The Ultimate Roomba J9 vs. J7 Comparison Review
Combo J9
Combo J7
Combo J9
- Dimensions 13.3 inches in width x 3.4 inches high
- Weight 8.98 lbs.
- Available colors 1 (Black/Bronze)
- Carpet Boost Yes
- Bin 0.5L Onboard
- Dirt Detective Yes
Combo J7
- Dimensions 13.3 inches in width x 3.4 inches high
- Weight 7.35 lbs.
- Available colors 1 (Black/Silver)
- Carpet Boost No
- Bin 0.5L Onboard
- Dirt Detective No
Are you in the Roomba J9 vs J7 dilemma? If yes, this article is a must-read. I realized many buyers were wondering what to buy, so I decided to put the 2 to test.
J9 and J7 are two fantastic J Series cleaners. We have variants in the respective lineups. For this review, the focus is on the Roomba Combo™ j9+ and Combo™ j7+. I like the two because they are self-emptying cleaners. A quick scan of them and you realize there are many similarities. Yet, there are some nitty gritty differences that I will be explaining.
The difference between the Roomba J9 and J7 is cleaning performance and convenience. The J9 cleans better and can auto-refill the onboard water tank.
The above are the main differences. For more, keep it right here.
Roomba J9 vs. J7 Face to Face Comparison Review
The Roomba J9 is a compact robot vacuum cleaner with a low-profile design. It is still round-shaped like the other models in the J Series. The dimensions are 13.3 inches in diameter by x 3.4 inches in height, while the weight is 8.98 lbs.
It can pass between tight spaces and slide under low-profile furniture unrestricted. We like the excellent build quality that guarantees durability.
We also like the minimalistic design of the Clean Base Auto-Fill Dock.The aesthetics are also appealing. J9 is black and bronze.
Roomba J7 is quite like the J9 design. It is also a round-shaped robot vacuum with a compact and low-profile design. It goes under low-profile furniture and passes between taught spaces without getting stuck.
The diameter is 13.3 inches, while the height is 3.4 inches.
We also like the J7’s looks. It is also stylish and is black and silver. The robot’s dock is also minimalistic and fits tight spaces.
About dimensions and aesthetics, there is no winner. Both Roomba Combos have compact and low-profile designs. They also score the same points when it comes to aesthetics.
The Roomba Combo J9 is a 2-in-1 cleaner. As the name Combo suggests, it can vacuum and mop. This means you don’t need to spend more on a robot mop, for example, the Braava M6.
On specialization, the Roomba J9 is ideal for all kinds of hard floors. This includes tile, hardwood, laminate, linoleum, and marble, to mention a few. The higher suction means it is suitable for carpets and rugs.
Last, the J9 is a good robot vacuum for pet hair. It can also handle other pet messes, including urine stains and paw marks.
There is no difference between Roomba J9 and J7 in cleaning orientation. The J7 is a 2-in-1 robot cleaner that vacuums and mops. With the Combo J7, you don’t need a separate robot mop.
iRobot designed the J7 for hard floors such as hardwood, tile, laminate, and linoleum. You can also rely on the J7 to vacuum carpets, but it is less effective than the Roomba J9.
Last, the J7 is also a reliable robot vacuum for pet hair and messes such as stains and paw marks.
It is hard to call a winner here as both robot cleaners can vacuum and mop. They are also ideal for hard floors, carpets, and pet hair. But the Roomba J9 is the ultimate choice. It offers better vacuuming and mopping, as we will see in our exclusive cleaning test results.
The Roomba J9 Combo has a much-advanced motor. It delivers almost 100% more power-lifting suction than the J7. From our estimates, this should be around 2200Pa, the same suction delivered by the Roomba S9.
One thing we like about the J9 is that there are adjustable suction levels, 3 to be precise. Besides, the J9 has a Carpet Boost function. It detects carpets and steps up suction, guaranteeing a deeper clean.
One of the differences between Roomba Combo J9 and J7 is the vacuuming performance. The J7 comes with the 2nd Gen motor that delivers an average of 850-900Pa.
This yield is said to be 40 times the air lifting power of the Roomba 600 models. Higher suction means the J7 can’t match the J9’s performance.
Also note, the Combo J7 doesn’t have adjustable suction levels or Carpet Boost.
The Roomba J9 Combo wins this round. It comes with a much-advanced motor that delivers higher suction. The J9 also has adjustable suction levels and a Carpet Boost feature. Below are the cleaning test results.
The Roomba Combo J9 can vacuum and mop, as mentioned earlier.
The robot comes with the much advanced Auto-Retract Mopping System. This is an upgrade from the Interchangeable Combo Bin the entry-level models like the i5 and j5 use.
The mopping system consists of a retractable cleaning head. Upon carpet detection, it retracts to the top. On hard floors, it flexes and retracts under the robot. The J9 cleans back and forth with the SmartScrub System. It exerts consistent pressure and 2x deeper scrubbing, removing stubborn messes.
The electronic water tank ensures efficient water dispensation. Besides, there’s a system that refills the onboard water tank, so you won’t have to.
