iRobot - 960

I’ve had Roombas since ~2016, a 960 and an i7+. While I wish they integrated with HomeAssistant a little better, they have been rock solid, especially the i7+ due to the self emptying. Currently the i7 runs daily on the main floor and the 960 runs in my bedroom(when I remember to empty it). Had to replace some parts on the i7 and they were mostly easily acquirable directly from iRobot, so that has been nice. Do a little bit of network monitoring and they don’t really ever seem to randomly phone home, so that’s nice.

I have a 960 with a dog that sheds, and the wheels and rollers will sometimes jam. Have had it for 4 years and still runs, but will require extraction of dog hair from time to time. Also, it's a little noisey but powerful.

iRobot Roomba 960 here, going strong after 6 years. Regular filter and brush maintenance seems to be key

Unpopular opinion: iRobot. They’re easy to repair and there’s an abundance of filters and spare parts. The i5+ is a mid level entry robot. You can likely find it around $300 or just stay on the lookout for a sale. Even better mid level option, the j5+. Probably above your price range, but it’s a good investment, per say. I say that having had a Roomba 960 since 2017. A Roomba j7+ since 2021 and my most recent addition a Roomba s9+. Honestly the 960 is still a beast. I have several floors, for the record…they’re not in a closed glass case. 🤣 Roborock has some models that do well, as well. I’m not sure if them off the top of my head. PS: A combo robot just isn’t it quite yet, I wouldn’t spend the money on a combo at this point, especially at your price point. Question: what size is your place? Square feet wise.

We have had a Roomba 960 since 2018 without any major issues. 1 battery replacement and the usual wear parts as needed.

I’ve had my roomba 960 since July 2018 when I got a good deal on it on Prime Day (only “deal” I’ve ever gotten on prime day). And it’s saved me 1,483hrs and 58 mins of cleaning time. So, yes, do get a robo vacuum! We also have 2 small dogs that shed, however, I haven’t vacuumed in over a year with the big vacuum. Half of the house is carpet and other half is hardwood. The roomba, if ran every other day, picks up all the fur and dirt and the dust bin is mostly only ever 1/4 full. https://preview.redd.it/42t2438v3wme1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e7a9aa164c0eb63f045955148989139d9b8175f9

My neighbor threw away a perfectly good 960 and I've been using it for three years, 3 times a week on 750 sq ft. (It had hair wrapped around the brushes, once I cleaned it out it ran just fine). It's easy to take apart and clean. I haven't had to change the tires yet, they are still going strong. I'm still on the original battery as well. The bin latch to the filter breaks easily (I've gone through 2 and now I just leave it broken). I do have to clean hair out of the brush ends often but that's easy enough to do. It's hasn't broken down on me yet. On my old 650, I replaced the side brush motor and tires which would be the same process on this model. I'm very happy with it especially since it was free.

The 205 with the compactor works great on my cat hair. It can do the entire house several times where my old 960 had to be emptied 5 times. Unfortunately their recent update is bricking everyone's 205..

I purchased my first (and to this day only) robot vacuum in 2020. I got an iRobot 960 Roomba. Surprised to see you say you would never purchase one. It’s a beast and been working without an issue since the day I got it. $400 (think that’s how much it cost) well spent. I recommend them to everyone and would buy another in a heart beat.

I’ve had my Roomba 960 since 2018—still runs like a champ with regular filter and brush cleaning. Worth every penny.