The Irobot Roomba S9 series, including the iRobot S9 vs S9+, was unveiled in the last quarter of 2019 and is advertised as the smartest, most powerful robot vacuum yet. Well, while time and technology have moved on, they remain popular and offer a range of high-end features. But how are they different?
The “Plus” for the S9+ only involves the automatic dirt disposal base that comes with it. Both models share similar performance features like high airflow, strong suction, smart navigation, and a D-shaped design for better corner cleaning. But when the iRobot S9+ finishes a cleaning cycle, it returns to its dock and automatically empties its dustbin into a bag in the dock. The iRobot S9, on the other hand, requires manual emptying of the dustbin.
iRobot S9 Vs S9+: Comparison Chart
iRobot S9 Vs S9+: Differences
Both are the same in terms of powerful suction, D-shaped design, and smart mapping, among others. The only difference is that the “Plus” version comes with a self-cleaning base. Naturally, the cost of the “Plus” version is higher, but it’s worth it!
Cleaning Performance
| Hard Floor | ≈ 99% |
| Low-pile Carpet | ≈ 99% |
| High-pile Carpet | ≈ 99% |
As expected, the S9 delivered outstanding cleaning performance, achieving near-perfect results on all three types of flooring tested. These impressive results can be attributed to its potent combination of powerful suction, a broad dual-roller system, and a uniquely designed D-shaped frame.
| 5-inch Strands | ≈ 89% |
| 10-inch Strands | ≈ 78% |
The S9 wasn’t exactly great at picking up hair on my floor, but in return, its twin-roller system was very good at preventing tangles. Plus, these rollers were conveniently designed for easy disassembly, facilitating hassle-free detangling.
Design & Usability
Dimensions & Weight
| Dimensions (W x H) | 12.25 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 8.15 lbs |
The S9 is the first Roomba with a D-shaped design. The unique design is particularly effective for reaching corners, edges, and tight spaces where dust and debris tend to accumulate. Meanwhile, traditional round-shaped robots often struggle to clean these areas effectively because their shape inherently leaves gaps.
The straight edge allows this one to align itself flush against walls and get right into corners, providing a more thorough clean. Adding to this, a 5-arm edge brush enables the bot to sweep debris away from walls and into the cleaning path.
Moreover, the D-shaped design allows for larger dual main brush rollers located at the straight edge instead of between the wheels, which can result in more effective cleaning and potentially better pick-up of debris.
Navigation
The iRobot S9 uses vSLAM, a camera-based technology, to capture its surroundings and build a map that it can then use for navigation. One of the advantages of this approach is that the bot has a lower profile compared to LIDAR-based models, which have a raised turret on top to house the laser scanning unit.
Of course, a lower profile allows the S9 to more easily navigate under furniture and other low-hanging obstacles, which is particularly useful for homes with lots of furniture or other potential obstructions. Sadly, the advantages of this visible-based navigation technology over vSLAM stop there!
The first limitation is that it depends heavily on light to function properly and effectively. Much like the difference between a mediocre and a magnificent photograph often lies in the quality of lighting, so too does the efficacy of vSLAM hinge on this factor. The S9’s built-in camera requires adequate lighting, especially during its initial mapping runs through your home.
Moreover, it required a minimum of four cleaning cycles for the S9 to fully map my home’s layout. I wasn’t in a rush to have my robotic helper perfect its tasks on the first go, but most LIDAR-equipped bots I’ve tested, like the Roborock S7 Max, could indeed accomplish this feat.
Well, this one could remember up to 10 floor plans, so cleaning a multi-level home isn’t a problem with it. The only manual labor involved is lifting the device up or down the stairs, as it is still unable to sprout legs and ascend staircases on its own. If that day ever comes, count me thrilled, of course. And it is worth noting that the S9 doesn’t have a front-facing camera, so it cannot avoid obstacles like the Roomba J7+.
Battery Life
| Battery Life | ≈ 63–112 mins |
| Charging Time | ≈ 196 mins |
The Irobot S9 uses a 5200 mAh Lithium-ion battery. I don’t know about you, but the battery capacity of a robot vacuum may not always be the most critical factor to consider for me, especially for models like the iRobot S9 that have the ability to return to their charging stations automatically when the battery is low. There is an LED light on the top of its body that notifies you of the current battery status, with the light going from white to red when its battery level is low.
Control
Manual Control
The S9 offers both app control and Alexa compatibility for remote control, but what if you lose your WiFi connection for some reason? Don’t worry – it features three physical buttons for start/finish cleaning, spot cleaning, and sending the bot home.
The spot-cleaning function is really a huge time-saver since it focuses the S9 on a small area, thereby preserving battery life for other tasks. This is a game changer if you accidentally spill something in the kitchen or if your cats just left a mess in the bedroom.
