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iRobot Roomba j9+ Vacuum Review

Tested using Methodology v1.3
Reviewed Feb 23, 2024 at 10:11 am
Latest change: Retest Aug 26, 2024 at 04:02 pm
iRobot Roomba j9+ Picture
6.8
Bare Floor
7.2
Low-Pile Carpet
7.0
High-Pile Carpet
5.1
Pets
5.8
Stairs
4.9
Cars
4.4
Workshop

The iRobot Roomba j9+ is a premium robot vacuum. It's effectively an improved iRobot Roomba j7, with a slightly more powerful suction motor, a higher capacity battery, and a 'Dirt Detective' system, allowing the vacuum to prioritize cleaning areas with a heavier degree of soiling. Beyond that, it shares much with the j7+, including its self-empty capability, which allows it to transfer debris from its internal dustbin into a dirtbag inside its docking station, and its 'PrecisionVision' RGB camera-based navigation and real-time hazard recognition system that lets the vacuum spot, identify, and avoid hazards like pet waste or electrical cords in real-time.

Our Verdict

6.8 Bare Floor

The iRobot Roomba j9+ is okay for cleaning bare floors. It does a good job of cleaning small debris and pet hair, though it has a slightly harder time with debris along walls and in corners. It also feels very well-built, and its self-emptying capability helps reduce hands-on maintenance requirements. Unfortunately, its real-time hazard detection system is prone to false positives, and despite having a relatively advanced mapping system, it can miss cleaning some parts of your floor.

Pros
  • Premium build quality.
  • Self-emptying capability eases hands-on maintenance requirements.
  • Quiet operation.
  • Good overall debris pickup on bare floors.
Cons
  • Inconsistent, unpredictable pathing.
  • Dirt Detective system is too quick to cut suction power.
  • Relative paucity of automation features compared to peers.
  • Basic j9+ model lacks a mopping system.
7.2 Low-Pile Carpet

The iRobot Roomba j9+ is a decent option for cleaning low-pile carpet. It does an okay job of dealing with various types of debris on this surface type, and its self-emptying feature also helps ease hands-on maintenance requirements. It looks and feels amazingly well-built, too. Unfortunately, while it does boast a real-time hazard avoidance system, it's prone to false positives, and its camera-based mapping system is slower than equivalents equipped with LIDAR. It also lacks overall automation features compared to similarly-priced peers, with no live coverage map viewing, no pin-and-go functionality, and no way of adjusting its cleaning settings while it's on the job.

Pros
  • Premium build quality.
  • Self-emptying capability eases hands-on maintenance requirements.
  • Quiet operation.
Cons
  • Inconsistent, unpredictable pathing.
  • Dirt Detective system is too quick to cut suction power.
  • Relative paucity of automation features compared to peers.
7.0 High-Pile Carpet

The iRobot Roomba j9+ delivers satisfactory performance on high-pile carpet. While it does a good job with pet hair and solid debris on this surface type, it struggles with especially fine material. Its hazard detection system is also prone to registering thicker rugs as impassable barriers and won't attempt to climb onto them. It does have a few positives, however; its self-emptying capability does help cut down on everyday maintenance, and the vacuum itself looks and feels remarkably premium.

Pros
  • Premium build quality.
  • Self-emptying capability eases hands-on maintenance requirements.
  • Quiet operation.
Cons
  • Inconsistent, unpredictable pathing.
  • Dirt Detective system is too quick to cut suction power.
  • Relative paucity of automation features compared to peers.
5.1 Pets

The iRobot Roomba j9+ is a good option for pet owners, with a few caveats. It offers good hair pickup on a variety of surfaces, and its twin rubber brushrolls are a cinch to clean. That said, its Dirt Detective system is more of a hindrance than a help, cutting power as soon as it registers an area as being clean, meaning that some hair can get stuck in its cleaning head instead of being sucked into its dustbin. This variant of the j9+ also lacks a mopping system to deal with any mud or dirt that can be tracked in from outdoors. On the upside, it operates very quietly, which is great if your pet is sensitive to loud noises.

Pros
  • Twin rubber brushrolls are easy to clean.
  • Quiet operation.
Cons
  • Dirt Detective system is too quick to cut suction power.
  • Mediocre filtration performance.
  • Basic j9+ model lacks a mopping system.
5.8 Stairs

The iRobot Roomba j9+ is a robot vacuum and isn't suitable for cleaning stairs.

4.9 Cars

The iRobot Roomba j9+ is a robot vacuum and isn't meant to clean the inside of your car.

4.4 Workshop

The iRobot Roomba j9+ is a robot vacuum not designed for workshop cleaning.

