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iRobot Roomba s9 Plus

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Critic consensus
The iRobot Roomba S9+ is praised for its powerful suction, advanced navigation, and self-emptying feature, but criticized for its high price, occasional navigation issues, and the need for light to operate effectively.
As of 15 May 2024 (10 months ago), based on these 15 sources (click to watch review)
Key points of agreement between reviewers:
💪 Powerful suction
The Roomba S9+ is consistently recognized for its strong suction capabilities.
...It has about four times stronger suction power than most other Roombas....
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🗺️ Advanced navigation and mapping
Reviewers appreciate the effective mapping and navigation technology of the S9+.
...The S9 Plus has incredibly great navigation, excellent cleaning performance, and tons of smart features....
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🗑️ Self-emptying feature
The self-emptying dustbin is highlighted as a significant convenience.
...The Roomba S9+ is one of the only other models on the market to offer a self-emptying dustbin....
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💸 High price
Many reviewers note the S9+'s steep price as a considerable drawback.
...Finally, the S9 Plus is great if you're not afraid to spend a little extra money for quality....
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🌙 Needs light to operate
The vacuum's reliance on lighting for navigation is seen as a limitation.
...The one downside of a V-slam camera is that you do need to leave the lights on to clean so if you want to clean at night you just have to remember to leave lights on in those rooms....
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🔄 Occasional navigation issues
Some reviewers report issues with the vacuum's navigation and mapping capabilities.
...The navigation isn't quite as satisfying as some of the LiDAR options but it still covers everywhere and it won't make any material difference in the long run....
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🔋 Battery concerns
Concerns about the battery life and performance are mentioned by several reviewers.
...I do expect it to have to come back home and fully recharge, and then come back out and finish the job....
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📱 User-friendly app
The iRobot app is frequently praised for its ease of use and functionality.
...The iRobot interface on the app is easy to use, scheduling is easy, and it works exactly how it's supposed to....
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🚫 High maintenance and additional costs
The need for regular maintenance and the cost of replacement parts are noted as downsides.
...I'd like a version of this base where we have a bagless design, so we don't have to continue to buy vacuum bags to replace it....
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🧹 Effective edge and corner cleaning
The S9+'s ability to clean edges and corners is often highlighted as a strength.
...The D shape means it gets significantly closer to the corners and walls....
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15 Verified Hands-On Reviews

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Review by AdamsTechReviews
Sentiment: Somewhat positive
Despite its minor shortcomings, the iRobot Roomba S9+ remains one of the top two robot vacuums I have tested, offering powerful carpet cleaning and exceptional debris pickup even after three years of use. Watch review
...One of my favorite robot vacuums.... Next quote
3 YEAR REVIEW - iRobot Roomba S9+ - Is it still one of the BEST Robot Vacuums?
10:32
22 Jan 2023
🏆 Top-performing robot vacuum in his experience
...It's still one of my favorites, I'd say probably top two out of over 70 robots I've tested... Watch in video
💪 Effective debris pickup
...It got that up there really good, even the thick part. That just shows you how big of debris this could actually pick up... Watch in video
📋 No map required for effective cleaning
...There's actually no map at all on this, so it did this good of a job even without a map... Watch in video
🧹 Deep carpet cleaning
...I think it gets deeper into the carpet fibers and does a better overall job cleaning... Watch in video
🛠️ Aftermarket parts compatibility
...Those rollers that you saw, those are actually aftermarket rollers and I've had no issues with those... Watch in video
🔋 No need for battery replacement
...I've never replaced the battery... Watch in video
🏠 Leaves nice clean lines
...Most robot vacuums will leave that, but it's a cool thing to come home to, a nice clean house... Watch in video
💡 Great for everyday debris
...There's quite a bit of just, you know, everyday debris... Watch in video
⭐ Overall satisfaction
...Overall, I couldn't be any happier with this guy... Watch in video
🤔 ⚡ Small battery capacity requiring recharges during cleaning sessions
...I do expect it to have to come back home and fully recharge, and then come back out and finish the job... Watch quote in video
🤔 🧠 Limited object avoidance capabilities
...This thing's not made at all for, you know, object avoidance, so that's my bad... Watch quote in video
🤔 📉 Higher cost compared to other models with additional features like mopping
...It really comes down to, do you want something that's going to do the best vacuuming possible or do you want one that does great vacuuming and also has a mop that does a pretty darn good job as well... Watch quote in video
🤔 📏 Difficulty cleaning right up against edges and thresholds
...That's kind of a robot vacuum's biggest flaw is getting a section that's like right up against stuff... Watch quote in video
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Review by Digital David
Sentiment: Somewhat positive
The iRobot Roomba S9+ excels with its premium design, powerful cleaning performance, and self-emptying convenience, despite its higher noise level and the recurring cost of replacing vacuum bags. Watch review
...Look at those lines, so satisfying!... Next quote
iRobot Roomba S9+ Self Emptying Robot Vacuum Review
31:45
19 Aug 2022
👌 Self-emptying feature
...Here's the lovely retail box and packaging right here. Check out that excellent product photography. They walk us through some of the key features. So this has an automatic dirt disposal and self-emptying base... Watch in video
📱 Easy app setup and control
...We also have the iRobot app downloaded on our mobile device. It's free and available for iOS and Android devices. Once you have it downloaded, you'll be prompted to create an account or sign in... Watch in video
👀 Smart mapping capability
...That second clean. And you may notice it's refined the carpet here. And you can choose to turn that on or off, right? If you don't like that, or it's not accurate for you or something, you can change that. But I like having the carpet on... Watch in video
🧹 Excellent edge and corner cleaning
...Because other RoboVacs aren't able to get as far into the corner of each room as this unit is. Or maybe your house is just as dirty, if not dirtier than mine, so you can expect that... Watch in video
🐾 Ideal for pet hair
...So just your typical human hair around the house, your pet hair, things like that, you have nothing to worry about with this vacuum. I'd argue this is going to be one of the best vacuums available on the market to pick up any sort of hair... Watch in video
