Irobot Roomba S9 Review

The iRobot Roomba s9+ is, without a doubt, a premium contender in the robotic vacuum space, delivering an exceptional cleaning performance, particularly on hard floors and carpets, thanks to its powerful suction and sophisticated navigation.

While its high price tag places it at the top end of the market, for those seeking a truly hands-off, deep-cleaning experience with advanced features like automatic dirt disposal and precise room mapping, the s9+ stands out as a worthy investment, especially for larger homes or those with pets. It’s not just about vacuuming.

It’s about rethinking how you keep your home clean, with a focus on efficiency and thoroughness.

When it comes to smart home cleaning, the Roomba s9+ isn’t the only player on the field.

Here’s a quick rundown of some top contenders to help you weigh your options:

Product Name	Key Features	Average Price	Pros	Cons
iRobot Roomba s9+	40x suction power compared to Roomba 600 series, Imprint Smart Mapping, Automatic Dirt Disposal, Anti-Allergen System	$999 – $1,199	Exceptional cleaning performance, Self-emptying dustbin, Precise navigation, Ideal for pet hair and large homes	Very expensive, No mopping function, Can be noisy on max suction
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra	Auto-emptying, auto-refilling, auto-mop washing dock. ReactiveAI 2.0 obstacle avoidance. VibraRise mopping	$1,399 – $1,599	All-in-one cleaning vacuum & mop, Advanced obstacle avoidance, Self-maintaining dock, Powerful suction	Highest price point, Large dock requires significant space
Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni	All-in-one OMNI station auto-empty, auto-clean, auto-dry. AIVI 3D obstacle avoidance. YIKO Voice Assistant	$1,299 – $1,499	Comprehensive hands-free operation, Excellent mopping performance, Stylish design, Voice control	High cost, Large footprint for the OMNI station
Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL	Self-emptying base up to 45 days, IQ Navigation, Row-by-row cleaning, Multi-surface brushroll	$499 – $599	More affordable self-emptying option, Good for pet hair, Decent navigation	Mapping can be less precise than iRobot/Roborock, Can get stuck more often
Neato D10 Intelligent Robot Vacuum	D-shape design for corner cleaning, LaserSmart navigation, Ultra-performance filter, Long battery life	$599 – $699	Excellent corner cleaning, Reliable laser navigation, Good for large spaces, Strong suction	Can be noisy, App can be less intuitive than competitors
Dreametech L10s Ultra	Auto-empty, auto-mop washing, auto-water refill, AI-powered obstacle avoidance, Dual rotary mops	$899 – $999	Strong vacuuming and mopping, Smart obstacle detection, Competitive pricing for features offered	Newer brand, Long-term reliability still being assessed by some users
Roomba j7+	Self-emptying, PrecisionVision Navigation avoids pet waste, Imprint Smart Mapping, Quiet operation	$699 – $799	Specifically designed to avoid pet waste, Reliable iRobot mapping, Good balance of features and price	Less suction power than the s9+, No mopping function

Design and Build Quality: A Premium Aesthetic

The iRobot Roomba s9+ immediately signals its premium status through its distinctive design and robust build quality. Unlike the traditional circular Roomba shape, the s9+ features a D-shaped design, a strategic choice that allows it to better reach into corners and along edges, areas where dirt and dust frequently accumulate. This isn’t just about aesthetics. it’s a functional design decision that directly impacts cleaning efficacy.

