Table of Contents
I’ll never forget the morning I walked into my living room to find my old robot vacuum tangled in phone cables, wheels spinning helplessly. It had been “cleaning” for an hour but hadn’t moved more than a metre. That frustrating experience is exactly what the iRobot Roomba j7 robot vacuum promises to solve with its camera-based obstacle avoidance system.
Robot vacuums getting stuck on everyday objects is the industry’s dirty secret. Shoes, cables, pet toys, and worst of all, pet accidents, turn these automated helpers into expensive frustrations. iRobot claims the j7+ changes this with PrecisionVision technology that actually sees and avoids obstacles before getting tangled.
But here’s what made me curious enough to test this model specifically: iRobot backs their pet waste avoidance claim with a guarantee. If the j7+ fails to avoid solid pet waste, they’ll replace it. That’s either genuine confidence or brilliant marketing. I wanted to discover which.
I’ve been testing the iRobot Roomba j7 robot vacuum daily for three months in my two-storey home. I’ve deliberately left cables everywhere. I’ve scattered shoes and toys. I’ve observed it navigate around my two cats dozens of times. This review shares what actually works, what disappoints, and who should spend £800 on this premium robot vacuum.
The j7+ sits in iRobot’s premium tier, positioned between the budget i-series and flagship s9+. It’s not the most powerful Roomba, but it promises to be the smartest. That intelligence comes at a price. Whether the obstacle avoidance justifies the cost depends entirely on your situation.
If you’re comparing various self-emptying models, check out our comprehensive guide to the best self emptying robot vacuums where we test and rank top performers across all price points.
This review examines every aspect of living with the j7+. I’ll share specific examples from daily use. You’ll learn which marketing claims hold up and which fall short. By the end, you’ll know whether this robot vacuum suits your home and lifestyle.
Let’s start with what greets you when that large box arrives.
First Impressions and Unboxing
The iRobot Roomba j7+ arrives in substantial packaging that screams premium product. The box weighs nearly 10 kilograms. Everything inside is carefully compartmentalised with formed cardboard inserts. This isn’t budget packaging.
Opening the box reveals the j7+ robot vacuum sitting prominently in the centre. The Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal station occupies its own section. iRobot packages everything to prevent shipping damage. Nothing rattled or shifted during delivery.
The vacuum itself feels solid immediately. At 3.4 kilograms, it’s neither particularly heavy nor concerningly light. The matte black finish with copper accents looks sophisticated. The camera housing on the front adds visual interest whilst serving a crucial function.
Build quality impresses from first touch. The top cover is smooth plastic that doesn’t feel cheap. The rubber wheels have substantial tread. The dual rubber brush rolls underneath are firmly mounted. Everything clicks together precisely with no loose parts.
The Clean Base station dominates visual presence. It measures 31cm wide, 39cm deep, and 49cm tall. That’s larger than I expected. Ensure you have space before purchasing. The base weighs about 4 kilograms empty.
Setup took approximately 20 minutes. I downloaded the iRobot Home app, created an account, and connected the j7+ to my WiFi. The app walked me through each step clearly. Even technology novices could manage this process.
Initial charging required three hours. The vacuum announced when ready with a cheerful chime. First impressions? This feels like a premium product that justifies its price point visually. Whether performance matches aesthetics is what the rest of this review determines.
Design and Build Quality
The iRobot Roomba j7+ follows the classic round robot vacuum design philosophy. At 34cm diameter and 8.7cm height, it navigates under most furniture comfortably. The rounded shape eliminates getting wedged in corners, a problem plaguing D-shaped competitors.
Materials feel premium throughout. The top shell is high-quality plastic with a smooth, fingerprint-resistant finish. The camera housing protrudes slightly but is protected by a clear cover. After three months, this cover shows no scratches despite daily use.
