When it comes to cleaning our homes, there's no doubt that robot vacuums have revolutionized how we tackle this chore. Within this segment, iRobot has been a leading brand and synonymous with quality for years, and the Roomba Combo 10 Max has only reaffirmed this reputation. Released a few months ago, we've been testing this device at home for quite some time, and now I can tell you the best and worst aspects of this robot vacuum and mop that has allowed me to forget about some household chores for a good while. Get comfortable, and I'll tell you all the details.
AutoWash design, construction and base
The Roomba Combo 10 Max is hard to miss, both aesthetically and in terms of size. The main unit maintains iRobot's classic circular shape, with a matte black finish and details that add an elegant touch, such as the grooved half-sphere that conceals the mop—though this also makes it a bit more prone to dust accumulation, so keep that in mind. The body follows the design of previous generations in terms of the placement of the front-facing navigation camera and the sensors, strategically positioned for optimal functionality.
What truly sets it apart , however, is its AutoWash base. At first glance, it might look like a somewhat bulky black tower, but its thoughtful and functional design conceals a triple function: emptying the dirt bin, refilling the clean water tank, and washing/drying the mop. Inside the base, we find three compartments: a clean water tank, a dirty water tank, and a bag for solid waste, standardized with previous iRobot models.
The front cover opens to provide access to the storage compartments , and its size even allows you to place items on top, making it feel like an impromptu side table. The subtle ridges in the finish also give it a more refined look than other competitors in the same price range, something you might really appreciate if you plan to place the robot's base in a more visible spot, such as the living room.
Cleaning system: vacuuming and scrubbing
One of iRobot's long-standing strengths is vacuuming, and this new model continues that tradition. The Combo 10 Max includes a double central rubber roller , ideal for preventing hair from getting tangled, along with a side brush that sweeps dirt towards the center. Its performance on hard floors—in my case, I tested it on both laminate and tile—is remarkable, effortlessly picking up dust, dirt, crumbs, and even small debris.
On carpets , it also achieves a pretty good clean. This vacuum not only climbs onto carpets with ease, but it also automatically intensifies the suction, placing special emphasis on cleaning this particularly dirty surface. I don't have any pets at home, so unfortunately I haven't been able to test how well it handles dreaded pet hair. Even so, iRobot assures us that for homes with furry best friends, its effectiveness at picking up hair is beyond question, making it a worthwhile option to consider.
The mopping function is the one that generates a little less enthusiasm for me. The system consists of a mop that lifts completely when it detects a rug to avoid getting it wet—a mechanism reminiscent of the convertible visors on the Combo J9+ models—but it doesn't incorporate vibration or rotation; instead, it performs a kind of back-and-forth motion. This means it delivers adequate results for keeping floors clean , but it falls somewhat short if you're looking to clean drier or more stubborn stains.
I personally prefer to use only the robot vacuum's mop for maintenance (never as the main element for mopping), but it's true that the effectiveness of rotating discs or more advanced systems (using sonic vibration) is superior, so it's something you should keep in mind if you expect to put it to work "deeply" in this regard.
Navigation and obstacle detection
Here we find one of the key differences compared to the competition: this iRobot uses a camera and sensors instead of LiDAR. This results in a slower and slightly less detailed initial mapping than its competitors, although navigation is smooth and it adapts just as well to cleaning dirt, thanks to the Dirt Detective system. If you're not familiar with it, this feature analyzes previous cleanings to determine which areas need more time or adjustments in the amount of water. In fact, Dirt Detective takes action on the fly when it identifies localized dirt buildup, such as in the kitchen.
The obstacle detection system has also improved compared to previous generations, although I still miss the presence of LiDAR . That said, it's even capable of avoiding pet waste, with a free replacement guarantee if it doesn't. However, this comes at the cost of leaving some areas uncleaned by avoiding loose objects. Although it reports these obstacles in the app—which I'll discuss a little further down—I think it still results in a slight loss of cleaning coverage.
General performance and maintenance
This robot's battery allows it to cover medium to large homes without any problems. If it runs out of juice, it resumes where it left off after recharging. The dust collection bag lasts for about 8 weeks (2 months) of normal use, with app tracking so you can keep better track.
Regarding the AutoWash base, I think it's important to point out that it cleans the mop with a rotating roller as the robot moves in and out. It's certainly not the most practical solution I've seen in this type of appliance, as it's quite noisy and the process feels rather clunky. The subsequent drying isn't particularly quiet either, which is one of the aspects I liked least about this model.
As for manual maintenance, as is typical with these devices, it's minimal. The robot also includes the usual replacement filters, side brush, and bag. The rollers can be removed without tools to untangle hair, perhaps the task you'll have to perform most frequently.
The iRobot app: intuitive and comprehensive
We've reached a point where almost all high-end robots (like this Como 10 Max) look alike, so their app is often a key differentiator. In iRobot's case, their solution, available for iOS and Android , combines a clear interface with a good number of options for configuring your device according to your preferences.
The main screen displays a summary of the robot's and its base's status, the configured maps, and quick access to frequently used routines. Scrolling through the screen provides access to automatic scheduling, cleaning history, robot settings, and a help section. Everything is neatly organized and easily accessible . Even inexperienced users will find it easy to use and will quickly adapt to the American company's approach.
From this platform we can, for example, configure personalized routines for different rooms, cleaning modes, intensity, amount of water, number of passes or even establish a child lock - my little daughter goes crazy pressing the button on the robot and with this I have managed to stop her from turning it on every 2 x 3.
One interesting point is its compatibility with Matter and Apple HomeKit —a much less common feature— in addition to Google Home and Alexa. This makes the Roomba Combo 10 Max an attractive smart home option without compatibility issues. Keep that in mind.
An interesting proposal
Given all of the above, it won't surprise you that I consider the Roomba Combo 10 Max to be a solid robot vacuum and an interesting purchase option . It's effective at vacuuming, boasts powerful battery life, and is very easy to use thanks to its app. While it does have a few minor shortcomings (such as the lack of a more advanced mopping function, LiDAR mapping, or a mopping cleaning system), overall it's a safe bet. Especially considering that, at the time of writing, you can find it for around €800, depending on the retailer.
For users who prioritize dry cleaning and a simple , hassle-free connected experience, this model more than delivers. However, if you're looking for the best mopping on the market or ultra-precise, high-speed navigation, there are probably more attractive alternatives available. It's a matter of priorities.
