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iRobot Roomba j7/j7+ Robot Vacuum Review

Tested using Methodology v0.8
Reviewed Oct 15, 2021 at 10:19 am
Latest change: Retest Aug 26, 2024 at 03:50 pm
iRobot Roomba j7/j7+ Picture
7.0
Bare Floor
6.9
Low-Pile Carpet
6.9
High-Pile Carpet
6.0
Pets

The iRobot Roomba j7/j7+ is a premium robot vacuum with advanced automation features. It's positioned below the iRobot Roomba S9, the current flagship of the company's vacuum lineup. It sets itself apart from other iRobot models with its hazard-detection capability, which allows it to identify and avoid hazards like pet waste or electrical cords in real-time. It's also fully compatible with a self-emptying dock, which can be purchased as part of a bundle as the j7+ model variant or individually. It can automatically adjust its head height depending on the surface type that it's on, and is advertised as being able to learn your schedule and organize its cleaning sessions around it.

Our Verdict

7.0 Bare Floor

The iRobot j7 is alright for bare floors. It can have a bit of trouble with debris in corners and along walls, but for the most part, it does a good job of clearing away solid material. It also feels well-built, maneuvers itself very effectively, in part thanks to its hazard-identification capability, and has a very wide range of automation features, including its self-emptying function. Unfortunately, it has demanding maintenance requirements and incurs high recurring costs.

Pros
  • Advanced automation capabilities.
  • Excellent build quality.
  • Excellent maneuverability.
Cons
  • High recurring costs.
  • Slow room mapping.
6.9 Low-Pile Carpet

Pros
  • Advanced automation capabilities.
  • Excellent build quality.
  • Excellent maneuverability.
Cons
  • Struggles with fine debris.
  • High recurring costs.
  • Slow room mapping.
6.9 High-Pile Carpet

Pros
  • Advanced automation capabilities.
  • Excellent build quality.
  • Excellent maneuverability.
Cons
  • Struggles with pet hair on high-pile carpets.
  • High recurring costs.
  • Slow room mapping.
6.0 Pets

Pros
  • Advanced automation capabilities.
  • Excellent build quality.
Cons
  • Struggles with pet hair on high-pile carpets.
  • No mopping capability.
  • High recurring costs.
  • 7.0 Bare Floor
  • 6.9 Low-Pile Carpet
  • 6.9 High-Pile Carpet
  • 6.0 Pets
  1. Updated Aug 26, 2024: We've updated the scores in the Hard Floor Pick-Up, High-Pile Carpet Pick-Up, Low-Pile Carpet Pick-Up, and Pet-Hair Pick-Up tests to align with a broader data set. For more information about the reasoning for this update, you can look at our forum post.
  2. Updated Jul 19, 2024: We've added text to this review for the new tests added in Test Bench 0.7 and Test Bench 0.8.
  3. Updated Jul 09, 2024: Converted to Test Bench 0.8.
  4. Updated Feb 23, 2024: We've added a link to the iRobot Roomba j9+ in the 'Suction' section of the review to provide an alternative with more power.
  5. Updated Feb 22, 2024: We've corrected an error in our review by changing the result of the 'Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)' field in the 'Air Quality' to 'No' to reflect that this vacuum doesn't have an actual HEPA-rated filter, but rather a high-efficiency filter. We've also lowered the score for the 'Companion App Automation' section to more accurately reflect our current experience with the iRobot Home app and to better align with other iRobot models we've tested.
  6. Updated Nov 07, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 0.7.
  7. Updated Jun 27, 2023: Added link to the Roborock S8+/S8 in the 'Physical Automation' test section to provide an alternative with a LIDAR mapping sensor.
  8. Updated Feb 06, 2023: We've changed the product name to 'iRobot Roomba j7/j7+' to indicate that this review is valid for all model variants.
  9. Updated Jan 12, 2023: We've changed the full product name to 'iRobot Roomba j7' in order for the review to encompass all model variants.
  10. Updated Nov 02, 2022: Included a link to the iRobot Roomba i8+ in the 'Bare Floor Performance (Hardwood, Laminate, Tiles)' section to provide an alternative that offers superior debris pickup performance on bare floors.
  11. Updated Aug 16, 2022: Updated 'Battery' field to include a link to Roborock Q5+ as an alternative with a longer maximum runtime.
  12. Updated Aug 09, 2022: We've updated this review to Test Bench 0.6, which includes a broad range of new testing procedures to measure stain and water-clearing performance, suction power, crevice-cleaning performance, noise levels, and air filtration performance. We've also updated our debris and pet hair-pickup performance tests as well as our method of scoring user maintenance requirements, recurring costs, and dirt compartment sizing. We've also revised the score breakdown for the 'Workshop' usage section.
  13. Updated Aug 03, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.6.
  14. Updated Jul 28, 2022: We've corrected an input error in the 'Navigation Control Buttons' field of the 'Physical Automation' section and updated that section's score.
  15. Updated Jul 08, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 0.5.
  16. Updated Oct 15, 2021: Review published.
  17. Updated Oct 13, 2021: Early access published.
  18. Updated Sep 29, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
  19. Updated Sep 23, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  20. Updated Sep 16, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The iRobot j7 can be purchased with or without the external dirt bin, with the former variant being referred to as the j7+. Regardless of your model, the j7 and j7+ vacuums are mechanically identical. You can also buy a basic j7 and purchase the self-emptying base station later. Regardless, both models should deliver similar overall cleaning performance, though including the auto-empty dock does reduce hands-on maintenance requirements. We tested the pricier variant with the self-emptying feature and corresponding external dustbin, and you can see its label here.

