iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ review
Discover the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ - a premium robotic vacuum offering advanced features for a superior cleaning experience. Explore its design, smart capabilities, and value.
check best priceSummary / TL;DR
The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ is a premium robotic vacuum cleaner that offers an advanced cleaning experience. This device is a powerful upgrade from its predecessors, offering a combination of vacuuming and mopping capabilities. The Roomba Combo j9+ is capable of picking up both large debris and fine dust particles, navigating around your furniture seamlessly. Its intelligent machine merges high-end technology with convenience, enabling it to integrate with your smart home system and automate your cleaning tasks. The package includes the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ robot vacuum, an Automatic Dirt Disposal unit, a line cord, two disposable bags, an extra high-efficiency filter, an extra corner brush, and a user manual. Its sleek design and robust build make it a reliable choice for those seeking a long-lasting cleaning companion.
If you like this review, you might also like our review on the iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max or iRobot Roomba J7 or iRobot Roomba Combo j5+.
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Introduction: The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+
Welcome to the world of automated cleaning, presented by the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+, an advanced robotic vacuum cleaner designed to offer a superior cleaning experience. This product review aims to introduce you to this sophisticated device, elaborating on its exciting features, build quality, and overall performance.
The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ is a product of iRobot, a renowned company with a long-standing reputation in the world of robot vacuum cleaners. This model is a powerful upgrade from its predecessors, offering a combination of vacuuming and mopping capabilities. Its introduction to the market has stirred quite a buzz, and not without reason. This review will delve into what makes it stand out.
As technology advances, cleaning tools have evolved from simple brooms to automated robots. The Roomba Combo j9+ is a testament to this evolution. It's a compact, cylindrical device, designed to navigate through your home effortlessly, cleaning as it goes. What makes the Combo j9+ special is its ability to pick up both large debris and fine dust particles, all while avoiding obstacles and navigating around your furniture seamlessly.
The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ is not just an ordinary vacuum cleaner. It's an intelligent machine that merges high-end technology with convenience, to give your house the clean it deserves. By integrating the robot with your smart home system, you can automate your cleaning tasks, making this Roomba model a significant part of your smart home ecosystem.
While we will be examining the performance, smart capabilities, battery life, maintenance, and value for money in detail in the subsequent sections, it's worth mentioning here that the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ is quite a promising product. It aims to offer a hands-off cleaning experience, combining robust cleaning capacity with smart, user-friendly features. Stay tuned as we assess whether it lives up to this promise.
What's in the Box: Package Contents
Upon receiving the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+, the first thing you'll notice is the well-constructed and thoughtfully designed packaging. This is not just a reflection of the product's quality, but a testament to iRobot's commitment to customer satisfaction.
The box contains the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ robot vacuum itself, pre-assembled and ready to spring into action. Also present is the Automatic Dirt Disposal unit, a separate attachment that's designed to hold up to 30 bins of dirt, dust, and hair. The inclusion of this unit emphasizes the autonomous nature of the Roomba j9+, reducing the frequency of manual intervention.
Also, you'll find a line cord for the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal unit. This cord is needed to power the charging base, which also serves as the dirt disposal unit. The inclusion of the cord is a clear indication that the Roomba j9+ is designed to be a standalone appliance that doesn't require constant interaction.
Next in the box are two disposable bags for the Automatic Dirt Disposal unit. These bags are designed to securely hold the dirt and debris collected by the Roomba j9+, ensuring your home remains clean and allergy-free. It's worth noting that although these bags are disposable, they are large enough to hold several weeks' worth of dirt.
Additionally, you'll find an extra high-efficiency filter and an extra corner brush. These extras are a great touch, as they allow for immediate replacement when the original components wear out, providing uninterrupted cleaning sessions.
Lastly, the box contains a comprehensive user manual that provides clear and concise instructions for setting up and using the Roomba j9+. This user-friendly guide simplifies the initial setup process, getting your Roomba j9+ up and running in no time.
Here's a quick summary of the contents:
- iRobot Roomba Combo j9+
- Automatic Dirt Disposal unit
- Line cord
- Two disposable bags
- Extra high-efficiency filter
- Extra corner brush
- User manual
In summary, the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ comes with everything you need to start your automated cleaning journey. Its comprehensive suite of accessories and the handy user manual make the box's contents more than just a set of components - it's a complete, self-contained cleaning solution.

