iRobot Roomba s9+ (s955020) Robot Vacuum Review roomba s9 Buying Guide – Oemiu
The iRobot Roomba s9+ (s955020): A Premium Robot Vacuum with Powerful Cleaning
The iRobot Roomba s9+ (s955020) stands out as a premium offering in the crowded robot vacuum market. It promises powerful cleaning, smart navigation, and the convenience of automatic dirt disposal, positioning itself as a top-tier solution for maintaining a spotless home. This review delves into the key features, performance, and overall value of the Roomba s9+, dissecting its strengths and weaknesses to determine if it justifies its high price tag.
Design and Key Features:
The Roomba s9+ boasts a unique D-shaped design, engineered to effectively reach corners and edges that traditional circular robots often miss. This design choice, coupled with iRobot’s advanced Corner Brush, allows the s9+ to dig deep into edges and sweep debris into its path. The machine features a high-efficiency filter that traps 99% of allergens, pollen, and dust mites, making it a suitable choice for allergy sufferers and households with pets.
One of the most appealing aspects of the Roomba s9+ is its self-emptying base. The Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal system allows the robot to automatically empty its dustbin into a disposable bag, holding up to 30 bins of dirt and debris. This significantly reduces the frequency of manual emptying, freeing up valuable time and minimizing contact with dust and allergens.
Under the hood, the s9+ houses a powerful motor and iRobot’s superior cleaning system, providing significantly more suction power compared to previous Roomba models. This enhanced suction is crucial for effectively picking up embedded dirt, pet hair, and larger debris from carpets and hard floors. The s9+ also features dual multi-surface rubber brushes that are designed to agitate and lift dirt, preventing tangling and ensuring consistent cleaning performance across different floor types.
Navigation and Mapping Capabilities:
The Roomba s9+ utilizes iRobot’s vSLAM (Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology to navigate your home intelligently. The robot learns the layout of your rooms, creating accurate maps and enabling efficient cleaning routes. This allows for targeted cleaning of specific rooms or zones, enhancing its versatility and catering to individual cleaning needs.
The s9+ is also equipped with smart sensors that detect obstacles, edges, and drop-offs, preventing it from falling down stairs or getting stuck in tight spaces. It can seamlessly transition between different floor types, adjusting its cleaning power to optimize performance on both carpets and hard floors. Moreover, the "Keep Out Zones" feature allows users to designate areas that the robot should avoid, preventing it from entering sensitive areas or disturbing fragile items.
Performance and Cleaning Power:
The Roomba s9+ truly shines in its cleaning performance. Its powerful suction effectively removes dirt, debris, and pet hair from various surfaces. The D-shape and Corner Brush work in tandem to ensure thorough cleaning along edges and in corners, areas often missed by other robot vacuums.
On hard floors, the s9+ excels at picking up dust, crumbs, and other loose debris. Its powerful suction and efficient brush design leave floors noticeably cleaner. On carpets, the robot’s ability to agitate and lift embedded dirt is impressive, particularly when dealing with pet hair. The enhanced suction power makes a significant difference in removing deeply ingrained dirt and allergens, resulting in cleaner and healthier carpets.
Smart Home Integration and App Control:
The Roomba s9+ seamlessly integrates with smart home ecosystems, allowing users to control and monitor the robot through the iRobot Home app. The app provides a range of features, including scheduling cleaning sessions, customizing cleaning preferences, viewing cleaning maps, and receiving notifications about the robot’s status.
The s9+ is also compatible with voice assistants like Seller Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling users to start, stop, or pause cleaning sessions with simple voice commands. This hands-free control adds another layer of convenience and makes the Roomba s9+ a truly smart home appliance.
Drawbacks and Considerations:
Despite its impressive features and performance, the Roomba s9+ has some drawbacks. Its high price tag can be a barrier for many consumers. While the self-emptying base is a significant convenience, the cost of replacement dirt disposal bags can add to the overall expense over time.
The s9+ can also be relatively noisy, particularly when operating at its highest suction setting. This can be a concern for those living in apartments or who prefer a quieter cleaning experience. While its navigation is generally excellent, the s9+ can sometimes struggle with complex floor plans or furniture arrangements, occasionally getting stuck or bumping into objects. Finally, the robot’s larger size, due to its D-shape, might prevent it from cleaning under low-profile furniture.
Overall Verdict:
The iRobot Roomba s9+ (s955020) is a premium robot vacuum that delivers exceptional cleaning performance, smart navigation, and the convenience of automatic dirt disposal. Its powerful suction, D-shaped design, and intelligent mapping capabilities make it an effective solution for maintaining a clean and healthy home. The self-emptying base is a major selling point for those seeking hands-off cleaning.