If someone comes across a differently-equipped iRobot j7, let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.

Compared To Other Robot Vacuums

The iRobot j7 is a premium robot vacuum with a unique obstruction identification capability. Like the i3+ variant of the iRobot Roomba i3 and the i7+ variant of the iRobot Roomba i7, the j7+ variant of this vacuum is capable of dumping any accumulated debris in its internal dustbin into an external dirtbag mounted to its charging dock. It also has many advanced automation features and feels amazingly well-built. Unfortunately, its performance on low-pile carpet and bare floors is notably inferior to older models.

If you're looking for alternatives, look at our list of recommendations for the best robot vacuums, the best robotic vacuums for hardwood floors, and the best robot vacuums for pet hair.

iRobot Roomba j9+

The iRobot Roomba j9+ is essentially an upgraded version of the iRobot Roomba j7/j7+ but with a few added quirks. It has a higher-capacity battery that allows it to run longer on a single charge but at the cost of a slower charging time and a slightly more powerful motor. Only the j9 features a Dirt Detective system that allows it to identify and prioritize cleaning areas that see heavy soiling, but this feature is a little buggy, frequently throttling suction to save power, even when an area could use more cleaning.

Roborock S7

The iRobot Roomba j7 and Roborock S7 each have advantages, and one may suit you better than the other, depending on your needs. While both vacuums are fully compatible with self-emptying stations, the iRobot charges much faster, maneuvers itself more effectively, and is better at dealing with pet hair. It also has a hazard-identification system that allows it to spot and react to hazards like pet waste. Meanwhile, the Roborock has a mopping attachment, incurs lower recurring costs, lasts longer on a single charge, and is more effective at clearing solid debris on all surface types.

iRobot Roomba i3

The iRobot Roomba j7 is better than the iRobot Roomba i3. The j7 has a longer battery life, maneuvers itself slightly more effectively, is able to identify and react to hazards in real time, clears more debris on bare floors, and feels slightly better built. The i3 charges faster, however.

Roborock S8+/S8

The Roborock S8 is better than the iRobot j7. Both vacuums offer hazard avoidance capability, enabling them to spot and react to obstacles placed in their way in real-time. Still, the Roborock features an additional LIDAR sensor, resulting in faster room mapping and much-improved low-light maneuverability. The Roborock also has a more potent suction motor, resulting in better debris pickup across different surfaces, and has a mopping feature that is very effective in dealing with stains.

iRobot Roomba S9

The iRobot Roomba S9 is better than the iRobot Roomba j7. The S9 incurs lower recurring costs, charges faster, has an automatic suction power adjustment feature, and performs better on all surface types. Like the j7, it can also be purchased with an external dustbin and a corresponding self-emptying capability at an additional cost. Meanwhile, the j7 has its unique hazard identification feature and weighs notably less.

iRobot Roomba i7

The iRobot Roomba i7 and iRobot Roomba j7 each have advantages, meaning one may suit you better than the other, depending on your needs. The i7 performs significantly better on low-pile carpet and charges faster but has a shorter battery life than the j7. The j7 also clears more debris on high-pile carpet and has a unique hazard identification capability to avoid obstructions like pet waste.

