Roomba J9+ and Roomba S9+ both are high-end robot vacuums with advanced cleaning technology. Roomba J9+ is the newer and more advanced model with stronger suction, better pet hair pickup, and features like Dirt Detective and Smart Scrub. The Roomba S9+ is known for its powerful suction and deep carpet cleaning. This comparison will help you quickly understand the differences and decide which one is the better fit for you.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
PrecisionVision:
- Roomba J9+ features PrecisionVision navigation that identifies and avoids cords, shoes, and small obstacles.
- Roomba S9+ uses vSLAM navigation which does not actively avoid minor hazards.
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Dirt-Detect priority:
- Roomba J9+ includes Dirt Detective that prioritizes the dirtiest rooms to improve cleaning order.
- Roomba S9+ includes Dirt Detect that focuses on localized dirty areas without advanced prioritization.
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Faster mapping:
- Roomba J9+ supports faster AI-driven mapping that learns layouts in fewer runs.
- Roomba S9+ requires multiple runs with vSLAM to complete full home mapping.
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Self-empty:
- Roomba J9+ comes with a Clean Base Auto-Empty Station that allows extended hands-free operation.
- Roomba S9+ also comes with a Clean Base Auto-Empty Station for automated dirt disposal.
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Smart Scrub:
- Roomba J9+ has SmartScrub mopping that applies downward pressure to clean sticky messes.
- Roomba S9+ does not include mopping functionality.
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Mop pad lift:
- Roomba J9+ supports mop pad lifting that prevents carpets from getting wet during cleaning.
- Roomba S9+ does not include a mop system.
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2 cleaning passes:
- Roomba J9+ includes dual-pass cleaning that ensures complete wall-to-wall coverage.
- Roomba S9+ performs edge cleaning and spiral passes but not optimized for full dual-pass mode.
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AI-driven personalization:
- Roomba J9+ features AI-driven cleaning suggestions that adapt to user schedules and seasonal needs.
- Roomba S9+ provides standard smart mapping but without AI personalization.
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Retractable mop Design:
- Roomba J9+ includes a retractable mop design that switches between vacuuming and mopping efficiently.
- Roomba S9+ does not have a mop design.
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature |
Roomba J9+ |
Roomba S9+ |
| Navigation |
PrecisionVision hazard avoidance with AI mapping |
vSLAM navigation with wider cleaning path |
| Dirt Detection |
Dirt Detective technology for priority cleaning |
Advanced Dirt Detect for focused cleaning |
| Mapping Speed |
Faster AI-driven mapping with fewer runs |
Slower learning, requires repeated runs |
| Base System |
Clean Base Auto-Empty Station included |
Clean Base Auto-Empty Station included |
| Mopping |
SmartScrub mopping with pad pressure |
No mopping feature |
| Mop Lift |
Automatic mop pad lift on carpet |
Not applicable |
| Cleaning Passes |
Two wall-to-wall passes supported |
Edge-sweeping and spiral cleaning |
| AI Suggestions |
Personalized cleaning schedules and adjustments |
Standard smart mapping only |
| Mop Design |
Retractable mop system |
Not applicable |
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the Roomba J9+ if you:
- Want the latest AI-driven hazard avoidance and faster mapping.
- Need hybrid cleaning with both vacuuming and mopping.
- Prefer Dirt Detective to prioritize dirtiest rooms automatically.
- Value mop pad lift to keep carpets dry during cleaning.
- Like personalized cleaning suggestions and schedules.
Check Roomba J9+ Best Price
Buy the Roomba S9+ if you:
- Want the absolute strongest suction for deep carpet cleaning.
- Do not need built-in mopping functions.
- Prefer a proven model that is often available at discounts.
- Have mostly carpeted floors and prioritize suction over navigation AI.
- Want reliable auto-emptying without paying for newer features.
Check Roomba S9+ Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category |
Winner |
| Real-time Hazard Avoidance |
Roomba J9+ |
| Dirt-Detect Priority Cleaning |
Roomba J9+ |
| Faster Mapping |
Roomba J9+ |
| SmartScrub Mopping |
Roomba J9+ |
| Mop Pad Lift |
Roomba J9+ |
| 2 Cleaning Passes |
Roomba J9+ |
| AI Suggestions |
Roomba J9+ |
| Retractable Mop Design |
Roomba J9+ |
What They Have in Common
- Self-Emptying Dock: Both the Roomba S9+ and J9+ come with a Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal system, allowing them to empty themselves into a sealed bag for hands-free convenience.
- Smart Mapping: Both models use advanced mapping technology to learn and adapt to your home’s layout, ensuring efficient and customized cleaning routes.
- Voice Assistant Compatibility: Both robots work seamlessly with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, making hands-free control easy and convenient.
- Powerful Suction: Both vacuums are designed with strong suction power, ensuring effective debris pickup from carpets, rugs, and hard floors.
- Automatic Recharge and Resume: Both the S9+ and J9+ can return to their base to recharge and then resume cleaning from where they left off, ensuring complete coverage of your home.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Does the Roomba J9+ have stronger suction than the Roomba S9+?
No, the Roomba S9+ still has the strongest suction in the iRobot lineup, making it better for deep carpet cleaning. The Roomba J9+ has powerful suction but focuses more on AI optimization than raw suction strength.
Can both models avoid obstacles during cleaning?
The Roomba J9+ can avoid cords, shoes, and small objects using PrecisionVision hazard detection. The Roomba S9+ does not have this feature and may bump into small obstacles.
Do both the J9+ and S9+ come with a self-emptying base?
Yes, both models include the Clean Base Auto-Empty Station, which allows them to empty dirt automatically after cleaning sessions.
Which model supports mopping in addition to vacuuming?
Only the Roomba J9+ supports SmartScrub mopping. The Roomba S9+ is a vacuum-only model without mopping capability.
Does the Roomba J9+ protect carpets when mopping?
Yes, the Roomba J9+ can lift its mop pad automatically to avoid wetting carpets while cleaning mixed surfaces. The Roomba S9+ does not include any mopping system.
Which robot vacuum maps a home faster?
The Roomba J9+ maps homes faster with AI-driven mapping that requires fewer runs. The Roomba S9+ uses older vSLAM technology, which takes longer to learn the layout.
Do both models support cleaning passes across the whole home?
The Roomba J9+ can perform two wall-to-wall passes to ensure complete coverage. The Roomba S9+ cleans edges and spirals but is not optimized for dual full passes.
Which robot vacuum is better for AI-driven cleaning suggestions?
The Roomba J9+ provides AI-driven cleaning recommendations based on schedules, seasonal needs, and room usage. The Roomba S9+ does not include this feature.
Which model is better overall for mixed flooring homes?
The Roomba J9+ is better for mixed flooring because it can vacuum and mop while lifting the pad on carpets. The Roomba S9+ is stronger for carpet suction but lacks mopping and hazard avoidance.
