Keeping a clean house isn’t always easy, especially when you have multiple people or pets making messes. The effort to work smarter instead of harder has ushered in the rise of hands-free vacuums to help tackle a common household task. And while new entries are always entering the market, few are as synonymous with robotic vacuums as the Roomba from iRobot. In this review, we’re focusing on the highly praised Roomba j7+ to talk features, pros and cons, competition and pricing so you can decide if this smart, self-emptying vacuum of the future needs a spot in your home now.
Highlights |
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iRobot Roomba j7+ |
Robot vacuum with mapping to only clean certain areas |
3-Stage Cleaning System has 10x suction of Roomba 600 |
Object detection and avoidance like pet waste, cords, and shoes |
Automatically empties its bin on its own with enclosed bag system |
iRobot OS pushes the latest innovations in software and features |
About the iRobot Roomba j7+
With a legacy of innovation and quality, iRobot has been at the forefront of the robotic vacuum revolution since they launched their first Roomba model in 2002. Now a household name, they’ve continued to push the boundaries of what is possible in robotic vacuums with each new model.
And one of their smartest, self-emptying models—the Roomba j7+—once again proves why iRobot still leads the pack.
The iRobot Roomba j7+ is an impressive piece of technology with an array of advanced features. Particularly helpful for households with pets or clutter, this robotic cleaner can actively avoid pet accidents or common obstacles using a built-in camera and machine learning technology, which means no unpleasant messes or stuck sweepers.
This powerful vacuum truly provides hands-off cleaning performance with the ability to automatically empty itself into an allergen-sealed, self-closing bag contained in the Clean Base® for up to 60 days. The Roomba j7+ will learn your preferences and patterns, plus even pick up right where it left off after charging so you can truly forget about the effort of vacuuming while enjoying the effect.
Pros | Cons |
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Three-stage cleaning system for superior dirt and dust removal | One of the more expensive models on the markets |
Advanced object detection means it won’t get stuck on shoes, cords and more | Self-sealing allergen bags can be expensive to replace |
Proactively avoid pet waste—they even guarantee it | |
Self-emptying with Clean Base® Automatic Dirt Disposal | |
10 times the power-lifting suction of previous models | |
Dirt Detect technology targets high traffic areas | |
Intelligent mapping learns and adjusts to your home layout | |
Customizable Keep Out or Clean Zones allow complete control | |
Automatically empties dirt into self-sealing bags | |
Clean Base is able to store up to 60 days of deposits | |
Integrates with voice assistants to follow verbal commands | |
Returns to base when battery is low and resumes where it left off after charging | |
Spot cleans specific messes and rooms as needed | |
60-day at home trial period | |
Free shipping | |
One-year warranty |
What Makes the iRobot Roomba j7+ Stand Out
While being able to delegate the task of vacuuming and trust that it will get done well may be motivation enough to want the iRobot Roomba j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum, there are plenty of other reasons this particular model will wow you.
Pet Owner Official Promise
Otherwise known as P.O.O.P., iRobot is so confident in the ability of the j7+ to proactively avoid pet waste that if for some reason it fails to sidestep an accident and you come home to an even bigger mess, they’ll replace your j7+ within one year—completely free.
Advanced Obstacle Avoidance
Forget having to clean before you clean. The j7+ uses PrecisionVision Navigation and iRobot OS Technology to recognize objects in its path, like socks, shoes or cords, and react in real time to either avoid or clean around them.
Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal
The Roomba j7+ truly offers hands-free cleaning by automatically emptying itself into a special base for up to 60 days. The enclosed self-sealing bags even trap 99 percent of pollen and mold, so you never have to deal with the dirt or dust.
Targeted Mess Removal
Spot clean messes as needed and even connect with a home voice assistant to relay commands instead of going through the app.
Imprint Smart Mapping
After quickly mapping your home layout, your Roomba j7+ can be set to focus on certain areas and follow Keep Out or Clean Zones for targeted cleaning.
10x Power-Lifting Suction
Able to keep up with the cleaning power of traditional vacuums, the j7+ employs a three-stage cleaning system with 10 times the suction of the Roomba 600 Series.
iRobot Roomba j7+: Need-To-Know Info
In addition to the advanced features, intelligent technology and overall freedom of hands-free cleaning, the Roomba j7+ is truly one of the smartest and sleekest robotic vacuums on the market today.
iRobot Roomba j7+ Technology
The iRobot Roomba j7+ is renowned for its intelligent mapping capabilities. It’s the very first Roomba model to feature iRobot’s PrecisionVision Navigation technology, a combination of hardware and software that enable it to detect and avoid obstacles with astonishing accuracy in real time. The Roomba j7+ features a camera on the front, which helps it have a wider field of view to see objects directly in its way, and it even sends you pictures to confirm if it should clean or avoid those areas in the future. The robot uses artificial intelligence software to identify hazards and reroute itself around them, and continues to learn from and store this data. Based on your preferences, habits, home and the seasons, Roomba® j7+ uses iRobot OS to create personalized cleaning suggestions, like cleaning more frequently during pet-shedding or allergy seasons.
iRobot Roomba j7+ Specs
This impressive cleaning machine has a battery life that stands at around 75 to 85 minutes, allowing for extended cleaning periods. The Roomba j7+ isn’t too heavy, coming in at 7.49 pounds, making it easy to move from one location to another if necessary. Its dimensions are relatively compact, with a width of 13.3 inches and a height of 3.4 inches, allowing it to navigate under most furniture. The accompanying Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal is also rather compact at 15.7 (W) x 11.9 (D) x 13.3 (H), making it easy to fit into most home environments.