💪 Powerful suction
...They make the most out of that dual brush design so they can really utilize the suction power that they do have. So I'm really impressed with the cleaning capabilities so far... Watch in video
🤖 Works with voice assistants
...The Roomba S9 also works with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. From within the iRobot app, you can view those commands... Watch in video
🐜 Advanced dirt detection
...So high focus cleaning areas where your robot notice more dirt. I mean, that's how smart this is. And those are where you'd expect dirt, right?... Watch in video
🤓 Detailed cleaning history and maps
...Here's our cleaning history so far. So we had two full runs and an incomplete run yesterday, and we can get a breakdown. All right. So it's looking and it goes, oh, its path was blocked. So you can learn more about the errors, what was happening... Watch in video
🤔 🎒 Self-emptying base requires bags
...I'd like a version of this base where we have a bagless design, so we don't have to continue to buy vacuum bags to replace it... Watch quote in video
🤔 🔊 Louder than other Roombas on highest suction setting
...It's definitely louder than all the other Roombas at that highest suction setting... Watch quote in video
🤔 🚫 Issues with thick shag rugs
...I don't recommend having any RoboVac on a carpet or rug like this. Eventually they will all get stuck and tangled... Watch quote in video
🤔 🧹 Minor manual cleaning required after self-emptying
...Only a few pieces of hair left. I'd argue a lot of those were just trapped in either the lid or the compartment down here as it goes to close... Watch quote in video
🤔 💡 Not suitable for homes with thick shag rugs
...Just assume any rug like this in your house, you're going to want to set up that no-go zone... Watch quote in video
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Review by RobomateTV
Sentiment: Somewhat positive
The iRobot Roomba S9+ remains the best carpet-cleaning robot vacuum with unparalleled suction and corner-cleaning capabilities, making it ideal for medium to large homes, especially those with pets or allergies. Watch review
...Still the best vacuuming robot we've ever tested.... Next quote
iRobot Roomba S9+ | 2022 Perspective Review & Testing
14:35
7 Aug 2022
💪 Strong suction power
...It has about four times stronger suction power than most other Roombas... Watch in video
🏆 Top vacuum performance
...It's still the best vacuuming robot that we have ever tested... Watch in video
🧹 Effective corner cleaning
...The D shape means it gets significantly closer to the corners and walls... Watch in video
🚀 Excellent on carpet
...By far the best we've ever tested on all of our tests, particularly on carpet... Watch in video
🦸 Great for pet owners
...I'm pretty confident that for sheer vacuuming performance the S9 will be best for pet owners... Watch in video
🌟 Durable and premium design
...It looks very premium which is a good thing considering its price point... Watch in video
🧼 Efficient self-emptying feature
...The auto-empty dock can store up to 30 cleans which is awesome because it means you can leave it cleaning for up to one to two months without having to empty it... Watch in video
🧭 Impressive navigation
...It covers the whole area and can clean right up to the wall... Watch in video
📱 User-friendly app
...Most people seem to prefer it because it's quite simple... Watch in video
🛠️ Versatile cleaning modes
...You can change the suction levels from eco through to turbo... Watch in video
🤔 📉 The battery life isn't very long
...The battery life isn't very long so it's best if you have a big home if you can clean while you're not at home as it will need to recharge and resume a few times... Watch quote in video
🤔 🔊 Quite loud during operation
...It's quite loud at 73 decibels and you wouldn't want to watch tv while it's cleaning in the same room... Watch quote in video
🤔 🌙 Needs lights on to clean at night
...The one downside of a V-slam camera is that you do need to leave the lights on to clean so if you want to clean at night you just have to remember to leave lights on in those rooms... Watch quote in video
🤔 🔄 Navigation isn't as precise as newer models
...The navigation isn't quite as satisfying as some of the LiDAR options but it still covers everywhere and it won't make any material difference in the long run... Watch quote in video
🤔 🚧 Increased chance of getting stuck
...The only one minor con about having the brush right on the front there, and that is it is the first thing that will go over any cable or sock or whatever is on the floor, so I think it's slightly more likely to actually get stuck and not be able to get itself off compared with the other Roomba models... Watch quote in video
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Review by HotshotTek
Sentiment: Somewhat positive
The iRobot S9+ is an exceptional smart robot vacuum for pet owners, delivering powerful performance and easy maintenance, making it a must-have for homes with hairy furry friends. Watch review
...It really does suck up everything.... Next quote
Best Robot Vacuum for Dog hair 🐶 Self-emptying! iRobot S9+
10:04
5 May 2022
💪 Powerful suction performance
...It's able to deliver the most suction power thanks to iRobot's patent dual brush design... Watch in video
🏠 Excellent cleaning for pet owners
...Especially in hardwood and thick carpets like mine. I'm very happy with this Roomba and it's getting the job done... Watch in video
🔄 Self-emptying feature
...As soon as the sensors detect that the tank is getting dangerously full it immediately goes into its little base and just empty itself... Watch in video
📱 User-friendly app interface
...The app interface is so user-friendly. It also gives you nice advice and tips and tricks... Watch in video
🛠️ Modular internal parts
...All the internal parts are all mostly modular. All the important bits like the engine, the wheels, the spinner can be all purchased separately... Watch in video
✔️ Replacement parts availability
...There's a lot of replacement parts available for this Roomba. And the refill kit it's something you're going to have to purchase once a while... Watch in video
🗺️ Advanced navigation and mapping
...It does have a camera which does an excellent job scanning the room. When you first get the robot and you set up the smart app it'll first scan the room a couple of times, scan the floors... Watch in video
🕒 Scheduling and automation
...Having a custom schedule really does allow me to keep the bottom floor of my house super clean... Watch in video
🔋 Long battery life with smart resume
...The internal battery that it has really does last a long time. But it also has the smart resume function where if the battery reaches like a certain percentage it will actually self charge itself and resume back... Watch in video
🔧 Easy maintenance and cleaning
...You can actually take a vacuum and actually vacuum the hair and remove it out this way so you can continue using the bags... Watch in video
💼 Durable design
...Overall structure, the material, the design itself. It's very sturdy. I've kicked this vacuum a couple of times. Things have dropped and fall on it and it still is vacuuming... Watch in video
🤔 🔊 The robot vacuum is very loud.
