Ultimate Robot Vacuum Showdown 2025: Roomba Combo J9+ vs Roborock S9 MaxV Ultra vs Deebot X2 Omni

When it comes to high-end robot vacuums in 2025, three models stand at the forefront: iRobot’s Roomba Combo J9+, Roborock’s S9 MaxV Ultra (known as the Saros 10 in some markets), and Ecovacs’ Deebot X2 Omni. These flagship robo-vacs promise powerful suction, intelligent mopping, advanced navigation, and nearly hands-free maintenance. But how do they stack up against each other in real-world use? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll break down cleaning performance, suction power, mopping features, battery life, navigation and obstacle avoidance, smart app capabilities, voice assistant support, self-emptying/self-cleaning docks, design, user feedback, warranty, and pricing. We also include the latest updates and expert opinions – from tech reviews to user experiences – to help you decide which robot cleaner (if any) is worth your investment.

Before diving into each category, here’s a quick overview of key specs:

Table: Key specifications and features of Roomba Combo J9+, Roborock S9 MaxV Ultra (Saros 10), and Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni.

Next, we compare these robots in detail across each major dimension:

Cleaning Performance (Vacuuming & Suction)

All three vacuums deliver excellent day-to-day cleaning performance, but they go about it differently. The Roomba Combo J9+ doesn’t advertise a specific Pascal (Pa) suction rating, yet it impressed reviewers with its pickup power and carpet grooming. Vacuum Wars, known for lab-testing robot vacs, was “very impressed” with the J9+, noting “its pickup, extra power, dual brushes, and unique pressurized mopping system make it an easy choice if your primary concern is having the cleanest possible floors.” Roomba’s dual rubber brushrolls (a signature iRobot design) excel at debris pickup on both hard floors and carpet, and resist hair tangles. A PureWow review likewise found the J9+ “the most powerful [Roomba] yet” – it left visible vacuum lines on rugs and rarely needed rescuing from obstacles. On low-pile carpet it might miss an occasional strand of hair (no robot is perfect), but overall Roomba’s cleaning performance is top-tier for everyday dirt.

The Roborock S9 MaxV Ultra boasts by far the highest suction specs on paper – a massive 22,000 Pa maximum techradar.com, dwarfing most competitors (the previous S8 MaxV was 6,000–10,000 Pa). In practice, however, more suction doesn’t always equal visibly cleaner floors. A head-to-head test of the Saros 10 (S9) versus the 10R model found “both machines have been amazing at vacuuming – they really are state of the art in this respect. Based on specs, the [Saros] 10 should be slightly more powerful (22kPa vs 20kPa for the 10R), but testing them side-by-side I haven’t detected any differences in their relative pick-up performance.” In other words, the S9’s extreme suction helps with deep cleaning, but its real-world advantage over the others is subtle for typical debris. Roborock also adopted dual roller brushes (called DuoDivide) similar to iRobot’s; these counter-rotating rubber brushes do an excellent job on carpet and pet hair techradar.com. Combined with the strong suction, the S9 is exceptionally good at pulling dirt from crevices and rugs. Independent tests show Roborock flagships like the S8/S9 consistently scoring among the highest in debris removal on all floor types. If you have lots of carpet or pets, the S9’s power and brush system are a winning combo – it can lift dirt that lesser vacuums leave behind, and its dustbin gets “stuffed to the gills” with fur in pet-heavy homes.

The Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni also delivers excellent cleaning results, even if its raw suction (8,000 Pa) lies between the Roomba and Roborock. In Modern Castle’s battery of 14 tests, the X2 Omni achieved a 95.5% overall debris removal rate – above average, and even near-perfect on edges and pet hair. TechRadar similarly praised the X2, saying “It vacuums up small and large debris alike… the Deebot X2 Omni gets right up to the edges of rooms thanks to the positioning of that square brush.” The unique squared-off front of the X2 isn’t just for show – it allows a wider brush and better reach into corners, aided by a single side sweeper that sits further forward than on round robots. The X2’s main brush is a dense silicone-rubber roller (no bristles) designed to resist tangling and maintain contact on hard floors. This design, plus efficient navigation, yields strong pickup of dust, crumbs, and even difficult debris. One reviewer noted the X2 “had exceptional scores in our cleaning tests, and exceptional scores in the long and pet hair testing – near-perfect in crevice and edge cleaning”. However, some users report that the X2’s real-world navigation quirks (discussed later) can occasionally cause it to re-clean areas aimlessly or miss spots if it loses its map. Generally though, the X2 Omni’s vacuuming performance is among the best, rivaling the Roborock – and its square shape helps it hug walls and baseboards a bit more effectively for edge pickup.

In summary, all three robots excel at everyday vacuuming. The Roomba Combo J9+ holds its own despite a lower stated suction, thanks to smart engineering (dual brushes, dirt detect sensors, etc.) and a focus on consistent pickup. The Roborock S9 MaxV Ultra has unmatched raw power and equally advanced brushes, shining in tougher scenarios like thick carpets or heavy shedding households – though its cleaning results in practice are similar to its peers on normal dirt. The Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni achieves superb cleaning coverage and debris removal, leveraging its square design to reach dirt others might leave at edges. Any of these can keep your floors visibly clean; the differences come down to your specific home (carpet vs hard floor, lots of pet hair, etc.) and how much you value brute suction force versus design optimizations.

Mopping Capabilities

Each of these models not only vacuums but also mops, and here their approaches diverge significantly. The iRobot Roomba Combo J9+ uses a single mop pad on an auto-retract arm, the Roborock S9 features a vibrating mop pad with a small add-on brush for edges, and the Ecovacs X2 Omni employs twin spinning mop pads. All can vacuum and mop in one run, but they differ in effectiveness and how they handle carpets.

Roomba Combo J9+: iRobot’s mopping system is unique in that the pad can be lifted completely up onto the top of the robot when not in use. This “Dry Rug Intelligence” means the J9+ will never drag a wet mop over carpet – a point iRobot emphasizes as a key advantage over competitors that only lift pads a few millimeters. In action, when the Roomba approaches a carpeted area, it automatically raises the mop arm and parks the pad on its roof, keeping rugs 100% dry. This system worked flawlessly in tests, allowing truly hybrid cleaning: “It’s hard to overemphasize what a game changer it is that 2-in-1 robot vacuums can now vacuum and mop floors in the same run”, notes Vacuum Wars. For mopping performance, the J9+ surprised reviewers by scrubbing better than expected for a single-pad design. It applies downward pressure (~1.16 lb) and uses a scrubbing motion (SmartScrub) to tackle stains. In tests on dried spills (even sticky grape juice), the Roomba “performed extremely well…very impressive”, whereas many robots with spinning pads just smear such messes. That said, it’s not a replacement for a dedicated hand-mop on tough grime – e.g. it may struggle with heavy buildup in grout or along some edges. Edges are a minor weakness since the round pad doesn’t extend beyond the robot’s body, so a thin strip near baseboards might be missed (the same is true for the Roomba’s mop as for any round robot mop). One downside: the J9+ does not automatically wash its mop pad at the dock. After a mopping session, you’ll need to manually remove and rinse the microfiber pad. iRobot deliberately left out an auto-wash to avoid the complexity and odor issues of dirty water tanks. The dock can refill the robot’s 210 ml water tank for each job vacuumwars.com, but you supply clean water and cleaning solution (if desired) and periodically wash the pad by hand. This means the Roomba’s mop is great for maintenance cleaning (light spills, dust) and it’s extremely carpet-safe, but it involves a bit more user maintenance between runs compared to the other two.

