The 6 Best Roomba Vacuum Cleaners for Apartments in 2025

Living in an apartment often means dealing with limited space, mixed floor types, and the need for efficient cleaning solutions. Finding the best Roomba for apartment living can be a challenge, especially when balancing features like suction power, smart navigation, and maintenance ease. Many apartment dwellers struggle with pet hair, tight corners, and the desire to minimize noise and cleaning time.

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The right Roomba can transform your cleaning routine, offering advanced features like smart mapping, self-emptying bases, and 2-in-1 vacuum and mop capabilities. Models like the Roomba 105 and Combo i5+ excel in navigating small spaces, tackling pet hair, and reducing manual effort with automated cleaning docks. Whether you prioritize affordability, high-end performance, or multi-functionality, there’s a Roomba tailored to your needs. Keep reading to discover our top picks for the best Roomba for apartment living, carefully selected based on performance, features, and user reviews.

Our Top Picks

Preview Product Best Price Review
Roomba 105 Vac Robot + AutoEmpty Roomba 105 Vac Robot + AutoEmpty Best Self Emptying View on Amazon Go to Reviews
Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying Best Smart Mapping View on Amazon Go to Reviews
Roomba Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop Roomba Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop Best Overall View on Amazon Go to Reviews
Roomba Combo i5 Robot Vacuum Roomba Combo i5 Robot Vacuum Best for Pet Owners View on Amazon Go to Reviews
Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum Best Budget Friendly View on Amazon Go to Reviews
Roomba Plus 505 Combo AutoWash Dock Roomba Plus 505 Combo AutoWash Dock Best High End View on Amazon Go to Reviews

Best Roomba For Apartment Review

Best Self Emptying

Roomba 105 Vac Robot + AutoEmpty

Roomba 105 Vac Robot + AutoEmpty
Suction Power
70X more
Run Time
75 days
Navigation
LiDAR mapping
Connectivity
Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)
Control Methods
App & Voice
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ADVANTAGES

✓
Long self-emptying duration
✓
Powerful vacuum suction
✓
Accurate LiDAR navigation
✓
Room-specific cleaning
✓
Avoids obstacles well

LIMITATIONS

×
No mopping function
×
Requires bag replacement

For those seeking a truly hands-off cleaning experience in their apartment, the iRobot Roomba 105 Vac with AutoEmpty Dock presents a compelling package. Its standout feature is the AutoEmpty dock, providing up to 75 days of maintenance-free dustbin disposal, a significant perk for busy apartment dwellers who dread frequent emptying. Coupled with LiDAR navigation, this robot maps your space with impressive accuracy, ensuring efficient, row-by-row cleaning that covers every corner effectively, even in low light.

Performance shines with its powerful 3-Stage Cleaning System, boasting 70X more power-lifting suction compared to older Roomba models, making short work of everyday dirt and debris on various floor types common in apartments. The robot intelligently navigates around obstacles and furniture, tackling specific rooms or high-traffic zones as directed via the easy-to-use iRobot Home app. While its vacuuming is robust, it lacks mopping functionality, meaning you’ll need a separate solution for hard floor spills or sticky messes.

Positioned as a premium, low-maintenance vacuum-only solution, the iRobot Roomba 105 targets apartment residents prioritizing convenience and powerful suction over multi-surface wet cleaning. Compared to the Roomba Combo i5+, it sacrifices mopping capability but offers a slightly longer self-emptying duration (75 vs 60 days). This model is ideal for apartments primarily with carpets or those where vacuuming is the main concern, offering a higher level of vacuuming autonomy than simpler models like the Roomba 694.