...But there are times it does sound like I have like a mini twister tornado downstairs... Watch quote in video
🤔 💸 Replacement parts can be expensive.
...Yes they may seem expensive especially if you're going with Roomba itself... Watch quote in video
🤔 🗣️ Push notifications can feel over-dramatic.
...Whenever the robot gets stuck I do get a push notification on my phone. Which does seem to be over dramatic sometimes... Watch quote in video
🤔 🧼 The jet leaves lines sometimes.
...I just don't like the fact that it leaves like these lines sometimes... Watch quote in video
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Review by AdamsTechReviews
Sentiment: Somewhat positive
The iRobot Roomba S9+ receives a notable software update enhancing battery conservation and introducing impressive object avoidance capabilities, though it still suffers from a subpar battery life compared to competitors. Watch review
...That's quite impressive.... Next quote
iRobot Roomba S9+ Robot Vacuum- NEW SOFTWARE UPDATE 3.18.11- Can it now avoid objects & save Battery
12:02
12 Sep 2021
🌟 Battery saving feature improves run time
...[...] the fact that they added this, and are doing whatever they can to save even a few minutes worth of battery, is a step in the right direction... Watch in video
🚫 Effective obstacle avoidance without front lasers/camera
...So just off those two things that it avoided, that's quite impressive because this does not claim ever to have obstacle avoidance... Watch in video
🚀 Innovative software updates enhance older models
...For them to have technology like that on this specific robot that's well over two years old, with no type of front lasers or a front camera, I'm very curious to see how well that's going to work... Watch in video
🛠️ Improved cleaning without hardware upgrade
...So the fact that it's doing that just with the sensors that it already had a couple of years ago, once again, to me, that is very, very impressive... Watch in video
🔋 Improved battery management feature
...Notice how the motor is not on. And once again, yeah, it's only going to save you a little bit of battery, but the fact that it'll save you some at all is a big plus in my book... Watch in video
🤖 Future-proofing existing robots with updates
...[...] the fact that if it's something bigger, like a can or a bottle, probably like a pillow or something like that, it's going to avoid it pretty dang well for what it has... Watch in video
👏 Positive overall experience and innovation recognition
...iRobot definitely has the best software and the best app out there, in my opinion, for what they can do... Watch in video
🤔 🪫 Battery life issues especially when on maximum suction
...Everybody knows this S9's battery was way too small, and it just does not last long at all, especially if you put this guy on its maximum suction... Watch quote in video
🤔 🧩 Inability to avoid smaller objects
...I wish it worked on smaller objects, but once again, this was not designed whatsoever for any type of obstacle avoidance... Watch quote in video
🤔 🕰️ The robot is outdated or old
...I will say, even though I love this robot and I still think it's a great robot, boy, is it outdated. Or, I guess, maybe not outdated, but just old... Watch quote in video
🤔 ⚡ Minimal battery saving features available
...Once again, that's only going to save a very small percentage of battery, but I like the fact that they're doing something to help it, because they know the battery is terrible too... Watch quote in video
🤔 🔋 Poor battery performance compared to competitors
...If this guy had a large battery like, say, the Roborock S7 and lasted that long on its maximum suction, I would have a very, very difficult choice between this one and that one on which one is the top all-around best robot vacuum... Watch quote in video
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Review by Cordless Vacuum Guide
Sentiment: Somewhat positive
The Roomba S9+ Robot Vacuum offers unparalleled cleaning performance and convenience with its advanced features and clean base station, but its steep price tag makes it a premium choice for those willing to invest. Watch review
...Cleaning Debris on Both Surfaces Excellently... Next quote
In-Depth Review of the Roomba S9+: Is the Premium Price Justified?