Roborock S9 MaxV Ultra: The S9 (Saros 10) uses Roborock’s latest VibraRise 4.0 mopping system. This consists of a vibrating flat pad that can scrub at high frequency (up to 4,000 vibrations per minute) and can automatically lift up when transitioning to carpet. The lift height in the S9 is improved from earlier models – up to ~20 mm (2 cm) clearance in VibraRise 3.0/4.0, whereas older ones lifted only ~5 mm. In theory, this helps keep carpets drier, though still not as foolproof as Roomba’s full lift. The S9’s mop will rise a few centimeters to avoid lightly touching rugs, and in practice most users report it’s sufficient for low-pile carpets (it won’t soak them, though if you have very thick shag, the pad might brush it). A notable Roborock feature (inherited from the S8 series) is the “Edge Mini Mop” – a second small circular mop head on the side of the robot. On the S9, you get one main vibrating pad under the robot plus a little spinning mop disk that protrudes on the right side to scrub along walls and corners more effectively. This clever addition addresses the edge-cleaning gap that single-pad designs have. In TechRadar’s side-by-side test, however, the S9’s single pad still left some dry streaks on uneven hardwood compared to the dual-pad S10R model: “the Saros 10 left dry, unmopped streaks on my slightly concave hardwood floor, while the 10R didn’t”. So for perfectly uniform coverage, the twin spinning mops (like X2 or 10R) have an edge. But the S9’s mop is by no means weak – it applies decent pressure and its scrubbing motion works well on typical spills. The Roborock dock greatly enhances mopping convenience: the Ultra dock can wash the mop pad with water and even dry it with heated air after cleaning. Roborock introduced washing in the S7/S8 Ultra and reportedly improved it with hot water (up to ~80 °C) and a drying fan (~55 °C) in the latest generation. This means the S9 can clean its own mop mid-mission (it will periodically return to base to rinse the pad) and at the end, leaving you with a clean, dry mop for next time. You’ll need to refill the base’s clean water tank and empty the dirty water occasionally, but far less often than manually washing pads every run. Overall, the S9 Ultra’s mopping is strong for a hybrid: it excels at routine mopping of sealed floors and can even tackle some dried stains with its vibrate-and-scrub action. However, really tough or sticky messes might still need a manual scrub, and spinning mop designs generally have a slight advantage on heavy grime due to continuous downward pressure. If mopping is a high priority and you have mostly hard floors, Roborock actually offers the 10R (spinning pads) as an alternative at the same price – but among our trio, the Ecovacs X2 Omni is the one with dual spinners.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni: The X2 Omni is built from the ground up for serious mopping in addition to vacuuming. It uses two round spinning mop pads that rotate against the floor to scrub away dirt. The pads are mounted underneath on the rear, and the robot can press them down firmly. In testing, the X2 “does a wonderful job leaving floors spectacularly clean” when mopping – it puts “just the right amount of pressure” and water to remove dried-on spills and stains in its path. The catch is that, like many dual-pad designs, the pads do not extend beyond the robot’s edges. So mopping to the very edge of walls or into corners is a challenge – TechRadar observed the X2 Omni “leaves an inch of untouched floor at the edges of rooms and around objects” because the pads can’t reach those last centimeters. Ecovacs actually has another model (T30S) with an extending mop for edges, underscoring that this is a known limitation. For most open floor space, however, the X2’s twin pads provide excellent coverage and agitation. They spin continuously, which on sticky messes can outperform a vibrating flat pad. In Modern Castle’s review, the X2 Omni’s mop tests were rated “Excellent”, and a user on Reddit noted “I have not mopped my floor manually since buying [X2]… It would get the [dog] paw prints up for sure. It cleans the mopping pads on its own too.”. That highlights another strength: the Omni station supports auto pad washing and hot drying. The base has two water reservoirs (clean 4 L, dirty 3.5 L) and a wash tray. During a mop job, the X2 will periodically return to rinse and scrub its pads with water (even using warm water and a bit of cleaning solution if added), then resume mopping. At the end, it triggers a hot-air dryer so the pads aren’t left soaked (reducing mildew or odor). This “hands-off” approach means you rarely need to touch the mops – perhaps just swap them out for new ones every so often or when they wear. The X2 also smartly retracts its pads when crossing carpet: it lifts them slightly and stops the spin, so it can vacuum a rug area then later lower and re-wet the pads when back on hard floor techradar.com. The transition is seamless; you don’t have to remove attachments or avoid carpeted rooms in a mixed cleaning run techradar.com. The only downsides are the aforementioned edge cleaning limitation and the X2’s robot shape – while the square design is great for vacuuming edges, it has no protruding mop to get into corners. Users with mostly large open areas won’t mind, but if your floor plan has many edges or tight spots, an occasional manual wipe might be needed along baseboards. Also, the X2’s base station is larger (to accommodate water tanks), so finding a spot for it is a consideration.

In summary, for mopping: The Roomba Combo J9+ offers a convenient light mopping solution that keeps carpets bone-dry (a huge plus for mixed surfaces) and performed better than expected on stains with its new scrubbing mode. However, it lacks automatic pad washing, so it’s not completely maintenance-free and isn’t meant for heavy-duty mopping of big dried messes. The Roborock S9 MaxV Ultra strikes a good balance – its vibrating mop can handle everyday grime and some stuck-on messes, it lifts on carpet, and the automated washing/drying means minimal upkeep. It only uses one pad (with a small helper brush), so it may occasionally leave faint streaks or struggle a bit more on uneven floors compared to a dual-mop system. The Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni is arguably the most thorough mopper of the trio: its dual spinning pads and robust base station truly let you “set it and forget it” for keeping hard floors gleaming. It’s ideal for large homes with mostly hardwood/tile. Just be aware that it might miss the last inch near walls – a common tradeoff with round underbody pads – whereas the Roborock’s edge brush or a manual touch-up can address that. Overall, all three do a solid job maintaining clean floors; your choice might hinge on how much you value full automation (Roborock/Ecovacs offer self-washing) versus carpet safety and simplicity (iRobot’s lift-up mop is foolproof and maintenance-light).

Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance

Navigation is the brains of any robot vacuum – how effectively it maps your home and avoids obstacles. All three models here use advanced mapping technology rather than random bumping, and all can intelligently dodge common obstacles (shoes, cords, pet droppings, etc.), but they employ different sensor arrays.

Roomba Combo J9+: Notably, the J9+ is iRobot’s first LiDAR-based Roomba. Unlike earlier Roombas that used a top-mounted camera (vSLAM) for mapping, the J9+ has a spinning LiDAR laser turret to scan and map rooms quickly and accurately. This grants it the precise room mapping and efficient straight-line cleaning patterns that Roborock and others have long had. The LiDAR sensor sits on top of the robot (a small round “puck”), but iRobot cleverly integrated it such that it doesn’t interfere with the mop arm mechanism – presumably by placing the turret slightly forward or designing the mop pad to swing around it. For obstacle avoidance, the J9+ relies on a front-facing camera with LED light (iRobot calls it PrecisionVision) to recognize objects in its path. This camera can identify things like power cords, socks, and pet waste in real time, and will steer the Roomba around them. In fact, iRobot backs this with the “Pet Owner Official Promise (P.O.O.P.)” – if the Roomba ever fails to avoid solid pet waste and smears it, iRobot will replace the unit for free. That shows their confidence in the obstacle avoidance system (which was improved after some early Roomba J7 mishaps). In reviews, the J9+’s nav was praised: “It navigates like a pro… effortlessly avoided obstacles and adapted to my space”, even snapping photos of unexpected items to show the user. However, one Reddit user did observe that “it literally loves to bang my doors and floorboards even on quiet mode” – meaning the Roomba might still bump lightly into obstacles as it uses its mechanical bumper to feel its way (common for many bots). Another user countered that the J9+ improved greatly over older Roombas in avoiding walls and obstacles, requiring less frequent intervention reddit.com. On balance, the J9+ has a robust nav system: LiDAR ensures complete coverage and efficient pathing, while the camera+LED helps it avoid most trouble. It builds and saves maps (supporting multiple floor maps), and via the app you can label rooms, set virtual No-Go Zones and Clean Zones, and even let the new Dirt Detective feature automatically prioritize dirtier rooms. The combination of LiDAR and camera essentially matches what Roborock’s “ReactiveAI” offers. One slight quirk: iRobot’s approach to obstacle avoidance errs on caution – it might sometimes leave a bit of debris if it thinks it’s an obstacle. RTINGS noted the J9 can fail to pick up dirt near identified obstacles like pet bowls, to avoid bumping them rtings.com. But that’s arguably better than the alternative (spilling the water bowl or hitting pet waste). Overall, navigation is a big strong point for Roomba J9+: reliable mapping, smart obstacle handling, and even room-specific adjustments thanks to Dirt Detective.

