Roomba J6 vs J7: What’s the Difference?
Roomba J6
Roomba J7
Roomba J6
- Dimensions 13.3 x 3.4 inches
- Weight 7.49 lbs
- Available colors 1 (Black/Silver)
- Navigation iAdapt 3.0
Roomba J7
- Dimensions 13.3 x 3.4 inches
- Weight 7.49 lbs
- Available colors 1 (Black/Silver)
- Navigation iAdapt 3.0
The Roomba J6 vs. J7 debate doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon. This is because of the several instances of confusion on the difference between the two models. Some claim they are two different robot vacuums, while others say the difference is just the availability and packaging. To put the debate to rest once and for all, we decided to write this review.
Roomba J6 and Roomba J7 are popular robot vacuums because of their affordability. The two share quite a lot in common, but there is a difference that should inform your purchase decision.
The main difference between the Roomba J6 and Roomba J7 is the firmware and, consequently, object detection (PrecisonVision). However, there are instances where the difference between the two is just the availability of the robot and labeling. The J6 was a local store model, while the J7 was an Amazon exclusive. But this has changed since then. Some buyers have also received exactly a J7 but with an add-on sticker of the J6.
For more regarding how the two compare, read along.
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Roomba J6 vs. J7 Face-to-Face Comparison
The Roomba J6 is a round-shaped robot vacuum that sports a compact design. It can pass under low-profile furniture without restrictions and between tight spaces such as chair legs. The robot’s dimensions are only 13.3 inches in width x 3.4 inches high, while the weight is 7.49 lbs.
Regarding aesthetics, the J6 is quite appealing and finished in black and silver.
For the build quality, we like iRobot’s choice of premium materials that make the robot a durable masterpiece that can pass the test of time.
Roomba J7 is the same as the J6 as it is also a round-shaped robot vacuum with a low profile design. It can also go under most furniture and pass between tight spaces. The robot’s dimensions are only 13.3 inches in width x 3.4 inches high, and the weight is 7.49 lbs.
Regarding aesthetics, the Roomba J7 is stylish, to say the least, and is available in a single color option; black and silver.
The premium materials used in the construction also mean longer years of service, even if you have aggressive pets that tend to scratch Roombas.
There is no winner in this first round of this Roomba J6 vs J7 comparison review. Both models have the same dimensions and weight as well as aesthetics. The build quality is also commendable.
The Roomba J6 is a versatile robot cleaner that sweeps and vacuums only. However, it can sync with the Braava M6 for simultaneous vacuuming and mopping.
Regarding specialization, the J6 and J6+ have been designed for all hard floors, talk of tile, vinyl, concrete, laminate, hardwood, and so on. And it’s not just hard floors. It can also transition to carpets. However, it is suitable for light carpet vacuuming only.
For thick carpets that require more power, you will have to take your search elsewhere. The J6 is also a good Roomba for pet hair as it picks up all kinds of pet hair effortlessly.
Roomba J7 is similar to the J6 in terms of cleaning orientation. It is also a vacuum-only Roomba. You can rely on it if you have hard floors, be it tile and laminate or hardwood and marble.
Like the J6, the J7 and J7+ are also suited for carpets but perform dismally on high-pile carpets because of the average suction power. But for light vacuuming, it gets the job done.
Last, the J7 can also be a reliable robot vacuum for pet hair. It has been designed to pick up all pet hairs, from short cat hair to long dog hair.
In this round, again, it is hard to call a winner as both Roombas are similar. They can sweep and vacuum and have been designed for all hard floors, light carpet vacuuming, and pet hair pickup.
Roomba J6+ uses the patented iRobot 3-Stage Cleaning System, where dirt is first agitated, lifted, and sucked into the bin.
At the heart of this system is a powerful 2nd Gen motor that delivers an average of 850 – 900 Pa, which is enough suction to suck all kinds of debris, including fine dust and large debris.
This is a single-speed motor meaning there are no adjustable suction levels. If you like vacuuming at night, don’t worry. Your sleep won’t be interrupted.
The average operation noise is 50dB when vacuuming and about 85dB when emptying the bin.
Roomba J7+’s vacuuming is still based on iRobot’s 3-Stage Cleaning System. Dirt is agitated in the first stage, lifted in the second, and sucked into the bin in the final stage.
The Roomba J5550 maintains the single-speed 2nd Gen motor that delivers an average of 850-900Pa, enough to pick up the everyday household dirt.
Regarding operation noise, the baby can lay calm when it is working, as the noise is around 50dB when cleaning and 85dB when emptying the bin.
There is no winner here, as both Roombas are equipped with the same motor, and the suction output is exactly the same. That said, the round ends in a draw.
The Roomba J6 is a vacuum-only cleaner. It does not have a mopping function. The good thing is that it can sync with the Braava M6 courtesy of Imprint Link Technology.
The Roomba J7 is also a vacuum-only robot cleaner. It has no mopping function and shouldn’t be confused with the Roomba Combo J7, a vacuum and mop unit.