9:33
30 Jun 2021
🧹 Amazing cleaning performance on hard floors and carpets
...It’s perhaps the best-performing robot vacuum for vacuuming debris on hard floors and carpets... Watch in video
🌀 Highest airflow amongst tested robot vacuums
...Airflow is excellent, with as much as 25 CFM in its highest setting – the highest so far amongst the robot vacuums I’ve tested... Watch in video
🧩 Wider rollers for efficient debris pickup
...The wide extractors plus relocation also necessitated changes to the side brush design, which is now smaller in diameter, has two more arms, and closer to the edge, making the S9 one of the best, if not the best, robot vacuum cleaning edges... Watch in video
🗺️ Effective mapping and zone cleaning
...Imprint smart mapping allows it to draw maps, pinpoint its location, and clean specific zones... Watch in video
🚪 Handles near-edge and crevice cleaning well
...It aced the edge cleaning test, picking up nearly every crumb on this area. Also, it picked up most debris in this quarter inch crevice – a positive side effect of having high airflow... Watch in video
📅 Saves up to 10 map levels
...One positive with the S9 app can save up to 10 map levels, six more than Roborock and eight more than Ecovacs... Watch in video
🍃 Superior deep cleaning capabilities
...Right now, it’s the best deep cleaning robot vacuum out of all the brands I’ve tested with a 93% pick up, thanks to the high airflow, extra-wide extractors, and dirt detect... Watch in video
📦 Convenient clean base station
...The clean base station adds a layer of convenience since it empties the robot’s dustbin for you, ridding you of this task... Watch in video
🧑‍💻 Customizable cleaning settings
...Custom settings are also available, providing consumers an option to control the power setting manually or increase the number of passes to two if needed for a more thorough clean... Watch in video
🧰 Low maintenance extractors
...One telltale sign of having high airflow is the absence of build-up on the brush roll assembly, which was the case with most robot vacuums I’ve tested. In the S9, there wasn’t much, if any since most of it was picked up and inside the dust container... Watch in video
🤔 💸 High cost makes it less accessible for many users
...So the question is, is it worth the high cost?... Watch quote in video
🤔 📱 App lacks some essential features
...It lacks several features, like live maps and invisible wall, that would greatly enhance usability... Watch quote in video
🤔 🔦 Reliance on a light source can be limiting
...One drawback to using a camera is its reliance on a light source... Watch quote in video
🤔 ⏱ Shorter run time at max power setting
...With the S9, it maxes out at 75 minutes with the lowest setting. If you use max power exclusively, that number drops to around 45 minutes... Watch quote in video
🤔 📣 Produces loud noise during operation
...Another downside of using a powerful motor is the noise. The S9 ranged between 67.7 and 74.1 decibels based on the sound meter test, so it gets loud... Watch quote in video
🤔 🔋 Uses a smaller capacity battery
...One reason is iRobot uses a smaller capacity battery versus its competitors, which is a huge factor... Watch quote in video
🤔 🧹 Rollers require some maintenance to manage hair tangles
...One downside of having high airflow is how the extra juice cuts into the run time... Watch quote in video
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Review by Robot Vacuum Reviews And More
Sentiment: Mixed
While the iRobot Roomba s9+ excels in cleaning performance and features, its high price point and a few minor drawbacks may warrant considering a used model over a new one. Watch review
...10 out of 10 robot. Highly recommend.... Next quote
iRobot Roomba s9+ Review!
18:19
29 May 2021
👍 Excellent cleaning performance
...Other than that, it's an excellent robot... Watch in video
🤖 Successfully detects and responds to dirt
...I'm surprised it didn't engage the dirt detect. But as I said that, it engaged the dirt detect... Watch in video
📦 Large dustbin capacity
...It is a 550 milliliter dirt container, so... Watch in video
🧹 Effective at cleaning up large debris
...It passed the rice challenge with flying colors... Watch in video
🔄 Impressive self-emptying feature
...It only has emptied its bin like two times. That's pretty impressive... Watch in video
🌟 General recommendation and high rating
...10 out of 10 robot. Highly recommend getting it if you can find it at a pretty good price... Watch in video
🤔 🔊 Loud extractor bar on hard floors
...My only complaints I have with this vacuum so far is how loud the extractor bar is on hard floors... Watch quote in video
🤔 🗺️ Poor mapping performance
...And the mapping run kind of sucks. Those are my only two complaints... Watch quote in video
🤔 🔄 Ineffective room differentiation
...I'm not surprised these V-Slam robots don't do a good job at differentiating rooms... Watch quote in video
🤔 🧹 Ineffective spin brush on carpet
...That spin brush is pretty much useless on carpet though... Watch quote in video
🤔 🚫 Communication issues with the base
...It has trouble communicating with the base... Watch quote in video
🤔 🥴 Annihilated side brush quickly
...Now this thing's not even a day old and that side brush is already pretty much annihilated... Watch quote in video
🤔 🌾 Inconsistent dirt detection and bin emptying
...Surprised that it's not detecting that the dirt bin is full... Watch quote in video
🤔 💰 High price
...But for $1,000, it's still a good robot, but it's really pricey... Watch quote in video
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Review by AdamsTechReviews
Sentiment: Very positive
The iRobot Roomba s9+ showcases exceptional suction power, impressively capturing 7.5 out of 7.6 ounces of debris in a single pass, making it a standout performer among its peers. Watch review
