[Smart Home 2026] Robot Vacuums — Roborock S8 MaxV vs iRobot Roomba j9+ Review

Let Robots Do the Cleaning
The Ultimate Robot Vacuum Guide for 2026

🤖 Key Takeaways

• 2026 Robot Vacuums: They vacuum, mop, empty dustbins, wash mop pads, and avoid obstacles — all automatically.
• Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra ($1,399): Best all-in-one. Vacuums + mops + self-empties + self-washes. Most features for the price.
• iRobot Roomba j9+ ($899): Best pure vacuum. Superior carpet cleaning + smart mapping. No mopping.
• Winner: Roborock for all-in-one cleaning. Roomba for vacuum-only excellence and pet hair.

📑 Table of Contents

1. Why Robot Vacuums in 2026 Are Different
2. Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra — The All-in-One Champion
3. iRobot Roomba j9+ — The Vacuum Specialist
4. Head-to-Head Comparison
5. Which One Should You Buy?
6. Setup Tips & Maintenance
7. FAQ

This is 'Thirsty Hippo'. I hate vacuuming. There, I said it. The dragging out the vacuum, the cord management, the moving furniture, the emptying the dustbin... it all adds up to an hour I'd rather spend doing literally anything else.

That's why I bought my first robot vacuum five years ago. And honestly? It changed my life. My floors are cleaner now than when I vacuumed manually, because the robot runs every single day while I'm at work. No effort required.

But robot vacuums in 2026 are on another level. They don't just vacuum — they mop, empty their own dustbins, wash their own mop pads, and navigate around your dog's toys using AI cameras. It's genuinely impressive. Today, I'm comparing the two best robot vacuums you can buy: the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and the iRobot Roomba j9+.

🤖 1. Why Robot Vacuums in 2026 Are Different

The robot vacuums of 2020 were glorified Roombas that bumped into walls and got stuck on rug edges. The robot vacuums of 2026? They're basically autonomous cleaning robots with PhD-level navigation.

Here's what has changed in just a few years:

• LiDAR + AI camera navigation: They map your home in 3D and remember every room
• Obstacle avoidance: AI cameras detect cables, pet waste, socks, and shoes
• Auto-empty docks: Go months between emptying dustbins
• Vacuum + mop combo: Clean all floor types in one pass
• 10,000+ Pa suction: Stronger than many traditional upright vacuums

🧮 Hippo's Insight: The Dock Revolution

The biggest advancement in 2026 isn't the robot — it's the dock. Premium docks now:

• Auto-empty dustbin: Sucks debris into a bag that lasts 1-2 months
• Auto-wash mop pads: Scrubs and dries mop pads after every clean
• Auto-refill water: Fills the robot's water tank automatically
• Hot air drying: Prevents mold and odor on mop pads

You literally just set a schedule and forget about cleaning for weeks. 🧹➡️🤖

🏆 2. Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra — The All-in-One Champion

The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is the do-everything robot. It vacuums, mops, empties itself, washes its own mops, and uses AI to avoid obstacles. If you want one robot to handle all your floor cleaning, this is it.

Price: $1,399 (including dock) | Suction: 10,000 Pa | Navigation: LiDAR + AI RGB Camera | Mopping: VibraRise 3.0 | Run Time: 180 minutes

👍 What I Love

• True hands-free operation. The dock empties dustbin, washes mops, AND dries them with hot air. I touch it maybe once a month.
• VibraRise mopping is genius. The mop vibrates 4,000 times per minute to scrub stains, then lifts itself when it detects carpet. No wet carpets!
• 10,000 Pa suction destroys pet hair. My golden retriever sheds constantly. The Roborock pulls hair out of carpet that my old vacuum missed.
• AI obstacle avoidance actually works. It sees cables, shoes, pet toys, and navigates around them. I no longer need to "robot-proof" my house before cleaning.
• Excellent app with room-specific settings. I set the kitchen to mop twice and the bedroom to vacuum-only. Customization is deep.

👎 What's Missing

• Expensive. $1,399 is a lot. You can buy a traditional vacuum AND a Swiffer for far less.
• Dock is massive. The all-in-one dock is the size of a small nightstand. You need dedicated floor space.
• Mopping isn't as good as manual. It handles daily maintenance, but dried-on stains still need a human with a mop.

