Get the App
Better experience on mobile
We help you decide if iRobot Roomba s9+ is the right purchase for your needs and budget
The Roomba s9+ is a top-tier robot vacuum that excels on carpets and with pet hair, but at $799 it's not for everyone. Decide based on your flooring, lifestyle, and budget. If you value convenience and have the money, it's a great buy; otherwise, cheaper alternatives or newer multipurpose models might be better.
You've seen the ads and read the reviews. The iRobot Roomba s9+ commands top dollar at $799, promising a smarter, more powerful clean. But is it actually worth the investment, or are you better off with a budget robot vacuum? If you're feeling stuck between the hype and the price tag, you're not alone. In this guide, we'll unpack the real pros and cons, explore who should buy it, and help you decide if it's the right fit for your home and lifestyle. We'll also look at smart alternatives, including Amazon recommendations, so you can make a confident choice.
Our goal isn't to persuade you either way—it's to give you the honest, research-backed insights you need to make a decision you'll feel good about. Whether you're a pet owner with endless fur tumbleweeds, a busy professional with little spare time, or someone on a tight budget, we'll help you see if the s9+ is your match. At the end, we'll give a clear verdict: yes, no, or it depends.
The iRobot Roomba s9+ is the flagship robot vacuum from iRobot, the brand that essentially created the category. It's a self-emptying robot vacuum that learns your home's layout, cleans in neat rows, and empties its own dustbin into a sealed base that holds up to 60 days of debris. With up to 40 times the suction power of older Roomba models, it's designed to tackle deep carpets and stubborn pet hair. Its distinctive D-shape lets it reach into corners and along edges more effectively than round robots.
It also comes with iRobot OS, a set of smart features that includes personalized cleaning suggestions, no-go zones, and compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant. The s9+ is part of iRobot's premium lineup, often sold alongside the Braava Jet m6 robot mop, and it's available on Amazon and other major retailers. It's known for its high price, but also for being one of the most reliable and effective robot vacuums on the market.
The biggest hesitation is price. At $799, the Roomba s9+ is a significant investment, and many potential buyers ask whether they can get similar performance for less. A quick search reveals plenty of robot vacuums under $300 that offer decent suction and app control. The added cost of the self-emptying base and premium build is obvious, but is it worth the extra hundreds? Another common concern is ongoing maintenance: replacement bags, filters, and brushes add up over time. Some buyers worry about the noise level of the self-emptying function, which can be startling.
Beyond cost and maintenance, people hesitate because they aren't sure if the s9+ fits their home. Does it work well on hardwood floors? Will it get stuck on cords and rugs? Is it smart enough to avoid pet accidents? And with iRobot continuously releasing newer models, some wonder if they're buying outdated technology. Forums and reviews echo these concerns, with some users reporting app glitches and sensor issues. Yet, many owners are delighted with the cleaning results—so the hesitation often comes down to whether your specific situation justifies the premium.
A family with two dogs and a cat, living in a 2,300 sq ft house with thick carpets and area rugs. They are overwhelmed by fur and want to vacuum daily.
Budget: $800–$1,000
Usage: Runs the robot every day while at work to keep up with hair.
Why: The s9+ is one of the best vacuums for pet hair on carpets. Its self-emptying base means they only need to change a bag monthly, and the powerful suction will dramatically reduce visible fur. For this family, it's a game-changer.
Consider instead: If they wanted to save money, the Roomba i3+ EVO offers similar pet hair handling at a lower price.
A college student living in a 400 sq ft studio apartment with vinyl floors. They are on a tight budget and want to keep their space clean without manual vacuuming.
Budget: Under $300
Usage: Runs the robot once a week to pick up crumbs and dust bunnies.
Why: The s9+ is far too expensive for such a small space and simple needs. Even a basic robot vacuum would work fine, and the self-emptying base is unnecessary when the dustbin is already small. The student can get a reliable budget robot for under $200.
Consider instead: Consider the eufy RoboVac 11S (B0BZ3K2P4J) or a Roomba 694 for affordable cleaning.
Two professionals work long hours and have an open-plan apartment with a mix of hardwood and a large rug. They also have a cat.