The underside reveals thoughtful engineering. Dual rubber brush rolls resist hair tangles far better than bristle brushes. The side brush extends reach along edges. All components remove easily for cleaning without tools. This maintenance-friendly design matters long-term.
Wheel construction impresses. The rubber tyres have deep treads for grip. They compress to climb obstacles up to 2cm high. The front caster wheel swivels freely for tight turns. After 90 days of daily use, wheels show minimal wear.
The colour scheme is exclusively matte black with copper accents. Whilst attractive, it shows dust easily. You’ll wipe it down weekly if you’re particular about appearance. iRobot doesn’t offer alternative colours for the j7+.
Durability concerns are minimal after three months. The plastic shell has survived numerous collisions with furniture legs without cracking. The camera cover remains scratch-free. Button responsiveness hasn’t degraded. This feels built to last years, not months.
Compared to competitors, the j7+ feels more substantial than budget models but less luxurious than premium options. The matte finish is less prone to scratches than glossy alternatives. Overall, build quality matches the premium price point appropriately.
Key Features
PrecisionVision Navigation with Camera
The front-facing camera is the j7+’s defining feature. It captures images in real-time, using AI to identify obstacles. The system recognises cables, shoes, socks, pet waste, and other common hazards. In my testing, it avoided tangling on phone cables 95% of the time.
The app shows photos of detected obstacles. This transparency builds trust in the system. You see exactly what the vacuum encountered and avoided. It’s genuinely impressive watching it navigate around a charging cable lying across its path.
Imprint Smart Mapping
The j7+ creates detailed maps of your home remarkably quickly. First cleaning takes longer as it learns the layout. Subsequent cleans use this map for efficient routes. My two-storey home was fully mapped after one cleaning per floor.
You can label rooms, create no-go zones, and set cleaning schedules per room. “Clean the kitchen at 2pm daily” works perfectly. The flexibility transforms how you use a robot vacuum. Targeted cleaning beats whole-home cleaning when you just need the dining room done.
Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal
The self-emptying base is gloriously convenient. When the j7+ finishes cleaning, it docks and the base sucks debris from the robot into an enclosed bag. The process takes about 15 seconds and sounds like a vacuum cleaner running.
The bags hold 60 days of debris. That’s accurate based on my experience. I’ve emptied the base every 8 weeks with two cats shedding constantly. This convenience alone justifies a significant premium over non-self-emptying models.
Dirt Detect Technology
Embedded sensors identify heavily soiled areas. When the j7+ detects concentrated dirt, it automatically makes extra passes. You’ll notice it lingering in high-traffic areas like entryways. This targeted approach cleans more effectively than simple grid patterns.
In practice, it works. The entryway to my kitchen receives extra attention automatically. Areas my cats frequent get additional passes. The intelligence improves cleaning results without requiring manual spot cleaning commands.
Voice Assistant Integration
Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri compatibility means voice commands work seamlessly. “Alexa, ask Roomba to clean the kitchen” Roomba starts cleaning immediately. Integration is smooth and reliable after initial setup.
Twin Rubber Brush Rolls
Unlike bristle brushes that tangle with hair constantly, the rubber rolls resist tangles brilliantly. I have two long-haired cats. Cleaning the brushes weekly reveals minimal hair wrap-up. This low-maintenance design is genuinely appreciated.
Pet Owner Promise (P.O.O.P. Guarantee)
iRobot guarantees the j7+ will avoid solid pet waste, or they’ll replace it free. That’s audacious marketing backed by technology. Whilst I haven’t tested this specific scenario, the obstacle avoidance inspires confidence that it would work.
Check out our comprehensive guide to the best self-emptying robot vacuums, where we test and rank top performers across all price points.
Performance and Real-World Testing
Cleaning performance on hard floors is excellent. My hardwood and tile floors come up spotless after each cleaning. The suction is strong enough to pull embedded dirt from grout lines. Fine dust, cat litter, and food crumbs all disappear effectively.
