Roomba Review (2026 Update)

iRobot Roomba Review: Is It Still the King of Robot Vacuums in 2025?

Let’s be honest: no one wakes up excited to vacuum. It’s a chore. It’s repetitive. And if you’re like me, you’ve probably tripped over a charging cord or a shoe while pushing a canister vac for the thousandth time. That’s where the robot vacuum comes in—and the iRobot Roomba has been the name on everyone’s lips for over two decades.

But in 2025, the market is crowded. You’ve got Roborock, Dreame, and Eufy all throwing punches. So, does the Roomba still deserve a spot in your home? I’ve spent the last three weeks testing the latest iRobot Roomba j9+ (and its predecessors) against the competition. This isn’t a spec-sheet read; this is the real-world dirt—literally.

Let’s break down whether this smart cleaning icon is the best robot vacuum for you, or if you should look elsewhere.

What Makes the iRobot Roomba Stand Out? (The Core Features)

The Roomba isn’t just a circular disc that bumps into things anymore. The latest models, particularly the Roomba j9+ and Combo j9+, pack serious hardware and software upgrades. Here’s what you’re actually paying for:

PrecisionVision Navigation (The “Poop Avoidance” Tech)

This is the headline feature. iRobot uses a front-facing camera combined with machine learning to identify and avoid obstacles. We’re not just talking about chair legs. This thing can spot a charging cable, a stray sock, and yes—pet waste. In my testing, it avoided a USB cable that was literally lying in a straight line across the living room. It’s not perfect (more on that later), but it’s light-years ahead of the old bump-and-run models.

Auto-Fill & Auto-Empty (The Clean Base)

The Clean Base is a game-changer. On the Roomba j9+, it doesn’t just empty the dustbin into a sealed bag (which holds up to 60 days of dirt). It also refills the robot’s water tank for mopping. You literally don’t have to touch the thing for weeks. The bagless design on some models is nice, but the sealed bag system is a godsend for allergy sufferers.

Power-Lifting Suction

iRobot claims their latest motor has 40% more suction power than the previous generation. In practice, it’s noticeable. It handled my low-pile carpet and area rugs without issue, pulling up fine dust and pet hair that my old vacuum left behind. It’s not as strong as a full-size Dyson, but for daily maintenance, it’s more than enough.

Smart Mapping (Imprint Smart Mapping)

You can now train the Roomba to know your house. It uses a combination of cameras and sensors to create a detailed map. You can then label rooms (Kitchen, Living Room, etc.) and set specific cleaning routines. Want it to vacuum the kitchen twice but only spot-clean the rug in the hall? Done. You can even set “Keep Out” zones without needing magnetic strips.

Mopping That Actually Works (Combo j9+ Model)

The Combo j9+ has a retractable mop pad. When it detects carpet, it lifts the pad up so it doesn’t drag wetness across your rug. This is crucial. It’s not a deep scrubber, but for light maintenance mopping on hard floors—spills, dust, dried coffee drips—it’s very effective. The auto-refill water tank is a nice touch.

Voice Control & App Integration

Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri Shortcuts. The iRobot Home app is actually one of the better ones in the space—clean UI, fast response, and clear mapping visuals. You can start a clean from your phone at the office.

iRobot Roomba: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

No product is perfect. Here’s the honest breakdown based on my testing.

Who Is This For?

The iRobot Roomba (especially the j9+ and Combo j9+) is not for everyone. Here’s my honest take on the ideal buyer:

• For the busy professional or parent: If you value time and hate vacuuming, the auto-empty and auto-refill features mean you can set it and forget it for weeks. It’s a true “set it and forget it” appliance.
• For pet owners with moderate shedding: It handles dog hair and cat fur very well on hard floors and low-pile rugs. The high-capacity bin is a lifesaver.
• For tech-savvy homeowners: If you love smart home integration and want a vacuum that learns your habits, the mapping and scheduling features are top-tier.
• Not for: If you have very high-pile carpets, a complex multi-level home (it can’t climb stairs), or if you want a deep-cleaning mop that scrubs grout. Also, if you’re on a tight budget, the base model Roomba (like the 600 series) is outdated—skip it.

