The Roomba J6+ vs J7+ are two of the most popular robotic vacuums in the home cleaning market, each vying for supremacy. In my opinion, the Roomba J6+ is the undisputed winner.
Roomba J7+ is a fully-featured hybrid robot that offers a great deal of versatility. With strong suction and a built-in brush, it helps get the job done quickly. Plus, it has a built-in camera and supports audio connectivity.
Just like its competitor, the Roomba J6+ also comes with quite impressive suction power. The compact design is very effective at cleaning corners and edges, while the rubber roller brush has good anti-tangle properties.
Roomba J6+ Vs J7+ : Comparison Chart
Roomba J6+ Vs J7+ : Differences
In the showdown between the Roomba J6+ vs J7+, the iRobot Roomba J7+ wins 1-0 and ties 3 against its rival. In terms of performance and design, it is quite superior to the J6+. Read on for details!
Cleaning performance
Tie!
Hard floor
| Roomba J6+ | Roomba J7+ |
| ≈ 98,26% | ≈ 96% |
98.26% is a very high efficiency rating, showing the Roomba J6+ is highly effective at picking up debris from hard floors. Besides, the J7+’s cleaning efficiency on hard floors of 96% is still excellent. While both models are highly efficient at cleaning hard floors, the J6+ edges out the J7+ by a small margin. However, the difference is relatively minor and may not significantly affect the overall cleaning experience.
Both models share the same “flaw” of pushing debris before collecting it, but as this doesn’t seem to significantly affect their cleaning efficiency, it may not be a significant issue for most users.
Carpets
| Roomba J6+ | Roomba J7+ | |
| Low-pile Carpet | ≈ 83% | ≈ 90.7% |
| High-pile Carpet | ≈ 93% | ≈ 94% |
On low-pile carpets, the J6+ underperforms slightly when compared to the J7+, suggesting that if you have predominantly low-pile carpets, the J7+ might be the more efficient choice. Interestingly, the J6+ shows fewer tendencies to scatter debris while operating, which means it could clean the area a bit faster and more effectively than it would on hardwood floors. This is a point in its favor if you’re concerned about cleaning time and efficiency.
When it comes to high-pile carpets, the J6+ actually shows a slight improvement in its performance, capturing around 94% of all debris. This is impressive, particularly when considering that robot vacuums, due to their compact design, often struggle with deep-cleaning high-pile carpets. Overall, both models perform commendably, but your choice between the two might hinge on the specific types of carpeting you have in your home.
Hair pet
| Roomba J6+ | Roomba J7+ | |
| 5-inch Strands | ≈ 84% | ≈ 76% |
| 10-inch Strands | ≈ 54% | ≈ 64% |
When assessing the Roomba J6+ vs J7+ in the context of hair removal on carpets, both models demonstrate strong performance with certain caveats. Both easily handle 5-inch hair lengths but encounter challenges with longer 10-inch strands. This suggests that either model would be well-suited for homes with pets or residents with short to medium-length hair but may not be as effective in situations where long hair is prevalent.
A significant advantage in both models is the minimal entanglement of hair in the brush roll, making maintenance relatively hassle-free. However, it’s worth noting that both vacuums require some manual intervention to remove hair that gets caught on both sides of the brush.
Dirt compartment & Filtration
Tie!
Both the Roomba J6+ vs J7+ feature a HEPA filtration system that removes 99.9% of particles down to 0.1 microns, making them effective at trapping fine dust, dirt, and hair. However, the Roomba J6+ offers an additional advantage with its Allergy filter feature, specifically designed to eliminate allergens and improve indoor air quality. This makes it a particularly good choice for allergy sufferers or those particularly concerned about air quality.
The J6+ vs J7+ comes with a 0.4-liter capacity. The larger dirt compartment allows the J6+ and J7+ to run for longer periods without requiring emptying, offering added convenience. For optimal performance, both filters require cleaning every few weeks and replacement every two months.
Design & Usability
The winner: Roomba J7+
Dimensions & weights
| Dimensions (WxH) | 14.4 x 17.4 x 13.9 inches |
| Weights | 7.49 lbs |
They are both circular vacuum cleaners, and they don’t look much different from other robot vacuum cleaners that are available on the market. As far as size and weight go, they measure 14.4 x 17.4 x 13.9 inches and weigh 7.49 pounds each. The large majority of them are quite compact and easy to move around in different places, such as furniture, under beds, and stairwells, due to their size.
