iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ vs Combo j7+
By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2023
iRobot Roomba j series vacuums are some of the most popular home cleaning technology. Combo j9+ and Combo j7+ models are both great options with vacuum and mop capabilities, but both have different features that may make one a better fit for your home than the other.In this article, we'll compare both vacuums across 4 aspects to help you make an informed decision on which one to buy.
| Specs | iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ | iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ |
|---|---|---|
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | |
| Price | $1399.99 | $999.99 |
| Dimensions | 3.4 x 13.7 x 13.7 in | 3.4 x 13.3 x 13.3 in |
| Weight | 37.5 lbs | 7.35 lbs |
| Camera | Yes, front-facing | Yes, front-facing |
| Suction | 20x Power-Lifting Suction | 10x Power-Lifting Suction |
| Brush Type | Dual Multi-Surface | Dual Multi-Surface |
| Edge Brushes | Yes | Yes |
| Dirt Detect Technology | No | Yes |
| Dirt Detective | Yes | No |
| Auto-Retract Mopping System | Yes | Yes |
| SmartScrub | Yes | No |
| 2 Cleaning Passes | Yes | No |
| PrecisionVision | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Mapping | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Out Zones | Yes | Yes |
| Self-Empty | Yes | Yes |
| Self-Refill | Yes | No |
| Voice Control | Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant | Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant |
Key Takeaways
Roomba Combo j9+ has 2x stronger suction than Combo j7+. It comes with a Clean Base dock which can self-empty bins and self-refill mop liquid, while Combo j7+'s Clean Base dock only self-empties. Combo j9+ also features Dirt Detective, while Combo j7+ features Dirt Detect technology.
iRobot Roomba Combo j9+
Advanced Robot Vacuum and Mop
✓ 4-Stage Cleaning
✓ Dirt Detective
✓ PrecisionVision Navigation
✓ Clean Base Auto-Fill Dock
iRobot Roomba Combo j7+
Smart Robot Vacuum and Mop
✓ 4-Stage Cleaning
✓ Dirt Detect
✓ PrecisionVision Navigation
✓ Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal
#1 Price
iRobot Roomba Combo j7+
As the newer version, Roomba Combo j9+ is more expensive at US$1399.99. With this price, you'll get the robot vacuum, Clean Base Auto-Fill Dock, 1 x Extra High-Efficiency Filter, 1 x Extra Edge-Sweeping Brush, 1 x Microfiber Mopping Pad, 1 x Extra Dirt Disposal Bag, and a line cord.
On the other hand, the Roomba Combo j7+ is priced at around US$999.99 and comes with the robot vacuum, Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, 1 x Dirt Disposal Bag, 1 x Extra Filter, 1 x Extra Edge-Sweeping Brush, 1 x Microfiber Mopping Pad, and a line cord.
#2 Design
iRobot Roomba Combo j9+
Roomba Combo j9+ and Combo j7+ have a similar design with a circular shape and a front-facing camera to help with navigation. Both have the same height of 3.4 inches, short enough to fit under most furniture for easy cleaning. However, the j9+ is much heavier at 37.5 lbs, compared to the j7+ which weighs 7.35 lbs.
Both robot vacuums come with a dock, known as Clean Base, which looks different significantly. The Clean Base of Roomba Combo j9+ is bulkier and larger, but it looks more premium with a wood veneer top to place decorative items on, making it integrate seamlessly with your furniture. This docking base also can store extra bags and mop pads, making it more convenient for you to keep everything in one place.
The Clean Base of Combo j7+, on the other hand, looks more like a typical robot vacuum dock and blends less seamlessly with your furniture. It also doesn't function as a storage unit for extra bags and mop pads, which means you'll need to store them separately.
#3 Cleaning Performance
iRobot Roomba Combo j9+
Both Roomba Combo j9+ and Combo j7+ offer a 4-Stage Cleaning System, which includes Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes, a Power-Lifting Suction, an Edge-Sweeping Brush, and simultaneous mopping. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose from 2 cleaning modes: vacuum only or simultaneous vacuum and mop.
During vacuum and mop mode, you don't have to worry about getting your carpet wet, as both robot vacuums can detect carpets and automatically lift the mop head to the top with the Auto-Retract Mopping System. This means, the robot can automatically set itself to vacuum only when it's on carpeted surfaces, and then switch back to vacuum and mop mode when it's on hard floors.
iRobot Roomba Combo j7+
When it comes to suction power, Roomba Combo j9+ is more powerful. The Combo j7+ has a 10x Power-Lifting Suction compared to the Roomba 600 series, while the Combo j9+ has a 100% stronger Power-Lifting Suction compared to the Roomba Combo i series. The Roomba i7+ has a 10x Power-Lifting Suction compared to the Roomba 600 series, which means that the Combo j9+ offers a 20x Power-Lifting Suction compared to the Roomba 600 series. In sum, the Combo j9+ is two times more powerful at picking up dirt and debris compared to the Combo j7+.
The Combo j9+ is also better at mopping stubborn stains thanks to its SmartScrub technology, which mops the floor back and forth with consistent 1.16 lbs of pressure for 2x deeper scrubbing. The Combo j7+ doesn't have this feature, but it also mops with a powerful 1.16 lbs of pressure for a thorough cleaning.
iRobot Roomba Combo j9+
The Combo j9+ also offers a 2 Cleaning Passes feature, which allows the robot the navigate your home in neat and efficient rows with overlapping passes for an even more thorough cleaning.
Another difference is that the Combo j9+ features Dirt Detective, which learns past cleaning patterns to automatically prioritize the dirtiest rooms and use the most optimal cleaning settings for each. The Combo j7+, on the other hand, features Dirt Detect technology, which automatically cleans harder when it comes across dirtier areas of your home.
#4 Smart Features
iRobot Roomba Combo j9+
Both Roomba Combo j9+ and Combo j7+ have the ability to learn and map your home, so you can easily set up schedules for specific areas or spot-clean any messes as soon as they happen, such as cleaning spilled cereal under the kitchen table. A map also allows you to set Keep Out Zones, which helps the robot avoid areas you don't want it to clean, such as your pet's feeding area or a pile of cords on the floor.
However, even without the Keep Out Zones, both robots are clever enough to detect and avoid objects in their way. The PrecisionVision Navigation helps both robot vacuums avoid obstacles on the floor like shoes, socks, cords, towels, and even pet waste. This way, there will be less pick-up and cleaning before you let your robot vacuum do its job.
iRobot Roomba Combo j7+
Roomba Combo j9+ and Combo j7+ also support voice commands via Amazon Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant, so you can control the robot easily with your voice. In the iRobot Home App, you can also adjust settings, receive personalized suggestions, and more.
One striking difference between both robot vacuums when it comes to smart features is their dock. The Clean Base Auto-Fill Dock of the Combo j9+ doesn't only auto-empty debris for up to 60 days but also auto-refills mop liquid for up to 30 days for a more autonomous cleaning. The Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal of the Combo j7+, on the other hand, only self-empties the debris, and you'll need to refill the liquid manually.
iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ vs Combo j7+
Final Thoughts
iRobot Roomba Combo j9+
Overall, the Roomba Combo j9+ offers more powerful cleaning performance with its 2x more powerful suction than the Combo j7+ with additional features like SmartScrub technology, 2 Cleaning Passes feature, Dirt Detective, and Clean Base Auto-Fill Dock.
However, the Combo j7+ can be a more affordable option if you don't need the additional features that come with the Combo j9+ and can settle for a less powerful suction.
If you like to read more about Robot Vacuum Cleaners, check out our other relevant guides here:
iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ vs Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra
iRobot Roomba j9+ vs s9+
iRobot Roomba j9+ vs i7+
iRobot Roomba j7 vs s9
iRobot Roomba i3 vs j7
iRobot Roomba i7 vs j7
Roborock S7 vs Q7
The Best Robot Vacuums 2023
4 Best Robots that Mop and Vacuum (Pros & Cons)
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