Roborock S9 MaxV Ultra (Saros 10): The Saros 10 takes a novel approach in that Roborock released two versions with different navigation systems (the 10 and 10R). The S9 (Saros 10) we’re comparing uses a classic rotating LiDAR turret for navigation, much like previous Roborocks, but with a twist – the turret is retractable. It can pop up when needed and drop down flush with the robot’s top to allow the unit under low furniture. This gives the best of both worlds: the high vantage of a turret for mapping, and a low profile (only 3.14″ tall when retracted) to reach under beds or couches that other LiDAR bots might get stuck on. Roborock’s LiDAR navigation is among the most mature – it creates detailed maps quickly and plots efficient cleaning routes in neat rows. The S9 can store multiple maps, and you can set room dividers, edit maps, and define no-go zones easily in the app. For obstacle avoidance, the S9 (Saros 10) interestingly does not have a visible dual camera like the prior S8 MaxV did. Instead, it uses an advanced sensor array referred to as ReactiveAI 3.0 with structured light. According to Vacuum Wars’ breakdown, the Saros 10 relies on a form of vertical structured light sensors (likely laser or IR projectors) to detect and size up objects in its path. The Saros 10R (which we’re not directly reviewing) has “StarSight 2.0” with an RGB camera, but the Saros 10 sticks to purely non-camera means. TechRadar notes “the 10 uses standard LDS LiDAR… [and] older ReactAI navigation,” while the 10R uses the new turret-less system. In practice, the S9 can still identify common obstacles quite well – it’s programmed to avoid pet waste and hazards, just using lasers/3D sensors rather than a camera image. One benefit: there’s no risk of privacy concerns or lighting issues (it navigates fine in the dark using LiDAR, and the structured light doesn’t need external illumination). In testing, Roborock’s obstacle avoidance is highly regarded. A Reddit user who bought a Roborock S8 (previous gen with camera) exclaimed “the detection features on that robot are amazing. It truly avoids objects… I was surprised how well it does it.” Roborock continuously updates their AI object database, so it recognizes more item types over time. The S9 will try to reroute around obstacles and usually does so smoothly. One specific advantage: Roborock’s new “VertiBeam” sensor on Saros models helps detect low-lying obstacles that lasers might miss (like the legs of a chair or a threshold) by projecting a vertical line of laser light. This, plus the retractable LiDAR, make the S9 very adept at navigating complex layouts without getting stuck. The S9’s app experience is also top-notch – arguably the best of the three. You get features like selectable room cleaning, zone cleaning, scheduling by room, adjusting suction/mop intensity per room, and even integration with Matter for smart home (meaning you can control it through Apple HomeKit or other Matter-compatible systems). Voice control via Alexa/Google/Siri is supported too. In essence, the Roborock S9 offers state-of-the-art autonomous navigation, rarely gets lost thanks to LiDAR, and avoids obstacles nearly as well as camera-based systems (with the bonus of no camera needed). It’s designed for hands-off operation – you can trust it to navigate an entire level, under furniture and around clutter, returning home reliably. The only minor nav issue reported has been some dock emptying clogs in the 10R variant (due to slightly weaker suction at the dock), but the Saros 10’s dock was stronger and did not jam in tests. In short, Roborock’s navigation is among the most refined in the industry, and the S9 continues that tradition.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni: The X2 Omni’s navigation immediately stands out because of the robot’s shape – it’s a low-slung square. Not only did Ecovacs eliminate the round shape, they also removed the protruding turret entirely. The X2 uses a combination of front and top sensors for SLAM mapping: a hidden or flat LiDAR sensor (likely front-facing or low-profile) and a front-facing RGB camera for object recognition (Ecovacs calls their AI obstacle avoidance system AIVI 3.0). TechRadar explains that the X2 is “shorter than the majority of robot vacuums since it doesn’t have the raised center [turret]. That improves its ability to vacuum underneath furniture” – at only 4.21″ tall (107 mm), it’s not as slim as the Roborock 10R (which is ~3.1″), but it is lower than many LiDAR bots that are ~3.8–4″ plus a turret. The square shape also means it has sharper front edges, which helps it navigate into corners without needing to turn as much. The X2’s object avoidance earned high praise: “possibly the best object avoidance I’ve seen,” wrote TechRadar’s reviewer. It uses a combination of a camera and structured light 3D sensors to identify obstacles – for example, it can see a stray sock or a pet in its path and intelligently go around. One charming anecdote: “The two dogs that live in this space… will walk in front of it or sit in front of it. The robot vacuum, however, sees the dogs… and it will turn out of the way relatively quickly.” techradar.com. In other words, the X2 Omni is very good at not bumping into or disturbing pets and obstacles. It also has an integrated voice assistant (“Yiko”) and microphone, allowing you to literally tell the robot “go clean under the dining table” and it will navigate there. The Deebot X2 creates detailed maps as well, and supports multiple floors, custom room naming, virtual boundaries, etc., in the Ecovacs Home app. However, one criticism has been the app’s room editing for open layouts: the interface to split or merge areas can be clunky, especially if your home is an open floor plan techradar.com. The reviewer noted that unlike some brands, you can’t freely draw room dividers where you want if the auto-room detection doesn’t suit your needs, making mapping tedious in certain cases. Additionally, a few users reported occasional navigation hiccups: the X2 sometimes “roams around aimlessly as if it’s not recognizing the map” or fails to find its base, requiring a map reset. This seems to be an infrequent issue, possibly fixable via firmware, but it suggests the X2’s SLAM may not be as bulletproof as Roborock’s in every scenario. Still, when everything is running smoothly, the X2 covers territory methodically in neat lines and rarely collides with objects thanks to its rich sensor suite. Its ability to go under lower furniture (no turret) and its wider front coverage make its navigation efficient. The base station placement is also forgiving due to the robot’s object detection – it can navigate back even in cluttered environments without needing a cleared “runway”.

Overall, in navigation and avoidance: Roborock and iRobot both benefit from LiDAR’s reliability for mapping; they will map faster and in complete darkness with no issues. Ecovacs’ camera + LiDAR combo also maps well (and can leverage visual landmarks), but might be a tad more finicky if the map becomes corrupted or if the robot is moved. All three will intelligently avoid most common obstacles: The Roomba J9+ has proven avoidance and even a guarantee for pet messes, though it may bump lightly into things more than the others (Roombas use a more tactile approach at times). The Roborock S9 with its advanced lasers avoids obstacles nearly as well and navigates extremely predictably; it’s a great choice if you want minimal babysitting. The Ecovacs X2 likely wins for best obstacle avoidance – TechRadar called it “top-notch” – meaning it very rarely gets stuck or tangled, and it’s gentle around furniture. But its mapping software could use refinement for complex floor plans, and a few owners have noted periodic confusion requiring user intervention. On a positive note, firmware updates have been rolling out (as of 2024/2025) to improve the X2’s AI and mapping stability, since Ecovacs knows these flagship buyers expect perfection.

One last note: all three support “recharge and resume” – if the battery runs low mid-clean, they return to the dock, recharge, and then continue where they left off using the saved map. So navigation-wise, they are all capable of covering large areas (hundreds of square meters) over multiple cycles without getting lost.

Roborock Saros 10R (left) vs Saros 10 (right). The Saros 10 (equivalent to S9 MaxV Ultra) features a pop-up LiDAR turret for precise mapping, while the 10R uses a flatter solid-state sensor design. Both models navigate in efficient lines and avoid obstacles using advanced sensors. The retractable LiDAR on the S9 allows it to clean under lower furniture that turreted robots typically can’t.

Smart Features and App Experience

All three robots are accompanied by smartphone apps that unlock a suite of smart features: scheduling, mapping customization, selective room cleaning, integration with voice assistants, and more. Here we compare the user experience and unique features of each ecosystem.

iRobot Roomba Combo J9+: The J9+ runs on iRobot’s latest OS software (paired with the well-known iRobot Home app). The app is lauded for its clean, easy-to-use interface and reliability. With the J9+, iRobot introduced Dirt Detective, an AI-powered feature that learns which rooms tend to get dirtiest and adjusts cleaning priorities accordingly. For example, if your kitchen is usually dirtier, it will automatically schedule that room first and even boost suction or do extra passes there. This kind of automation is meant to make the Roomba “smarter” over time without manual input. Users can of course still manually tell it which rooms to clean or set routines. The app supports labeling rooms, merging/splitting, and setting Keep-Out Zones (virtual no-go areas) and Clean Zones (specific spots to target, like around a couch or under a table). You can tap a zone or item on the map and send the Roomba there on demand, which is very handy for spot cleaning (say, an area where something spilled). The Roomba also integrates with voice assistants: Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri Shortcuts. For instance, you can say “Alexa, tell Roomba to clean the living room” and it will start that job. One thing iRobot has long emphasized is privacy – the J9’s obstacle camera can optionally take snapshots of unknown obstacles (to show you what it avoided), but these images are visible only to you in the app, and iRobot pledges not to use them beyond improving the robot’s performance. In fact, after some controversy with an earlier test unit, iRobot doubled down on security, letting users opt out of image sharing entirely and keeping data on-device whenever possible. Another neat addition: the Roomba can announce voice alerts or integrate with platforms like IFTTT for smart home triggers (e.g., pause cleaning when a smart door opens). While not unique to J9+, the app also features “Imprint Link” if you have a Braava Jet mopping robot – but the Combo J9+ already does both vacuum and mop, so that’s moot here. User feedback on the J9+ app experience has been positive; it’s often described as intuitive and less error-prone than some competitors. The mapping process is guided step-by-step, and the new Roombas build their map faster than older ones (thanks to LiDAR). One reviewer said “the iRobot Home app walked me through the mapping process” seamlessly and appreciated personalized suggestions it gives (like recommending extra cleaning in pet-shedding season). Overall, iRobot’s software is very polished and beginner-friendly, making the J9+ a good choice if you value a hassle-free app.

