At IFA 2026, iRobot dropped a bombshell on the smart home cleaning world with the launch of the Roomba Max 875 Combo. Priced at $1,199, this new flagship doesn't just nudge the boundaries of what a robot vacuum can do; it shoves them aside with a level of suction power that the company claims is its highest ever. For anyone who has wrestled with pet hair embedded in carpets or fine dust that seems to laugh at lesser machines, this announcement is more than just another product launch. It's a signal that the robot vacuum wars are entering a new, more aggressive phase where raw cleaning performance is the ultimate battleground.
But in a market crowded with competent cleaners from Roborock, Ecovacs, and Dreame, does the Roomba Max 875 Combo truly stand out? Or is it a case of a legacy brand flexing its muscles with a hefty price tag? Let's dig into what makes this machine tick, what it means for iRobot's lineup, and whether it deserves a spot in your home.
What Exactly Is the Roomba Max 875 Combo?
The Roomba Max 875 Combo is iRobot's new top-of-the-line robot vacuum and mop hybrid. It builds on the company's longstanding Roomba design language but introduces several hardware upgrades aimed at delivering a deeper clean. While iRobot has not released full specifications in every detail, the key headline is suction power. The company says this model delivers its most powerful suction ever, a significant leap from previous models like the Roomba Combo j9+ or the s9+.
The "Combo" designation means it can both vacuum and mop in a single run, automatically lifting its mopping pad when it detects carpet to avoid dragging moisture across rugs. This feature, first introduced in earlier Combo models, has been refined for better reliability and quieter operation. The Max 875 Combo also includes iRobot's advanced navigation system, which uses a combination of visual sensors and floor tracking to map your home with precision, allowing for room-by-room cleaning schedules and no-go zones.
Why This Launch Matters for iRobot
iRobot has been under pressure. Once the undisputed king of robot vacuums, the company has faced intense competition from Chinese brands that often offer more features for less money. In recent years, iRobot's market share has slipped, and its stock has taken hits. The launch of the Roomba Max 875 Combo is a clear attempt to reclaim the high ground by focusing on what iRobot has always done well: engineering a reliable, powerful, and intelligent cleaning machine.
By pricing the Max 875 Combo at $1,199, iRobot is positioning it as a premium product that justifies its cost through sheer performance and build quality. This is not a value play; it's a statement. The company wants consumers to see this as the ultimate cleaning tool, not just another gadget. And in a world where many robot vacuums still struggle with deep-seated dirt, a focus on suction power could resonate with buyers who have been disappointed by weaker models.
Breaking Down the Key Features
Unprecedented Suction Power
The most talked-about feature is the suction. iRobot hasn't given an exact Pascal (Pa) rating yet, but the company says it's a significant increase over previous models. For context, the Roomba s9+ was rated at around 2,500 Pa, while many competitors now push 5,000 Pa or more. If iRobot is claiming "most powerful ever," the Max 875 Combo likely exceeds 5,000 Pa. This matters because higher suction means better pickup of fine dust, pet hair, and debris from both hard floors and carpets. In real-world terms, you'll notice fewer visible particles left behind after a cleaning cycle.
Advanced Carpet Detection and Mopping
The Combo's mopping system has been a differentiator for iRobot. Unlike some competitors that require you to manually swap out pads or use separate tanks, the Max 875 Combo automatically lifts the mop pad when it senses carpet. This prevents wet carpets and ensures that the vacuum focuses on suction when needed. The pad itself is designed to scrub lightly, tackling sticky spills and dried-on dirt. While it's not a replacement for a deep manual mop, it's perfect for daily maintenance.
Smarter Navigation and Mapping
iRobot's navigation has always been reliable, and the Max 875 Combo builds on that with improved obstacle avoidance. It uses a camera and sensors to identify common household objects like socks, cables, and pet waste, steering clear to avoid messes and jams. The mapping is stored and can be edited in the iRobot Home app, allowing you to set specific cleaning zones, schedules, and even virtual walls. The app experience is one of the best in the industry, with clear reports and intuitive controls.
Self-Emptying Base Included
The $1,199 price includes a self-emptying base, which is a must-have at this price point. The base uses a bag that can hold weeks of dirt, and the robot automatically empties its bin after each run. This reduces the need for frequent maintenance and makes the whole system more hands-off. The base also charges the robot and stores extra bags. It's a well-designed package that feels premium.
How Does It Compare to the Roomba Plus 678 Combo?
Alongside the Max 875 Combo, iRobot also launched the Roomba Plus 678 Combo at $899. This model is positioned as a more affordable option with slightly less suction and fewer advanced features. The Plus 678 Combo still offers the Combo mopping system and self-emptying base, but it may lack some of the high-end sensors or have a smaller battery. For budget-conscious buyers, the Plus 678 Combo represents a solid entry into the Combo lineup. However, if you have heavy carpeting or pets, the extra power of the Max 875 Combo could be worth the price difference.
