Roomba Combo J5 or J7: Similarities and Differences Explained
Combo J5
Combo J7
Combo J5
- Dimensions 13.3 inches in width x 3.4 inches high
- Weight 7.49 lbs
- Available colors 1 (Black/Silver)
Combo J7
- Dimensions 13.3 inches in width x 3.4 inches high
- Weight 7.35 lbs
- Available colors 1 (Black/Silver)
The Roomba Combo J5 vs. J7, which is the best Roomba vacuum mop? What are the similarities and differences between the two? Which model should be on top of your wishlist?
For a long time, iRobot, Roomba’s manufacturer, had resisted the idea of combining a vacuum and a mop. But considering every brand is now releasing vacuum mop combos, iRobot has given in to the pressure. Two of their best-selling robot vacuum mop combos are the Roomba Combo J5 and Roomba Combo J7. The two are quite similar, but there are differences that should inform your purchase.
The main difference between Roomba Combo J5 and J7 is the mopping mechanism. The Roomba Combo J5 mopping is based on the interchangeable Roomba Combo Bin with a mopping pad, while the Roomba Combo J7 is based on Auto-Retract Mopping System. The latter is the best as it guarantees better mopping and prevents the robot from wetting carpets.
For more regarding how the two compare, keep reading.
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Roomba Combo J5 vs. J7 Features Compared: Who is The Ultimate Winner?
The Roomba Combo J5 is similar to the original J5 in that it has a round, low-profile design that allows it to pass under low-profile furniture unrestricted. Its diameter also allows it to pass between tight spaces.
The dimensions and weight are 13.3 inches x 3.4 inches and 7.49 lbs, respectively. As is iRobot’s tradition, the Combo J5 boasts a premium design and has been finished in black and silver.
The Roomba Combo is not different. It is a round-shaped robot vacuum with a compact, low-profile design. It can pass between tight spaces such as furniture legs and go under low-profile furniture where much dirt hides.
The dimensions are 13.3 inches in diameter x 3.4 inches high, and the weight is 7.35 lbs. As for the build quality, it is also robust. The Roomba J7 Combo is also black and silver and just as sleek as the Combo J5.
There is no winner here as both models have a round shape, a low profile design, and excellent build quality, as is Roomba's tradition.
The name Combo in a Roomba suggests one thing: it is a vacuum and mop cleaner. Thus, the Combo J5 is a 2-in-1 cleaner. It is designed for all hard floors, for example, hardwood, tile, marble, laminate, etc.
Besides hard floors, the Roomba Combo J5 can be used to vacuum carpets, but note that it is not best for thick carpets and area rugs because of average suction.
The Roomba Combo J5 is also a reliable Roomba for pet hair and other kinds of pet messes, including kitty litter and urine stains.
The Roomba Combo J7 is not different; it is also a 2-in-1 Roomba designed to vacuum and mop simultaneously.
Regarding specialization, you can rely on it to handle hard floors, regardless of your type. From fragile hardwood and laminate to marble and concrete, the Combo J7 has got you covered.
Like the Roomba J5, it is also suitable for carpets but for light vacuuming. We like that it doesn’t wet carpets like the J5.
Last, if you are looking for a Roomba for pet hair, it fits the bill and goes a step ahead to tackle urine stains, paw marks, and other pet messes.
It is still hard to call a winner in this second round of this Roomba Combo J5 vs. J7 comparison. Both models are vacuum mops for hard floors, carpets, and pet hair.
Roomba Combo J5 agitates, lifts, and sucks dirt. That’s how it works. The suction is generated by a 2nd Gen motor, which is not so powerful compared to the latest models but delivers enough suction to pick up everyday fine and large debris.
On average, it delivers 850-900Pa, 10x power-lifting suction of the Roomba 1st Gen models. Unfortunately, there are no adjustable suction levels or a mode that detects carpets and increases suction. Roomba’s average operation noise is 65 dB.
