Roomba J7 VS S9 | The Two Best Roombas Compared

Are you tired of vacuuming your house every day? Do you dread the idea of having to move furniture and vacuum under it? Well, help is on the way.

Roomba, the robotic vacuum cleaner, is here to take care of all your vacuuming needs. 

In this post will compare two of their very best models, the Roomba J7 vs S9 so that you can decide which of these premium robotic vacuums is the right one for you.

*The product links in this post are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase after following one, I make a small commission from the sale at no additional cost to you. Please see our disclosure page for more information.

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At a glance

iRobot Roomba s9+
iRobot Roomba j7+
iRobot Roomba s9+ Self Emptying Robot Vacuum - Empties Itself for 60 Days, Detects & Cleans Around...
iRobot Roomba j7+ (7550) Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum – Avoids Common Obstacles Like Socks, Shoes,...
Brand
iRobot
iRobot
Color
Black
Graphite
Suction Power
40x
10x
Navigation
vSLAM
PrecisionVision
Surface Recommendation
Carpet
Carpet
Dual Multi-Surface Brushes
Rubber Brushes
Rubber Brushes
Controller Type
Vera, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
Voice Control, Amazon Alexa
Battery Cell
Lithium Ion
Lithium Ion
Navigation in Neat Rows
Recharge and Resume
Automatic Dirt Disposal
Specialized Corner Clean
-
-
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
iRobot Roomba s9+
iRobot Roomba s9+ Self Emptying Robot Vacuum - Empties Itself for 60 Days, Detects & Cleans Around...
Brand
iRobot
Color
Black
Suction Power
40x
Navigation
vSLAM
Surface Recommendation
Carpet
Dual Multi-Surface Brushes
Rubber Brushes
Controller Type
Vera, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
Battery Cell
Lithium Ion
Navigation in Neat Rows
Recharge and Resume
Automatic Dirt Disposal
Specialized Corner Clean
-
Amazon Prime
iRobot Roomba j7+
iRobot Roomba j7+ (7550) Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum – Avoids Common Obstacles Like Socks, Shoes,...
Brand
iRobot
Color
Graphite
Suction Power
10x
Navigation
PrecisionVision
Surface Recommendation
Carpet
Dual Multi-Surface Brushes
Rubber Brushes
Controller Type
Voice Control, Amazon Alexa
Battery Cell
Lithium Ion
Navigation in Neat Rows
Recharge and Resume
Automatic Dirt Disposal
Specialized Corner Clean
-
Amazon Prime

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The quick answer

Both are great vacuums, but on most parameters, it is the s9+ that comes out on top. This is mainly due to the superior suction power and the smart mapping technology.

If you have pets and a lot of furniture, then the s-series is probably a better choice for you – although it comes with a correspondingly heftier price tag with bundles.

The j-series offers better value for money if you’re looking for something that’s easy to operate and doesn’t require too much babysitting. It’s perfect for busy people or those with allergies.

The bottom line is that if you’re looking for a powerful, reliable robot vacuum cleaner that can cope with even the messiest of pets, then the iRobot Roomba s-series is your best bet.

But if you’re after something a bit more budget-friendly and don’t have as many obstacles in your way, the j-series will do just fine.

Product Overviews

iRobot Roomba s9+

iRobot Roomba s9+ Self Emptying Robot Vacuum - Empties Itself for 60 Days, Detects & Cleans Around...

Looking for a robot vacuum cleaner that can handle even the biggest pet hair messes? Look no further than the iRobot Roomba s9+. This powerful machine has 40x the suction power of other models, making it perfect for dealing with deep-seated debris and pet hair.

The 3-Stage Cleaning System’s three stages include lifting, loosening, and eliminating dirt and pet hair from your carpets.

While PerfectEdge Technology with super sensors ensures that every corner and edge is thoroughly cleaned.

Plus, the specially designed Corner Brush prevents tangling with pet hair. The unique design allows it to be 30% wider, with two multi-surface rubber brushes that don’t tangle with pet hair.

Its vSLAM navigation system maps your space and learns the layout, so it can better clean your home. With Careful Drive Mode, the s9+ detects objects in its path and avoids them.

And if you need it to take care of a mess quickly, simply ask your voice assistant or use the iRobot Home app to get it started.

With the help of Smart Mapping technology, your Roomba will remember your home’s layout and optimize its cleaning each time it runs.

Customized routines and maps, from which you may entirely customize everything, give you complete control. Personalized cleaning recommendations assist you in keeping up with spills.

