The newest Roomba j7+ and base model j7 are the latest Roomba models released and start a new model series in the Roomba lineup – the j series. How does it compare with the i model series and the i7 and i7+?
This article will compare the two base models Roomba i7 vs j7 and Plus+ models Roomba i7+ vs j7+.
If you’re in a hurry, the j7+ is a better deal compared to the i7+. It’s especially worth considering if you have pets. The j7 and j7+ comes with the new PrecisionVision Navigation feature that helps it navigate around pet waste, electrical cords, toys, and other obstacles on the floor.
For a comparison overview of all Roomba vacuums, check out the Best Roomba Comparison article.
Roomba i7+ vs j7+ Features
Let’s start by discussing the different types of Roomba robot vacuum models are available for each one.They both have Standard and Plus models:
- Roomba i7 and i7+
- Roomba j7 and j7+ (Complete Roomba j7+ Review)
Plus Features – Clean Base and Self-Empty
The sole difference between the standard (i7 and i7+) and plus models (i7+ and j7+) is the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal Self-Emptying docking station.
The Roomba i7 and i7+ are the same robot vacuum, technical specifications and features, but they charge on different docking stations. The i7+ docks on the Clean Base unit, which allows it to self-empty itself.
Similar to the i7/i7+, the Roomba j7 and j7+ base vacuums are the exact same, but recharge and dock on different units. The j7+ model can self-empty on the Clean Base unit.
The biggest advantage of the Clean Base unit and why you want the Plus models is you only need to empty the Clean Base once every 60 days. The Clean Base will hold up to 30 dustbins of dust, debris, and dirt, up to 60 days worth!
If you have a large home and run your Roomba every day, you’ll need to empty the Clean Base unit more than every 60 days.
If you have a smaller budget, you can buy the standard Roomba i7 or j7 first without the Clean Base. The Clean Base can be purchased separately for both, but the j7+ one is harder to find online.
Design, Size, and Weight
Both the Roomba i7+ and j7+ have the circular shape which Roomba robot vacs are known for.
As far as size and weight go, the Roomba j7+ is slightly heavier than the i7+, but both are compact enough to fit into most spaces.
| Roomba j7 and j7+ | Roomba i7+ | |
| Weight | 3.4 kg (7.49 lbs) | 3.3 kg (7.28 lbs) |
| Height | 8.6 cm (3.4 inches) | 9.2 cm (3.62 inches) |
| Shape | Circular | Circular |
The Roomba j7+ has a modern stainless steel and chrome design that feels “new”. The Roomba i7+ has a great gray and black combination that’s sleek.
Another major difference between the two models is the number of buttons on the top. The Roomba i7+ has the 3 buttons – Clean, Home, and Spot – that other Roomba models have. iRobot has redesigned its latest robotic vacuum cleaner, the Roomba j7+ to be simpler with just one button – Clean.
The lack of buttons is not a major issue because you can control all the robot’s functions through voice commands and the mobile app. More details below.
Battery and Capacity
The Roomba i7+ and j7+ utilize lithium-ion batteries for efficient charging and usage. They both also have a run time of 75 minutes.
The run time isn’t a major factor as they both also have the Recharge and Resume feature, so they will automatically recharge when they’re low on battery. Once they’re done recording after a couple of hours, they’ll head back to the spot they stopped to resume cleaning.
The Recharge and Resume feature is great because I don’t need to manually charge the Roomba during cleaning sessions. And if you get the Plus models with the Clean Base, there’s no need to manually empty the dustbins.
Cleaning Technology System and Suction Power
The Roomba i7+ and j7+ both feature iRobot’s Premium 3-Stage Cleaning System to loosen, lift and suck up dirt and debris.
They use a combination of brushes, high-efficiency HEPA filters, and cyclonic technology to remove allergens and pollutants from the air.
The Roomba i7+ and j7+ are both equipped with 10x the suction power of the Roomba 600 series models. That gives them the ability to suck up debris and dirt from tile floors, hardwood floors, and carpets.
Dual Brush Rollers and Edge Sweeping Brushes
Both the Roomba i7+ and Roomba j7+ have dual multi-surface brush rollers that sit in the middle of the robot vacuums. The brushes are the first part of the 3-stage cleaning system. They agitate carpets and debris to make it easier to suck up dirt and debris.
Rubber brushes are made of rubber, which makes them less likely to get tangled up with pet hair than nylon bristle brushes. Using old-fashioned brushes will cause tangles of both human hair and pet hair that are extremely difficult to untangle.
Both models come with edge-sweepers for wall edges and corners. But with its circular design, it won’t reach all the way into every corner, so you may need to manually do a little cleaning.
Another cool feature of the brush rollers is their ability to adapt to different floor heights, including moving from carpet to hardwood floors to rugs. The roller will self-adjust to different heights.
Filters and Dustbin Capacities
The Roomba i7+ and j7+ robot vacuums come with High-Efficiency Filters built-in. They’re rated just shy of HEPA-level filters, but still, block and capture 99% of allergens and dust.