...This thing is just that strong a suction.... Next quote
Review and Performance: iRobot Roomba S9+ Surpasses Expectations in Pickup Test
13:13
15 May 2021
🤖 Strong suction power
...I think it's quite incredible, the suction power is great, and I think this one is going to take the winning so far... Watch in video
🧹 Effective at debris pickup
...So according to my math here, guys, this thing got 7.5 ounces out of 7.6, but yet there's still some debris down... Watch in video
🏆 High hopes and performance
...Pretty excited to do this test for this one. I really have high hopes. It should do amazing... Watch in video
🔄 Detailed testing method
...Before the test, I weigh the bin, get an empty weight bin, and then after the test, I weigh it when it's full of whatever it sucks up, and we'll compare it to the other ones that I've already done... Watch in video
🧩 Software updates and improvements
...It just got the newest update tonight. That's one reason why I decided to go ahead and do the test tonight... Watch in video
🍀 Comparable to other robots
...So that is saying straight up the suction is so good it's pulling out sand or other fine debris that's embedded into this carpet... Watch in video
🚀 One pass performance
...I even put this on one pass, so they have a setting where it's either automatic, one pass, or two passes. I did one pass just to make it more fair... Watch in video
🗣️ Viewer engagement and feedback
...Let me know in the comments what you guys think. As you guys know, I'm quite impressed with this guy... Watch in video
🤔 😕 Issues with the latest update reported
...I've actually heard that this update is making a lot of these act crazy again... Watch quote in video
🤔 😟 Lights not turning off
...One thing I read is the ring around the dustbin there is always glowing and won't ever turn off... Watch quote in video
🤔 🌀 Roomba getting disoriented
...It comes out and just spins around and doesn't know where it's at. It's almost like it's drunk and just turned into a terrible robot again... Watch quote in video
🤔 🧹 Missed debris during the cleaning
...So a decent amount of fruity pebbles and white rice... For whatever reason, I missed a little section right here... Watch quote in video
🤔 🔋 Possible short battery life
...It was only going for like 35 minutes... Watch quote in video
🤔 📏 Not covering all areas
...Maybe there's only about an ounce, you know, 0.1 of an ounce. There's not much laying around... Watch quote in video
🤔 📋 Single pass might be insufficient
...I did one pass just to make it more fair, whereas if I would have put automatic it probably would have went over the area twice... Watch quote in video
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Review by AdamsTechReviews
Sentiment: Somewhat positive
Despite its exceptional cleaning performance, the iRobot Roomba S9+ is significantly hindered by its poor battery life, making it inefficient for larger cleaning tasks. Watch review
...Battery life is its biggest downfall.... Next quote
iRobot Roomba S9+ Robot Vacuum - Has Bad Battery Life - Can it be quicker after it has made a MAP?
9:51
12 Mar 2021
❤️ Love for the vacuum despite issues
...I really love this vacuum... Watch in video
🧹 High cleaning performance
...It cleans really, really well... Watch in video
🎯 Efficient after mapping
...once it's done, I'll show you how long it took and everything, and hopefully after this run, it'll give me a map... Watch in video
🚀 Faster with map
...So I finished the map, and then today I sent it out on a normal everyday cleaning run after the map is made, and it did it in three hours and 27 minutes... Watch in video
🏠 Suitable for various floors
...If you're going to be using this while you're gone or in a different part of the house, that's totally fine... Watch in video
🤔 😓 Bad battery life
...I really love this vacuum, but the biggest downfall in my eyes is the battery life... Watch quote in video
🤔 🕒 Takes too long to complete cleaning
...It cannot handle my bottom floor plan without going back and recharging, therefore it takes about four hours or so to complete... Watch quote in video
🤔 ⚡ Needs to recharge mid-clean
...I don't want any robot to take three and a half to four hours. It's kind of ridiculous, to be honest... Watch quote in video
🤔 📊 Takes longer compared to competitors
...That thing can do the same exact floor plan in about an hour and ten minutes, clean just as good, and still have around 50% battery life left... Watch quote in video
🤔 🔋 Insufficient battery capacity
...I really hate that this has to go back and charge for my bottom floor, or my main floor, and now this floor as well... Watch quote in video
🤔 🚫 Doesn’t always complete mapping
...As you can see, the map is still not complete after two runs... Watch quote in video
🤔 ⌛ Additional waiting time for mapping
...I sent it on a training run where it just goes around and not actually cleans, it just drives around and makes the map... Watch quote in video
🤔 🚀 Performance drops on high power mode
...Let me go back to normal suction power, because I know on high, it definitely can't handle it... Watch quote in video
🤔 😩 Not suitable for quick cleanups
...If you have this on your main floor or upstairs like I do, and I was going to permanently keep it here, it's still, I mean, it's an awesome robot... Watch quote in video
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Review by AdamsTechReviews
Sentiment: Very positive
The iRobot Roomba S9+ Robot Vacuum, despite its high price, proves its worth as the most impressive and efficient self-emptying robot vacuum for handling almost any mess, though it struggles with thick carpets. Watch review
...I knew it was gonna do good... Next quote
iRobot ROOMBA S9+ Robot Vacuum w/ Self Empty bin - MEGA STRESS TEST - Can the MOST Expensive Robot??