Performance Expectations: What Real Users Can Expect
Based on iRobot's track record and the specifications released so far, the Roomba Max 875 Combo should deliver excellent cleaning performance. The increased suction will make a noticeable difference on medium-pile carpets and rugs, where debris often gets trapped. On hard floors, the combination of strong vacuum and mopping should leave floors looking polished. The navigation system, while not the fastest, is methodical and thorough, ensuring full coverage of your home.
One area where iRobot has always excelled is durability. These machines are built to last, with high-quality components and easy-to-replace parts. The Max 875 Combo's brush design is likely to resist tangles better than some competitors, and the dust bin is easy to empty when needed. Battery life should be sufficient for most homes, with the robot automatically returning to the base to recharge and resume cleaning if necessary.
The Price Question: Is $1,199 Justified?
This is the million-dollar question, or rather the $1,199 question. For many consumers, spending over a thousand dollars on a robot vacuum is a significant investment. However, when you compare the Max 875 Combo to other premium models on the market, the price is not out of line. The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is similarly priced and offers comparable features. The Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni also hovers around the same range. What iRobot brings to the table is brand trust, a mature app ecosystem, and a reputation for reliability.
If you have a large home with multiple floor types, pets, and a busy lifestyle, the convenience of a self-emptying, self-cleaning robot vacuum is hard to overstate. You set it and forget it, and your floors stay consistently clean. The Max 875 Combo is designed for exactly that user: someone who values their time and wants the best possible cleaning performance without lifting a finger.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
No product is perfect, and the Roomba Max 875 Combo has a few areas that might give buyers pause. First, the camera-based navigation can struggle in low-light conditions, so you may need to leave lights on for optimal performance. Second, the mopping system, while improved, still uses a single pad that may not scrub as aggressively as some rotating pad systems from competitors. Third, the self-emptying base is relatively large, so you'll need a dedicated space for it. Finally, iRobot's software updates have occasionally introduced bugs, though the company is generally quick to fix them.
What This Means for the Robot Vacuum Market
The launch of the Roomba Max 875 Combo is a signal that iRobot is not going down without a fight. By focusing on suction power and overall cleaning performance, the company is addressing the most common complaint about robot vacuums: they don't clean deeply enough. This move could pressure competitors to push their own suction ratings even higher, leading to a new arms race in cleaning power. For consumers, that's a good thing. It means better products at every price point.
The robot vacuum market is expected to continue growing, with more households adopting this technology. As prices for basic models drop, the premium segment will be defined by features like the Max 875 Combo's combination of power, intelligence, and convenience. iRobot is betting that enough people are willing to pay for the best, and if the Max 875 Combo delivers on its promises, that bet could pay off.
Final Thoughts: Should You Upgrade?
If you're still using an older Roomba or a budget robot vacuum, the Roomba Max 875 Combo represents a massive upgrade. The increase in suction alone will transform your cleaning routine, and the self-emptying base removes a chore you didn't know you hated. If you already own a high-end model from the last year or two, the improvements may not be dramatic enough to justify the cost, unless you have specific pain points like persistent pet hair or deep carpet dirt.
For those who want the absolute best that iRobot has to offer, the Max 875 Combo is it. It's powerful, smart, and built to last. At $1,199, it's not cheap, but it's an investment in a cleaner home and more free time. And in today's busy world, that might be worth every penny.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Roomba Max 875 Combo and the Roomba Plus 678 Combo?
The main differences are price and suction power. The Max 875 Combo is $1,199 and offers iRobot's most powerful suction ever, while the Plus 678 Combo is $899 and has slightly less suction. Both include a self-emptying base and mopping capabilities, but the Max 875 Combo may have additional sensors or a longer battery life. If you have heavy carpet or pets, the Max is the better choice; otherwise, the Plus 678 Combo is a solid value.
Does the Roomba Max 875 Combo work on dark carpets?
Yes, it should. iRobot's newer models use optical sensors that can detect dark surfaces better than older models that relied solely on cliff sensors. However, if you have very dark or black carpets, you may need to disable the cliff sensors in the app to prevent the robot from treating the dark area as a drop-off. The app allows this adjustment, and the robot will still clean effectively.
How often do I need to replace the mopping pad?
The mopping pad is washable and reusable, so you can simply rinse it after each use and let it air dry. iRobot recommends replacing it every 3-6 months depending on usage. The pads are affordable and available from iRobot or third-party sellers. Keeping the pad clean ensures optimal mopping performance and prevents streaks.
Can the Roomba Max 875 Combo clean multiple rooms in one session?
Absolutely. The robot creates a detailed map of your entire home and can clean room by room according to your schedule. You can set specific cleaning times for each room, create no-go zones, and even prioritize certain areas. The self-emptying base allows it to handle large homes without needing to be manually emptied mid-clean.
Is the Roomba Max 875 Combo worth the price compared to competitors?
If you value reliability, a user-friendly app, and strong suction, yes. While competitors may offer similar specs for a similar price, iRobot's track record for durability and customer support is a significant factor. The Max 875 Combo is a premium product that delivers on its promises, and for many users, the peace of mind is worth the investment.