iRobot Roomba s9+ vs. iRobot Roomba j7+: A Detailed Comparison

## iRobot Roomba s9+ vs iRobot Roomba j7+: An In-Depth Comparison

Choosing the right robot vacuum cleaner can seem like a big decision, especially with so many options on the market. Today, we’ll be doing an in-depth comparison of two of iRobot’s top competitors - the Roomba s9+ and the Roomba j7+. Both vacuum cleaners promise to keep your floors clean, but they each have their own benefits and features. Let’s take a look at the features of each robot.

First Impressions and Design

The Roomba s9+ attracts attention with its unique D-shaped design. This shape not only looks good, but also allows it to get into corners and edges more efficiently than traditional round robots. The s9+ looks premium, has a matte finish and a solid build. The clean base is larger than expected, which is great for automatically emptying trash cans. Setup was easy, the app prompted every step.

The Roomba j7+, on the other hand, has a more orthodox rounded design but looks modern and sturdy. The clean base is more compact, which is ideal when space is at a premium. As with the s9+, customization was simple but required downloading a separate app.

Cleaning Performance

When it comes to cleaning, the Roomba s9+ is a beast, especially on carpet. On high power, it boasts an impressive 22 CFM of suction, which is the highest of any robot vacuum cleaner I’ve seen. In one test, it sucked up 96% of the sand trapped in the carpet. The wide brush roll and D-shaped design greatly improves cleaning edges and corners. It also minimizes hair tangling. However, it can struggle with large debris and can be quite noisy, especially at maximum power.

The Roomba j7+ does particularly well on both hard floors and carpets. The patented dual brush roller design effectively rakes up hair and debris. The j7+ also features a front camera to help avoid obstacles, which is a big plus in cluttered homes. A nice bonus is the cleaning system with a metal lever that raises the mop to avoid carpeting. However, the cleaning hardware reduces navigation efficiency and can allow moisture to enter the brush roll housing.

Navigation and Mapping

The Rumba s9+ uses its camera to create a map of your home, allowing it to clean room by room and maintain multiple floors. It does a good job of this, but it’s not as accurate as a robot on wheels and can be a bit clumsy around obstacles. It also bumps into objects more often than I’d like. The s9+ can memorize up to 10 floor plans, which is useful if you have a multi-story house.

The Rumba j7+ also uses the front camera for navigation, and its software is constantly being updated. This helps avoid obstacles, but can make the robot less methodical when mapping. The j7+ also has a few useful features such as no-go zones, room-by-room cleaning schedules, and room-by-room zone options. However, the mapping is a bit clunky and the robot moves awkwardly when first turned on. It also sometimes fails to return to base or finish cleaning.

Self-Emptying Bins

Both Roomba s9+ and j7+ come with a self-emptying bin (clean base). The s9+ bases require replacement bags, which increases long-term costs. The bags last about 30 containers, so they need to be changed about once a month. The j7+ bases hold up to 60 days of waste, which is a significant advantage. The j7+ is also quieter than the s9+, making it suitable for home use.

Pros and Cons

Pros of Roomba s9+:

• Excellent deep carpet cleaning: Better than most other robot vacuums.
• Extremely powerful suction: High power and 22 CFM.
• Excellent cleaning of edges and corners: thanks to the D-shape and brush arrangement.
• Effective hair gripping: minimizes tangling of the brush roll.
• Intelligent mapping function: cleaning in every room and multi-floor compatibility.
• Self-cleaning container: provides convenience and reduces maintenance.

Disadvantages of Roomba s9+:

• Rather expensive: More expensive than most robot vacuums.
• Short battery life.
• High frequency of collisions with obstacles.
• Especially at maximum power.
• May not be able to handle large debris.
• Need to replace bags.

Pros of Roomba j7+:

• Excellent vacuuming performance: Both on hard floors and carpets.
• Patented dual brush roll design: Efficient suction of debris.
• Automatic trash container: Keeps trash out for up to 60 days, reducing maintenance time.
• Advanced obstacle avoidance system: utilizes front camera.
• Innovative cleaning system: metal lever and electric pump.
• Quieter operation: quieter than many competitors.

Disadvantages of Roomba j7+:

• Mop equipment makes navigation less efficient: Increased cleaning time.
• Water can get caught in the brush roll housing.
• Mapping can be clumsy: jerky movements during initial mapping.
• Despite improved obstacle avoidance, can still get stuck on some strange objects.
• Occasionally fails to return to base.

Final Thoughts

Roomba s9+ and j7+ are both great robot vacuums, but they fulfill different needs. The s9+ is a powerful vacuum cleaner that can clean deep into carpets, ideal for homes with carpets and pet hair. However, it has a premium price and navigation shortcomings. The j7+, on the other hand, offers a more balanced approach, excelling at cleaning both hard floors and carpets, with an advanced obstacle avoidance system and convenient automatic container emptying. It’s a great choice for those who need a versatile robot vacuum that can handle a wide variety of cleaning tasks. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.