20:19
19 Dec 2020
🚀 Amazing cleaning performance
...This thing cleans amazingly well, and I've been a big fan of it lately... Watch in video
🏠 Effective mapping system
...The map on this thing is really good now compared to what it used to be when I first tested this about a year ago... Watch in video
🔄 Self-emptying bin functionality
...Of course self-empty when it feels like the bin is full... Watch in video
🍭 Great on hardwood floors
...Look at that suction on the hardwood. Nothing left behind. Wow... Watch in video
💡 Smart dirt detection
...It's got the dirt sensor at the bottom. And when it detects a big pile of something, it'll go over it back and forth until it feels like it got most of it... Watch in video
🔋 Handles large debris
...I'm totally honest about that. I knew it was gonna do good but this is this had to got a ninety nine point nine nine nine nine nine nine percent of the debris down... Watch in video
🛡 Durable and reliable
...I've had this thing for quite a while. I had my Roomba i7 plus for over a year and I put that thing through a test similar to this but not quite this much and that thing's still running perfect... Watch in video
🛠 Easy troubleshooting
...However, that fix was very simple. I think it's just because this is the mega stress test and it had that bin so packed full that it just couldn't get it out... Watch in video
🤔 😡 Gave an error during operation
...And it is unfortunately giving me an error. Let's see what it's saying... Watch quote in video
🤔 😟 Struggles with thick carpets
...Now the biggest downfall period for this guy is if you have thick carpets, it does a poor job with thick carpets... Watch quote in video
🤔 😕 Did not empty itself as expected
...I will say I am surprised that it has not emptied itself yet. It has picked up a ton of stuff... Watch quote in video
🤔 😩 Misses corners during clean-up
...As well as this little corner here. For whatever reason, all robots miss that because they try to make a turn there and they just every single one misses... Watch quote in video
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Review by Is It Good Reviews!
Sentiment: Mixed
While the iRobot Roomba S9+ excels in cleaning performance and flexibility, persistent software issues and reliance on manual intervention make it fall short of a truly autonomous and hassle-free experience, leaving me hesitant to purchase it again. Watch review
...Not delivering the level of autonomy... Next quote
Roomba s9+ by iRobot - After 18 Months of Ownership, Would I Buy It Again?
23:22
12 Dec 2020
💪 Powerful suction
...It picks up most dirt and dust with ease, and it works quite well on carpet... Watch in video
🗺️ Effective mapping
...It maps locations effectively and then vacuums them efficiently... Watch in video
🚫 Customizable zones
...It has keep-out zones and clean zones, so you can tailor the way it works... Watch in video
🕒 Flexible scheduling
...You can have it vacuum any time of the day or night, or when you leave the house... Watch in video
🏠 Smart home compatibility
...It works with both Alexa and Google Assistant, which is very convenient... Watch in video
🤖 Cooperative robotic mop
...It has a partner robotic mop, which can work cooperatively with the vacuum... Watch in video
🔋 Automatic recharging and emptying
...It can recharge and empty its bin without abandoning the cleaning job... Watch in video
🛠️ Good customer service
...iRobot's customer service has been good... Watch in video
🤔 😕 It can get hung up on low rugs placed on hard floors due to the elevation change.
...It's going to have to pick up bath mats, for instance... Watch quote in video
🤔 😬 It can destroy the fringe on rugs.
...I don't have any fringed rugs, but this is a common complaint about this robot... Watch quote in video
🤔 🌙 It needs light to vacuum.
...It can run at night, but you need to leave a nightlight on for it... Watch quote in video
🤔 🚧 Its wheels are a weak link.
...If it runs over cloth, which wraps around the wheels, the wheels will break. This has happened to my robot twice in the time I've owned it... Watch quote in video
🤔 🔄 It has repeated software issues.
...I have on more than one occasion had the robot fail to start scheduled jobs... Watch quote in video
🤔 💔 I have had one unit completely fail.
...I had to get a new one under warranty due to some kind of hardware error... Watch quote in video
🤔 📸 Lacks a real camera on the front, so the robot can see what it's about to encounter on the floor.
...The fact that it can't detect socks and shoes, power cords, pet toys, etc. lying in its path, and instead runs them over and gets tangled in them, really dates this robot as having last generation technology... Watch quote in video
🤔 🧵 Its wheels break when it runs over cloth.
...Its wheels break when it runs over cloth. This has happened to my robot twice in the time I've owned it... Watch quote in video
🤔 🚫 Almost hangs up on second maps.
...While it works well on just one floor of the home, if I use it on another floor, I will have issues with the maps and the jobs not starting... Watch quote in video
🤔 📉 Not delivering the level of autonomy and reliability expected from a flagship product.
...This is a top-of-the-line robot with a top-of-the-line price. At this level of expense, I expect nearly flawless performance... Watch quote in video
🤔 🛠️ Issues with early robots.
...There seems to have been issues with early robots, and I got one of the early ones. I haven't seen any complaints about this sort of thing lately, however, and the issues appear to have been sorted... Watch quote in video
🤔 💵 Recurring cost of using this robot.
...The prices for these parts are quite high in my opinion... Watch quote in video
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Review by Unbox Therapy
Sentiment: Very positive
The Roomba s9+ offers an intelligently designed, self-emptying vacuum solution that seamlessly integrates advanced navigation and cleaning features, making home maintenance more efficient and hassle-free. Watch review
...You're just enjoying your clean space.... Next quote
This Robot Vacuum Empties Itself...