  • 6.8 Bare Floor
  • 7.2 Low-Pile Carpet
  • 7.0 High-Pile Carpet
  • 5.1 Pets
  • 5.8 Stairs
  • 4.9 Cars
  • 4.4 Workshop
  1. Updated Aug 26, 2024: We've updated the scores in the Hard Floor Pick-Up, High-Pile Carpet Pick-Up, Low-Pile Carpet Pick-Up, and Pet-Hair Pick-Up tests to align with a broader data set. For more information about the reasoning for this update, you can look at our forum post.
  2. Updated Aug 20, 2024: We've added text to this review for the new tests added in Test Bench 1.3.
  3. Updated Jun 25, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3. We've overhauled our floor performance tests and added new 'Hard Floor Pick-Up,' 'High-Pile Carpet Pick-Up,' 'Low-Pile Carpet Pick-Up,' and 'Pet-Hair Pick-Up' tests. You can see the full changelog here.
  4. Updated Feb 23, 2024: Review published.
  5. Updated Feb 19, 2024: Early access published.
  6. Updated Feb 12, 2024: Our testers have started testing this product.
  7. Updated Feb 01, 2024: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  8. Updated Jan 29, 2024: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
  9. Updated Jan 07, 2024: The product has won our suggestion poll, so we'll buy and test it soon.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

There's only one variant of the iRobot Roomba j9+. You can see its label here.

It's worth noting that iRobot also offers the similarly-named iRobot Roomba j9+ Combo, which is mostly similar to the standard model but features additional mopping capability. It has a mopping pad attached to a swing-out arm and comes bundled with a different base station that empties the vacuum's dustbin and refills its internal water tank. It's important to note that this is a mechanically different appliance that will perform differently.

Let us know in the discussions below if you come across another variant of the j9+.

Compared To Other Vacuums

The iRobot Roomba j9+ is a high-end robot vacuum that offers self-emptying and real-time hazard avoidance capability. It looks and feels like a high-end appliance, delivering good overall debris pickup performance. However, there's a significant gulf in overall features and usability compared to a lot of other similarly-priced alternatives, like the Roborock S8. The lack of LIDAR mapping and overly sensitive hazard detection and dirt detection systems result in inconsistent, unpredictable pathing and, at times, incomplete room coverage. You can't change any of its cleaning settings on the fly, and its companion app is buggy and has an unintuitive interface.

If you're looking for alternatives, check out our recommendations for the best robot vacuums, the best robotic vacuums for hardwood floors, and the best robot vacuums for pet hair.

iRobot Roomba S9

The iRobot Roomba S9 and iRobot Roomba j9+ each have their own advantages. The j9+ is ultimately the smarter device, boasting a real-time hazard identification system and dirt sensors that allow it to prioritize areas that see heavier soiling. That said, neither system works perfectly. Conversely, the S9 does a better job of actually cleaning, thanks to a more powerful suction motor that's more effective in lifting away heavy debris.

Roborock S8+/S8

The Roborock S8+/S8 is better than the iRobot Roomba j9+. The Roborock features a LIDAR mapping sensor that allows for quicker and more precise room mapping, and it boasts a lot more automation features, not to mention a more feature-rich and less buggy companion app. The Roborock generates a live map of its coverage area, allows you to change power settings on the fly, and supports pin-and-go functionality. Both vacuums feature real-time hazard identification systems, and while the iRobot has a nominally more advanced RGB camera-based system, the Roborock does a better job of navigating around obstacles. The Roborock also features an ultrasonic mopping system that effectively handles dried-on stains. If you want the same capability in the iRobot, you'll need to step up to the pricier iRobot Roomba j9+ Combo model.

iRobot Roomba j7/j7+

The iRobot Roomba j9+ is essentially an upgraded version of the iRobot Roomba j7/j7+ but with a few added quirks. It has a higher-capacity battery that allows it to run longer on a single charge but at the cost of a slower charging time and a slightly more powerful motor. Only the j9 features a Dirt Detective system that allows it to identify and prioritize cleaning areas that see heavy soiling, but this feature is a little buggy, frequently throttling suction to save power, even when an area could use more cleaning.

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
8.5
Design
Build Quality
Vacuum Type
Robot

This vacuum feels amazingly well-built. Aside from its differently colored top plate, it looks and feels almost identical to the iRobot Roomba j7. Its body is made of high-grade plastic, with a gloss-finish outer casing and glossy top cover. The vacuum's front-facing camera features a small LED light to help it see obstructions and hazards. There aren't many obvious weak points in the vacuum's construction, and while its internal dustbin could break if you were to drop it, it still feels sturdier than most other robot vacuums' dustbins. Its dock also feels very well-built and even features premium touches like a leatherette pull tab to lift open the external dustbin lid.

