iRobot Roomba Max 775 Review: Strong Cleaning, But Reliability Concerns Linger

iRobot has released its first major product in the U.S. since its acquisition by Chinese manufacturer Picea Robotics in early 2026. The Roomba Max 775 Combo Robot + AutoWash Dock, priced at $1,000, aims to re-establish iRobot’s foothold in the competitive robot vacuum market—but early reviews highlight both strengths and critical flaws.

iRobot’s Post-Acquisition Release

iRobot has launched its first major product in the U.S. since its acquisition by Picea Robotics, a Chinese robot vacuum manufacturer, in January 2026. The Roomba Max 775 Combo Robot + AutoWash Dock is priced at $1,000, making it iRobot’s most expensive release since the ownership change.

The acquisition followed iRobot’s bankruptcy filing in 2024, after its attempted sale to Amazon collapsed. Picea Robotics, known for partnerships with companies like Anker, Xiaomi, and Shark, has positioned itself as a key player in the robot vacuum market.

Performance and Drawbacks

According to reviews from Gizmodo, the Roomba Max 775 delivers strong vacuuming and mopping performance, with effective roller mopping and minimal collisions with furniture. Battery life is also solid, with 36% remaining after cleaning a 750-square-foot apartment in roughly two-and-a-half hours.

However, the device has notable drawbacks. Users report excessive noise during operation, and the Roomba Home app is described as buggy and unreliable. Carpet detection, which relies on an ultrasonic sensor, may not work consistently on low-pile carpets or clear mats. Reviewers also noted that the Roomba Max 775 may get trapped under furniture, a common issue in robot vacuums but one that competitors have largely addressed.

Market Position and Competition

The Roomba Max 775 is positioned as an upper mid-tier robot vacuum, but it struggles to stand out in a crowded market. Competitors like Roborock, Dreame, and Ecovacs have already established strong reputations for reliability, advanced features, and polished user experiences. According to Gizmodo, the Max 775 does not introduce any unique features or solve existing pain points in the robot vacuum category.

iRobot is rolling out updates to improve the Roomba Home app’s connectivity and reliability, but the device’s early reviews suggest it still lags behind competitors in user experience.

Background: iRobot’s Decline and Acquisition

iRobot introduced the first robot vacuum in 2002, pioneering the consumer robotics market. However, its popularity waned in the early 2020s as competitors like Roborock and Dreame gained traction with more advanced and reliable products. In 2024, iRobot’s failed attempt to sell itself to Amazon led to its bankruptcy filing, culminating in its acquisition by Picea Robotics in early 2026.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

The Roomba Max 775 represents a critical test for iRobot under new ownership. After years of declining market share and a failed acquisition by Amazon, iRobot’s pivot to Picea Robotics was likely seen as a lifeline. However, the Max 775’s mixed performance—strong cleaning capabilities but reliability issues—suggests the company is still struggling to differentiate itself in a crowded market.

For founders and operators, this launch underscores the challenges of reviving a legacy brand. Innovation alone isn’t enough; execution and user experience are just as critical. If iRobot can’t stabilize its software and hardware quirks, it risks ceding even more ground to competitors like Roborock and Dreame, which have already set a high bar for reliability and feature integration. The question now is whether Picea Robotics can provide the resources and strategic direction to turn iRobot around—or if this is a sign of further decline.

Key takeaways

• iRobot’s acquisition by Picea Robotics in 2026 followed its bankruptcy filing after a failed sale to Amazon in 2024.
• The Roomba Max 775 is iRobot’s most expensive post-acquisition release in the U.S., priced at $1,000.
• Early reviews highlight strong vacuuming and mopping performance but criticize noise, app bugs, and unreliable carpet detection.
• Competitors like Roborock, Dreame, and Ecovacs continue to dominate the robot vacuum market with more polished offerings.
• iRobot is addressing software issues with updates, but reliability remains a concern for potential buyers.

FAQ

What is the price of the Roomba Max 775 Combo Robot + AutoWash Dock?

The Roomba Max 775 Combo Robot + AutoWash Dock is priced at $1,000, making it iRobot’s most expensive U.S. release since its acquisition by Picea Robotics.

How does the Roomba Max 775 perform in reviews?

Early reviews praise its vacuuming and mopping performance but criticize its noise levels, buggy app, and unreliable carpet detection.

Who acquired iRobot and when?

iRobot was acquired by Picea Robotics, a Chinese robot vacuum manufacturer, in January 2026. The acquisition followed iRobot’s bankruptcy filing in 2024.

How does the Roomba Max 775 compare to competitors?

The Roomba Max 775 performs well in cleaning but struggles with reliability and user experience, areas where competitors like Roborock, Dreame, and Ecovacs have established stronger reputations.

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