Roomba's Cheapest Robot Vacuums Now Have 3 Premium Features (Without the Upcharge)
Roomba-maker iRobot has added four new lidar-equipped robot vacuum models to its 2025 lineup, bringing premium features to a more reasonable price. They include the Roomba 205 DustCompactor, the "world's first" robovac equipped with a compacting bin, which mechanically compresses dust and debris to save space in the dock. Imagine it as being similar to the trash compactors in a garbage truck.
"The net benefit to the consumer is you are going to get 60 days of hands-free maintenance without the need for the separate auto empty dock," Warren Fernandez, iRobot's director of product management, said.
Fernandez told CNET that this feature, exclusive to the Roomba 205, will target people who may want to hide their robovac under their sofa -- meaning they don't want a large dock in their homes -- and avoid what some have described as the "jet engine noise" of an auto-emptying dock. The noise of the compacting bin won't "elevate itself above the noise the robot vacuum is already making."
The new lineup has entry-level, midtier and premium robot vacuums. But just because you opt for a cheaper model, that doesn't mean you'll be missing the best features.
The Roomba 2025 lineup was developed based on an 18-month study of consumers across North America, Europe, Japan, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.
"Our portfolio strategy in '25 is really to enhance the Roomba family with a series of new products that are grounded in that consumer feedback, that 18 months of research, and that really carefully consider how to improve every aspect of the product experience," Fernandez said.
The 2025 base and midtier models get new features along with ones that were previously reserved for iRobot's higher-end vacuums. Those features include the proprietary ClearView lidar navigation, new to iRobot's product lineup, which will allow the robovacs to better navigate homes and avoid obstacles, even in dark rooms.
Fernandez said lidar is a "real game changer, particularly for users who have perhaps been using a very old robot that may have been working on older technology."
"This notion of a robot that kind of bumps into and runs over everything, that will be a thing of the past," he said. "This thing will very accurately detect all sorts of obstacles throughout your home, avoiding all of them."
The new vacuums have an increased suction power of 7,000 pascals. iRobot said they have 70 times more power-lifting suction than the Roomba 600 series.
SmartScrub is another feature that was once exclusive to iRobot's highest-end robovac but that's now coming to the 2025 Combo lineup. Enable it to target stubborn stains, which the robot cleans by "mimicking the motion that a human might do as you're kind of scrubbing something back and forth," Fernandez said.
Roomba is taking a page out of the smartphone playbook by introducing entry-level, midtier and premium models. Here's what that will look like in the 2025 lineup:
The Roomba 105 comes in two models: the 105 Vac a vacuum-only model for $299 or the 105 Combo combination vacuum and mop model for $319. You can get either with an AutoEmpty Dock for an additional $150. The AutoEmpty Dock now allows for an estimated 75 days of vacuuming before it needs to be emptied.
The Roomba 205 DustCompactor will be available as a vacuum only (DustCompactor Vac) for $449 or as a combo model for $469 (DustCompactor Combo). Side note: the contents of the dustbin won't resemble a cube -- Fernandez said the emptying experience will be more traditional, similar to what you're used to if you already have a robot vacuum.
These entry-level combination models can detect carpets but are limited in their autonomy when it comes to cleaning them. Fernandez recommended having the mop pads removed most of the time to allow them to focus on vacuuming, only adding them back on for mop jobs.
"If you leave the mopping pad attached, it's only going to clean the hard floor surfaces in your home," he said.
This tier has more powerful mopping capabilities, with dual spinning mop pads that autonomously lift 10 millimeters off the ground when carpets are detected. The docks will also autonomously wash and dry mop pads.
The Roomba Plus 405 Combo Robot + AutoWash Dock will be available for $799. The Roomba Plus 505 Combo Robot + AutoWash Dock, at $999, offers further improvements over the 405. First, the mop pad extends to the side, allowing for improved edge and corner cleaning. The dock will also dry the mop pads with heat.
Finally, and most notably, the Roomba 505 will have a front-facing Precision Vision AI camera for better navigation and obstacle detection. "This is a best of both worlds equation," Fernandez said. "The 505 Combo is taking all of the benefits of that ClearView Pro lidar and all of the benefits and know-how of our front-facing AI camera technology, putting them together to give you a hands down best-in-class mapping, navigation, not only obstacle detection, but object understanding."
