iRobot has always impressed us with its models, and this mid-range option is no different. It’s not as powerful as the iRobot Roomba Max 705 Combo and operates with two spinning mop pads rather than a self-cleaning roller mop, but it’s still packed full of handy features. From AI technology that provides obstacle recognition to a heater to dry the mop pads in the docking station, there’s a lot to love here.
iRobot Roomba® Plus 505 Combo robot + AutoWash™ dock
iRobot Roomba® Plus 505 Combo robot + AutoWash™ dock
Pros
- Has a spot cleaning function
- Robot returns to the dock automatically for emptying
- Good quality with a durable build and responsive controls
- Strong performance when picking up dust and lightweight debris
Cons
- Charge didn’t last as long as others – down to 60% after cleaning three rooms
- Robot and docking station are quite bulky
- Sweeping brush flicked some crumbs away from the vacuum
Features at a Glance
| Cleaning modes | Vacuum and mop |
|---|---|
| Mapping technology | Yes - LiDAR |
| Charging time | 3 hours |
| Running time | Up to 180 minutes |
| Canister capacity | Up to 75 days of dust and debris |
| Variable power | Yes |
Score: 83/100
This sleek-looking iRobot Roomba is quick to set up and easy to control via the app. Its room mapping was seamless thanks to the premium LiDAR technology (which uses rapid laser pulses to measure distances and create 3D models of the surroundings) and throughout testing, it dodged obstacles effectively.
When vacuuming, it lifted the surface layer of dust but struggled to remove any that was ingrained deeper in the carpet pile. Its edge sweeping brush also seemed to flick larger crumbs rather than push them into the path of the robot. That said, it still collected an average of 87% and lighter debris like cereal crumbs wasn’t an issue.
The dual mop pads weren’t as effective as the roller mop on the more premium iRobot Roomba Max 705 Combo model, but the results were still good for everyday top-up cleans. It cleared most stains after a couple of passes – even when we left them to dry first – and the robot’s only real nemesis was ketchup where some residue was left behind.
It took almost 25 minutes to clean a whole room, which is slower than other models we’ve tried but leave it to do its job and you’ll be impressed with its overall performance, seamlessly fitting into your day-to-day routine.
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
