The Combo 2 is now the most expensive option in iRobot's Essential lineup, slightly more expensive than the $400 DreameBot D10 Plus, our current pick for the best value robot vacuum and mop. The Vac 2 is available through “select retailers” in North America (including Target and Best Buy, so far) and has the same features as the Combo, except for the mopping functions, contributing to its lower price.
Both vacuums feature a self-draining docking station, up to 120 minutes of battery life, and the ability to perform cleaning routines that can be run automatically or started manually via a button on the robot, in the mobile app, or by voice command to Alexa. Siri or a Google Assistant-enabled smart device.
When a cleaning routine is complete (or when the battery is low), the Combo 2 automatically returns to its included AutoEmpty docking station, where the contents of its dust bin are vacuumed into a bag that iRobot says is large enough to hold dirt from 60 days. The bag is also self-sealing, making the process of replacing and throwing away a little cleaner.
The Combo 2's mopping features require a little more maintenance. The charging station cannot automatically refill the tank used to moisten the Robovac's reusable microfiber mop pad, and carpets must be manually moved out of the way during a cleaning routine that uses water because the Combo 2 does not have its mop Upholstery can retract when transitioning from hard floors to carpet.
According to iRobot, the new Combo 2 has “100 percent stronger suction power compared to the Roomba Combo Essential” and cleans for up to 120 minutes on a single charge. However, the company does not specify which of the four suction power levels enable a runtime of two hours. At maximum power, you can expect a cleaning routine to last less than two hours.
Additionally, the Combo 2's navigation isn't as advanced as more expensive Roomba models. This robovac relies on “specialized sensors” and a “reinforced bumper” to avoid obstacles while simply crisscrossing a room. While the Combo 2 can display a visual representation of the distance traveled via the iRobot app, it cannot create 3D maps of a room to know where it has been cleaned and where it hasn't.