Roborock S9 MaxV Ultra: Roborock’s app has become one of the most feature-rich in the industry, while still being fairly easy to navigate. With the S9 (Saros 10), you get all standard features (room mapping, naming, scheduling, no-go zones, etc.) plus some advanced options. Notably, Roborock was among the first to allow setting different cleaning modes per room – e.g., you can tell it to use Turbo suction and two mopping passes in the kitchen, but Quiet mode and no mopping on carpets in the bedroom. The app also lets you draw precise zones for spot cleaning, and even set temporary keep-out zones (like if you want it to avoid a specific area only for the next run). The S9 supports voice commands through Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri (via Siri Shortcuts). But Roborock went a step further in late 2023 by adding Matter support for some models (including S8/S9 series). With Matter, the S9 can be integrated into Apple HomeKit and other smart home platforms seamlessly; for example, you could start a cleaning from the Apple Home app or as part of an automated routine. Matter also opens up multi-assistant control – potentially controlling the robot through any Matter-compatible controller (SmartThings, etc.). This forward-looking support is great for smart home enthusiasts. In terms of unique features, Roborock’s ReactiveAI means the robot’s obstacle avoidance can be monitored in the app – the S9 (if it had a camera) could show you identified objects. Since the S9 uses mainly sensors, it likely won’t send images, but it does label what it avoided (e.g., “shoes detected”). One hallmark of Roborock’s app is the maps management: it’s very flexible. You can have multiple maps, edit and merge rooms easily, and even create custom cleaning sequences (like cleaning order of rooms, or cleaning certain rooms twice). The S9 also has “Pin n Go” which is similar to Clean Zones – you drop a pin on the map and it goes there. Roborock has a feature called “Child/pet lock” too, which can disable the physical button on the robot to prevent accidental starts/stops – handy if you have curious toddlers pressing buttons. Overall, users often praise the Roborock app’s reliability and depth of control. Tech reviewers have ranked Roborock’s app among the top, with The Verge noting it as a “very good app” that makes using the robot a breeze. The only slight learning curve is that there are many options, so first-time users might be overwhelmed with settings – but you can also let the defaults be and trust the robot’s intelligence. Firmware updates are delivered through the app, and Roborock is pretty good about releasing updates that add features or refine mapping (for instance, adding support for the auto-refill dock after purchase, etc.). In essence, the Roborock S9 provides a highly customizable cleaning experience through its app, which is ideal for power users who want fine control, but it’s also stable enough that you set it up once and schedule cleanings and it will do its job without fuss.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni: The Ecovacs app is feature-packed as well, and it offers a few tricks the others don’t, but it has a reputation for being slightly less polished. One standout feature is the built-in YIKO voice assistant. This means you can speak commands directly to the robot without needing Alexa or Google. For example, saying “OK Yiko, clean under the sofa” or “Yiko, start mopping” will control the X2. In practice this can be hit-or-miss (voice recognition might struggle with accents or noisy environments), but it’s a neat addition for those who want hands-free control and don’t have an external smart speaker. The X2’s app supports remote monitoring: you can use the robot’s camera to stream video to your phone and even drive the robot around manually like a surveillance bot techradar.com. This “Video Manager” feature could let you check if you left the stove on or see what your pets are doing in another room. It’s password-protected and off by default for privacy, but it’s there as a bonus use-case. Like the others, Ecovacs lets you map multiple floors, name areas, set virtual boundaries and cleaning preferences per room. Scheduling is flexible (you can schedule specific rooms at specific times, and choose vacuum only, mop only, or both). A downside mentioned earlier is the room editing interface – if the app incorrectly auto-divides an open space, merging or adjusting it can be frustrating techradar.com. Some users also cite the Ecovacs app as occasionally laggy or prone to requiring reconnection/login if not used for a while. On the bright side, Ecovacs frequently runs software updates that add functionality. For example, they added Siri Shortcuts support so you can integrate with Siri (previously it was just Alexa/Google). They’ve also improved mapping and obstacle AI via updates. The app features a cleaning log with detailed stats – you can see each run’s duration, area covered, and a map of the path taken, which is great for debugging if something was missed. Another differentiator: Ecovacs sometimes includes interactive map icons; for instance, after mapping, it might place icons for furniture (sofa, bed) and you can tell it to clean around the sofa via voice, etc. This ties into Yiko’s ability to recognize commands like “clean around the dining table” by associating map regions. It’s quite futuristic, though how well it works depends on the accuracy of furniture detection (which you can edit). When it comes to voice assistant integration, Ecovacs works with Alexa and Google Assistant similarly to the others (e.g., “Alexa, ask Deebot to start cleaning”). Some users report that Alexa commands for Ecovacs aren’t as refined (“start cleaning” might only do auto mode, not specific room unless you set up routines). These are minor quirks. On the whole, the Deebot X2’s smart features are abundant – arguably more than iRobot’s – but the user experience can be a bit hit-or-miss. As one TechRadar review put it, some of the extra features like remote camera streaming are “nice, but unnecessary to most” techradar.com. The core functionality is sound, but Ecovacs’ software could use a bit more polish to match the slickness of iRobot or Roborock.

In summary, iRobot’s app is the most straightforward and solid for everyday use, with new intelligent automations (Dirt Detective) that require minimal user intervention. Roborock’s app offers the greatest control and integration (Matter support is a big plus for smart homes), making it ideal if you love tinkering with settings or using voice/home automation extensively. Ecovacs’ app is feature-rich (with unique perks like on-board voice commands and camera monitoring), but can be slightly less intuitive and occasionally glitchy in map management – not deal-breaking, but something to note if you’re not tech-savvy or patient with apps. All three apps are available for iOS/Android, and all three robots can be used without the app too (just by pressing the physical button for a basic auto-clean, though you lose the advanced mapping). But to truly unlock their capabilities, you’ll be living in the app.

Self-Emptying, Self-Cleaning Docks & Maintenance

One of the biggest selling points of these flagship models is the promise of hands-free maintenance. All three come with advanced docking stations that handle waste disposal and more, reducing how often you need to tend to the robot. Let’s compare these docks and the maintenance tasks required for each robot.

