Frequently Asked Questions

Which Roomba model has the best object avoidance?

The j7+ is best for object avoidance because its camera recognizes cords, socks, and dog poop, while the s9+ has a less capable system and both can get tangled.

Is the self-emptying feature worth it?

Yes, for homes with pets or kids, the self-emptying base is non-negotiable and lets you forget about emptying for up to 60 days.

What suction power does the s9+ have?

The s9+ has 2500 Pa in its highest setting, which catches all Goldfish crumbs compared to cheaper models.

Which Roomba is better for cleaning edges?

The s9+ is better at cleaning edges due to its D-shaped square front, unlike the round j7.

The Roomba Explosion: Which One Actually Works?

If you’ve looked at robot vacuums lately, you know the problem. There are so many Roombas now that picking one feels like shopping for a new phone. The j7, the i3, the s9, the Combo — it’s a mess. I’ve owned three different Roombas over the past few years, and I get asked constantly by other parents, “Which one actually works?” So here’s the honest answer from a dad who’s been using these things in a house with two kids, a shedding dog named Gus, and a 7-year-old who names every appliance she sees. (Sparkles calls our current Roomba “Blimp” because it’s round and she says it looks like a tiny blimp hunting for crumbs.)

Key Specs to Care About

Before I get into which model wins, let’s talk about what actually matters. Most Roombas share the same basic DNA: a disk on wheels, a spinning side brush, and a suction motor. But the differences come down to four things you should know:

  • Mapping vs. random bounce: Newer models (j7+, s9+) map your house and go room by room. Older or cheaper ones (i3, 690) bounce around like a drunk bumper car.
  • Self-emptying: The “+” models empty themselves into a base station for up to 60 days. If you have pets or kids, this is non-negotiable.
  • Object avoidance: The j7+ has a camera that recognizes cords, socks, and even dog poop. The s9+ has a less capable system. I’ve seen both get tangled. The j7 is better.
  • Suction power: Measured in Pa. Budget models have 600–1000 Pa. The s9+ has 2500 Pa in its highest setting. In practice, the difference is “catches all the Goldfish crumbs” vs. “leaves a trail of Cheeto dust.”

Who Actually Needs a Roomba?

Let me be blunt: if you have hardwood floors, a minimalist house, and no pets, any cheap robot vacuum will work. But if you have kids who drop crackers like they’re feeding geese, or a dog that sheds enough to knit a second dog, the Roomba is a godsend — but only if you get the right one. I’ve seen parents buy the cheapest model and then complain that it gets stuck under the couch every day. That’s not the vacuum’s fault. That’s not knowing what you’re buying.

Pros and Cons of the Models I’ve Owned

I’ve tested three Roombas in actual daily use. Here’s the honest breakdown.Roomba j7+ (the one I use now)

  • Pros: Great object avoidance (it dodged a phone charging cord that Layla left on the floor). Self-emptying base lets me forget about it for weeks. Mapping is fast and accurate. Can be sent to clean specific rooms from the app. Quiet enough to run during homework time.
  • Cons: Expensive (around $600 for the version with self-empty). The app sometimes takes a minute to connect. The side brush flings some debris to the side. Sparkles named it “Bloom” because she says it blooms into the docking station.Roomba s9+ (the D-shaped one)
  • Pros: More suction than the j7 (2500 Pa vs. 1800 Pa). Better at cleaning edges because of the square front. Self-emptying base works well. Prettier in a weird, spaceship kind of way.
  • Cons: Object avoidance is okay but not great — it ate a sock once. More expensive (around $800–$900). The mapping takes longer because of the shape. Sparkles called it “Flathead” and kept asking why it looks like a deformed turtle.Roomba i3+ (budget pick for first-timers)
  • Pros: Much cheaper (around $300–$400). Self-emptying base included. Simple controls — you can just press a button. Fine on bare floors and low-pile carpet.
  • Cons: No mapping — it uses “smart navigation” that’s really just slightly smarter random bouncing. Gets stuck under furniture more often. Doesn’t know where it’s cleaned. You can’t say “clean the kitchen” unless you use a weird virtual wall. Sparkles named it “Bumperbot” because it bumped into the same table leg seven times.

The Verdict: Which One Actually Works?

If you have kids, pets, and an average-sized home (1500–2500 sq ft), get the Roomba j7+. It’s not the most powerful, but it’s the most reliable. It avoids messes, empties itself, and doesn’t require you to babysit. I’ve had mine for 14 months and the only time I had to rescue it was when Sparkles put a toy truck in front of the base. (She said it was “parking.”) The j7+ just works.

If you have a very large home with mostly carpets and you’re willing to pay more, the s9+ is a beast. But you’ll need to be more careful about cords and small toys on the floor. I found that after a month, I was still picking up stuff before running it — which defeats the whole point.

If you’re on a tight budget and you have mostly hard floors, the i3+ is okay. But expect to move it to a different room yourself because it doesn’t know one room from another. It’s a good starter robot, but don’t expect miracles.

Bottom line: The Roomba explosion is real, but only one truly works for a busy family. Go with the j7+. Your toddler’s crackers don’t stand a chance.