As they are designed with only one button on top, they provide you with easy access to the majority of features and functions without having to take out your smartphone to do so. They also feature a front-facing combination of a camera and LED lighting to enhance navigation.
Extractor & Side Brush
Both the Roomba J6+ vs J7+ deliver outstanding performance that sets them apart from many of their competitors. The silicone rollers on both models are designed to minimize tangling, a perennial problem with many robot vacuums, providing a gentler and more effective detangling process. Equipped with dual brush rollers, both models excel at agitating and lifting dirt, debris, and pet hair from a variety of floor types, including carpets and hard floors. This ensures consistent and deep cleaning performance.
Furthermore, both models incorporate an edge brush specifically designed to tackle often overlooked areas such as corners and edges. The result is a thorough cleaning process that leaves no stains behind.
Navigation
Roomba J6+ vs J7+ employ iRobot’s advanced Imprint Smart Mapping technology, allowing them to adapt to your home’s unique layout. This feature, coupled with Zone Cleaning technology, offers the flexibility to schedule cleaning cycles for specific areas of your home based on your unique traffic and usage patterns. Furthermore, both models can store up to 10 different floor maps, making them especially useful for multi-story homes. However, one limitation to note is their subpar performance in low-light conditions despite being equipped with LED headlights.
Where the two models diverge is in their approach to obstacle avoidance. The J7+ comes with specialized technology for object detection and avoidance, making it more adept at navigating around obstacles for a more seamless cleaning experience. The J6+, while lacking this advanced obstacle detection, offers a “keep-out zone” feature that allows you to designate areas on the map where the robot should not venture. This can be particularly useful for avoiding sensitive areas like pet bowls or delicate furniture.
Battery
| Roomba J7+ | Roomba J6+ | |
| Runtime | ≈ 120 minutes | ≈ 75 mins |
| Charging Time | ≈ 2 hours | ≈ 5 hours |
Roomba J7+ uses a 2210 mAh Li-ion battery, while Roomba J6+ uses an 1800 mAH Li-ion battery, which can provide continuous power for over an hour and a half before the battery runs out.
If the battery is exhausted during cleaning, the robot has the intelligence and memory to return to the charging station to recharge. Plus, it picks back up exactly where they left off and continues from there to finish the job.
Noise level
| Roomba J6+ | Roomba J7+ | |
| Working | ≈ 63 dB | ≈ 68 dB |
| Self-Emptying | ≈ 69 dB | ≈ 78 dB |
Both vacuums fall within an acceptable range of sound, making them suitable for most household settings. However, it’s worth noting that the J7+ is marginally louder than its J6+ counterpart, likely attributable to its higher airflow. This higher noise level becomes more pronounced when using the self-emptying feature, which could be disruptive during quieter hours.
Consequently, if you’re sensitive to noise or have a household that values quiet, the J6+ might be the better option for you. For either model, considering the noise generated, particularly by the J7+’s self-emptying feature, it would be advisable to avoid scheduling cleaning sessions late at night or early in the morning to ensure a more peaceful home environment.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Tie!
Both the Roomba J6+ vs J7+ come equipped with features that streamline the user experience. They boast a self-cleaning function, allowing the robots to autonomously return to their bases for emptying when their dirt tanks are full and then continue their cleaning cycles. This feature significantly reduces the need for daily manual emptying, contributing to lower maintenance.
Additionally, both models incorporate bagged systems for collecting dirt and debris, which not only adds a layer of hygiene but also simplifies the emptying process by avoiding potential spills or machine clogs. While the use of bags might initially seem like an additional expense, iRobot claims that these bags can last up to 60 days without requiring replacement, mitigating some of the cost-related concerns.
Utilities
Tie!
In terms of utility and user interface, both the Roomba J6+ vs J7+ offer a spectrum of features that make operating them highly convenient. For those who prefer simplicity, each robot has a one-touch start/stop button located on its head, which also serves to guide it back to its original position when held down.
However, to truly unlock the robot’s full capabilities, users will need to download the free iRobot Home app. Through the app, you gain access to a suite of advanced functionalities, such as the ability to view and edit stored layouts of your home, assign names to rooms, and create specific cleaning schedules.