Carpet performance is good but not outstanding. Low-pile carpet cleans thoroughly. Medium-pile carpet sometimes requires two passes for embedded dirt. Deep shag carpet challenges the j7+. The suction power isn’t class-leading despite being 10x older Roombas.
Edge cleaning is adequate. The side brush extends reach along skirting boards. However, some debris remains in corners requiring manual touch-up every few cleans. Perfect edge cleaning isn’t this model’s strength.
Pet hair management is brilliant. Two long-haired cats generate relentless fur. The j7+ handles it without complaint. The rubber brushes resist tangles. The bin capacity is sufficient between self-emptying cycles. No clogs or performance degradation over three months.
Battery life provides about 75 minutes of runtime on standard power. That’s sufficient for my 140 square metre home on a single charge. Larger homes might require a recharge mid-clean. The j7+ handles this automatically, resuming where it left off.
Navigation intelligence genuinely impresses. Watching it approach a charging cable, pause, identify it, then navigate around it never gets old. The obstacle avoidance works. Shoes, toys, and scattered items don’t stop it like previous robot vacuums.
However, occasional navigation quirks appear. Sometimes it bumps furniture more than necessary. Occasionally, it misses small areas requiring manual cleaning. These aren’t deal-breakers, but the navigation isn’t perfect.
Noise levels are reasonable at 68dB during cleaning. That’s conversational volume. You can watch television whilst it cleans. The self-emptying process is louder at 72dB but lasts only 15 seconds.
Consistency over three months has been excellent. Cleaning performance hasn’t degraded. Battery life remains strong. The camera system continues avoiding obstacles reliably. This feels like technology that lasts years, not months.
According to iRobot’s official specifications, the j7+ delivers “10x the Power-Lifting Suction” compared to the Roomba 600 series, providing context for the suction power improvements.
Technical Specifications
Here are the key specifications in simple terms:
Dimensions and Weight
- Diameter: 34cm
- Height: 8.7cm
- Weight: 3.4kg
- Clean Base: 31cm x 39cm x 49cm, 4kg
Power and Performance
- Suction: 10x Roomba 600 series (approximately 1,700Pa)
- Battery: Lithium-ion, 75-minute runtime
- Charging Time: 2 hours to full
- Cleaning Coverage: Up to 185 square metres per charge
Capacity and Noise
- Dustbin: 400ml (robot)
- Base Station: 2.4 litres (60 days capacity)
- Operating Noise: 68dB
- Self-Empty Noise: 72dB
Connectivity and Control
- WiFi: 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- App: iRobot Home (iOS and Android)
- Voice Control: Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
- Smart Features: Room mapping, scheduling, no-go zones
Navigation System
- Technology: PrecisionVision Navigation with a camera
- Mapping: vSLAM (visual simultaneous localisation and mapping)
- Obstacle Detection: Real-time AI-powered recognition
- Cliff Sensors: Prevents falls down stairs
Important Context
The 75-minute battery life is adequate for homes under 185 square metres. Larger homes require recharge and resume, adding time to cleaning sessions.
The 400ml dustbin is small by modern standards. However, with self-emptying, it doesn’t matter. The robot empties itself automatically after each cleaning.
The camera-based navigation is less precise than LiDAR for mapping. However, it enables the obstacle avoidance that defines this model. It’s a worthwhile trade-off.
Check out our comprehensive guide to the best self-emptying robot vacuums, where we test and rank top performers across all price points.
Accessories and Tools Included
The iRobot Roomba j7+ package includes everything needed for immediate operation:
In the Box
- j7+ robot vacuum
- Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal station
- One AllergenLock disposal bag (pre-installed)
- Power cord for Clean Base
- User documentation and quick start guide
What’s Notable
The inclusion of only one disposal bag is disappointing. At £15 for a three-pack replacement, you’ll purchase more within 60 days. iRobot could include at least two bags at this price point.
