Frequently Asked Questions

Which Roomba model has obstacle avoidance to avoid pet poop and cords?

The Roomba j7+ (and newer j9) uses a camera and PrecisionVision to avoid pet poop, cords, and shoes, while the i3+ lacks this feature and will bump into things.

Is the Roomba i3+ good for families with pets that have accidents?

No, the article warns that the i3+ has no camera obstacle avoidance, so if your pet has accidents you risk a smearing disaster. It is better for families with no pets that have accidents.

Does the Roomba s9+ have stronger suction than other models?

Yes, the article states that the s9+ (nicknamed Squishy) has noticeably stronger suction and its D-shape helps clean corners better, though it is loud and expensive.

Why is a self-emptying base important for a family vacuum?

The article says the self-emptying base is a game-changer because it holds 30–60 days of dirt, so you don’t have to empty the bin every single day.

The Roomba Lineup Decoded: Which One Actually Matters?

If you’ve ever stood in the vacuum aisle—or more likely, stared at your phone screen for an hour—you know the Roomba lineup feels like alphabet soup. i3, j7, s9, Combo, Plus, Base, wHAT? I’ve been through four of them in this house (Sparkles named each one), and I’ve tested them in the real-world disaster zone of kids, pets, and the occasional spilled cereal. Here’s the honest breakdown without the marketing fluff.

Sparkles once asked, “Dad, why do they all look like flying saucers but cost different amounts?” Fair question, kid. The short answer: the more expensive ones are better at not getting stuck under the couch—and they empty themselves. But which one actually matters for a family like ours? Let’s decode.

The Current Roomba Lineup at a Glance

iRobot currently sells four main series: the 600 series (basic, cheap), the i series (mid-range, self-emptying), the j series (obstacle avoidance, smart mapping), and the s series (top-tier power, best navigation). The “Combo” models add mopping. I’ll skip the 600 series—honestly, for a house with kids and pets, you want mapping and self-emptying unless you’re on a truly tight budget.

Here’s what I’ve lived with:

  • Roomba i3+ – Sparkles called it “Ivy.” It vacuums well, has self-emptying, but no camera—so it bumps into everything and occasionally eats a sock.
  • Roomba j7+ (now j9 in newer version) – Sparkles named it “Jellybean.” It has a camera and “PrecisionVision” to avoid pet poop, cords, and shoes. It actually stops before running over a toy.
  • Roomba s9+ – “Squishy.” The D-shape gets into corners better, and its suction is noticeably stronger. But it’s loud and expensive.

Key Features That Actually Matter

Before I tell you which one to buy, here are the features you should care about when you have kids and pets:

  • Self-emptying base – If you don’t get this, you’ll be emptying the bin every single day. Trust me. The base holds 30–60 days of dirt. Game-changer.
  • Obstacle avoidance (camera) – The j7 and up can see a charging cable, a sock, or—yes—dog poop. The i3 cannot. You will have a Roomba smearing disaster if you have a pet that has accidents.
  • Smart mapping – Lets you tell the robot “clean the kitchen only” or “avoid the playroom after 3pm.” All models above the 600 series do this, but the j7 and s9 are faster and more accurate.
  • Mopping – The Combo models can mop, but it’s a pad that drags – great for light spills, but don’t expect a deep scrub. For parents, I actually recommend a separate mop (like a Bona mop) unless you want to refill water every day.

Who Each Roomba Is For

I’ll break it down by lifestyle so you can skip the model that doesn’t match your chaos level.

Roomba i3+ – The Budget Workhorse

Who it’s for: Families with no pets that have accidents, who are okay with the robot bumping into things occasionally. It vacuums well, self-empties, and costs half what the j7 does. But you’ll need to pick up toys and cords every time. Sparkles learned this the hard way when Ivy chewed up a hair tie and made the brush roll scream for 20 minutes.

Who it’s NOT for: Anyone with a dog that isn’t perfectly house-trained, or a house with lots of low furniture legs. The i3 gets stuck under sofas and on rug tassels.

Roomba j7+ (or j9 Combo) – The Family Champion

Who it’s for: Almost every family with kids and a pet. The j7 actually recognizes objects and goes around them. I’ve watched it avoid a single Cheerio on the floor—which means fewer emergency saves. Sparkles loves that “Jellybean knows where my Legos are and doesn’t eat them.” The j9 Combo adds a mopping pad that lifts up when it hits carpet, so you don’t get a wet rug. If you can swing the price, this is the model that matters most for ordinary families.

Who it’s NOT for: Hardcore deep-cleaning fans or people with thick carpets. The suction is good but not as strong as the s9. Also, the mopping is light—great for daily maintenance, but you’ll still need a manual mop for sticky spills.

Roomba s9+ – The Overachiever

Who it’s for: People with lots of pet hair, wall-to-wall carpet, or a desire for the best edge cleaning. The D-shape gets right into corners, and the suction is 40x compared to the 600 series. It also has a more powerful self-emptying system. But it’s loud. Really loud. Sparkles says “Squishy sounds like a jet engine” – and she’s not wrong. Unless you have a huge house with lots of dirt, you probably don’t need it.

Who it’s NOT for: Light sleepers, small homes, or anyone on a budget. The s9 is $300–$500 more than the j7, and for most families the j7 does 90% of the same job.

Pros and Cons of the Roomba Lineup Overall

I’ve owned two i3s, a j7, and borrowed an s9 from a friend. Here’s my honest tally:

Pros (All Models)

  • Good suction for daily maintenance – they keep the floor noticeably cleaner between our weekly manual vacuum.
  • Self-emptying is a life-saver. I empty the base every month instead of every day.
  • App is decent – you can schedule cleanings and see a map. Not as good as Roborock’s app, but solid.
  • Customer service is responsive – iRobot replaced a faulty battery in my i3 quickly.

Cons (All Models)

  • They’re not truly “set and forget” – you still have to pick up clutter, check for tangled brush rolls, and occasionally clean the sensors.
  • Mopping on Combo models is wet-pad-on-a-stick – not a scrubbing action. Fine for dust, not for stuck-on goo.
  • Navigation can be slow, especially on the i3. The j7 is better, but still not as fast as a Roborock.
  • If you have dark or black rugs, the cliff sensors might think it’s a drop-off and avoid them. Not all models have this problem, but it happens.

Verdict: Which One Actually Matters?

If I had to buy one today for a home with a 7-year-old and a moderately sheddy dog, I’d get the Roomba j7+ (or the newer j9 Combo if you want mopping). It’s the sweet spot: affordable enough that you don’t cry if it dies in three years, smart enough to avoid most disasters, and self-emptying so you don’t have to think about it. The i3+ is a good budget pick if you’re willing to pick up the floor first. The s9+ is overkill for 90% of families—save your money and buy a manual vacuum for deep carpet cleaning.

Sparkles once said, “Dad, can we keep Jellybean forever?” I told her that’s not how robots work, but if you treat it right (clean the brushes, empty the base, don’t let it eat a sock), it’ll last years. That’s the only Roomba that actually matters. The rest are just different shapes of dust collectors.