There is no winner here, as the two Roombas don't have a mopping function. But we are glad they both have Imprint Link Technology to link up with the Braava M6.
Roomba J6+ is an intelligent robot vacuum that relies on a vSLAM navigation system dubbed iAdapt 3.0 and the J6/J6+ firmware. The system consists of obstacle and cliff detection sensors alongside a real-time camera. The result is an intelligent robot that navigates high-traffic rooms with precision and fewer obstructions.
One of the newest additions to the J6 is PrecisionVision Navigation which leverages an LED to enable the robot to identify cords/wires/cables and pet waste.
Another feature is Reactive Sensor Technology that prevents the robot from getting stuck.
Romba J7+ is also an intelligent robot vacuum with iAdapt 3.0 vSLAM Navigation and J7/J7+ firmware. The navigation system comprises obstacle and cliff detection sensors to prevent accidents.
The robot also features a real-time camera and PrecisionVision Navigation that uses an LED to enable the robot to detect over 40 items, including cords/wires/cables, pet waste, socks, shoes/slippers, fabrics/clothes/towels, backpacks, pet toys, pet bowls, litter boxes, pets and so on.
We also like Reactive Sensor Technology that tells the robot where it can’t pass so it gets stuck less often.
While both robots use iAdapt 3.0 vSLAM Navigation and PrecisionVision Technology, the Roomba J7+ is the winner as its firmware enables it to detect more than 40 items, while the J6+ detects just 2. But you can definitely roll back to J7’s firmware and make the J6 recognize over 40 items like the J7.
When it comes to mapping, the Roomba J6+ relies on Imprint Smart Mapping, a technology that enables the robot to learn, map and adapt to your home’s layout. The Roomba can create and save up to 10 hyper-accurate maps making it ideal for homes with more than one level.
The J6 tags, along with several smart mapping features. First is Clean Maps which shows you where the robot has cleaned and where it has missed. You also get Clean By Room and Clean By Zone capabilities.
There’s The Keep Out Zones feature for containment, and iRobot OS gives the robot human-like intelligence. With iRobot OS, you get personalized cleaning suggestions, the Clean While I’m Away feature, Cleaning Time Estimates, Smart Map Coaching and Room Name Suggestions, and Quiet Drive, just to mention a few.
Roomba J7+ also leverages Imprint Smart Mapping, which enables the robot to learn, map and adapt to your home’s layout. The Roomba can also create hyper-accurate maps of your home and save up to 10 maps, so it is also ideal for homes with more than one floor.
Like the J6, it comes with Clean Maps that give you a detailed report on where the robot has cleaned and Clean By Room and Clean By Zone capabilities so you can decide to clean specific rooms only or specific spots. For boundary marking, you can take advantage of Keep Out Zones.
Roomba J7+ also has iRobot OS, which offers smart features such as Clean While I’m Away feature, Cleaning Time Estimates, Smart Map Coaching and Room Name Suggestions, and Quiet Drive.
There is no winner here, as both Roombas have the same mapping features. They can create and save maps, have the same mapping features, and are powered by iRobot OS.
Roomba J6+ is not just for sweeping and vacuuming. It goes the extra mile to freshen up the atmosphere. Under the hood, it packs AeroForce high-efficiency filters that capture 99.9% of allergens and other elements from the atmosphere.
Just to mention, these are not true HEPA filters as they filter down to 0.6 microns. Remember, true HEPA filters filter down to 0.3 microns.
Roomba J7+ also has a filtration system to freshen the atmosphere and eliminate allergy triggers. It is equipped with an AeroForce high-efficiency filter with the same performance as the J6’s.
It also captures 99.9% of allergens, dust, pollen, and other elements. But remember, they, too, are not true-HEPA filters.
There is no winner in this round. Both Roomba J6 and J7 are equipped with the same high-efficiency filter.
Roborock J6+ comes with a brush system for sweeping and agitation. The primary brush, responsible for agitation and dirt lift-up, is dubbed AeroForce Dual Dual Multisurface Rubber Brushes with Antitangle Technology.
The head consists of two counterrotating brushes, one for agitation and the other for lifting dirt. One thing we like about this brush is the reduced tangling compared to the old-generation brush.
The main brush is assisted by a spinning side brush on one side. It is designed to reach the wall edges and deep corners where the main brush can’t reach.
Roborock J7+ also tags along with a primary brush for agitation and dirt pickup and a secondary brush for sweeping. The primary brush is the same one used in the J6, AeroForce Dual Dual Multisurface Rubber Brushes.
They are very effective in scrubbing embedded dirt and picking up all sorts of debris, including pet hair.
Talking of pet hair, the J7 is ideal for both short and long pet hair, so you don’t have to worry about tangling.
A spinning side brush for the wall edges and deep corners complements the main brush.
There is no winner here, as both Roombas have the same brush system. This is the AeroForce Dual Dual Multisurface Rubber Brushes with Antitangle Technology and a spinning side brush.
