iRobot Roomba j9+ Review: Is it Still King in 2026?
The robot vacuum cleaner market is booming, and iRobot has been a dominant force for years. The Roomba j9+, released in late 2025, promised to be the smartest, most efficient Roomba yet. After a month of rigorous testing in my (admittedly messy) home, here’s my verdict.
Setup and Initial Impressions
Setting up the Roomba j9+ was a breeze. The iRobot Home app is intuitive, and connecting the vacuum to my Wi-Fi was straightforward. The self-emptying base is a game-changer, holding weeks’ worth of debris. The design is sleek and modern, fitting seamlessly into my living space.
Cleaning Performance
The Roomba j9+ boasts improved suction power compared to previous models, and it shows. It effortlessly tackled hardwood floors, carpets, and even area rugs. Pet hair, a constant battle in my house, was no match for the j9+. The upgraded navigation system, powered by iRobot OS 8.0, is significantly better at avoiding obstacles like shoes, cables, and even pet accidents. The PrecisionVision Navigation system really shines here, accurately identifying and avoiding messes that would have stumped older models. It even learned to identify specific objects and categorize them on the map, allowing me to target specific areas for cleaning based on what’s present (e.g., “Clean under the dining table after dinner”).
Smart Features
The iRobot OS 8.0 is where the Roomba j9+ truly excels. The app allows for detailed scheduling, custom cleaning zones, and even the ability to prioritize cleaning tasks based on the day of the week. Integration with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant is seamless, allowing me to start, stop, or pause cleaning with simple voice commands. The ‘Genius Home Intelligence’ learns your cleaning habits and suggests optimal cleaning schedules based on your lifestyle.
Battery Life
Battery life is excellent. On a single charge, the Roomba j9+ cleaned my entire house (approximately 1500 sq ft) with power to spare. It automatically returns to the base to recharge when needed, ensuring it’s always ready for its next cleaning session.
Pros:
- Excellent cleaning performance on all floor types
- Advanced obstacle avoidance and object recognition
- Seamless integration with smart home ecosystems
- Long battery life
- Self-emptying base is a huge convenience
Cons:
- Expensive
- Can occasionally get stuck on high-pile rugs (though significantly less often than older models)
- Requires a strong Wi-Fi connection for optimal performance
Conclusion
The iRobot Roomba j9+ is an investment, but it’s one that pays off in convenience and a consistently clean home. The advanced navigation, powerful cleaning, and smart features make it a top contender in the robot vacuum cleaner market in 2026. If you’re looking for a truly hands-off cleaning experience, the Roomba j9+ is worth considering. Highly recommended!