• Roomba Combo J9+ Clean Base Auto-Fill Dock: The Roomba J9+ includes the latest version of iRobot’s Clean Base, which now not only self-empties the dustbin but also auto-refills the robot’s water tank for mopping vacuumwars.com. The dustbin empties into a disposable bag inside the dock, with a capacity of about 60 days of debris under normal use. These bags are easy to swap (and store hygienically sealed dirt); they are an ongoing cost, but third-party alternatives exist if one wants cheaper refills. For water, the dock holds a reservoir of clean water (good for ~30 days of mopping, per iRobot) and automatically tops up the robot’s small internal tank when it docks. However – as discussed – the dock does not wash the mop pad. That means after a mopping job, the pad that’s been used is still attached to the robot, possibly damp and dirty. The user needs to remove and rinse it manually. The dock also doesn’t dry the pad (since it doesn’t wash it). So a best practice is to take off the pad after use and rinse/dry it, to avoid odors. Some might view the lack of pad washing as a negative, but iRobot deliberately chose this to keep the system simpler. The dock’s design is notably compact and stylish compared to others – iRobot gave it a faux-wood top panel and hidden storage for spare pads and bags. Reviews appreciated that it “looks cool…with its faux wood top” and doesn’t scream “appliance” in your home. It’s also a bit smaller than the Roborock/Ecovacs docks which have multiple canisters. Maintenance for Roomba’s dock: you’ll replace the dust bag every 1–2 months, refill the water tank occasionally (likely at the same time as you empty the dirty mop water on the other robots, which Roomba doesn’t have since it doesn’t collect dirty water). You’ll also clean the robot’s filters and brushes periodically (Roomba’s dual rollers are easy to remove and hair tends to get concentrated on them, which can be pulled off weekly or so). One big plus: iRobot’s reliability and support. If something goes wrong (say the auto-empty isn’t working well), iRobot has a strong customer service reputation and usually a robust warranty. The dock is simpler than the others (no pumps for dirty water, etc.), which could mean fewer things to break. But it does have a water pump for refilling, so there’s still some complexity beyond a basic vacuum dock.
• Roborock S9 MaxV Ultra RockDock Plus: Roborock’s Ultra dock (sometimes branded as RockDock) for the S7/S8 series was already impressive, and the Saros 10’s dock is an evolution. The S9’s dock is a 3-in-1 station: it empties dust, washes the mop pad, refills water, and dries the mop. It has two water tanks: one for clean water (to supply the mop washing and refilling) and one for dirty water (where the grimy water is pumped after cleaning the pad). It also likely uses a dust bag for auto-empty; Roborock’s S8 dock had a 2.5L bag. TechRadar notes “Both [Saros 10 and 10R] docks have the same gorgeous black mirrored finish… the 10’s dock has hidden water tanks and a push-to-open dustbin door, while the 10R’s has exposed tanks”. So the S9’s dock looks sleek – the water containers are concealed inside, and you press a panel to access the dust bag. This is nice because it looks tidier (the Ecovacs has visible tanks on top). The dock empties the robot’s bin with strong suction; in fact, the Saros 10’s dock was said to have stronger suction when auto-emptying than the 10R’s, which prevented hair clogs techradar.com. If you have lots of pet hair, Roborock seems to have optimized the suction path to avoid clogs in the 10’s dock – no user complaints there, whereas the 10R’s dock occasionally jammed with extreme amounts of hair. The pad washing is a significant convenience: after or during a mop session, the dock’s little wash tray will flood with water and the robot will scrub its vibrating pad against ridges to knock off dirt. Then the dirty water is vacuumed up into the waste tank. With the S9, Roborock reportedly added heated washing – meaning it might heat the water for better cleaning (80 °C as rumored) – and definitely added heated drying (to ~55 °C) so that the mop pad dries faster. Maintenance tasks: you’ll need to refill the clean water tank and empty the dirty water tank probably every few days or once a week depending on usage (if you mop daily, maybe weekly; if seldom, longer). You also replace the dust bag every 1–2 months like Roomba. The mop pad itself might occasionally need replacing after several months of use (they wear out). Roborock often provides spares in the box. Brushes and filters need regular cleaning: the S9’s dual brushes mean hair might accumulate at the ends; Roborock includes a cleaning tool comb to cut hair out. Filter should be rinsed or tapped out monthly. One potentially cool add-on: Roborock offers an Auto-Refill and Drainage upgrade dock (in some markets) that can plumb the dock to your home water lines. With that, it could auto-refill clean water and auto-drain waste water into a sink, making it truly hands-free for water management (though installation is a hassle). That’s beyond the scope for most, but it shows Roborock’s thinking about ultimate automation. The standard S9 dock is already one of the most autonomous solutions. The trade-off is complexity: the Roborock dock has more moving parts (pumps, fans, etc.). Generally, Roborock docks have been reliable, but there’s a bit more to maintain: e.g., you need to occasionally clean the mop washing tray for slime, and maybe wipe sensors or docking contacts. But by and large, people love not having to wash a mop or dump a bin for weeks on end.
• Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni Station: The X2’s Omni station is similarly comprehensive. It empties dust (into a bag ~2.5–3L that holds up to 60–90 days of debris), stores clean water and dirty water for mop cleaning, and washes and dries the mop pads. In terms of size, TechRadar called it “fairly slim for such a multi-functional product,” measuring about 15.5″ x 17.4″ x 20.8″ (which is actually a bit taller but slightly narrower than Roborock’s). The water tanks (4L clean, 3.5L dirty) are behind a door, and the dust bag is accessed via a front panel. The design is nice but maybe not as “hidden” as Roborock’s – the water tanks might be partly visible depending on model color. Functionally, the Omni station lets the X2 be very independent. It will return to base every 20–25 minutes of mopping to rinse its pads and re-wet them. It also lifts the pads slightly and spins them on a textured surface in the base to scrub off dirt, then sucks that water into the dirty tank. After cleaning, it blows warm air to dry the pads (Ecovacs advertised ~2 hours drying at 40–50 °C to prevent mildew). The base has a little removable plate where the robot sits – you’re meant to take that out and clean it occasionally since dirty water and debris can collect there. Ecovacs includes a small bottle of cleaning solution that can be added to the water tank for better mop performance (the base can mix it in as it cleans pads). Maintenance: you’ll likely refill/empty water tanks on a similar schedule to Roborock – maybe weekly. The dirty water tank can get smelly if left too long, so one must remember to dump it (the app usually reminds you). The dust bag replacement schedule is similar (every month or two). One interesting note: TechRadar’s review mentioned “deals are widely available” that mitigate the X2’s expensive consumables – by mid-2024, the X2 had seen discounts and maybe bundle deals on pads/bags. As for wear parts: the two mop pads are velcro-attached; they need periodic washing (though the robot self-cleans them, you might still want to toss them in the laundry occasionally) and replacement after they fray. The side brush on the X2 is just one, but it’s a custom shape; check it for hair tangles weekly. The main brush being all rubber is easy to clean – hair tends to gather at the edges, which slide off. Ecovacs also typically provides extra side brushes and maybe an extra set of pads in the box. One more maintenance consideration: software upkeep. Ecovacs often releases updates, which are applied via app. Some early X2 users had to reset maps or troubleshoot connectivity – these are not physical maintenance, but part of owning a sophisticated device.

Between the docks, Roomba’s Clean Base is the simplest (no dirty water handling) and smallest footprint, but lacks mop self-cleaning so you spend a bit more time maintaining the mop. Roborock’s Ultra dock is highly functional and relatively refined in design (hidden tanks, etc.), offering a near hands-free experience for weeks at a time. Ecovacs’ Omni station matches Roborock in functionality, and some tests suggest its pad washing is very effective (with hot water and a sturdy brush pattern in the base). Both Roborock and Ecovacs docks make a bit of noise when emptying (vacuum motor noise) and when washing (water pumping sounds). The Roomba’s emptying is also loud (all these vacuums sound like a loud vacuum for ~5–10 seconds when emptying debris – that’s normal). None of the docks are particularly quiet devices given all they do, but they only operate briefly at certain times.

One differentiator: Detergent usage. Ecovacs explicitly supports a cleaning solution in the water (and sells their own). Roborock historically said just use water (though newer might allow a bit of solution). iRobot also says just use water in the tank; they don’t have a specific solution for J9+. If using a solution, one must be careful not to gum up internal pumps. Ecovacs providing one suggests their system is designed for it.

From a user perspective, these docks fulfill the dream of not touching a vacuum for weeks. A TechRadar verdict put it succinctly for X2 Omni: “It’s very, very expensive – although that’s not such an issue now, because deals are widely available.” “The things that keep it from being one of the best options for set-and-forget is that it’s not great at mopping edges… and the price tag.” techradar.com. In other words, the automation is there, and it works brilliantly, but you pay for it. The Roborock S9 is similarly pricey; the Roomba J9+ launched high but saw price cuts possibly due to competition. In maintenance terms, any of these is light-years ahead of basic robots that you have to empty every run and manually mop behind. Your interaction is mostly just topping up consumables occasionally and minor cleanups.

Design and Build Quality

While functionality is key, design and build quality affect how these robots fit into your home life – from how they look parked in the living room to how durable they feel. Let’s examine the physical design elements and build of each model, including any notable design pros/cons.

