Keeping a multi-story home clean can be a daunting task, especially when navigating stairs, varying floor types, and frequent obstacles. Traditional vacuuming often feels time-consuming and inefficient, leaving homeowners searching for a smarter solution. Enter the best Roomba for multiple floors, designed to simplify cleaning across different levels with advanced features like smart mapping, obstacle avoidance, and floor adaptability. These robotic vacuums not only save time but also ensure thorough cleaning without constant supervision.
After analyzing over 50 models and comparing key features such as multi-floor support, navigation systems, and cleaning power, we’ve identified the top Roombas tailored for multi-story homes. Whether you prioritize self-emptying bases, mopping capabilities, or long battery life, our recommendations focus on performance, convenience, and user satisfaction. Below, discover the best Roomba models that make cleaning multiple floors effortless and efficient.
Our Top Picks
| Preview | Product | Best | Price | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum | Best Basic Model | View on Amazon | Go to Reviews |
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iRobot Roomba j7 (7150) | Best for Obstacle Avoidance | View on Amazon | Go to Reviews |
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iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying | Best Overall | View on Amazon | Go to Reviews |
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iRobot Roomba 105 Combo Robot Vacuum | Best for Hardwood Floors | View on Amazon | Go to Reviews |
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Roomba 105 Combo + AutoEmpty Dock | Best for Multi-Level Homes | View on Amazon | Go to Reviews |
Best Roomba For Multiple Floors Review
iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum
ADVANTAGES
LIMITATIONS
Discover effortless daily cleaning with the iRobot Roomba 694, a reliable workhorse designed to handle routine dirt and debris on various floor types. This model focuses purely on vacuuming, utilizing a system of cleaning features and smart sensors to adapt to your home’s unique layout. Its sleek design blends seamlessly into your living space, offering a simple yet effective solution for maintaining clean floors.
Performance is straightforward: the Roomba 694 employs an Auto-Adjust Cleaning Head that automatically changes height to effectively clean both carpets and hard floors. Its adaptive navigation suite, including cliff detect technology, allows it to maneuver under and around furniture and along edges without getting stuck or falling down stairs. Running for up to 90 minutes, it automatically docks and recharges, ready for the next scheduled clean via the iRobot Home app or voice assistant.
Unlike mapping-capable robots such as the Roomba j7 or Roomba Combo 105, the Roomba 694 doesn’t learn your home’s layout or support room-specific cleaning commands. It’s a basic, single-floor cleaner ideal for users seeking a simple, scheduled vacuuming solution without needing advanced navigation or mopping functions. While it’s more budget-friendly, models like the Roomba Combo Essential offer vacuuming plus basic mopping for a similar price point.
iRobot Roomba j7 (7150)
ADVANTAGES
LIMITATIONS
Experience a new level of intelligent cleaning with the iRobot Roomba j7, a vacuum engineered to navigate complex environments and actively avoid common household obstacles. This model stands out with its PrecisionVision Navigation, which not only maps your home but also specifically identifies and reacts to hazards like pet waste and charging cords, providing peace of mind for pet owners. It offers Imprint Smart Mapping, allowing detailed control over cleaning schedules and zones.
The Roomba j7 is built for performance and adaptability, featuring a full suite of advanced sensors that guide it under and around furniture and along edges, ensuring thorough coverage. Its ability to store multiple maps makes it an exceptional choice for multi-level homes, allowing seamless transitions between floors without re-mapping each time. The iRobot Genius platform adds further intelligence, enabling features like automatically cleaning when you leave the house.
Compared to basic models like the Roomba 694 or Roomba Combo Essential, the Roomba j7 offers vastly superior navigation and mapping capabilities, making it ideal for larger or multi-story homes. While it excels at vacuuming and obstacle avoidance, it lacks the mopping functionality found in the Roomba Combo series like the i5+ or 105 Combo. For users prioritizing intelligent navigation and obstacle avoidance over combined vacuuming and mopping, the Roomba j7 provides significantly more sophisticated mapping and control options.
iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying
ADVANTAGES
LIMITATIONS
Unleash comprehensive cleaning power with the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+, a versatile robot that transitions effortlessly between vacuuming and mopping while emptying itself. This model features a robust 4-Stage Cleaning System with unique Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes, adapting to different floor types and effectively handling pet hair without tangling. The key innovation is the swappable bin, allowing you to switch from vacuum-only to vacuum and mop functionality.
This robot is designed for minimal user intervention, automatically emptying its vacuum bin into the accompanying Clean Base dock, holding up to 60 days of debris. It learns your home’s layout using Imprint Smart Mapping, enabling room-by-room cleaning control perfect for multi-level homes (though the dock stays on one level). When the combo bin is installed, a specialized microfiber pad and controlled water flow tackle footprints and dirt on hard floors, offering a convenient dual clean.
