Title: Roomba Max 705 Review — Extreme Suction, Auto-Empty & LiDAR
Overview:The Roomba Max 705 is a robot vacuum designed for busy U.S. households that need reliable, hands-free cleaning. Its AutoEmpty Dock traps debris as small as 0.7 microns in an enclosed bag, keeping your floors cleaner with minimal upkeep.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Enjoy hands-free cleaning for up to 75 days with the AutoEmpty Dock.
- Get powerful debris pickup with 180x more suction in Spot Clean mode.
- Remove pet hair easily with anti-tangle Dual Rubber Brushes and Carpet Boost.
- Reach edges and corners thoroughly with the Edge-Sweeping Brush.
- Navigate intelligently using PrecisionVision AI to avoid cords, socks, and waste.
- Control cleaning by voice or app—works with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant.
Intro
The Roomba Max 705 is a mid-to-high tier autonomous vacuum designed to handle everyday messes with minimal supervision. It combines iRobot’s targeted cleaning technologies — dual rubber brushes, LiDAR mapping, and object-aware vision — with an AutoEmpty dock that promises extended hands-free operation.
Who it’s for: busy households with pets or kids, people who dislike frequent emptying, and anyone who wants reliable mapping and obstacle avoidance. Quick verdict: If you want a mostly maintenance-free cleaning routine that copes with hair, crumbs, and scattered debris, the Roomba Max 705 is a strong contender.
What’s in the Box
- 1 Roomba Max 705 Vac robot
- 1 AutoEmpty dock
- 1 Extra AutoEmpty bag
- 1 Extra filter
(If you need more replacement bags, the listing includes one extra bag; frequency of replacement depends on household debris levels. Source: listing, checked 2025.)
Design & Build
The Roomba Max 705 follows the standard disc-shaped robot-vacuum silhouette but incorporates specific hardware choices that matter in daily use.
- Materials and finish: The outer shell is plastic with a matte finish around the top and gloss accents on control areas (manufacturer did not specify exact materials). The lid houses the LiDAR sensor and front-facing camera/vision array; the build feels typical for compact robot vacuums — sturdy but not heavy-duty.
- Size and weight implications: Exact dimensions and weight are not listed in the supplied specification set; expect a footprint similar to other Roomba models that fit under low furniture but may not slide under very low-clearance couches. For tight spaces, the circular profile helps for turning and reorientation, but very low-slung beds could remain out of reach. (Specs: Not listed.)
- Ergonomics: Controls are minimal — most users will interact via the Roomba Home app or voice assistants. The AutoEmpty dock reduces the need to handle the robot frequently, and the dock’s bagged containment keeps dust away from hands.
Key Features
Dual Rubber Brushes (Anti-Tangle)
Benefit: The two patented rubber brushes flex and adjust to maintain contact across hard floors and carpets. Because they’re rubber, hair and fur are less likely to wrap around bristles — reducing the need to clip or untangle bangs of pet hair.
Where it helps: If you have shedding pets or long hair in the house, these brushes cut down on manual brush maintenance. They also adapt better to seams and transitions between floor types, so you get more consistent pickup without swapping tools.
180x Extreme Power-Lifting Suction (Spot Mode Claim)
Benefit: The listing states up to 180x more extreme power-lifting suction in Spot Clean mode with a full battery compared to Roomba 600 series robots, intended to dislodge heavier, embedded debris. (Source: listing, checked 2025.)
Where it helps: Use Spot Clean when you have a concentrated mess — a spilled cereal bowl, tracked-in dirt, or a pet accident area — to force more suction into a smaller zone. Bear in mind the comparison is relative to older models and applies in a specific mode (Spot Clean, full battery).
ClearView Pro LiDAR Mapping
Benefit: LiDAR mapping scans the environment to build accurate floor plans so the Roomba can plan efficient routes and avoid missing areas. It works in low light and at night because it doesn’t rely on visible light.
Where it helps: In homes with multiple rooms and irregular layouts, LiDAR makes cleaning predictable. It’s especially useful for scheduling perimeter cleans and for making sure the robot thoroughly covers every zone without repeating or skipping areas.
PrecisionVision AI Technology
Benefit: A vision system that recognizes and navigates around objects such as cords, socks, and small obstacles — the listing even calls out pet waste detection as something the robot can avoid.