The Roomba J6+ is a fantastic robot vacuum now that it is a self-emptying model. You no longer have to empty the onboard now and then manually. Regarding the onboard bin, the J7 has a 0.5L bin in the robot and a full bin indicator.
This being the Plus model, the dock incorporates the empty station whose disposable bag can hold up to 60 days of dirt, considering 2 bags have been supplied. Isn’t that interesting?
Roomba J7+ is not different from the J6+ as it is also a self-emptying robot vacuum. It has a washable 0.5L onboard bin with a full bin indicator. However, the full bin indicator is not practical as the robot empties the bin for you.
The Roomba J7+’s Clean Base® Automatic Dirt Disposal single bag can hold 30 days of dirt, and considering 2 bags are supplied, that makes it 60 days.
No model is better than the other here. The Roomba J6 Plus and J7 Plus are both self-emptying robot vacuums. They also have the same onboard bin capacity and the full bin indicator.
Roomba J6+ is a cordless vacuum meaning it has an inbuilt battery. We like the choice of battery iRobot settled on; Roomba® i8 Denali 2210mAh battery. It offers up to 90 minutes of runtime on hard floors and up to 85 on carpets.
The Roomba J6 is intelligent enough to know when it requires charge and docks for 2-3 hours to get some juice. Interestingly, it has auto-resume capabilities.
The Roomba J7+ also comes with the Roomba® i8 Denali 2210mAh battery meaning it can also put up 90 minutes of runtime on hard floors and around 85 on carpets. The Roomba J7 also incorporates iRobot’s Patented Smart Recharge & Resume Technology.
It can recharge automatically when the power goes down and resume cleaning to complete the job. The recharge time is 2-3 hours.
There is no better model as far as battery and runtime are concerned. The Roomba J6+ and J7+ come with the same battery and offer the same runtime. They also tag along with Smart Recharge & Resume Technology.
Roomba J6 is one of the most advanced robot vacuums from the American brand. It has a scheduling function that allows you to set up the robot to clean at specific times throughout the week.
It’s also worth mentioning that it is a smart robot vacuum powered by 2.4GHz for mobile app operation via the iRobot HOME app and Alexa compatibility.
Roomba J7 is also similar to the J6 in terms of automation and smart features. It also has a scheduling function so you can set your floor cleaning on autopilot for a week straight.
The J7 is also a connected model powered by 2.4GHz WiFi for mobile app operation and voice assistant compatibility, talk of Alexa and Google Assistant.
There is no winner here, as the J6 and J7 are smart robot vacuums with the same features. Thus, the round ends in a draw.
Roombas are built to last and guarantee years of service. Furthermore, all Roombas, including the J6+, have a 1-year warranty. If the robot malfunctions during the first year of purchase, contact the seller or iRobot – they have a fix.
Regarding support, we are glad there are plenty of resources in the form of guides and tutorials. iRobot also has a live chat. On replacement parts and supplies, they are in plenty on Amazon.
The Roomba J7+ is also a masterpiece that offers years of service. A 1-year warranty covers the robot, so don’t fret when the robot malfunctions after a week or two. As long as you haven’t voided the warranty, you can get repairs or a replacement.
Support, too, is available in the form of user guides, tutorials, and more. You can also contact the company via live chat. Roomba J7+ replacement parts and supplies such as filters, brushes, and bags are in plenty at affordable prices.
There is no winner here, as both models are from the same brand. The warranty and support are similar, and replacement parts and supplies are available.
Roomba J6+ comes with the following:
- 1 Roomba® j6+ Robot Vacuum
- 1 Clean Base® Automatic Dirt Disposal
- 2 Dirt Disposal Bags
- 1 North American Line Cord
- 1 Extra High-Efficiency Filter
- 1 Extra Corner Brush (black)
On the other hand, the Roomba J7+ comes with:
- 1 Roomba® j7+ Robot Vacuum
- 1 Clean Base® Automatic Dirt Disposal
- 2 Dirt Disposal Bags
- 1 North American Line Cord
- 1 Extra High-Efficiency Filter
- 1 Extra Corner Brush (black)
This round has no winner, as both models are well-equipped. That said, 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%
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the capacity of the Roomba J7+?
2. Does Roomba J7 have a camera?
3. Can Roomba j7 clean carpets?
Wrapping Up
That’s the end of this Roomba J6+ vs J7+ comparison review. So, what’s the best bang for the buck? Well, the two robot vacuums are similar, as you have seen. The only difference is that the J6’s firmware allows it to detect just 2 items; cords/wires/cables and pet waste, while the J7+ can detect up to 40 items. You can, however, switch to the J7’s firmware.
Now, considering the J6 is much cheaper than the J7, it is the ultimate choice. But if you don’t want the hassles of switching firmware, you better get the J7 once and for all. You can check out all the best Roomba deals and discounts on Amazon today!
