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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 16, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufactureriRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop vs Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty
If you are torn between iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop and Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty, this breakdown is for you. We compare specs, pros, and cons so you can decide confidently.
Ratings: 3.6★ vs 4.1★
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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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Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty
★4.1
(7,858)•Amazon
Navigation:Matrix Clean Navigation (LIDAR) with 360° vision; cleans in a precision grid (matrix) pattern.
Mapping:Yes (Precision Home Mapping via SharkClean app; supports room selection and No-Go Zones).
Obstacle Avoidance:LiDAR-based object detection (avoids walls/furniture, but lacks active camera/AI small object recognition).
Suction Pa:Not specified (Features UltraClean Mode™ for deep cleaning).
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Comparison: iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop vs Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty
iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop
★3.6(1,171)Amazon
Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty
★4.1(7,858)Amazon
| Criterion | iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop | Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★3.6(1,171)Amazon | ★4.1(7,858)Amazon |
Navigation | PrecisionVision Navigation (Camera-based VSLAM with object recognition and avoidance). | Matrix Clean Navigation (LIDAR) with 360° vision; cleans in a precision grid (matrix) pattern. |
Mapping | Imprint Smart Mapping (Stores up to 10 maps, room segmentation, room naming, and Keep Out Zones). | Yes (Precision Home Mapping via SharkClean app; supports room selection and No-Go Zones). |
Obstacle Avoidance | PrecisionVision with AI (Identifies and avoids cords, pet waste, shoes, socks, and seasonal items). | LiDAR-based object detection (avoids walls/furniture, but lacks active camera/AI small object recognition). |
Suction Pa | Not published (Rated 100% stronger suction vs. Roomba i-Series / 2x Power-Lifting Suction). | Not specified (Features UltraClean Mode™ for deep cleaning). |
Brush System | Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes (Resistant to hair tangles) + Edge-Sweeping Brush. | Self-Cleaning Brushroll (PowerFins) designed to prevent hair wrap + dual spinning side brushes. |
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 suction boost (Manual 'UltraClean Mode' increases coverage and intensity). |
Battery | 14.4V / 4460 mAh Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion (Capacity not specified) |
Runtime | Up to 120 min (Recharge and Resume supported) | Up to 120 min (in Eco/Standard mode) |
Charging Time | Approx. 3 hours | 6 hours |
Dustbin | 0.08 gal (313 mL) — Internal bin | Robot: approx. 0.08 gal; Base: 60-day capacity (Bagless HEPA bin). |
Water Tank | 0.05 gal (210 mL) — Internal tank (Auto-refilled by dock) | N/A (No mopping) |
Auto Empty | Yes | Yes (Bagless HEPA Self-Empty Base; holds up to 60 days). |
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). | XL HEPA Self-Empty Base (Bagless) |
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) | True HEPA filtration (in Base only) captures 99.97% of dust/allergens; Standard filter in robot. |
Noise Level | Approx. 68 dB | Approx. 70 dB |
App Features | iRobot Home App (Dirt Detective prioritizes dirty rooms, Clean While I'm Away, SmartScrub settings, Pet Owner Official Promise). | SharkClean App: Schedule, Select Rooms, No-Go Zones, UltraClean Mode™, Report, Recharge & Resume. |
Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri. | Alexa, Google Assistant |
Multi Floor | Yes (Imprint Smart Mapping stores multiple floor plans). | Yes (Supports storage of up to 3 floor maps). |
Threshold Climb | 0.6" (1.6 cm) — Reduced slightly due to mopping mechanism | 0.75" (approx. 2 cm) |
Height | 3.40" (87 mm) | 3.5" |
Dimensions | 13.70" (L) x 13.70" (W) x 3.40" (H) | 12.9" (L) x 12.6" (W) x 3.5" (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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Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty
Rating:★4.1(7,858)Amazon
Navigation:Matrix Clean Navigation (LIDAR) with 360° vision; cleans in a precision grid (matrix) pattern.
Mapping:Yes (Precision Home Mapping via SharkClean app; supports room selection and No-Go Zones).
Obstacle Avoidance:LiDAR-based object detection (avoids walls/furniture, but lacks active camera/AI small object recognition).
Suction Pa:Not specified (Features UltraClean Mode™ for deep cleaning).
Brush System:Self-Cleaning Brushroll (PowerFins) designed to prevent hair wrap + dual spinning side brushes.
Mopping:No
Mop Lift:N/A (No mopping)
Carpet Boost:No automatic suction boost (Manual 'UltraClean Mode' increases coverage and intensity).
Battery:Lithium-ion (Capacity not specified)
Runtime:Up to 120 min (in Eco/Standard mode)
Charging Time:6 hours
Dustbin:Robot: approx. 0.08 gal; Base: 60-day capacity (Bagless HEPA bin).
Water Tank:N/A (No mopping)
Auto Empty:Yes (Bagless HEPA Self-Empty Base; holds up to 60 days).
Dock Type:XL HEPA Self-Empty Base (Bagless)
Mop Wash:N/A (No mopping)
Mop Dry:N/A (No mopping)
Filtration:True HEPA filtration (in Base only) captures 99.97% of dust/allergens; Standard filter in robot.
Noise Level:Approx. 70 dB
App Features:SharkClean App: Schedule, Select Rooms, No-Go Zones, UltraClean Mode™, Report, Recharge & Resume.
Voice Assistants:Alexa, Google Assistant
Multi Floor:Yes (Supports storage of up to 3 floor maps).
Threshold Climb:0.75" (approx. 2 cm)
Height:3.5"
Dimensions:12.9" (L) x 12.6" (W) x 3.5" (H)
✓ Pros:
- • Bagless Self-Empty Base reduces recurring cost of disposal bags
- • True HEPA filtration in the dock is excellent for allergy sufferers
- • Matrix Clean Navigation provides better coverage than standard row-cleaning
- • LiDAR mapping allows for quick map generation and accurate room selection
✗ Cons:
- • No mopping capability
- • Lacks advanced AI camera for avoiding small objects (cables, pet waste)
- • Suction power (Pa) is not publicly specified by manufacturer
- • Bagless base requires messy filter cleaning/washing unlike sealed bag systems
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Which one is better?
Overall, Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty 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 Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty if:
- You prefer Bagless Self-Empty Base reduces recurring cost of disposal bags, True HEPA filtration in the dock is excellent for allergy sufferers
- Rating: 4.1★ (7858 reviews)
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
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. Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty is better if you prioritize bagless self-empty base reduces recurring cost of disposal bags. 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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