Here’s the deal. After analyzing 40+ verified owner reviews and researching this robot vacuum extensively, the iRobot Roomba Plus 505 emerges as iRobot’s strongest combo vacuum-mop to date. With 7,000Pa suction power, ClearView Pro LiDAR navigation, and an AutoWash dock that handles debris extraction, pad washing, and heated drying automatically, this machine delivers genuinely hands-off floor cleaning. At $549-$599 on sale (down from $999 MSRP), it represents excellent value for households wanting premium features without the premium price tag.
According to iRobot’s official specifications, the Plus 505 delivers 70X more suction than their Roomba 600 series and maps homes in approximately 9 minutes—a massive leap from earlier generations that took hours. Real owners confirm these claims hold up in daily use.
If you’re comparing across brands, this model finally puts iRobot back in the conversation with Chinese competitors that dominated the mid-range for years.
What Do Real Owners Say About Roomba Plus 505 Performance?
Owner reviews consistently highlight three standout areas: powerful suction that handles pet hair effortlessly, LiDAR mapping that’s fast and accurate, and the AutoWash dock that eliminates most maintenance headaches. The 7,000Pa suction pulls up debris that older Roombas and competitors simply push around, while the DualClean spinning mop pads provide actual scrubbing action rather than just dragging a wet cloth.
“I’ve been using the iRobot Roomba Combo 505 Plus for a little while now, and it’s been a game-changer in keeping my floors clean without me having to think about it. Setup was quick and easy; it mapped my entire first floor in about 30 minutes and was ready to start cleaning right after that.” — Ramon G., verified owner
“The iRobot Roomba Plus 505 Combo surprised me by how efficiently it tackled both vacuuming and mopping around the house. The cleaning cycles are thorough thanks to the upgraded LiDAR mapping and AI navigation, this little robot found its way under furniture, hugged the edges, and picked up more dirt than I expected.” — Razor, verified owner
- ClearView Pro LiDAR Navigation
- Unlike older camera-based systems that struggled in dim lighting, the spinning laser turret creates precise floor maps in under 10 minutes. According to New Atlas, this represents a strategic shift for iRobot, finally adopting the navigation technology that made competitors successful.
Pet Hair Performance: The Ultimate Test
Pet owners dominate the positive reviews—and for good reason. The combination of 7,000Pa suction and the multi-surface rubber brush handles fur accumulation that would overwhelm lesser machines. Multiple owners with dogs, cats, and multi-pet households report excellent results with daily shedding.
“I have two dogs and two cats. Fur is a major issue in my home. My Roomba Plus 505 Combo Vacuum Mop with AutoWash dock is so helpful maintaining my floors. It has very powerful suction and was able to get up the fur in its way. I was truly amazed at how it easily gets corners and edges where the fur accumulates.” — S Miller, verified owner
“Man am I glad to have this thing! I am the most anti-vacuuming human you have ever met. Somehow, I managed to fall in love with and adopt a long-haired, black dog. This Roomba is dealing with the mix of hair, dirt, mud, and sloppy water drinking so well!” — Mariah, verified owner
| Pet Hair Feature | Roomba Plus 505 Performance | Owner Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Fur Pickup on Carpet | Excellent – 7,000Pa suction | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Hair Tangle Prevention | Multi-surface rubber brush | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Fine Particle Collection | 4-stage cleaning system | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Self-Emptying Capacity | Up to 75 days | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
How Well Does the Roomba Plus 505 Actually Mop?
Here’s the honest take: the mopping exceeds expectations for daily maintenance and light messes, though it won’t replace a manual mop for deep-set grime. The DualClean spinning pads with SmartScrub technology provide genuine scrubbing action—a massive upgrade from older iRobot mopping attempts. The PerfectEdge mechanism extends mop pads 18% closer to walls and corners, reaching spots that other robot mops miss entirely.
“The dirty water tank after mopping never fails to impress. Setup was simple, the app guided me step-by-step, and after a quick update, it was ready to roll. Compared to manual cleaning, I barely have to lift a finger now.” — Razor, verified owner
“The mop function is more of a light daily clean, but it keeps things looking fresh between deeper mops. For stickier messes, I definitely recommend using a cleaning solution since plain water is not always enough, and using the deeper clean option in the app to spend more time on those areas.” — Ramon G., verified owner
The robot automatically lifts mop pads when detecting carpet or rugs—a critical feature that prevents soggy disasters. Multiple reviewers specifically praised this transition, noting it handles mixed flooring without intervention.
Mopping Tips from Real Owners
- Best for: Daily maintenance on tile, hardwood, vinyl, and LVP floors
- Skip if: You expect deep scrubbing of heavily soiled floors or dried-on messes
- Pro tip: Use the “Vacuum then Mop” mode for pet households—doing both simultaneously can cause hair to stick in the water
- Consider: Adding iRobot’s cleaning solution for better results on sticky spots—plain water isn’t always sufficient
- Connect tip: Use a 2.4 GHz WiFi network for most reliable connectivity
Is the Roomba Plus 505 Easy to Set Up and Use?
