If you’ve been eyeing a robot vacuum but held back because of the price—especially those with self-emptying features—2025 might just be your year. Enter the Roomba 105 Vac, iRobot’s latest budget-friendly offering that brings premium features like automatic dirt disposal into the entry-level market.
In this comprehensive Roomba 105 Vac review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this affordable self-emptying robot vacuum—performance, design, features, pros and cons, comparisons, and whether it’s worth your money in 2025.
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⭐ Quick Overview: Is the Roomba 105 Vac Worth It?
| Feature | Rating |
|---|---|
| Price | ★★★★★ (Under $400) |
| Self-Emptying Dock | ✅ Yes |
| Navigation | Basic (Random Pattern) |
| Suction Power | Moderate |
| Smart Features | Wi-Fi, App Control, Voice Commands |
| Best For | Small to Medium Homes, Pet Owners, Budget Shoppers |
Bottom Line: The Roomba 105 Vac offers incredible value as the cheapest self-emptying robot vacuum from iRobot in 2025, perfect for those wanting automation without breaking the bank.
🧠 What Makes the Roomba 105 Vac Stand Out in 2025?
The standout feature of the Roomba 105 Vac is its Clean Base® Automatic Dirt Disposal system, a hallmark of iRobot’s higher-end models like the Roomba j7+ and s9+. Until now, this feature was reserved for models costing $600+. With the 105 Vac, iRobot is making self-emptying tech accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
Other standout features include:
- Reliable iRobot build quality
- Wi-Fi connectivity with app and voice control
- Simple setup and operation
- Scheduled cleanings and smart home integration
🏠 Design and Build Quality
iRobot didn’t try to reinvent the wheel with the 105 Vac. The design is classic Roomba—round, low-profile, and black with minimalist controls. It’s compact enough to fit under most furniture, and the build feels sturdy despite its lower price point.
The Clean Base station is where things get exciting. Though slightly bulky, it automatically sucks debris from the dustbin into a sealed bag, holding up to 60 days of dirt, depending on usage.
Dimensions:
- Robot: 13.4 x 3.6 inches
- Clean Base: 15 x 12 x 19 inches
💨 Suction Power and Cleaning Performance
The Roomba 105 Vac doesn’t boast iRobot’s most powerful motor, but it delivers solid suction performance for everyday messes—especially on hardwood, tile, and low- to medium-pile carpet.
Key Cleaning Features:
- 3-Stage Cleaning System: Lifts, loosens, and suctions dirt effectively.
- Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes: Great for pet hair and reduces tangling.
- Edge-Sweeping Brush: Reaches corners and along walls.
Real-World Performance:
- Pet Hair: Picks up most fur from rugs and hard floors.
- Dust & Crumbs: Easily cleans up daily dirt, dust, and food particles.
- Carpets: Performs best on low-pile carpets; struggles a bit with thicker rugs.
For the price, performance is better than expected, though not comparable to premium models like the s9+ or j9+.
🧭 Navigation and Mapping
The Roomba 105 Vac uses basic navigation—random bounce-style movement. It lacks smart mapping or room recognition features, meaning it won’t clean in straight lines or remember your home’s layout.
What It Includes:
- Bump and Cliff Sensors (avoids stairs and obstacles)
- Dirt Detect™ Sensors (focuses on high-traffic areas)
While this means it’s less efficient and slightly noisier, it still gets the job done, especially in smaller or less cluttered homes.
If precise mapping and room-by-room cleaning are important, you may want to consider a mid-range model like the Roomba i3+ EVO or j7+.
📱 Smart Features and App Control
The 105 Vac integrates with the iRobot Home App, allowing users to:
- Start or schedule cleanings
- Monitor battery and cleaning status
- Receive maintenance reminders
- Control the robot with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
While it doesn’t support advanced smart mapping, the app still adds major convenience for hands-off cleaning.
🔋 Battery Life and Charging
The Roomba 105 Vac has a runtime of up to 90 minutes, which is plenty for small to medium-sized spaces. Once the battery runs low, it returns to its Clean Base to recharge.
However, unlike more advanced models, the 105 Vac does not resume cleaning after recharging. If it doesn’t finish the job before the battery dies, you’ll need to restart it manually.
🧹 Self-Emptying Clean Base: A Game-Changer
One of the biggest selling points of the Roomba 105 Vac is the inclusion of iRobot’s Clean Base. Here’s what it brings to the table:
- Hands-free operation: No need to empty the bin after every run.
- Hygienic: Traps 99% of pollen and mold.
- Long-lasting bags: Each bag holds up to 60 days of debris.
At this price point, no other major brand offers a self-emptying dock as reliable as iRobot’s.
