The iRobot Roomba S9 stands out as one of the top-tier robot vacuums available, consistently praised for its powerful cleaning capabilities. As the best Roomba we’ve tested, the S9 boasts iRobot’s most robust suction motor, ensuring effective dirt and debris removal from both hard floors and carpets. Its design incorporates twin rubber brushrolls, which are particularly adept at managing pet hair and simplify maintenance due to their bristle-free nature that prevents hair and debris entanglement. For added convenience, the Roomba S9+ model includes a self-emptying base, automating dustbin disposal into a disposable dirtbag, significantly reducing the need for manual intervention.
Navigation for the Roomba S9 is powered by a vSLAM camera-based system. While this system might not map rooms as swiftly as LIDAR technology and can face challenges in dimly lit environments, it effectively establishes efficient cleaning paths and adeptly maneuvers around furniture once the home layout is mapped. Engaging the ‘Careful Drive’ setting is recommended to minimize bumping into walls and furniture. Users can also utilize the accompanying mobile application to direct the vacuum to specific rooms or define virtual no-go zones, enhancing control over cleaning areas. For those seeking a robot vacuum with advanced obstacle detection, the iRobot Roomba j9+ presents a compelling alternative. Equipped with a front-facing camera, the J9+ is designed to identify and react to obstacles in real-time. However, it’s worth noting that this system can occasionally produce false positive detections.
Despite its high-end positioning, the Roomba S9’s battery performance is not exceptional. A complete charge provides approximately 50 minutes of operation, which may be insufficient for cleaning larger carpeted areas in a single session, especially when operating at maximum suction power. Nevertheless, the recharge-and-resume feature mitigates this limitation, enabling the vacuum to automatically return to its dock for recharging and then resume cleaning from the point where it paused. This functionality ensures comprehensive cleaning coverage even for larger homes, making the Roomba S9 a strong contender when you compare Roomba models for thorough and automated home cleaning.