Best Smart Mapping

Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying

Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying
Cleaning System
4-Stage
Self-Emptying
Up to 60 days
Smart Mapping
Imprint Smart Map
Floor Types
All floors
Voice Control
Alexa, Siri, Google
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ADVANTAGES

✓
Vacuum and mop function
✓
Self-empties vacuum bin
✓
Smart room mapping
✓
Handles pet hair well
✓
Voice assistant control

LIMITATIONS

×
Doesn’t lift mop pad
×
Requires bin swapping

Unlock a new level of apartment cleaning versatility with the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+. This innovative 2-in-1 machine tackles both vacuuming and mopping, offering a comprehensive clean without needing separate devices. Its Imprint Smart Mapping capability allows it to learn your apartment layout, enabling targeted room cleaning and custom schedules, a significant advantage for optimizing cleaning routines in smaller spaces. Plus, the included AutoEmpty dock means you can forget about emptying the vacuum bin for up to 60 days.

Equipped with a 4-Stage Cleaning System and unique Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes, the Roomba Combo i5+ excels at pulling in dirt and pet hair on various surfaces, adapting automatically. Switching to mop mode is as simple as swapping the bin, utilizing a specialized microfiber pad designed to handle footprints and dust on hard floors. While it vacuums and mops simultaneously on hard floors, it doesn’t lift the mop pad for carpets, requiring manual bin swaps if you have mixed flooring and want to avoid wetting carpets.

The Roomba Combo i5+ is tailor-made for apartment dwellers seeking a convenient, combined vacuuming and mopping solution with the added benefit of self-emptying. It offers more functionality than the vacuum-only Roomba 105 Vac by adding mopping, though its self-emptying capacity is slightly less. Compared to the simpler Roomba Combo (Y0110), this model adds smart mapping for directed room cleaning and the crucial self-emptying feature, providing a much more automated experience for those willing to invest in greater convenience.

Best Overall

Roomba Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop

Roomba Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop
Runtime
120 minutes
Suction Power
3 levels
Mopping Levels
3 options
Navigation
Smart Navigation
Dustbin Capacity
Not specified
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ADVANTAGES

✓
Vacuums and mops
✓
Simple setup/use
✓
Low profile design
✓
Long run time
✓
Spot cleaning

LIMITATIONS

×
No self-emptying
×
Basic navigation
×
No room mapping

Introducing the iRobot Roomba Combo (Y0110), an accessible entry into the world of 2-in-1 robot cleaning, perfectly suited for apartment living. This model focuses on simplifying your routine with a 4-Stage Cleaning System that vacuums and mops simultaneously on hard floors, ensuring dust and dirt are captured while the micro pump keeps the mop pad uniformly moist. Its smart navigation cleans methodically in neat rows, efficiently covering your space and easily maneuvering under furniture.

Performance for this straightforward model includes up to 120 minutes of runtime, ample for most apartments, and it automatically returns to its base to recharge. It effectively tackles everyday dirt on hard floors and low-pile carpets using its edge-sweeping brush and suction. While it offers combined vacuuming and mopping, it lacks advanced features like room-specific mapping or obstacle avoidance beyond basic sensors, meaning it cleans where it goes rather than being directed to specific zones.

As the most budget-friendly combo model in the lineup, the iRobot Roomba Combo (Y0110) is an excellent choice for apartment residents seeking basic automated vacuuming and mopping without complex features or high costs. It provides a combined clean functionality that the vacuum-only Roomba 694 lacks entirely. While it doesn’t offer the self-emptying convenience or smart mapping of the Roomba Combo i5+, its simplicity and dual functionality offer significant value for those new to robot cleaners or with straightforward cleaning needs.

Best for Pet Owners

Roomba Combo i5 Robot Vacuum

Roomba Combo i5 Robot Vacuum
Robot Type
Vacuum & Mop
Smart Mapping
Yes
Connectivity
Wi-Fi
Ideal For
Pet Hair
Floor Types
Carpet & Hardwood
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ADVANTAGES

✓
Vacuum and mop function
✓
Smart room mapping
✓
Handles pet hair well
✓
Targeted room cleaning
✓
Dirt Detect technology

LIMITATIONS

×
No self-emptying included
×
Requires bin swapping
×
Doesn’t lift mop pad

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 brings intelligent, combined cleaning to your apartment, offering the flexibility of both powerful vacuuming and effective mopping in one device. Its core strength lies in the Imprint Smart Mapping, allowing the robot to learn your apartment’s layout and giving you the control to direct it to clean specific rooms or set custom schedules via the intuitive iRobot Home app. This targeted cleaning is a major benefit for optimizing efficiency in smaller or segmented living spaces.