Roborock Q5/Q5+

The Roborock Q5 is better than the iRobot Roomba j7. The Roborock delivers better cleaning performance on bare floors as well as low and high-pile carpet, and its LIDAR sensor maps out its coverage area much faster than the camera-based iRobot. It can also run for a lot longer on a single charge. Conversely, the iRobot is a better option for pet owners. Its hazard-detection system allows it to spot and react to hazards like pet waste or power cords in real-time, so you don't have to make sure that its cleaning area is completely free of obstacles before letting it run. If you're considering purchasing either vacuum with a self-emptying base station, the iRobot's external dirtbag has a slightly larger overall capacity, and its twin rubber brushrolls are much easier to clean than the Roborock's bristled roller.

eufy X10 Pro Omni

The eufy X10 Pro Omni is more feature-packed than the iRobot Roomba j7/j7+. The eufy has a broader suite of automation features; its LIDAR sensor allows for quicker room mapping, and unlike the iRobot, you can send it to specific rooms in your home. It also provides a far more granular overview of cleaning settings, which you can tailor to suit specific rooms and areas within your home. It also has a mopping system, though its overall performance is nothing special. The eufy also has a far more advanced docking station, which empties the vacuum's internal dustbin and washes and dries its mopping pads. In the iRobot's favor, it charges much faster, though the eufy has a longer battery life.

iRobot Roomba i4

The iRobot Roomba i4 and iRobot Roomba j7 each have advantages, meaning one might suit you better than the other, depending on your needs. Both vacuums are compatible with self-emptying stations. That said, the j7 does feel better built, delivers better performance on high-pile carpet, and has a more advanced navigation system that allows it to identify hazards like pet waste. Meanwhile, the i4 charges faster while offering similar battery life, incurs lower recurring costs, has fewer parts that need regular cleaning, and clears more debris on low-pile carpet.

iRobot Roomba i8+

The iRobot Roomba j7 has a more advanced set of automation features than the iRobot Roomba i8+. Not only does the j7 share the i8+'s self-emptying capability, but it can also identify and react to hazards like pet waste in real-time. It also feels better built. However, the i8+ delivers better overall debris-pickup performance across a range of surfaces.

Ecovacs DEEBOT OZMO T8 AIVI

The Ecovacs DEEBOT OZMO T8 AIVI is better than the iRobot Roomba j7. The Ecovacs comes with a mopping attachment, incurs lower recurring costs, does a better job cleaning pet hair on bare floors, and struggles less with fine debris on low-pile carpet. It also has a much longer battery life, though the iRobot does charge a lot faster. The Ecovacs LIDAR sensor also allows for faster room mapping. Conversely, the iRobot is better at maneuvering its way around obstacles and is advertised as being capable of recognizing your schedule and organizing its cleaning schedule around it. While the iRobot j7 is compatible with a self-emptying base station to reduce hands-on maintenance requirements, a similar feature is available for the Ecovacs.

iRobot Roomba 694 [690, 692]

The iRobot Roomba j7 is better than the iRobot Roomba 694. The j7 has a pet waste detection feature and is advertised as capable of independently recognizing your schedule and organizing cleaning sessions around it. It also feels better built, does a better job of maneuvering itself, and clears more debris on carpeted floors. The pricier j7+ variant comes with a self-emptying base station that reduces hands-on maintenance requirements, too. However, the 694 performs better on bare floors.

iRobot Roomba i1

The iRobot Roomba j7 is better than the iRobot Roomba i1. The j7 has a hazard recognition system that enables it to spot and avoid obstacles like pet waste in real time, meaning you don't need to worry about making sure your home is completely free of obstructions before letting it run. It also feels better built, does a better job of maneuvering itself, and is quieter.

