iRobot's Roomba Max 875 Combo finally fixes robot vacuuming's biggest carpet problem

We spend a lot of time thinking about robot vacuums around here, and one frustration has bugged us for years. No matter how powerful these little guys get, carpet never quite feels…done?

We see the suction ratings climb, but it’s clear that airflow is still escaping somehow. In iRobot’s new Roomba Max 875 Combo, they use SealForce™ technology to lock in the edges and suck the life out of carpet fibers. At least that’s what it sounds like.

We’re excited to dig into the details of what else this new $1,199.99 iRobot machine brings, as well as the arrival of the Roomba Plus 678 Combo.

Innovations in the Roomba Max 875

How SealForce™ is changing the game

The spec arms race in robot vacuums has mostly been about Pascals (bigger suction numbers on the box). But pickup performance actually depends on airflow, the seal between the robot and the surface, and brush design working together.

Using SealForce™ Vacuuming Technology, when the Roomba Max 875 reaches carpet, its chassis lowers a skirt that forms a tight seal against the fibers. This creates tornado-like airflow exactly where debris hides, rather than letting it leak out the sides, as with some other poorly performing models we’ve previously tested. The result, according to iRobot, is 3x deeper carpet cleaning than vacuuming without SealForce™.

Pet hair is even more manageable

For households dealing with pet hair specifically, the Roomba Max 875 also has a dual anti-tangle system, a spiral Edge-Sweeping side brush that directs hair toward the suction path while a hair-cutting main brush prevents wrapping.

If you’ve ever spent quality time untangling a roller brush, this is something you’ll really appreciate.

Heated mopping, dry carpets, and a dock that handles the rest

Dried coffee drips. Pasta sauce splatters that sat overnight. The sticky mystery spot near the trash can. These are messes most robot mops just smear around, and the ones that eventually send you to the floor with a sponge.

The Roomba Max 875’s features destroy messes, so you can just ignore them after they occur, and later notice that they've disappeared entirely.

Before the mop even touches the surface, Ultrasonic ThermaMist™ Technology sprays 140°F-heated mist to soften and loosen whatever's dried on, so the PowerSpin™ Max Roller Mop can lift it in a single pass. iRobot says that translates to 2x better stain removal compared to mopping without ThermaMist™.

The other long-standing headache with combo robots (rugs getting damp mid-mop) is handled by patented DriLift™ Technology. When the Roomba Max 875 detects carpet, it automatically raises the mop and lowers a protective shield over the roller. No more soggy area rugs or having to block off rooms.

Once the robot finishes a cycle, the AutoWash™ Dock takes over, hot-washing and drying the roller, self-emptying debris into an AllergenLock™ bag, and dispensing fresh cleaning solution for next time. iRobot rates it at up to 90 days of hands-free maintenance.

iRobot’s most powerful vacuum yet

The Roomba Plus 678 Combo brings SealForce™ at a lower price

Not ready for the above price point? iRobot also launched the Roomba Plus 678 that shares the same SealForce™ technology as the Roomba Max 875 for less at $899.99.

Where it differs most is in the mopping system. Instead of ThermaMist™, the 678 uses SprayForce AI, a high-pressure pre-treatment spray that breaks down stuck-on residue before the PowerSpin™ Roller Mop scrubs with hot water and 15 Newtons of pressure.

It's a different approach to the same problem (dried-on messes that nobody wants to get on their hands and knees to scrub), and at $300 less, it puts SealForce™ within reach for more households.

Try iRobot’s Roomba Plus 678