Roomba Combo j5 Review: Does it Really Clean Up the Competition?

The Roomba Combo j5 is here to tackle your cleaning needs with a combo of vacuuming and mopping capabilities. If you're tired of switching between devices for floor cleaning, this product promises to be your all-in-one solution. It combines the popular Roomba j7 vacuum with a mopping feature, potentially saving you time and effort.

After using the Roomba Combo j5 for a couple of weeks, I can say that it does a decent job of handling both tasks. The idea of having a machine that transitions from vacuuming to mopping sounds appealing, but as with all hybrid gadgets, there's a trade-off in performance. This isn't a miracle worker, but it gets the job done for average household cleaning.

From my experience, the best part is the convenience. You can control it via Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant, making it easy to schedule cleanings even when you're not home. However, it's not without its flaws. The performance on deeply ingrained dirt and complex floor layouts isn't as stellar as one might hope.

So, is it worth the investment? That depends on your floor types and cleaning expectations. It might not replace a manual scrub for stubborn spots, but for regular maintenance, it might just fit the bill.

The Roomba Combo j5 isn't the cheapest option on the market, but it does offer a combination of features that might justify the price for some users. The dual vacuum and mop functionality adds convenience, and the ability to control it via voice assistants is a modern touch.

Compared to other robotic vacuums in its price range, the j5 is competitive. However, if you're solely after top-tier vacuuming performance, there are dedicated models that might offer better suction. Similarly, for mopping, a standalone device might do a more thorough job.

The additional purchase of the Clean Base can be a significant extra cost, but it does add a layer of convenience by reducing manual maintenance. If you're looking for a device to handle everyday cleaning chores without too much fuss, then it’s a solid option.

In conclusion, the Roomba Combo j5 offers good value for those who specifically want a hybrid cleaning device. If you're looking for something more specialized, you might find better options at a similar price point.

The Roomba Combo j5 sticks to the classic Roomba design, with a sleek, round shape that slides under furniture easily. The graphite color gives it a modern look, and at 5.28 pounds, it’s light enough to carry if needed. The 13.3-inch diameter is compact enough for standard furniture spacing and makes it easy to store when not in use.

One feature I liked is the simplicity of switching between the vacuum and mop functions. By swapping out the bins, you can switch modes quickly. This modular design is handy if you've got mixed floor types in your home. The interface is straightforward, with a clear app that simplifies scheduling and setting no-go zones.

On the downside, the cleaning path can sometimes struggle with more complex layouts, requiring some manual intervention to get every corner spotless. The obstacle avoidance is a nice touch, but as mentioned earlier, it’s not foolproof and can miss smaller items.

Overall, the design is practical and user-friendly, focusing more on functionality than frills, which in my opinion is a good thing for a home appliance.

The Roomba Combo j5 boasts a battery life of up to 180 minutes, which is pretty impressive on paper. In my testing, it lasted around two hours on a single charge, which was enough to clean a medium-sized apartment. The battery life may vary depending on the modes you use and the layout of your home.

I appreciated that it returns to its base to recharge once the battery is low. However, recharging can take a few hours, so if you have a large space, you might have to plan your cleaning schedule around it. It’s not a deal-breaker, but something to keep in mind if you're used to quicker recharge times.

One feature I found beneficial is the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal compatibility, allowing the Roomba to empty itself after each session. This reduces the need for frequent emptying, although it does require purchasing the base separately, which can add to the overall cost.

In summary, the battery life is adequate for most users, but if you have a particularly large home or need multiple cleaning sessions in one day, the recharge time might be a bottleneck.

The Roomba Combo j5 offers a 4-Stage Cleaning System, promising to tackle dirt and debris effectively. In practice, I found that it handles surface-level messes quite well. Dust, hair, and light dirt are sucked up efficiently, thanks to the Power-Lifting Suction. However, when it comes to heavier debris or dirt stuck in carpet fibers, it sometimes requires a second pass or a manual touch-up.

The mopping feature is a nice addition, especially for tiled or hardwood floors. The mop function works best on light stains and daily dirt. I liked that it uses a microfiber pad which can be swapped out easily, and the fact that you can choose between plain water or a cleaning solution is a plus. One downside, however, is that it can leave streaks on glossy floors if you use too much solution.

PrecisionVision Navigation is supposed to help it avoid obstacles, but in my experience, it struggled with smaller items like socks and cords. It usually navigated around larger obstacles like chair legs, but I had to clear the floor of clutter for optimal performance.

Overall, the performance is solid for routine cleaning, but don't expect it to completely replace traditional cleaning tools for more demanding tasks.