Where it helps: In cluttered living rooms or homes where kids leave toys and laundry on the floor, PrecisionVision helps reduce accidental snags and prevents the robot from dragging small items around. It also lowers the risk of messes spreading when the robot encounters pet waste or liquids (note: this technology is for avoidance, not cleanup).
AutoEmpty Dock with 75 Days Hands-Free Claim
Benefit: The dock automatically empties the robot’s internal bin into a sealed bag that the listing claims can contain debris for up to 75 days — ideal for people who don’t want to touch dust or empty the robot frequently. The bag captures particles down to 0.7 microns. (Source: listing, checked 2025.)
Where it helps: If you’re allergy-prone or want a lower-touch routine, the AutoEmpty dock reduces the number of times you handle dust and dander. For small households or low-traffic spaces, this feature can mean months without bag changes; busier homes will need more frequent inspection.
Dirt Detect Technology
Benefit: Sensors identify dirtier areas and trigger repeated cleaning passes so the robot spends extra time where it’s needed most.
Where it helps: High-traffic zones like entryways and kitchens benefit from more attention. If you notice spots that get messy faster than others, the Roomba will prioritize them automatically.
Smart App Controls and Voice Assistant Integration
Benefit: The Roomba Home app allows room- or zone-specific cleaning, four suction levels, and scheduling. It works with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant for voice commands.
Where it helps: If you want to tell the robot to “clean the living room” before guests arrive or increase suction for a quick deep clean, the voice and app controls are convenient. Setting routines around your schedule is straightforward in most smart-home setups.
Performance & Use
Practical tips for setup and daily use
- Initial mapping: On first runs, leave doors open to let the Roomba map adjacent rooms. LiDAR and PrecisionVision build a floor plan that the app will use to name rooms and create zones.
- Choosing suction levels: Use lower suction for routine hard-floor maintenance to conserve battery and higher settings for carpets or especially soiled areas. The app offers four levels — experiment to find the balance between runtime and pickup.
- Spot cleaning: For concentrated spills, engage Spot Clean with a full battery to access the claimed higher suction mode (source: listing, checked 2025).
- Where to position the dock: Place the AutoEmpty dock against a wall with a few feet of clearance on each side and at least a meter in front, if possible, so the robot can dock and undock easily. Avoid placing it in closets or very tight corners.
- Bag replacement and filters: The dock comes with one extra bag and an extra filter. The listing claims the bag can last up to 75 days in typical use; your mileage will vary with pet hair, dust levels, and number of cleans (source: listing, checked 2025). Replace the filter on the robot as you would with any vacuum — the listing did not specify a recommended interval.
- Maintenance checks: Even with anti-tangle brushes and an AutoEmpty dock, check the brush area and extractors periodically for trapped threads, and keep the cliff sensors and LiDAR aperture clear of dust and obstructions.
- Safety notes: PrecisionVision reduces the chance of running over small items, but it’s still wise to pick up fragile objects, cords, and obstacles that could cause jams or damage.
Pros vs Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Long hands-off period with AutoEmpty dock that can hold debris for up to 75 days (source: listing, checked 2025). | Exact runtime, weight, and physical dimensions are not specified in the available product details. |
Dual rubber brushes reduce hair tangles and maintain contact across floor types. | Higher suction Spot mode is comparative to older Roomba 600 series and applies only in specific conditions (Spot Clean, full battery). |
ClearView Pro LiDAR mapping provides reliable coverage and navigation even in low light. | AutoEmpty bag replacement schedule will vary; the listing includes limited spare bags (one extra) so additional purchases may be needed. |
PrecisionVision AI helps avoid cords, socks, and hazards like pet waste. | No exact noise level or suction wattage provided in the listing (specs not listed). |
Multiple app controls, room/zone cleaning, and voice assistant support for easy integration. | Some users prefer interchangeable tools and deep-cleaning brushes — rubber extractors may behave differently on very high-pile carpets. |
Who Should Buy
- Busy households that want low-touch cleaning and fewer interruptions to empty or handle dust. The AutoEmpty system is the primary draw here.
- Pet owners who need reliable hair pickup and reduced brush tangles. The anti-tangle rubber brushes and edge-sweeping design help with fur and dander.