• Materials: The s9+ utilizes high-quality plastics and brushed metallic accents, giving it a sleek, modern look. The top surface, often a fingerprint magnet on other devices, is designed to resist smudges, maintaining its sophisticated appearance.
• Dimensions: With a height of approximately 3.5 inches, it’s designed to slip under most furniture, though some lower-clearance items might still pose a challenge. Its compact footprint for a D-shaped robot also helps it navigate tighter spaces.
• Dustbin: The robot’s dustbin is easily accessible from the top, featuring a washable filter and a thoughtful design that minimizes direct contact with debris during emptying – especially handy for allergy sufferers.
• Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal: The accompanying Clean Base is a substantial, but cleverly designed, unit. It houses the charging station and a sealed disposable bag that can hold up to 60 days’ worth of dirt and debris. This means you literally don’t have to think about emptying the robot’s bin for weeks, significantly reducing hands-on maintenance. The base itself is well-constructed and seamlessly integrates with the robot’s charging and emptying process.

Suction Power and Cleaning Performance: The S9+ Edge

When it comes to raw cleaning power, the Roomba s9+ truly stands out. iRobot claims it offers 40 times the suction power compared to the Roomba 600 series, and in real-world tests, this translates into visibly superior cleaning. This isn’t just marketing hype. it’s a noticeable difference, especially on challenging surfaces.

• Hard Floors: On hardwood, tile, and laminate, the s9+ excels. Its powerful suction, combined with its dual multi-surface rubber brushes, effectively picks up everything from fine dust and crumbs to larger debris like cereal. The D-shaped design allows it to hug baseboards and corners, leaving very little behind.
• Carpets and Rugs: This is where many robot vacuums falter, but the s9+ shines. It automatically boosts suction when it detects carpet, digging deep into fibers to extract embedded dirt, pet hair, and allergens. For high-pile carpets, it manages to pick up an impressive amount, rivaling even some upright vacuums. Users often report seeing a significant improvement in carpet cleanliness, even after just a few passes.
• Pet Hair: For pet owners, the s9+ is a must. Its robust suction and tangle-free rubber brushes are highly effective at capturing pet hair without getting clogged. The Clean Base’s self-emptying feature is particularly beneficial here, preventing pet hair clogs in the robot’s bin and maintaining consistent performance.
• Edge Cleaning: Thanks to its D-shaped design and specially angled corner brush, the s9+ is arguably one of the best robot vacuums for edge and corner cleaning. It gets remarkably close to walls and into tight angles, a common weakness for many circular robots.

Data Point: Independent tests often place the s9+ among the top performers in debris pickup across all surface types, frequently achieving 90-95% pickup rates on hard floors and 75-85% on carpets, which are excellent figures for a robot vacuum. Crossfit Equipment Uk

Navigation and Mapping: Precision at Its Best

The Roomba s9+ utilizes iRobot’s Imprint Smart Mapping technology, which is among the most sophisticated and reliable in the industry. This isn’t just random bouncing. it’s a methodical, intelligent approach to understanding and cleaning your home.

• vSLAM Navigation: The s9+ employs vSLAM Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping technology, using an optical sensor to build a precise map of your home as it cleans. It learns your floor plan, identifies furniture, and knows where it has and hasn’t been. This allows it to clean in neat, efficient rows, avoiding repetitive passes and ensuring comprehensive coverage.
• Imprint Smart Mapping Features:
  • Room Recognition: After a few cleaning runs, the s9+ can identify individual rooms in your home. You can then label these rooms in the iRobot Home app.
  • Zone Cleaning: Once mapped, you can direct the s9+ to clean specific zones or areas within a room, like “under the dining table” or “living room entrance.” This is incredibly useful for targeted cleanups of spills or high-traffic areas.
  • Keep Out Zones and No-Go Zones: You can set virtual boundaries to prevent the robot from entering certain areas e.g., a child’s play area, a pet food station or from crossing invisible lines e.g., at the top of a staircase. This provides unparalleled control over where the robot cleans.
  • Scheduled Cleaning: The s9+ can be programmed to clean specific rooms or your entire home at scheduled times, offering true set-it-and-forget-it convenience.
  • Imprint Link Technology: This allows the s9+ to communicate with an iRobot Braava jet m6 robot mop. The s9+ vacuums, and then the m6 mops, in sequence, providing a fully automated two-step cleaning process without any manual intervention.
• Obstacle Avoidance: While the s9+ doesn’t have advanced AI-powered obstacle avoidance like some newer competitors which can identify and avoid pet waste or charging cables, it does a commendable job of navigating around common household obstacles. It uses a combination of sensors to detect furniture, walls, and drops like stairs. It will gently bump into some objects to learn their position, but generally avoids getting stuck. For delicate items or areas with many small objects, utilizing “Keep Out Zones” is recommended.