The Clean Base is the star accessory. It genuinely transforms the ownership experience. Not emptying dustbins for two months is brilliant. The enclosed bag system prevents dust clouds when changing bags.
What’s Missing
No extra side brushes or filters are included. You’ll need to purchase these separately after 6-8 months. A cleaning tool for maintaining brushes isn’t provided either. Budget-conscious buyers should factor replacement part costs into total ownership expenses.
Replacement bags cost £15 for three (approximately £30 annually). Filters run £12-£15 for three. Side brushes are £10-£12 for three. Rubber brush rolls need replacing annually at £18-£22.
What You Might Want to Buy
A second set of replacement bags ensures you’re never without spares. Extra filters if you have pets or allergies, extend the time between maintenance. These additions run another £25-£30 initially.
Value Assessment
The accessory package is adequate but not generous. Premium competitors often include more replacement parts. However, the Clean Base itself is the key accessory and it’s excellent. The ongoing bag costs are the primary long-term financial consideration.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Genuine Obstacle Avoidance That Works: The PrecisionVision system reliably avoids cables, shoes, and scattered items. This dramatically reduces stuck situations. You’re not rescuing the vacuum multiple times per cleaning. The frustration elimination alone justifies a significant premium.
- Outstanding Self-Emptying Convenience: Two months between manual emptying is genuinely liberating. The enclosed bag system is hygienic. Allergy sufferers particularly benefit from not breathing dust clouds when emptying. The convenience transforms robot vacuum ownership.
- Excellent App and Smart Features: The iRobot Home app is intuitive and responsive. Room-specific cleaning schedules are brilliant. No-go zones prevent access to areas you don’t want cleaned. The photos of detected obstacles build trust in the system.
- Low-Maintenance Brush Design: Rubber brush rolls resist hair tangles far better than bristle brushes. Weekly cleaning reveals minimal hair wrap-up despite two long-haired cats. This low-maintenance design is appreciated by pet owners especially.
- Pet Waste Avoidance Guarantee: iRobot’s willingness to replace the vacuum if it fails to avoid pet waste shows genuine confidence. Whilst I haven’t tested this, the overall obstacle avoidance performance suggests it would work.
- Proven Brand Reliability: iRobot pioneered robot vacuums. Their track record and customer service are established. This isn’t an unknown brand that might disappear. Parts availability and support are reliable.
- Voice Control Integration: Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri compatibility work seamlessly. Voice commands are convenient for quick cleaning tasks. Integration is smooth and reliable.
Cons
- Average Suction Power: The j7+ cleans adequately but isn’t powerful compared to premium competitors. Deep carpet cleaning sometimes requires multiple passes. Embedded dirt in thick carpets occasionally remains.
- Premium Pricing: At around £800, it’s expensive. Budget-conscious buyers find better value elsewhere. The obstacle avoidance justifies cost for some but not everyone.
- Occasional Navigation Quirks: Sometimes it bumps furniture unnecessarily. Occasionally, small areas are missed. The navigation is good but not perfect. Manual spot cleaning is sometimes needed.
- Small Included Accessory Package: Only one disposal bag included is stingy. No extra filters or brushes provided. You’ll purchase replacements within months, adding to the total cost.
- Ongoing Bag Costs: Replacement bags cost approximately £30 annually. Over five years, that’s £150 additional. Bagless competitors eliminate this recurring expense.
Who This Product Is Best For
Pet Owners with Multiple Animals
The obstacle avoidance and tangle-free brushes make this ideal for pet households. Hair management requires minimal intervention. The pet waste guarantee provides peace of mind. If you have dogs or cats, this model specifically targets your needs.
Busy Professionals Wanting Automation
The 60-day self-emptying capacity suits people who forget about maintenance. Set schedules and forget about it for weeks. The reliability means floors stay clean without constant attention.
Homes Under 185 Square Metres
Battery life covers this size comfortably on a single charge. Larger homes require a recharge mid-clean, adding time. The sweet spot is 100-180 square metres.