Utilizing a 4-Stage Cleaning System with Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes, the Roomba Combo i5 handles pet hair and debris across different floor types with ease. Swapping the bin converts it instantly from a vacuum to a vacuum-and-mop combo for hard floors, using a dedicated mop pad for tackling everyday messes. While it offers this dual functionality, it requires manual bin swapping depending on the task and flooring type, as it doesn’t automatically adjust or lift the mop for carpets.

Ideal for apartment dwellers with mixed flooring who want smart control and combined cleaning, the iRobot Roomba Combo i5 sits as a capable mid-range option. It provides the crucial smart mapping feature that the more basic Roomba Combo (Y0110) lacks, enabling directed cleaning. Though it doesn’t include the self-emptying dock found with the Roomba Combo i5+ (though it is compatible), its combination of smart navigation and 2-in-1 cleaning offers significant convenience and control at a more accessible point than the self-emptying variant.

Best Budget Friendly

Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum

Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum
Connectivity
Wi-Fi
Automation
Self-Charging
Floor Types
Carpets/Hardfloors
Navigation
Adaptive Navigation
Run Time
90 minutes
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ADVANTAGES

✓
Budget-friendly price
✓
Simple to use
✓
Good for pet hair
✓
Auto-adjusts to floors
✓
Automatically recharges

LIMITATIONS

×
Basic navigation
×
No smart mapping
×
No mopping function

For apartment residents seeking a dependable, straightforward robot vacuum without unnecessary frills, the iRobot Roomba 694 is a classic choice. It embodies the core Roomba promise: scheduled, automated vacuuming to keep floors clean day-to-day. Its 3-Stage Cleaning System utilizes Multi-Surface Brushes and strong suction to lift dirt, dust, and pet hair from both carpets and hard floors, automatically adjusting its cleaning head height to suit the surface.

Performance is consistent for routine maintenance, effectively navigating around furniture and along edges thanks to its suite of sensors. It runs for up to 90 minutes before automatically docking to recharge, covering typical apartment sizes adequately. While it reliably vacuums, it uses a more basic, reactive navigation system rather than mapping your home, meaning it cleans based on encountering obstacles rather than following a planned route, and it lacks any mopping capability.

The Roomba 694 stands out as the most budget-friendly option in the lineup, perfect for apartment dwellers prioritizing simple, automated vacuuming above all else. It offers reliable daily cleaning at a lower entry point than models with smart mapping or self-emptying features like the Roomba 105 Vac. While it doesn’t offer the 2-in-1 vacuuming and mopping functionality found in the Roomba Combo (Y0110), its focus on effective vacuuming makes it a solid, no-nonsense choice for maintaining clean floors.

Best High End

Roomba Plus 505 Combo AutoWash Dock

Roomba Plus 505 Combo AutoWash Dock
Suction Power
70x more
Runtime (Emptying)
75 days
Mopping Duration
4 weeks
Navigation
LiDAR
Obstacle Avoidance
PrecisionVision AI
Latest Price →

ADVANTAGES

✓
Auto-washes/dries mop pads
✓
Mop pads auto-lift
✓
Advanced obstacle avoidance
✓
Powerful vacuum suction
✓
Deep scrubbing mop

LIMITATIONS

×
High price point
×
Large dock size

Experience the pinnacle of automated cleaning luxury for your apartment with the iRobot Roomba Plus 505 Combo. This ultra-premium robot redefines convenience, featuring an AutoWash Dock that not only self-empties the vacuum bin for up to 75 days but also washes and dries the mop pads automatically, ensuring they are always clean and ready. Its Advanced DualClean Mop Pads with PerfectEdge extend coverage, while SmartScrub provides deeper cleaning for tough messes, making it ideal for demanding apartment cleaning tasks.

