iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum vs iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop
If you're looking for an affordable entry-level robot vacuum, the iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum is your go-to. It delivers a reliable performance with a 120-minute runtime and smart navigation, making it a no-brainer for basic cleaning tasks. On the flip side, the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop ups the ante with its premium features. Its Clean Base Auto-Fill Dock handles both dust emptying and water refilling for up to 60 days, making it ideal for busy households that want less maintenance in 2026. Key specs: Weight: 93.44 oz vs 143.92 oz and Battery: 4460mAh vs 2600mAh.
Why compare these? The iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum (entry-level) and iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop (mid-range) represent different approaches to robot vacuums. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | iRobot Roomba | iRobot Roomba |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4★ (51,777 reviews) | 3.5★ (1,196 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Methodical row-by-row cleaning with smart navigation | Clean Base Auto-Fill Dock automates both dust emptying and water refilling |
| Main Drawback | No mopping capability | Dock does not wash or dry the mop pad (requires manual maintenance) |
| Market Position | Entry | ✓Mid-range |
iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
Smart navigation (Gyroscopes/Optical) cleans in neat rows; sensors navigate around furniture and avoid stairs.
Clean Map® report (View-only coverage report in iRobot Home App; no persistent mapping).
Basic sensor-based avoidance for furniture/stairs (no camera/LiDAR AI object recognition).
Not specified (3 suction power levels)
iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop
PrecisionVision Navigation (Camera-based VSLAM with object recognition and avoidance).
Imprint Smart Mapping (Stores up to 10 maps, room segmentation, room naming, and Keep Out Zones).
PrecisionVision with AI (Identifies and avoids cords, pet waste, shoes, socks, and seasonal items).
Not published (Rated 100% stronger suction vs. Roomba i-Series / 2x Power-Lifting Suction).
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum vs iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop
iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop
| Criterion | iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum | iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4(51,777)Amazon | ★3.5(1,196)Amazon |
Navigation | Smart navigation (Gyroscopes/Optical) cleans in neat rows; sensors navigate around furniture and avoid stairs. | PrecisionVision Navigation (Camera-based VSLAM with object recognition and avoidance). |
Mapping | Clean Map® report (View-only coverage report in iRobot Home App; no persistent mapping). | Imprint Smart Mapping (Stores up to 10 maps, room segmentation, room naming, and Keep Out Zones). |
Obstacle Avoidance | Basic sensor-based avoidance for furniture/stairs (no camera/LiDAR AI object recognition). | PrecisionVision with AI (Identifies and avoids cords, pet waste, shoes, socks, and seasonal items). |
Suction Pa | Not specified (3 suction power levels) | Not published (Rated 100% stronger suction vs. Roomba i-Series / 2x Power-Lifting Suction). |
Brush System | 3-Stage Cleaning System with Multi-Surface V-shaped main brush + Edge-Sweeping brush. | Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes (Resistant to hair tangles) + Edge-Sweeping Brush. |
Mopping | No | SmartScrub System (Back-and-forth scrubbing motion with consistent pressure). |
Mop Lift | N/A (No mopping) | Auto-Retract Mopping System (Lifts mop pad to the top of the robot to keep carpets completely dry). |
Carpet Boost | No automatic boost (Manual control: 3 suction levels). | Yes (Carpet Boost automatically increases suction on carpets). |
Battery | Lithium-ion (2600 mAh) | 14.4V / 4460 mAh Lithium-ion |
Runtime | Up to 120 min | Up to 120 min (Recharge and Resume supported) |
Charging Time | Approx. 4 hours | Approx. 3 hours |
Dustbin | 0.10 gal (approx. 400 mL) | 0.08 gal (313 mL) — Internal bin |
Water Tank | N/A (No mopping) | 0.05 gal (210 mL) — Internal tank (Auto-refilled by dock) |
Auto Empty | No | Yes |
Dock Type | Charging Dock (Standard Home Base) | 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 | N/A (No mopping) | No (Pad requires manual washing) |
Mop Dry | N/A (No mopping) | No |
Filtration | High-Efficiency Filter | High-Efficiency Filter (Captures 99% of cat and dog allergens) |
Noise Level | Not specified | Approx. 68 dB |
App Features | iRobot Home App: Clean While I'm Away, suggested schedules, Clean Map® report, spot cleaning. | iRobot Home App (Dirt Detective prioritizes dirty rooms, Clean While I'm Away, SmartScrub settings, Pet Owner Official Promise). |
Voice Assistants | Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri. |
Multi Floor | No (Does not store maps) | Yes (Imprint Smart Mapping stores multiple floor plans). |
Threshold Climb | 0.625" (5/8 in) | 0.6" (1.6 cm) — Reduced slightly due to mopping mechanism |
Height | 3.15" | 3.40" (87 mm) |
Dimensions | 13" (L) x 13" (W) x 3.15" (H) | 13.70" (L) x 13.70" (W) x 3.40" (H) |
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iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
Smart navigation (Gyroscopes/Optical) cleans in neat rows; sensors navigate around furniture and avoid stairs.
Clean Map® report (View-only coverage report in iRobot Home App; no persistent mapping).
Basic sensor-based avoidance for furniture/stairs (no camera/LiDAR AI object recognition).
Not specified (3 suction power levels)
3-Stage Cleaning System with Multi-Surface V-shaped main brush + Edge-Sweeping brush.
No
Pros
- Methodical row-by-row cleaning with smart navigation
- Up to 120 minutes runtime with auto-docking recharge
Cons
- No mopping capability
- No auto-empty dock (standard charging dock only)
iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop
PrecisionVision Navigation (Camera-based VSLAM with object recognition and avoidance).
Imprint Smart Mapping (Stores up to 10 maps, room segmentation, room naming, and Keep Out Zones).
PrecisionVision with AI (Identifies and avoids cords, pet waste, shoes, socks, and seasonal items).
Not published (Rated 100% stronger suction vs. Roomba i-Series / 2x Power-Lifting Suction).
Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes (Resistant to hair tangles) + Edge-Sweeping Brush.
SmartScrub System (Back-and-forth scrubbing motion with consistent pressure).
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
Cons
- Dock does not wash or dry the mop pad (requires manual maintenance)
- Navigation and mapping are slower than LiDAR-based competitors
Which one is better?
The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop is the better buy for most people - its Clean Base Auto-Fill Dock saves you time by emptying debris for up to 60 days.
Who should buy each?
Choose the iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum if: you need a budget-friendly option, prefer a simpler model without mopping, or have minimal cleaning needs. (93.44 oz weight)
Choose the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop if: you want a 2-in-1 vacuum and mop solution, need automated maintenance, or have pets that shed frequently.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4★ vs 3.5★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose iRobot Roomba
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 51,777 reviews vs 1,196
→ Choose iRobot Roomba
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose iRobot Roomba
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose iRobot Roomba
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: The iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum edges ahead with a 4★ rating compared to 3.5★. However, iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum or iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop?
iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum is the better choice if you prioritize methodical row-by-row cleaning with smart navigation. iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop wins if you value clean base auto-fill dock automates both dust emptying and water refilling. Both are rated highly (4★ vs 3.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum and iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop?
Key differences: iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum offers methodical row-by-row cleaning with smart navigation, while iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop stands out with clean base auto-fill dock automates both dust emptying and water refilling. Consider that iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum no mopping capability. Meanwhile, iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop dock does not wash or dry the mop pad (requires manual maintenance). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 26, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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