Roborock S7 MaxV

The Roborock S7 MaxV is better than the iRobot Roomba j7. The Roborock has an impressively effective mopping feature, fewer maintenance requirements, a much longer battery life, and performs considerably better on bare floors and low-pile carpet. Like the Roborock, the iRobot uses cameras that let it identify and react to hazards like pet waste in real-time. However, the Roborock also has a LIDAR sensor for quicker and more precise room mapping. While the iRobot is compatible with a self-emptying base station, the Roborock is fully compatible with the Empty Wash Fill Dock, which not only empties its dustbin but washes its mop pads and refills its internal water reservoir, though this accessory is very expensive.

Roborock S6

The Roborock S6 is better than the iRobot Roomba j7. The Roborock incurs lower recurring costs, has fewer parts that need regular cleaning, has a longer battery life, comes with a mopping attachment for dealing with sticky messes on bare floors, and delivers superior performance on bare floors and low-pile carpet. The iRobot has more advanced automation features like its hazard detection capability that enables it to automatically identify and maneuver around pet waste, and, if you go for the j7+ variant, its self-emptying function, letting it dump any accumulated debris from its internal dustbin to an external dirt compartment on its charging dock, reducing hands-on maintenance requirements. The iRobot also performs better on high-pile carpet and charges a lot faster.

Roborock S6 MaxV

The Roborock S6 MaxV and iRobot Roomba j7 perform better for different uses, meaning one might be a better fit for your needs than the other. The Roborock incurs fewer recurring costs, has a much longer maximum battery life, comes with a mopping attachment, and delivers superior overall performance on bare floors and low-pile carpet. Its LIDAR sensor also allows for faster room mapping, though it also has cameras that let it identify and react to hazards in real-time. Meanwhile, the iRobot is compatible with a self-emptying docking station, takes much less time to recharge, deals with pet hair more effectively on low-pile carpet, and delivers better overall performance on high-pile carpet.

Shark IQ Robot

The Shark IQ Robot and iRobot Roomba j7 each have advantages, meaning one might suit you better than the other, depending on your needs. The iRobot j7+ does have a self-emptying function that allows it to dump debris from its internal dustbin into an external dirt compartment mounted to its docking station, reducing hands-on maintenance requirements. A similar feature is available for the Shark at an additional cost. The iRobot also feels better-built, maneuvers itself more effectively, and has more advanced automation capabilities, most notably its hazard recognition capability and ability to organize its cleaning sessions around your schedule. However, the Shark delivers better performance on bare floors and low-pile carpet and incurs lower recurring costs.

Shark AI Robot

The Shark AI Robot and iRobot Roomba j7 each have strengths, so one may suit you better than the other, depending on your needs. The Shark incurs lower recurring costs, has a longer maximum battery life, and delivers superior performance on bare floors and low-pile carpet. Meanwhile, the iRobot charges much faster, feels better built, clears more debris on high-pile carpet, maneuvers itself more effectively, and has more advanced automation capabilities, most notably its self-emptying compatibility and hazard recognition feature.

eufy RoboVac X8

The eufy RoboVac X8 and iRobot Roomba j7 each have strengths and weaknesses, meaning one might suit you better than the other, depending on your needs. The eufy has fewer parts that need periodic cleaning, lasts longer on a single charge, and delivers superior cleaning performance on bare floors and low-pile carpet. The iRobot has more advanced automation capabilities, most notably its hazard detection capability. If you go for the pricier j7+ model, its self-emptying function allows it to dump any accumulated debris from its internal dustbin to an external dirt compartment on its charging dock, reducing hands-on maintenance requirements. The iRobot also performs better on high-pile carpet and charges a lot faster.

yeedi vac station

The yeedi vac station is better than the iRobot Roomba j7, though the iRobot might suit you better depending on your exact needs. The yeedi has fewer parts requiring regular maintenance, incurs slightly lower recurring costs, and performs better on carpeted floors. It also comes with a mopping attachment to clear sticky messes on bare floors. However, the iRobot charges considerably faster, has an easier time dealing with bulky debris, and has a unique hazard-detection feature for identifying and avoiding hazards like pet waste. 

