Is it worth it?
For busy households seeking truly hands-free floor care, the Roomba 105 Vac + AE promises to eliminate the daily chore of vacuuming with minimal effort. This review dives deep into the setup, performance, and real-world reliability, helping professionals, families, and pet owners decide if this self-emptying robot delivers on its powerful cleaning promises.
We’ve tested the Roomba 105 Vac + AE across carpets, hardwood, and pet areas—spoiler alert: if you don’t value a 75-day auto-empty cycle or intense suction, this model might not be your best choice.
Specifications
| Brand | iRobot |
| Model | Roomba 105 Vac Auto Empty |
| Battery life | 200 minutes |
| Auto-empty period | 75 days |
| Suction power | 70× lift |
| Navigation | LiDAR |
| Dimensions | 13.2"x13.2"x4.1". |
| User Score | 3.9 ⭐ (50 reviews) |
| Price | approx. 450$ Check 🛒 |
Key Features
Auto-Empty Dock
After each cleaning cycle, debris is transferred autonomously from the Roomba’s bin into a sealed bag at the dock. The system traps 99% of allergens as small as 0.7 microns, preventing dust clouds during disposal. This means you can forget manual emptying for up to 75 days, ideal for allergy sufferers or large homes where frequent bin dumps are a hassle.
Power-Lifting Suction
The 3-stage cleaning system combines a powerful motor and dual rubber brushes to deliver 70 times the lift compared to earlier series. It actively pulls embedded dirt from carpets and the fine dust on hardwood floors. In practice, you’ll notice fewer stray crumbs and pet dander, even in high-traffic zones like entryways and kitchens.
ClearView LiDAR Mapping
Using laser-based sensors, the Roomba scans its environment in real time, creating accurate floor maps and planning efficient cleaning rows. Unlike random-path robots, it won’t randomly bump forever; instead, it follows systematic passes, reducing missed spots. The precise mapping also lets you name rooms and assign targeted cleaning tasks for each mapped area.
Multi-Surface Brushes
The main brush assembly pairs a bristle-free rubber brush with an edge-sweeping side brush. The rubber design resists tangles from hair and fibers, while the side brush reaches crevices along baseboards. Together, they collect debris on carpets and hard floors without constant manual de-tangling—essential for homes with pets or long-stack rugs.
App & Voice Control
Through the Roomba Home app, you can schedule cleans, monitor progress, and view estimated cleaning times. Advanced users can set room-by-room schedules and adjust suction levels. Voice-assistant integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri shortcuts lets you start or pause cleanings hands-free—great when you’re juggling groceries or work calls and floors still need attention.
Firsthand Experience
On unboxing, the Roomba 105 Vac + AE impressed with its sturdy packaging and clear Quick Start guide. A full charge took under three hours, and I could feel its weight hinting at robust build quality. Initial setup via the app was intuitive, with step-by-step prompts to connect Wi-Fi and pair the base station.
During the first mapping run, ClearView LiDAR traced room edges precisely—even in low light. It maneuvered around my coffee table and avoided dropped wires. Noise levels hovered around 60dB, which I measured with a smartphone app, allowing conversation and TV volume to continue uninterrupted.
After a week of twice-daily cleans, the 200-minute runtime held firm, and the Auto-Empty bag reached only half capacity. I tracked allergen levels via the app and noticed noticeably less dust settling on window sills, suggesting real improvement in air quality.
In a home with two long-haired cats, pet hair built up quickly on my rugs. The multi-surface brush combo dug deep into fibers and rarely jammed, though I did perform one quick tangle-clear halfway through a full-house run.
Corner and edge cleaning excelled thanks to the side brush reaching into trim and molding. I tested under my low-profile sofa (4.5″ clearance) by lifting it slightly; the Roomba squeezed in and returned without getting wedged—though some obstacles under lower furniture will still block it.
Maintenance proved straightforward: I cleaned the bin and filter monthly, and swapping Auto-Empty bags every two months was a breeze. The app’s filter-health indicator reminded me when to rinse the cartridge, and replacement bags arrived promptly in my subscription order.
Pros and Cons
Customer Reviews
User feedback ranges from praise for the hands-off convenience and powerful suction to frustration over occasional mapping glitches and customer-service delays. Overall sentiment skews positive, but a few early adopters encountered technical hiccups that drained confidence in support follow-through.
Cleans large areas quietly and handles rugs effortlessly.
Setup was simple and it runs quietly, perfect for our busy home.
Failed to map and stop properly, support was unresponsive, damaging floor.
Works mostly on hard floors but struggles with pet hair and mapping quirks.
Excellent first experience, intuitive app and hands-free emptying are game-changers.
Comparison
Compared to the Roomba 600 series, the 105 Vac + AE steps up with a self-empty dock and LiDAR navigation while maintaining similar build quality. The suction boost feels genuinely stronger than earlier random-path models, and the systematic cleaning path saves time over the 600’s more haphazard coverage.
Against budget alternatives like the Eufy Robovac L70, the Roomba offers superior suction and allergen control but comes at a premium for replacement bags. Eufy may win on price and occasional mopping add-ons, but it lacks the hands-free bin support that defines the 105 Vac + AE experience.
When placed alongside high-end Roomba S series units such as the S9+, the 105 Vac + AE holds its own on basics but misses out on ultra-dense suction and hyper-efficient corner modules. If your budget allows, the S9+ delivers more power and smart home integrations, yet for sub-premium pricing, the 105 Vac + AE remains a compelling mid-range pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often do I replace the Auto-Empty bag?
- Typical use means changing the bag every 2–3 months, depending on debris volume.
- Can it handle pet hair?
- Yes, the rubber multi-surface brushes resist tangles and effectively lift cat and dog hair from carpets and floors.
- Does it work with voice assistants?
- Absolutely—connect to Alexa, Google Assistant, or set up Siri Shortcuts to start, stop, or schedule runs with simple voice commands.
Conclusion
The Roomba 105 Vac + AE excels at delivering a near-maintenance-free cleaning cycle, combining strong suction, precise LiDAR navigation, and a 75-day Auto-Empty dock that allergy sufferers will appreciate. Despite a few mapping hiccups and ongoing bag costs, it represents a significant step up from entry-level models and outperforms many budget competitors.
If you need ultimate hands-off convenience and have under-4-inch clearance furniture, this is a worthwhile investment. However, those on a strict budget or requiring deeper under-furniture access may find better value or suction in alternative units. Check current prices and bundles—promotions can shift the value proposition, and for its mid-range price, the 105 Vac + AE often delivers an impressive balance of features and reliability.