Out-of-the-box setup is very easy. All main parts snap together easily, and pairing the vacuum with the app is simple.

7.0
Design
User Maintenance

This vacuum has several parts that require regular maintenance, but thankfully, they're quite easy to access. You can also check the 'Maintenance' tab in its companion app to check the estimated service life of certain parts.

  • Vacuum dustbin: Since this is a self-emptying vacuum, you won't need to take out its internal dustbin all that often. You can take it out by pressing the button marked with a trash bin on the side of the vacuum. If there's any leftover debris inside the internal dustbin, wipe it out with a dry cloth or tap it against the side of a trash can. If necessary, you can wash it with water, but remove the filter beforehand. It's also worth noting that this component isn't dishwasher-safe. The dirt compartment should dry for 24 hours before you put it back in the vacuum.
  • Dock dirtbag: The dirtbag can simply be pulled out of its housing inside the charging station. It isn't reusable and needs to be thrown away when it's full, which is indicated by the status light on the docking station switching from white to red. The status light also turns red when the dustbin is blocked, though you also receive an in-app warning when this occurs. A cover on the dirtbag prevents dust and debris from spilling out when removing it.
  • Vacuum Exhaust filter: The filter is located inside the dirt compartment. You can clean it by tapping it against the side of a trash can once or twice a week, depending on your usage habits. You shouldn't wash it with water.
  • Brushrolls: The brushrolls can be accessed by lifting the brush guard on the bottom of the vacuum and pulling them out. Depending on your usage habits, you should clean them by removing any hair tangles or debris once or twice a month. Thankfully, since they don't have any densely packed bristles, they're quite easy to clean. Putting them back in place can be difficult since you need to precisely align them in their housing.
  • Side Brush: The side brush is under the vacuum, and you should clean it of any stuck-on debris once a month.
  • Wheel: You can simply pull the front caster wheel out of the vacuum and then pushed out of its socket. You should clear it of any tangled hair or debris every two weeks.
  • Sensors and Charging Contacts: The sensors and charging contacts on the vacuum and docking station should be wiped clean with a dry cloth every two weeks.

4.5
Design
Recurring Cost
Bag Part Number 4640235
Filter Part Number 4785883
HEPA Filter Part Number No HEPA Filter

The iRobot j9 incurs very high recurring costs since it has several parts that need regular replacing.

  • High-Efficiency Filter: You should replace the exhaust filter every two months. A three-pack of replacements can be purchased here.
  • Rubber Brushrolls: You should replace the brushrolls every six to 12 months. New ones can be purchased here.
  • Front Wheel: You should replace the front wheel every 12 months. You can find a replacement here.
  • Side Brush: The manufacturer recommends replacing this every three months. A three-pack can be purchased here.
  • Dirtbag: You need to throw away and replace the dirtbag when it's full. A three pack can be bought here.

iRobot sells replacement parts as individual packs, but you can also buy a 'Combo Refill Kit' on its website that includes:

  • 1x pair of brushrolls
  • 3x side brushes
  • 3x exhaust filters
  • 3x dirtbags

8.6
Design
Storing
Height
13.35" (33.9 cm)
Width
12.99" (33.0 cm)
Depth
16.34" (41.5 cm)
Cord Storing
Not Needed
On-Board Tool Storage
Not needed
Vacuum Rack/Station
Yes

The iRobot j9+ is amazingly easy to store. The vacuum itself is small, and its docking station is fairly compact for a station with self-emptying capability. It features additional storage for an extra dirtbag that isn't in use, and there's also a groove to stow away any excess length of the power cord.

8.2
Design
Dirt Compartment
Bagless
No
Volume
0.71 gal (2.70 L)
Full Indicator
Yes
Bag Included
2

The iRobot j9's overall debris capacity is impressive. It uses the same 2.4L dirtbags as the + variant of the iRobot Roomba j7; the manufacturer advertises these bags as being sufficiently spacious enough to hold 60 days' worth of debris. Conversely, the vacuum's internal dustbin is tiny, with a capacity of merely 0.3L. The indicator light on the docking station changes from white to red when the bag is full or whenever there's been a blockage in the entry to the dirtbag, which is accompanied by a notification in its companion app.