However, the high price tag and occasional navigation challenges may deter some potential buyers. Ultimately, the Roomba s9+ is best suited for those who prioritize top-tier cleaning performance, advanced features, and seamless smart home integration, and are willing to invest in a premium robot vacuum. If you’re looking for the most powerful and technologically advanced Roomba available, and the price isn’t a major concern, the s9+ is a worthwhile investment.
Price: $899.95
(as of Sep 02, 2025 21:01:51 UTC – Details)
iRobot Roomba s9+ (s955020) Robot Vacuum Review
In the realm of smart home technology, the iRobot Roomba series has long been a dominant force, synonymous with automated cleaning and convenience. Among its premium offerings, the Roomba s9+ (s955020) stands out as a top-tier contender, promising unparalleled suction power, advanced navigation, and a truly hands-free experience. But does this high-end robot vacuum truly live up to its lofty claims and hefty price tag? This review delves deep into the capabilities of the Roomba s9+, exploring its features, performance, and overall value proposition to help you determine if it’s the right cleaning companion for your home.
Unboxing and First Impressions: A Premium Experience
The Roomba s9+ experience begins even before you power it on. The packaging itself exudes a sense of quality, and the unboxing reveals a meticulously designed robot vacuum and its accompanying Clean Base automatic dirt disposal system. The s9+ boasts a distinctive D-shaped design, a departure from the traditional circular form factor of many robot vacuums. This deliberate choice allows it to more effectively clean edges and corners, areas often neglected by its round counterparts. The unit feels substantial and well-built, indicating a focus on durability and longevity. The Clean Base, a relatively large tower, provides a convenient and hygienic way to empty the robot’s dustbin automatically. The initial setup process is straightforward, guided by the iRobot Home app, which connects the s9+ to your Wi-Fi network and allows for seamless control and customization. The app offers a wealth of features, from scheduling cleaning sessions to creating customized cleaning zones and viewing detailed cleaning reports. This initial encounter sets a high bar, signaling a premium product designed for discerning users who prioritize both performance and convenience.
Beyond the robot and the Clean Base, the box includes extra allergen bags for the Clean Base, a replacement filter, and a corner brush. The attention to detail is evident, from the textured finish of the robot itself to the intuitive design of the app. As you begin the initial mapping run, you’ll notice the s9+’s sophisticated navigation system at work. It doesn’t simply bump around randomly; instead, it systematically cleans each area, using its advanced sensors to avoid obstacles and efficiently cover every square inch of your floor. This intelligent navigation is a key differentiator for the s9+, setting it apart from less sophisticated models that rely on more basic cleaning patterns. The ability to create keep-out zones and target specific areas for cleaning adds another layer of control, allowing you to tailor the s9+’s cleaning behavior to your specific needs and preferences. The initial mapping run provides a glimpse into the robot’s potential, showcasing its ability to learn and adapt to your home’s unique layout. This is not just a robot vacuum; it’s a smart cleaning system designed to integrate seamlessly into your life.
Performance and Cleaning Power: Where the Roomba s9+ Truly Shines
The iRobot Roomba s9+ truly distinguishes itself with its exceptional cleaning power. Boasting up to 40 times the suction power of previous Roomba models, this robot vacuum effortlessly tackles a wide range of debris, from fine dust and pet hair to larger crumbs and even small pieces of debris often missed by other robot vacuums. This enhanced suction, combined with the D-shape design and edge-sweeping brush, allows the s9+ to effectively clean along walls, in corners, and under furniture. Whether you have hardwood floors, carpets, or a combination of both, the Roomba s9+ adapts its cleaning behavior to ensure optimal performance on every surface. The multi-surface rubber brushes are designed to flex and adjust to different floor types, gently agitating carpets to loosen embedded dirt and providing a thorough clean on hard floors without scratching. In our testing, the Roomba s9+ consistently outperformed other robot vacuums in terms of overall cleaning effectiveness, leaving floors noticeably cleaner and fresher. The automatic dirt disposal system further enhances the cleaning experience by eliminating the need to manually empty the dustbin after each cleaning session. This feature is particularly beneficial for pet owners or individuals with allergies, as it prevents the re-release of dust and allergens into the air. The large capacity of the Clean Base bag also means that you only need to replace it every few weeks, depending on your cleaning frequency and the amount of debris collected.