Performance is exceptional across the board, combining 70x more suction (compared to 600 series) with sophisticated mopping. ClearView Pro LiDAR provides expert navigation and mapping, while PrecisionVision AI actively recognizes and avoids obstacles like cords or pet waste, preventing frustrating hang-ups. Crucially, the mop pads auto-lift when sensing carpet, allowing seamless transitions between hard floors and rugs without getting carpets wet – a major advantage for apartments with mixed flooring.

Positioned as the ultimate high-end cleaning solution for apartments, the Roomba Plus 505 Combo is for those who demand the most advanced features and minimal interaction. It offers a level of automation and cleaning effectiveness far beyond models like the Roomba Combo i5+, particularly with its automatic mop washing/drying and obstacle avoidance capabilities. While it represents a significant investment compared to any other model, its comprehensive features and hands-free operation deliver unparalleled convenience and cleaning performance.

×

How to Choose the Right Roomba for Your Apartment

Choosing the right Roomba for your apartment depends on your specific needs and priorities. Here’s a breakdown of key features to consider:

Suction Power & Cleaning System

The strength of a Roomba’s suction directly impacts its ability to lift dirt, dust, and pet hair. Models with 70x more power-lifting suction (like the Roomba 105 and Combo i5+) are excellent for carpets and homes with pets. Lower suction models (like the 694) are adequate for hard floors and lighter debris. Beyond suction, pay attention to the cleaning system. Multi-stage cleaning systems (4-stage, as seen in the Combo models) combine suction with brushes designed for different floor types, ensuring a more thorough clean. Rubber brushes are particularly good for pet owners as they resist tangling.

Smart Mapping & Navigation

For apartments, smart mapping is a game-changer. Robots with LiDAR (like the Roomba 105) or Imprint Smart Mapping (Combo i5+) create detailed maps of your home. This allows you to:

  • Targeted Cleaning: Clean specific rooms or zones.
  • Keep-Out Zones: Prevent the Roomba from entering areas you don’t want cleaned (e.g., around pet bowls, delicate furniture).
  • Efficient Cleaning: The Roomba cleans in neat, systematic rows, maximizing coverage and minimizing missed spots.

Without smart mapping, the robot cleans more randomly, which can be less efficient and potentially miss areas.

Self-Emptying & Mopping Capabilities

Self-emptying bases (Roomba 105, Combo i5+) significantly reduce maintenance. These docks automatically empty the robot’s dustbin into a larger bag, meaning you don’t have to empty it after every clean – some models hold up to 60-75 days of debris!

2-in-1 vacuum and mop robots (Combo i5, Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop) offer the convenience of both cleaning methods in one device. These models have a water tank and microfiber mop pad, allowing them to vacuum and mop hard floors simultaneously. Consider these if you have a mix of floor types and want a complete cleaning solution.

Additional Features to Consider:

  • Battery Life: Longer battery life (up to 120 minutes, Roomba Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop) is important for larger apartments.
  • Voice Control: Compatibility with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant allows for hands-free operation.
  • App Control: Most Roombas have accompanying apps for scheduling, monitoring, and customizing cleaning settings.
  • Cliff Detect: Essential for apartments with stairs to prevent falls.
  • Dirt Detect Technology: Identifies areas with more dirt and focuses cleaning efforts there (Combo i5).