14:24
5 Sep 2020
🤖 Advanced smart features
...These things are about a billion times smarter than they used to be... Watch in video
🏡 Customizable cleaning zones
...You can just have it boot around and figure out your layout. It gives you control to tell the device to clean specific rooms and targeted areas... Watch in video
🗑️ Automatic dirt disposal
...This unit actually takes the dirt that it collects and sends it up into a separate bag that you dispose of... Watch in video
📱 Mobile app integration
...You'll be using the iRobot Home app, which I've been told is a new application with all sorts of new features... Watch in video
🚫 Keep-out zones
...Now we have something else called a keep-out zone which can be within a divided area in the room... Watch in video
🤫 Quiet and efficient
...It kind of slows down and butts up against it without too much damage... Watch in video
🗺️ Interactive smart mapping
...It'll learn and create an interactive smart map of your home while it cleans... Watch in video
💡 Smart home integrations
...So the Roomba also has integrations with your smart home stuff whether it's Amazon Alexa or Google... Watch in video
🌐 Remote operation
...You can do everything from within the smartphone app even if you're not physically present... Watch in video
🪶 Minimal dust exposure
...So this is a really cool setup. It can go right back out and start cleaning again... and then the dust is going all over the place... Watch in video
🤔 😷 Some people might find self-emptying elaborate
...That's the hard part with these things is emptying them out and then the dust is going all over the place. Maybe they solved that on this particular model... Watch quote in video
🤔 🛋️ Requires room preparation
...Prep your home. Pick up cables, cords, and toys. So they're telling you like, listen, it's a robot. It's an intelligent robot but don't be a jerk either... Watch quote in video
🤔 🎤 Possible enforcement of unnecessary voice commands
...You could say Roomba clean my kitchen and get it moving just with your voice... Watch quote in video
🤔 🏠 Needs time to map new spaces
...creating a map for the table but that's more intended actually for a room that it's going to be frequently in... Watch quote in video
🤔 📱 Heavy reliance on the app
...You'll be using the iRobot Home app, which I've been told is a new application with all sorts of new features... Watch quote in video
🤔 🌐 Requires good Wi-Fi coverage
...Place charging station near an outlet in an area with good Wi-Fi coverage. So that's their only recommendation... Watch quote in video
🤔 🚧 Risk of restricted mobility
...you can set up zones and all that or you can just have it boot around and figure out your layout... Watch quote in video
🤔 🎧 Not completely autonomous
...like, it'll figure out the boundaries where it can and can't go and then I can go in and actually adjust this further through customization... Watch quote in video
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Review by Erin Lawrence
Sentiment: Very positive
The iRobot Roomba s9+ is a high-performing, smart vacuum cleaner that excels in cleaning various surfaces, navigating tight spaces, and integrating seamlessly with iRobot's mopping system, making it a worthwhile investment for those who seek thorough, automated home cleaning. Watch review
...A game changer for homes with pets.... Next quote
Hands-On Review of the New iRobot Roomba s9+: Features, Performance, and More
9:32
5 Nov 2019
😊 Hugs edges and gets into corners better
...I can say this new feature works really well and is definitely noticeable... Watch in video
🤖 Advanced sensors and new corner brush
...This new corner brush more easily reaches into tight spaces... Watch in video
🗣️ Voice control with Google Home & Amazon Alexa
...I found the Google Home connectivity worked really well, and I was able to command my robot mop and the robot vacuum here easily just by asking... Watch in video
🏡 Effective on various surfaces
...It does a great job on all kinds of surfaces. It does get a bit of a power boost on carpets to pull dirt from deep down in those fibers... Watch in video
🦮 Great for pet owners
...If you have pets, this vacuum is a game changer. It picks up pet hair easily and keeps it at bay. No more dog hair tumbleweeds running through your home... Watch in video
🗺️ Smart mapping and Keep Out Zones
...The new keep out zones are really handy, basically lets you draw a virtual barrier around things you don't want the robot to disturb... Watch in video
🤝 Tandem cleaning with iRobot BravaJet M6 mop
...I think it does a better job of cleaning the house overall and getting those floors really spotless and shining... Watch in video
🌟 User-friendly app and scheduling
...The iRobot interface on the app is easy to use, scheduling is easy, and it works exactly how it's supposed to... Watch in video
🧹 Convenient dirt disposal
...This option actually feels a lot cleaner and more sanitary... Watch in video
🔋 Self-recharging and resuming cleaning
...The vacuum will clean all over your house, recharge itself when necessary, and empty its onboard dustbin into a sealed bag inside that CleanBase when it's full, then go back out and clean some more... Watch in video
🤔 🌀 Occasionally gets stuck
...it does still get stuck occasionally and if you're not home to help it, that might be the end of your clean for the day... Watch quote in video
🤔 💸 Expensive
...This robot vacuum is also pretty pricey, selling for about $1,649 CAD for the S9 Plus with the clean base here... Watch quote in video
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Review by Modern Castle
Sentiment: Very positive
The Roomba S9+ is a top-tier, highly advanced robot vacuum that combines impressive cleaning performance and smart features, making it a worthwhile investment for those willing to pay a premium for quality. Watch review
...Incredible cleaning performance with smart features... Next quote
Roomba S9+ Review
6:16
11 Oct 2019
🏆 Excellent cleaning performance
...The S9 Plus scored virtually flawlessly across all of our cleaning tests, making it one of the best robot vacuums we've tested to date... Watch in video
🤖 Advanced navigation and smart features
...The S9 Plus has incredibly great navigation, excellent cleaning performance, and tons of smart features... Watch in video
🗑️ Self-emptying dustbin