A quick note on poop: While Fernandez said that all of the 2025 lineup should be able to recognize and avoid pet waste (the company extensively trains its robots with fake poop of different shapes and sizes), he recommended the Roomba 505 to worried pet owners given its more powerful navigation and object recognition.
The Roomba Combo 10 Max Robot + AutoWash Dock, launched in August last year, will retain its place as iRobot's premium offering. Its costs $1,400, but is currently available on sale through iRobot's website for $900. Its differentiating factor is the Auto-Retract Mopping System, which lifts the mop pad to the top of the robot when carpets are detected, as well as a dock that autonomously cleans both the robot and itself.
The following robovacs will be available in North America at prices ranging from $299 to as much as $999.
Roomba 105 Vac: $299
Roomba 105 Combo: $319
Roomba 105 Vac + AutoEmpty Dock: $449
Roomba 105 Combo + AutoEmpty Dock: $469
Roomba 205 DustCompactor Vac: $449
Roomba 205 DusCompactor Combo: $469
Roomba Plus 405 Combo + AutoWash Dock: $799
Roomba Plus 505 Combo + AutoWash Dock: $999
The new Roomba robovacs will be available for presale in North America starting March 18 on iRobot.com.
Along with its new lineup, iRobot will also introduce The Roomba Home app (joining the existing iRobot Home app) that aims to simplify the act of cleaning people's homes.
"We don't want you to come into our app, look at a big, pretty picture of a robot and have to click on two or three sub menus to be able to do something," Fernandez said. "Let's be real: You're opening the app to clean your home, so let's jump right into your home."
The new app, which only supports the new products, will introduce a reconfigured home screen. The top third will be dedicated to cleaning routines that are either user-generated or suggested by iRobot. Fernandez said you should just be able to tap one of those, and your robot will get to work.
The bottom two-thirds of the screen will feature a map of your home, which Fernandez said will be "actually actionable." As an example, he said that if he dropped some granola on the way to the office from the kitchen, he could quickly order his robot to conduct a "directed room clean" where the mess is.
The new app will also better inform you of what your robot is doing at the moment, where it is and how much progress it's made in its current cleaning task. Finally, the app will provide proactive maintenance and troubleshooting, reminding you to replace and order filters, check the debris bag or clean the brushes.
"We give the user the opportunity to decide when they want to do that kind of preventative maintenance," Fernandez said.
The new app will be available for download on iOS and Android. Roomba's 2025 lineup will be available across North America and select European markets beginning on March 18.
iRobot's 2025 lineup -- "the largest and most comprehensive lineup in the company's 35-year history," according to a press release -- comes at a critical time for the Roomba maker.
While its latest financial results released in November showed increased year-over-year revenues and reduced operating losses, the company laid off hundreds of employees last year after a planned acquisition by Amazon fell through. While it used to dominate the robovac market, iRobot has faced increased competition from rivals such as SharkNinja and Chinese companies, including Roborock. Chinese rival 3i will also introduce a combo robovac with a mechanical compression dustbin, the G10 Plus, which it exhibited at CES. It didn't specify pricing or a release date.