Initial Impressions: Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ exudes a sense of robustness and a premium finish that sets it apart from its counterparts in the market. It sports a sleek, circular design with a diameter of 13.34 inches and a height of 3.63 inches. The size is more than adequate to navigate under furniture and tight corners, revealing its practical design considerations.
The build quality of the Roomba j9+ is truly impressive. The robot vacuum cleaner is made of a high-quality plastic material that feels sturdy and durable. The top panel features a clean, minimalist design with a single button for power and cleaning commands. This simplicity is a nod to the device's autonomous functioning, with most operations being controlled through the accompanying app.
One remarkable design aspect that deserves mention is the automatic dirt disposal feature. Situated at the charging station, this bin can hold up to 30 bins’ worth of dirt, dust, and hair. The Roomba j9+ automatically empties its onboard bin into this larger bin, a feature that brings a new level of convenience in maintaining cleaner floors for longer periods.
Furthermore, the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ is well-equipped with multiple sensors and a camera to facilitate smooth navigation and efficient cleaning. These visual navigation sensors not only aid in avoiding obstacles but also help map out your home for efficient and systematic cleaning - a detail we delve deeper into in the 'Features: Exploring the Functionality' section.
To sum up, the design and build quality of the Roomba j9+ is a testament to iRobot’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, user-friendly products. Its practical, sleek design, coupled with a robust build, makes it a reliable choice for those seeking a long-lasting cleaning companion.
- Design: Sleek, circular, practical for navigating under furniture and tight corners.
- Build Quality: Sturdy, high-quality plastic material, automatic dirt disposal feature, well-equipped with multiple sensors and a camera for navigation and cleaning.

Features: Exploring the Functionality
The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ is packed with a slew of features that provide it with an edge over its competitors.
To start with, the most noteworthy aspect of the Roomba j9+ is its Imprint Smart Mapping technology. This allows the device to learn, map, and adapt to your home, ensuring efficient cleaning every time. No more getting stuck in corners or missing spots. This device remembers your home layout, making it smarter with every use.
Another standout feature is its automatic dirt disposal system. The Roomba j9+ empties itself into an AllergenLock bag that can hold up to 60 days of dirt and dust. That's a full two months of not having to worry about emptying the dustbin. This system keeps dust particles securely trapped, reducing the chances of allergies.
The Roomba j9+ is also equipped with advanced 3-stage cleaning system that uses Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes and 40X the suction to pull in embedded dirt, debris, and pet hair from wherever it hides. With its Patented Dirt Detect Technology, it knows where the dirtier areas are and ensures they get extra attention.
- Imprint Link Technology: This tech allows the Roomba j9+ to communicate with the iRobot Braava jet m6 robot mop (sold separately). Once the Roomba finishes vacuuming, it informs the Braava to start mopping. Quite a team.
- Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal: This added feature ensures that the Roomba j9+ empties itself into a disposable bag that holds up to 30 bins of dirt, dust, and hair, so you don’t have to think about vacuuming for weeks.
- Anti-Allergen System: The AllergenLock bags capture and trap 99% of pollen and mold allergens, preventing them from escaping back into the air.
Another worth mentioning feature is its Automatic Dirt Disposal. The Roomba j9+ empties itself into a disposable bag that holds dirt, dust and hair - so you don’t have to think about vacuuming for weeks at a time.
Last but not least, the Roomba j9+ also features High-Efficiency Filter that traps 99% of cat and dog allergens. This feature, combined with the automatic dirt disposal system, provides a complete solution to keep your home clean and allergens at bay.
These features, together with others not mentioned here, ensure that the iRobot Roomba j9+ delivers thorough and efficient cleaning, thus justifying its place in the higher end of the robot vacuum market.
Cleaning Performance: How Well Does It Clean
The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ exhibits a high standard of cleaning performance, utilizing advanced technology to facilitate superior cleaning results. Its performance can be categorized into three aspects: suction power, dirt detection, and floor adaptability.
Suction Power
Equipped with powerful suction capabilities, the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ shows an impressive ability to pick up a variety of debris types. From dust and crumbs to pet hair and larger debris, it displays an excellent performance on both hard floors and carpets. Its suction power is further enhanced by the dual multi-surface rubber brushes that adjust and flex to stay in constant contact with carpets and hard floors.
Dirt Detection
The j9+ takes dirt detection a notch higher with the iRobot's patented Dirt Detect™ technology. By using acoustic sensors, it identifies areas with high dirt concentrations and spends more time cleaning them, ensuring no spot is left untouched. This feature demonstrates a significant advantage, especially in high-traffic areas.
