iRobot Roomba j7+: Smart and Capable
PC Magazine|December 2021
Peace of mind for people with accident-prone pets
ANGELA MOSCARITOLO
iRobot Roomba j7+: Smart and Capable

Here’s a five-word horror story: Robot vacuum meets dog poop. I’ve never experienced this disaster firsthand, but I imagine it would be traumatizing enough to swear off-floor-cleaning robots for life. The iRobot Roomba j7+ promises to solve this problem by using a built-in camera and machine-learning technology to detect and avoid common obstacles—namely, pet waste and cords. It’s smart in other ways, too. For example, it can detect and then bypass potential obstacles based on your feedback. When it docks after a cleaning run, the Roomba j7 automatically empties its dustbin into an allergen-sealed bag. And while its battery life doesn’t blow us away, the robot navigates back to its base when it runs low on power to recharge and then picks up where it left off. So despite its premium price, the j7+ earns our Editors’ Choice award for high-end robotic vacuums, especially for buyers with cluttered homes or accident-prone pets.

IROBOT’S LINEUP

The $849.99 Roomba j7+ comes with a self-emptying base that charges the robot and holds around 60 days’ worth of debris in its Dirt Disposal bag, depending on how often you vacuum and the cleanliness of your home. You can get the Roomba j7 with a standard docking station for $649.99, but I highly recommend springing for the self-emptying base, especially if you suffer from allergies.

The j7+ is the second-most-expensive robot vacuum in iRobot’s current lineup, undercutting only the $1,099 Roomba s9+. Both have strengths: The s9+ offers stronger suction power and gets deeper into corners, thanks to its D shape, but the j7+ has more advanced obstacle-avoidance technology.

This story is from the December 2021 edition of PC Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 2021 edition of PC Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM PC MAGAZINEView All
AUDIO
PC Magazine

AUDIO

AUDIO

time-read
1 min  |
December 2022
SMART HOME
PC Magazine

SMART HOME

SMART HOME

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2022
T Mobile
PC Magazine

T Mobile

Mobile

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2022
Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation): Best for the Apple-Centric
PC Magazine

Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation): Best for the Apple-Centric

A powerful, feature-rich media streamer that’s pricier than most

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2022
20 Tips for Leveling Up Your Work-at-Home Game
PC Magazine

20 Tips for Leveling Up Your Work-at-Home Game

Whether you're new to working remotely or just looking fo do if beffer, fhese fips can help you stay productive and maintain balance.

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2022
12 Google Calendar Tricks You're Probably Not Using
PC Magazine

12 Google Calendar Tricks You're Probably Not Using

Wondering how to share your Google Calendar? Want to add a new calendar? Here are the tips you need.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2022
SimpliSafe Home Security System: Affordable Ease of Use
PC Magazine

SimpliSafe Home Security System: Affordable Ease of Use

Affordable security with a focus on flexibility

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2022
Honda Unveils First All-Electric SUV, Built on GM's Battery Platform
PC Magazine

Honda Unveils First All-Electric SUV, Built on GM's Battery Platform

The Honda Prologue battery-electric SUV arrives in 2024 and will use the Ultium battery technology developed by General Motors.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2022
We Must Save Streaming Video Before It’s Too Late
PC Magazine

We Must Save Streaming Video Before It’s Too Late

A generation of art risks extinction if the companies that own streaming services don’t believe their vast libraries are worth preserving. We have to act now to save it.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2022
If You Have a Uterus, Don't Buy an Apple Watch
PC Magazine

If You Have a Uterus, Don't Buy an Apple Watch

New women's health and reproductive features in the Apple Watch 8 and Ultra have the potential to cause harm following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2022