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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 16, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufactureriRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop vs iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop vs iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum: which is the right fit? We cover performance, value, and use cases to make the call easier.
Ratings: 3.6★ vs 4★
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iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop
★3.6
(1,171)•Amazon
Navigation:PrecisionVision Navigation (Camera-based VSLAM with object recognition and avoidance).
Mapping:Imprint Smart Mapping (Stores up to 10 maps, room segmentation, room naming, and Keep Out Zones).
Obstacle Avoidance:PrecisionVision with AI (Identifies and avoids cords, pet waste, shoes, socks, and seasonal items).
Suction Pa:Not published (Rated 100% stronger suction vs. Roomba i-Series / 2x Power-Lifting Suction).
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iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
★4
(51,777)•Amazon
Navigation:Smart navigation (Gyroscopes/Optical) cleans in neat rows; sensors navigate around furniture and avoid stairs.
Mapping:Clean Map® report (View-only coverage report in iRobot Home App; no persistent mapping).
Obstacle Avoidance:Basic sensor-based avoidance for furniture/stairs (no camera/LiDAR AI object recognition).
Suction Pa:Not specified (3 suction power levels)
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Comparison: iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop vs iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop
★3.6(1,171)Amazon
iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
★4(51,777)Amazon
| Criterion | iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop | iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★3.6(1,171)Amazon | ★4(51,777)Amazon |
Navigation | PrecisionVision Navigation (Camera-based VSLAM with object recognition and avoidance). | Smart navigation (Gyroscopes/Optical) cleans in neat rows; sensors navigate around furniture and avoid stairs. |
Mapping | Imprint Smart Mapping (Stores up to 10 maps, room segmentation, room naming, and Keep Out Zones). | Clean Map® report (View-only coverage report in iRobot Home App; no persistent mapping). |
Obstacle Avoidance | PrecisionVision with AI (Identifies and avoids cords, pet waste, shoes, socks, and seasonal items). | Basic sensor-based avoidance for furniture/stairs (no camera/LiDAR AI object recognition). |
Suction Pa | Not published (Rated 100% stronger suction vs. Roomba i-Series / 2x Power-Lifting Suction). | Not specified (3 suction power levels) |
Brush System | Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes (Resistant to hair tangles) + Edge-Sweeping Brush. | 3-Stage Cleaning System with Multi-Surface V-shaped main brush + Edge-Sweeping brush. |
Mopping | SmartScrub System (Back-and-forth scrubbing motion with consistent pressure). | No |
Mop Lift | Auto-Retract Mopping System (Lifts mop pad to the top of the robot to keep carpets completely dry). | N/A (No mopping) |
Carpet Boost | Yes (Carpet Boost automatically increases suction on carpets). | No automatic boost (Manual control: 3 suction levels). |
Battery | 14.4V / 4460 mAh Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion (2600 mAh) |
Runtime | Up to 120 min (Recharge and Resume supported) | Up to 120 min |
Charging Time | Approx. 3 hours | Approx. 4 hours |
Dustbin | 0.08 gal (313 mL) — Internal bin | 0.10 gal (approx. 400 mL) |
Water Tank | 0.05 gal (210 mL) — Internal tank (Auto-refilled by dock) | N/A (No mopping) |
Auto Empty | Yes | No |
Dock Type | Clean Base Auto-Fill Dock (Empties debris for up to 60 days, refills water for up to 30 days; 15.8" W x 16.4" D x 16.3" H). | Charging Dock (Standard Home Base) |
Mop Wash | No (Pad requires manual washing) | N/A (No mopping) |
Mop Dry | No | N/A (No mopping) |
Filtration | High-Efficiency Filter (Captures 99% of cat and dog allergens) | High-Efficiency Filter |
Noise Level | Approx. 68 dB | Not specified |
App Features | iRobot Home App (Dirt Detective prioritizes dirty rooms, Clean While I'm Away, SmartScrub settings, Pet Owner Official Promise). | iRobot Home App: Clean While I'm Away, suggested schedules, Clean Map® report, spot cleaning. |
Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri. | Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri |
Multi Floor | Yes (Imprint Smart Mapping stores multiple floor plans). | No (Does not store maps) |
Threshold Climb | 0.6" (1.6 cm) — Reduced slightly due to mopping mechanism | 0.625" (5/8 in) |
Height | 3.40" (87 mm) | 3.15" |
Dimensions | 13.70" (L) x 13.70" (W) x 3.40" (H) | 13" (L) x 13" (W) x 3.15" (H) |
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iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop
Rating:★3.6(1,171)Amazon
Navigation:PrecisionVision Navigation (Camera-based VSLAM with object recognition and avoidance).
Mapping:Imprint Smart Mapping (Stores up to 10 maps, room segmentation, room naming, and Keep Out Zones).
Obstacle Avoidance:PrecisionVision with AI (Identifies and avoids cords, pet waste, shoes, socks, and seasonal items).
Suction Pa:Not published (Rated 100% stronger suction vs. Roomba i-Series / 2x Power-Lifting Suction).