"Our ongoing restructuring has fundamentally changed the way we innovate, develop and build our robots, which is central to improving our performance and generating long-term shareholder value," iRobot CEO Gary Cohen said in the company's latest financial results release. "As we move forward in this new chapter in iRobot's history, one thing is abundantly clear: we have a powerful brand that will serve as the foundation for the turnaround of this company."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNET
12 minutes ago
- CNET
Amazon Slashed the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge by a Massive $250 Right Now
When it comes to Android, there are plenty of options that make sense to consider, but Samsung's smartphones always grab the most attention. Though they can carry a hefty price tag, Samsung Galaxy S25 smartphones are available in multiple configurations, and there are deals that can help you save on an unlocked model. Looking for something slim? We've spotted the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 512GB for a massive $250 off at Amazon ahead of Prime Day. Anyone can gab this saving, which puts this phone into your hands for less than $1,000. This offer beats Samsung's own discount of $120. Though there's no exact deadline for either of these deals, acting fast is key to obtaining this discount, as Amazon offers tend to go fast. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge has thin but sturdy construction. It has a screen size of 6.7 inches covered by a Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 face that can withstand wear and tear while providing a gorgeous display. Amazon's deal applies to the 512GB configuration, which is also equipped with 12GB RAM so you can trust that your smartphone will run games, streaming services and other vital apps. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Samsung equipped the Galaxy S25 Edge with a 200MP camera so you can explore your creativity and take stunning videos and photos. Not only will you get bright colors and clarity, this phone includes Night Video so you can capture memories or create content under just about any circumstance. The S25 Edge also supports AI features so you can experiment with exciting new tech developments, and can be used via voice controls for easy searching. If you choose to purchase the S25 Edge at Amazon and have a device to trade in, you're in luck. Amazon's generous trade-in program can cut the price of this phone by up to $785 if you have an eligible device to trade in. Samsung's trade-in maxes out at $630, so Amazon is a safer bet if you want to maximize your savings. Looking for a new Samsung phone but want to explore more options? Check out our list of the best Samsung phones so you can compare before you shop. Why this deal matters The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is the latest smartphone from Samsung. It's thin, includes a strong ceramic face, a 200MP camera and it's now a massive $220 off for Amazon Prime members ahead of Prime Day sales. To sweeten the deal Amazon's trade-in program could reduce the price of this phone by up to an extra $785 for people with the ride device to trade in. Now is an excellent time to nab this deal for anyone who might want an upgrade.
CNET
18 minutes ago
- CNET
I Chose to Buy My Own Router Instead of Renting From Xfinity: I Saved Nearly $1,000
I like to think of myself as an expert when it comes to broadband -- after all, I've been writing about it for over 6 years. Yet, despite my expertise, I have carried around a shameful secret: I rented a Wi-Fi router from Xfinity for years. I know. I've always advised CNET readers to purchase their equipment, but my rented modem and router worked fine. That being said, I did know in the back of my mind, I was wasting money. For most people, a monthly charge of $15 for internet equipment doesn't seem too bad when you're first signing up for internet. In fact, it seems the smart thing to do to avoid the stress of purchasing your own router and keeping it updated over the years. But the reality is that, after a few years of paying that monthly fee, it all adds up -- and you'll have wasted hundreds of dollars on something that you could have easily avoided. As I reviewed my old bills, I discovered that I spent a staggering $873 on Xfinity's equipment fees over the last six years. Not only was I shocked, it gave me the kick in the right direction. I went ahead and bought my own router and modem. As much as I appreciated my Xfinity equipment, owning your own gear is the superior choice. For one thing, you'll see significant performance improvements. My upload speeds skyrocketed by over 2,000%. Better yet, investing in your own equipment typically pays for itself within one to two years, making it well worth the investment. The average internet bill in the U.S. is $78 per month, excluding extra taxes and fees found on your ISP's broadband label. While some charges are necessary, equipment rental fees aren't and again, we advise you to purchase and manage your gear. Also, depending on your circumstances, you may be able to take advantage of any low-income discounts available in your state if you qualify. Locating local internet providers For more information on making the switch from rented equipment to purchasing equipment of your own, check out our guide below. How to choose the right modem and router The best internet is the internet you never notice, and I can't remember the last time my connection went