There is no difference between Roomba Combo J5 and J7 in terms of vacuuming performance. It also packs the same 2nd Gen motor the J5 comes with, so its suction range is 850-900Pa. This, too, is 10x the air power delivered by the 1st Gen models. Here again, there is no adjustable suction.
The robot runs on one mode, which is a shortcoming, considering models like Roborock offer monster suction and up to 5 suction levels. The Roomba Combo J7 operation noise is around 65 dB.
Again, there is no winner here, as the two Roombas have similar specifications. They have the same motor and suction, and operation noise is similar. Below are the vacuuming test results.
Roomba Combo J5 comes with a rather basic mopping system. To mop, swap the standard bin for the Roomba Combo Bin. The Roomba Combo Bin has a mopping pad attached below it to scrub and eliminate all kinds of dried-on stains and other wet messes.
You can fill the bin with clean Water and even add a cleaning formula. Roomba recommends Bona® Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner. Just to mention, there is only one mopping mode.
The Combo J5 is a great deal, but it doesn’t have any carpet detection technology to prevent the robot from wetting carpets, so you will have to set Keep Off Zones or remove the Combo Bin to ensure the robot doesn’t wet carpets.
The mopping system is the main difference between the Roomba Combo J5 and Combo J7. The Combo J7 has a far more advanced mopping system. You don’t have to swap bins between cleaning sessions.
Instead, iRobot designed the J7 with an Auto-Retract Mopping System that lifts and retracts the cleaning head to the top when not mopping and retracts to the underneath of the robot when mopping. The cleaning head then exerts 1.16 lbs of pressure for effective contact and scrubbing.
This clever mechanism and the carpet detection function are dubbed Dry Rug Intelligence (DRI). It guarantees that carpets won’t get wet. It is also more practical than having to interchange the bin.
As far as mopping performance is concerned, Roomba Combo J7 is a step ahead. The mopping mechanism is more practical, and furthermore, mopping performance is better, as seen in the mopping test results below.
Mopping Performance on Hardwood
The Roomba Combo J5 is an intelligent robot vacuum with VSLAM navigation dubbed iAdapt 3.0. Under the hood, it packs a set of obstacle and cliff detection sensors that prevent accidents.
Roomba Combo J5 has a real-time camera for enhancing obstacle detection. To further improve obstacle detection, Roomba J5 features the innovative PrecisionVison Technology that leverages an LED headlight to identify over 40 common obstacles at home, including poop.
There is also Reactive Sensor Technology, which further ensures the robot avoids obstacles.
Another feature worth mentioning is Dirt Detect Technology, which finds spots with highly concentrated dirt and switches to Spot mode to eliminate all dirt. However, this feature is available only when the standard bin is attached.
The Roomba Combo J7 is the same as the Combo J5 regarding navigation. It also uses a VSLAM navigation, iAdapt 3.0, to be precise.
It leverages a set of sensors to prevent accidents such as bumping into obstacles and falling off the stairs.
There is also a real-time camera together with a front-facing headlight that complements PrecisionVision Technology which has the power to identify and avoid over 40 common obstacles, including poop.
Also worth mentioning is Roomba’s Reactive Sensor Technology, which ensures the robot reacts to obstacle detection promptly. Roomba Combo J7 also comes with Dirt Detect Technology, available full-time.
In this round, again, it is hard to call a winner as both Roombas have the exact specifications. They are powered by iAdapt 3.0 VSLAM navigation and feature PrecisionVision Technology and Reactive Sensor Technology.
Roomba Combo J5 is a smart mapping robot vacuum courtesy of Imprint Smart Mapping. It can learn, map, and adapt to your floor plan. The robot can create and save up to 10 hyper-accurate maps of your home for efficient cleaning.
This makes it suitable for multi-floor homes. The robot also boasts features such as Clean By Room, otherwise known as Targeted Room Cleaning, and Clean By Zone, also known as Targeted Zone Cleaning. You can customize Clean Zones, Keep Out Zones, create cleaning zones, and clean spots.
It is also possible to clean specific rooms or customize cleaning by room. Also worth mentioning is iRobot OS’s extras such as Clean While I’m Away, Cleaning Time Estimates, Smart Map Coaching and Room Name Suggestions, and Quiet Drive.