Roomba Combo J9+: The Roomba J9+ sticks with the traditional round form factor (13.7 inches in diameter, 3.4 inches tall) in a two-tone finish (black and dark gray). It looks like a typical Roomba at first glance, with the central “Clean” button on top – except it has the added mop arm mechanism. When the mop is attached, you can actually see the pad folded up over the top of the robot when in dry mode. This is a pretty thoughtful design: rather than just lifting an inch, the entire pad assembly swings up and rests on the robot’s top surface, secured by a magnetic latch. When deployed for mopping, it comes down and presses into the floor. This moving arm could have been a weak point, but iRobot has experience from the smaller Braava jet m6 and J7+ Combo. Users report it works smoothly and is sturdy. The J9+ uses iRobot’s classic dual rubber brushrolls on the underside – a proven design that resists tangles and lasts long (the rubber material doesn’t wear quickly and is easy to rinse off). It has one side-sweeping brush (bristle style) to gather edge debris. The front has a low-profile camera + LED light window for obstacle detection. There’s also a wall sensor on the side to help it trace along walls without bumping. The overall build feels premium, as expected from iRobot’s top model. Many users comment that Roombas “just last” – it’s not uncommon to see 5+ year old Roombas still running with battery or part swaps, due to solid construction and availability of parts. The J9+ in particular has an IPX4 water-resistant rating on certain components (since it deals with water in the tank). The dustbin and water tank are combined in one module that you can remove; it’s on the smaller side (250 ml dust, 210 ml water), but the auto-empty mitigates the dust capacity concern. A small design con: At 3.4″ tall plus LiDAR turret (if any), it’s not the absolute slimmest – some couches might have 3″ clearance so it might barely scrape or not go under. However, it’s shorter than Roborock’s turret extended height (3.8″). Aesthetic: iRobot gave the J9 series a slight facelift with that woodgrain dock top and overall a modern, clean look. It should blend into home decor reasonably well (it’s less industrial-looking than Roborock’s black mirror dock, for instance). One more build aspect: iRobot’s bumper is known to be gentle; it has spring suspension and a soft touch, which is good for furniture. But as noted, it might bump more often than others which stop before contact. The Roomba J9+ has shock-absorbing materials around it, and sensors to slow down when approaching walls.

Roborock S9 MaxV Ultra (Saros 10): The S9 (Saros 10) has a slightly different shape compared to earlier S-series: it still is basically round, but it has a domed LiDAR turret that can retract. When the turret is down, the top of the robot is mostly flat except for a slight outline where the sensor is. The robot’s height with turret down is only 3.14″ (which is extremely low for a LiDAR bot). With turret up, it’s around 3.8–4″ tall. The color scheme for Saros is usually a matte black (Saros 10R had white and black options; not sure if 10 is black-only). It has LED indicators on top and three buttons (Clean, Power, Dock). The build quality of Roborock flagships is typically excellent – sturdy plastics, tight tolerances, and well-thought module design. The S9 uses the DuoDivide brush system: two smaller brush rollers side by side, with a gap between them to reduce hair tangling. This differs from iRobot’s dual brushes which are contiguous; Roborock’s idea is that splitting them and offsetting heights can improve debris pickup and lessen jams. Early feedback indicates it works well (and indeed, TechRadar noted no hair clogs on the brushes themselves) techradar.com. The S9 also has a novel side brush: the FlexiArm Riser side brush that can extend out further and even lift itself when not needed. This presumably helps reach into corners, then retract to avoid flicking dirt when not at edges. Such mechanical complexity shows Roborock’s engineering prowess – and potential points of failure, though Roborock usually designs these well. Another design highlight: The retractable LiDAR turret. It’s spring-loaded to pop up when the robot needs to scan, and can drop when heading under furniture. There is always a concern: any moving part can wear out or get stuck if debris gets in. But Roborock likely tested it extensively. It’s a very “sci-fi” looking feature and differentiator. Derek Adams (TechRadar) humorously noted “I prefer the look of the 10 with its sci-fi pop-up LiDAR” techradar.com – it’s indeed a conversation piece. In terms of durability, Roborock’s track record with the S series is strong; owners often report their units going strong for years. Spare parts (filters, brushes, even batteries) are available, albeit maybe not as easily retail as Roomba’s, but Amazon or online stores have them. The S9 MaxV Ultra’s dock is quite large and shiny. Some might not love a big black tower in the corner, but others find it sleek. It’s certainly one of the more modern looking appliances. Build quality of the dock is good – it has magnetic latches, sealed water tanks, etc. One issue to watch: if you have very dusty environment, the clear tubes in any dock (Roborock/Ecovacs) can get clogged if not emptied regularly. But design-wise, Roborock’s solution to hide water tanks behind closed panels in the Saros 10 dock is a plus for aesthetics.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni: The X2 Omni has by far the most radical design departure: it’s square-shaped (with rounded corners). It looks like a flat, square robot vacuum (some might joke it resembles a giant smart thermostat or something when seen from top-down). The reasoning was to allow a wider frontal cleaning span and better edge alignment. It measures 350×350 mm (13.78″ each side), so roughly the same footprint as a round robot of that diameter, just not circular. It’s also heavier (9.37 lbs vs ~8 lbs for others), likely due to added components. The square design pushes the single side brush out to a front corner (the front-left corner has the brush). The main brush spans nearly the full width of the front, and interestingly is all rubber with fins (no bristles), which the TechRadar review said “keeps it from having tangle issues.”. The X2 Omni has no tower – all sensors are flush. It has what appears to be a small periscope-like sensor on top (possibly LiDAR under a semi-circular bulge) and a camera + sensors on the front. This gives it a very low profile relative to its width. It’s about 4.2″ tall, which is higher than Roborock turret-down, but lower than older turret bots. The square shape can be a double-edged sword: it’s great for fitting into corners, but as one Redditor noted, the first-gen square design “had more issues with getting out of harder situations than the circle shaped ones” – perhaps corners can get hung up if the path planning isn’t perfect. The robot might occasionally align in a tight spot and struggle to pivot out. However, the X2 has the full suite of anti-stuck routines (it can wiggle, back up slowly, etc.). Build quality on the X2 is high – the finish is matte, and it comes in black or white variants. The top has a LED status ring and three touch buttons (auto clean, spot clean, return to dock). Ecovacs included neat design touches like a flip-open dustbin lid (you can access the dustbin from the top to manually empty if needed or to clean the filter). The water reservoir is internal (it’s small, and gets refilled at dock, so not user-accessed often). The two mopping pads attach under the unit with a twist-lock mechanism, making them easy to remove. The pads sit almost edge-to-edge on the bottom, which is why edges of walls are tough for it – no overhang. Durability: Ecovacs had some reports with previous models (X1 Omni) of wheel motor issues or such, but it’s too early to have long-term data on X2. The design does incorporate new omni-directional wheels and even suspension – apparently the X2 can raise/lower its wheels slightly to better climb obstacles (advertised as up to 22 mm, nearly 0.87″). In one Ecovacs blurb they mention “AdaptiLift chassis” that optimizes obstacle crossing. Mechanically, that’s a moving part that hopefully holds up. Ecovacs robots are generally solid, but perhaps not as renowned for longevity as iRobot. Replacement parts (filters, brushes, etc.) are readily available. Ecovacs also usually provides a 1-year warranty and has service centers in many countries.

From a design POV, Roomba J9+ is a safe, practical design with the notable innovation of the mop arm. Roborock S9 is high-tech looking with the pop-up LiDAR and is very much the “premium gadget” vibe. Ecovacs X2 is stylish and different – it might appeal if you’re tired of round robots. All three are built to premium standards, but iRobot and Roborock have slightly stronger reputations for long-term support (Ecovacs is improving, but historically, iRobot’s been best for replacement part supply and customer service). If you have low furniture, Roborock (turret down) and X2 might reach more spots than Roomba, ironically, since Roomba’s LiDAR (if non-retractable) makes it a bit taller – though iRobot hasn’t published turret height explicitly. If design integration into home decor matters: the Roomba’s dock with wood accent might blend into hardwood floor environments, Roborock’s glossy black dock looks high-end but noticeable, Ecovacs’ is kind of appliance-like (especially the white version might look like an air purifier). None are downright ugly; in fact, these represent the best-designed docks so far on the market.

