Roomba Combo j9+ vs. Roomba s9+ – Two Roombas with very distinct strengths

Until last year, the company iRobot, owner of the well-known Roomba, had us accustomed to updating models but introducing few innovations. However, the high demand for robot vacuum cleaners and the increase in models by the competition has changed this, and now, we can see innovative proposals from the brand. Today we compare two of the most recent, each with their own strengths: Roomba Combo j9+ and Roomba s9+.

As a preview, we will tell you that only the Roomba Combo j9+ can mop while vacuuming, something that, until not long ago, was unthinkable. However, the Roomba s9+ has a great advantage, and that is its D-shaped design to clean the edges and corners much more intensively. In fact, if we look at the price of both robot vacuum cleaners, we sense that they are very similar in terms of performance, although they have quite marked differences.

One of them is in the base that each robot has. The Roomba s9+ has a self-emptying base, while the Roomba Combo j9+ has an automatic emptying and filling base. On the other hand, it has less autonomy than the base of the s9+, because the autonomy for scrubbing is reduced. Continuing with the battery life, it should be noted that it is very similar in both cases. If you know how to optimize it, this can be up to 120 minutes, although, from experience, it will stay around 90-100. Not bad, considering that many previous Roombas did not last longer than 75 minutes.

Next, we are going to analyze in detail the main differences and similarities between both robot vacuum cleaners. This way, you can check which one is most similar to what you are looking for if you have doubts.

Roomba Combo j9+ vs Roomba s9+ – Comparative table

Below, we tell you what the characteristics of the two Roombas are, so you can decide which one best suits what you are looking for. However, we will delve into the analysis later.

Design: aesthetic and functional

Appearance is the first thing we see about any robot vacuum cleaner, and, in this case, it is an important difference between our two protagonists. The Roomba Combo j9+ has a design more similar to the rest of Roombas, with a round shape and combining the brand’s own black and gold colors. On the other hand, the Roomba s9+ is very easily recognizable, because it is the only one from the brand that is D-shaped. This is not a whim, but rather hides a very interesting functionality: it cleans the edges and corners much better. Testing both, it is clear that dirt from the edges is removed faster and better on the s9+.

Another important difference at the design level is in the base. Both the Roomba Combo j9+ and s9+ are equipped with an automatic base (as an indication, all “plus” versions of Roomba have the base). However, the s9+’s base is an auto-emptying base, while the j9+’s is an auto-emptying and auto-filling base. Why this difference? Because the j9+ adds additional functionality that we will see below.

One scrubs and the other doesn’t

The “Combo” nomenclature refers to the duality of functions: vacuuming and scrubbing. Thus, the Roomba Combo j9+ allows you to vacuum, mop or do both at the same time, while the Roomba s9+ can only vacuum. For this reason, the Combo model station has the automatic water filling function, in addition to the self-emptying function. It is more versatile, but has less autonomy, since it will have to be emptied in 30 days, half of the 60 days that the Roomba s9+ lasts.

The power is better on the s9+

Another of the most important aspects in the decision to purchase a robot vacuum cleaner is power. It should be noted that the two Roombas, like almost any robot from this brand, have much higher power than the rest of the models, and that continues to be one of their main advantages. However, the power of the Roomba s9+ is still higher than that of the Combo j9+. In the first case, it multiplies the power of the Roomba 600 by 40, while in the Roomba Combo j9+ it is multiplied by 10.

What is the navigation like?

Neither Roomba has laser navigation, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t smart when it comes to getting around. The Roomba Combo j9+ moves using PrecisionVision technology, which combines a camera with an array of LEDs. This allows it to identify more different objects than usual, including pet droppings, socks or toys. The robot recognizes them and avoids them. In addition, you can map your house that you can see through the app, from which you can edit and customize the maps.

For its part, the Roomba s9+ moves using the iAdapt system, also based on a camera, but without as much precision when it comes to recognizing objects. The type of movement and movement it does is practically the same as the Roomba Combo j9+, with the exception of avoiding obstacles. However, you can also create maps to edit later and customize the cleanup.

De Dirt Detect a Dirt Detective

If you have had a Roomba before, you will know that one of the technologies it incorporates in all its models is Dirt Detect. It is a sensor that allows you to identify large concentrations of dirt to automatically increase power. Well, the Roomba Combo j9+ evolves in this sense and adds Dirt Detective. Thus, in addition to recognizing dirt, it is able to determine which rooms are dirtiest to start there. And not only that, but it adapts the cleaning plan according to the room and the type of floor.

Are there changes to the brush?

The main brush that each robot vacuum cleaner has is key to determining the performance in suction capacity with a single pass, and we must say that there are no major changes. Both the Roomba Combo j9+ and s9+ have a multifunction double rubber brush, made up of two rollers that rotate in opposite directions to increase cleaning effectiveness. Likewise, the action of this double brush is complemented by a side brush.

To be fair, we have to highlight a feature that only the Roomba Combo j9+ has, because it is the only one that can mop. It has a mop that automatically raises if it detects a carpet, thus avoiding wetting this fabric if you are mopping the rest of the floor.

App and voice control

Finally, we highlight that the two Roombas can be controlled via smartphone, connecting with the Roomba app. This makes it easier to consult maps, see which rooms have already been cleaned, or take a look at previous cleaning reports. On the other hand, both can be controlled via voice, since they are compatible with virtual assistants such as Alexa or Google Home.

Which Roomba is more worth it?

Now that you know what the main differences and similarities of the two Roombas are, it’s time to decide which one is more interesting to you. The good thing about this decision is that the differences are quite clear, so your decision should be based mainly on whether you prioritize the versatility of vacuuming and mopping or not. If so, the Roomba Combo j9+ is your option, since it is the only one capable of vacuuming and mopping simultaneously. If not, you may find the Roomba Combo s9+ more interesting, because it has more power than its rival.

Navigation is more complete in the Roomba Combo j9+ because it is complemented by obstacle detection, but we cannot say that the Roomba s9+’s movement technology is bad. In fact, it is the same as the Roomba Combo, only recognizing fewer obstacles. And, as for the base, it allows up to 60 days of use (except for the filling base, which is only in the Roomba Combo, which scrubs).

In any case, whichever robot you choose, both are Roomba and both have the brand’s cutting-edge technologies, so you will be right, for sure.