out or I saw a buffering wheel in my home. And this is all with a device from 2017 that Xfinity describes as an "old Wireless Gateway with limited speeds and functionality." This goes to show how much the type of internet user you are has to do with what kind of equipment you need. I live in a 750-square-foot apartment, and my internet needs are mostly limited to video calls and TV streaming. If you live in a larger home with multiple floors, the same router likely won't cut it. Similarly, activities like online gaming hinge on split-second reactions. If this instantaneous responsiveness is important to you, it's probably worth investing in a gaming router that minimizes lag. Wi-Fi routers run the gamut from entry-level models like the TP-Link AC1200 for $30 to ultra-advanced mesh systems like the Netgear Orbi 970 Series for $1,500. To test each Wi-Fi router, CNET runs three speed tests in five different rooms in our testing facility, logging results for download speed, upload speed and latency. That process is repeated six times, accounting for variations in network performance at different times of the day. Ry Crist/CNET After consulting our picks for the best Wi-Fi routers, I decided to go with a budget pick: the TP-Link Archer AX21, of which my former CNET colleague and router connoisseur Ry Crist wrote, "It's nothing fancy, but it offered near flawless performance for small- to medium-size homes in our tests, and it's a cinch to setup." I get only 200Mbps through my Xfinity plan, so the 700Mbps speed the TP-Link hits at close range is more than enough juice and only cost $85 when I bought it. (Several government agencies have since opened investigations into TP-Link for ties to Chinese cyberattacks. But I don't have any plans to replace my TP-Link router just yet.) A cable modem like the Hitron CODA connects your home to your internet provider through a coaxial cable. Hitron Do you need to buy a modem? Depending on your internet connection, you may need to purchase a cable modem in addition to your router. Some ISPs, like Spectrum, include the modem for free but charge extra for a router. The main thing to look for in a modem is compatibility. Your internet provider will have a page on their website that lists all the models that it works with, and you shouldn't stray from this. You may also have a choice between DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1; the newer standard provides faster speeds, but DOCSIS 3.1 modems are typically more expensive. (Note: Although some ISPs have DOCSIS 4.0 modems available to rent, most are not yet widely available for purchase.) Other things to consider are the modem's speed limits -- make sure they're equal to or above your internet plan -- and the number of Ethernet ports. Xfinity doesn't provide a free modem, so I had to buy one in addition to a Wi-Fi router. I opted for the Hitron CODA Modem -- a DOCSIS 3.1 model that's one of the cheapest Xfinity-compatible models I could find for $100 at the time I purchased it. It supports download speeds up to only 867Mbps, but that's still far more than my Xfinity plan. How to set up your new modem and router Ordering the equipment is the easy part; the ordeal of setting up third-party equipment is what keeps many customers on the hook for years. The process is largely the same whether you're starting service fresh with a new provider or swapping out old equipment. Here's everything you'll need to do. 1. Activate your new modem with your ISP The modem is the piece of equipment that brings the internet to your home through a coaxial cable connected to your internet provider's network. Before it can work, ISPs need to tie your specific modem to your account. If you're replacing old equipment, they will also turn this off as they activate the new modem. ISPs do this by logging your MAC (media access control) number, which can be found on the bottom of the modem. You can typically do this through your internet provider's app, in a live chat or by calling a customer service number. 2. Connect the coax cable to your modem After your new modem's MAC address is registered with your ISP, you'll be prompted to connect your modem to the cable outlet in your wall and plug it into a power outlet. You may have to wait up to 5 minutes, and your modem's lights will tell you when it's receiving the internet signal. Once the indicator lights are on, you're ready to set up your wireless router. This TP-Link router offers wireless access to your modem's connection with the web (hence the antennas). Ry Crist/CNET 3. Set up your Wi-Fi router Each Wi-Fi router has its own setup process, so you'll want to follow the instructions provided. In the case of the TP-Link Archer AX21, that meant unplugging the modem's power, connecting the modem to the router's WAN port via an Ethernet cable, powering on the modem and then plugging the router into a power outlet. From there, I set up my new network through the TP-Link app. That's the short version. There's a lot more to consider when setting up a wireless router, including choosing the optimal location, setting up parental controls and protecting your privacy. For my purposes, though, I was ready to start testing out my new internet connection. Speed comparison: Which setup is fastest? I wanted to see how my new modem and router would compare with my old equipment, so I ran speed tests before and after I was connected: one from my desk next to the router and one from the furthest corner of my apartment (regrettably, the bathroom). My