If you want HEPA filters, you can easily find them online on Amazon or other online stores. The authentic iRobot filters will be high-efficiency, so you will need to buy a third-party filter.
Both the Roomba j7+ and i7+ have 500-ml dustbins that are washable, but you don’t have to worry about the dustbin size because of the Clean Base units with the Plus models.
If you don’t get the Plus versions, the 500-ml size is still one of the larger dustbin sizes that Roomba provides, so there’s less manual emptying.
The Roomba j7+ features the new PrecisionVision Navigation with an onboard camera that helps the robot vacuum avoid pet poop, electric cords, and other obstacles.
The ability to avoid obstacles like dog poop and cat poop is something that many Roomba owners have been wanting. Roomba owners with kids will also love the way the j7+ will avoid toys. You don’t need to remember to look for and pick up any pet feces off the floor before the Roomba starts cleaning too.
iRobot has included the P.O.O.P. (Pet Owner Official Promise) guarantee with the Roomba j7+. If Roomba runs over cat or dog poop, iRobot will replace your j7+ for free! The guarantee is for one year too.
The Roomba i7+ and j7+ come with iAdapt 3.0 Smart Navigation and Imprint Smart Mapping. They will both map your home’s floor layout for efficient cleaning. You can name the different areas and rooms of your house, so you can tell Roomba what rooms to clean.
You won’t be able to do that with the lower-end and older Roomba vacuums. They will not move and clean as efficiently, so it will take them longer to clean your home. The i7+ and j7+ will move in straight lines according to how your home is configured, so the cleaning will be efficient.
These two models will allow you to create “Keep Out Zones” in the iRobot app, so you can tell the Roomba to avoid cleaning those areas.
With the Imprint Smart Mapping Technology on both the i7+ and j7+, you can sync the cleaning maps with a Braava jet m6 robot mop. That will let the m6 start mopping any areas that have already been vacuumed by the Roomba.
iRobot Home App with iRobot Genius
With the iRobot Home app, you can connect to Wi-Fi-connected Roombas, so you can schedule cleanings and customize cleaning maps.
With the latest update to iRobot Genius, you can now create schedules for both the Roomba j7+ and i7+. Genius will analyze your personal cleaning habits and then create customized cleaning schedules for you.
It can also look things up like local area pollen counts, when pet shedding season is and when to schedule extra cleanings to help keep your place spotless, so it can plan for these events.
The iRobot Roomba app gives you extra features including:
- Voice control (with a smart device with Alexa)
- Start, Pause, Stop Cleanings
- Smart Maps
- Zoned Cleaning
- Cleaning History
- Send Robot Back to Charge
Care and Maintenance
It is important to keep the Roomba robot vacuuming as it is to keep the Roombas running optimally for the longest possible time It will help you cut costs and save time in the long run
Here are maintenance tips to keep in mind:
- Empty and Clean Dustbin – Don’t let the dust and debris build up in the dustbin. Be sure to empty the Roomba after each cleaning session.
- Clean the Filters – Keep your Roomba air filters clean, so they don’t clog. Replacing filters every few months is a great idea. If you’re regularly using the Roomba or if your home is dirtier than usual, be sure to clean its filters.
- Clean the Brush Rollers – Remove pet and human hair in the brushes, so the hair won’t get caught in the motor and cause it to overheat.
- Clean the Edge Sweeping Brush – Similar to the main brushes, be sure to remove hair and debris from the side brush.
iRobot Select Membership
With this new iRobot Select membership program, you can buy a more expensive Roomba on a monthly payment schedule It’s a good idea if you don’t have enough money to buy the item at full price right now.
The Roomba Select program began October 2021, but is only available for the Roomba j7 and j7+.
The benefits of a select membership include a premium protection plan and the ability to upgrade your robot vacuum cleaner every three years if you want to. With iRobot, you’ll always be up-to-date with the latest technology for effective and efficient cleaning!
iRobot also has an accessory replenishment feature, so you can be sure you’re always stocked up with replacement accessories.
In addition to an activation fee of $99 for the j7+ or $0 for the j7, the accessory option has a monthly payment of $29.
The iRobot customer service team will also be available to support Select members.
Roomba i7+ vs j7+ Who is Each Roomba For?
The Roomba i7+ and j7+ are both great robot vacuum cleaners, but there are differences between them that will make one better than the other for different situations.
- Pet owners should get the new Roomba j7+ that avoids pet poop and gives you the P.O.O.P. guarantee.
- Families with kids should buy the Roomba j7+ for the Precision Vision Navigation that will enable the Roomba to avoid obstacles.
- For those on a budget, the Roomba j7+ will be the better option because you can make monthly payments as part of the iRobot Select Membership.
Roomba i7+ vs j7+ Final Thoughts
The Roomba j7+ and i7+ are similar robots with the key difference of poop and obstacle detection in the j7+. There’s not a large price difference between the two either, so the Roomba j7+ provides better value for your money overall.
For other comparisons and reviews to help you with your purchasing decisions, check these out:
