Roomba Combo j9+ vs. Roomba Combo j7+ – Are there many differences?

When we think about whether we have a robot vacuum cleaner at home, we automatically think about whether we have a Roomba. At least, it happens to us unconsciously, since Roomba was the first brand of premium robot vacuum cleaners to enter the market. And, since then, it is the one that has managed to position itself the most as a brand of quality, excellence and technology. Therefore, it is interesting to compare the different versions of each model, to see to what extent the brand continues to innovate. Today we do it with two of their most complete robot vacuum cleaners: Roomba Combo j9+ and Roomba Combo j7+.

The two are one of the few Roomba robots that, in addition to vacuuming, can also mop simultaneously. They do this thanks to the incorporation of a removable (and retractable) mop, although the Roomba Combo j9+ does it much better than the j7+. On the other hand, we cannot ignore another of the most important differences between them, the automatic station. Both models are equipped with a base, but the one on the Roomba Combo j7+ is only self-emptying, while the one on the Roomba Combo j9+ also refills with water automatically.

Regarding navigation, however, there have been no major changes. The two robots move using PrecisionVision, a camera system with an LED front light, to improve visibility and detect more dirt. This system not only allows you to clean more effectively because it shows more residue, but it also serves to detect other obstacles in the way. However, the best way to check which of the two Roomba robot vacuum cleaners is more interesting for you is by analyzing them in detail. Let’s go there!

Roomba Combo j9+ vs Roomba Combo j7+ – Comparative table

In the following table, we show you the characteristics of the two Roomba Combo that are the subject of this review. Below, we explain all the differences in more detail:

The base goes from having one function to having two

First of all, let us tell you that you can buy either of the two robot vacuum cleaners in their standard version (the one that is not plus), which come without the Clean Base station. However, we have made the comparison between the plus models; and, in fact, the base is one of its main differences.

The Roomba Combo j7+ has a station where it can only automatically empty the waste it collects in its internal tank, but it does not have any other functionality. On the other hand, the Roomba Combo j9+ station, in addition to self-emptying, can also be filled with water automatically, making both vacuuming and scrubbing more autonomous processes.

In this sense, the two stations have the capacity to hold solid waste for approximately 60 days, depending on how often you use it and the amount of dirt it collects. However, the base of the Roomba Combo j9+ lasts about 30 days until it is self-filled, normally, and that is why we have clarified that the autonomy (in this case, of scrubbing) is less. Also, keep in mind that both robots have a 313 ml internal tank, so it is easy to compare them.

Are there power differences?

Theoretically, both the Roomba Combo j9+ and the Combo j7+ have a power 10 times higher than that of the Roomba 600 series, which is approximately 2000 Pascals. However, after using both, we find that the Roomba Combo j9+ has greater power. Not only because of the maximum power it reaches, but because it has more capacity to collect waste more effectively even at the lowest level. Of course, in both cases it can detect if it is facing a carpet to increase the power on its own.

They both scrub, but not the same

Something similar happens with scrubbing. It should be noted that both Roomba Combos are capable of vacuuming and mopping at the same time, but the differences in the results are more than palpable . The Roomba Combo j7+ performs a much more superficial scrubbing than the Roomba Combo j9+, which intensifies the action of the mop more and achieves better results. This is because the SmartScrub technique has improved, which in the Roomba Combo j9+ makes more marked movements.

Also very influential is the fact that, in the Roomba Combo j9+, you can fill the water base with cleaning solution, so that the mop does not mop with just water, but with that solution. In addition, both robots have the ability to raise the mopping mop when they are on a carpet so that it does not get wet, but the elevation achieved by the Roomba Combo j9+ is higher.

Intelligent navigation and obstacle detection

The type of navigation is the same in both cases, PrecisionVision. It is iRobot’s own movement system that combines a camera with a front LED light. This system enables the robot to carry out a first mapping of space, from which it creates several maps on which to decide which is the best route. These maps can be customized through the app because they are interactive, and in them you can decide what you want the cleaning order to be or in which room to use the robot each time.

On the other hand, the camera and light that both robots have allow them to identify more obstacles that may be found along the way, such as cables, pet excrement or sneakers. Thus, they can recognize and avoid them, making movement more independent. To highlight a small change, the Roomba Combo j9+ can recognize some liquids that fall on the floor, as long as they are bright colors, something that the Roomba Combo j7+ cannot do.

From DirtDetect to DirtDetective

If you have used any other Roomba before, you will know that one of the most characteristic functions that their robots have is DirtDetect technology. Thanks to it, developed by the company itself, the robot can identify large concentrations of dirt and act more intensely on them. However, the Roomba Combo j9+ has taken this feature to a new level, DirtDetective. This system allows you to predict and plan the cleanup more accurately, using data collected from previous cleanups.

On the one hand, evaluate the condition of each room and decide which rooms require more immediate action. That is, if, based on previous history, it sees that the living room and bedroom are where the robot spends the most time, it will start cleaning in those rooms. One of the things that has surprised us the most is that he always leaves the bathroom for last, to avoid contamination in the rest of the house. You can also decide whether to vacuum, mop, or do both.

And finally, this function that we only find in the Roomba Combo j9+ allows you to adapt the cleaning routine according to the type of floor and the room. In those rooms where you do most of your life, it will intensify the cleaning much more than in those you barely enter.

The battery and brushes are the same in both robots

Now that we have told you what the big news about the Roomba Combo j9+ is, it is time to tell you that there are no differences with the Roomba Combo j7+ when it comes to the battery and the main brush. In the first case, both robots can work for 90-120 minutes on a single charge (depending on optimization), although both have the recharge and resume function.

And, as far as the brushes are concerned, both have a double multi-function rubber brush that rotates in opposite directions, making the absorption of waste more effective in a single pass.

Which robot vacuum cleaner do we choose?

At this point in the review, we only have to decide which of the two Roomba robot vacuum cleaners is more interesting. From a technological point of view, it is undeniable that the DirtDetective function and the auto-fill option of the base make the Roomba Combo j9+ more complete and advanced than the Roomba Combo j7+. The automation, planning and prediction capacity that the Roomba Combo j9+ achieves is difficult to see in the market, but this makes its price considerably higher.

On the other hand, the Roomba Combo j7+ has a more moderate price (taking into account that it is Roomba and that it is one of its most advanced robots), but it lacks these two features. Mopping is also less thorough than on the Roomba Combo j9+, but is otherwise excellent. Navigation is the same as in the case of its rival, and the suction power, practically, too. Therefore, if you already have the Roomba Combo j7+, it may not be worth the investment to upgrade to the Roomba Combo j9+.

Now, if you don’t have either of the two and don’t mind spending a little more money, you won’t find the user experience offered by the Roomba Combo j9+ with the j7+ or with any other robot today. So think about what your preferences and financial limitations are to choose the robot that best fits them.