Design
In The Box

  • iRobot Roomba j9+ robot vacuum
  • Self-Emptying dock
  • 2x Dirtbags
  • 1x Power cable
  • 2x High-efficiency exhaust filters
  • Dustbin
  • 2x Side brushes (one is already fitted to the vacuum)
  • 1x Pair of multi-surface rubber brushrolls with bearings
  • 1x Front caster wheel
  • Getting started guide

10
Design
Range
Cordless
Yes
Cord Length
N/A
Hose Length
N/A
Minimum Wand Length
N/A
Maximum Wand Length
N/A
Total Range
N/A

The range is limited only by the vacuum's remaining battery life, though it can't climb or descend staircases.

8.0
Design
Portability
Total Weight
7.39 lbs (3.35 kg)
Weight In Hand
0.00 lbs (0.00 kg)
Carrying handle
No

This vacuum is very portable. It's slightly lighter than alternatives like the yeedi vac station, but unfortunately, it doesn't come with a carrying handle to make picking it up a little easier.

9.0
Design
Battery
Minimum Battery Life
125 min
Maximum Battery Life
201 min
Recharge Time
236 min
Recharge Dock
Yes
Battery Life Indicator
Yes
Removable Batteries
No

This vacuum has fantastic battery performance. Its max runtime of over 200 minutes is approximately twice that of the iRobot Roomba j7, which is great for longer cleaning sessions where you don't need as much power. The iRobot j9 also outlasts the j7 when running in its 'High' suction mode, though the difference between the two isn't quite as substantial in that scenario. Unfortunately, the j9 takes much longer to recharge than the j7, which does the deed in just over two hours.

Design
Quality Of Life Features
Rotating Head
No
Power Adjustment
No
Self-Propelled
Yes
Headlights
Yes
Easy On/Off
Yes
Head Surface Type Adjustment
Only Automatic

Like the iRobot Roomba j7, the iRobot j9 has a front camera to identify hazards like pet waste or power cables and avoid them. It also features a headlight to help the camera see in dimmer conditions. You can toggle between 'Low,' 'Medium,' and 'High' power settings as well. Its 'Dirt Detective' system also identifies areas with more debris and automatically regulates suction as required. Disappointingly for a vacuum in this price range, it lacks a LIDAR sensor for quicker and more precise room mapping, not to mention better performance in poorly-lit homes.

Design
Tools And Brushes
Brushroll
Yes
Brushroll On/Off
No
Removable Brushroll
Yes
Turbo Brush
No
Crevice Tool
No
Upholstery Tool
No
Soft Bristle Brush
No
Hard Bristle Brush
No
Extension Wand
No
Ceiling Fan Tool
No
Pet Grooming Tool
No

This vacuum has a single three-armed side brush that directs debris from the side of the vacuum into the path of the twin primary rubber brushrolls.

Design
Alternative Configuration
Blower Mode
No
Performance
7.5
Performance
Hard Floor Pick-Up

This vacuum does a good job of cleaning hard floors. Its suction inlet is positioned high enough to easily pass over bulky debris like cereal so that it can suck them up without pushing them around. That said, it struggles a bit with smaller material like rice or sand that's piled up against walls or smaller debris that's been pushed deep into corners.

7.5
Performance
High-Pile Carpet Pick-Up

This vacuum does a good job of handling debris on high-pile carpet. It struggles quite a bit with debris that's been pressed right up against walls and in corners, but on the whole, it's fairly good at dealing with a wide mix of debris types on open ground.

6.5
Performance
Low-Pile Carpet Pick-Up

Performance on low-pile carpet is alright. The iRobot j9 is mostly effective in dealing with large and medium-sized debris like cereal or rice on this surface type but has a hard time with finer material like sand that's been worked deep into carpet fibers, especially along walls or in corners.

7.5
Performance
Pet-Hair Pick-Up

This vacuum does a good job of dealing with pet hair on low-pile carpet. It clears away the majority of strands worked into carpet fibers, though some shorter, finer hairs can be left behind.

0
Performance
Suction
Maximum Hose Suction
N/A
Maximum Head Suction
0.1 inH₂O (0.03 kPa)
Normal Head Suction
0.0 inH₂O (0.01 kPa)
Setting Used For Normal Medium
Hose Diameter
N/A

The iRobot Roomba j9's suction force isn't very strong. However, this isn't unusual for a robot vacuum; its suction inlet is positioned too high above the contact surface to generate a tight seal on bare surfaces.

1.4
Performance
Airflow
Maximum Hose Airflow
6.4 CFM (0.2 m³/min)

This vacuum's airflow performance is adequate for a robovac. While no specific figures are given, the manufacturer advertises the iRobot j9 as being able to produce 100% more suction than any model in the Roomba I-series lineup. That's largely borne out in testing—this model generates noticeably more airflow than the iRobot Roomba i7.