The superior cleaning performance of the s9+ extends beyond its raw suction power. Its advanced navigation system, powered by vSLAM (Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology, allows it to intelligently map your home and create efficient cleaning paths. This means that it doesn’t just randomly wander around; instead, it systematically cleans each area, ensuring complete coverage. The s9+ also remembers your home’s layout, allowing you to create customized cleaning zones and schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. For example, you can designate the kitchen as a high-traffic area and schedule it to be cleaned more frequently. The ability to create keep-out zones is also incredibly useful for preventing the s9+ from entering areas where it might get stuck or cause damage, such as around delicate furniture or pet food bowls. The iRobot Home app provides detailed cleaning reports, showing you the areas that were cleaned and any obstacles that were encountered. This level of transparency allows you to monitor the s9+’s performance and make adjustments as needed. Furthermore, the Roomba s9+ is designed to work seamlessly with other smart home devices, such as Seller Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows you to control the robot vacuum with voice commands, making cleaning even more convenient. For example, you can simply say, “Alexa, tell Roomba to clean the kitchen,” and the s9+ will immediately start cleaning that designated area. The roomba s9 offers a truly advanced and convenient cleaning experience.
Smart Features and App Integration: A Connected Cleaning Experience
The Roomba s9+ isn’t just a powerful cleaning machine; it’s also a highly intelligent one, packed with smart features that elevate the cleaning experience to a new level. The iRobot Home app serves as the central hub for controlling and customizing the s9+’s behavior. From the app, you can schedule cleaning sessions, create customized cleaning zones, view detailed cleaning reports, and even control the robot vacuum remotely. The app’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate and configure the various settings. One of the standout smart features of the Roomba s9+ is its ability to learn and adapt to your home’s layout. Using its advanced vSLAM technology, the robot creates a detailed map of your home, allowing it to efficiently navigate and clean each area. As it cleans, it remembers the locations of obstacles and furniture, improving its cleaning performance over time. The app also allows you to create keep-out zones, preventing the s9+ from entering areas where it might get stuck or cause damage. This is particularly useful for homes with pets or young children, as it allows you to protect delicate items or prevent the robot from accessing areas where it’s not needed.
The Roomba s9+ also seamlessly integrates with other smart home devices, such as Seller Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows you to control the robot vacuum with voice commands, making cleaning even more convenient. For example, you can simply say, “Alexa, start Roomba,” and the s9+ will begin cleaning your entire home. You can also use voice commands to schedule cleaning sessions, target specific areas for cleaning, or even pause the robot mid-cleaning. The app also provides real-time notifications, alerting you when the s9+ has completed a cleaning session, encountered an obstacle, or needs maintenance. The automatic dirt disposal system is another key smart feature of the Roomba s9+. This system automatically empties the robot’s dustbin into a disposable bag located in the Clean Base. This eliminates the need to manually empty the dustbin after each cleaning session, saving you time and effort. The Clean Base bag can hold up to 30 bins of dirt and debris, meaning that you only need to replace it every few weeks, depending on your cleaning frequency and the amount of debris collected. The app will also notify you when the bag is full and needs to be replaced. The s9 plus truly understands your cleaning needs.
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages
Like any product, the Roomba s9+ has its share of pros and cons. Understanding these advantages and disadvantages is crucial for making an informed decision about whether this robot vacuum is the right fit for your needs and budget. The Roomba s9+ boasts several compelling advantages:
- Exceptional Cleaning Power: Unmatched suction capabilities for thorough cleaning on all floor types.
- Advanced Navigation: Intelligent mapping and navigation for efficient and complete coverage.
- Automatic Dirt Disposal: Hands-free convenience with the Clean Base automatic dirt disposal system.
- Smart Home Integration: Seamless compatibility with Seller Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Customizable Cleaning: Ability to create customized cleaning zones and schedules.
- D-Shape Design: Enhanced edge and corner cleaning capabilities.
However, the Roomba s9+ also has some drawbacks to consider:
- High Price: Significantly more expensive than other robot vacuum models.
- Large Size: The Clean Base can take up a considerable amount of space.
- Noise Level: Can be relatively noisy during operation, especially on high suction settings.
- Maintenance: Requires periodic maintenance, such as replacing filters and brushes.
- Potential for Getting Stuck: While improved, it can still get stuck on certain obstacles.
