Which is better for pet hair?

The Roomba Plus 505. Its 7,000 Pa suction and edge-extending pads handle pet hair on hard floors and carpet better, and the dock washes the pads so hair does not build up on them. The j5+ is rated for pets too, but its weaker motor and carried pad do less.

Is the 505 worth the extra money?

At recent prices, yes. The 505 has sold for $215.99 to $220.50, close to the j5+'s $256.97 at WoodArtSupply as of November 7, 2026. For that gap you get much stronger suction and a dock that washes and dries the mop pads.

Which one mops better?

The 505. Its spinning pads extend into corners, lift over carpet, and get washed and heat-dried in the dock. The j5+ drags a single pad and you remove or swap it yourself.

Neither is quiet, but the 505 draws complaints about noise in buyer feedback. The j5+ has no published noise figure either, so treat both as best run while you are out.

Will either fit under low furniture?

The j5+ will. It is 3.4 in tall versus 4.2 in for the 505, so the j5+ slides under low couches and beds that the 505 cannot clear.

Which has better battery life?

The 505. It runs about 3 hours on a removable lithium-ion battery and charges in about 4 hours. The j5+ is rated at 60 minutes.

iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ vs iRobot Roomba Plus 505 Combo

The Roomba Plus 505 is the better machine: stronger suction, a dock that washes and heat-dries its mop pads, and better navigation. The Combo j5+ is the cheaper buy and still self-empties, but its mopping is basic and its 4.0 rating trails the 505's 4.3. On price, the j5+ is $256.97 at WoodArtSupply as of November 7, 2026, while the 505 has ranged from $215.99 on November 2 to $220.50 on November 3, 2026. Buy the 505 if the gap stays near $220; it is the better value at that price.

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