How It Compares: iRobot Roomba vs. Roborock vs. Samsung

You can’t write a Roomba review without comparing it to the competition. Here’s how it stacks up against the two biggest rivals.

iRobot Roomba j9+ vs. Roborock S8 Pro Ultra

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is the current benchmark for “do-it-all” robot vacs. It has a self-emptying dock, a self-washing mop pad, and lidar navigation.

• Navigation: Roborock uses Lidar (laser), which works perfectly in the dark. Roomba uses a camera, which needs some ambient light. Winner: Roborock for dark rooms.
• Mopping: Roborock’s mop pad vibrates and scrubs. It’s objectively better at cleaning floors. Roomba’s retractable pad is better for avoiding carpets. Winner: Roborock for mopping power, Roomba for carpet avoidance.
• Obstacle Avoidance: Roomba’s PrecisionVision is better at avoiding cables and socks than Roborock’s camera-based system (on the S8). Winner: Roomba for real-world clutter.
• Price: Both are expensive ($1,000+), but Roborock often offers more cleaning power for the same price.

Verdict: If you have mostly hard floors and want the best mopping, get the Roborock. If you have carpets and a lot of clutter, get the Roomba.

iRobot Roomba j9+ vs. Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot AI+

Samsung’s entry is interesting because it also has AI object recognition.

• Object Recognition: Both are good, but Roomba’s database of objects (cables, shoes, pet waste) is more mature. Samsung’s AI is newer and sometimes misidentifies items.
• Mapping: Roomba’s mapping is faster and more intuitive. Samsung’s app is clunky.
• Build Quality: Samsung feels more premium, but parts are harder to find.

Verdict: Roomba wins for reliability and ecosystem maturity. Samsung is a good alternative if you’re already in the Samsung SmartThings ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the iRobot Roomba work on thick carpets?

Not well. The Roomba j9+ has strong suction, but its low profile and rubber brushes are designed for hard floors and low-to-medium pile carpets. On shag or high-pile rugs, it can get stuck or struggle to climb. If you have thick carpets, you’re better off with a traditional vacuum or a robot with a more aggressive brush roll (like the Roborock S8).

Can the Roomba mop and vacuum at the same time?

Yes, on the Combo j9+ model. It vacuums and mops simultaneously on hard floors. When it detects carpet, it lifts the mop pad up so it doesn’t get wet. It’s a seamless process, but remember: it’s a light mop, not a deep scrubber.

How often do I need to replace the filter and brushes?

iRobot recommends replacing the filter every 2 months and the side brushes every 3-6 months. In reality, it depends on how much you use it. I found the filter needs cleaning every 2 weeks if you have pets. Replacement parts are affordable and widely available on Amazon or iRobot’s site.

Is the Roomba worth the high price?

It depends. The j9+ is expensive (around $900-$1,100). If you value time and hate vacuuming, the auto-empty and auto-refill features are worth the premium. If you’re on a budget, look at the Roomba 694 (basic, no self-empty) or a mid-range Roborock. But for a true “set it and forget it” experience, the j9+ is worth every penny.

Does the Roomba work with Google Home or Alexa?

Yes, flawlessly. You can say “Alexa, tell Roomba to clean the kitchen” and it works. The integration is deep—you can start, stop, pause, and even send it to specific rooms via voice. It’s one of the best smart home integrations in the robot vacuum space.

The Final Verdict: Should You Buy the iRobot Roomba?

After weeks of testing, here’s my take: The iRobot Roomba (specifically the j9+ or Combo j9+) is not the cheapest, not the most powerful, and not the best mop on the market. But it is the most reliable and user-friendly robot vacuum I’ve tested. It’s the one I can recommend to my mom, my tech-averse neighbor, and my gadget-loving friend without hesitation.

The obstacle avoidance is genuinely impressive. The app is a joy to use. And the auto-empty base changes the game for daily maintenance cleaning. It’s not perfect for every home (high-pile carpet owners, look away), but for the vast majority of modern homes with hard floors and low-pile carpets, it’s the best robot vacuum for the money in 2025.

If you’re tired of vacuuming and ready to let a robot do the dirty work, click here to check the latest price on the iRobot Roomba j9+ on Amazon. It’s an investment in your time and your sanity. Your floors will thank you.

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