You don’t have to worry about your carpet getting wet courtesy of Dry Rug Intelligence (DRI) and No Mop Zones.
Roomba Combo J7 is also a robot vacuum with a mopping function.
Like the J9, it also deploys the advanced Auto-Retract Mopping System. A retracting cleaning head retracts to the top. This Roomba Combo also comes with Dry Rug Intelligence, a mechanism that detects carpets and retracts the head.
The J9 wipes all wet messes and embedded dirt, but not as effectively as the Roomba J9. This is because the J7 doesn’t come with SmartScrub Technology, which gives the J9 the edge.
The J7 also has a sizeable electronic onboard tank, but you must refill it. For containment, you can also use No Mop Zones.
The Roomba Combo J9 is the winner in this round again. It comes with a better scrubbing mechanism for better cleaning. This is as seen in the mopping test results below. We also like the J9 as it refills the onboard water tank for a hands-free cleaning experience.
I really like the Roomba J9 Combo as it relies on an accurate navigation system dubbed iAdapt 3.0. It consists of obstacle detection and cliff detection sensors that prevent accidents such as hitting furniture or topping off the stairs.
There’s also a real-time camera and a front-facing LED (PrecisionVision Technology) which allow the robot to recognize and avoid over 40 items, including poop.
Also worth mentioning is Reactive Sensor Technology, which further enhances obstacle avoidance. The J9 comes with Dirt Detect 2.0.
Everything is the same in the Roomba J7 as it is also a robot vacuum guided by serious smarts.
The robot uses iAdapt 3.0 VSLAM, consisting of obstacle and cliff detection sensors. There’s also a real-time camera and a front-facing LED that enhances obstacle avoidance recognizing obstacles with greater precision.
The J7 also maintains Reactive Sensor Technology and Dirt Detect 2.0. The former is for obstacle detection, while the latter scans spots with high dirt concentration.
There is no winner. Both vacuums have iAdapt 3.0, PrecisionVision Navigation, and Reactive Sensor Technology.
Roomba Combo J9+ is an intelligent mapping robot vacuum that deploys Imprint Smart Mapping to learn, map, and adapt to the layout of your home. The robot can create and save up to 10 maps, something that makes it ideal for homes with many levels.
J9 also has Targeted Zone cleaning and Targeted Room Cleaning for customized cleaning. You can send it to clean specific spots, set boundaries, or even send the robot to clean specific rooms.
The J9 is powered by iRobot OS a technology that learns your cleaning habits and offers personalized cleaning suggestions. Other features include Clean While I’m Away and Cleaning Time Estimates. There’s also Smart Map Coaching & Room Name Suggestions and Quiet Drive.
One of the unique features is Dirt Detective, which learns from previous cleaning missions and prioritizes dirtier rooms. It also adjusts cleaning settings.
Combo J7+ can also scan and map your home courtesy of Imprint Smart Mapping. It learns, maps, and adapts to the floor plan of your home for entire level and efficient cleaning. The J7 can create and save up to 10 hyperaccurate maps of your home.
It also has Targeted Zone Cleaning and Targeted Room Cleaning features, so you can customize cleaning to your liking. For example, you can send the robot to clean a specific spot.
It’s also possible to set boundaries and clean specific rooms instead of the entire house. The J7 is also an iRobot OS cleaner.
Here, the new Roomba J9 Combo is the winner. It comes with Dirt Detective, which is handy in cleaning customization.
Roomba J9 Combo does more than vacuuming and mopping as it also keeps the ambiance fresh.
iRobot equipped it with an AeroForce high-efficiency filter that captures 99.97% of allergens, dust mites, and other unwanted elements.
We like the fact that this is a washable filter, meaning maintenance costs are lower.
Everything is the same in the Roomba Combo J7 as it also has an AeroForce high-efficiency filter that captures 99.97% of allergens, pollen, and other dust particles.
The maintenance costs are also lower as the filter is washable.
This round has no winner. The two robot vacuums have the same AeroForce high-efficiency filter. That said, the round ends in a draw.
The Roomba J9 relies on two brush systems. The AeroForce Dual Multisurface Brush System is the main brush. One brush agitates and loosens dirt, while the other is for lifting. The main brush comes with Antitangle Technology, which is very effective and prevents the brush from getting jammed by long hairs.
The secondary brush is a single spinning side brush. It reaches the wall edges and deep corners where the main brush can’t reach.
The Roomba Combo J7 is similar to the J9 here. The J7 also has an AeroForce Dual Multisurface Brush System with Antitangle Technology.
The robot’s primary brush system consists of a dual brush system. One brushroll is for agitating and loosening dirt. The other is for lifting dirt, ready for suctioning.
A single spinning side brush complements the main brush. It sweeps the wall edges and deep corners.
There is no winner here. The two have the exact AeroForce Dual Multisurface Brush System with Antitangle Technology. They also come with a single spinning side brush. That said, the round ends in a draw.
Roomba Combo J9 comes with a large 0.5L onboard bin, and it is a self-emptying robot vacuum. You don’t have to worry about emptying the bin after every cleaning session. This is if you have the Clean Base Automatic Disposal Unit.
