iRobot Roomba j9+ vs i7+

By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2023

iRobot offers a range of robot vacuums to fit any budget or lifestyle. The Roomba i7+ is one of the mid-range models, while the Roomba j9+ is the latest model catering to upper mid-range buyers. How do these two models compare in terms of price, design, cleaning performance, and features? Let's find out.

Specs	iRobot Roomba j9+	iRobot Roomba i7+
	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon
Price	$899.99	$799.99
Dimensions	3.4 x 13.7 x 13.7 in	3.6 x 13.3 x 13.3 in
Weight	8.98 lbs	7.44 lbs
Camera	Yes, front-facing	Yes, on top
Suction	100% stronger Power-Lifting Suction	Power-Lifting Suction
Brush Type	Dual Multi-Surface	Dual Multi-Surface
Edge Brushes	Yes	Yes
Dirt Detect Technology	No	Yes
Dirt Detective	Yes	No
2 Cleaning Passes	Yes	No
PrecisionVision Navigation	Yes	No
Careful Drive Mode	Yes	No
Smart Mapping	Yes	Yes
Keep Out Zones	Yes	Yes
Self-Empty	Yes	Yes
Voice Control	Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant	Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant

Key Takeaways

Roomba j9+ is better with 100% stronger suction power than the i7+. It also comes with PrecisionVision Navigation that detects and avoids obstacles and pet waste, while the i7+ doesn't offer this feature. Roomba j9+ features Dirt Detective to create a cleaning plan that prioritizes the dirtiest room first, while the i7+ features Dirt Detect to extra-clean high-dirt areas as it navigates around your home.

On our list

#1 Price

#2 Design

#3 Cleaning Performance

#4 Smart Features

iRobot Roomba j9+

Advanced Cleaning and Object Avoidance

✓ 3-Stage Cleaning
✓ Dirt Detective
✓ 2 Cleaning Pass
✓ PrecisionVision Navigation

Buy on Amazon

iRobot Roomba i7+

Essential Home Cleaning

✓ 3-Stage Cleaning
✓ Dirt Detect
✓ Imprint Smart Mapping
✓ Self-Empty

Buy on Amazon

#1 Price

iRobot Roomba i7+

Roomba j9+ is priced at US$899.99. With this price, you'll get the robot vacuum, Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, an extra high-efficiency filter, an extra dirt disposal bag, and a line cord. If you want a vacuum with an additional mopping capability, you might want to opt for the Roomba Combo j9+ which is priced at US$1399.99.

Roomba i7+, on the other hand, is more affordable at US$799.99. It comes with the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, several AllergenLock Dirt Disposal Bags, an extra high-efficiency filter, an extra side brush, and a line cord.

#2 Design

iRobot Roomba j9+

Roomba j9+ and i7+ have a similar round shape, but the j9+ looks more elegant and premium with its champagne gold finish, while the i7+ has a simpler black finish. The j9+ also has its camera located on the front bumper, while the camera in the Roomba i7+ is located on top of the robot. This provides the j9+ with a better view of the floor and obstacles ahead, enhancing its navigation capabilities.

Roomba j9+ is also shorter with 3.4 inches in height and 13.7 inches in width, compared to the Roomba i7+ which measures 3.6 inches in height and 13.3 inches in width. A shorter robot can navigate more easily under low furniture and tight spaces.

#3 Cleaning Performance

iRobot Roomba i7+

Both the Roomba j9+ and i7+ offer a 3-Stage Cleaning System, which combines Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes that adjust to different floor types and avoid getting tangled with pet hair, an Edge-Sweeping Brush to clean edges and corners, and a Power-Lifting Suction to ensure a thorough cleaning.

However, the Roomba j9+ has an upgraded motor that provides 100% stronger suction power than the Roomba i7+, making it more effective in picking up dirt, debris, and pet hair.

iRobot Roomba j9+

For a more comprehensive cleaning, the Roomba j9+ also features 2 Cleaning Passes, which uses advanced navigation to clean your home in neat and efficient rows with overlapping passes.

Dirt Detective, a feature in the Roomba j9+, learns past cleaning patterns to create an effective cleaning plan that automatically prioritizes cleaning the dirtiest room first. On the other hand, the Roomba i7+ features Dirt Detect technology, which uses sensors to detect areas with high dirt concentration and provides extra cleaning in those areas.

#4 Smart Features

iRobot Roomba j9+

Both the Roomba j9+ and i7+ are equipped with a range of smart features to make your cleaning experience more convenient. First and foremost, both models can learn your home layout and build a map of it, making it possible for you to set up Keep Out Zones, schedule cleanings, and monitor the cleaning process through the iRobot Home app.

Both models also come with a Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, a dock that empties the robot's bin automatically after cleaning, making it more convenient for you. The disposal bag can hold up to 60 days of dirt, dust, and pet hair, so you don't have to worry about emptying the bin frequently.

iRobot Roomba i7+

Voice control is another feature that both models share. Amazon Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant are supported in both models, so you can control your robot vacuum hands-free with voice commands.

One advantage that the Roomba j9+ has over the i7+ is its smart navigation features. With the PrecisionVision Navigation, the j9+ can identify and avoid obstacles like shoes, socks, cords, and even pet waste. This means, picking-up and pre-cleaning messes before the robot's cleaning session is no longer necessary, and you can let the robot do its job without worrying about it getting stuck or damaging itself.

Careful Drive Mode is also available in the j9+, allowing the robot to expertly maneuver around furniture and navigate along walls in a way that will give you peace of mind.