...The Roomba S9+ is one of the only other models on the market to offer a self-emptying dustbin... Watch in video
📱 Smartphone control and connectivity
...You can also control the S9 Plus from your phone. This will allow you to start cleaning cycles, set schedules, view cleaning performance and history, and also check out recommended maintenance tasks... Watch in video
⏳ Zone mapping and keep-out zones
...The S9 Plus includes zone mapping and keep out zones as part of the imprint smart mapping technology... Watch in video
🗣️ Voice command capability
...When paired with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, you can even access zone cleaning through voice command... Watch in video
🏅 Superior edge cleaning
...In addition to excellent edge cleaning, the square front body also allows for a wider cleaning path with longer brushrolls... Watch in video
🤔 💸 The Roomba S9+ is incredibly pricey
...However, it also has a pretty steep price tag... Watch quote in video
🤔 🔊 Bristles on the spinning brush are much smaller than other Roombas
...We also can see the spinning brush on one side to help capture debris from edges and corners, but the bristles are much smaller than what you find on other Roomba models... Watch quote in video
🤔 💵 If budget isn’t a concern, the S9 Plus has some of the most advanced features
...Finally, the S9 Plus is great if you're not afraid to spend a little extra money for quality... Watch quote in video
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Review by iCrackUriDevice
Sentiment: Very positive
The Roomba S9+ is an exceptional advancement in robotic vacuum technology, blending impressive suction power, innovative design, and seamless automation, making it the best Roomba iRobot has ever produced. Watch review
...This thing is truly the evolution.... Next quote
Roomba S9+ Robot Vacuum (iRobot): Review and Unboxing VS i7+
21:52
5 Aug 2019
😃 Improved edge and corner cleaning with new D shape design
...It's able to easily follow it now thanks to the design and that also means that the brush bars have been moved up to the front and are now 30% wider... Watch in video
🧹 Clean base automatically empties the bin
...It empties itself. You no longer have to deal with all the mess or fuss again associated with emptying the bin of a robot vacuum... Watch in video
📱 Enhanced connectivity with iRobot app
...You can do things like schedule certain days of the week and certain times to actually go out and clean. It also creates smart maps... Watch in video
🌌 Infrared 3D mapping technology
...What it's able to do now is shoot out infrared light in front of the robot and build a map in 3D or three-dimensional space to better gauge its surroundings... Watch in video
💨 Four times improved suction power
...Now it also finally to cap things off has four times improved suction over its predecessor the i7+... Watch in video
📏 Larger brush bars for improved cleaning coverage
...These are significantly bigger than the brush bars found in the i7 plus or the i7... Watch in video
🐕 Improved performance for allergy sufferers
...The new filter is part of what iRobot is calling an anti-allergen system that essentially is able to capture 99% of dust pollen dirt mold dander... Watch in video
🤖 Imprint link technology with Braava Jet M6
...You can send the two robots out together, the s9 will go out first and vacuum to make sure things are picked up and the m6 will go out and mop... Watch in video
🎨 Aesthetic and minimalistic design
...It's just a very clean and minimalistic design that I very much approve of, it just looks better, newer and more streamlined than past generations... Watch in video
🚪 Versatile cleaning capabilities
...It was able to get a lot of it though which I was surprised by simply because the brush on the side was able to push the debris that lined that lip on the hardwood floor in front of the robot... Watch in video
💼 User-friendly setup process
...It really couldn't be any easier, after you get the clean base set up and positioned properly you need to put the robot on it, you just open the application and set it up following the on-screen prompt... Watch in video
🌪️ Powerful cleaning on hard surfaces
...It didn't scatter debris like past iRobots and other competing robot vacuums do with their side brushes which are notorious for scattering debris on hard surfaces... Watch in video
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Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all vacuum cleaners.

Rank Change Price Vacuum Cleaner
Good Housekeeping
Rtings.com
Wirecutter
HGTV
The Strategist
CNN Underscored
CNET
TechRadar
Tom's Guide
The Spruce
1
- $620
Dyson V15 Detect
The Dyson V15 Detect is a highly praised vacuum cleaner with powerful suction, adjustable settings, and a five-stage filtration system, making it suitable for effectively cleaning various surfaces in a household setting.
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1
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8
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2
- $343
Miele Classic C1
The Miele Classic C1 vacuum cleaner is highly praised for its powerful suction, lightweight design, and effective filtration system, making it ideal for users who want a versatile and efficient cleaning tool.
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5
11
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5
4
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2
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3
- $332
Shark Stratos IZ862H
The Shark Stratos IZ862H is a highly praised cordless vacuum cleaner that offers strong suction power, adjustable settings, and a long battery life, making it a versatile and convenient option for various cleaning needs.
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2
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2
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5
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4
- Check price
Shark AZ1002
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iRobot Roomba s9 Plus ranks #15 out of 13 in this month's ranking:
Ranked #10 out of 11
Best Robot
Good Housekeeping
9 Jan 2025 (2 months ago)
Read article
Ranked #9 out of 12
Our favorite robot vacuum if price is no object
Tom's Guide
2 Jan 2025 (2 months ago)
Read article
Browse this month's Vacuum Cleaner ranking
This month, #1 Vacuum Cleaner is Dyson V15 Detect