iRobot Roomba 105 Vac Robot Vacuum Review: Is it Worth the Money? (2025)

Detailed Analysis

Deep dive into each aspect of performance

Design and Build Quality

Looking at the Roomba 105’s design, you can immediately tell it’s built to blend discreetly into modern homes. The clean, low-profile shell helps it squeeze under couches and beds, a detail multiple buyers on Amazon appreciate because it means less bending or moving furniture. The control interface is streamlined to a few clearly labeled buttons, but the real workhorse is the Roomba Home App, which is consistently described as simple to set up even for tech-averse users. The navigation sensors—especially the ClearView LiDAR—are a standout feature in this price range, allowing the robot to create accurate home maps and avoid bumping into walls or knocking over pet bowls.

Buyers note how the high-gloss finish tends to pick up fingerprints, but it’s also easy to wipe clean. According to one family with two kids and a golden retriever, the robot’s bin felt robust enough for daily use, although it does need emptying after each run on heavily soiled floors (a reality with any robot vacuum at this tier, even the Shark robot vacuum models). Another reviewer, switching from an entry-level Roomba 600, stated that the 105 feels notably sturdier and less prone to scuffing from chair legs, thanks in part to improved bumper placement.

Features and Functionality

The Roomba 105 is packed with features that directly address real-world cleaning headaches. Chief among these is the 3-stage cleaning system, which combines intense suction with an edge-sweeping side brush and a bristle main brush. The side brush, in particular, is a hit with users tackling dust in baseboards and corners—a detail frequently called out in positive reviews.

Its claim of “70x more power-lifting suction” compared to older Roomba series is more than a marketing blurb. Verified purchasers who upgraded from previous models noticed a marked improvement in picking up pet hair and smaller debris on both carpets and hard floors. For those searching specifically for the best robot vacuum for pet hair, this model impresses with its ability to tackle shedding—though you’ll still need to clean the brushroll regularly if you’ve got multiple pets.

ClearView LiDAR mapping is another area where the Roomba 105 wins points over competitors at this price. Unlike entry-level models that bounce aimlessly around, this vacuum cleans in organized rows, leaving fewer missed spots (something users also expect from higher-priced alternatives like the Shark robot vacuum and mop lines). The room mapping and selective zone cleaning via the Roomba Home App let you target specific spaces or skip messy areas—perfect when you want to dodge the dog’s water bowl or avoid the kitchen during meal prep. Several Amazon reviewers highlight the “set it and forget it” nature of these routines, describing how it saves time and sanity when managing a hectic household.

Voice assistant support—including Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri—earns the Roomba 105 extra convenience points. One verified buyer mentioned starting cleaning sessions hands-free when wrangling toddlers, calling the feature “surprisingly handy.” The robot also self-charges, returning to its dock automatically; if the battery runs low mid-clean, it picks up exactly where it left off.

However, the dustbin is not auto-emptying—a feature found in some pricier models from iRobot and Wyze. So, if you’re debating how to empty a Wyze robot vacuum or how to empty Shark robot vacuum models, know you’ll have to do this manually here as well. Roomba app support is robust, but for users who have previously asked how to reset Wi-Fi on Shark robot vacuum or how to factory reset Shark robot vacuum, you’ll find the process straightforward within iRobot’s app, according to the product documentation.

Performance Based on Customer Reviews

With an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars (across a growing base of reviews), the Roomba 105’s reputation is largely positive. Users point to strong daily performance on both hardwood and carpet. A majority of five-star reviews highlight how well it manages pet hair, with one user mentioning their allergic reactions improved after a week of scheduled cleans.

However, not everything is perfect. Several reviewers wish the dustbin was larger, especially those with multiple pets. There’s also occasional feedback about the robot needing to be rescued from tight spaces—though the frequency appears lower than with some budget alternatives. Some critical reviews mention that, like most robot vacuums, the Roomba 105 can struggle on high-pile carpets and may need human intervention for tangled cords or socks. It’s worth noting these are common trade-offs at this sub-$200 price tier, not specific flaws of this model alone. On the plus side, buyers appreciate that troubleshooting (including Wi-Fi resets or spot cleaning routines) is easy through the app—no fuss with arcane button combinations.

When compared to the Shark robot vacuum or Shark robot vacuum 2-in-1 models, the feedback is that Roomba 105’s mapping and coverage is more consistent, but the lack of a mopping function and auto-empty base sets it a notch below flagship competitors. Still, several users who considered how to empty Shark robot vacuum or how to empty Wyze robot vacuum bins manually feel the 105’s ease of access makes up for the lack of auto-emptying, especially at this price.

Value for Money Analysis (Vs Competition)

So, is the Roomba 105 actually a solid deal? Let’s compare.

• Roomba 105, $149: Offers LiDAR mapping, 4-level suction, app and Alexa/Siri/Google Assistant integration, and strong daily cleaning. Manual emptying only. Suction and mapping performance rival pricier models.
• Shark Robot Vacuum (e.g., Shark AI Ultra, often $200-300): Many include mopping and self-emptying, but the navigation (by customer feedback) may sometime miss spots compared to Roomba’s more mature routines. Multiple buyers report having to look up how to factory reset Shark robot vacuum machines—sometimes a pain.
• Wyze Robot Vacuum (Typically $169-250): Similar mapping quality, often competitive in suction, but app reliability is mixed based on user reviews. The auto-empty base is optional and adds significantly to the cost—buyers often have to search up how to empty Wyze robot vacuum bins because the process can be fiddly.

To sum it up: the Roomba 105 sits in a sweet spot for buyers who want quick setup, reliable coverage, and substantial suction on a realistic budget. Power users—those who need mopping or self-emptying bins—should look upmarket, but for most household needs, this model earns its solid star rating. It’s one of the easier robots to live with for everyday cleaning, especially for users tired of troubleshooting less refined competitors.

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