Roomba Combo J7 is the same as Roomba Combo J5. It is also a smart robot vacuum that creates and saves up to 10 accurate maps of your home.
Thus, it is ideal for homes with more than one floor. It features Targeted Zone Cleaning so you can customize Clean Zones and do spot cleaning.
The J7 also has Targeted Room Cleaning, so you can choose specific rooms to clean, get schedule by room suggestions, and so on.
iRobot OS’s extras, Clean While I’m Away, Cleaning Time Estimates, Smart Map Coaching and Room Name Suggestions, and Quiet Drive are also featured.
There is no winner in this round. Roomba Combo J5 and J7 have the same mapping features. So, the round ends in a draw.
Roomba Combo J5 does more than just vacuum and mop. It also keeps the ambiance fresh. It has an AeroForce high-efficiency filter that captures 99% of allergens, such as dust mites. Even though it is not a true HEPA filter, it is still an invaluable addition, especially for allergy sufferers.
Roomba J7 Combo is not different. It also has an AeroForce high-efficiency filter that captures 99% of allergens and other elements that cause bad odor. This one, too, is not a true HEPA filter but goes a long way in keeping your atmosphere fresh.
This round ends in a tie as the two Roombas have the same filtration based on AeroForce high-efficiency filters.
Roomba Combo J5 comes with two brush systems: a primary brush and a secondary brush. The primary brush is a Dual Multisurface Brushroll with Tangle-Free Technology.
It consists of a dual brush system, one for agitation and the other one specialized for dirt pickup. We also like the antitangle technology. The main brush is assisted by a spinning brush on one side of the robot.
Roomba Combo J7 comes with the same Dual Multisurface Brushroll with Tangle-Free Technology. The main brush consists of two brushrolls, one for agitating and loosening embedded dirt and the other for effective dirt lift-up.
It also boasts antitangle technology. A spinning side brush also reaches the deep corners and wall edges.
Here again, there is no winner. Both Roomba Combo J5 and J7 come with the Dual Multisurface Brushroll with Tangle-Free Technology and a spinning side brush. Their performance is at par.
Roomba Combo J5+ has a large onboard bin and a full bin indicator. The good thing is that the J7+ is a self-emptying robot vacuum that tags along with the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal.
The Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal houses disposable dustbags holding 60 days of dirt for hands-free cleaning.
Roomba Combo J7+ features an onboard bin with a full bin indicator.
The robot is also self-emptying and works with the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, which is included in the package. The dustbag can also hold up to 60 days of dirt.
There is no winner in this round as the Roomba J5+ Combo and J7+ Combo have the same onboard bin with a full bin indicator and come with the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal for handsfree cleaning for up to 60 days.
Roomba Combo J5 has a Roomba® i8 Denali battery with a 2210mAh capacity, enough to power the robot for up to 90 minutes on hard floors and slightly shorter on carpets. The robot also features the Auto-Recharge+Resume function.
This feature detects when the robot’s battery is low and sends it to the docking station to recharge. After recharging, the Roomba will resume cleaning without being prompted. The recharge time is 2-3 hours.
Nothing is different in the Roomba Combo J7 as it has a Roomba® i8 Denali 2210mAh battery. It can last the Roomba for up to 90 minutes.
To ensure the robot completes all cleaning sessions, there is an Auto-Recharge+Resume function that recharges the robot automatically and sends it back to where it left off to complete cleaning. The recharge time is also 2-3 hours.
No Roomba Combo has the edge over the other on matters regarding battery and runtime. The duo has the same Roomba® i8 Denali battery, can run for up to 90 minutes, and has the Auto-Recharge+Resume function.
Roomba J5 Combo comes with a schedule and cleaning customization feature. You can set a weekly cleaning schedule or even customize cleaning by room.
It is also a smart robot vacuum courtesy of 2.4GHz WiFi compatibility. It allows for automation via the iRobot Home mobile app and Alexa or Google Assistant.