Setup earns near-universal praise. The ClearView Pro LiDAR mapping is remarkably fast—most homes mapped in 10-30 minutes—and significantly more accurate than older bump-and-guess navigation. The Roomba Home app provides intuitive scheduling, room selection, and no-go zone configuration. Voice control works with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant.
“Right from the unboxing, you could tell that the iRobot Roomba Plus 505 Combo robot Vacuum and Mop was made with high quality materials. Downloading the app and connecting to WIFI was seamless and fast. The robot was able to map my living space quickly and with no problems.” — Tending O, verified owner
“I had an older Roomba (i3+), and while it was still doing a good job on vacuuming, I was jealous of my friends who had a mopping robot. Out of the box it took only minutes to setup. I could not BELIEVE how fast the 505 zoomed across my floorplan. It finished the map in 15-20 minutes.” — K.P., verified owner
One caveat: the Plus 505 only connects to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks, not 5GHz. That’s standard for robot vacuums but catches some buyers off guard. Also, the app receives mixed reviews—some owners find it intuitive while others note areas needing improvement.
App Features Owners Actually Use
| Feature | What It Does | Owner Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Room Selection | Clean specific rooms or zones on demand | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Scheduling | Set daily/weekly cleaning times | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cleaning Modes | Vac only, Mop only, Both, or Vac-then-Mop | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Keep Out Zones | Block vacuum from specific areas | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Smart Mapping | Stores up to 5 floor maps | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Real-Time Tracking | Watch cleaning progress on map | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
What Are the Common Complaints About Roomba Plus 505?
No product is perfect, and the Plus 505 has documented weaknesses. Here are the most common complaints from verified owners:
1. App Experience Needs Polish
Multiple reviewers mention the Roomba Home app could use improvements. While functional, the interface isn’t as polished as some competitors, and setting up custom cleaning zones can be unintuitive for first-time users.
“The app is very basic for what it is. You’d think spending $700 it would have a fancy app but it dont. Takes getting used to it hence why I took one star away. Polish the app, make it easier to manage and edit the ‘maps’, its clearly not well thought out.” — John Chandler, verified owner
“The instructions that came in the box aren’t helpful at all you have to download an app, but even then it doesn’t clearly walk you through everything. It took me a few tries to figure it out.” — lori, verified owner
2. Dock Size and Noise
The AutoWash dock is larger than standard charging bases due to the water tanks—plan your floor space accordingly. The self-emptying cycle is also notably loud, though it only lasts seconds.
“The base station does take up a bit of space because of the water tank and the dustbin but that’s expected for a two in one system.” — lori, verified owner
“It is also very loud when it empties the vacuum into the storage. Other than the noise, it seems to be a great unit.” — Laura, verified owner
3. Single-Floor Limitation
Like most robot vacuums, the Plus 505 works best on a single floor. Moving it between floors requires relocating the heavy docking station, which isn’t practical for daily use.
“If you have multiple floors…you are screwed. You can’t move the cleaning unit to another floor because it will need to dock during a cleaning session and if it can’t reach the dock it stops. So its meant to work on one floor.” — John Chandler, verified owner
4. Occasional Navigation Hiccups
While obstacle avoidance works well overall, the robot can still get tangled in cords, socks, or lightweight objects if left on the floor. According to New Atlas, this mirrors industry-wide challenges rather than being unique to the 505.
5. Fringe and Rug Challenges
Persian rugs and carpets with fringe can cause the robot to get stuck. Lightweight bathroom mats may get pushed around instead of cleaned properly.
How Does the AutoWash Dock Actually Work?
The AutoWash dock is the Plus 505’s killer feature—and it genuinely delivers on the hands-off promise. According to iRobot, after each cleaning run it automatically empties the dustbin into a bag (up to 75 days capacity), washes the mop pads with clean water, and heat-dries them to prevent odors. Four weeks of pad washing capability means minimal intervention required.
“The AutoWash Dock empties debris, refreshes and dries mop pads, so it’s really hands-off except for a monthly maintenance check. It filled the out-water tank with blackened water after double pass mopping over what looked like a generally clean tile floor. Couldn’t have been happier.” — STEVEN, verified owner
“The all in one dock is also a major upgrade. The large refill bins allow me to set it and forget it for a far longer amount of time in between actually having to interact with the unit.” — Eddie D, verified owner
- AutoWash Dock Features
- The dock handles four key functions: debris extraction into a disposable bag, mop pad washing with pressurized water, heat drying to prevent mildew, and self-cleaning cycles. It holds up to four weeks of dirty water and 75 days of debris. The dock is larger than standard charging bases—approximately 2 square feet of floor space needed.
Dock Maintenance Tips from Owners
- Empty dirty water tank after every 2-3 cleaning cycles to prevent odor buildup
- Refill clean water before each full-house cleaning for best mopping results
- Clean the dock tray periodically—dried debris can accumulate
- Use the included brush for cleaning around tanks and sensors
- Deep clean mop pads occasionally in a washing machine for best results
Does Roomba Plus 505 Work Well on Carpet?
