iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ vs Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty

A detailed side-by-side comparison scored on 14 objective criteria with weighted scoring (max 12 points).

WINNER

iRobot Roomba Combo j9+

iRobot — #25 overall

6.7/10

$999

Shark — #35 overall

5.0/10

$299

iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ is the clear winner, outscoring Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty by 1.7 points. However, Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty has 70% cheaper.

Criteria	Weight	iRobot Roomba Combo j9+	Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty
Total Score	—	6.7/10	5.0/10
🗺️Navigation & Obstacle Tech	2x	85%*	62%
💨Suction Power	1x	82%*	72%
📐Edge Cleaning	1x	75%*	68%
💇Tangle-Free Rollers	1x	85%*	75%
🧹Mop System	1x	65%*	0%
🔥Mop Drying	0.5x	0%	0%
🧴Integrated Soap	0.5x	0%	0%
🔄Mop Versatility	0.5x	25%*	0%
🗑️Auto-Empty Reliability	1x	88%*	75%
📦Bin Capacity	0.5x	78%*	65%
⏱️Refill Frequency	0.5x	75%*	72%
🧗Obstacle Mobility	1x	35%*	30%
📏Low Clearance	0.5x	60%*	55%
📱App Quality	1x	82%*	62%
Price	—	$999	$299
Pros		+Trusted iRobot brand +Retractable mop lifts fully +Strong obstacle avoidance +Self-emptying base	+Self-empty under $300 +Row-by-row cleaning +Home mapping +Self-cleaning brushroll
Cons		-Mop is basic (no wash/dry) -Expensive for features -No hot air drying	-Basic navigation -No mopping -Smaller dustbin
Suction		4,000 Pa	2,000 Pa
Navigation		Camera + AI Avoidance	Basic
Mop Type		Pad	None
Self-Empty		Yes (60 days)	Yes (45 days)
Runtime		120 min	90 min
Mobility
Obstacle Climbing		Standard	Standard
Retractable LiDAR		No	No
Adaptive Chassis		No	No
Multi-Mop Switch		No	No
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