You can also designate “no-go” zones by marking areas in red virtual boxes, preventing the robot from entering those regions. On the flip side, clean zones can be established for targeted spot cleaning, directing the robot’s efforts to specific areas that require more attention.
Some other useful functions are the cleaning schedule, where you can program the robot to automatically start its cleaning journey on a specific day or time, and the robot’s status, where you can check the condition of side brushes, rollers, and filters.
Quick Rundown of iRobot Roomba J7+
- CLEANS WHEN AND WHERE YOU WANT– Only iRobot brings you Imprint Smart Mapping allowing you to control and schedule which rooms are cleaned and when, while storing multiple maps for easier cleaning on each level of your home.
- AVOIDS PET ACCIDENTS – WE GUARANTEE IT - IRobot brings you P.O.O.P. (Pet Owner Official Promise). You can rely on your Roomba j7+ to avoid pet waste, or we’ll replace it for free. Additional terms and conditions apply – see iRobot website for details.
- IT DOESN’T JUST LEARN YOUR HOME; IT REACTS TO IT IN REAL TIME. With PrecisionVision Navigation and a camera, your robot identifies and avoids obstacles of all sizes like pet waste, charging cords, socks and shoes to get the whole job done.
- MORE THOUGHTFUL THAN YOU THOUGHT - The Roomba j7+ takes vacuuming off your mind with personalized cleaning suggestions powered by the unique intelligence of IRobot OS. Learns your habits and your routines.
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE. The 3-Stage Cleaning System packs 10x the Power-Lifting Suction, an Edge-Sweeping Brush gets along walls and corners, and Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes flex to adjust to different floor types. Compared to the Roomba 600 series.
Quick Rundown of iRobot Roomba J6+
- MORE THOUGHTFUL THAN YOU THOUGHT - iRobot OS powers your Roomba j6 plus to clean the way you want it to. It avoids pet waste and cords and allows you to schedule multiple cleanings per day by continuously learning and adapting to your home.
- AVOIDS PET ACCIDENTS ON PURPOSE – WE GUARANTEE IT - Only iRobot brings you P.O.O.P. (Pet Owner Official Promise). You can rely on your Roomba j6plus to avoid pet waste, or we’ll replace it for free. Additional terms and conditions apply – see iRobot website for full details.
- CLEANS THE CRUMBS, AVOIDS THE CORDS - Cords stop most robots in their tracks but the Roomba j6 plus keeps cleaning*. The Roomba j6 plus robot vacuum uses iRobot OS Technology and PrecisionVision Navigation to recognize and avoid cords and pet waste.*Compared to robot vacuums with front facing cameras in August 2021, tested under standard lighting conditions
- ATTACKS MESSES USING OUR POWERFUL, PROPRIETARY CLEANING SYSTEM - Powerful 3-Stage Cleaning System packs 10x the Power-Lifting Suction, an Edge-Sweeping Brush gets along walls and corners, and patented Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes flex to adjust to different floor types and don’t get tangled with pet hair. Compared to the Roomba 600 series cleaning system.
- EMPTIES ITS VACUUM BIN, SO CLEANING IS OFF YOUR MIND - Cleans up after itself, emptying its Vacuum Bin into an enclosed bag that holds up to 60 days of debris, which means two whole months of not thinking about vacuuming.
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References:
- Roomba J7+: https://www.irobot.com/en_US/roomba-j7plus-self-emptying-robot-vacuum/J755020.html
- Roomba J6+: https://www.irobot.com/en_US/roomba-j6plus-self-emptying-robot-vacuum/J65502
Richard B. Schmidt is a prominent figure in the vacuum cleaner industry, boasting over 15 years of expertise. Armed with a Robotics Engineering degree from Northeastern University and a Master’s in Consumer Science from Harvard, his unique blend of technical knowledge and consumer insights positions him as a sought-after authority in vacuum cleaner evaluation. Richard’s career began at Dyson, where he contributed to the development of innovative vacuum models. Transitioning to advocacy and reviews, he co-founded the first Vacuum-focused blog in 2008, offering comprehensive analysis and user guides for various vacuum cleaners. In 2020, he founded RoboMop.net, providing ongoing insights through columns and buyer’s guides.