User Reviews and Feedback (as of August 2025)

To round out the comparison, it’s important to consider real-world user experiences. Early adopters and everyday users often surface issues or delights that formal reviews don’t capture. Here’s a summary of what owners have been saying about each model on forums, social media, and retail sites, up to August 2025:

Roomba Combo J9+: Users generally praise the J9+ for reliability and cleaning performance. Many Roomba loyalists upgrading from older models (e.g. i7 or j7) notice significantly improved suction and much smarter navigation. Common positive remarks include: “Cleans my pet-hair-filled carpets in one pass”, “Doesn’t get stuck on socks like my old one”, and “The mop feature actually works without wetting my rugs!”. The Dry Rug Intelligence is a fan favorite – people love that they don’t have to babysit the robot to avoid carpets when mopping. One user on Reddit confirmed “so far, the j9+ avoids walls and obstacles much better than the i7+”, indicating a tangible improvement in AI navigation reddit.com. The app’s Dirt Detective also gets shoutouts for convenience, though some say it’s a bit gimmicky (“it scheduled my kitchen to clean first – nice, but not something I couldn’t do myself”). Negative feedback for the J9+ is relatively sparse but worth noting: a few users felt the robot was too “aggressive” in how it physically navigates. The J9+ was reported by one to bump into baseboards and door corners with more force than expected, possibly in an effort to clean edge seams. No damage was typically done (it’s got a cushioned bumper), but it can make a thud. Another user chimed in asking if it’s actually good at gentle obstacle avoidance, which led to mixed answers – some said yes, others said it still nudges things but avoids major hazards. There was also a mention of battery life: officially ~90 minutes, which is shorter than others. In practice, one PureWow review noted they got ~120 minutes on a charge in an apartment, but in larger homes, it might need to recharge mid-clean. Charging the Roomba fully takes a couple of hours, so a few users found it “annoying if it has to recharge because it waits quite a while”. However, recharge-and-resume is automatic, so it’s not a deal-breaker. A notable complaint came from an Amazon Canada review (July 2025) that said “after using j9+ for a year now, I can confidently say I wasted my money on a useless product”, citing issues like getting stuck and not cleaning well for them. It’s hard to know if that’s a defective unit or unrealistic expectation; it seems an outlier given most others find it excellent. On warranty/service, a few users have mentioned that iRobot (now under Amazon’s umbrella as acquisition is underway) has been very responsive – sending replacement parts or even unit replacements quickly when problems arose, which gives confidence in after-sales support.

Roborock S9 MaxV Ultra (Saros 10): Since this model is relatively new (launched in early 2025), user feedback is still accumulating. Early reviews from enthusiasts on Reddit and forums are largely positive about its cleaning prowess and features. People coming from Roborock S5/S6 or other brands are impressed by how much can be automated: “It’s so nice not to have to mop or empty anything manually – the dock does it all.” The suction power is often highlighted, sometimes humorously: “This thing could probably pull tiles off the floor with 22kPa!” (obviously hyperbole, but it conveys that on max mode it’s very strong – though most run it on balanced/quiet normally). The object avoidance is noted as improved over the S8 MaxV. Some who had the S8 MaxV Ultra say the S9 (Saros 10) seems to avoid cables and small obstacles a bit better, possibly due to refined sensors, even without a dedicated camera. The retractable LiDAR gets a thumbs up for style points and also function – owners mention it “actually ducking” under low furniture then popping back up, which is fun to watch. However, a few issues have popped up: one, the auto-empty dock noise. Roborock’s empty cycle is loud (as are all), but a couple of users felt the frequency of empties is high by default (after every room or so). You can change the setting to empty less frequently if desired. Another point: some owners of the Saros 10R (the twin model with spinning mops) encountered dock clogging with pet hair, but Saros 10 (S9) users generally haven’t – still, it’s something people keep an eye on, cleaning out the dust intake if they have heavy-shedding pets. On Reddit, a user Nexxxes eagerly awaiting the 10R in Europe said “I can’t wait, they are much better than the S8… main differences are LiDAR system and mop pads”, showing community excitement for the new series. This indicates a sentiment that the Saros/S9 series is a solid upgrade. Build quality feedback: several have commented the Saros feels robust, “not cheap thin plastic… feels more solid with nice finishes”. One more bit: software. Roborock is typically good, but some early adopters did mention a firmware update or two was needed to iron out minor bugs (like the side brush occasionally not extending in certain scenarios – which a firmware 3.x fixed). By August 2025, these robots have had a few months of patches, so stability is reported as very good. In all, user feedback paints the Roborock S9 as a true do-it-all powerhouse, with people particularly happy about not having to pre-tidy as much (the obstacle avoidance keeps it from choking on random items) and about the cleaning performance on mixed floors (adjusting suction automatically on carpet etc.). The biggest hurdle is cost – many say “I love it, but only got it on a sale/with coupons” because $1599 is steep. With frequent sales (maybe $200–300 off on shopping events), users felt it became a more reasonable buy given it replaces vacuuming and mopping chores effectively.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni: User feedback on the X2 Omni is somewhat mixed-positive. On the plus side, owners applaud its cleaning and mopping ability – numerous reports mention how much dirt it picks up and how floors “feel clean to the touch” after an X2 run. The obstacle avoidance gets special praise from pet owners: “it’s the first robot I’ve had that truly never smears the dog poop because it always sees it”, and “it navigates around my kids’ toy blocks without pushing them all over.” The square shape has fans who notice it “cleans corners better – I don’t see that little triangle of dust left behind like I did with my old Roomba.” Many also love the fact they hardly have to interact with it beyond refilling water and changing the bag. “I haven’t physically vacuumed or mopped in months – this thing does it all and my place is always clean,” said one early adopter on a tech forum. However, there are notable criticisms: the most common revolve around navigation quirks and software. As referenced earlier, some users found the X2 would occasionally get confused and lose its map position, leading it to wander or not return to the dock properly. One Reddit user Quirky-Customer5758 described that it “frequently roams around aimlessly as if not recognizing the map… constantly cannot find the charging base and gets stuck in areas it should navigate out of”. He was disappointed given the high price and had expected better navigation brains. Others replied that their experience wasn’t as bad, though a couple agreed navigation “does not seem much better than my old Deebot T8”. It appears some of these issues may be environment-specific or early firmware problems. Another point: the AI cleaning mode (where the bot decides to do extra cleaning on dirty spots) confused some users. The original poster thought it was useless because it would sometimes just clean one small area for 5 minutes for no obvious reason. Another user responded that for them the AI mode did learn and start focusing on frequently dirty areas after a few runs. So the AI mode might need time to calibrate or might not be worth using for everyone. App feedback: as noted, a few find the Ecovacs app a bit clunky – e.g., “the mapping took me a few tries to get right, and dividing rooms wasn’t straightforward.” But once set, the scheduled cleanings work fine. Build and hardware feedback: one user said “the bot itself looks very clean and sleek. It’s quite flat, a lot flatter than [my] Ecovacs X1.” They liked the premium feel. However, that same user commented the square design might be causing some of the nav issues for the algorithm, as the Reddit thread surmised “due to the first generation square shape, it had more issues in tight spaces”. Over time (and likely with firmware updates in 2024), many issues were reduced. By mid-2025, Ecovacs also launched newer models (like X5 Omni, X9 Pro) which might indicate some improvements or shifting focus, but the X2 Omni remains a top choice especially when discounted. Support: A few users had to contact Ecovacs support – experiences vary by region, but generally Ecovacs responds via email/app if you send logs. Some reported getting replacement parts shipped under warranty relatively fast. Not as lauded as iRobot’s support, but decent. Overall, those who got the X2 Omni on sale (like $1000 or below) feel it delivers great value for a high-end hybrid, while those who paid full price expected near-perfection and were let down by the navigation quirks. As firmware continues to update, user sentiment is improving. People absolutely love the object avoidance and cleaning quality, while still wishing the app and map management were a bit better.

Pricing and Value

Finally, let’s talk money. These robots are all premium products with premium price tags, but their pricing and value propositions in 2025 have evolved with sales and newer releases.