Shark ION Robot RV700 Series [RV750, RV761]

The Shark ION Robot RV700 Series and iRobot Roomba j7 each have their advantages, meaning one might suit you better than the other, depending on your needs. The Shark incurs lower recurring costs, is easier to store, and clears more debris on bare floors. Conversely, the far more expensive j7 has an advanced mapping system that yields much better maneuverability and allows you to set up virtual boundary lines or schedule cleaning sessions for specific rooms in your home. If you go for the more expensive j7+ model, it comes with a self-emptying base station, reducing hands-on maintenance requirements too. It's also advertised as capable of recognizing your schedule and organizing its cleaning session around it. The iRobot also feels much better built.

Wyze Robot Vacuum

The Wyze Robot Vacuum and iRobot Roomba j7/j7+ each have advantages. The iRobot provides a more hands-off cleaning experience, with real-time object identification to spot and avoid hazards like pet waste, automatic power adjustment for different floor types, and compatibility with a self-emptying base station. That said, the Wyze offers better overall debris pickup performance and has a longer battery life.

+ Show more

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
8.5
Design
Build Quality
Vacuum & Mop Combo
No

This vacuum has amazing build quality. Its body is made of high-grade plastic, with a gloss-finish outer casing and glossy top cover. The vacuum's camera sits at the front and features a small LED light to help it see obstructions and hazards. There are a few obvious weak points in the vacuum's construction, and while its internal dustbin could break if you were to drop it, it still feels sturdier than most other robot vacuums' dustbins. Its dock also feels very well-built and even features premium touches like a leatherette pull tab to lift open the external dustbin lid.

The out-of-the-box setup is very easy, with no actual assembly required. You only really need to pair the vacuum with its charging station, and if you buy the j7+ variant, the external dirt compartment comes with a dirtbag already in place.

7.0
Design
User Maintenance

The j7+ variant of this vacuum has several parts requiring regular maintenance, but thankfully, they're quite easy to access. You can also check the 'Maintenance' tab in its companion app to watch instructional videos for maintaining different components.

  • Dustbin: The internal dustbin can be removed by pressing the release button on the side of the vacuum. If there's any leftover debris inside the internal dustbin, you can wipe it out with a dry cloth or tap it against the side of a trash can. If necessary, you can wash it with water, but be sure to remove the filter beforehand. The dirt compartment should dry for 24 hours before you put it back in the vacuum.
  • Dirtbag: The dirtbag can simply be pulled out of its housing inside the charging station. It isn't reusable and must be thrown away when it's full, which is indicated by the status light on the docking station switching from white to red. The status light also turns red when the dustbin is blocked, though you also receive an in-app warning when this occurs. A cover on the dirtbag prevents dust and debris from spilling out when removing it. If you purchase the standard j7 model, you won't have to worry about maintaining the self-emptying base station.
  • High-Efficiency Exhaust Filter: The filter is located inside the dirt compartment. You can clean it by tapping it against the side of a trash can once or twice a week, depending on your usage habits. You shouldn't wash it with water.
  • Brushrolls: The brushrolls can be accessed by lifting the brush guard on the bottom of the vacuum and pulling them out. Depending on your usage habits, you should clean them by removing any hair tangles or debris once or twice a week. Putting them back in place can be difficult since they need to be precisely aligned in their housing.
  • Side Brush: The side brush is under the vacuum, and you should clean it of any stuck-on debris once a month.
  • Wheel: You can pull the front caster wheel out of the vacuum and then pushed out of its socket. You should clear it of any tangled hair or debris every two weeks.
  • Sensors and Charging Contacts: The sensors and charging contacts on the vacuum and docking station should be wiped clean with a dry cloth every two weeks.

3.0
Design
Recurring Cost
Bag Part Number 4640235
Filter Part Number 4785883
HEPA Filter Part Number No HEPA Filter

The '+' variant of the iRobot j7 incurs very high recurring costs since it has several parts that need regular replacing.

  • High-Efficiency Exhaust Filter: You should replace the exhaust filter every two months.
  • Rubber Brushrolls: You should replace the brushrolls every six to 12 months.
  • Front Wheel: You should replace the front wheel every 12 months, though it isn't currently listed on the manufacturer's website.
  • Side Brush: The manufacturer recommends replacing this every three months.
  • Dirtbag: You need to throw away and replace the dirtbag when it's full. This won't be a concern if you purchase the vacuum without the self-emptying station.

iRobot sells replacement parts as individual packs, but you can also buy a 'Replenishment Kit' on its website that includes brushrolls, three side brushes, and three exhaust filters.

