Roomba Combo 10 Max vs. Roomba Combo j9+ – Comparison Review
Author: Swartzcop Kennedy
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Roomba Combo 10 Max
Roomba Combo j9+
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Roomba Combo 10 Max
Roomba Combo j9+
Roomba robotic vacuum cleaners have always attracted my attention. Their American manufacturer, iRobot, is one of the pioneers in robots. Since its foundation in 2002, iRobot has produced ten generations of cleaners. iRobot is always on the edge of modern technologies and is equipped with obstacle avoidance sensors, smartphone applications, modern navigation and mapping software, and much more. I have tested numerous Roomba models of all price ranges and have always been satisfied with the results.
Roomba Combo 10 Max vs. Roomba Combo j9+ – Face-to-Face Comparison
In this article, I want to provide my considerations and test results for two bestsellers – Roomba Combo 10 Max and Roomba Combo j9+. Even though these two models are not budget-friendly, you can forget with these models about floor cleaning for months.
Design and dimensions
| Roomba Combo 10 Max | Roomba Combo j9+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 13.3 x 13.3 x 3.4 inches | 13.7 x 13.7 x 3.4 inches |
| Weight | 11 lbs | 8.9 lbs |
| Color Options | Black | Black |
| Material | Plastic | Plastic |
| Button Controls | Clean button on top | Clean button on top |
I can’t describe the differences in dimensions of these models, as I can hardly see 0.3 inches in length and width. Nevertheless, the Roomba Combo j9+ is lighter, which I think is a good feature when you clean it and handle it from one place to another or from one floor to another. From a design point of view, these models are like twins and are black round robotic cleaners. Only the j9+ on the top has a golden inset, while the Combo 10 Max is black. Both models have a retractable mop arm that lifts the mopping pad on the top of the robot on carpets to avoid being wet (Dry Rug Intelligence). I think that this arm is not the ideal solution, as the arm is lifted above the cleaner, increasing the height (important if you have low-profile furniture). Also, I think this metal construction can be damaged, not easily, but anyway.
Cleaning orientation
| Roomba Combo 10 Max | Roomba Combo j9+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning modes | Auto, Spot, Edge | Auto, Spot, Edge |
| Surface types | Hard floor & carpets | Hard floor & carpets |
| Dirt Detective | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Scrub | Yes | Yes |
| Edge Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
I like robots that can mop and vacuum at the same time. These are exactly such combos. However, Roomba Combo j9+ has only two cleaning modes – vacuum only and simultaneous mopping and vacuuming, while Roomba Combo 10 Max has three modes – vacuum only, mop only, and simultaneous mopping and vacuuming. I can’t say that this is a significant advantage of the 10 Max model; it is not bad to have the maximum functionality all the time. For cleaning in the simultaneous mode, they use a four-stage cleaning system – an edge sweeping brush for corner cleaning, dual brushes to collect and guide debris and dirt into the suction power, powerful suction, and smart scrubbing (2x deeper scrubbing). I value the dirt detective feature more than the carpet boost, as the robot sensors dirtier areas and applies higher suction at this place, as well as a smart scrub (not for carpets) for moving back and forth.
Suction power
| Roomba Combo 10 Max | Roomba Combo j9+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Suction power | 100% more suction power than iSeries robots | 100% more suction power than iSeries robots |
| Power Adjustment | Auto | Auto |
| Performance on Hard Floor | Excellent | Excellent |
| Performance on Carpets | Excellent | Excellent |
| Suction levels | Medium, low & high | Medium, low & high |
| Debris Type | All sizes & pet hair | All sizes & pet hair |
| Airflow Rate | High | High |
Roomba continues to hide real suction power in their promo material and provides only comparison data with other models. During my tests, the highest recorded suction power was achieved, about 4000 Pa for both models. This value is considered powerful enough for the excellent robot performance of two models on carpets and hard floors. I can’t state any significant differences between Roomba Combo 10 Max vs. Roomba Combo j9+. They both can pick up all debris sizes, and pet hair automatically adjusts suction power and scrubbing activities on dirt areas. During scheduling or manual mode, you can adjust the suction power from low to high (lower suction mode is recommended for quieter operation with less frequent charging).
Navigation and Mapping
| Roomba Combo 10 Max | Roomba Combo j9+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation Technology | iAdapt® 3.0 Navigation Technology | iAdapt® 3.0 Navigation Technology |
| Mapping Technology | Imprint™ Smart Maps 2.0 | Imprint™ Smart Maps |
| Obstacle Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Pet Waste Detection | Yes | Yes |
| No Mop & No Go Zones | Yes | Yes |
| Navigation in neat rows | Yes | Yes |
| Cliff avoidance | Yes | Yes |
According to the published technical information by iRobot that I read on the official website, the latest Roomba models have the most advanced iAdapt® 3.0 Navigation Technology based on the gyroscope, front-facing camera, and optical sensors. Meanwhile, Roomba Combo 10 Max has a more advanced mapping system that creates maps seven times faster and starts cleaning almost immediately after you set up the robot. I like how robots localized themselves and the Clean Base. The cleaning pattern for both is the same – neat rows without spots, which is confirmed by my tests. Also, both will clean the dirtiest room first (using their Dirt Detective feature); they always start with the carpet and then mop the floor in this room. For cleaning, I didn’t need to remove the furniture; they have obstacle detection sensors to avoid obstacles of all sizes, cords, and pet waste. But honestly, they missed some Legos.