🎯 3. iRobot Roomba j9+ — The Vacuum Specialist

The iRobot Roomba j9+ takes a different approach. It doesn't try to mop. Instead, it focuses on being the absolute best vacuum possible. If mopping isn't a priority, the j9+ delivers exceptional carpet and hard floor cleaning.

Price: $899 (including dock) | Suction: ~2,200 Pa | Navigation: iRobot OS + PrecisionVision Camera | Mopping: None | Run Time: 120 minutes

👍 What I Love

• Dual rubber extractors are magic. No brushes to get tangled with hair. Pet hair and human hair just get sucked up without wrapping.
• Carpet Boost automatically kicks in. When it hits carpet, suction triples. Pulls deep-embedded dirt out of fibers.
• iRobot OS is the smartest. It learns your cleaning habits and suggests optimal schedules. "Clean the kitchen after you cook" kind of smart.
• Dirt Detect technology. Sensors identify dirtier areas and make extra passes. High-traffic zones get more attention.
• Reliable obstacle avoidance. P.O.O.P. (Pet Owner Official Promise) — if it runs over pet waste, iRobot replaces it. That's confidence.

👎 What's Missing

• No mopping. You'll need a separate mopping solution or the Braava jet for hard floors.
• Lower suction than Roborock. 2,200 Pa vs 10,000 Pa. On hard floors, both perform similarly. On deep carpet, Roborock has an edge.
• Dock only auto-empties. No mop washing, no water refill (because no mop).

📊 4. Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature	Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra	iRobot Roomba j9+
Price	$1,399	$899 ✓
Suction Power	10,000 Pa ✓	~2,200 Pa
Mopping	VibraRise 3.0 ✓	❌ None
Auto-Empty Dock	✅	✅
Self-Wash Mop	✅ + Hot Air Dry ✓	❌ N/A
Obstacle Avoidance	AI RGB Camera ✓	PrecisionVision Camera
Pet Hair	Excellent	Excellent (Tangle-Free) ✓
Carpet Cleaning	Superior (10K Pa) ✓	Excellent
Hard Floor	Vacuum + Mop ✓	Vacuum Only
Run Time	180 min ✓	120 min
Dock Size	Large	Compact ✓
🦛 Hippo Rating	⭐ 9.4/10	⭐ 8.9/10

🎯 5. Which One Should You Buy?

Both are excellent choices. Your decision depends on whether you want mopping and how much you want to spend.

Buy the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra if: You want vacuum + mop in one robot, you have mostly hard floors, you want maximum hands-free operation, you have pets that shed heavily, and you're okay with the higher price tag.

Buy the iRobot Roomba j9+ if: Vacuuming is your main need, you have carpet-heavy floors, you want tangle-free brushes for hair, budget matters ($500 savings), and you prefer a compact dock.

🦛 Hippo's Pick: Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra — ⭐ 9.4/10
"The all-in-one champion. Vacuum and mop in one pass, and never touch a dustbin again. Worth every penny for busy households."

🔧 6. Setup Tips & Maintenance

Even the smartest robot needs a little help to perform its best.

🎯 First Week Setup

1. Run a mapping run first. Let the robot explore without cleaning to build an accurate map.
2. Name your rooms in the app. "Kitchen," "Living Room," etc. This enables room-specific commands.
3. Set no-go zones. Mark areas around pet bowls, delicate furniture, or cable clusters.
4. Create a daily schedule. Set it to run when you're at work or asleep for maximum convenience.
5. Start with vacuum-only. For mopping robots, do a few vacuum runs first before mopping.

🧹 Monthly Maintenance (10 Minutes)

• Check brushes: Remove any wrapped hair or debris
• Clean sensors: Wipe LiDAR dome and cliff sensors with dry cloth
• Empty dock dustbin: Auto-empty docks still need emptying every 4-8 weeks
• Replace water: For mopping robots, use fresh water and cleaning solution
• Inspect filters: Wash or replace filters every 2-3 months

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't use bleach in mop water. It damages seals and sensors.
• Don't block the dock. Leave 1.5m clearance in front and 0.5m on sides.
• Don't forget software updates. Manufacturers constantly improve navigation.

Let Robots Do the Cleaning
The Ultimate Robot Vacuum Guide for 2026

🤖 Key Takeaways

• 2026 Robot Vacuums: They vacuum, mop, empty dustbins, wash mop pads, and avoid obstacles — all automatically.
• Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra ($1,399): Best all-in-one. Vacuums + mops + self-empties + self-washes. Most features for the price.
• iRobot Roomba j9+ ($899): Best pure vacuum. Superior carpet cleaning + smart mapping. No mopping.
• Winner: Roborock for all-in-one cleaning. Roomba for vacuum-only excellence and pet hair.