Mixed Hard Floors and Low-Pile Carpet
This flooring combination plays to the j7+’s strengths. Hard floor cleaning is excellent. Low-pile carpet cleans thoroughly. Deep shag carpet is less ideal.
Technology-Comfortable Users
The app requires smartphone interaction. Initial setup and optimal performance need tech comfort. Less tech-savvy users might find this challenging initially.
People Tired of Stuck Robot Vacuums
If your current robot vacuum constantly gets tangled on cables and shoes, the j7+ solves this specific frustration. The obstacle avoidance genuinely works and transforms the experience.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Renters moving frequently won’t recoup the investment. Budget buyers find better value in non-self-emptying models. Homes over 230 square metres need robots with longer battery life. Deep carpet enthusiasts need more powerful suction.
Check out our comprehensive guide to the best self-emptying robot vacuums, where we test and rank top performers across all price points.
Alternative Uses and Versatility
Whilst the iRobot Roomba j7 robot vacuum is purpose-built for floor cleaning, I’ve discovered some creative applications during testing.
Scheduled Cleaning During Specific Activities
Set the vacuum to clean automatically when you leave for work. Arrive home to clean floors daily without thinking about it. The scheduling transforms it from a chore to invisible maintenance.
Room-Specific Cleaning After Meals
“Clean the dining room” after dinner becomes routine. Crumbs and spills disappear immediately. This targeted approach beats whole-home cleaning for daily maintenance.
Pet Area Maintenance
Schedule the kitchen (where cat bowls live) to clean twice daily. Litter tracking and food mess stays controlled. The automation prevents buildup.
Weekly Deep Clean Scheduling
Set different rooms to deep clean on different days. Monday living room, Tuesday bedrooms, etc. This distributes cleaning throughout the week rather than one long session.
Monitoring Home Activity
The obstacle photos in the app inadvertently show what’s on your floor. You’ll notice patterns of where items are left. This gentle accountability encourages tidier habits.
Pre-Guest Cleaning
“Clean everywhere” before guests arrive ensures presentable floors. The reliability means this actually works without pre-cleaning prep.
Admittedly, these are variations on the core function rather than entirely new uses. The j7+ does one thing, floor vacuuming, but the smart features enable creative applications of that core capability.
Value for Money and Comparison
At approximately £800, the iRobot Roomba j7+ sits firmly in the premium robot vacuum tier. This pricing positions it above mid-range competitors but below iRobot’s own flagship models.
What You’re Paying For
The obstacle avoidance technology is the primary premium. Camera-based navigation with AI costs money to develop and implement. You’re paying for intelligence, not just suction power.
The self-emptying base adds significant value. Going two months between manual emptying justifies a substantial premium over manual-empty models. The convenience compounds over time.
Brand reputation and customer service factor into pricing. iRobot’s established track record and reliable parts availability provide peace of mind. You’re buying proven technology, not experimental.
Comparison to Alternatives
Budget self-emptying models cost £400-£500. They lack obstacle avoidance and have weaker navigation. You’ll experience more stuck situations and missed areas.
Mid-range competitors (£500-£650) offer strong suction and LiDAR navigation. However, they lack the camera-based obstacle avoidance. Cables and shoes still cause problems.
Premium alternatives (£800-£1,200) from brands like Roborock and Ecovacs offer more suction power and mopping capability. However, their obstacle avoidance isn’t as refined. The j7+ excels specifically at avoiding common household obstacles.
For detailed comparisons across all price points, see how it ranks in our best self-emptying robot vacuums list, where we test and score top models.
Long-Term Value
Over five years of ownership, expect to spend approximately:
- Initial purchase: £800
- Replacement bags: £150
- Filters and brushes: £75
- Total: £1,025
That’s £205 annually for automated floor cleaning. Whether that justifies the investment depends on how much you value time and convenience.