Your responsibility will only be disposing of the dustbag and replacing it with a new one. A single disposable bag can hold up to 30 days of dirt. iRobot supplies 2 bags.
There is no difference between J9 and J7 in the bin system. The Roomba J7 also has a large 0.5L onboard bin and is a self-emptying robot vacuum like the J9+, so you can enjoy the convenience of almost handsfree cleaning.
The Clean Base Auto Empty Dock has a large disposable bag that can hold up to 30 days of dirt. Considering you get 2 bags, you can forget about manual bin emptying for up to 60 days.
This round has no winner, as the two Roombas have the same bin system. They both feature a 0.5L onboard bin and are self-emptying robot vacuums. Besides, they come with the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal system.
The J9 Combo maintains the Roomba® i8 2210mAh Denali battery. It offers up to 90 minutes of runtime.
On power management, the J9 can recharge and resume cleaning. The recharge time is 2-3 hours.
Roomba J7 is the same as J9. It comes with the same battery, offering up to 90 minutes of runtime.
The J7 is also an intelligent robot vacuum that is designed to manage its power levels automatically.
There is no winner here, as both models have the same Roomba® i8 2210mAh Denali battery. They also have an autorecharge+resume function, so the round ends in a draw.
Roomba J9 is an intelligent robot vacuum with plenty of automation features, so if you are a smart home enthusiast, this is the deal. For example, you can schedule the robot to clean specific rooms at specific times.
This robot is compatible with 2.4GHz WiFi for mobile app operation via the iRobot Home App. You can also use voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant.
Roomba J7 is the same as the J9 as it can be programmed to clean at specific times. The robot also works with 2.4GHz WiFi, supporting mobile app operation and voice assistant compatibility.
In short, you get all the convenience that the latest Roombas offer.
There is no winner in this round. Both robot vacuums are well-endowed when it comes to automation and smart features.
Roomba J9+ Combo boasts excellent build quality and guarantees durability. The company also offers a standard 1-year warranty.
Support is available via the company website’s live chat. You can also use Roomba troubleshooting guides, user guides, and tutorials.
Last, J9 replacement parts and supplies are available at affordable prices.
Roomba J7 Combo is a solid robot vacuum designed to take quite some abuse and is also covered by a 1-year warranty.
On support, you can contact the iRobot team via the live chat channel. Another option is checking out Roomba troubleshooting guides and tutorials.
Last, J7 replacement parts and supplies are available at affordable prices, so whether you want a brush or filter, they are in plenty.
There is no winner here, as the two are from the same brand and company. They have a standard warranty, support is available, and so are parts and supplies. So, the round ends in a draw.
The Roomba Combo J9+ comes with the following;
- Roomba Combo™ j9 Robot Vacuum and Mop
- Clean Base® Automatic Dirt Disposal
- 1 Extra High-Efficiency Filter
- 1 Extra Edge-Sweeping Brush
- 1 Microfiber Mopping Pad
- 1 Extra Dirt Disposal Bag
- Line Cord
On the other hand, 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 winner here, as both robot vacuum and mop combos are well-equipped. So, the round ends in a draw.
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Cleaning tests:
Vacuuming Test on Hardwood Floor
Vacuuming Test on Hardwood Floor
- Pet hair
- 99%
- 98%
- Sand Pebbles
- 99%
- 99%
- Flour
- 99%
- 98%
- Sugar
- 99%
- 99%
- Rice
- 99%
- 99%
- Coffee
- 99%
- 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
- 98%
- 97%
- Sand pebbles
- 99%
- 98%
- Flour
- 97%
- 95%
- Sugar
- 99%
- 97%
- Rice
- 99%
- 98%
- Coffee
- 98%
- 96%
- Popcorn
- 99%
- 98%
- Cheerios
- 99%
- 98%
- Kitty Litter
- 99%
- 97%
Mopping test
Mopping test
- Porridge
- 97%
- 95%
- Margarine
- 96%
- 94%
- Wine
- 99%
- 99%
- Soda
- 99%
- 99%
- Yogurt
- 97%
- 95%
- Milk
- 99%
- 98%
- Raw Eggs
- 96%
- 94%
- Honey
- 96%
- 94%
- Urine Stains
- 99%
- 96%
- Paw Marks
- 99%
- 99%
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did Roomba j7+ come out?
2. What is the lifespan of the Roomba j7?
3. Does Roomba J9 have mapping?
4. Does Roomba j7 have lidar?
5. Can you add vinegar to Roomba J9?
Wrapping Up
We’ve come to the end of this comparison review, so the ultimate question is, what is the best Roomba to buy and why? The J7 and J9 are reliable robotic cleaners that vacuum and mop for a comprehensive clean. They are reliable multisurface cleaners that handle both hard floors and carpets. If you have pets, the two will also suffice. They can pick up pet hair with minimal tangling and wipe out urine stains and dried paw marks.
However, the Roomba J9 is the ultimate deal as it offers better vacuuming and mopping. It also has several unique features, including Dirt Detective and Auto-Water Refill. But still, the J7 is a worthy bargain if you are on a tight budget.
You can check out all the latest Roomba deals and discounts on Amazon!
