iRobot Roomba j9+ (2026): Is it the future of clean?

Okay, let’s be honest. Robot vacuums were a novelty a few years ago. Now, they’re practically essential. I’ve been testing the iRobot Roomba j9+ for the past month, and I’m ready to give you the lowdown on whether it’s worth the investment.

What’s new in the j9+?

Compared to previous Roomba models, the j9+ boasts several key improvements. First, the navigation is significantly better. It uses PrecisionVision 3.0, which claims to identify and avoid obstacles like shoes, pet waste (yes, really!), and even charging cables with a higher degree of accuracy than older models. I can confirm it mostly lives up to the hype. I’ve only had one incident where it got tangled in a stray phone charger cable, which is a huge improvement from my old Roomba i7.

Second, the cleaning power has been boosted. iRobot says it has 20% more suction power than previous models, and I believe it. My carpets feel noticeably cleaner, and it does a great job of picking up pet hair (I have two shedding dogs, so this is crucial for me). The redesigned brush roll also seems to be more effective at preventing hair tangles.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, the j9+ has a self-emptying base that’s been redesigned for quieter operation. The old base sounded like a jet engine taking off. This one is still audible, but much less intrusive. It also holds up to 60 days of debris, meaning I only have to empty it every two months.

Pros:

• Excellent navigation: The obstacle avoidance is truly impressive.
• Strong suction power: It cleans carpets and hard floors effectively.
• Quiet self-emptying base: A major improvement over previous models.
• Smart features: The iRobot app allows you to schedule cleanings, create keep-out zones, and even tell the Roomba to clean specific areas. It also integrates seamlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant.
• Pet-friendly: The POOP (Pet Owner Official Promise) guarantee is a nice touch. iRobot will replace your j9+ if it fails to avoid pet waste.

Cons:

• Price: The j9+ is one of the more expensive robot vacuums on the market.
• Can be loud on hardwood floors: While the self-emptying base is quieter, the vacuum itself can be a bit noisy on hardwood floors, especially on the highest suction setting.
• Occasional Wi-Fi issues: I’ve experienced a few instances where the Roomba lost its Wi-Fi connection, which prevented me from controlling it through the app. This was easily resolved by restarting the vacuum, but it’s still a minor annoyance.

Conclusion:

The iRobot Roomba j9+ is a top-of-the-line robot vacuum that delivers on its promises. The improved navigation, stronger suction, and quieter self-emptying base make it a worthwhile upgrade for anyone looking to automate their cleaning routine. Yes, it’s expensive, but if you value convenience and a consistently clean home, the j9+ is worth considering. I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.