So if you’re looking for a robot vacuum cleaner that can cope with even the messiest pets, look no further than the iRobot Roomba s9+.

  • 40x suction power helps lift and remove stubborn dirt and pet hair.
  • PerfectEdge Technology for thorough cleaning of corners and edges.
  • vSLAM navigation system maps your space, so it can clean better each time it runs.
  • Effective for pet hair due to high suction power.
CROSS
  • It can be noisy (especially when operating in max mode).
  • The price is on the high side, but you get what you pay for with this little robot! It’s worth every penny.
  • Has trouble navigating if your house is loaded with too much furniture.
  • Cleaning performance on rugs is average but passable.
Sale
iRobot Roomba s9+ (9550) Robot Vacuum
iRobot Roomba s9+ (9550) Robot Vacuum with Automatic Dirt Disposal- Empties itself, Wi-Fi Connected, Vera, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, vSLAM Navigation, Perfect Edge Technology, Smart Mapping, Powerful Suction, Corners & Edges, Ideal for Pet Hair, Black.

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

iRobot Roomba j7+

iRobot Roomba j7+ (7550) Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum – Avoids Common Obstacles Like Socks, Shoes,...

The Roomba j7+ robot vacuum has been enhanced with iRobot Genius Technology and PrecisionVision Navigation, making it smarter and easier to use than ever before. This powerful machine can recognize and avoid common objects in its way, so you don’t have to worry about things like cords or pet waste.

In fact, it is currently the only iRobot brings you P.O.O.P. (Pet Owner Official Promise). You can rely on your Roomba j7+ to avoid pet waste, or they offer to replace it for free. I can only assume they mean replacing the robot for free, not the pet waste.

Plus, the Imprint Smart Mapping function allows you to schedule smartly. The j-series robots have been designed with a new edge sweeping brush that helps them clean close to walls and furniture.

This powerful little machine is packed with features to help you get your cleaning done quickly and easily. With its personalized cleaning suggestions, the Roomba j7+ can adjust to whatever situation you’re in – whether you’re dealing with pet hair or allergies.

The app is really neat because it allows you to follow Roomba while it’s cleaning your home. Even if you’re not at home while Roomba is cleaning, the map lets you know what it has cleaned. It will also notify you when she docks, empties, or gets stuck.

And don’t worry about emptying it yourself – the Dust bin empties itself into the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal so you never have to touch a dirty bag again! You’ll love how easy it is to keep your hardwood floors clean with this little guy!

So bring home the Roomba j7+ today, and say goodbye to tedious housework!

TICK-1
  • PrecisionVision Navigation and iRobot Genius Technology make it smarter and easier to use than ever before.
  • It’s able to anticipate and avoid common items on its path.
  • The Smart Mapping option allows you to plan ahead.
  • It cleans close to walls and furniture thanks to the use of edge-sweeping brushes.
  • When you’re out of the house, it uses your phone’s geolocation tools to determine when you’ve departed and the cleaning is finished when on one’s there.
CROSS
  • Not as powerful as some of the s series models.
  • Doesn’t come with a robot mop.
  • Has trouble in cleaning corners, unlike the latest models.
  • The app needs some more updating to perform efficiently.
  • The sensor needs some more firmware upgrades on the dirt detect technology.
Sale
iRobot Roomba j7+ (7550) Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
iRobot Roomba j7+ (7550) Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum, Identifies and Avoids Obstacles Like Pet Waste & Cords, Empties Itself for 60 Days, Smart Mapping, Voice Control, 10x Power-Lifting Suction, Works with Alexa, Ideal for Pet Hair, Graphite.

Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Side by side comparison

Key features of the Roomba J7+ and S9+ that are shared:

Dual Multi-Surface Brushes

Both the J series and S series have two side brushes that help to clean edges and corners. It also helps to agitate and loosen dirt particles so they can be sucked up by the vacuum.

These brushes also adjust to different floor types which gives your floors a good clean.

Filtration

Both the J series and S series have pretty good filters. This means that 99% of particles as small as 0.7 microns are captured and removed from the air.

So, if you suffer from allergies or asthma, then these robot vacuums will be great for you as they will help to improve the air quality in your home.

Recharge and Resume

Both vacuums have the ability to recharge and resume cleaning. So, if it runs out of battery power while cleaning, it will automatically recharge and then continue where it left off. This is a really handy feature as you don’t have to keep restarting the vacuum every time it runs out of power.

Auto-Adjust Cleaning Head

The cleaning head on both vacuums auto-adjusts depending on the type of floor you are cleaning. This gives your floors a more consistently clean & helps to prevent any damage. This is a great feature as you don’t have to worry about adjusting the height of the vacuum yourself.