📑 Table of Contents

1. Why Robot Vacuums in 2026 Are Different
2. Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra — The All-in-One Champion
3. iRobot Roomba j9+ — The Vacuum Specialist
4. Head-to-Head Comparison
5. Which One Should You Buy?
6. Setup Tips & Maintenance
7. FAQ

This is 'Thirsty Hippo'. I hate vacuuming. There, I said it. The dragging out the vacuum, the cord management, the moving furniture, the emptying the dustbin... it all adds up to an hour I'd rather spend doing literally anything else.

That's why I bought my first robot vacuum five years ago. And honestly? It changed my life. My floors are cleaner now than when I vacuumed manually, because the robot runs every single day while I'm at work. No effort required.

But robot vacuums in 2026 are on another level. They don't just vacuum — they mop, empty their own dustbins, wash their own mop pads, and navigate around your dog's toys using AI cameras. It's genuinely impressive. Today, I'm comparing the two best robot vacuums you can buy: the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and the iRobot Roomba j9+.

🤖 1. Why Robot Vacuums in 2026 Are Different

The robot vacuums of 2020 were glorified Roombas that bumped into walls and got stuck on rug edges. The robot vacuums of 2026? They're basically autonomous cleaning robots with PhD-level navigation.

Here's what has changed in just a few years:

• LiDAR + AI camera navigation: They map your home in 3D and remember every room
• Obstacle avoidance: AI cameras detect cables, pet waste, socks, and shoes
• Auto-empty docks: Go months between emptying dustbins
• Vacuum + mop combo: Clean all floor types in one pass
• 10,000+ Pa suction: Stronger than many traditional upright vacuums

🧮 Hippo's Insight: The Dock Revolution

The biggest advancement in 2026 isn't the robot — it's the dock. Premium docks now:

• Auto-empty dustbin: Sucks debris into a bag that lasts 1-2 months
• Auto-wash mop pads: Scrubs and dries mop pads after every clean
• Auto-refill water: Fills the robot's water tank automatically
• Hot air drying: Prevents mold and odor on mop pads

You literally just set a schedule and forget about cleaning for weeks. 🧹➡️🤖

🏆 2. Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra — The All-in-One Champion

The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is the do-everything robot. It vacuums, mops, empties itself, washes its own mops, and uses AI to avoid obstacles. If you want one robot to handle all your floor cleaning, this is it.

Price: $1,399 (including dock) | Suction: 10,000 Pa | Navigation: LiDAR + AI RGB Camera | Mopping: VibraRise 3.0 | Run Time: 180 minutes

👍 What I Love

• True hands-free operation. The dock empties dustbin, washes mops, AND dries them with hot air. I touch it maybe once a month.
• VibraRise mopping is genius. The mop vibrates 4,000 times per minute to scrub stains, then lifts itself when it detects carpet. No wet carpets!
• 10,000 Pa suction destroys pet hair. My golden retriever sheds constantly. The Roborock pulls hair out of carpet that my old vacuum missed.
• AI obstacle avoidance actually works. It sees cables, shoes, pet toys, and navigates around them. I no longer need to "robot-proof" my house before cleaning.
• Excellent app with room-specific settings. I set the kitchen to mop twice and the bedroom to vacuum-only. Customization is deep.

👎 What's Missing

• Expensive. $1,399 is a lot. You can buy a traditional vacuum AND a Swiffer for far less.
• Dock is massive. The all-in-one dock is the size of a small nightstand. You need dedicated floor space.
• Mopping isn't as good as manual. It handles daily maintenance, but dried-on stains still need a human with a mop.

🎯 3. iRobot Roomba j9+ — The Vacuum Specialist

The iRobot Roomba j9+ takes a different approach. It doesn't try to mop. Instead, it focuses on being the absolute best vacuum possible. If mopping isn't a priority, the j9+ delivers exceptional carpet and hard floor cleaning.

