When it comes to robotic vacuums, iRobot’s Roomba lineup is among the most popular and trusted names in the industry. Two of the most well-known models, the Roomba S9 and Roomba 960, stand out for their advanced technology and impressive cleaning capabilities. While both are highly effective at keeping your home spotless, they are designed to meet different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will explore the key features, differences, and performance of the Roomba S9 and Roomba 960, helping you make an informed decision based on your home’s unique cleaning requirements.
Key Specifications: Roomba S9 vs 960
To start, let’s review the technical specifications of both the Roomba S9 and Roomba 960. This will give you a clear overview of their core features and how they stack up against each other.
| Feature | Roomba S9 | Roomba 960 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.4 x 3.5 inches | 13.3 x 3.6 inches |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs | 8.4 lbs |
| Battery Life | Up to 120 minutes | Up to 75 minutes |
| Suction Power | Very High | High |
| Brush System | AeroForce® Dual Brushes with Power Boost | AeroForce® Dual Brushes |
| Navigation | iAdapt 3.0 with Visual Localization | iAdapt 2.0 Navigation |
| Mapping | Yes (Imprint Smart Mapping) | Yes (Smart Mapping) |
| Dustbin Capacity | 500 ml | 600 ml |
| App Control | iRobot Home app | iRobot Home app |
| Voice Control | Alexa/Google Assistant | Alexa/Google Assistant |
| Automatic Dirt Disposal | Yes (Clean Base) | No |
| Filter Type | High-Efficiency + Anti-Allergen | High-Efficiency Filter |
| Price Range | Premium | Mid-Range |
Cleaning Performance: S9 vs 960
Both the Roomba S9 and 960 are equipped with iRobot’s renowned AeroForce® cleaning system, which uses dual multi-surface brushes and powerful suction to remove dirt, dust, and debris. However, the S9 offers several enhancements that set it apart, especially when it comes to deep cleaning and handling larger spaces.
Suction Power and Performance
The Roomba S9 offers significantly higher suction power compared to the Roomba 960, which translates into better overall performance on deep carpets and larger homes. The S9’s increased suction and Power Boost technology allow it to dig deep into carpet fibers, making it the ideal choice for homes with heavy carpet, pet hair, and tough cleaning challenges.
In contrast, the Roomba 960, while still powerful, is more suited for homes with lighter cleaning needs, such as hardwood floors or low to medium-pile carpets. It offers excellent cleaning performance but may struggle with high-pile carpets or particularly dense debris.
| Surface Type | Roomba S9 Performance | Roomba 960 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwood Floors | Excellent | Excellent |
| Low-Pile Carpets | Excellent | Excellent |
| Medium-Pile Carpets | Excellent | Excellent |
| High-Pile Carpets | Excellent (Deep Cleaning) | Good |
| Pet Hair | Excellent | Excellent |
Navigation and Mapping
The Roomba S9 features the iAdapt® 3.0 Navigation system, which includes Visual Localization and advanced mapping capabilities. This allows the S9 to create detailed maps of your home, navigate more efficiently, and clean in a systematic and thorough manner. Additionally, the S9 uses a unique corner-cleaning technology that ensures it can clean along edges and baseboards more effectively than previous models.
The Roomba 960, while equipped with iAdapt® 2.0 Navigation and smart mapping, doesn’t feature the same level of advanced navigation or corner-cleaning capabilities. It still offers efficient cleaning, but its navigation is less precise, especially in complex or cluttered environments.
| Feature | Roomba S9 | Roomba 960 |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation System | iAdapt® 3.0 with Visual Localization | iAdapt® 2.0 Navigation |
| Mapping | Yes (Imprint Smart Mapping) | Yes (Smart Mapping) |
| Edge Cleaning | Yes (Enhanced) | Yes |
| No-Go Zones | Yes | Yes |
Battery Life and Charging
One of the key differences between the Roomba S9 and 960 is their battery life. The Roomba S9 offers up to 120 minutes of continuous cleaning, which makes it better suited for larger homes or more intensive cleaning sessions. The S9 also features a “Recharge and Resume” function, where the vacuum automatically returns to its dock when the battery is low, recharges, and then continues cleaning from where it left off.
On the other hand, the Roomba 960 has a shorter battery life of up to 75 minutes. This makes it ideal for smaller homes or less demanding cleaning tasks, but it may need to recharge more frequently for larger spaces.
| Feature | Roomba S9 | Roomba 960 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 120 minutes | Up to 75 minutes |
| Recharge and Resume | Yes | Yes |
Filtration and Allergy Protection
The Roomba S9 excels in filtration, featuring both a high-efficiency filter and an advanced anti-allergen filter. This makes it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers or households with pets. The S9 traps more dust, pet dander, and allergens, improving indoor air quality and making it ideal for sensitive environments.
In comparison, the Roomba 960 uses a high-efficiency filter that effectively captures dust and debris, but it lacks the specialized anti-allergen features found in the S9. It is still a good option for homes that don’t require advanced allergen filtration.
| Feature | Roomba S9 | Roomba 960 |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Type | High-Efficiency + Anti-Allergen | High-Efficiency Filter |
Price and Value: S9 vs 960
When comparing price and value, the Roomba S9 comes at a premium price due to its enhanced suction power, advanced features, and superior cleaning performance. The S9 is designed for larger homes, tougher cleaning tasks, and homes with pets or allergy concerns. While it is a higher investment, its performance justifies the price for those who require deep cleaning.
The Roomba 960, while less expensive, still offers great value for those with more basic cleaning needs. Its solid performance, smart features, and good suction power make it a strong option for smaller homes or homes with lighter cleaning demands.
| Feature | Roomba S9 | Roomba 960 |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Premium | Mid-Range |
| Value for Money | Excellent for large homes | Excellent for smaller homes |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the Roomba S9 if:
- You have a large home with multiple room sizes and high-pile carpets.
- You need deep cleaning power for pet hair and allergens.
- You want the latest in navigation and mapping technology for efficient cleaning.
- You are looking for a premium vacuum that can handle demanding cleaning tasks with ease.
Choose the Roomba 960 if:
- You have a smaller home or apartment.
- You don’t need extreme suction power or deep cleaning capabilities.
- You are looking for a more affordable robot vacuum with solid performance on hard floors and low-pile carpets.
Final Verdict
Both the Roomba S9 and Roomba 960 are highly effective robotic vacuums, but they cater to different types of homes and needs. The Roomba S9 is a top-tier option, ideal for large homes, deep cleaning, and allergy sufferers. On the other hand, the Roomba 960 is a more affordable and practical choice for smaller homes or those who don’t require heavy-duty suction.
Choose the Roomba S9 if you want the best possible cleaning performance and features for a larger space, and opt for the Roomba 960 if you’re looking for an efficient, budget-friendly vacuum that gets the job done without the premium price tag.