iRobot Roomba models compared: Combo, j series and s9+

In its favour

• Onboard DustCompactor removes the need for a separate self-emptying station, and needs no emptying for up to 60 days.
• Bagless design, so there are no bags to buy or store in a small flat.
• ClearView lidar maps in neat rows even in the dark, and automatic carpet detection stops it mopping rugs.

Good to know

• The listing does not state runtime or a suction figure in Pa (only 70x a Roomba 600).
• Mopping is a simple pad with a micro-pump; there is no mop washing or drying.

In its favour

• Auto-Retract Mopping System lifts the pad to the top of the robot, so carpets stay dry, according to iRobot.
• Dual Rubber Brushes avoid pet hair tangles while strong suction pulls embedded dirt from carpet.
• AutoWash Dock empties debris, refills the tank, and washes and dries the pad.

Good to know

• The listing gives no suction figure in Pa, so raw power is hard to compare.
• Runtime is not stated in the listing, so coverage per charge is unclear.

In its favour

• AutoWash Dock gives 75 days of emptying, pad washing and heated pad drying.
• Mop pads auto-lift when carpet is sensed, so rugs in a living room stay dry.
• PrecisionVision AI recognises cords, socks and pet waste and steers around them.

Good to know

• A washing and drying dock is bulkier than the compact self-empty bases here, and the listing gives no dock size.
• No suction figure in Pa is given, only a comparison with older Roombas.

In its favour

• PrecisionVision AI recognises pet waste, cords and socks and navigates around them.
• Dual rubber brushes plus dual edge-sweeping brushes for hair along skirting boards.
• AutoWash Dock gives up to 75 days of auto-emptying and heated roller washing and drying.

Good to know

• Runtime and battery capacity are not stated in the listing.
• The 13,000 Pa figure comes from the spec table only, as the bullets compare suction with older Roombas.

In its favour

• PrecisionVision Navigation spots hazards such as pet waste and charging cords in real time
• Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes flex to floor type and resist pet hair tangles
• Spot cleaning lets you send it to one area, such as in front of the kitchen counter

Good to know

• 75 minute runtime is short for larger homes, and there is no mopping
• No self-emptying base included, so the bin must be emptied after runs

In its favour

• Automatic dirt disposal means the robot empties itself into its base
• Listing mentions powerful suction and an anti-allergen system with a HEPA filter
• Stated cleaning path width of 35.1 cm, aimed at corners, edges and pet hair

Good to know

• Obstacle avoidance, runtime and navigation type are not stated on this listing
• Vacuum only with no mopping, unlike the Combo models in this guide