Price: $899 (including dock) | Suction: ~2,200 Pa | Navigation: iRobot OS + PrecisionVision Camera | Mopping: None | Run Time: 120 minutes

👍 What I Love

• Dual rubber extractors are magic. No brushes to get tangled with hair. Pet hair and human hair just get sucked up without wrapping.
• Carpet Boost automatically kicks in. When it hits carpet, suction triples. Pulls deep-embedded dirt out of fibers.
• iRobot OS is the smartest. It learns your cleaning habits and suggests optimal schedules. "Clean the kitchen after you cook" kind of smart.
• Dirt Detect technology. Sensors identify dirtier areas and make extra passes. High-traffic zones get more attention.
• Reliable obstacle avoidance. P.O.O.P. (Pet Owner Official Promise) — if it runs over pet waste, iRobot replaces it. That's confidence.

👎 What's Missing

• No mopping. You'll need a separate mopping solution or the Braava jet for hard floors.
• Lower suction than Roborock. 2,200 Pa vs 10,000 Pa. On hard floors, both perform similarly. On deep carpet, Roborock has an edge.
• Dock only auto-empties. No mop washing, no water refill (because no mop).

📊 4. Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature	Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra	iRobot Roomba j9+
Price	$1,399	$899 ✓
Suction Power	10,000 Pa ✓	~2,200 Pa
Mopping	VibraRise 3.0 ✓	❌ None
Auto-Empty Dock	✅	✅
Self-Wash Mop	✅ + Hot Air Dry ✓	❌ N/A
Obstacle Avoidance	AI RGB Camera ✓	PrecisionVision Camera
Pet Hair	Excellent	Excellent (Tangle-Free) ✓
Carpet Cleaning	Superior (10K Pa) ✓	Excellent
Hard Floor	Vacuum + Mop ✓	Vacuum Only
Run Time	180 min ✓	120 min
Dock Size	Large	Compact ✓
🦛 Hippo Rating	⭐ 9.4/10	⭐ 8.9/10

🎯 5. Which One Should You Buy?

Both are excellent choices. Your decision depends on whether you want mopping and how much you want to spend.

Buy the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra if: You want vacuum + mop in one robot, you have mostly hard floors, you want maximum hands-free operation, you have pets that shed heavily, and you're okay with the higher price tag.

Buy the iRobot Roomba j9+ if: Vacuuming is your main need, you have carpet-heavy floors, you want tangle-free brushes for hair, budget matters ($500 savings), and you prefer a compact dock.

🦛 Hippo's Pick: Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra — ⭐ 9.4/10
"The all-in-one champion. Vacuum and mop in one pass, and never touch a dustbin again. Worth every penny for busy households."

🔧 6. Setup Tips & Maintenance

Even the smartest robot needs a little help to perform its best.

🎯 First Week Setup

1. Run a mapping run first. Let the robot explore without cleaning to build an accurate map.
2. Name your rooms in the app. "Kitchen," "Living Room," etc. This enables room-specific commands.
3. Set no-go zones. Mark areas around pet bowls, delicate furniture, or cable clusters.
4. Create a daily schedule. Set it to run when you're at work or asleep for maximum convenience.
5. Start with vacuum-only. For mopping robots, do a few vacuum runs first before mopping.

🧹 Monthly Maintenance (10 Minutes)

• Check brushes: Remove any wrapped hair or debris
• Clean sensors: Wipe LiDAR dome and cliff sensors with dry cloth
• Empty dock dustbin: Auto-empty docks still need emptying every 4-8 weeks
• Replace water: For mopping robots, use fresh water and cleaning solution
• Inspect filters: Wash or replace filters every 2-3 months

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't use bleach in mop water. It damages seals and sensors.
• Don't block the dock. Leave 1.5m clearance in front and 0.5m on sides.
• Don't forget software updates. Manufacturers constantly improve navigation.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Are robot vacuums worth the money in 2026?

A. Absolutely. Premium robots save 3-5 hours of cleaning per week. They vacuum, mop, and maintain themselves. For busy professionals and families, the $800-1,500 investment pays for itself in time saved within months.

Q2. Which robot vacuum is best for pet hair?

A. Both excel at pet hair. The Roomba j9+ uses tangle-free rubber extractors — slightly better for long hair. The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra has stronger suction that pulls hair out of carpet fibers. For shedding + mopping needs, Roborock wins.

Q3. Can robot vacuums replace manual cleaning completely?

A. For daily maintenance, yes — 90% of floor cleaning can be automated. However, you'll still need to clean corners, stairs, and do occasional deep cleaning. Think of robots as maintaining cleanliness between manual sessions.

Q4. Do robot vacuums work on carpet and hardwood?