🐾 Is the Roomba 105 Vac Good for Pet Owners?
Yes, and here’s why:
- Rubber rollers prevent tangles from fur
- Strong suction picks up pet hair efficiently
- Self-emptying base keeps your hands clean
- App alerts notify you when brushes need cleaning
Pet owners will appreciate how little maintenance is required—even with daily cleaning.
🔧 Maintenance & Replacement Parts
Maintaining the Roomba 105 Vac is relatively easy. You’ll occasionally need to:
- Replace the disposable dust bags
- Clean or replace the filters every few months
- Remove hair from the brushes and wheels
Luckily, iRobot parts are widely available and inexpensive, especially through the iRobot app or Amazon.
📊 Comparison: Roomba 105 Vac vs Other Roombas (2025)
| Feature | Roomba 105 Vac | Roomba i3+ EVO | Roomba j7+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $349 (est.) | $499 | $699 |
| Self-Emptying | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Smart Mapping | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Navigation | Random | Smart Mapping | PrecisionVision |
| Pet Hair | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅✅ |
| Runtime | 90 min | 120 min | 120+ min |
| Best For | Budget Buyers | Mid-Range Users | Smart Home Owners |
The Roomba 105 Vac is unbeatable on price, but if you’re looking for more intelligent features, the i3+ EVO might be worth the upgrade.
✅ Pros and ❌ Cons
✅ Pros:
- Most affordable self-emptying robot vacuum from iRobot
- Great cleaning performance on hard floors and low carpets
- Excellent for pet owners
- App control + voice assistant integration
- Set-it-and-forget-it with Clean Base®
❌ Cons:
- No smart mapping or precise navigation
- Can miss spots in larger or cluttered homes
- Doesn’t resume cleaning after recharging
- Slightly louder than higher-end models
💰 Pricing and Availability
As of October 2025, the Roomba 105 Vac is available at:
- iRobot.com
- Amazon
- Best Buy
- Target
MSRP: $349 (subject to change during holiday sales or promotions)
Given the features, the 105 Vac is arguably the best-value self-emptying robot vacuum on the market.
🔄 Alternatives to Consider
If you’re unsure whether the Roomba 105 Vac is right for you, here are a few alternatives:
- Eufy Clean X9 Pro – Better mapping, no Clean Base
- Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty – Similar price, self-emptying, but less reliable over time
- Roomba i3+ EVO – Slightly more expensive but offers smart mapping
- Roborock Q5+ – Stronger suction, good mapping, similarly priced
Frequently Asked Question
Does the Roomba 105 Vac really have a self-emptying base?
Yes, the Roomba 105 Vac comes with iRobot’s Clean Base® Automatic Dirt Disposal system. After each cleaning session, the robot empties its dustbin into a disposable bag in the base, which can hold up to 60 days’ worth of dirt, making maintenance easier and more hygienic.
How does the Roomba 105 Vac navigate my home?
The Roomba 105 Vac uses basic, random navigation, meaning it doesn’t create smart maps or clean in straight lines. It relies on cliff and bump sensors to move around furniture and avoid stairs, but doesn’t offer room-by-room control like higher-end Roombas.
Is the Roomba 105 Vac good for pet hair?
Yes, it’s a great option for pet owners. It features dual multi-surface rubber brushes that resist hair tangling and an edge-sweeping brush for corners. Combined with the Clean Base, it handles fur, dander, and dirt with minimal effort.
Can I control the Roomba 105 Vac with my phone or voice assistant?
Absolutely. The 105 Vac is Wi-Fi enabled and compatible with the iRobot Home App, letting you start, schedule, or monitor cleanings. It also supports voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
How long does the battery last on a single charge?
The Roomba 105 Vac runs for up to 90 minutes on a full charge. However, unlike more expensive models, it does not resume cleaning after recharging, so it’s best suited for small to medium-sized homes.
What surfaces can the Roomba 105 Vac clean?
The 105 Vac works well on hardwood, tile, laminate, and low- to medium-pile carpets. It may struggle slightly with high-pile rugs or thick carpets, but overall, it handles most flooring types effectively.
How often do I need to change the Clean Base dust bag?
Depending on usage and household size, you’ll need to change the disposable dust bag every 1–2 months. Pet owners may need to replace it more frequently. The bags are sealed and hygienic, making disposal easy and odor-free.
Conclusion
The Roomba 105 Vac proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the convenience of a self-emptying robot vacuum in 2025. With solid cleaning performance, pet-friendly features, and hands-free maintenance through the Clean Base, it delivers exceptional value for budget-conscious buyers.
While it lacks advanced navigation and mapping, it’s ideal for small to medium homes or anyone looking to automate daily floor cleaning without the high-end price tag.