Roomba for Apartment Comparison

Product Best For Self-Emptying Mapping & Navigation Vacuum & Mop Pet Hair Performance Smart Features/App Control Battery Life/Runtime
Roomba 105 Vac Robot + AutoEmpty Best Self Emptying Up to 75 days (with AutoEmpty dock) ClearView LiDAR, avoids obstacles Vacuum Only Good (3-Stage Cleaning) Roomba Home App, Voice Assistant Compatible Up to 90 minutes
Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying Best Smart Mapping Up to 60 days (with AutoEmpty) Imprint Smart Map, Targeted Cleaning Vacuum & Mop (convertible) Excellent (Dual Multi-Surface Brushes) Roomba Home App, Voice Assistant Compatible, Dirt Detect Up to 90 minutes
Roomba Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop Best Overall No Smart Navigation, methodical cleaning Vacuum & Mop (simultaneous) Good (4-Stage Cleaning System) iRobot Home App, Clean While I’m Away, Clean Map Up to 120 minutes
Roomba Combo i5 Robot Vacuum Best for Pet Owners Optional Clean Base available Imprint Smart Map, Targeted Cleaning Vacuum & Mop (convertible) Excellent (Dual Multi-Surface Brushes) Roomba Home App, Voice Assistant Compatible, Dirt Detect Up to 90 minutes
Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum Best Budget Friendly No Adaptive Navigation, Cliff Detect Vacuum Only Good (Auto-Adjust Cleaning Head) iRobot Home App, Voice Assistant Compatible Up to 90 minutes
Roomba Plus 505 Combo AutoWash Dock Best High End 75 days (AutoWash Dock) ClearView Pro LiDAR, PrecisionVision AI Vacuum & Mop (advanced features) Excellent (70x more suction) Roomba Home App, Voice Assistant Compatible, SmartScrub Up to 90 minutes

Data-Driven Roomba Selection for Apartments

Choosing the best Roomba for apartment living requires analyzing performance data and feature sets beyond marketing claims. Independent review sites like Consumer Reports and PCMag provide comparative rankings based on suction power, cleaning effectiveness on various floor types (crucial for apartments with mixed flooring), and obstacle avoidance. We prioritize models demonstrating high scores in apartment-specific tests – focusing on maneuverability in tight spaces and noise levels.

Research indicates that smart mapping significantly improves cleaning efficiency; data from Roomba’s Imprint Smart Mapping technology shows up to 17% better coverage compared to random navigation. Analyzing user reviews on platforms like Amazon reveals consistent feedback regarding battery life impacting cleaning area, aligning with the Roomba Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop’s extended runtime being advantageous for larger apartments. Furthermore, comparative analysis of dustbin capacity and self-emptying base features, as seen in models like the Roomba 105, reveals substantial time savings, a key benefit for apartment dwellers. Consideration of Dirt Detect Technology as found in the Combo i5+ is also important, as it allows for focused cleaning where it’s needed most.

FAQs

What Roomba is best for a small apartment?

For smaller apartments, the Roomba 694 is a great budget-friendly option. It offers reliable cleaning and is suitable for hard floors and lighter debris. If you’re looking for more features in a compact design, the Roomba Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop provides both vacuuming and mopping in one device.

Do I need a self-emptying Roomba for an apartment?

While not essential, a Roomba with a self-emptying base (like the Roomba 105 or Combo i5+) can be very convenient for apartment living. It reduces the frequency of emptying the dustbin, saving you time and effort.

Is smart mapping really necessary in an apartment?

Yes, smart mapping is highly beneficial for apartments. It allows the Roomba to efficiently clean your space by learning its layout, enabling targeted cleaning, and creating keep-out zones. This is especially useful in smaller spaces with furniture and obstacles.

Can a Roomba handle both carpet and hard floors in an apartment?

Many Roombas can handle both floor types. Models with multi-stage cleaning systems and dual multi-surface brushes (like the Roomba Combo i5+) are particularly effective at transitioning between carpets and hard floors, ensuring a thorough clean on both surfaces. Consider the suction power too, with models offering 70x more power lifting suction being ideal for carpets.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, the best Roomba for apartment living balances features with your lifestyle. From powerful suction and intelligent mapping to convenient self-emptying and 2-in-1 capabilities, the ideal model streamlines your cleaning routine and maximizes your free time.

Consider your apartment’s size, floor types, and pet situation when making your decision. Investing in features like Imprint Smart Mapping or a self-emptying base can significantly enhance the cleaning experience, offering a smarter and more effortless way to maintain a spotless home.

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