App Control and Smart Features: Seamless Integration

The iRobot Home app is the command center for the Roomba s9+, and it’s remarkably intuitive and feature-rich. This app is critical to unlocking the full potential of the s9+.

• Intuitive Interface: The app features a clean, user-friendly interface that makes it easy to set up, monitor, and control your robot. From the home screen, you can start or stop a cleaning job, view your cleaning history, and access the Smart Map.
• Smart Map Customization: This is where the app truly shines. After the s9+ has mapped your home, you can:
  • Label Rooms: Assign names like “Kitchen,” “Bedroom,” or “Living Room” to areas identified by the robot.
  • Divide/Merge Rooms: If the robot incorrectly segments your floor plan, you can easily adjust room boundaries.
  • Add Keep Out Zones/Clean Zones: Draw virtual lines or boxes on the map to define areas the robot should avoid or specifically target.
  • Set Favorites: Create custom cleaning routines, like “Clean Kitchen and Dining Room” or “Vacuum Pet Areas,” and save them for quick access.
• Cleaning History and Reports: The app provides detailed cleaning reports, showing you a map of where the robot cleaned, how long it took, and any potential issues it encountered. This data can be surprisingly useful for understanding your robot’s coverage and optimizing future cleans.
• Scheduling: You can create custom cleaning schedules for specific days, times, and even specific rooms. Want the kitchen cleaned every morning after breakfast? No problem.
• Voice Assistant Integration: The s9+ is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can start, stop, or pause cleaning jobs using simple voice commands, e.g., “Alexa, ask Roomba to clean the kitchen” or “Hey Google, tell Roomba to go home.” This adds another layer of hands-free convenience.
• Software Updates: The app facilitates over-the-air OTA software updates for the robot, ensuring it always has the latest features and performance improvements. iRobot consistently pushes updates, refining navigation, battery management, and other functionalities.

Maintenance and Running Costs: What to Expect

Owning a Roomba s9+ means embracing a largely hands-off cleaning experience, but like any appliance, it requires some routine maintenance to ensure optimal performance.

The self-emptying Clean Base significantly reduces daily interaction, but there are still components that need attention.

• Clean Base Bags: The most significant ongoing cost for the s9+ is the replacement bags for the Clean Base. Each bag can hold approximately 60 days’ worth of debris, depending on your home’s size and pet situation. A pack of three bags typically costs around $15-20. While this is an added expense, the convenience of not having to manually empty a dustbin for two months is a huge selling point for many.
• Filters: The s9+ uses a high-efficiency filter, which should be replaced every 2-3 months, or more frequently if you have pets or allergies. A pack of three replacement filters usually costs about $10-15.
• Brushes: The dual multi-surface rubber brushes are designed to be tangle-free, but they still benefit from occasional cleaning to remove any wrapped hair or debris. iRobot recommends replacing the main brushes every 6-12 months, depending on usage. A set of replacement brushes can cost around $30-40. The side brush, which is essential for corner cleaning, should also be checked regularly and replaced every 3-6 months, costing about $10 for a pack of three.
• Sensors and Wheels: Periodically, wipe down the robot’s optical sensors, charging contacts, and cliff sensors with a clean, dry cloth to ensure they are free of dust and debris. The wheels should also be checked for any tangled hair or obstructions.
• Battery Life: The s9+ typically offers a run time of up to 120 minutes on a full charge. For larger homes, it has a “Recharge and Resume” feature, meaning it will return to its base to recharge when needed and then resume cleaning exactly where it left off. Over several years, the battery’s capacity will naturally degrade, and a replacement battery may be needed, which can cost around $80-100.

