Roomba s9+ Review: The Robotic Vacuum That Cleans So You Don't Have To

The Roomba s9+ is one of the latest offerings from iRobot, promising to take the hassle out of your cleaning routine with its self-emptying feature. After using it for a couple of weeks, I have some thoughts on how it actually performs. It's marketed as a powerful cleaning device with smart mapping and impressive suction power. But does it live up to the expectations? Let's dive in.

In terms of set-up, the Roomba s9+ is pretty straightforward. It comes with a charging dock, the Clean Base for auto dirt disposal, and a couple of replacement dirt disposal bags. Out of the box, it’s easy to get started. You just have to charge it up and connect it to Wi-Fi using the iRobot Home App. The app guides you through the process, and you can even connect it to your Alexa or Google Home for voice control.

The feature that stands out is the self-emptying function. The idea of not having to think about emptying the vacuum for up to 60 days is appealing. It also learns the layout of your home, enabling it to optimize its cleaning path, which is pretty cool if you have a complex floor plan. However, there are a few quirks, like occasional misnavigation around furniture. But more on its performance later.

Overall, the introduction to the s9+ is promising, especially if you're looking to reduce the manual effort involved in keeping your floors clean. But let's see how it stacks up in other areas like performance, design, and value.

The Roomba s9+ comes with a hefty price tag, so you'll want to think carefully about whether it offers value for money. In terms of features, it certainly packs a punch. The self-emptying base is convenient, especially for those who prefer a hands-off approach to cleaning. Plus, its smart mapping capabilities and powerful suction make it a competent cleaning assistant.

However, it's not the cheapest option on the market. When weighing its cost against its features, consider how much you value the convenience it offers. If you're someone who hates vacuuming or has a busy schedule, the s9+ could be a worthwhile investment. It reduces the frequency of manual cleaning, and for some, that alone might justify the cost.

On the other hand, if budget is a concern, you might find better value in less expensive models that offer similar cleaning performance but without the self-emptying feature. It's worth noting that the ongoing cost of replacement dirt bags for the Clean Base can add up over time, so factor that into your decision as well.

In conclusion, the Roomba s9+ offers good value if you're after convenience and have the budget for it. For those who prioritize cost over convenience, there are more budget-friendly options available.

In terms of design, the Roomba s9+ is sleek and modern-looking. It sports a D-shape, which is a bit different from the traditional circular design you see in most robotic vacuums. This shape is intended to help the vacuum get into corners more effectively, and in my experience, it does a reasonable job at that. It's not perfect, but it's noticeably better at edge and corner cleaning than previous models.

The color scheme is primarily black with bronze accents, giving it a premium feel. A minor downside is that it tends to show dust and fingerprints easily, so you might find yourself wiping it down more often than you'd like. The build quality feels solid, though, and it seems like it could withstand the usual bumps and knocks that come with autonomous cleaning.

The Clean Base is another aspect of the design worth mentioning. It's slightly bulky but not overly obtrusive. It doubles as a charging station and a dirt disposal system, which is convenient. However, placing it in an accessible spot is essential because the vacuum needs to dock properly to empty itself and recharge.

Overall, the design of the Roomba s9+ is functional with a nice aesthetic touch. It fits well in modern homes, and its shape enhances its cleaning capabilities around edges and corners. Just be prepared for some maintenance in terms of keeping its exterior clean.

Battery life is always a crucial factor when considering a robotic vacuum, and the Roomba s9+ offers up to 120 minutes of runtime. This should be sufficient for most medium-sized homes on a single charge. In practice, I found the battery life pretty reliable. It handled a full cleaning cycle of my apartment without needing a recharge.

The vacuum automatically returns to its dock to recharge when the battery runs low, which is convenient. After charging, it resumes cleaning where it left off. This is particularly useful because you don't have to worry about manually restarting the cleaning cycle. However, if you have a larger home, you might find that it needs multiple sessions to cover everything, especially if the vacuum is operating in high-power mode.

One thing to keep in mind is that the charging process can take a while—around three hours for a full charge. So, if it runs out of juice mid-cleaning, it might be a while before it's back in action. Planning cleaning sessions when you’re out of the house might be the way to go.

Overall, the Roomba s9+ offers decent battery life, but it's not without its limitations. For smaller spaces, it gets the job done without much hassle. In larger homes, you might find it pausing more frequently for a recharge, which can be a bit inconvenient.

When it comes to performance, the Roomba s9+ offers some pretty solid features. One standout is its Power-Lifting Suction, which is touted to be 40 times more powerful than previous models. I found that it handled most dirt and debris quite well, especially on carpets. The 3-Stage Cleaning System did a decent job of loosening, lifting, and eliminating debris. It’s especially beneficial if you have pets, as it picks up hair without much fuss.

The smart mapping feature is another highlight. The s9+ learns your home’s layout and adapts its cleaning route accordingly. This feature is useful for ensuring that no part of the floor is missed. During my testing, the s9+ navigated around most furniture with ease, thanks to its sensors. However, it occasionally struggled with smaller objects or areas it hadn’t mapped out completely yet.

A feature worth mentioning is the Roomba's ability to increase suction power on carpets automatically. This is a welcome addition, as it ensures deeper cleaning where necessary. However, I noticed that the transition between different floor types was not always smooth. Sometimes it seemed to hesitate before boosting power, which might leave some spots less clean than others.

Overall, the Roomba s9+ offers strong performance for most household cleaning needs. While it’s not flawless, it’s effective for everyday upkeep, especially in pet-friendly homes. But if you're expecting it to completely replace manual vacuuming, you might need to manage those expectations.