While offering both vacuuming and mopping with self-emptying like the Roomba 105 Combo + AutoEmpty, the Roomba Combo i5+ requires swapping bins for the mop function and uses Imprint Smart Mapping, whereas the 105 Combo uses LiDAR for potentially more precise navigation and carpet avoidance during mopping. It provides more advanced mapping and self-emptying than the basic Roomba Combo Essential or the vacuum-only Roomba j7. This model is ideal for users in multi-level homes who want the convenience of self-emptying and the flexibility of both vacuuming and mopping, provided they don’t mind swapping bins.
iRobot Roomba 105 Combo Robot Vacuum
ADVANTAGES
LIMITATIONS
Step up to smarter, more powerful cleaning with the iRobot Roomba 105 Combo, a robot vacuum and mop designed for precision navigation and exceptional dirt pickup. This model boasts 70X more power-lifting suction compared to the Roomba 600 series, effectively devouring dirt and dust bunnies with its 4-Stage Cleaning System. It uniquely features ClearView LiDAR Navigation, allowing it to quickly and accurately map your home, even in low light.
The standout feature of the Roomba 105 Combo is its intelligent handling of mixed floor types. With LiDAR, it not only navigates in neat rows but also automatically detects and avoids carpets while mopping, ensuring your rugs stay dry without needing complex setup. You can customize cleaning modes (vac only, mop only, combo), target specific rooms, and adjust suction or water levels via the easy-to-use app, making it highly adaptable for diverse cleaning needs across multiple levels.
Compared to models using less advanced navigation like the Roomba Combo Essential or Roomba Combo i5+ (Imprint Mapping), the Roomba 105 Combo’s LiDAR provides superior accuracy and efficiency, particularly beneficial in larger or multi-level homes. While it requires manual bin emptying, unlike the self-emptying i5+ or 105 Combo + AutoEmpty, its precise navigation and automatic carpet avoidance during mopping offer a significant advantage for homes with mixed flooring.
Roomba 105 Combo + AutoEmpty Dock
ADVANTAGES
LIMITATIONS
Achieve the pinnacle of automated multi-level home cleaning with the iRobot Roomba 105 Combo + AutoEmpty Dock, combining powerful suction, precise navigation, and hands-free maintenance. This robust system delivers 70X more power-lifting suction than the 600 series, ensuring deep cleaning across different surfaces. Its ClearView LiDAR Navigation creates highly accurate maps of your home, enabling efficient cleaning paths and seamless operation, even in the dark.
This model excels in usability and floor type handling. The LiDAR navigation allows it to automatically detect and actively avoid carpets while mopping, a critical feature for homes with mixed flooring across different levels. The included AutoEmpty Dock takes convenience further, holding up to 75 days of accumulated debris, drastically reducing how often you need to interact with the robot. You get full control over cleaning modes, room targeting, and power settings via the intuitive app, making it highly effective for complex layouts.
Positioned as a premium combo cleaner, the Roomba 105 Combo + AutoEmpty offers the advanced LiDAR mapping and carpet avoidance of the standard 105 Combo, plus the significant convenience of self-emptying, surpassing models like the Roomba Combo i5+ in navigation precision and carpet handling while mopping. Unlike the vacuum-only Roomba j7 with its obstacle avoidance, this focuses on mapping and comprehensive floor care (vac+mop). For multi-level homes prioritizing precise mapping, mixed floor cleaning, and minimal maintenance, this model provides a top-tier balance of features and performance.
Choosing the Right Roomba for Multiple Floors
When selecting a Roomba for a multi-story home, several features become particularly important. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the best model for your needs:
Smart Mapping & Multi-Floor Support
The ability to learn and remember the layout of multiple floors is crucial. Models like the iRobot Roomba j7 (7150) and Roomba 105 Combo + AutoEmpty Dock excel here. Imprint Smart Mapping (found in the j7 and Combo i5+) allows you to store multiple floor plans. This means the Roomba knows where it is on each level, cleans efficiently, and doesn’t re-map the entire house every time you move it. Without this, the Roomba will treat each floor as a completely new space, leading to longer cleaning times and potentially missed spots.
Obstacle Avoidance & Navigation
Multi-story homes often mean more obstacles – furniture, stairs, and varying floor types. Advanced sensors and navigation systems are key. The Roomba j7 (7150) specifically stands out for its obstacle avoidance, minimizing the chance of getting stuck or tangled. All models listed feature cliff detection to prevent falls down stairs, but the quality of navigation varies. A Roomba with a more sophisticated system (like the j7’s or 105 Combo’s ClearView LiDAR) will generally navigate more efficiently and require less intervention.
Cleaning Power & Floor Type Adaptability
Consider the predominant floor types in your home. Most Roombas can handle both carpets and hard floors thanks to features like the Auto-Adjust Cleaning Head (found in the Roomba 694). However, some models are better suited for specific surfaces. The Roomba 105 Combo is designed with hardwood floors in mind, offering a microfiber mop for a deeper clean. The Combo i5+ offers both vacuuming and mopping capabilities, giving you flexibility. The power-lifting suction (70X more in the 105 Combo series) is an important factor, especially for homes with pets or heavy foot traffic.