- People who need robust navigation and mapping for multi-room coverage — LiDAR and app controls make scheduling and targeted cleaning straightforward.
Who Shouldn’t Buy
- Buyers who need full technical transparency on specs such as exact runtime, weight, dimensions, or suction wattage — these details are not listed in the provided material.
- Those with very high-pile or shag carpeting who prefer aggressive beater brushes; rubber extractors perform differently and may not match older-style bristle brushes on deep-pile beds.
- Households that expect the robot to pick up liquids or deep stains. PrecisionVision helps avoid hazards but does not clean wet spills.
Specs
Note: The following table lists only verifiable specs from the provided specification set. Where details were not available in the SPECS input, entries are marked “Not listed.”
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Model | Roomba Max 705 (listing name) |
Run time (per charge) | Not listed |
Charging time | Not listed |
Dustbin capacity (robot) | Not listed |
AutoEmpty bag duration | Up to 75 days (source: listing, checked 2025) |
Particle capture | Captures debris as small as 0.7 microns (source: listing, checked 2025) |
Suction/power | 180x compared to Roomba 600 series in Spot Clean mode (source: listing, checked 2025) |
Dimensions (diameter/height) | Not listed |
Weight | Not listed |
Included accessories | AutoEmpty dock, 1 extra bag, 1 extra filter (from box contents) |
Mapping technology | ClearView Pro LiDAR (listed) |
Object detection | PrecisionVision AI (listed) |
Voice assistants | Works with Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant (listed) |
Closing — Should You Buy It?
If hands-free convenience, reliable mapping, and pet-friendly maintenance are your top priorities, the Roomba Max 705 is worth serious consideration. Its AutoEmpty dock and anti-tangle brush system reduce routine chores, and the LiDAR + vision combo keeps navigation efficient and careful around small obstacles. If you need every engineering spec up front (runtime, weight, suction wattage in absolute terms), those specifics aren’t listed here and you may want to confirm them with the seller before buying.
Want to compare models or check current offers? Use the Where to buy box above to see retailer options and pricing.
Specification: Title: Roomba Max 705 Review — Extreme Suction, Auto-Empty & LiDAR
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Michael P. Davis –
I’ve had the iRobot Roomba 705 with the auto-empty base for two days and I’m really impressed. For context, I’m using it on a level of our home with all hardwoods (one area rug and two throw rugs) and some slate — and we have two long-haired cats and a hound dog. I’ve watched it scan and map the level, then clean thoroughly; the battery life is especially impressive. It returns to the base to empty the dust bin and then goes back out to continue cleaning, doing this multiple times on a single charge. My floors look fantastic. The only downside is a room that’s one step down from the rest of the floor — the Roomba won’t clean it, even when I lift and place it there; I think the software requires the unit to reach each room under its own power so it knows its location relative to the dock. I’ll report back if any issues arise.
Michael P. Davis –
First, a gripe with iRobot. Four or five years ago I bought their flagship S9+. It was a great robot, but as parts wore out they stopped selling replacements — I needed drive wheels and the worn ones kept it from docking properly, so it wouldn’t recharge or empty without me nudging it with my foot. That destroyed its autonomy. iRobot’s only suggestion was to send it in for repair for at least $100. Do better, iRobot. That experience pushed me to buy another robot, and I decided to give them another chance.
The new Max 705 is head and shoulders above the S9+ it replaced. I live in a one-bedroom apartment, and setup for me was relatively simple and painless. Some people find the setup and documentation confusing — there’s no printed manual; the manual lives in the app. The app for the Max 705 is different from the S9+ app and felt less intuitive at first, but as an experienced user the learning curve was minor. There are clear improvements: you can tap a room on the map to clean it without digging through separate menus, easily tweak routines, and watch real-time progress of a run (a little mesmerizing). The map is generally accurate though the live view can lag sometimes. I also like the numeric battery indicator instead of just a progress bar.
Speed is impressive. The Max 705 mapped my apartment in about 10 minutes — much faster than the S9+. On an automated run it cleaned six areas in 1 hour and 1 minute without recharging and still had 46% battery left. I don’t see it move faster, so it must be routing much more efficiently. For comparison, the S9+ took three to four hours for the same job and needed one or two recharges.