Budget: $700–$900
Usage: Schedule the robot to run each morning before they get home from work.
Why: They have the income and want to come home to a clean space without spending free time vacuuming. The s9+ will handle the cat fur and the rug nicely. The self-emptying base is a plus—they can keep it running for weeks without thinking about it. For this scenario, it's a smart investment.
Consider instead: If they prefer a combo vacu-mop, the Roborock S8+ could be a better fit for the hard floor.
An individual who loves new gadgets and lives in a 700 sq ft condo with hardwood floors. They have no pets.
Budget: Flexible, but doesn't want waste
Usage: Occasional cleaning, maybe once a week.
Why: The s9+ is overkill for hardwood floors and a small space. Even though they can afford it, the premium features won't be noticeable. They'd be better served by a mid-range robot with mapping, or even a good cordless stick vacuum. It's not a good use of $799.
Consider instead: Consider the Ecovacs Deebot N8+ (B0C4M6N8QZ) or a Shark robot for hardwood-focused cleaning.
Who is the Roomba s9+ actually for? Generally, it's for someone who values cleaning performance above all else and is willing to pay for it. The s9+ excels on carpets, especially medium- and high-pile ones, where it burrows deep to pull out embedded dirt. Pet owners rave about its ability to handle fur that clumps and wraps—the specially designed brush roll resists tangles better than earlier models. The self-emptying base is a game-changer for those with allergies, as you don't have to empty the dustbin for weeks; it also means you set it and forget it, which is ideal for busy families.
However, real-world usage has its quirks. The mapping system takes a few runs to create a complete map, and some users have reported glitches with the app requiring a reset. The D-shape helps with edges, but the vacuum still can't match a human's ability to clean baseboards. On hard floors, it does a good job but isn't exceptional—you might want a dedicated mop for sticky spots. The noise level while vacuuming is moderate, but the self-emptying base is quite loud, a common complaint. As for reliability, it's generally sturdy, but some users report needing to replace the rollers more frequently if they have thick carpets or heavy pets.
When compared to alternatives, the Roborock S8+ offers comparable suction and a self-emptying base at a slightly lower price, plus the option to attach a mop. The Ecovacs Deebot T9+ also bundles mopping and is often on sale. But iRobot's app and navigation are widely considered more mature and reliable. For budget shoppers, the eufy RoboVac 11S is a fraction of the price and handles basic cleaning, but it lacks mapping and self-emptying—so you'll be emptying the bin daily and manually moving it between rooms. The s9+ is not the newest robot from iRobot—the Combo j9+ adds mopping to the same platform—but it still receives software updates, and parts are widely available.
Long-term ownership costs include replacement bags (about $17 for 8), filters ($20 for 2-3), and side brushes (about $15 for a 3-pack). You'll likely spend $40-$60 per year on consumables, which is manageable but should be factored into the total cost of ownership. The self-emptying base uses standard bags, and aftermarket ones work too, though iRobot recommends original genuine parts for best performance. Resale value is decent for premium electronics, but it's unlikely to retain much after 3-4 years.
Market context: The robot vacuum market has become crowded, with aggressive pricing from Chinese brands. iRobot remains a top seller, but its premium models face stiff competition. In 2026, the s9+ is still sold but is slowly being phased out in favor of newer models. If you don't need the latest features, you might find s9+ on sale, making it a more attractive buy. However, if you want mopping or smarter object recognition, you might look elsewhere.
User reviews generally fall into two camps: those who are blown away by the cleaning power and convenience, and those who feel it's overpriced and finicky. Reading verified customer feedback reveals that many issues are related to setup and app pairing, which beginners may find frustrating. Once past that, satisfaction is high. Expert reviews consistently note outstanding performance but warn about the price tag.
The subject of this guide. If you're leaning toward buying, this is your direct purchase link on Amazon.
For those who want the s9+ specifically, this is the main product to buy.
Anyone who has decided the s9+ meets their needs.
Genuine iRobot replacement parts designed for the s9+ to maintain peak performance over time.
Regular replacement of rollers and filters keeps the s9+ working efficiently; this kit is easy to swap out.
Current s9+ owners who want to keep their vacuum in top shape.