Yes—and this is where iRobot’s engineering shines. The robot automatically detects carpet and boosts suction while lifting the mop pads to keep rugs dry. Multiple owners with mixed flooring praised the seamless transitions between hard floors and carpeted areas.
“I’m impressed how it navigates the house and even knows to raise slightly when going over carpet. It’s a very cool feature. The mapping function is smart and being able to program it to clean on his schedule through the app is a huge plus.” — lori, verified owner
“My floors are mostly hardwood with some area rugs in the living spaces. On setting it up in my room, I will note that the base is much ‘bulkier’ than my i3 self-emptying base, but that’s due to the 2 water tanks, and I’ll take the bulk over needing to fill/empty the robot every time I want to mop!” — K.P., verified owner
The suction handles low-pile carpets and area rugs effectively. High-pile shag rugs may cause occasional navigation issues. One important note: rugs with fringe (like Persian rugs) can catch in the brushes and cause the robot to get stuck.
How Long Does Roomba Plus 505 Battery Last?
Battery life varies by floor type and cleaning mode. For reference, owners cleaning 1500-2000 sq ft typically complete full vacuum-and-mop cycles, though larger homes may require the robot to return to dock for recharging mid-clean. The Recharge and Resume feature handles this automatically.
“I’ve been using the Roomba 505 for a few days now, and I’m genuinely impressed with how thorough it is during its cleaning cycles. It moves methodically around furniture and manages to pick up a surprising amount of dust and pet hair.” — Michael Buehler, verified owner
“We have a very large house, 60/40 tile and carpet. Didn’t think the Roomba 505 would even be able to map the house. To our surprise it did it very quickly. Be sure to open all doors and clear as much of the floor of obstacles as possible for the best mapping.” — STEVEN, verified owner
For larger homes (2500+ sq ft), expect the robot to make multiple dock trips for recharging, which extends total cleaning time. However, the robot manages this autonomously—just schedule it with enough time buffer before you need clean floors.
Is Roomba Plus 505 Worth It Compared to Previous Models?
For existing iRobot owners, the Plus 505 represents a significant upgrade. Multiple owners upgrading from i-series or j-series models report dramatically improved navigation, faster mapping, and the mopping capability as game-changing additions.
“This new model from iRobot has proven to be a major step up from my previous unit. It does a fantastic job cleaning up my apartment while I’m stuck worrying about other busy life things. It’s truly a set it and forget it type device.” — Eddie D, verified owner
“So far, so good. The Plus 505 model is already outshining the j9+. The mapping took minutes, where the unit made brief visits to each room to see the layout. The unit first did a full circuit around the edges of the space, doing an outline of multiple rooms.” — Gemma Richardson, verified owner
| Feature | Roomba Plus 505 | Older i/j Series | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navigation | ClearView Pro LiDAR | vSLAM Camera | Faster, works in dark |
| Mapping Time | ~10 minutes | ~2 hours | 90% faster |
| Suction Power | 7,000Pa | Varies by model | 70X vs 600 series |
| Mopping | Spinning DualClean pads | Drag pad (some models) | Actual scrubbing |
| Dock Features | Empty + Wash + Dry | Empty only (most) | Fully automated |
Roomba Plus 505: The Final Verdict from 40+ Owners
Based on comprehensive review analysis, here’s what real owner data tells us:
| Category | Owner Consensus | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Performance | Excellent suction, thorough coverage | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pet Hair Handling | Outstanding for multi-pet homes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Mopping Function | Effective for maintenance, spinning pads excel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Navigation/Mapping | Fast LiDAR, accurate room detection | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| App & Controls | Functional with room for improvement | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| AutoWash Dock | Game-changer for hands-off operation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value for Price | Excellent at $549-$599 sale price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Who Should Buy the Roomba Plus 505?
- Pet owners dealing with daily fur accumulation on mixed surfaces
- Busy families wanting truly hands-off operation—the AutoWash dock eliminates most maintenance
- iRobot upgraders moving from older i-series or j-series models
- Mopping-focused buyers who need spinning pads that actually scrub
- Smart home enthusiasts wanting Alexa/Siri/Google integration
- Large home owners with primarily hard floors and low-pile rugs
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
- Multi-floor home owners who need to move the unit between levels frequently
- Homes with lots of cables, cords, and floor clutter
- Users with Persian rugs or carpets with fringe
- Anyone expecting deep scrubbing of heavily soiled, neglected floors
- Budget buyers who prioritize lowest price over features
Bottom line: The iRobot Roomba Plus 505 represents iRobot’s most compelling vacuum-mop combo yet. The ClearView Pro LiDAR navigation is genuinely fast and accurate, the 7,000Pa suction handles pet hair with ease, and the AutoWash dock delivers on its hands-off promise. At current sale prices of $549-$599, it offers premium features at a mid-range price point. The app needs some polish and large homes may find limitations, but for most households this delivers exactly what it promises: clean floors without the effort.