Filtration
| Roomba Combo 10 Max | Roomba Combo j9+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Filtration System | High-Efficiency Filter | High-Efficiency Filter |
| Allergen Control | Yes | Yes |
Both these Roombas are equipped with non-washable filters, which I consider as a chance to charge the owners more money for regular changing of filters. Nevertheless, these filters are high-efficiency filters that can capture and trap up to 99% of particles of 3 microns and larger, including dog and cat allergens. The filter consists of non-woven and melt-blown layers in a black plastic frame sealed by cotton. The size is 1 x 1 x 1 inches. Despite the fact that they are non-washable, they are high-quality filters, so I can’t complain.
Tools and Brushes
| Roomba Combo 10 Max | Roomba Combo j9+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Main Brushes | Dual rubber brushes | Dual rubber brushes |
| Side Brushes | Edge-sweeping | Edge-sweeping |
Most robot manufacturers, including iRobot, equip the robot with multi-surface brushes. However, not all feature auto-adjust cleaning heads of dual brushes adapting to all types of floors and carpets for effective cleaning; Roomba Combo j9+ and Max 10 do. These models are equipped with two green (light and dark) rubber brushes and one side brush with long plastic bristles set in three bundles at 120 degrees to each other for efficient picking up dirt and dust. The dual brushes have rubber flexible plates, larger by 30% than in iSeries, and move in different directions to prevent hair tangling. One brush loosens and agitates the dirt, while the other, moving in another direction, extracts it from the brush and directs it to the suction port. Honestly, all these anti-tangling technologies are not 100% working; I still have to take away the hair after my hair test.
Built-in tank features
| Roomba Combo 10 Max | Roomba Combo j9+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Dustbin tank | 313 ml | 313 ml |
| Water tank | 210 ml | 210 ml |
I like how the bin in Roomba Combo j9+ and 10 Max is organized. It is easily extractable with one button for cleaning when it is required, but the auto-fill dock does most of the work. The dust bin is integrated into the water tank. A tank cap is located to fill the water on top manually, and you can add a solution to the water (only compatible and recommended). The filter is located on the side. I am sure that the size of a bin and water tank is enough for every home, as it can be returned to the dock station for cleaning and emptying during recharge.
Clean Base features
| Roomba Combo 10 Max | Roomba Combo j9+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 15.8 x 20.1 x 17.6 inches | 15.8 x 16x4 x 16.3 inches |
| Weight | 23 lbs | 21.9 lbs |
| Automatic refill | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic washing pad washing and drying | Yes | No |
| Self-emptying dustbin | Yes | Yes |
| Dock self-cleaning | Yes | No |
| Automatic charge and resume | Yes | Yes |
The Roomba Combo 10 Max is a dream for automatic home cleaning; its Clean Base has impressed me a lot. The robot automatically returns to the Clean Base for recharging, emptying a dust bin, washing and drying a washing pad, and refilling; after all these procedures, the dock automatically self-cleans (after each pad wash). The Combo j9+ Clean Base can do the same except for the dock self-cleaning and pad washing and cleaning, which is very essential. The 10 Max can keep dirt for 60 days and can refill the water tank for seven days; meanwhile, the j9+ also keeps the dirt for 60 days but refills for 30 days!
Battery
| Roomba Combo 10 Max | Roomba Combo j9+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Robot Battery | 4200 mAh | 4460 mAh |
| Battery life | 120 minutes | 115-120 minutes |
Battery capacity does not impact robots’ productivity so much nowadays; they can always come for recharging. Comparing these Roomba Combo 10 Max vs. Roomba Combo j9+, I can highlight none of them for battery life – all can work up to 120 minutes in Auto mode. Nevertheless, the Combo 10 Max has a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery, while the Combo j9+ has a Lithium Ion battery. The charging battery for both is 2-3 hours. Li-ion batteries are considered more versatile, lightweight, and energy-efficient, but LFPs have longer life cycles. It is required to check them in the long run for a couple of years to make a proper verdict, which I can’t do.
Control
| Roomba Combo 10 Max | Roomba Combo j9+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz | 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz |
| Mobile App | IRobot Home App | IRobot Home App |
| Voice Control | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Control | No | No |
In this part of a face-to-face comparison of Combo 10 Max vs. Combo j9+, there is no difference; they correspond to the current high standards of the industry. You can control the robot by pushing the control button (the clean button works for start/pause/resume) on top, mobile application, and voice control (Alexa, Siri, or Google-Assistant-enabled devices); remote controllers are not used. For me, the mobile app will fully control features, and robot health is the best way to control them.