Brush System:Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes (Resistant to hair tangles) + Edge-Sweeping Brush.
Mopping:SmartScrub System (Back-and-forth scrubbing motion with consistent pressure).
Mop Lift:Auto-Retract Mopping System (Lifts mop pad to the top of the robot to keep carpets completely dry).
Carpet Boost:Yes (Carpet Boost automatically increases suction on carpets).
Battery:14.4V / 4460 mAh Lithium-ion
Runtime:Up to 120 min (Recharge and Resume supported)
Charging Time:Approx. 3 hours
Dustbin:0.08 gal (313 mL) — Internal bin
Water Tank:0.05 gal (210 mL) — Internal tank (Auto-refilled by dock)
Auto Empty:Yes
Dock Type:Clean Base Auto-Fill Dock (Empties debris for up to 60 days, refills water for up to 30 days; 15.8" W x 16.4" D x 16.3" H).
Mop Wash:No (Pad requires manual washing)
Mop Dry:No
Filtration:High-Efficiency Filter (Captures 99% of cat and dog allergens)
Noise Level:Approx. 68 dB
App Features:iRobot Home App (Dirt Detective prioritizes dirty rooms, Clean While I'm Away, SmartScrub settings, Pet Owner Official Promise).
Voice Assistants:Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri.
Multi Floor:Yes (Imprint Smart Mapping stores multiple floor plans).
Threshold Climb:0.6" (1.6 cm) — Reduced slightly due to mopping mechanism
Height:3.40" (87 mm)
Dimensions:13.70" (L) x 13.70" (W) x 3.40" (H)
✓ Pros:
- • Clean Base Auto-Fill Dock automates both dust emptying and water refilling
- • Auto-Retract Mopping System is the industry standard for keeping high-pile carpets dry
- • Dirt Detective (iRobot OS) automatically prioritizes the dirtiest rooms
- • Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes are excellent for pet hair and carpets
- • Elegant dock design with a wood-like surface top
✗ Cons:
- • Dock does not wash or dry the mop pad (requires manual maintenance)
- • Navigation and mapping are slower than LiDAR-based competitors
- • Lacks live video monitoring despite having a camera (privacy-focused)
- • Small onboard dustbin relies heavily on frequent auto-emptying
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
Rating:★4(51,777)Amazon
Navigation:Smart navigation (Gyroscopes/Optical) cleans in neat rows; sensors navigate around furniture and avoid stairs.
Mapping:Clean Map® report (View-only coverage report in iRobot Home App; no persistent mapping).
Obstacle Avoidance:Basic sensor-based avoidance for furniture/stairs (no camera/LiDAR AI object recognition).
Suction Pa:Not specified (3 suction power levels)
Brush System:3-Stage Cleaning System with Multi-Surface V-shaped main brush + Edge-Sweeping brush.
Mopping:No
Mop Lift:N/A (No mopping)
Carpet Boost:No automatic boost (Manual control: 3 suction levels).
Battery:Lithium-ion (2600 mAh)
Runtime:Up to 120 min
Charging Time:Approx. 4 hours
Dustbin:0.10 gal (approx. 400 mL)
Water Tank:N/A (No mopping)
Auto Empty:No
Dock Type:Charging Dock (Standard Home Base)
Mop Wash:N/A (No mopping)
Mop Dry:N/A (No mopping)
Filtration:High-Efficiency Filter
Noise Level:Not specified
App Features:iRobot Home App: Clean While I'm Away, suggested schedules, Clean Map® report, spot cleaning.
Voice Assistants:Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
Multi Floor:No (Does not store maps)
Threshold Climb:0.625" (5/8 in)
Height:3.15"
Dimensions:13" (L) x 13" (W) x 3.15" (H)
✓ Pros:
- • Methodical row-by-row cleaning with smart navigation
- • Up to 120 minutes runtime with auto-docking recharge
- • iRobot Home App scheduling + Clean Map® report; voice assistant support
- • 3-stage cleaning with V-shaped brush + edge-sweeping brush and 3 suction levels
✗ Cons:
- • No mopping capability
- • No auto-empty dock (standard charging dock only)
- • No advanced AI obstacle avoidance (no camera/LiDAR object detection)
- • Lacks persistent mapping features like Keep Out Zones or Room Select
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Which one is better?
Overall, iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum delivers better satisfaction. iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop is still a quality option with specific strengths worth considering.
Who should buy each?
Choose iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop if:
- You want Clean Base Auto-Fill Dock automates both dust emptying and water refilling, Auto-Retract Mopping System is the industry standard for keeping high-pile carpets dry
- Rating: 3.6★ (1171 reviews)
Choose iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum if:
- You prefer Methodical row-by-row cleaning with smart navigation, Up to 120 minutes runtime with auto-docking recharge
- Rating: 4★ (51777 reviews)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop excels if you value clean base auto-fill dock automates both dust emptying and water refilling. iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum is better if you prioritize methodical row-by-row cleaning with smart navigation. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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