The high price is undoubtedly the biggest barrier for many potential buyers. The Roomba s9+ is a premium product with a premium price tag. However, if you value convenience, superior cleaning performance, and advanced features, the investment may be worthwhile. The size of the Clean Base is another factor to consider. If you live in a small apartment or have limited storage space, the Clean Base may be too bulky. The noise level of the Roomba s9+ can also be a concern for some users. While it’s not excessively loud, it’s certainly not silent. If you’re sensitive to noise, you may want to schedule cleaning sessions for times when you’re not at home. Despite its advanced navigation system, the Roomba s9+ can still get stuck on certain obstacles, such as loose cords or thick rugs. However, this is a common issue with all robot vacuums, and the s9+’s ability to learn and adapt to your home’s layout helps to minimize this problem. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase the Roomba s9+ depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you’re looking for the best possible cleaning performance and a truly hands-free cleaning experience, the s9+ is an excellent choice. However, if you’re on a tight budget or have limited space, there may be other robot vacuum models that are a better fit for your needs. Consider the value that the roomba s9 plus provides versus its cost.
| Feature | Roomba s9+ (s955020) | Typical Mid-Range Robot Vacuum |
|---|---|---|
| Suction Power | Up to 40x greater | Moderate |
| Navigation | vSLAM with Smart Mapping | Random or basic pattern |
| Automatic Dirt Disposal | Yes (Clean Base) | No |
| Smart Home Integration | Seller Alexa, Google Assistant | Limited or none |
| Price (Approximate) | $800 – $1000 | $300 – $500 |
Alternatives to the Roomba s9+: Exploring Other Options
While the Roomba s9+ is a top-of-the-line robot vacuum, it’s not the only option available on the market. Depending on your needs and budget, there may be other robot vacuum models that are a better fit for your home. One popular alternative is the Roomba i7+, which offers many of the same features as the s9+ but at a slightly lower price point. The i7+ also features automatic dirt disposal, smart mapping, and compatibility with Seller Alexa and Google Assistant. However, it doesn’t have the same level of suction power as the s9+, and its navigation system is not quite as advanced. Another alternative to the Roomba s9+ is the Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL. This robot vacuum offers a similar level of cleaning performance to the Roomba i7+ but at a significantly lower price. The Shark IQ Robot also features automatic dirt disposal and smart mapping, but it doesn’t have the same level of integration with smart home devices. Additionally, its design is not as sleek as the Roomba s9+, and its noise level is slightly higher. For those on a tight budget, the Eufy RoboVac 11S is a great option. This robot vacuum is incredibly affordable and offers surprisingly good cleaning performance. However, it doesn’t have smart mapping or automatic dirt disposal, and its navigation system is relatively basic. The Eufy RoboVac 11S is best suited for small apartments or homes with minimal clutter.
When considering alternatives to the Roomba s9+, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each model carefully. Think about the features that are most important to you, such as cleaning power, navigation, automatic dirt disposal, smart home integration, and price. Also, consider the size of your home and the types of flooring you have. If you have a large home with multiple rooms and a variety of flooring types, you’ll need a robot vacuum with advanced navigation and strong suction power. If you have a small apartment with mostly hard floors, you can probably get away with a less expensive model. Ultimately, the best robot vacuum for you is the one that meets your specific needs and budget. Before making a purchase, it’s a good idea to read reviews from other users and compare the specifications of different models. The roomba s955020 is a specific model number; make sure you compare the features with similar models to ensure you are getting the features you need.
FAQ
Is the Roomba s9+ worth the high price?
The question of whether the Roomba s9+ is worth its high price tag is subjective and depends largely on individual needs and priorities. On one hand, the s9+ offers unparalleled cleaning performance, thanks to its powerful suction and advanced navigation system. It excels at picking up pet hair, dust, and debris from a variety of floor types, leaving your home noticeably cleaner. The automatic dirt disposal system adds a significant level of convenience, eliminating the need to manually empty the dustbin after each cleaning session. The smart home integration, with compatibility for Seller Alexa and Google Assistant, allows for effortless control and automation. For those who value convenience, superior cleaning, and cutting-edge technology, the Roomba s9+ may well be worth the investment. However, if you’re on a tight budget or don’t require the most advanced features, there are other robot vacuum options that offer good cleaning performance at a more affordable price. It’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons and consider your specific needs before making a decision. The cost versus benefit is a critical part of the decision-making process.
How often do I need to replace the Clean Base bag?
The frequency with which you need to replace the Clean Base bag depends on a few factors, including the size of your home, the amount of dirt and debris collected by the Roomba s9+, and how often you run the robot vacuum. In general, the Clean Base bag can hold up to 30 bins of dirt and debris. For most households, this translates to needing to replace the bag every few weeks to every few months. If you have pets or live in a particularly dusty environment, you may need to replace the bag more frequently. The iRobot Home app provides notifications when the bag is full and needs to be replaced, so you don’t have to manually check it. It’s important to use genuine iRobot replacement bags to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage to the Clean Base. Generic bags may not fit properly or may not provide adequate filtration, potentially leading to clogs or reduced suction power. By using genuine replacement bags and monitoring the app notifications, you can easily maintain the Clean Base and ensure that your Roomba s9+ continues to operate at peak performance. The bag replacement is an easy process that takes only a couple of minutes.