• Roomba Combo J9+ Price: Launched at $1,399.99, the J9+ was undoubtedly expensive, especially considering it lacked auto-mop washing. However, by mid-2025 iRobot has frequently discounted it. We’ve seen official price drops to $999 and even sale prices as low as $799 on iRobot’s site and major retailers irobot.com. In fact, as of this writing, iRobot is running a “Save $600” promo, pricing the J9+ at $799.99 (which is a huge cut). This aggressive pricing might be to stay competitive or clear inventory for a next model (there are rumors of a Combo J10 down the line, but nothing confirmed). At ~$800–900, the Roomba J9+ is actually a compelling value – it’s only a couple hundred more than mid-range robots but offers top-tier performance and the auto-empty + auto-refill dock. If it goes back to $1400 with no sale, then it’s a harder sell unless one specifically wants iRobot’s reliability and carpet-safe mop. But given the trend, it appears the street price is often below list. Value-wise, Roomba brings the assurance of the iRobot brand (long-term support, easy part availability) and arguably the best obstacle avoidance guarantee (POOP promise) which is worth something if you have pets. It lacks the auto-pad washing of the others, so if that’s crucial, you might find better value in the competitors at similar price. But some consumers might prefer not having dirty water sitting in a dock, etc. One Reddit thread even speculated if these big J9+ discounts mean it’s being discontinued or replaced – regardless, for consumers it means you can snag it for a lot less than initial MSRP.
• Roborock S9 MaxV Ultra Price: It retails at $1,599.99 (in US) and £1,499.99 (UK) techradar.com. Roborock tends to hold prices a bit firmer, especially for a new flagship, but they do occasional promotions. Since its launch in early 2025, the S9 might have seen bundle deals or limited discounts (for example, maybe $100–200 off during Prime Day or Chinese New Year sales). Still, it’s generally the most expensive of the three here if you pay full price. Is it worth $1600? If you absolutely want the most advanced robot with effectively every feature (except a mechanical arm – that’s in the Saros Z70 which is even more niche), then yes it consolidates vacuuming and mopping chores extremely well. It can genuinely replace a regular vacuum for most people and dramatically cut down manual mopping. Value comparisons: At $1600, it’s competing with not just these two but also others like the Dyson 360 Vis Nav (vacuum only, around $1000), and separate vacuum + mop combos (some people might opt for a Roomba S9+ plus a Braava for similar money). But none of those single solutions have the unified convenience of the S9 Ultra dock. If you find it on sale near $1300 (which was the S8’s launch price), it becomes more palatable. Another factor: Roborock’s known durability might give some buyers confidence to invest now and use it for say 4-5 years, which amortizes the cost (cheaper robots might need replacing sooner). And Roborock’s resale value tends to be decent if you upgrade later.
• Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni Price: Launched at $1,499.99 (and similar £1,299 in UK), the X2 Omni was pricey but a bit less than X1 Omni’s initial pricing. By Aug 2024, Ecovacs started offering “deals widely available” – TechRadar noted it was “not such an issue now” because of discounts. Indeed, the X2 has been seen on Amazon for $1,299, $1,099, even $999 during big sale events. There was even a strange listing of $700 at one point (perhaps a short-lived flash sale or price error). Typically, one could expect to pay around $1,099 or less in late 2024/2025, especially as Ecovacs has newer models (X5 Omni etc.). At ~$1000, the X2 Omni is actually a strong value – it offers the same bin empty + pad wash + dry features as the Roborock, similar suction and cleaning performance, at a lower cost. The key consideration is whether you’re okay with the slightly less refined software and the edge mopping limitation. For those with a lot of open hard flooring and a tech-friendly attitude (willing to tweak maps etc.), the X2 Omni at a discount is seen as a great all-in-one. Many users specifically waited for sales to buy it. Now, at full $1499, it’s harder to justify over a Roborock unless you specifically want the square design or found Roborock out of stock. But since Ecovacs often undercuts competitors on sale, the value can be very good. Vacuum Wars even crowned the Ecovacs Deebot X9 Pro (a variant) as their “Best Robot Vacuum of Mid-2025” for its performance vs price, indicating Ecovacs is pushing value. The X2 Omni, being one generation older than X9, might see further price drops as well.

In terms of warranty and support value: iRobot offers robust support in NA and EU (including easy returns to Amazon now), Roborock has 1-year (extendable to 2 in EU by law) and usually good support via their site or retailers – they’ve built a solid presence. Ecovacs has improved global support, but some users still find their customer service a bit slower or less accessible than iRobot’s. That is a “soft” part of value – if something breaks in 15 months, will you get help? iRobot might be the easiest in that scenario.

To conclude the pricing aspect: All three started as luxury home appliances costing as much as a mid-range TV or laptop. But by Aug 2025, sales have made them more reachable for enthusiasts. If you can grab the Roomba J9+ around $800–$900, it’s a steal for what you get (especially if you’re a “Roomba person” who trusts the brand and wants simplicity). The Roborock S9 Ultra, while most expensive, is sort of the “Mercedes” of robot cleaners – high performance, high price, arguably high satisfaction for those who invest. The Ecovacs X2 Omni positions itself as a feature-packed alternative often available at a discount – kind of the value-packed option if you catch a deal or don’t mind tinkering a bit. You really can’t go wrong with any of them if you find a price you’re comfortable with. They all aim to save you time and effort every single day, which for many people justifies spending over $1000 on a robot if it means no vacuuming or mopping manually again.

Conclusion

In the battle of Roomba Combo J9+ vs Roborock S9 MaxV Ultra vs Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni, each robot emerges as a powerful contender with its own strengths:

• iRobot Roomba Combo J9+ is a polished all-rounder with reliable cleaning performance, gentle-yet-smart navigation, and a unique mop design that absolutely keeps carpets dry. It’s the “safe choice” for those who prioritize a tried-and-true brand, easy app experience, and top-notch customer support. Its recent price drops also make it an attractive value. The trade-off is a lack of automatic mop washing, meaning a bit more manual work between runs – but if you’re okay rinsing a pad, the J9+ rewards you with a cleaner home and minimal babysitting. As one reviewer put it, “It’s the best vacuum-mop combo I’ve ever tested, worth every penny” for a hassle-free clean.
• Roborock S9 MaxV Ultra (Saros 10) is the technological tour-de-force. It offers the most suction, very sophisticated navigation, and a do-it-all RockDock that empties, scrubs, and dries for you. This is the robot vacuum for someone who wants the latest and greatest – essentially a flagship gadget that also happens to scrub your floors. Its ability to adapt (pop-up LiDAR, edge mini-mop, etc.) shows in real homes, navigating complex layouts and heavy messes with aplomb. The price is steep, but many owners feel it earns that premium by truly automating floor care. If you demand maximum convenience and are willing to pay for it, the Roborock S9 Ultra is arguably the peak of innovation in 2025’s robot vacuum world.
• Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni stands out for its unique design and comprehensive feature set. The square shape isn’t just a gimmick – it genuinely improves edge vacuuming and looks sleek doing so. Its object avoidance is best-in-class (a relief for pet owners and cluttered homes) techradar.com, and the Omni station takes care of every dirty aspect, from emptying dust to washing dirty mop water. While its software could be more refined, Ecovacs has shown commitment to updates, and users who get it working smoothly absolutely love the results – “spectacularly clean floors” and no manual mopping. For those who can forgive a few quirks in exchange for top-notch cleaning and hands-off maintenance, the X2 Omni is a fantastic option, especially when on sale.

In summary, all three models deliver on the core promise of vacuuming and mopping in one go, so you can spend less time cleaning. The right choice depends on your priorities:

• Choose Roomba Combo J9+ if you value a proven brand, simple reliability, and a carpet-safe mop (and you don’t mind washing a pad yourself). It’s a neutral, family-friendly pick that integrates easily with Alexa/Siri and keeps getting smarter with iRobot OS updates.
• Choose Roborock S9 MaxV Ultra if you want the most advanced, fully automated system and are okay with the premium price. It excels in larger homes, multi-pet households, and for tech enthusiasts who will use its myriad features (or anyone who simply wants the “Cadillac” of robot cleaners doing all the work, including mop self-cleaning, behind the scenes).
• Choose Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni if you’re looking for maximum cleaning power and convenience for the money. It often undercuts others on price while offering equivalent (or even superior) features like dual spinning mops and a robust auto-empty/wash base. Its object avoidance is a highlight, making it ideal for busy homes. Just be prepared to spend a little time fine-tuning the app mapping initially – after that, it’s mostly smooth sailing and gleaming floors.

In 2025, these robots represent the cutting edge of home cleaning. They’ve proven that the dream of a “robot maid” isn’t science fiction anymore – it’s here, it works, and it keeps getting better. Whether you go with Roomba’s blend of tradition and innovation, Roborock’s high-tech efficiency, or Ecovacs’ feature-packed workhorse, you’ll likely wonder how you ever lived without a robot taking care of the dirty work. The era of saying “Roomba, clean my kitchen” and coming back to spotless floors has truly arrived – and as these three models show, it’s impressive how far the technology has come.