## iRobot Roomba s9+ vs. Eureka J20: Detailed Comparison
Choosing the right robot vacuum cleaner can seem like a daunting task, especially with so many options available. Today, we’re going to compare two high-end models: the iRobot Roomba s9+ and the Eureka J20. Both promise to make your floors spotlessly clean, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a look at what each robot has to offer.
iRobot Roomba s9+
The Roomba s9+ is often referred to as a luxury option, and for good reason. The Roomba s9+ has a unique D-shape that not only looks great, but also allows it to perfectly suck air from corners and nooks and crannies. This is a big plus for those who don’t like dust hiding in hard to reach places. The s9+ also has great deep carpet cleaning capabilities. In one test, I was genuinely amazed to see that it sucked up 96% of embedded sand. Of all the robot vacuums I’ve used, this is the first one that I’m convinced can do deep cleaning instead of a regular vacuum cleaner. The suction power is also noteworthy: 22 CFM on high power. This is a real powerhouse of a machine. The automatic dust collector is also a lifesaver. It automatically empties after every cleaning, and the bag lasts for about 30 cleanings, so you only need to change it once a month or so. This makes the robot seem more autonomous.
However, the Roomba s9+ is not without its drawbacks. Being a premium investment, it costs significantly more than other robot vacuum cleaners. Battery life can be short, especially if the house is large, and it can be quite noisy, especially on maximum power. Navigation is generally good, but it can be a bit clunky: sometimes it can’t handle large debris and makes crunching noises. Also, having to change bags for the self-unloading bases adds to the long-term costs.
Advantages of Roomba s9+:
- Excellent deep carpet cleaning: Better than most other robot vacuums.
- Extremely powerful suction: 22 CFM on high power.
- Excellent cleaning of edges and corners: thanks to the D-shaped design and brush arrangement.
- Efficient hair collection: minimizes brush roll tangling.
- Smart mapping function: Cleaning every room and multi-floor compatibility.
- Self-cleaning container (clean base): Provides convenience and reduces maintenance.
Disadvantages of Roomba s9+:
- Quite expensive: makes it a premium investment.
- Short battery life: Requires recharging and the need to restart in larger homes compared to some competitors.
- More frequent collisions with obstacles compared to robot riders.
- Especially at maximum power.
- May have difficulty with large debris: makes crunching sound.
- Need to replace the bag.
Eureka J20
The Eureka J20 takes a different approach, focusing on comprehensive cleaning that includes both vacuuming and mopping. Its distinguishing feature is the mop system with a refresh roller. Instead of just dragging a wet rag through, the J20 uses a roller brush that constantly sweeps the floor with fresh water, separating the dirty water. This is a breakthrough for those who are tired of robotic mops that just spray dirty water in all directions. With 17 Newtons of pressure, it can also scrub sticky areas of the floor. The suction power is also impressive at 8000 PA, and it automatically increases on carpets. You can vacuum carpets and clean hard floors at the same time without getting the carpet wet. The all-in-one base station is also very useful: it automatically cleans the mop, refills water, drains waste and dries it with warm air.
However, the Eureka J20 isn’t perfect either. The app can be slow and laggy, which can be frustrating when trying to set a cleaning schedule. The map may not be accurate at first, so it takes several runs to fully map the house. The robot’s water tank capacity may not be sufficient for large areas, and water needs to be refilled after each cleaning. Also, the instructions are not always clear, especially regarding the mop pad and how to use it. It is especially difficult to connect to a Wi-Fi network.
Benefits of Eureka J20:
- Innovative RollRenew cleaning system: Continuously cleans the floor with fresh water and a roller brush to separate dirty water.
- Powerful downward pressure of 17 Newtons: for efficient scrubbing and cleaning.
- High suction power 8000 PA: with automatic carpet boosting function.
- Carpet vacuum and hard floor mop can be used simultaneously without wetting the carpet.
- Advanced obstacle avoidance system: dual vision AI, structured light and 3D recognition for seamless navigation.
- All-in-one base station: Automatically cleans the mop, refills water, removes debris and dries the mop with warm air.
Minuses of Eureka J20:
- Application can be slow and laggy: When.
- Mapping can be inaccurate at first: Requires multiple runs to fully map a house.
- The robot’s water tank capacity may not be sufficient.
- This is particularly true for the mop mat and its use.
- Difficulties with Wi-Fi connectivity, in particular.
Final Thoughts
The iRobot Roomba s9+ and Eureka J20 are impressive machines, but they accomplish different tasks. The Roomba s9+ is a powerful carpet cleaning machine, with exceptional suction and a handy automatic dust collector. However, it costs more and has some limitations in terms of battery life and navigation. The Eureka J20, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive cleaning solution with its innovative all-in-one mop and base station system. It’s a great option for those who want both vacuum and mop functionality, but it may require some patience with the app and initial setup. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities.