iRobot Roomba j7+ vs s9+ (High End Robot Vacuums Comparison)
By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2023
iRobot Roomba j7+ is among the most recommended robot vacuums in the market, owing to its ability to detect and avoid obstacles and clean in a systematic pattern.
However, Roomba s9+ is so far the smartest and most powerful robot vacuum of iRobot, featuring even more advanced features and sophisticated technology.
How do these two models compare and what are the extra benefits of s9+ that might make it worth the extra money? Let's take a closer look at a few consideration aspects!
| Specs | Roomba j7+ | Roomba s9+ |
|---|---|---|
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | |
| Price | $529.99 | $649.99 |
| Dimensions | Width 13.3 in x Height 3.4 in | Width 12.25 in x Height 3.5 in |
| Weight | 7.49 lbs | 8.15 lbs |
| Suction | 10x Power-Lifting Suction | 40x Power-Lifting Suction |
| Dirt Detect Technology | Yes | Yes |
| Brush Type | Dual-Multi Surface | 30% wider Dual-Multi Surface |
| Edge Brushes | Yes | Yes, with 5 angled arms |
| Camera | Yes, front-facing | Yes, on top |
| Smart Mapping | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Out Zones | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Recharge & Resume | Yes | Yes |
| Self-Empty | Yes | Yes |
| PrecisionVision | Yes | No |
| PerfectEdge Technology | No | Yes |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant |
Key Takeaways
J7+ has 10x suction power while S9+ has more powerful 40x suction power. S9+ can also clean around obstacles, while J7+ only avoids obstacles. S9+ is also better at cleaning edges and corners with its special design, wider brush, and PerfectEdge technology.
iRobot Roomba j7+ (7550)
Best for Object Avoidance
✓ 10x Power-Lifting Suction
✓ Smart Mapping
✓ PrecisionNavigation to avoid pet waste, clutter, and other objects
✓ Works with Alexa & Google Assistant
iRobot Roomba s9+ (9550)
Best for Comprehensive Cleaning
✓ 40x Power-Lifting Suction
✓ Smart Mapping
✓ 30% wider brushes and PerfectEdge technology to clean corners and wall edges
✓ Works with Alexa & Google Assistant
#1 Price
iRobot Roomba j7+
The Roomba s9+ is significantly more expensive than the Roomba j7+. It was originally priced at $999.99, but the price has recently dropped to $649.99. On the other hand, the Roomba j7+ was priced at $779.99 when it was first released, but now it is available for $529.99.
#2 Design
iRobot Roomba j7+ (Top) vs s9+ (Bottom)
The Roomba j7+ has a circular shape, while the s9+ is a fusion of a rectangle and semicircle, a special design for maximizing cleaning efficiency in corners and along walls. Such a design makes the s9+ a better fit for cleaning edges.
However, the s9+ is heavier at 8.5 lbs and slightly taller with a height of 3.5 inches. On the other hand, the j7+ weighs 7.49 lbs and is 3.4 inches tall.
Both models are equipped with cliff sensors and Wall Follow Sensors to help them navigate around the house and detect obstacles as well as staircases.
#3 Cleaning Performance
iRobot Roomba j7+
iRobot Roomba j7+ uses 3-Stage Cleaning System to clean carpets and hard floors effectively, and it features Dirt Detect technology that can identify areas with a higher concentration of dirt and clean them more thoroughly.
Its Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes use one brush to loosen dirt and the other to pick it up, effectively working together to clean pet hair, dust, and debris. The brushes can also adjust to different floor types and avoid getting tangled with pet hair. In addition, the Edge-Sweeping Brush help to clean corners and edges even further.
Roomba s9+, on the other hand, has a more powerful cleaning system. While the j7+ has 10x suction power compared to the Roomba 600 series, the s9+ is much more powerful with 40x suction power. Its Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes are also 30% wider, allowing it to clean larger areas more quickly and efficiently.
iRobot Roomba s9+
Equipped with advanced sensors and a corner brush featuring five angled arms, the Roomba s9+ also uses PerfectEdge technology to effectively clean corners and wall edges. This innovative feature enables the vacuum to grab dirt and debris from deep corners and along the wall to direct it into the cleaning path for efficient removal.
#4 Smart Features
iRobot Roomba j7+
The iRobot Roomba j7+ and s9+ share a few common smart features that make cleaning your home a hassle-free experience, including:
• Smart Mapping. After cleaning a space multiple times, both robots can understand the layout of your home and create a map to improve their cleaning efficiency. You can later edit the maps and label rooms to suit your needs.
• Targeted Cleaning. With the map, you can ask the robot to clean a specific room or area, and the robot will do so with precision. For example, when you have a spill under the kitchen, you can tell the robot to clean only that area.
• Keep Out Zones. You can draw virtual boundaries on the map to keep the robot out of certain areas, rooms, or objects such as fragile decorations or pet food bowls.
iRobot Roomba s9+
• Voice Control. Both the j7+ and s9+ are compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, so you can simply use voice commands to control the robot vacuums.
• Schedules. You can manually create cleaning schedules for specific areas at specific times. Upon learning your cleaning habits and preferences, the robots will suggest personalized cleaning schedules for you, and you can approve or edit them as needed.
• Smart Recharge & Resume. When the battery gets low, the robot will automatically return to its charging dock and resume cleaning where it left off after charging.
• Self-Emptying Dustbin. Both the j7+ and s9+ come with a unique Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal that can hold up to 60 days of dirt, dust, and hair. This means, the robot can clean up after itself, emptying its bin into the enclosed bag which you'll need to empty only once in 60 days.
iRobot Roomba s9+
• Automatic Cleaning when Away. Using the geolocation feature on your phone, you can set both models to automatically start cleaning when you leave and stop when you come home, ensuring you always come back to a clean home effortlessly.
• Compatible with Braava Jet m6 Robot Mop. If you want a more comprehensive cleaning solution, you can purchase the Braava Jet m6 Robot Mop, which will team up with both the j7+ and s9+ in a perfect sequence to first vacuum and then mop your floors.
iRobot Roomba j7+
One feature that makes the j7+ stand out is its PrecisionVision Navigation, which recognizes objects of all sizes to avoid collisions with obstacles like cords and pet waste. This way, there will be less pick-up needed before cleaning starts. In addition, when the j7+ detects an object, it will send you a photo notification on your phone so you can tell the robot to avoid or clean around the obstacle in the future.
While the j7+ avoids objects and clutters, the s9+ cleans around the objects for a more comprehensive and detailed cleaning. With Careful Drive Mode, the s9+ uses a 3D sensor to detect objects taller than 2.5 cm in its path, then cleans around them without jostling or nudging. This gives the s9+ more advantage than the j7+ when it comes to cleaning around cluttered spaces and obstacles with precision.
iRobot Roomba j7+ vs s9+
Final Thoughts
iRobot Roomba s9+
Both the iRobot Roomba j7+ and s9+ are excellent robot vacuums with advanced features and sophisticated technology.
At a higher price, the s9+ delivers a more powerful cleaning performance and additional smart features for a comprehensive and hassle-free cleaning experience. It is a perfect suit for people with larger, messy, and cluttered homes where there is more dirt and debris to clean up.
On the other hand, the j7+ is a more affordable option that still delivers an excellent cleaning performance and a good set of smart features. Its PrecisionVision Navigation makes it a great choice for people who want to keep the robot away from pet waste, clutters, and other obstacles.
If you like to read more about Robot Vacuum Cleaners, check out our other relevant guides here:
The Best Robot Vacuums 2023
4 Best Robots that Mop and Vacuum (Pros & Cons)
Best Robot Vacuum Cleaners for Pet Hair
iRobot Roomba i3 vs j7
iRobot Roomba i7 vs j7
Roborock S7 vs Q7: Better Mop vs Better Vacuum
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