A. Yes! Modern robots automatically detect floor type and adjust suction. They boost power on carpets and reduce it on hardwood. Mopping robots also lift their mop pads when transitioning to carpet.

Q5. How often do robot vacuums need maintenance?

A. With auto-empty docks, you only empty the main dustbin every 1-2 months. Clean filters every 2-3 months, and replace brushes every 6-12 months. Total time: about 10 minutes per month.

📝 Let Robots Handle the Cleaning

In 2026, there's no reason to push a vacuum around your house every week. Robot vacuums have evolved from expensive toys to essential home appliances. They clean better than most humans (no judgment), and they do it every single day without complaint.

If you want the complete all-in-one solution with vacuuming, mopping, and zero maintenance, get the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra. If you want the best vacuum-only experience with unbeatable pet hair performance, get the iRobot Roomba j9+. Either way, you're buying back hours of your life every week.

Your floors will thank you. This is Thirsty Hippo, signing off until next time. 🦛

📚 Related Posts from Thirsty Hippo

• 🎬 [Home Theater 2026] — Dolby Atmos Soundbars: Sonos Arc vs Samsung Q990D
• ⚡ [Travel Adapters 2026] — GaN Chargers for International Travel
• 🏠 [Smart Home 2026] — Best Smart Displays: Echo Show vs Nest Hub

COMING UP NEXT

🔜 [Smart Home 2026] Video Doorbells — Ring vs Google Nest Doorbell

"See who's at your door from anywhere. We compare the best smart doorbells of 2026."

#RobotVacuum2026 #Roborock #Roomba #SmartHome #HomeAutomation #CleaningRobot #PetOwners #ThirstyHippo #TechReview #SmartCleaning #VacuumMop #AutoClean #HomeGadgets #AI #LiDAR

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Are robot vacuums worth the money in 2026?

A. Absolutely. Premium robots save 3-5 hours of cleaning per week. They vacuum, mop, and maintain themselves. For busy professionals and families, the $800-1,500 investment pays for itself in time saved within months.

Q2. Which robot vacuum is best for pet hair?

A. Both excel at pet hair. The Roomba j9+ uses tangle-free rubber extractors — slightly better for long hair. The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra has stronger suction that pulls hair out of carpet fibers. For shedding + mopping needs, Roborock wins.

Q3. Can robot vacuums replace manual cleaning completely?

A. For daily maintenance, yes — 90% of floor cleaning can be automated. However, you'll still need to clean corners, stairs, and do occasional deep cleaning. Think of robots as maintaining cleanliness between manual sessions.

Q4. Do robot vacuums work on carpet and hardwood?

A. Yes! Modern robots automatically detect floor type and adjust suction. They boost power on carpets and reduce it on hardwood. Mopping robots also lift their mop pads when transitioning to carpet.

Q5. How often do robot vacuums need maintenance?

A. With auto-empty docks, you only empty the main dustbin every 1-2 months. Clean filters every 2-3 months, and replace brushes every 6-12 months. Total time: about 10 minutes per month.

📝 Let Robots Handle the Cleaning

In 2026, there's no reason to push a vacuum around your house every week. Robot vacuums have evolved from expensive toys to essential home appliances. They clean better than most humans (no judgment), and they do it every single day without complaint.

If you want the complete all-in-one solution with vacuuming, mopping, and zero maintenance, get the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra. If you want the best vacuum-only experience with unbeatable pet hair performance, get the iRobot Roomba j9+. Either way, you're buying back hours of your life every week.

Your floors will thank you. This is Thirsty Hippo, signing off until next time. 🦛

📚 Related Posts from Thirsty Hippo

• 🎬 [Home Theater 2026] — Dolby Atmos Soundbars: Sonos Arc vs Samsung Q990D
• ⚡ [Travel Adapters 2026] — GaN Chargers for International Travel
• 🏠 [Smart Home 2026] — Best Smart Displays: Echo Show vs Nest Hub

COMING UP NEXT

🔜 [Smart Home 2026] Video Doorbells — Ring vs Google Nest Doorbell

"See who's at your door from anywhere. We compare the best smart doorbells of 2026."

#RobotVacuum2026 #Roborock #Roomba #SmartHome #HomeAutomation #CleaningRobot #PetOwners #ThirstyHippo #TechReview #SmartCleaning #VacuumMop #AutoClean #HomeGadgets #AI #LiDAR