Our Verdict
The iRobot Roomba j9+ is a masterclass in focused design. Instead of trying to be everything, it excels at one thing: vacuuming. The PrecisionVision navigation is among the best we've tested, the Dirt Detect technology ensures thorough cleaning of high-traffic areas, and the proven reliability of the Roomba platform means years of dependable service.
However, the lack of mopping functionality and relatively lower suction compared to competitors means it's not for everyone. It's best suited for users who prioritize vacuuming excellence, pet hair management, and don't need mopping capabilities.
Exceptional Navigation
Where the j9+ truly shines is navigation. The combination of PrecisionVision camera and vSLAM (visual simultaneous localization and mapping) creates incredibly accurate floor plans. The robot rarely gets stuck, efficiently plans cleaning paths, and can navigate complex furniture layouts with ease.
The obstacle avoidance is particularly impressive with pet-related objects. iRobot's P.O.O.P. guarantee (Pet Owner Official Promise) means they'll replace the unit if it fails to avoid pet waste - that's how confident they are in the vision system. During testing, it successfully avoided cables, shoes, toys, and other common obstacles.
Dirt Detect Technology
The j9+ features Dirt Detect sensors that identify high-traffic areas and automatically increase suction and cleaning passes in those spots. In our tests, it consistently spent extra time around entryways, under the dining table, and other areas where dirt accumulates. This intelligent approach results in more thorough overall cleaning.
Pet-Friendly Design
Pet owners will appreciate the dual multi-surface rubber brushes that resist tangling with pet hair. Unlike traditional bristle brushes that can wrap with hair, these rubber rollers channel hair directly into the suction path. After weeks of testing with shedding pets, we found minimal brush maintenance was needed.
The large 550ml dustbin is also a plus for pet households, holding more debris before requiring emptying. Combined with the self-empty base that holds up to 60 days of dirt, maintenance is minimal.
iRobot App Experience
The iRobot Home app is polished and intuitive, offering smart features like scheduling by room, customizable cleaning preferences, and Dirt Detective that learns your home's cleaning patterns over time. The app also provides cleaning history and suggestions for optimizing performance.
Integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri means you can control the j9+ with voice commands through your preferred assistant.
Cleaning Performance Considerations
While iRobot doesn't publish official suction specs, our testing suggests the j9+ has moderate suction compared to premium competitors. It handles hard floors excellently and low-to-medium pile carpets well, but struggles with very thick or high-pile carpeting. For homes with mostly hard floors or thin carpets, it's more than adequate.
Who Should Buy This?
The iRobot Roomba j9+ is ideal for:
- Pet owners who need reliable pet hair management
- Users who value brand reputation and reliability
- Homes where mopping isn't needed or handled separately
- Those who want the best navigation system available
If you need mopping capabilities or have very thick carpets requiring maximum suction, consider a 2-in-1 model like the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra or Dreame X40 Ultra instead.