Floor Adaptability
One of the standout features of the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ is its floor adaptability. Whether your home has hardwood floors, tiles, or carpets, the j9+ seamlessly navigates and adjusts its cleaning method accordingly. It manages transitions between different floor types with ease, maintaining its cleaning performance consistently.
For a robot vacuum cleaner, the ability to clean under furniture and along walls is crucial. The j9+ shines in this area with its low-profile design, enabling it to reach under most furniture to clean hidden dust and debris. The Edge-Sweeping Brush is designed at a 27-degree angle, ensuring it sweeps debris away from corners and edges.
In conclusion, from a cleaning performance perspective, the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ excels with its powerful suction, superior dirt detection, and versatile floor adaptability. It effectively handles different floor types and debris sizes, delivering an all-round satisfactory cleaning experience.
- Suction Power: Powerful suction for effective debris pickup.
- Dirt Detection: Advanced Dirt Detect™ technology for comprehensive cleaning.
- Floor Adaptability: Excellent adaptability to different floor types.
- Under Furniture Cleaning: Low-profile design enables cleaning under most furniture.

Smart Capabilities: App Integration and Voice Control
The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ comes packed with some of the most advanced smart capabilities in the robot vacuum market. Central to these is the app integration and voice control functionality.
For starters, the iRobot Home App is not just another remote control app. It's a comprehensively designed interface that offers a seamless connection between your smartphone and the Roomba j9+. The app's intuitive layout allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, adjust cleaning preferences, and view cleaning history with ease. The app also provides real-time updates and even gives you the ability to set up virtual "no-go" zones that the Roomba will avoid. This feature ensures that your Roomba doesn't venture into areas you'd like it to stay clear of, thus providing a truly customizable cleaning experience.
But the smart capabilities of the Roomba j9+ don't end there. This robot vacuum also offers compatibility with Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant. This means that you can control your Roomba j9+ using voice commands, a feature that many users will find extremely convenient. Imagine telling your Roomba to clean the living room while you're cooking or even when you're not at home.
One standout feature that's worth mentioning is the Roomba's Imprint Link Technology. This advanced feature allows the Roomba j9+ to communicate with the iRobot Braava jet m6 robot mop (sold separately). Once the Roomba has finished vacuuming, it can automatically instruct the Braava jet m6 to start mopping, offering an end-to-end cleaning solution without any human intervention required.
App Integration and Voice Control: Summary
In summary, the smart capabilities of the Roomba j9+ elevate it from a simple cleaning device to a sophisticated home automation tool. To sum up:
- The iRobot Home App allows for seamless control, customization, and monitoring of your Roomba j9+
- Compatibility with Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant means you can control your Roomba using voice commands
- The Imprint Link Technology allows the Roomba j9+ to collaborate with the iRobot Braava jet m6 robot mop for a complete cleaning solution
Overall, the smart capabilities of the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ offer users an unparalleled level of control and customization, truly revolutionizing the way we think about robot vacuum cleaners.
Battery Life: Duration and Charging Time
In the world of robotic vacuum cleaners, battery life plays a pivotal role in defining the overall user experience. With the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+, users can expect robust battery performance that aligns with its premium positioning. The j9+ is powered by a Lithium-ion battery, notable for its long-lasting performance and durability over time.
Duration
On a full charge, the iRobot Roomba j9+ delivers up to 90 minutes of continuous cleaning. This is quite impressive, given the power-demanding nature of the cleaner’s potent suction capabilities and advanced navigational features. However, it's important to note that this run-time is largely determined by the type of cleaning mode you select and the nature of the surface. For instance, high traffic areas with dense carpets may drain the battery faster compared to standard hardwood floors.
Charging Time
When the battery gets low, the vacuum returns to its charging dock for power replenishment. The charging time of the iRobot Roomba j9+ stands at approximately 3 hours from a completely drained state to fully charged. This may seem long, but considering the cleaning time it offers, it's quite reasonable. Moreover, the j9+ is designed to intelligently manage its cleaning schedule around its charging routine, ensuring minimal interruption to your daily activities.
Automatic Recharge and Resume
The Roomba j9+ also features an automatic recharge and resume function. This means that when its battery level is low, the device will automatically return to the dock to recharge. Once it's fully charged, it resumes cleaning from where it left off, ensuring that no spot is left untouched. This intelligent power management feature ensures seamless and continuous cleaning, enhancing the overall utility of the machine.