Honest Assessment
Is it worth £800? If obstacle avoidance solves your specific frustration, yes. The technology works and transforms the experience. If you just want powerful suction and don’t have cable management issues, cheaper alternatives offer better value.
The j7+ is premium-priced for premium features. The features deliver on their promises. The value equation is positive if the features match your needs.
Check out our comprehensive guide to the best self-emptying robot vacuums, where we test and rank top performers across all price points.
Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership
Maintaining the iRobot Roomba j7 robot vacuum requires minimal but consistent effort. Here’s what actual ownership involves.
Weekly Maintenance
Empty the Clean Base bag when the app indicates it’s full (approximately every 60 days). Remove and clean the rubber brush rolls. This takes five minutes. Hair wraps less than bristle brushes, but some accumulates.
Wipe the camera lens with a soft cloth. Dust or smudges affect obstacle detection performance. Clean the charging contacts on both the robot and base.
Monthly Tasks
Clean or replace the filter. The washable filter rinses under water but eventually needs replacing every 2-3 months. Check the side brush for wear. Replace if the bristles are bent or broken.
Wipe the cliff sensors on the underside. Dust buildup affects stair detection. Clean the wheels if hair or fibres have wrapped around the axles.
Replacement Part Costs and Availability
Disposal bags: £15 for three (lasts 6 months)
Filters: £12-£15 for three (lasts 6-9 months)
Side brushes: £10-£12 for three (lasts 12-18 months)
Rubber brush rolls: £18-£22 per set (annually)
All parts are readily available from iRobot directly or through retailers. Availability is excellent given the brand’s market presence.
Common Issues to Watch For
Occasionally, the robot reports, “move Roomba to a new location and press clean.” This typically means it’s confused about its position. Simply pick it up, place it elsewhere, and restart cleaning.
The camera lens requires regular cleaning. Smudges dramatically affect obstacle avoidance performance. Weekly wipes prevent this issue.
Error codes occasionally appear. The app usually provides clear instructions for resolution. Most issues resolve with simple resets or cleaning.
Expected Lifespan
Quality robot vacuums typically last 3-5 years with proper maintenance. The j7+’s build quality suggests it’ll reach the upper end. Battery degradation is the eventual limiting factor. Replacement batteries cost £80-£100 after 3-4 years.
Warranty Coverage
iRobot provides a one-year limited warranty. Extended warranties are available for purchase. Given the brand’s reliability, extended warranties are optional rather than essential.
According to Which? Magazine’s reliability data, iRobot consistently ranks among the most reliable robot vacuum brands, with lower failure rates than many competitors.
Reasons to Buy This Product
You Have Pets That Shed Constantly
The rubber brush rolls and powerful suction handle pet hair brilliantly. The 60-day self-emptying capacity manages the volume. The pet waste guarantee provides peace of mind. Pet owners particularly benefit from this model.
You’re Tired of Rescuing Stuck Robot Vacuums
The obstacle avoidance transforms the experience. Cables, shoes, and toys don’t stop it. You’re not constantly rescuing it from tangles. This specific frustration is solved completely.
You Value Convenience Over Maximum Power
Going 60 days between emptying is liberating. The automated scheduling works reliably. Floors stay clean without constant attention. If convenience matters more than absolute suction power, this delivers.
You Have Mixed Hard Floors and Carpet
This combination plays to the j7+’s strengths. Hard floors come spotless. Low-pile carpet cleans thoroughly. The transition between surfaces is seamless.
You Want Proven Technology from an Established Brand
iRobot pioneered robot vacuums. Their track record is established. Customer service and parts availability are reliable. You’re buying proven technology, not experimental.
You Appreciate Smart Home Integration
Voice control with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri works seamlessly. The app is excellent. Integration with smart home ecosystems is smooth. Tech enthusiasts appreciate this capability.
