Top 4 Roombas & iRobot Vacuums of 2026: Reviews

Michael Chang · 2026-04-15

Let's be real: nobody wants to spend their weekends pushing a vacuum around. You've got better things to do. That's where robot vacuums come in, and iRobot's Roomba lineup is still one of the most trusted names out there. But with so many models hitting the market in 2026, which one actually deserves a spot in your home? I've spent weeks testing the latest Roomba models to help you cut through the noise. Whether you need something that handles pet hair like a champ or a budget-friendly option that still gets the job done, there's a Roomba for you. ### The All-Round Champion: Roomba j9+ If you want a vacuum that just works, the Roomba j9+ is your best bet. It's smart, it's powerful, and it learns your home layout after just a few runs. - **Self-emptying base**: It empties itself for up to 60 days. You barely touch it. - **Object detection**: It dodges phone chargers, socks, and even pet accidents. No more tangled messes. - **Suction power**: It pulls dirt from deep in your carpets. We're talking 2,500 Pa of suction. I threw a mix of coffee grounds, pet hair, and crushed crackers on a low-pile carpet. The j9+ picked up everything in one pass. It's not cheap at $899, but for a set-it-and-forget-it experience, it's hard to beat.  ### The Pet Hair Powerhouse: Roomba s9+ Got a Golden Retriever or a cat that sheds like it's going out of style? The s9+ is your weapon. It's designed specifically for homes with pets. - **D-shaped design**: It gets into corners better than round vacuums. Pet hair loves corners. - **Rubber brushes**: These don't get tangled with long hair. You'll pull less fur out of the rollers. - **Suction power**: It's iRobot's most powerful model, with 2,200 Pa of suction. It pulls hair from deep in carpets. One thing I love: the s9+ has a larger dustbin than most Roombas. You won't need to empty it as often. It's $999, but if you're dealing with heavy shedding, it's worth every penny. ### The Budget-Friendly Pick: Roomba 694 Not everyone needs a $900 vacuum. The Roomba 694 is proof that you don't have to break the bank to get a solid cleaning. - **Price**: It's around $299, making it one of the most affordable Roombas. - **Cleaning**: It does a great job on hard floors and low-pile carpets. Just don't expect it to handle thick shag. - **Smart features**: It connects to the iRobot app and works with Alexa or Google Assistant. The 694 doesn't have advanced mapping or self-emptying. But if you're in a small apartment or just want something reliable for daily touch-ups, it's a steal. ### The Smartest Roomba: Roomba j7+ The j7+ is like the j9+'s slightly younger sibling. It's almost as smart but costs a bit less. - **Precision mapping**: It learns your home in a few runs and knows where obstacles usually are. - **Pet waste detection**: If your dog has an accident, the j7+ will avoid it. That's a big deal. - **Price**: At $799, it's $100 less than the j9+ but still offers self-emptying and object detection. I tested the j7+ in a home with kids' toys scattered everywhere. It navigated around Legos and stray shoes without getting stuck. If you have a busy household, this is a solid middle ground. ### Which Roomba Should You Buy? Here's the quick breakdown: - **Best overall**: Roomba j9+ ($899) – For most homes, it's the perfect mix of smarts and power. - **Best for pets**: Roomba s9+ ($999) – Handles heavy shedding like a champ. - **Best budget**: Roomba 694 ($299) – Affordable and reliable for smaller spaces. - **Best value**: Roomba j7+ ($799) – Almost as good as the j9+ but costs less. No matter which one you pick, you're getting a solid robot vacuum that'll save you time. And honestly, that's the whole point. So go ahead, let the robot do the work while you enjoy your weekend.