Spot Cleaning

Both the J series and S series have the ability to do spot cleaning. So, if there is a particularly dirty or dusty area that needs attention, you can simply press a button and the vacuum will focus its efforts on that specific area.

iRobot Roomba s9+ robot vacuum cleaning dirt deeply from carpet

Compatible with voice assistants

Both the J series and S series are compatible with voice assistants. This means that you can control them using your voice. For example, you could say “Alexa, start cleaning” and the vacuum will start automatically.

Ability to create favorite routines

Both the J series and S series allow you to create your own cleaning routines. This means that you can choose which tasks the vacuum will carry out and when. For example, you could have it clean every day at lunchtime or only on weekends.

You can also set it to run automatically after a certain amount of time has passed since it was last used. This is a really handy feature as it means you don’t have to keep pressing buttons every time you want the vacuum to start cleaning.

Auto Dirt Disposal

The Roomba J series and S series have an auto dirt disposal system that whisks away dirt and debris as you clean. This leaves your floors virtually spotless.

iRobot Roomba j7+ robot vacuum emptying itself into the cleaning base automatic dirt disposal with enclosed bags

Key Differences

The Roomba J series and S series are both great robotic vacuum cleaners. They both have a lot of features that make them stand out from the competition. However, there are a few key differences between the two vacuums that you should be aware of before making your decision.

Pet Waste detection

j7+ is able to dodge pet waste thanks to its PrecisionVision Navigation; S9+ on the other hand doesn’t have this feature. This makes the j7+ a better option for people with pets.

Suction Power

While the s9+ has a suction power of 40x, the j7+ has a power that is only 10x better than the previous model. This may not be a big deal for some people, but if you are looking for the most powerful vacuum possible, then the S series is definitely the way to go. Also having more suction power generally means that the vacuum can clean better and faster.

Cleaning Path

The cleaning path of the S series is wider than the J series. This means that it can cover a larger area in less time. So, if you are looking for a vacuum that can get the job done quickly, then the S series is definitely the one to choose.

Price

The Roomba J series is slightly cheaper than the S series. However, keep in mind that you may not get all of the features that are available with the more expensive S series. But the difference is only when you’re looking for a bundle. Without bundles, both models cost the same.

Mapping

The J series and S series both come with different navigations. But both do a relatively similar job in terms of efficient mapping.

This means that the vacuum cleaner will map out your home before it starts cleaning. This helps to ensure that every inch of your floor is cleaned properly.

iRobot Roomba s9+ smart mapping robot vacuum knows where your kitchen and living room

FAQs

Is the Roomba s9 loud?

The Roomba S series is a bit louder than the J series. So, if you are looking for a vacuum that is relatively quiet, then the J series may be a better option for you.

Does Roomba j7 map multiple floors?

Yes, both the Roomba S and J series work on multiple floors. However, it is important to note that they may cause some damage to your floor if it is not configured correctly.

Can I use the Roomba s-series with pets?

Yes, the Roomba S series is able to be used with pets. However, you may need to adjust the cleaning power depending on how much hair your pets shed.

Can I use the Roomba s-series if I have allergies?

Yes, you can use the Roomba S series if you have allergies. However, it is important to note that allergens may still be released into the air as you vacuum.

Does Roomba j7 work in the dark?

No, unfortunately, the Roomba J series does not work in the dark. In fact, even the s9+ will have some trouble working in the dark. This is because the vacuum needs light to be able to see where it is going.

Does the Roomba j-series come with virtual walls?

Yes, both the Roomba J and S series come with virtual walls. These are wall barriers that help to keep the vacuum cleaner from wandering into unwanted areas.

When was the Roomba j7 released?

The Roomba J7+ was released in September 2021.

When was the Roomba s9 released?

The s9+ was released in June 2019

Final thoughts

So, which vacuum is right for you? If you are looking for a powerful vacuum with a wide cleaning path, then the Roomba S series is definitely the one to choose. However, if you are on a budget, then the Roomba J series may be a better option for you.

Whichever model you choose, you can be sure that you’ll get high-end robot vacuums that will help to keep your floors clean and free of dirt and dust.

About the author

Emma Marie is a valued writer at the Little Robot Shop. She studied robotics and deeply understands technology, which shows in her writing.  She consistently produces high-quality content, making her a perfect fit for the Little Robot Shop team.

While not writing, Emma works in a popular electronics retail chain. Emma also enjoys running and has two dogs with whom she loves spending time.

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