old modem and router returned 164/5Mbps speeds from my desk and 143/5Mbps from the bathroom -- not bad for an internet plan that advertises 200/10Mbps speeds. But the speeds with my new equipment were eye-popping: 237/118Mbps at both my desk and my bathroom. I didn't just save money by purchasing my own equipment -- I'm actually getting a significant speed boost, too. Joe Supan / CNET I have no idea why my new equipment picked up 10 times the upload speeds of my old one. I subscribe to Xfinity's Connect More plan, which is supposed to get only 10Mbps upload speeds. In 2022, Xfinity announced that it was increasing upload speeds on my plan to 100Mbps -- but only for customers who pay for its $25-per-month xFi Complete equipment. Apparently, I'm reaping those same benefits with my new modem and router. My best guess is that the upgrade from a DOCSIS 3.0 to a 3.1 modem is the main reason for the jump in upload speeds. How to save yourself some headaches I eventually got my modem and router set up properly, but I made plenty of mistakes along the way. Here's what I would do differently: Buy your modem and router on day one . Moving is a pain, and no one wants to make their to-do list even longer, but this is one task where the extra effort pays off (nearly a thousand dollars in my case). A technician may need to visit your house to set up your internet, so it's best to have your modem and router ready in case of any issues. . Moving is a pain, and no one wants to make their to-do list even longer, but this is one task where the extra effort pays off (nearly a thousand dollars in my case). A technician may need to visit your house to set up your internet, so it's best to have your modem and router ready in case of any issues. Use your ISP's list of compatible modems . Routers aren't tied to specific providers, but if you have to purchase your own modem, you'll need to make sure that it works with your ISP. Don't cut corners here. I searched Amazon for a modem that claimed compatibility with Xfinity and ended up having to return it a week later, after several hours of phone calls. Your provider should have a page that lists all the modems that it works with -- don't stray from this. . Routers aren't tied to specific providers, but if you have to purchase your own modem, you'll need to make sure that it works with your ISP. Don't cut corners here. I searched Amazon for a modem that claimed compatibility with Xfinity and ended up having to return it a week later, after several hours of phone calls. Your provider should have a page that lists all the modems that it works with -- don't stray from this. Pay for only the speed you need. Internet equipment is expensive, and there's no reason to pay for a modem certified for 2,000 Mbps when you're getting only 200 Mbps with your plan. The same goes for routers -- you don't need to pay top dollar for a gaming router with exceptional latency if you're just streaming TV and scrolling the internet. My final thoughts Setting up a new modem and router is not fun, but it's absolutely worth it. My internet speeds have dramatically improved, and I'm paying significantly less for them. I'm saving $15 per month on equipment, and somewhere along the line, an Xfinity agent bumped my plan price down for the following year. My monthly bill went from $78.54 to $50. That's far more than I expected to save, and my new equipment paid for itself within the first six months. My only regret is that I didn't make the leap sooner.
CNET
an hour ago
- CNET
Refinance Rates Slide Down Again: Refinance Rates for June 19, 2025
For the vast majority of homeowners, there's currently little financial incentive to refinance their mortgages. So far in 2025, average mortgage rates have remained elevated, consistently hovering between 6.5% and 7% due to ongoing economic uncertainty. "If rates fall below 6%, we could see a big jump in refinance activity," said Jeb Smith, licensed real estate agent and member of CNET Money's expert review board. Yet economists and housing market experts don't expect a dramatic drop-off in rates in the immediate future. Mortgage refinance rates fluctuate daily based on a range of economic and political factors. For more insights on where rates might be headed, check out our weekly mortgage rate forecast. When mortgage rates start to fall, be ready to take advantage. Experts recommend shopping around and comparing multiple offers to get the lowest rate. Enter your information here to get a custom quote from one of CNET's partner lenders. About these rates: Bankrate's tool features rates from partner lenders that you can use when comparing multiple mortgage rates. Current refinance rate trends At the start of 2025, many expected inflation to keep cooling down and the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, which would have gradually lowered mortgage refinance rates. However, after cutting interest rates three times last year, the Fed has held rates steady in 2025 to observe how President Trump's policies on trade, immigration and government spending will affect the economy. The central bank is expected to resume cutting rates as early as September, but this will not immediately result in lower mortgage rates. While the Fed's policy decisions guide borrowing costs across the economy, they don't have a 1:1 relationship with mortgage rates, which are set in the bond market. As of now, the Fed is expected to make two 0.25% rate reductions this year. If inflation increases due to tariffs, policymakers