Pro Tip for Pet Owners: If you have multiple shedding pets, you might find yourself replacing the Clean Base bags and main brushes more frequently than the recommended intervals. Staying on top of this maintenance schedule ensures your s9+ continues to perform at its peak.

Noise Levels and User Experience: Blending Into Your Home

The Roomba s9+ offers a nuanced user experience, balancing powerful cleaning with practical considerations like noise and everyday convenience.

• Noise Levels:
  • Cleaning: During a standard cleaning run, the s9+ is generally quieter than many traditional upright vacuums. However, it’s not silent. On its maximum suction setting which it often uses on carpets, it produces a noticeable hum, around 60-65 decibels, comparable to a normal conversation. On hard floors with standard suction, it’s quieter.
  • Self-Emptying: The loudest part of the s9+’s operation is when it empties its dustbin into the Clean Base. This process takes about 10-15 seconds and generates a powerful, jet-engine-like roar, typically around 70-75 decibels or higher. While brief, it’s loud enough to be disruptive if you’re on a phone call or watching TV nearby. Many users schedule cleanings for when they’re out of the house to avoid this noise.
• User Experience:
  • Setup: Setting up the s9+ is straightforward via the iRobot Home app, involving connecting to Wi-Fi and letting the robot learn your home’s layout.
  • Hands-Off Operation: Once the map is established and schedules are set, the s9+ truly delivers a hands-off cleaning experience. The self-emptying feature is a must for daily maintenance, allowing for weeks of cleaning without interaction.
  • Problem Solving: The robot is generally good at avoiding getting stuck. If it does encounter an issue, the app will send a notification with instructions on how to resolve it e.g., “Robot stuck near stairs”.
  • Learning Curve: While the app is intuitive, mastering the advanced mapping features like zone cleaning and custom boundaries might take a couple of cleaning cycles and some experimentation.
  • Physical Presence: The Clean Base is a fairly large unit, so consider where you’ll place it. It needs space and access to a power outlet.

Real-world scenario: Imagine arriving home after a long day to a freshly vacuumed house, with no dustbin to empty. That’s the core promise of the s9+, and for many, it delivers precisely that convenience, making the occasional loud emptying noise a minor trade-off for the overall ease of use.

Value for Money and Who It’s For: Is the S9+ Worth It?

The iRobot Roomba s9+ sits firmly in the premium segment of the robot vacuum market, and its price reflects that. Typically ranging from $999 to $1,199, it’s a significant investment. So, who is this high-performance machine truly for, and does it offer good value for its cost?

• Who it’s for:
  • Pet Owners: If you have shedding pets, the s9+’s powerful suction and efficient hair pickup, combined with the self-emptying feature, make it an absolute lifesaver. It dramatically reduces the amount of pet hair found on floors.
  • Large Homes/Multi-Level Homes: For homes with extensive floor plans, the s9+’s long battery life, precise mapping allowing it to clean multiple rooms efficiently, and “Recharge and Resume” functionality are invaluable. Its ability to save multiple floor plans is also a boon for multi-story residences.
  • Allergy Sufferers: The s9+’s high-efficiency filter and the sealed bag system in the Clean Base trap 99% of pollen, mold, and dust mites, making it an excellent choice for those sensitive to airborne allergens.
  • Tech Enthusiasts Seeking Ultimate Convenience: If you prioritize smart home integration, hands-off operation, and top-tier cleaning performance, and are willing to pay for it, the s9+ delivers. The Imprint Link technology for sequential vacuuming and mopping with the Braava jet m6 is also a significant draw for this demographic.
  • Busy Individuals: For those who value their time and want to automate as much of their household chores as possible, the s9+ minimizes vacuuming-related tasks to virtually zero.
• Value Proposition:
  • Premium Performance: The s9+ consistently ranks among the top performers in terms of suction power and cleaning efficacy, especially on carpets and in picking up fine debris and pet hair. You’re paying for superior results.
  • Unmatched Convenience: The self-emptying Clean Base is perhaps its biggest selling point. The ability to go for weeks without touching a dustbin is a convenience that’s hard to put a price on for many users.
  • Reliable Ecosystem: iRobot has been a leader in robotic vacuums for decades. Their app, mapping technology, and overall product reliability are generally robust. The integration with other iRobot products like the Braava jet m6 creates a seamless cleaning ecosystem.
  • Durability: While expensive, iRobot products are generally built to last, offering a good return on investment over several years.

