Robot Vacuums · Head to head

iRobot Roomba 105 vs iRobot Roomba 205

Full Robot Vacuums comparison in 2026

Updated November 2026
Data from the official iRobot site.
2026 verdict
Is the higher model number worth it? Not for most homes: the iRobot Roomba 105 is the better buy of these two vacuum-only robots, because it is cheaper.
iRobot Roomba 105
Winner
iRobot Roomba 105
$159.99$299.9947% OFF
Buy on Amazon USA
It and the iRobot Roomba 205 are both rated for 120 minutes per charge, and owners of both mention recharges partway through a larger level. The iRobot Roomba 205 answers with 5 GHz Wi-Fi next to 2.4 GHz and an internal DustCompactor that presses debris inside the robot, so its bin needs emptying far less often without a tall dock. Both map with LiDAR, set no-go zones, vacuum carpet and hard floors, work with Alexa and Google Home and carry a 1-year warranty; neither mops or self-empties. Pick the iRobot Roomba 105 for mapped vacuuming at a lower price, and the iRobot Roomba 205 if emptying the bin is the chore you want to cut.
Works with
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Works with
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FeatureiRobot Roomba 105iRobot Roomba 205Winner
Connectivity2.4 GHz WiFi, Bluetooth2.4 GHz WiFi, 5 GHz WiFi, BluetoothiRobot Roomba 205
Rating3.33.3Tie
Warranty1 year1 yearTie
Battery Life120 minutes120 minutesTie
Auto RechargeYESYESTie
IntegrationsGoogle Home, AlexaGoogle Home, AlexaTie
Navigation TypeLaser (LiDAR)Laser (LiDAR)Tie
Obstacle DetectionYESYESTie
Cliff DetectionYESYESTie
Multi-Room MappingYESYESTie
No-Go ZonesYESYESTie
Suction Power7000Pa7000PaTie

What the differences mean

Battery life

Both are rated for 120 minutes, so neither is the pick for endurance. On a medium or large single level, owners of both describe a clean broken up by charging stops.

Emptying the bin

The iRobot Roomba 205 compresses debris inside the robot with its DustCompactor, so the bin needs emptying far less often, without a bagged dock. The iRobot Roomba 105 has a plain bin, although its owners say it lasts a few days.

Wi-Fi

The iRobot Roomba 205 joins 2.4 or 5 GHz networks, the iRobot Roomba 105 only 2.4 GHz. It only matters if your router does not offer a 2.4 GHz band.

Size

The iRobot Roomba 205 is 358 mm across and 101 mm tall, the iRobot Roomba 105 335 mm and 104 mm. The difference under furniture is marginal.

Which one to buy if

What owners say

Owners of both Roombas agree on LiDAR mapping that cleans in organized rows and strong pickup of pet hair for the price, and both groups name battery life as the main caveat. iRobot Roomba 105 owners single out a bin that lasts a few days and simple scheduling with several saved maps, and they complain about recharges in larger homes, weaker suction on medium and high pile carpet and a few battery or navigation faults after some months. iRobot Roomba 205 owners talk about the DustCompactor, a small base with no bulky tower and mapping that works in the dark, while their gripes are two or more recharges to finish one level, getting stuck on cords or small mats and a bin that is awkward to empty.

Upgrading from the iRobot Roomba 105?

Stepping up from the iRobot Roomba 105 to the iRobot Roomba 205 buys one real convenience, the DustCompactor that lets the bin go much longer between emptyings, plus 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Battery does not change: both are rated for 120 minutes. Mapping, no-go zones and platform support do not change, and neither model mops. If your 105 already finishes its runs and emptying the bin is no bother, there is nothing to gain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the iRobot Roomba 105 and the iRobot Roomba 205?

The iRobot Roomba 205 adds an internal DustCompactor and 5 GHz Wi-Fi, while the iRobot Roomba 105 costs less, and both are rated for 120 minutes per charge. Both are vacuum-only LiDAR robots.

Which is better: iRobot Roomba 105 or iRobot Roomba 205?

The iRobot Roomba 105 for most homes, because it costs less for the same mapping and battery. The iRobot Roomba 205 is better if you want to empty the bin as rarely as possible.

Which one is newer?

Both the iRobot Roomba 105 and the iRobot Roomba 205 are 2025 models from the same iRobot lineup.

Do the iRobot Roomba 105 and 205 mop?

No. Neither the iRobot Roomba 105 nor the iRobot Roomba 205 mops, and neither has a self-emptying dock. Both are vacuum-only robots.

Who should buy the iRobot Roomba 105?

Budget buyers who want mapped, organized vacuuming of hard floors and light carpet at the lower price.

Who should buy the iRobot Roomba 205?

Buyers in smaller homes who want to avoid a bulky auto-empty dock and still empty the bin rarely.

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