Roomba Combo J7 can also be programmed to clean for the entire week or customized to clean by room, among other programmability capabilities.
The robot is also compatible with 2.4GHz WiFi for mobile app operation via the iRobot Home app and voice assistant compatibility – Alexa or Google Assistant.
No winner here. Both Roombas have the same automation and smart features.
Roomba Combo J5 has excellent durability, and furthermore, it has a 1 year Roomba standard warranty. If it fails within the first year of purchase, you may be eligible for repair or replacement if the warranty is intact.
Regarding support, you can always seek help from iRobot via the company website’s live chat or any of the help center resources. As for Roomba Combo J5 parts and supplies, you can find them on Amazon in plenty, both authentic and generic.
A standard Roomba 1-year warranty also covers Roomba Combo J7. You can also get repair or replacement if it fails due to a manufacturing defect within the first year of purchase.
Support is also available via live chat on the company website or the many resources in the form of tutorials and troubleshooting guides. You can also get Rooma Combo j7 replacement parts and supplies on Amazon at affordable prices.
No model wins this round as they both come with a 1-year warranty, and parts and supplies are plenty. Support, too, is available.
Roomba Combo J5 comes with the following:
- Roomba Combo™ j5+ Robot Vacuum and Mop
- Clean Base® Automatic Dirt Disposal
- 1 Extra High-Efficiency Filter
- 1 Extra Edge-Sweeping Brush
- Interchangeable Roomba Combo™ Bin
- 1 Microfiber Mopping Pad
- 1 Extra Dirt Disposal Bag
- Line Cord
The Roomba Combo J7 comes with the following:
- iRobot® Roomba Combo™ j7 Robot Vacuum and Mop
- Clean Base® Automatic Dirt Disposal
- 1 Extra High-Efficiency Filter
- 1 Extra Edge-Sweeping Brush
- 1 Dirt Disposal Bag
- 1 Reusable Microfiber Mopping Pad
- Line Cord
There is no better model than the other as both Roombas come well-equipped with the necessary accessories to perform their duties effectively. So, the round ends in a draw.
Cleaning Tests:
Vacuuming Test on Hardwood Floor
Vacuuming Test on Hardwood Floor
- Pet Hair
- 98%
- 98%
- Sand Pebbles
- 99%
- 99%
- Flour
- 98%
- 98%
- Sugar
- 99%
- 99%
- Rice
- 99%
- 99%
- Coffee
- 98%
- 98%
- Popcorn
- 99%
- 99%
- Cheerios
- 99%
- 99%
- Kitty Litter
- 99%
- 99%
Vacuuming Test on High Pile Carpet
Vacuuming Test on High Pile Carpet
- Pet Hair
- 97%
- 97%
- Sand Pebbles
- 98%
- 98%
- Flour
- 95%
- 95%
- Sugar
- 97%
- 97%
- Rice
- 98%
- 98%
- Coffee
- 96%
- 96%
- Popcorn
- 98%
- 98%
- Cheerios
- 98%
- 98%
- Kitty Litter
- 97%
- 97%
Mopping Performance
Mopping Performance
- Porridge
- 94%
- 95%
- Margarine
- 93%
- 94%
- Wine
- 98%
- 99%
- Soda
- 98%
- 99%
- Yogurt
- 94%
- 95%
- Milk
- 97%
- 98%
- Raw Eggs
- 93%
- 94%
- Honey
- 93%
- 94%
- Urine Stains
- 95%
- 96%
- Paw Marks
- 99%
- 99%
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cleaning solution for the Roomba combo?
2. Is the j7 Combo worth it?
3. Does Roomba have a mop and vacuum combo?
Wrapping Up
That’s the end of this Roomba Combo J5 vs. J7 comparison review. As you have seen, the main difference between Roomba Combo J5+ and Roomba Combo J7+ is the mopping mechanism. The Combo J7 is far more advanced, effective in mopping, and guarantees that carpets won’t get wet. But still, the Combo J5 is a good choice if you are on a budget and don’t have carpets. Check out all the latest Roomba deals on Amazon.