The Bottom Line: Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth it? For the right user, absolutely. If your budget allows and you fall into one of the “who it’s for” categories, the Roomba s9+ represents a top-tier investment in automated home cleaning that genuinely saves time and effort, delivering consistently clean floors with minimal fuss. For those with smaller budgets or less demanding cleaning needs, excellent alternatives exist at lower price points.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the iRobot Roomba s9+?

The iRobot Roomba s9+ is a premium robotic vacuum cleaner known for its powerful suction, advanced navigation, and a self-emptying base that allows it to automatically dispose of collected dirt and debris. Pc On The Desk

How does the Roomba s9+ compare to other Roomba models?

The s9+ offers 40x the suction power of the Roomba 600 series, features a D-shaped design for superior corner cleaning, and uses more advanced vSLAM navigation compared to the random navigation of entry-level models. It also includes the Clean Base for self-emptying.

Does the Roomba s9+ really pick up pet hair effectively?

Yes, the Roomba s9+ is highly effective at picking up pet hair.

Its powerful suction, dual multi-surface rubber brushes which resist tangles, and ability to automatically boost suction on carpets make it a top choice for pet owners.

What is the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal?

The Clean Base is a charging station that also serves as an automatic dirt disposal unit.

After a cleaning job, the Roomba s9+ docks, and the Clean Base automatically sucks the dirt from the robot’s dustbin into a sealed bag within the base, which can hold up to 60 days of debris.

How often do I need to empty the Clean Base bag?

You typically need to empty the Clean Base bag every 60 days, or about once every two months, depending on the size of your home and the amount of debris and pet hair collected.

Can the Roomba s9+ map multiple floors?

Yes, the Roomba s9+ can save and recognize multiple floor plans.

This feature is particularly useful for homes with more than one level.

How precise is the Roomba s9+’s navigation?

The s9+ uses iRobot’s vSLAM Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping technology, which allows it to build precise maps of your home and clean in neat, efficient rows, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Can I set “Keep Out Zones” or “No-Go Zones” with the s9+?

Yes, using the iRobot Home app, you can easily create virtual “Keep Out Zones” to prevent the robot from entering specific areas or “No-Go Zones” to establish virtual boundaries on your map. Massage Gun Hyper

Does the Roomba s9+ have a mopping function?

No, the Roomba s9+ is a vacuum-only robot.

However, it can communicate with the iRobot Braava jet m6 robot mop via Imprint Link Technology to vacuum and then mop in sequence.

Is the Roomba s9+ noisy during operation?

During a standard cleaning run, it’s comparable to a normal conversation.

However, the self-emptying process into the Clean Base is quite loud, lasting about 10-15 seconds, similar to a traditional vacuum cleaner.

How long does the battery last on the Roomba s9+?

The Roomba s9+ can run for up to 120 minutes on a single charge.

If it needs more time to complete a job, it will return to its base to recharge and then resume cleaning where it left off.

Is the iRobot Home app easy to use with the s9+?

Yes, the iRobot Home app is generally considered intuitive and user-friendly, allowing for easy setup, scheduling, map customization like room labeling and zone cleaning, and monitoring of cleaning jobs.

