Our Verdict
Roomba 104 Combo Wins

It offers self-emptying for 75 days and mopping functionality for just $71.99 more. Choose Roomba 105 if you need only vacuuming and prioritize a lower price.
Bottom Line: Roomba 104 Combo is the better choice. It offers self-emptying for 75 days and mopping functionality for just $71.
Who Should Buy Which?
Find the right product for your needs
Buy iRobot if...
iRobot Roomba 104 2in1
The iRobot Roomba 104 Combo is ideal for busy individuals or pet owners seeking comprehensive, low-maintenance floor care. If you have a mix of hard floors and carpets and desire both powerful vacuuming and effective mopping without constant intervention, this is your pick. Its 75-day self-emptying base and automatic carpet avoidance for mopping provide unparalleled convenience, making the slightly higher $249.99 price point worth it for a truly hands-off cleaning experience.
Buy iRobot if...
iRobot Roomba 105 Vac
The iRobot Roomba 105 Vac is perfect for budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable, high-suction robot vacuum but don't require mopping capabilities or an auto-emptying dustbin. If you primarily have carpets or are content with manually emptying the bin, its $178.0 price and efficient LiDAR navigation make it an excellent choice for consistent vacuuming. It's a great entry point for smart cleaning, offering custom zones and scheduling via the app.
Spec Comparison
11 specs compared
| Specification | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250 | $178 |
| Rating | 4.2(27.6k) | 4.3(31.3k) |
| Suction Power Pa | 0 | 0 |
| Navigation Type | LiDAR | LiDAR |
| Self Emptying Base | Yes | — |
| Weight | 14.92 lbs | — |
| App Control | Yes | Yes |
| Height Inches | 4.09" | — |
| Carpet Detection | Yes | — |
| Mopping Function | Yes | — |
| Battery Life Mins | 120 | — |
| Obstacle Avoidance | Yes | Yes |
| Model Number | — | Q312020 |
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Pros & Cons
Quick overview of strengths and weaknesses
iRobot Roomba 104
- Empties automatically for 75 days; minimal upkeep
- 70X power-lifting suction cleans all floor types
- LiDAR mapping ensures efficient, precise navigation
- Mops hard floors and automatically avoids carpets
- Only supports 2.4 GHz WiFi network
- Unit weighs 14.92 lbs; may be heavy to lift
- Requires bag replacement for self-emptying dock
iRobot Roomba 105
- High suction tackles tough dirt effectively.
- LiDAR mapping ensures thorough home coverage.
- Avoids obstacles and prevents stair falls.
- App allows custom zones and cleaning schedules.
- Requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi for setup and operation.
- Lacks an auto-emptying dustbin.
- No wet mopping functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this comparison
What's the main difference in self-emptying?
The Roomba 104 Combo includes a self-emptying base, allowing 75 days of hands-free operation. The Roomba 105 Vac lacks this feature, requiring manual dustbin emptying after each cleaning session.
Is the price difference worth it?
The Roomba 104 Combo is $71.99 more but adds mopping and a 75-day self-emptying base. If multi-surface cleaning and ultimate convenience are priorities, the extra cost is well justified for these advanced features.
Which is better for pet hair?
Both offer intense power-lifting suction. However, the Roomba 104 Combo features "70X power-lifting suction" and self-emptying, making it slightly more advantageous for managing pet hair over longer periods without manual intervention.
Do both robots use LiDAR navigation?
Yes, both the Roomba 104 Combo and Roomba 105 Vac utilize advanced LiDAR smart navigation mapping. This ensures efficient, precise cleaning in neat rows and thorough coverage of your home.
Can either product mop hard floors?
Only the Roomba 104 Combo offers a mopping function, automatically avoiding carpets while cleaning hard floors. The Roomba 105 Vac is a vacuum-only robot and does not have this capability.
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