Source-checked buying decisions
Roomba 105 vs 505: choose the chore you want to automate
Choose the 105 AutoEmpty for help with dust disposal. Consider the 505 AutoWash when pad washing and drying are central to your decision.
Updated 2026-09-10 · Manufacturer specifications and editorial analysis
For less dust-bin handling
Roomba 105 Combo + AutoEmpty Dock
Choose this when dust emptying is the chore you want to reduce.
The AutoEmpty bundle adds dust collection to the 105’s microfiber-pad setup.
Trade-off: AutoEmpty is not an automatic mop-washing system.
Skip if: You need a mop that can cross carpet while staying attached and active.
$469.00Checked 2026-09-10 13:13 UTC. Price and availability may change.
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For less mop maintenance
Roomba Plus 505 Combo + AutoWash Dock
Choose this when repeated mopping and pad care drive your decision.
Spinning pads and an AutoWash dock change both the mopping hardware and the maintenance workflow.
Trade-off: A washing dock still needs care; automation does not make ownership maintenance-free.
Skip if: You want the simplest possible dock and do not need pad-washing automation.
$699.99Checked 2026-09-10 13:13 UTC. Price and availability may change.
Paid link. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
The differences that matter
| Feature | Roomba 105 Combo + AutoEmpty Dock | Roomba Plus 505 Combo + AutoWash Dock |
|---|---|---|
| Dock workflow | AutoEmpty dust collection | AutoWash: dust emptying, pad washing and heated drying |
| Mopping hardware | Microfiber pad | Dual spinning pads |
| Mixed-floor routine | Avoids carpets while mopping | Lifts mop pads on carpet |
Dock workflow: Start with the chore you want to remove: charging, dust disposal, or pad care. These dock types solve different problems.
Mopping hardware: A microfiber pad and spinning pads are different mechanisms. Specifications alone cannot establish which removes more dirt in your home.
Mixed-floor routine: Carpet avoidance and pad lifting imply different routes during a mopping run. Check your floor layout before choosing.
When the upgrade makes sense
The reason to move to the 505 is the changed mop-and-dock workflow. If you seldom mop, those additions may contribute little to your routine. Do not treat a higher model number as proof of better pickup.
How to judge value today
Use the current retailer prices below the picks to judge the premium. Decide how much reducing pad care is worth to you; if that benefit is small, keep the 105 on your shortlist. A temporary discount should not decide which workflow you need.
Our recommendation
Our default split is by maintenance: 105 AutoEmpty for dust collection, 505 AutoWash for a more automated mopping routine. Choose based on those differences, then check current bundle pricing.
Methodology & sources
We matched US bundle names to iRobot product pages, recorded the cited specifications, and used those differences to map buying scenarios. Recommendations are editorial interpretations of documented features. Affiliate links do not determine the feature comparison.
This is a focused comparison of selected Roomba configurations, not a ranking of the entire market. We have not measured pickup, navigation reliability, noise, or long-term durability. Newer models and other brands may suit you better. Verify the exact bundle and retailer listing before ordering.
Roomba 105 Combo + AutoEmpty Dock
- Roomba 105 Combo + AutoEmpty Dock — official specifications · checked 2026-09-10
Roomba Plus 505 Combo + AutoWash Dock
- Roomba Plus 505 Combo + AutoWash Dock — official specifications · checked 2026-09-10