App Connectivity
Connecting the Roomba S9 to WiFi using the free iRobot app is a breeze, as the app itself isn’t complicated at all, although it will take you some time to get used to all the features it offers. First off, you can divide rooms and name each as you see fit. You can even name your bot, which is handy if you have two on different floors (though this may not be necessary as this one can memorize up to 10 floors, as mentioned earlier).
The S9 offers compatibility with Alexa and Google Home, although this feature isn’t immediately evident—it’s tucked away under a tab named “Smart Home.” Once you’ve successfully linked the devices, however, you can effortlessly command the bot to start a cleaning cycle, tackle a specific room, or retreat to its charging station. The option to change the suction level is also stuck in the settings instead of being conveniently placed on the main interface.
The app also supports “keep out” and “clean” zones, where you draw boxes around areas that you want your bot to bypass or focus on. You can also check past cleaning sessions and schedule cleanings for your bot. However, one conspicuous absence is a Live Map feature, which would enable you to monitor the bot’s real-time movements.
Cleaning & Maintenance
The addition of a self-cleaning base in the “Plus” version of the iRobot S9 is one such feature that offers a hands-off experience and substantially enhances convenience.
Why? A self-cleaning base means the robot vacuum can empty its own dustbin, so it can also run for longer periods without requiring human intervention. This is particularly useful for larger homes or for people who prefer to schedule multiple cleaning sessions when they are not around. A self-emptying feature can also mean less exposure to dust and allergens when you don’t have to empty the bin manually. This could be a significant advantage for allergy sufferers.
All the accumulated dust and debris are channeled into a relatively large single-use bag. This eliminates the need for daily emptying of its 500-ml dust bin – you can simply replace the dust bag on a weekly or even monthly basis. After all, we want a robot to reduce manual labor, don’t we?
Other Features
Noise
| Working | ≈ 63-72 dB |
| Self-Emptying | ≈ 74 dB |
The S9 is fairly noisy compared to other robots. especially when it’s on the max setting, but the biggest negative with it is how loud it gets when self-emptying. So I recommend keeping the clean base in a less-frequented area to avoid startling your loved ones or pets.
Mopping Ability
These robots are versatile in all aspects except mopping. If you’re interested in a complete cleaning solution, you might consider pairing the S9 with the Braava M6 mop robot. By linking the two through the “Imprint Link” tab in the iRobot app, the Braava M6 will automatically commence mopping as soon as the S9 finishes vacuuming.
Quick Rundown Of iRobot S9+
- A DEEP, DETAILED CLEAN. Groundbreaking technology makes the s9+ our legacy powerhouse robot vacuum. With 40x more the suction power*, the 3-Stage Cleaning System lifts, loosens, then eliminates debris and pet hair from deep within your carpets for a clean you won’t believe — with no effort from you. Automatically increases suction to clean even deeper into carpets with power boost technology. *Compared to the Roomba i Series robots
- 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.
- 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. Plus, customizable Keep Out Zones and Clean Zones allow you to tell them the exact area to avoid and clean.
- A POWERFUL CLEAN - PerfectEdge Technology with advanced sensors and a specially designed Corner Brush optimize cleaning deep into corners and along edges. Ideal for homes with pets. 40% larger Multi-Surface Dual Rubber Brushes that don't get tangled with pet hair. *Compared to the Roomba i Series robots
- GUIDED BY SERIOUS SMARTS - The s9+ learns the layout of your home and builds personal Smart Maps, enabling it to expertly clean and navigate in neat, efficient rows. Careful Drive Mode detects objects in its path and cleans around them without jostling or nudging. (objects taller than 2.5 cm)
Quick Rundown Of iRobot S9
- DEEPEST CLEAN - With 40X the suction power, the superior 3-Stage Cleaning System lifts, loosens, then eliminates debris & pet hair from deep within your carpets. Increases suction to clean even deeper into carpets with power boost technology.
- DETAILED POWERFUL CLEAN - PerfectEdge Technology with advanced sensors & a specially designed Corner Brush optimize cleaning deep into corners & along edges. Ideal for homes with pets. 30% wider Dual Rubber Brushes don't get tangled with pet hair.
- GUIDED BY SERIOUS SMARTS - With vSLAM navigation, the s9 learns the layout of your home & builds personal Smart Maps, enabling it to expertly clean & navigate in neat, efficient rows. If it’s running low on battery, it recharges & resumes cleaning.
- VACUUMS MESSES IN THE MOMENT - Cleaning crumbs is now as easy as “Roomba, clean under the kitchen table.” A simple request to your voice assistant or via the app enables the s9 to clean messes for you, right when they happen.
- COMPLETE CONTROL OF YOUR CLEAN - With Smart Mapping, your robot knows your kitchen from your living room, so you can decide where it cleans & when. & with Keep Out Zones, your robot knows to avoid sensitive areas like pet bowls or play areas.
Product Videos
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References:
- iRobot S9+: https://www.irobot.com/en_US/roomba-vacuuming/robot-vacuum-irobot-roomba-s9-plus/S955020.html
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.