Can I control the Roomba s9+ with voice commands?

Yes, the Roomba s9+ is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to start, stop, or pause cleaning jobs using voice commands.

How often should I replace the filters and brushes on the s9+?

IRobot recommends replacing the high-efficiency filter every 2-3 months, the side brush every 3-6 months, and the multi-surface rubber brushes every 6-12 months, depending on usage.

What kind of debris does the s9+ pick up best?

It excels at picking up a wide range of debris, including fine dust, crumbs, pet hair, and even larger particles like cereal, on both hard floors and carpets. Eight Sleep Subscription

Can the Roomba s9+ avoid obstacles like pet waste?

The Roomba s9+ has basic obstacle avoidance but does not feature the advanced AI-powered obstacle avoidance found in newer models like the Roomba j7+, which is specifically designed to identify and avoid solid pet waste. Users with pets should be mindful.

Is the Roomba s9+ good for homes with allergies?

Yes, the s9+ is excellent for allergy sufferers due to its powerful suction, high-efficiency filter which traps 99% of pollen, mold, and dust mite allergens, and the sealed Clean Base system that minimizes allergen exposure during emptying.

What is the D-shaped design of the s9+ for?

The D-shaped design allows the Roomba s9+ to get deeper into corners and clean more effectively along edges and baseboards compared to traditional circular robot vacuums.

Can I schedule specific rooms to be cleaned?

Yes, using the Imprint Smart Mapping feature in the iRobot Home app, you can create custom schedules to clean specific rooms or zones at different times or days.

What is the warranty for the Roomba s9+?

Typically, iRobot provides a 1-year limited warranty for the Roomba s9+ robot and its Clean Base.

It’s always best to check the manufacturer’s official website or retailer for the most current warranty information.

What are the main benefits of owning an s9+?

The main benefits include superior cleaning performance, unparalleled convenience with the self-emptying Clean Base, precise navigation and mapping, and advanced app control for a truly hands-off cleaning experience.

Is the Roomba s9+ worth the price?

For those who prioritize top-tier cleaning performance, especially for pet hair and large homes, and desire maximum convenience through self-emptying and advanced smart features, the s9+ offers significant value despite its premium price.

How does the s9+ handle different floor types?

The s9+ automatically detects different floor types and adjusts its suction power accordingly.

It performs exceptionally well on hard floors wood, tile, laminate and carpets, boosting suction for deeper carpet cleaning. Things To Get You To Sleep

Can the Roomba s9+ save more than one map?

Yes, it can save multiple smart maps, allowing you to use it on different floors of your home or in different spaces without having to re-map each time.

How do I troubleshoot if my s9+ gets stuck?

The iRobot Home app will send a notification if the robot encounters an issue or gets stuck, often providing specific instructions on how to resolve the problem e.g., “Robot stuck near stairs – move robot to clear path”.

What kind of maintenance does the Clean Base require?

Besides replacing the disposable bags, the Clean Base generally requires minimal maintenance, primarily ensuring the suction port is clear of any large debris that might get stuck.

Can I buy replacement parts for the Roomba s9+?

Yes, iRobot sells official replacement parts such as filters, brushes, dustbin bags, and even batteries directly through their website and authorized retailers.

Does the s9+ require a Wi-Fi connection to operate?

While it can perform basic cleaning without Wi-Fi, a consistent Wi-Fi connection is necessary to utilize all smart features, including app control, mapping, scheduling, and voice assistant integration.

What is the difference between the s9 and s9+?

The “s9+” typically refers to the Roomba s9 robot bundled with the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal.

The “s9” designation usually refers to the robot itself without the self-emptying base.

Is the Roomba s9+ good for multi-pet households?

Absolutely.

Its robust suction, ability to manage pet hair without tangles, and the self-emptying feature that handles large volumes of hair make it one of the best robot vacuums for multi-pet households.

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