Design
Dimensions
Robot Vacuum Height 8.6 cm (3.4")
Robot Vacuum Width 33.5 cm (13.2")
Robot Vacuum Depth 34.0 cm (13.4")
Docking Station Height 33.4 cm (13.1")
Docking Station Width 31.5 cm (12.4")
Docking Station Depth 39.4 cm (15.5")

This vacuum is pretty easy to store. Its base station is designed differently compared to older iRobot models like the iRobot Roomba i3, with a wider and deeper design that's much shorter, so you can fit it under a taller table or under a low-mounted shelf.

6.1
Design
Internal Dirt Compartment
Dirt Compartment Capacity
0.25 L
Full Indicator
Yes

The iRobot j7's internal dustbin is quite small, just like other models in the manufacturer's lineup. However, if you go for the '+' variant, which comes with a self-emptying base station, you won't have to empty it yourself. It has an integrated fill sensor, which lets you know when the dustbin or dock station dustbag is full.

6.4
Design
Station Maintenance Capabilities
Auto Empty
Yes
Bagless Station
No
Dirt Compartment Capacity
2.40 L
Automatic Tank Refill
No
Mop Washing
No
Mop Drying
No

The iRobot j7+'s has a docking station with self-emptying capability. It sucks debris from the vacuum's internal dustbin into a 2.4L dirtbag. The manufacturer advertises these bags as being spacious enough to hold 60 days' worth of debris, which aligns with other self-empty stations with similarly sized dustbags. The dock also has a storage slot for an additional dirtbag, so you can quickly swap in a new bag after one has been filled.

Design
In The Box

  • iRobot j7 robot vacuum
  • Recharge dock
  • Charging cable
  • 2x High-efficiency exhaust filters
  • Dustbin
  • 2x Side brush (one is already fitted to the vacuum)
  • 2x Multi-surface rubber brushrolls with bearings
  • Getting started guide

The j7+ variant of this vacuum comes with all of these components, along with:

  • Self-emptying station (replaces standard charging dock)
  • 2x Dirtbags

9.1
Design
Battery
Minimum Battery Life
102 min
Maximum Battery Life
102 min
Recharge Time
137 min
Removable Batteries
Yes

The iRobot j7 has strong overall battery performance. It can run for more than 100 minutes on a single charge, and since there are no dedicated power modes, you shouldn't see too significant a deviation from that in the real world. While it takes notably longer to recharge than the iRobot Roomba i7, it does have longer battery life. The indicator light under the clean button changes from white to red as its charge level drops, and you can keep an eye on its precise battery level by checking its companion app. You might want to consider the Roborock Q5 if you're looking for a self-emptying robot vacuum with a much longer maximum battery life and don't mind a slower recharge time.

Design
Quality Of Life Features
Power Adjustment
No
Easy On/Off
Yes

The iRobot j7's front camera is advertised as being capable of identifying hazards like pet waste or power cables and avoiding them. It also features a headlight to help the camera see in dimmer conditions. Still, you might want to consider an alternative like the Roborock S7 MaxV if you want a vacuum with LIDAR mapping for superior low-light mapping and maneuverability. The iRobot j7 has a surface detection feature and consequently adjusts its head height depending on the floor type that it's on, though you can't adjust this manually. It can also identify areas with a higher concentration of dirt and focus on cleaning those spots.

Design
Brush Roll and Tools
Brush Roll Set Up
Dual
Brush Roll Type
Rubber
Side Brush Set Up
Single
Side Brush Type
Fixed
Performance
7.5
Performance
Hard Floor Pick-Up

This vacuum delivers good performance on bare floors. It's capable of sucking up most kinds of solid debris, ranging from bulky material like cereal to lightweight debris like sand, but its side brush tends to fling around some debris, which the vacuum might not necessarily clean up afterward.

7.0
Performance
High-Pile Carpet Pick-Up

This vacuum does a good job of handling debris on high-pile carpets. It struggles a little with debris that's been pressed right up against walls and in corners, especially fine material like sand. That said, it does a better job with larger debris like rice or cereal.