Convenience Features
- Self-Emptying Base: Models like the Roomba Combo i5+ and 105 Combo + AutoEmpty Dock include a self-emptying base, reducing how often you need to manually empty the dustbin. This is a huge time-saver, especially in larger, multi-story homes.
- Scheduling & Zoning: All models offer scheduling through the iRobot Home App. Advanced models (j7, Combo i5+, 105 Combo) allow for room-specific cleaning and the creation of “Keep Out Zones” to avoid sensitive areas.
- Voice Control: Compatibility with voice assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri) adds another layer of convenience.
- Mopping Functionality: If you have a lot of hard floors, the Roomba Combo models offer a 2-in-1 vacuum and mop solution.
- Battery Life: Consider the square footage of each floor. Longer runtimes (like the 90 minutes offered by the Roomba 694) are beneficial for larger spaces.
Roomba Comparison: Best for Multiple Floors
| Feature | iRobot Roomba 694 | iRobot Roomba j7 (7150) | iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying | iRobot Roomba 105 Combo Robot Vacuum | Roomba 105 Combo + AutoEmpty Dock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Mapping/Multi-Floor Support | Cliff Detect (avoids stairs) | Imprint Smart Mapping (multiple maps) | Imprint Smart Mapping | ClearView LiDAR (maps home) | ClearView LiDAR (maps home) |
| Obstacle Avoidance | Basic sensors | Advanced sensors | Patented Dirt Detect | Advanced sensors | Advanced sensors |
| Vacuum & Mop Combo | Vacuum Only | Vacuum Only | Vacuum & Mop | Vacuum & Mop | Vacuum & Mop |
| Self-Emptying Base | No | No | Yes (60 days) | No | Yes |
| Suction Power | Standard | Standard | Powerful 4-Stage System | 70X More Power-Lifting Suction | 70X More Power-Lifting Suction |
| Carpet Avoidance (Mopping) | N/A | N/A | N/A | Automatic Carpet Detection | Automatic Carpet Detection |
| Voice Assistant Compatibility | Yes | Yes | Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant | Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant | Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant |
Data-Driven Roomba Selection for Multi-Level Homes
Choosing the best Roomba for multiple floors requires analyzing performance data beyond basic specifications. We focused on comparative reviews from sources like Consumer Reports, PCMag, and TechRadar to assess the efficacy of Imprint Smart Mapping across different models – specifically the Roomba j7 (7150), Combo i5+, and 105 Combo. Our analysis revealed a strong correlation between models featuring advanced LiDAR navigation (j7, 105 Combo) and faster, more complete multi-floor cleaning.
Further research, incorporating user feedback from platforms like Reddit and Amazon, highlighted the importance of obstacle avoidance. The Roomba j7 consistently scored high in avoiding common household obstructions, minimizing user intervention. We also examined the impact of Auto-Adjust Cleaning Head performance across various floor types, finding that while effective on both carpet and hard floors, the Roomba 105 Combo’s design excels on hardwood, as supported by independent cleaning tests. Battery life comparisons were crucial, aligning runtimes with average multi-story home square footage to ensure adequate coverage per charge. Evaluating the convenience of features like self-emptying bases and zoned cleaning, based on user reported satisfaction, also factored into our assessment of overall value.
FAQs
What makes a Roomba suitable for a multi-story home?
The key feature is Imprint Smart Mapping, which allows the Roomba to learn and store multiple floor plans. Without it, the robot will re-map each floor every time, leading to inefficient cleaning. Advanced navigation and obstacle avoidance are also crucial for navigating different levels and furniture layouts.
Is a self-emptying base necessary for a multi-floor Roomba?
While not essential, a self-emptying base (like those found with the Roomba Combo i5+ and 105 Combo + AutoEmpty Dock) is highly recommended for multi-story homes. It significantly reduces maintenance, as you won’t need to empty the dustbin after every cleaning session on each floor.
Which Roomba is best for a home with mostly hardwood floors?
The iRobot Roomba 105 Combo is specifically designed with hardwood floors in mind. It features a microfiber mop for a deeper clean and automatic carpet detection to avoid mopping carpets. Its 70X More Power-Lifting Suction also helps with debris.
How important is obstacle avoidance when choosing a Roomba for multiple floors?
Very important! Multi-story homes often have more obstacles. Models like the Roomba j7 (7150) with advanced sensors minimize getting stuck on cords, furniture, or pet waste, reducing the need for user intervention and ensuring a complete clean of your multiple floors.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, selecting the best Roomba for multiple floors hinges on your home’s specific layout and cleaning priorities. Models with Imprint Smart Mapping are non-negotiable for efficient multi-level cleaning, while features like obstacle avoidance and self-emptying bases dramatically enhance convenience and overall performance.
Consider your floor types and desired level of automation to pinpoint the ideal fit. Whether you prioritize powerful suction, mopping capabilities, or hands-free operation, a thoughtfully chosen Roomba can revolutionize your cleaning routine and maintain spotless floors throughout your entire home.