Verdict
The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ stands out as the best robot vacuum I've encountered. It features a user-friendly app, impressive carpet performance, and an effective mop for hard surfaces. Yet, its high price, loud clean base, and occasional issues with larger debris are drawbacks.
Pros
Strong suction power
Effective on fine dirt on hard floors
Handles pet hair well
Automated cleaning
Simple app interface
Quiet during vacuuming
Excellent mopping capability
Cons
Self-emptying feature is very noisy
Not flawless in cleaning
Shape limits its ability to navigate circular objects
Recent Updates
February 4, 2025: After a year of usage, I revisited this review to assess its longevity and compare it with newer models that have emerged.
If you're considering a robot vacuum to ease your cleaning routine, the iRobot brand is a popular choice. With over 1,000 hours spent testing various models, I've found the iRobot Roomba to be a favorite in the market, especially for pet owners. However, this quality comes at a premium price.
In November 2023, I received the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ for testing and have used it regularly since. Here's what I've learned over this period.
Specifications of iRobot Roomba Combo j9+
Type | Robot |
Dimensions | 17.2" x 18.1" x 17.5" |
Noise Level | 50 dBa |
Dust Capacity | 0.26 gallons |
Weight | 8.98 lbs |
Clean Base Dimensions | 15.8" x 12.2" x 13.3" |
Ideal Users
This robot is perfect for small homes and apartments with mixed flooring. It performs well on various surfaces, but its premium price makes it less suitable for tight budgets.
Setting Up the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+
Unboxing the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+
The unboxing experience was impressive, though setting up took some time. Maneuvering the box upstairs was a bit challenging, but typical for a vacuum of this size.
Once upstairs, I prepared the area for the clean base, which requires a significant amount of clearance—four feet to the left and one foot to the right. This requirement is practical, but it can be tricky in smaller spaces. I ended up placing it awkwardly in the middle of a wall instead of a corner. If space is limited, this vacuum might not perform optimally.
Setup took about an hour. Aside from attaching the mop and placing the robot in its base, the main task was filling the water tank for the mop. While instructions were clear, much time went into setting up the app.
While the app is user-friendly, it requires creating an iRobot account, which feels unnecessary and focuses on promoting other products. After completing the setup, the j9+ performed a 39-minute cleaning and mapping run, followed by an additional 9 minutes when the initial mapping wasn't accurate. Overall, the setup was straightforward but lengthy.
User Experience with the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+
The cleaning station doubles as a side table
Over months of use, the dirt detective feature has proven invaluable, identifying dirtier areas, such as my entryway. It prioritizes cleaning those spots while the map displays the last cleaning time and dirt level. This helps avoid unnecessary cleaning in low-traffic areas.
I've noticed improved efficiency over time. Initially, the robot moved randomly, but it now follows a more systematic back-and-forth pattern. Keep-out zones effectively prevent it from entering restricted areas, such as under the couch or around the Christmas tree, providing peace of mind.
Screenshot of the iRobot app
The iRobot app is mostly user-friendly, although it can be slow and glitchy at times. The map is accurate, and the interface is straightforward enough for everyone to use. It's not overly complex.
While it operates quietly at around 50 dBa, it's not quiet enough to listen to music or watch TV while it runs. In comparison to traditional vacuums, it's relatively quiet.
The loudest feature is the clean base's self-emptying function. While automatic dirt removal is impressive, the noise can reach 80 dBa, comparable to a jet taking off. It's disruptive, especially in shared walls.
Test 1: Cereal Performance
On carpets, its performance is nearly flawless, achieving about 98%. I set it running while writing this review and observed it easily gather cereal. It performed well on both carpet and area rugs, effectively picking up shed fibers.
Cereal test: before and after
However, like most robot vacuums, it occasionally misses larger debris, such as scraps of paper or crumbs. A few pieces of cereal were left behind in the kitchen and living room, likely due to proximity to a keep-out zone. You'd expect the vacuum to clean right to the edge.
Overall, the performance is excellent, but some visible dirt remains. Before hosting, I prefer to manually vacuum to ensure a thorough job. This raises the question of whether robot vacuums are truly worth it, as manual cleaning can be faster. Nevertheless, among robots, it excels.
Test 2: Flour and Sugar
Flour and sugar test: before and after
This robot efficiently handled flour and sugar on both carpet and hard floors, simulating dust and debris. It cleared the kitchen floor without tracking dirt back into the house, which is impressive.
Additionally, it mops effectively once cleaned, leaving no stickiness behind. This test was a resounding success.
Test 3: Hair
The rollers on the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+
This vacuum excels at managing hair, making it one of the top performers in this category. My partner's long hair usually causes issues with other vacuums, but the j9+ features silicone rollers that don't tangle. It effectively extracts hair from carpets, rivaling the Eufy S1 Pro Omni.
Test 4: Mopping
This robot's mopping function is a standout feature. Unlike many models, it requires no attachment swaps. The mop automatically deploys from the back for cleaning.
This design is ingenious, as many other robots drag dirty water around. This unit keeps the mop elevated, ensuring dry surfaces. It makes a notable difference, especially for mopping hardwood floors that I usually neglect.
It also scrubs effectively, tackling tough stains and high-traffic areas. However, it struggles with corners, particularly around round objects, where it fails to clean small food stains.
Cleaning, Storage, and Maintenance
The view inside the clean base
Cleaning the Roomba is straightforward. After over a month of use, I haven't needed to empty it or refill the mop tank. All accessories fit neatly in the clean base, which requires occasional dusting and vacuuming—similar to maintaining a coffee table.
Comparing iRobot Roomba Combo j9+
Previously, this was the top robot vacuum tested. Its suction is comparable or superior to most competitors, with two notable features: the clean base disguised as a coffee table and the automatic mopping capability.
In comparison to the Eufy X8 Pro, another combo vacuum, the j9+ offers a more seamless experience without needing to swap mops or prep the area.
When contrasting Roomba with Shark, similar features appear in Shark's latest models, like the Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1, often at a lower price, although cleaning performance may vary.
Until we test the iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max, the j9+ remains superior to other Roomba models, outperforming the Roomba s9+, which tended to bump into furniture, and the earlier Roomba j7+.
Should You Invest in the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+?
If it fits your budget, the Roomba Combo j9+ is an outstanding robot vacuum. Its regular cleaning keeps my floors consistently tidy, despite not capturing every speck. Its mopping function excels, making it ideal for homes with many hard surfaces.
After a year of use, while it still cleans well, I've noticed a decline in pickup as the filter clogs. This reveals a key issue: the need for replacement parts. Bags cost $19.99 for 3, and filters are priced at $34.99 for 3. While not overly costly, it's a hassle to consistently buy parts, unlike many cordless vacuums with washable filters.
On the plus side, a bagged vacuum means no direct contact with dirt, which is beneficial for allergy sufferers. This convenience can justify the occasional cost of replacement bags.
Overall, the Roomba Combo j9+ is a worthwhile investment if you can afford it. If you're considering spending this amount, it may be wise to explore some of the recommended robots mentioned earlier.
Even with some drawbacks, the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ remains one of the finest vacuum cleaners I've tested.
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