iRobot Roomba Combo j7+
This smart 2-in-1 robot vacuum cleaner is a home essential, offering powerful suction, smart mapping, automatic dirt disposal, mopping capability, and sleek design.
Buy on AmazonRobot vacuums with high-end features like obstacle avoidance, self-emptying bins, and mopping usually come with a steep price tag — often exceeding $1,000. But the iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ packs many of those same premium capabilities at a far more reasonable price.
The j7+ is smart enough to recognize and avoid pet waste, preventing messy accidents before they happen. It’s also voice assistant-compatible, so you can control it hands-free using Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant. And with its combo functionality, it vacuums and mops simultaneously, streamlining your cleaning routine.
Though it’s not flawless, the Roomba Combo j7+ stands out as one of the best value-packed robot vacuums for those wanting premium features without the premium cost.
Design
At first glance, the Roomba Combo j7+ looks nearly identical to the more affordable j5+ — and in many ways, it is. Both offer smart mapping, object detection (yes, even pet waste), and a sleek, modern design. But the j7+ pulls ahead with one major advantage: its retractable mop lifts automatically when it detects carpet, allowing for seamless transitions between hard floors and rugs. No need to swap bins or make adjustments — it’s full automation at its finest.
Beyond that, the j7+ delivers the same high-precision navigation thanks to its front-facing camera and LED light, helping it dodge clutter and navigate your home with ease. It also features the same powerful cleaning system: strong suction, a tri-brush setup, and all-terrain wheels designed to handle everything from hardwood to high-pile rugs.
The j7+ includes a Clean Base for self-emptying, which is a standout perk at this tier. Once the internal dustbin is full, the robot automatically docks, empties itself, and gets back to work. The base holds up to 60 days’ worth of dirt, drastically cutting down on maintenance time.
Polished design elements like the leather pull tab and satisfying snap of the Clean Base lid add to the premium experience. Even upkeep is budget-friendly, with replacement bags running around $14 for a three-pack on Amazon. All told, the Roomba Combo j7+ offers flagship features with hands-free ease, making it one of the smartest investments in home cleaning tech.
Performance
The Roomba Combo j7+ delivered impressive results in objective testing, earning a strong overall score of 91.81. While it trails slightly behind the ultra-premium Roomba s9+ (96.83), it still ranks among the top performers—offering many of the same smart features at a considerably lower price point.
Compared to other top-tier competitors like the Roborock S4 Max (96.25), the j7+ holds its own with a blend of strong performance, obstacle avoidance, and intelligent navigation. While the s9+ edges it out in raw power and cleaning depth, it also costs about $400 more, making the j7+ a compelling option for those seeking a balance of value and capability.
In real-world use, the j7+ consistently avoided household clutter, including cords, furniture, and even pet waste—thanks to its PrecisionVision Navigation. Its advanced mapping and object detection helped it clean efficiently, delivering reliable coverage and smart rerouting when encountering obstacles.
The j7+’s retractable mop is a standout feature. Unlike models that require manual swapping between vacuum and mop modes, the j7+ automatically lifts its mop when it senses carpet, transitioning between surfaces with zero input from you. While it doesn’t offer the scrubbing action of dedicated mopping robots like the Braava jet m6, it provides a solid light mopping function that freshens up hard floors, especially when paired with iRobot-approved cleaning solutions.
All things considered, the Roomba Combo j7+ is a top-tier performer that brings flagship features—like self-emptying, smart navigation, and automatic mop retraction—to a more accessible price point. It’s a smart pick for anyone wanting advanced multi-surface cleaning without breaking the bank.
Final Verdict
The Roomba Combo j7+ stands out as a highly capable and well-rounded robot vacuum, offering smart features and strong performance that rival even higher-end models. It reliably detects and avoids obstacles—including pet waste—follows scheduled cleanings, and works seamlessly with voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant for hands-free control.
While it doesn’t top the charts in pet hair pickup, its performance is still on par with premium models like the Roomba j9+, making it a dependable choice for most households. Its real strength lies in versatility: the j7+ combines vacuuming and mopping in one go, thanks to its retractable mop arm that automatically lifts when it detects carpet—no manual swapping required.
This hands-free transition between surfaces sets the j7+ apart from more budget models like the j5+, which require bin changes. That extra convenience makes a big difference in daily use and adds to the j7+’s appeal as a near-fully automated cleaning companion.
For those willing to invest a little more for a smoother, smarter experience, the Roomba Combo j7+ offers excellent value. It brings many of the best features in iRobot’s lineup together in one sleek, intelligent package—without the sky-high price of the s9+.