It operates at a noise level that is acceptable for a robotic vacuum, around 60 decibels, which is about as loud as a normal conversation or an air conditioner.
iRobot Roomba j7+ Setup
Despite all the bells and whistles, the j7+ is surprisingly intuitive and easy to use. The vacuum comes with a user-friendly iRobot Roomba j7+ manual that walks users through the setup process, from charging the vacuum to starting the first cleaning cycle. To fully take advantage of all of the smart features, customizable options and remote management, you’ll want to download the iRobot Home app (available for iOS or Android) and connect to your home WiFi as well as the j7+ itself. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and users can easily set cleaning schedules and preferences, monitor cleaning progress, and even command the vacuum with voice controls.
iRobot Roomba j7+ Pricing and Availability
With all of the cutting-edge tech and true hands-off benefits, the price of the iRobot Roomba j7+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum reflects the perks. At the time this review was written, the j7+ retails for $779.99 on iRobot.com, although you can often find discounts or specials. Purchasing directly from the manufacturer comes with added benefits like:
- 60-day home trial period
- Free shipping and returns
- Financing options with Affirm
- One-year limited warranty
You can also find the Roomba j7+ at major retailers like Walmart and Amazon, often with varying discounts.
iRobot Roomba Combo j7+
If you’re sold on the robotic cleaning convenience of the j7+ but wish it could also wash your floors, then you’ve got to check out the Roomba Combo® j7+. It’s the first fully hands-free vacuum and mop robot that features all of the tech from the j7+ while tackling vacuuming and mopping simultaneously. It can even sense carpet to fully retract its mop to the top of the robot, ensuring no moisture or mess transfers on carpets or rugs. The iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ is currently available for $999.99 on iRobot.com.
Comparing the iRobot Roomba j7+ to others in the Market
When it comes to robot vacuums, iRobot still firmly sits at the front of the pack with their impressive product line of hands-free cleaning systems. So we’re comparing their smartest, self-emptying robot vacuum against some of the other standouts from iRobot.
iRobot Roomba i7 vs. iRobot Roomba j7+
One of the main competitors to the Roomba j7+ is its predecessor, the iRobot Roomba i7. Both models have powerful suction capabilities, but the most important difference is that the j7+ features a front-facing camera (the camera on the i7 is located on top), which makes it more skilled at avoiding obstacles, particularly pet waste. Additionally, the j7+ has a Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal feature, while the i7 requires manual emptying of its dustbin.
iRobot Roomba j7+ vs. iRobot Roomba s9+
Another notable competitor is the Roomba s9+, which along with the j7+, is one of the most feature-packed and innovative robot vacuums from iRobot. The s9+ is a popular, top-performing model, and was the first to feature a D-shape frame, which is better for cleaning in corners. The j7+ is rounded and is better at obstacle avoidance thanks to its front-facing camera. Both feature self-emptying, but the j7+ is better suited for households with pets and is typically more affordable than the s9+.
Bottom Line: Why We Love It
Simply being able to hand off a daily task and trust it’s getting done is reason enough to want a robotic vacuum, but the Roomba j7+ from iRobot truly takes hands-free cleaning to a new level. With advanced object detection, you don’t have to worry about cleaning up the clutter that can normally trip up these smart cleaning machines, and the j7+ is even adept enough at dodging obstacles that it can circumvent pet waste your furry family member may leave behind. It comes packed with all of the impressive tech that Roombas are known for and then some, can be controlled via an app or voice assistant, and can even learn your house and habits to a level where it will kick up the cleaning during pet shedding season. The best part may be that it even empties itself into self-sealing bags that can hold 60 days of dirt and debris. And while the price tag is definitely on the higher end, the long-list of impressive tech and intelligent learning, plus pure hands-free cleaning convenience can feel simply…priceless.
iRobot Roomba j7+ FAQs
The iRobot Roomba j7+ is one of the smartest robotic vacuums on the market. Advanced technology like iRobot’s PrecisionVision Navigation makes the j7+ particularly adept at avoiding common household objects, plus it can even sense and sidestep pet waste to ensure you’re not coming home to an even bigger mess.
Using its state-of-the-art iRobot OS, the device is able to map and remember the layout of your rooms, ensuring a thorough and efficient clean every time. It even seamlessly connects with apps and smart speakers, allowing you to schedule or initiate cleaning cycles with just a simple voice command.
Additionally, the Roomba j7+ stands out with its Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal that allows for an effortless emptying experience, setting it apart from competitors and previous models.
The Roomba j7+ truly takes effortless vacuuming to the next level by automatically emptying its own dirt bin after cleaning is complete. It comes with a Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal that holds up to 60 days’ worth of dirt and dust, which means you can go for up to two months without needing to even touch your vacuum.
The Roomba j7+ is an advanced robotic vacuum that is Wi-Fi enabled, is easy to control and monitor via the iRobot Home App (available for iOS and Android), and integrates seamlessly with home voice assistants like Google and Alexa.
Getting started with the Roomba j7+ is pretty quick and painless, and it can be ready to clean in just a few minutes:
- Set up your base/charging station and Roomba near an outlet with good Wi-Fi coverage
- Download the iRobot Home App and create an account
- Open the app and select “Add a Robot” from the menu (make sure your Roomba is powered on)
- Continue by selecting “Set up” and connecting to your Wi-Fi network
- Press a button on the top of your j7+ to connect it to your phone and then name your Roomba
- Begin to customize your settings, map your home, or let the Roomba get to work
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