7.0
Performance
Low-Pile Carpet Pick-Up

This vacuum performs decently well on low-pile carpets. It's quite effective in dealing with large and medium-sized debris like cereal or rice on this surface type but struggles with finer material like sand, especially along walls or in corners.

7.0
Performance
Pet-Hair Pick-Up

This vacuum delivers decent pet hair cleaning performance. It can clear away surface-level strands of hair, but it tends to leave behind a small amount of shorter hair.

0
Performance
Suction
Maximum Head Suction
0.0 inH₂O (0.00 kPa)
Normal Head Suction
0.0 inH₂O (0.00 kPa)
Setting Used For Normal "Clean"

The iRobot Roomba j7's suction force isn't very strong, though this isn't unusual for a robot vacuum; its suction inlet is positioned too high above the contact surface to generate a tight seal on bare surfaces, even with its height-adjustable brushroll, so real-world suction measurements are quite low. Check out the iRobot Roomba j9+ if you want a similar robot vacuum with more power.

1.3
Performance
Airflow
Maximum Head Airflow
6.0 CFM (0.2 m³/min)

This vacuum's airflow performance is adequate for a robovac, though certainly nothing special. It falls well short of more premium options like the Roborock S8, or indeed the iRobot Roomba S9, and will have a slightly harder time dealing with large amounts of heavyweight debris.

9.4
Performance
Noise
Bare Floor
63.0 dBA
Low-Pile Carpet
57.5 dBA

The iRobot j7 is remarkably quiet. You'll hear what people nearby are saying even when the vacuum is running in its most powerful suction mode.

8.5
Performance
Maneuverability

The iRobot j7 has excellent maneuverability. It cleans in an organized pattern and immediately returns to its docking station after it's finished with its current task. It's small enough to clean under chairs and tables, and its hazard detection feature is effective in causing it to avoid objects like electrical cords. However, you may need to clean the area around the cable yourself if you want a complete clean. It can also get caught on rug tassels and struggles to climb onto high-pile rugs without lifting them.

Performance
Air Quality
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
No

The iRobot j7 is reasonably effective in sealing in fine particles. While there are no specific claims regarding the vacuum's sealing performance, it does come with a high-efficiency filter advertised to trap 99% of dog and cat dander allergens.

5.5
Performance
Cracks
Wood Cracks Post Test

The iRobot j7 has middling crack-cleaning performance compared to manually-operated vacuums, but it does a relatively good job for a robot vacuum. Its side brush helps dislodge debris in cracks, but it lacks the necessary suction force to draw debris from deep within crevices.

1.0
Performance
Stains
Stain Pickup Post Test

The iRobot Roomba j7 has terrible stain-clearing performance. Unlike comparably priced alternatives like the Ecovacs DEEBOT OZMO T8 AIVI, this vacuum doesn't have any sort of mopping capability to help clean dried-on stains with water.

0
Performance
Water
Wet Compatible
No
Water Pickup Post Test
Automation
8.5
Automation
Physical Automation
Recharge and Resume
Yes
Pathing Algorithm
Smart
Physical Boundary Markers
No
Scheduled Start Buttons
No
Cycle Control Buttons
Onboard Only
Navigation Control Buttons
Return to Base Only

The iRobot j7 has an exceptional range of automation features. Aside from its most obvious self-emptying capability, it's advertised as being capable of recognizing your schedule and organizing its cleaning sessions around it. It's fully compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices, meaning you can control it with voice commands. Unfortunately, its camera-based navigation system is much slower to map out its coverage area than LIDAR alternatives, like the Roborock S8+/S8.

7.5
Automation
Companion App Automation
App Name
iRobot HOME
Software Boundary Markers (No Go Zones)
Yes
App Scheduled Start
Yes
App Cycle Control
Yes
Navigation Control within App
No

The iRobot Home app is good. You can access a virtual map of its coverage area with the app. You can then use it to set up virtual boundary markers, place no-go zones, or set up precise cleaning zones. Unfortunately, the interface is somewhat buggy, and it's missing common features found on alternatives, like pin-and-go capability. If you have a compatible Braava Jet M-Series robot mop, the "Imprint Link Technology" feature allows it to start mopping automatically after the iRobot j7 is finished vacuuming.