Sturdy, disposable bags for the Clean Base to capture dust and debris, each bag holds up to 60 days of dirt.
You'll need these bags eventually; purchasing a multi-pack saves hassle and ensures you have them when the base signals full.
s9+ owners who use the self-emptying feature regularly.
A budget-friendly, slim robot vacuum that's quiet and perfect for basic cleaning on hard floors or low-pile carpets.
If the s9+'s price tag is too high, this is a solid alternative at a fraction of the cost, though it lacks mapping and self-emptying.
Budget buyers, small apartments, and users who don't need smart mapping.
Creates invisible barriers to keep your Roomba from entering rooms or areas you want to protect.
While the s9+ can set no-go zones in the app, this physical barrier is handy for rooms without strong Wi-Fi or for extra protection.
Users who want additional control over where the robot goes.
So, should you buy the iRobot Roomba s9+? If you have a large home with carpets and pets, and you can comfortably afford the $799 price (plus ongoing supplies), this vacuum is a fantastic convenience that can genuinely improve your daily life. It saves you time and effort, and the self-emptying base means you can literally forget about vacuuming for weeks. For such users, the s9+ is a clear YES.
But if you live in a small apartment with hardwood floors, or you're on a tight budget, the s9+ is overkill. You can get very good cleaning performance for $200-$400, and you'll likely be just as happy. Also, if you want the ability to mop, the s9+ won't do it—consider a combo model instead. For these buyers, we'd say NO and recommend cheaper alternatives.
If you're on the fence, ask yourself: Do my floors have significant carpet? Do I have pets? Am I tired of vacuuming manually? Will the self-emptying feature actually save me time? If you answer yes to most, the s9+ could be a worthwhile investment—especially if you catch it on sale. Wait for a discount like Prime Day or Black Friday, and you might get it for $599 or less. Ultimately, it's a premium product for buyers who value time and cleanliness over saving a buck.
It depends on your home and budget. If you have carpeted floors, pets, and can afford the $799 price, it's a top-performing robot vacuum that offers unmatched convenience. However, if you have mostly hard floors or a tight budget, there are more cost-effective alternatives.
For the right user, yes. It's one of the most powerful and reliable robot vacuums you can buy. The self-emptying base and advanced mapping justify the price for busy pet owners, but for others, a $300 robot might be 80% as good.
It works fine on hard floors—it picks up dust and debris well—but it's not exceptional. A robot with a mop (like Roborock) might be a better all-in-one solution for hard surfaces.
You'll need to replace the bag in the Clean Base about every two months ($17 for a pack of 8 bags), plus filters and rollers every 6–12 months. The total annual cost is typically $40–$60.
The s9+ has much stronger suction (40x vs. 10x compared to baseline) and a D-shape design for better edge cleaning. It also has more advanced mapping and navigation. If carpet performance is crucial, the s9+ is better, but the i3+ is much more affordable and still good for basic needs.
Absolutely. The s9+ frequently drops to $599 or even lower during Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and holiday sales. If you're not in a rush, waiting can save you $200 or more.
No, the s9+ is a vacuum only. For mopping, you'd need a separate robot like the iRobot Braava Jet m6, or consider a hybrid robot vacuum and mop from other brands.
Yes, it's one of the best robot vacuums for pet hair. The dual rubber brushes are tangle-resistant and the strong suction pulls hair out of carpets. Many pet owners report it handles fur with ease.
It's quite loud—often compared to a hairdryer or a vacuum itself. It lasts about 10 seconds. It's not a deal-breaker for most, but it might startle pets or babies.
It uses mapping to clean in efficient rows. During the first few runs, it creates a map of your home. You can then customize no-go zones, room names, and cleaning priorities in the app.
Common complaints include the loud self-emptying base, occasional app connectivity issues, getting stuck on cords or dark rugs, and the price. Most issues can be resolved by keeping the sensors clean and ensuring the floor is tidy.
iRobot has released newer models like the Combo j9+ (which adds mopping) and the Roomba j7+ (with object detection). The s9+ is still solid but lacks some newer features, so check if those upgrades matter to you.
We hope this guide helped you decide whether iRobot Roomba s9+ is right for you.