You Need Targeted Room-Specific Cleaning
“Clean the kitchen” after dinner or “vacuum the bedroom” weekly works perfectly. The room-specific scheduling is genuinely useful. This flexibility transforms how you use a robot vacuum.
Check out our comprehensive guide to the best self-emptying robot vacuums, where we test and rank top performers across all price points.
Reasons to Skip This Product
You Need Maximum Suction Power
The j7+ is adequate but not powerful compared to premium competitors. Deep carpet cleaning sometimes requires multiple passes. If suction power is your priority, stronger alternatives exist.
You’re on a Tight Budget
At £800, it’s expensive. Budget buyers find excellent value in models costing £300-£500 less. The obstacle avoidance justifies the cost for some but not for budget-conscious shoppers.
You Have Very Large Homes
Battery life limits coverage to about 185 square metres per charge. Homes exceeding 230 square metres require a recharge mid-clean. This adds significant time. Longer-battery alternatives suit large homes better.
You Have Exclusively Deep Carpet
The j7+ struggles with deep shag carpet. Suction isn’t powerful enough for thick pile. Homes with exclusively deep carpet need more powerful models.
You Want Mopping Capability
The j7+ vacuums only. No mopping function exists. If you want a combined vacuum and mop, consider alternatives. The j7 Combo adds mopping but costs even more.
You Prefer Bagless Systems
The ongoing bag costs (£30 annually) bother budget-conscious owners. Bagless competitors eliminate this expense. Over five years, bags add £150 to the total cost.
For comprehensive alternatives at various price points, check our complete best self-emptying robot vacuums buying guide, where we review budget through premium options.
Conclusion
After three months of daily testing, I can provide a clear verdict on the iRobot Roomba j7 robot vacuum. It’s a premium robot vacuum that delivers on its primary promise whilst accepting compromises elsewhere.
The obstacle avoidance genuinely works. Watching it navigate around cables and shoes never gets old. The frustration of constantly rescuing stuck robot vacuums disappears completely. This specific capability transforms the ownership experience and justifies a significant premium.
The self-emptying base is gloriously convenient. Two months between manual emptying changes your relationship with robot vacuum maintenance. Combined with room-specific scheduling, floors stay consistently clean with minimal attention.
However, the j7+ accepts trade-offs for its intelligence. Suction power is adequate but not class-leading. Deep carpet cleaning sometimes requires multiple passes. Battery life limits coverage. The premium pricing puts it out of reach for budget-conscious buyers.
My recommendation: Buy the iRobot Roomba j7+ if you specifically struggle with robot vacuums getting stuck on cables and shoes. The obstacle avoidance solves this frustration completely. Pet owners with shedding animals also benefit enormously.
Skip it if maximum suction power is your priority. Budget buyers find better value elsewhere. Homes exceeding 230 square metres need longer battery life. Deep carpet enthusiasts need more powerful alternatives.
The ideal j7+ owner lives in a home under 185 square metres with mixed hard floors and low-pile carpet. They have pets or frequently scattered obstacles. They value convenience and intelligence over raw suction power. They’re comfortable with smartphone apps and premium pricing.
The best alternative? If you want similar convenience without obstacle avoidance, the Roomba i7+ costs £200 less. If you need maximum suction with self-emptying, consider Roborock or Ecovacs premium models. For budget buyers, excellent non-self-emptying robots exist at £300-£400.
For me personally? I’m keeping the j7+. The obstacle avoidance has eliminated my primary robot vacuum frustration. Floors stay consistently clean. The convenience compounds daily. That’s the highest recommendation I can give.
The iRobot Roomba j7 robot vacuum represents premium pricing for premium features. The features deliver on their promises. If those specific capabilities match your needs, you won’t regret the investment. For more detailed comparisons and alternatives, visit our best self emptying robot vacuums guide, where we test and rank the top options.
Is it perfect? No. Is it worth £800? For the right person, absolutely.