9.3
Performance
Noise
Bare Floor
62.7 dBA
Low-Pile Carpet
58.6 dBA

The iRobot j9 is remarkably quiet. You'll hear what people nearby say even when the vacuum runs in its most powerful suction mode.

7.0
Performance
Maneuverability

This vacuum does a decent job of maneuvering itself. It does a great job of cleaning around furniture, like coat racks or table legs, and it's low enough to clean under most couches and chairs. Unfortunately, it's not without its faults. Unlike alternatives with LIDAR mapping, like the Roborock S8, it can't generate a live coverage map and can only output this data after a cleaning job. Its overall pathing is also considerably less efficient than those peers; it cleans in an erratic, frequently unpredictable manner, and it'll bump into obstacles pretty often, thankfully at a low speed. It also missed an entire section of our testing room, as seen in its coverage map here. Its PrecisionVison RGB camera-based hazard detection system is prone to false positives, too, frequently confusing benign objects like rugs or electrical cords as impassable barriers that it would avoid entirely. It can also have a bit of trouble finding its base station, which it finds by identifying a QR code, seen here.

0
Performance
Pet Hair Furniture Performance
Sofa Pickup Post Test
Performance
Air Quality
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
No

This vacuum does a mediocre job of handling fine particles, which can bypass its high-efficiency filter and come out of its exhaust.

5.0
Performance
Cracks
Wood Cracks Post Test

This vacuum has poor crack-cleaning performance in its default 'Medium' setting. It struggles with drawing up fine debris wedged deep within crevices, and even bumping up its suction power setting to 'High' does little to improve its performance. You can see the vacuum running this test in 'High' here and the aftermath of that second test here.

Note: While in testing, the vacuum's hazard detection system registered the printed labels taped to the ground as obstacles to avoid, and as a result, it cleaned only a small portion of the testing box. This issue was resolved by deleting the coverage map the vacuum had generated and then running it in a 'fresh' state.

1.0
Performance
Stains
Stain Pickup Post Test

This vacuum had no impact on dried-on stains. If you want a similar model that can handle stains, check out the iRobot Roomba j9+ Combo, which boasts a swing-down mopping arm to deal with dried-on messes on hard floors.

0
Performance
Water
Wet Compatible
No
Water Pickup Post Test

This vacuum isn't designed to suck up liquid spills.

Automation
9.1
Automation
Physical Automation
Automatic Recharging
Yes
Automatic Bag Emptying
Yes
Pathing Algorithm
Smart
Physical Boundary Markers
No
Scheduled Start Buttons
No
Cycle Control Buttons
Onboard Only
Navigation Control Buttons
Return to Base Only

The iRobot j9 has an exceptional range of automation features. Most obviously, there's its self-emptying capability, which helps cut down on maintenance. It's also advertised as being capable of recognizing your schedule and suggesting cleaning sessions. It's fully compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices, meaning you can control it with voice commands. You can control the vacuum without connecting to the iRobot HOME companion app, but you're losing out on a lot of features by doing so. Pressing the main power button starts or stops a cleaning session; pressing and holding it for 2-5 seconds directs it to return to its base station.

7.0
Automation
Companion App Automation
App Name
iRobot HOME
iOS Availability
Yes
Android Availability
Yes
Software Boundary Markers (No Go Zones)
Yes
App Scheduled Start
Yes
App Cycle Control
Yes
Navigation Control within App
No

The iRobot HOME companion app is decent overall. It has a reasonably broad range of features: you can set cleaning schedules, create custom cycles that use pre-selected power settings and a pre-determined number of passes, view your cleaning session history, and check the estimated service life of various wear components, like the filter, brushrolls, or side brush. You can also select a 'Careful Drive' mode that will emphasize obstacle avoidance, which should keep the vacuum from bumping into things as frequently as it does in its default mode. Once the vacuum has mapped your home, you can use the coverage map it outputs to set up no-go zones that you don't want it to enter. Following a cleaning job, the vacuum will also produce a more detailed map featuring what part of the room it cleaned as well as any hazards it detected, as seen here.

Unfortunately, it's missing out on a lot of other features that are commonplace for models in this price range. There's no live coverage map view, remote control function, pin-and-go capability, and no way of manually adjusting its suction power setting or the number of passes it'll do while it's running a job.

The overall user experience is pretty unsatisfactory too. The app is quite buggy, frequently losing connection with the robot or refusing to accept inputs, and periodically signs you out of your account, forcing you to log in again.