In conclusion, the battery performance of the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ is appreciable. It offers an extended cleaning run-time, has a reasonable charging duration, and comes with smart power management features. However, as with any other robotic cleaner, the actual battery life may vary based on usage, floor type, and cleaning mode. For more details on this, refer to the “Cleaning Performance: How Well Does It Clean” section of this review.

Maintenance: Cleaning the Cleaner
When it comes to maintaining the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+, it's clear that a primary consideration for the designers was to make this task as simple as possible for the user. The robovac is self-sufficient in many ways, but some human intervention is still required to ensure its longevity and optimal functioning.
The Roomba j9+ is equipped with a self-emptying feature, which is a standout amongst automated cleaners. This feature allows the robot vacuum cleaner to automatically empty its bin into the Clean Base after every cleaning session. The Clean Base can hold up to 60 days of dirt, dust, and hair, which significantly reduces the need for frequent emptying.
However, it's important to note that the Clean Base bag will need to be replaced once full. iRobot provides a few extra bags in the box, and additional bags can be purchased separately. While this might seem like a hassle, the frequency of replacements is quite low, making it a worthwhile trade-off for the convenience of not having to manually empty the vacuum's bin after every cleaning session.
In terms of physical cleaning of the iRobot Roomba j9+, the process is relatively straightforward. The robot vacuum cleaner features a user-friendly design that makes removing and cleaning the brushes and filters simple and hassle-free. The manufacturer recommends regularly checking the brushes for any entangled debris and cleaning the filters to ensure optimal cleaning performance. The instructions manual that comes with the unit provides clear guidelines on how to do this properly.
Another notable feature is the Roomba j9+'s automatic dirt detect technology. This smart system prompts the robot to perform concentrated cleaning in dirtier areas and also signals when its bin is full, which helps reduce the likelihood of dirt overflow and consequent damage to the unit.
Moreover, the iRobot Roomba j9+ also includes a suite of sensors that need occasional wiping with a clean, dry cloth. This is to ensure that the robot vacuum cleaner can optimally navigate through your home and avoid obstacles.
In conclusion, maintaining the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ is a relatively straightforward task, with the automated self-emptying feature significantly reducing user intervention. Regular inspections and cleaning of the brushes and filters, along with occasional sensor cleaning, are the primary maintenance activities required.
- Pro Maintenance Tips:
- Regularly check the brushes and filters for trapped debris.
- Clean the sensors periodically with a dry cloth to ensure optimal navigation.
- Replace the Clean Base bag when full to avoid overflow and damage.
- Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions as indicated in the user manual.
Pricing and Value: Is It Worth the Investment
The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ falls into the premium segment of the robot vacuum market, with a price tag significantly higher than average models. But is it truly worth the investment? That's what we'll be determining in this section.
Firstly, it's crucial to remember that you're not only purchasing a robotic vacuum cleaner but also a full-fledged autonomous cleaning system. The j9+ is engineered to vacuum and mop simultaneously, effectively performing the tasks of two separate appliances. That's something to keep in mind when evaluating its price point.
Secondly, the j9+ is packed with top-tier features, including advanced object and obstacle recognition, powerful suction, automatic dirt disposal, and smart home integration. These are not common in lower-priced models, meaning you're paying for advanced technology and convenience that these lower-end models cannot provide.
Another factor adding value to the j9+ is its exceptional performance. As we've noted in the "Cleaning Performance" section, the j9+ is impeccable when it comes to cleaning different surfaces and dealing with various types of dirt and debris. The robot’s performance, coupled with its ability to clean without constant human intervention, can justify the higher investment for many buyers.
Regarding maintenance costs, the j9+ has been designed to minimize these. The self-cleaning feature reduces the number of times you need to replace parts, decreasing long-term costs. However, the automatic dirt disposal bags are an ongoing cost you need to factor into the total cost of ownership.
Finally, it's important to consider the value of your time. The iRobot Roomba j9+ offers to save you a significant amount of time and effort spent on cleaning your home. This convenience can be a determining factor for those leading a busy lifestyle, and it's a significant addition to the overall value of the device.
To summarize:
- The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ is a high-end robotic vacuum with a price tag to match.
- Its advanced features, performance, and convenience add significant value, potentially justifying the higher price for many consumers.
- Maintenance costs are relatively low, but the ongoing cost of dirt disposal bags should be considered.