Automation and smart features
| Roomba Combo 10 Max | Roomba Combo j9+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Home Integration | Yes | Yes |
| Cleaning reports | Yes | Yes |
| Room Selection | Yes | Yes |
| Zone or object selection for cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Set No Mop Zones | Yes | Yes |
| Set Cleaning and Keep Out Zones | Yes | Yes |
| Objects detection and addition them to its map | Yes | Yes |
| Notification about hazards | Yes | Yes |
| Personalized and seasonal suggestions | Yes | Yes |
| Cleans while you are away | Yes | Yes |
| Creating favorite cleaning routes | Yes | Yes |
| Recharge and resume | Yes | Yes |
| Software update | Auto | Auto |
| Battery Status Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Maintenance Alerts | Yes | Yes |
This table says everything by itself! The Roomba Combo Max 10 and Combo j9+ have all the necessary functions for flawless automatic cleaning. They both can and do clean while you are away. I checked scheduling functions with manual settings of cleaning zones and suction power for both models, all worked perfectly. I especially highlight the ability to remember the favorite cleaning paths (through the dirtiest areas) and provide seasonal suggestions (for shredding and allergic seasons). The robot status, including required maintenance, is available in the IRobot Home App. I like the smart features of these bestsellers!
What is in the box?
Roomba Combo j9+
- 1 Roomba Combo j9 Robot
- 1 Clean Base® with Automatic Dirt Disposal
- 2 High-Efficiency Filter (1 extra)
- 2 Edge-Sweeping Brush (1 extra)
- 2 Mopping Pad (1 extra)
- 2 Dirt Disposal Bag (1 extra)
- Line Cord for power connection
Tests
Vacuuming and mopping performance on bare floors
To prove my feelings about robot features, I provide here the results of robot tests on bare floors and carpets. As there are no functional differences between the two robots (only in the Base station and cleaning modes), I have received the same results.
9/10
9/10
Vacuuming and mopping performance on bare floors
- Soda
- 97
- 97
- Wet paw marks
- 97
- 97
- Urine stains
- 97
- 97
- Margarine marks
- 96
- 96
- Cooking oil
- 96
- 96
- Dried porridge spots
- 95
- 95
- Honey spots
- 94
- 94
- Flour
- 99
- 99
- Rice
- 99
- 99
- Sugar
- 99
- 99
- Kitty litter
- 98
- 98
- Cheerios
- 98
- 98
- Saw dust
- 99
- 99
- Sand pebbles
- 97
- 97
Vacuuming performance on carpets
9/10
9/10
Vacuuming performance on carpets
- Pet hair
- 98
- 98
- Flour
- 99
- 99
- Rice
- 98
- 98
- Sugar
- 97
- 97
- Kitty litter
- 97
- 97
- Cheerios
- 98
- 98
- Saw dust
- 98
- 98
- Sand pebbles
- 96
- 96
Setting up the robots
Roomba Combo 10 Max and Roomba Combo j9+ are delivered almost ready for work and require the same easy getting-started steps. You need to take a robot and a dock station from the box, place and plug the station in a place with good Wi-Fi coverage (1.5 m away from stairs and obstacles near the wall), and charge the robot on contacts. Then, you need to download the iRobot Home App and connect it with a robot. During the first run of the robot, it creates all the maps and remembers obstacles. After that, you need to fill water (and cleaning solution if required) into a dock station, and your robot will be ready for cleaning! I like this simple procedure; it does not take longer than one hour, including mapping.
Maintenance
The maintenance of Roomba Combo 10 Max and Roomba Combo j9+ is also similar. I summarized my recommendations in the table, I took into consideration that the robot is automatically cleaned after each cycle in the dock station:
| Cleaning Frequency | Replacement frequency | |
|---|---|---|
| Dual brushes | Twice a month | Every 12 months |
| Side brush | Twice a month | Every 3 months |
| Dustbin | When needed | Not required |
| Water Tank | When needed | Not required |
| Washing pad | After each cleaning cycle (j9+) / when needed (10 Max) | After 30 washes |
| Dust bag | - | Should be replaced when dust bag full indicator on Dock Station is red |
| Dock station | Once a month (j9+) / when needed (10 Max) | Not required |
| Filter | Once a week | Every 2 months |
| Front caster wheel | Every two weeks | Every 12 months |
| Sensors and charging contacts | Every 2 weeks | Not required |
My conclusions
I can fully recommend Roomba Combo 10 Max and Roomba Combo j9+ for large homes and families with kids and pets. Surprisingly, I didn’t find significant differences between these models apart from some smart features, for which you will pay 40% more. But you should decide whether automatic self-cleaning of the docking station and washing pads after each cycle is worth it. Other characteristics – performance, design, dimensions, suction power, smart, and control features are the same or almost the same.