It’s also much quieter — virtually silent on smart mode, and even on max suction it’s considerably quieter than the S9+. I’ve seen a few small glitches (once it headed to the bedroom instead of the living room), but they haven’t repeated. One time the brush came off — the S9+ screws its brush on, while the Max 705’s just snaps on — hopefully that was a one-off.
I managed to get this on sale and overall it’s a definite improvement over the S9+. So far, so good.
ED Bohanan –
The iRobot Roomba works very well. It sometimes struggles to navigate around dining room chairs but always finds its way out. After seeing how effectively it vacuums, I started considering the mopping model since I have so many hard floors — I wish there were a mop-only option instead of a combined unit. Wi‑Fi setup was straightforward, and I’m impressed by how it maps the house and lets you choose named rooms for cleaning. It reliably returns to the home base and the dirt is automatically emptied into the bagged bin. It’s a bit pricey, but the technology and the self-emptying base justify the cost. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to take a chore off their list and is willing to pay for the convenience.
Skip –
The Roomba 705 Max is fantastic — charge it, let it map and name your rooms (or name them yourself), then choose from three cleaning modes. It excels on hardwood and low-pile carpet, has a self-emptying bin, and notifies you when parts like rollers and brushes need replacement. It operates almost like a self-driving car — cutting-edge technology that’s worth every penny.
Linda Dubé –
Sometimes it gets stuck on small objects and cables (see photo). For larger objects, the LiDAR works very well. The charging base also has occasional suction issues (see photo). I called customer support to request a case and a feature to detect when the wheels get stuck. They were polite but didn’t take the suggestion seriously and seemed more focused on closing the case quickly.
Bob Chester –
I own a Roomba 960, an S9+, a J9+ (about a year), and recently added the 705. Over the years I’ve been consistently pleased with how easy these robots are to maintain, iRobot’s customer support, and the modular, repair-friendly design—an unusual strength in today’s consumer electronics.
The 705’s LiDAR lets it map the house much faster and it rarely bumps into things now, instead steering away or turning before contact. Cleaning performance feels as good as—or perhaps even better than—my S9+, which was outstanding on carpets. It’s notably quieter and the build quality is consistent with prior models. The unit is a bit taller because of the LiDAR turret, so it won’t fit under my TV cabinet, and the new app could use some polish. Still, it signed into my existing iRobot (Classic) account and set up quickly, which I appreciated.
S. K. –
Works perfectly — I’m thrilled with this vacuum; it’s the best purchase I’ve ever made!
JMc –
I tried to return it today but couldn’t. I bought it on July 12 and it’s now August 12 — I’ve tried repeatedly. I’ve always loved Roomba, and it vacuums okay, but every day I have to pull hair out of the wheels and now it has stopped working. I want an exchange for a unit that actually works. While running it seems fine, but it leaves behind long strings of hair that get wound together, it won’t empty and resume properly, and it restarts mid-cycle and wakes us (I ran it daily to avoid it running while we’re home). I’ve been an iRobot fan, but I’m horribly disappointed. Product support was great and immediately replaced my first unit because of a manufacturing defect, but I’m not convinced this model handles hair well.
Bob Chester –
This is our third Roomba, replacing a J6 that lasted five years of daily use. The new model’s LiDAR navigation prevents it from bumping into walls and furniture, and it reliably avoids cords and most floor obstacles. The docking base is smaller than the J6’s, but suction is excellent — it easily handles the daily hair from our collie. The app works but could use improvements; I understand why some less tech-savvy buyers leave one-star reviews. There are no printed instructions aside from a quick-start sheet tucked into the packaging. Overall cleaning is noticeably better than the J6, though it still misses corners as you’d expect from a round robot. I would buy this unit again.
Janet –
Absolutely love this Roomba! We swapped out our S-series after an unfortunate dog vomit incident, and the house feels fresh and clean again. It picks up pet hair effortlessly and moves through rooms faster than our previous model — a fantastic machine!
Swappy –
Works well — a clear improvement over earlier models. You’ll still need your regular vacuum, but only for monthly touch-ups. Maintenance is easy and similar to older generations, and it does a much better job avoiding tangles with long hair.
Swappy –
Item did not work as described. I returned it as instructed; the seller received the return in July 2025, but I had not received a refund as of September 6.