- The value of saved time and effort can be a significant factor in determining the worth of this investment.
In conclusion, the Roomba j9+ offers significant value for its price, particularly for those who prioritize convenience, advanced features, and strong cleaning performance. However, it is a substantial investment, and potential buyers should carefully consider their specific cleaning needs, budget, and the value of their time before making a decision.
Conclusion: Final Verdict
In evaluating the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+, it's clear that iRobot has delivered an impressive robot vacuum that successfully combines advanced features, strong cleaning performance, and smart capabilities. It’s a top-tier device that brings significant convenience and a high quality cleaning experience to your home.
This is not a budget-friendly product; it's a premium device designed for those who value time and seek a higher degree of automation in home cleaning. It offers a plethora of features that are well worth the investment, given that they streamline the cleaning process and largely remove the human element.
Its cleaning performance is commendable. From its powerful suction to its intelligent navigation and mapping, this vacuum excels in keeping floors immaculate. Its ability to handle different types of surfaces and deal with all kinds of debris is a testament to the iRobot technology in place.
The smart capabilities of the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ are also worth mentioning. Integration with the iRobot Home app and compatibility with voice controls via Google Assistant and Alexa offer an enhanced degree of convenience. You can easily schedule cleanings, keep track of cleaning history, and even command the device with your voice.
While it isn't without its shortcomings - a slightly longer charging time and a steeper learning curve with the app - these small negatives are heavily outweighed by the device’s overall performance and features. On the topic of maintenance, it’s as straightforward as you would hope for an automated device. You're not likely to spend much time or effort keeping this vacuum in top shape.
To conclude, the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ is a strong contender in the realm of high-end robot vacuums. It's not just about convenience, but also about the quality of cleaning, the level of automation, and the integration with smart home ecosystems. If you're in the market for a robot vacuum that can deliver top-notch cleaning while saving you time, this device is certainly worth considering.
It's an investment, to be sure, but one that pays off in the long run thanks to the amount of time, effort and energy you'll save. Remember, you're not merely buying a product - you're investing in a cleaner, more comfortable home, and a more convenient lifestyle.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Sleek, practical design for navigating tight spaces
- Sturdy build with automatic dirt disposal feature
- Powerful suction for effective debris pickup
- Advanced dirt detection technology for thorough cleaning
- Excellent adaptability to different floor types
Cons
- Long charging time
- High initial cost
- Learning curve with app
- Ongoing cost of disposal bags
- May not fit under all furniture
Frequently Asked Questions
The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ is a powerful robot vacuum and mop featuring SmartScrub technology, advanced object recognition, and a 4-stage cleaning process. It includes dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes and 100% stronger Power-Lifting Suction. The Auto-Retract Mopping System ensures carpets remain dry while cleaning hard floors.
The Roomba Combo j9+ uses iRobot OS and PrecisionVision Navigation to map your home quickly and accurately. It can automatically label room types with up to 90% accuracy, allowing for efficient and targeted cleaning.
Yes, the Roomba Combo j9+ is equipped with advanced obstacle avoidance technology. It can recognize and avoid common objects like cords, pet waste, socks, and shoes, ensuring a safe and effective cleaning experience.
The Roomba Combo j9+ features an Auto-Retract Mopping System that lifts the mop pad to the top of the robot when it detects carpets, preventing them from getting wet. This ensures safe and efficient cleaning of both hard floors and carpets.
Yes, the Roomba Combo j9+ is compatible with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant-enabled devices. This allows you to control the robot with voice commands, making it easy to integrate into your smart home setup.
The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ has a battery life of approximately 90 minutes, providing ample time for thorough cleaning sessions.
Yes, the Roomba Combo j9+ comes with a Clean Base that automatically empties the robot's dustbin, ensuring a hands-free cleaning experience.
Yes, you can control the Roomba Combo j9+ remotely using the iRobot Home App. This allows you to schedule cleanings, monitor the robot's status, and receive personalized cleaning suggestions.
The Roomba Combo j9+ includes the Pet Owner Official Promise (P.O.O.P.), ensuring that it avoids picking up pet waste. If it fails to do so, iRobot will replace the robot for free.
Regular maintenance for the Roomba Combo j9+ includes cleaning the brushes and sensors, emptying the dustbin, and ensuring the Clean Base is properly maintained. This helps maintain optimal performance and longevity.
Important
Before buying any product, check all details of this product on the website or in the store where you purchase it. Aspects and specifications mentioned in the text above might differ.
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