Can the Roomba s9+ handle pet hair effectively?
Yes, the Roomba s9+ is exceptionally effective at handling pet hair. Its powerful suction, combined with the multi-surface rubber brushes, is designed to agitate carpets and lift embedded pet hair with ease. The D-shaped design and edge-sweeping brush also allow it to effectively clean along walls and in corners, where pet hair tends to accumulate. Many pet owners have praised the Roomba s9+ for its ability to significantly reduce the amount of pet hair in their homes. The automatic dirt disposal system is another major benefit for pet owners, as it eliminates the need to manually empty the dustbin after each cleaning session, preventing the re-release of pet dander and allergens into the air. If you have pets and are looking for a robot vacuum that can effectively tackle pet hair, the Roomba s9+ is an excellent choice. It’s important to note that even with the Roomba s9+, you may still need to occasionally vacuum manually in high-traffic areas or to clean furniture. However, the s9+ can significantly reduce the amount of manual vacuuming required.
Does the Roomba s9+ work on all floor types?
The Roomba s9+ is designed to work effectively on a variety of floor types, including hardwood, tile, carpet, and rugs. Its multi-surface rubber brushes automatically adjust to the height of the floor, ensuring optimal cleaning performance on every surface. On hardwood and tile floors, the brushes gently sweep up dirt and debris without scratching. On carpets and rugs, the brushes agitate the fibers to loosen embedded dirt and pet hair, allowing the powerful suction to lift it away. The Roomba s9+ also has a Carpet Boost feature that automatically increases suction power when it detects carpet, providing an even deeper clean. While the Roomba s9+ can handle most floor types, it’s important to note that it may struggle with very thick or shaggy carpets. In these cases, the brushes may not be able to effectively agitate the fibers, and the robot may have difficulty navigating. It’s also important to remove any loose cords or small objects from the floor before running the Roomba s9+, as these can get tangled in the brushes or cause the robot to get stuck.
How long does the Roomba s9+ battery last?
The Roomba s9+ battery lasts for approximately 120 minutes on a full charge. This is generally sufficient to clean a large home on a single charge. However, the actual battery life may vary depending on the size and layout of your home, the floor types being cleaned, and the suction power setting. If the Roomba s9+ runs out of battery mid-cleaning, it will automatically return to its Clean Base to recharge. Once it’s fully charged, it will resume cleaning where it left off. The iRobot Home app also allows you to monitor the battery level and adjust the cleaning schedule accordingly. It’s important to note that the battery life of the Roomba s9+ will gradually decrease over time as the battery ages. However, the battery is replaceable, so you can extend the lifespan of your Roomba s9+ by replacing the battery when it starts to lose its capacity. The battery life will vary based on use.
What happens if the Roomba s9+ gets stuck?
While the Roomba s9+ is equipped with advanced navigation and obstacle avoidance technology, it can still occasionally get stuck. This can happen if it encounters loose cords, thick rugs, or other obstacles that it cannot navigate. If the Roomba s9+ gets stuck, it will typically stop cleaning and send a notification to your smartphone via the iRobot Home app. The app will also provide information about the location of the robot and the reason why it got stuck. In most cases, you can simply remove the obstacle and restart the cleaning session. The Roomba s9+ also has a feature that allows you to create keep-out zones, preventing it from entering areas where it’s likely to get stuck. By creating keep-out zones around potential hazards, you can minimize the chances of the Roomba s9+ getting stuck. If the Roomba s9+ gets stuck frequently, it may be necessary to adjust your cleaning schedule or rearrange furniture to make it easier for the robot to navigate. You can also try cleaning the robot’s sensors and brushes to ensure that they are working properly.
Is the Roomba s9+ compatible with smart home devices?
Yes, the Roomba s9+ is fully compatible with smart home devices, specifically Seller Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows you to control the robot vacuum with voice commands, making cleaning even more convenient. You can use voice commands to start or stop cleaning, schedule cleaning sessions, target specific areas for cleaning, or even check the robot’s status. For example, you can simply say, “Alexa, start Roomba,” and the s9+ will begin cleaning your entire home. Or, you can say, “Hey Google, tell Roomba to clean the kitchen,” and the s9+ will clean that designated area. To connect the Roomba s9+ to your smart home devices, you’ll need to enable the iRobot skill or action in the Alexa or Google Assistant app. Once connected, you can control the robot vacuum with your voice using a variety of commands. The smart home integration makes the Roomba s9+ even more convenient and user-friendly, allowing you to seamlessly integrate it into your existing smart home ecosystem. Voice control is a game changer for convenience.
