Picture this: you walk through the door after a long day, and your floors are covered in pet hair, dust bunnies, and the occasional muddy paw print. You want a robot that can vacuum and mop without you lifting a finger, especially if you have shedding pets or kids. In this iRobot Roomba 105 Combo review, we break down two powerful models: the Roomba 105 Combo and the Roomba 115X Combo. Both offer self-emptying docks, LiDAR navigation, and impressive suction for pet households. Whether you are upgrading from an older Roomba or buying your first robot vacuum, this guide will help you choose the right one for your home. For more options, check out our best robot vacuum for pet hair roundup.

Buying Guide

Suction Power and Cleaning Performance

When dealing with pet hair, suction power is non-negotiable. The Roomba 115X Combo delivers 15,000 Pa of suction, which is excellent for lifting embedded fur from carpets and fine dust from hard floors. The Roomba 105 Combo offers 70x more power-lifting suction compared to older models, making it a strong contender for daily cleaning. Both models use multi-surface brushes and edge-sweeping brushes to capture debris along baseboards and in corners. For homes with heavy shedding, the higher suction of the 115X may be the better fit.

Self-Emptying Convenience

A self-emptying dock is a game-changer for pet owners. The Roomba 115X Combo empties into its AutoEmpty dock for up to 90 days, using a 2.5 L AllergenLock bag that traps 99% of pollen and mold. The Roomba 105 Combo offers up to 75 days of hands-free cleaning with a similar bag system. Both docks seal on removal, so you never breathe in dust. If you want maximum autonomy, the 115X wins with its longer emptying interval. Explore more self-emptying robot vacuums for other options.

Mapping and Navigation

ClearView LiDAR technology powers both models, allowing them to map your home in neat rows and avoid obstacles like shoes, pet bowls, and furniture. They work well even in low light, which is handy for cleaning under beds or in closets. The Roomba 105 Combo automatically detects and avoids carpets while mopping, so rugs stay dry without complex programming. The 115X also includes a No Mop Zone feature for added protection. Both robots navigate confidently in multi-room layouts, but the 115X offers slightly more advanced obstacle avoidance due to its updated sensors.

Mopping Capabilities

Mopping is a key feature for homes with hard floors. The Roomba 115X Combo uses a washable microfiber pad that gently lifts dusty paw prints and light smudges. It also offers SmartScrub for 2x deeper scrubbing and adjustable water levels. The Roomba 105 Combo includes a built-in mop with a micro-pump for uniform moisture and SmartScrub as well. Both models can vacuum and mop in one pass, saving you time. For pet owners who deal with muddy footprints, the 115X’s extended mop pad provides better edge coverage. Compare these features with other robot vacuum mop combos to see how they stack up.

Final Thoughts

After evaluating both models, we recommend the iRobot Roomba 115X Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop for pet owners who want the highest suction, longest self-emptying interval, and superior edge cleaning, making it ideal for homes with multiple pets or heavy shedding. For those on a tighter budget who still need reliable self-emptying and strong cleaning performance, the iRobot Roomba 105 Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic choice, especially if you prefer a simpler setup with excellent carpet avoidance while mopping. Both robots are solid investments for keeping your floors fur-free and clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Roomba 105 Combo avoid carpets while mopping?

Yes, the Roomba 105 Combo automatically detects carpets and avoids them during mopping, so your rugs stay dry. You do not need to set up no-go zones manually. This feature works seamlessly with its LiDAR navigation.

How often do I need to empty the dock on the Roomba 115X?

The Roomba 115X Combo can self-empty for up to 90 days, depending on usage and debris levels. The 2.5 L AllergenLock bag traps allergens and seals on removal, making disposal clean and easy. For most homes, you will only need to change the bag every few months.

Can I control these Roomba models with voice assistants?

Yes, both the Roomba 105 Combo and Roomba 115X Combo are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can start, stop, or schedule cleaning sessions using voice commands. The Roomba Home app also offers full control from your smartphone.

Which model is better for pet hair: Roomba 105 or 115X?

The Roomba 115X Combo has higher suction (15,000 Pa) and anti-hair-wrap brushes, making it slightly more effective for heavy pet hair. However, the Roomba 105 Combo still offers strong suction and similar brush design, so it handles pet hair well for most homes. For severe shedding, the 115X is the better pick. Check our robot vacuums for pet hair page for more comparisons.