may hold off on easing borrowing costs until later, which would keep upward pressure on mortgage refinance rates. Where will refinance rates end up in 2025? Most housing forecasts still call for a modest decline in mortgage rates, with average 30-year fixed rates expected to end the year around below 6.5%. For refinancing to become significantly more affordable, though, we need to see multiple interest rate cuts and weaker economic data. Overall, it's unlikely we'll see another refinancing boom like the one in 2020-21 when mortgage rates were exceptionally low around 3%. Nevertheless, refinancing might be beneficial for other reasons, like changing the type of home loan, term length or taking someone off the mortgage. Refinancing 101 When you refinance your mortgage, you take out another home loan that pays off your initial mortgage. With a traditional refinance, your new home loan will have a different term and/or interest rate. With a cash-out refinance, you'll tap into your equity with a new loan that's bigger than your existing mortgage balance, allowing you to pocket the difference in cash. Refinancing can be a great financial move if you score a low rate or can pay off your home loan in less time, but consider whether it's the right choice for you. Reducing your interest rate by 1% or more is an incentive to refinance, allowing you to cut your monthly payment significantly. But refinancing your mortgage isn't free. Since you're taking out a whole new home loan, you'll need to pay another set of closing costs. If you fall into that pool of homeowners who purchased property when rates were high, consider reaching out to your lender and running the numbers to see whether a mortgage refinance makes sense for your budget, said Logan Mohtashami, lead analyst at HousingWire. How to choose the right refinance type and term The rates advertised online often require specific conditions for eligibility. Your personal interest rate will be influenced by market conditions as well as your specific credit history, financial profile and application. Having a high credit score, a low credit utilization ratio and a history of consistent and on-time payments will generally help you get the best interest rates. 30-year fixed-rate refinance For 30-year fixed refinances, the average rate is currently at 6.91%, a decrease of 10 basis points compared to one week ago. (A basis point is equivalent to 0.01%.) A 30-year fixed refinance will typically have lower monthly payments than a 15-year or 10-year refinance, but it will take you longer to pay off and typically cost you more in interest over the long term. 15-year fixed-rate refinance The average rate for a 15-year fixed refinance loan is currently 6.14%, a decrease of 13 basis points from what we saw the previous week. Though a 15-year fixed refinance will most likely raise your monthly payment compared to a 30-year loan, you'll save more money over time because you're paying off your loan quicker. Also, 15-year refinance rates are typically lower than 30-year refinance rates, which will help you save more in the long run. 10-year fixed-rate refinance The average rate for a 10-year fixed refinance loan is currently 6.03%, a decrease of 1 basis points compared to one week ago. A 10-year refinance typically has the lowest interest rate but the highest monthly payment of all refinance terms. A 10-year refinance can help you pay off your house much quicker and save on interest, but make sure you can afford the steeper monthly payment. To get the best refinance rates, make your application as strong as possible by getting your finances in order, using credit responsibly and monitoring your credit regularly. And don't forget to speak with multiple lenders and shop around. Does refinancing make sense? Homeowners usually refinance to save money, but there are other reasons to do so. Here are the most common reasons homeowners refinance: To get a lower interest rate: If you can secure a rate that's at least 1% lower than the one on your current mortgage, it could make sense to refinance. If you can secure a rate that's at least 1% lower than the one on your current mortgage, it could make sense to refinance. To switch the type of mortgage: If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage and want greater security, you could refinance to a fixed-rate mortgage. If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage and want greater security, you could refinance to a fixed-rate mortgage. To eliminate mortgage insurance: If you have an FHA loan that requires mortgage insurance, you can refinance to a conventional loan once you have 20% equity. If you have an FHA loan that requires mortgage insurance, you can refinance to a conventional loan once you have 20% equity. To change the length of a loan term: Refinancing to a longer loan term could lower your monthly payment. Refinancing to a shorter term will save you interest in the long run. Refinancing to a longer loan term could lower your monthly payment. Refinancing to a shorter term will save you interest in the long run. To tap into your equity through a cash-out refinance: If you replace your mortgage with a larger loan, you can receive the difference in cash to cover a large expense. If you replace your mortgage with a larger loan, you can receive the difference in cash to cover a large expense. To take someone off the mortgage: In case of divorce, you can apply for a new home loan in just your name and use the funds to pay off your existing mortgage.
