Why you should probably avoid a Roomba robot vacuum cleaner this Black Friday, and what to buy instead

iRobot, long seen as the company that put robot vacuums on the map, could collapse within weeks due to a recent filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission
| IROBOT PRESS OFFICEAll products and promotions are independently selected by our experts. To help us provide free impartial advice, we will earn an affiliate commission if you buy something. Click here to learn more
iRobot is facing serious financial issues
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iRobot, long seen as the company that put Roomba robot vacuums on the map, could collapse within weeks.
Robot vacuums are battery-powered devices that use sensors, brushes, and suction to clean floors with minimal, if any, intervention.
A recent filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission reveals that iRobot's "financial condition continues to decline" and warns the company "may be unable to secure the additional funding needed to continue [its] operations" without an extension on its loan waiver.
This means if you're thinking of buying a robot vacuum, purchasing from iRobot may not be the best option right now. Should the company fold, you'd have no access to customer service, repairs, or replacements if your device breaks down.
However, other companies like Eufy and Roborock have designed similar models with features that compete with the original brand. They've even secured a top spot in the best robot vacuums in the UK.
If you're looking to buy one of these powerful bots to tackle the cleaning so you can multitask on holiday preparations, relax with family, or simply enjoy the season’s cheer, Roborock is still running its Black Friday promotions until 11:59pm tonight.
Get £160 off the Q7 L5+ robot vacuum cleaner from Amazon

Experience powerful cleaning with 8,000Pa suction power, effortlessly lifting dust and debris from any surface. The Dual Anti-Tangle System keeps brushes clear of hair for smooth performance, while the brand's navigation system maps your home with precision for efficient coverage. Like its other models, it also self-empties, so it's one less thing you need to worry about while cleaning
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Roborock Q7 L5+ robot vacuum cleaner with mop
$349.99
$189.99
The Roborock Q7 L5+ may be a great option if you don't need all the bells and whistles associated with the more premium models, but still want a thorough automatic cleaning experience.
Experience powerful cleaning with 8,000Pa suction power, effortlessly lifting dust and debris from any surface. The Dual Anti-Tangle System keeps brushes clear of hair for smooth performance, while the brand's navigation system maps your home with precision for efficient coverage.
Through the customisable Roborock app, you can set cleaning zones, schedules, and preferences tailored to your lifestyle.
Plus, the RockDock Plus Auto-Empty Dock automatically collects dust and debris, providing weeks of hands-free cleaning convenience and a consistently spotless living space.
Save £320 on the Roborock QV 35S robot vacuum cleaner from Amazon
Get £250 off the Roborock QV 35S robot vacuum cleaner from AmazonThe QV 35S redefines hands-free home cleaning with a HyperForce suction, dual anti-tangle brushes, and spinning, liftable mops to help give you spotless floors. It's an all-in-one dock that also handles auto-emptying, mop washing, drying, and water refills, delivering up to seven weeks of worry-free cleaning with minimal intervention. [countdown-2025-12-02]
Roborock QV 35S
$699
$379
The Roborock QV 35S redefines hands-free home cleaning with a HyperForce suction, dual anti-tangle brushes, and spinning, liftable mops to help give you spotless floors.
In fact, it secured the top spot on our list of best robot vacuum cleaners in the UK.
It's an all-in-one dock that also handles auto-emptying, mop washing, drying, and water refills, delivering up to seven weeks of worry-free cleaning with minimal intervention.
Powered by Reactive Tech obstacle avoidance and PreciSense LiDAR navigation, it maps your home with precision and adapts intelligently to different floors, so you don't have to worry about it bumping into your furniture along the way. You can control everything through the Roborock app for a fully customizable cleaning experience, and it runs up to 180 minutes on a single charge.
On Roborock’s online site, you’ll find several additional robot vacuums on sale to support a variety of needs. Whether you’re looking for a model equipped with a mechanical arm to move obstacles out of the way or a more entry-level option designed to pick up dust and debris efficiently, there’s something to suit.

iRobot gambled on a complete overhaul of its product range in March 2025, scrapping its existing models entirely
| IROBOT PRESS OFFICEiRobot's financial crisis follows a particularly difficult period for the company. Its troubles stem partly from a collapsed deal with Amazon. The US retail giant attempted to purchase the company in 2024, but European Union regulators blocked the acquisition.
Following this setback, iRobot reduced its operations. The company gambled on a complete overhaul of its product range in March 2025, scrapping its existing models entirely. Although they haven't had the most positive reviews.
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