obtained from iRobot documentation and in-house testing.

Robot Vacuum Comparison

When comparing the Roomba Combo j5 Plus to other robot vacuums, a few factors stand out. While its competitor models like the newer Roomba j7+ offer simultaneous vacuuming and mopping without the need to swap bins, the j5+ holds its own in the mid-range market. It delivers reliable performance on carpets and pet hair management, though you might miss the extra finesse in cleaning fine dust or tackling tight corners found in some higher-end models

Vacuum Comparison

Vacuum Comparison

Compare features of popular vacuum models to find the best option for your home cleaning needs.

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Overall, the Roomba Combo j5 Plus delivers impressive dual cleaning performance and smart control, making it a strong contender for any modern home.


Why I Chose the iRobot Roomba Combo j5 Plus

Over the years, I’ve tried a variety of robot vacuums (just not as smart home integrated). In reviews, the Roomba Combo j5 Plus consistently emerged as a strong contender, particularly for pet owners. Its ease of setup, dependable app control, and the convenience of combining vacuuming with mopping were the key selling points. Although it has its limitations with fine dust and certain hard-to-reach spots, its overall performance and integration with smart home systems made it the right choice for my cleaning routine.

Black iRobot Roomba Combo j5 Plus vacuum and its docking station on a hardwood floor. - Roomba Combo j5 Plus user experiences​
Close-up of the Roomba Combo j5 Plus dustbin showing collected debris. - Roomba Combo j5 Plus design features​

Drawbacks & Considerations

Every product has its trade-offs, and the Roomba Combo j5 Plus is no exception. Here are a few points to consider:

Mopping Limitations: The mopping function, which requires swapping out the vacuum bin, doesn’t always match the thoroughness of traditional mopping.

Struggles with Fine Dust: While it handles larger debris and pet hair well, it isn’t as effective on fine dust particles.

Corner Challenges: Its single-brush design limits its ability to thoroughly clean edges and corners.

Noise Levels: The device can be noticeably noisy when docking and emptying, which might be an issue in quieter homes.


Final Verdict: Is the iRobot Roomba Combo j5 Plus Right for You?

If you’re in search of a smart cleaning solution that offers the convenience of both vacuuming and mopping, the iRobot Roomba Combo j5 Plus is a strong contender. It’s particularly well-suited for pet owners and those who value straightforward app control and smart home integration. However, if your home demands a pristine clean down to the finest dust or you prefer a model that doesn’t require swapping parts mid-clean, you might want to explore newer alternative

Who Should Buy It?

✅ Best for:

  • Homeowners looking for a dual-function cleaning solution that vacuums and mops.
  • Pet owners who need reliable pickup of pet hair.
  • Users who appreciate smart features like app control and voice integration with Alexa or Google Assistant.

🚫 Not ideal for:

  • Those who require deep, fine dust cleaning on hard floors.
  • Users who prefer a quieter operation during docking and emptying.
  • People who aren’t willing to manage the swap between vacuuming and mopping modes.

The iRobot Roomba Combo j5 Plus delivers a commendable cleaning performance with a few compromises. It remains a dependable option for everyday cleaning tasks, provided you understand its limitations and strengths.

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