Roomba j9+ vs. Roborock S8 Pro Ultra vs. Dyson 360 Heurist: Which Robot Vacuum Cleans Smarter in 2025?

June 21, 2025 Sophia Grant 0 Comments 5 min read

The robot vacuum space has evolved well beyond basic dust busters. In 2025, these machines are smarter, more powerful, and often capable of vacuuming and mopping simultaneously, mapping your entire home, and even emptying themselves.

But which one is actually worth your money?

The Roomba j9+, Roborock S8 Pro Ultra, and Dyson 360 Heurist are three of the most advanced options right now — and they each take a unique approach to automated cleaning.

Let’s break down where each excels (and where they fall short) so you can choose the best for your home, lifestyle, and floor type.

Design & Navigation

Roomba j9+: Slim profile, quiet movement, and uses PrecisionVision Navigation with object recognition. It can avoid cords, socks, and even pet waste. It pairs with the Clean Base Auto-Fill Dock which empties dirt and refills cleaning solution for mopping.
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra: Arguably the most advanced navigation system here. It features LiDAR + dual-camera AI, real-time 3D obstacle detection, and room-specific routines. Its dock auto-empties, washes the mop pads, and even dries them to prevent mildew.
Dyson 360 Heurist: The tallest of the bunch, but with a full 360° vision system and Dyson’s signature design. However, its size may prevent it from fitting under furniture. It cleans in tight patterns and updates maps regularly.

🧭 Insight: Roborock leads in smart multi-tasking and custom routines. Roomba is great for pet owners. Dyson focuses on powerful, precise movement — but is less adaptable in tight spaces.

Suction Power & Cleaning Performance

Roomba j9+: 100% stronger than previous Roomba models, optimized for carpets and high-traffic zones. It automatically increases suction in dirtier areas.
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra: Dual rubber brushrolls, 6000Pa suction, and mop lift feature when transitioning from hard floors to carpet. Cleans extremely well across surfaces.
Dyson 360 Heurist: 20% more suction than its predecessor. It uses a digital motor V2 and full-width brush bar, making edge cleaning especially strong — though it’s louder than others.

🧹 Cleaning Note: Roborock is the all-surface king. Dyson is best for edge and deep cleaning in modern homes. Roomba is solid, especially in pet hair pickup and smart detection.

Mopping Capabilities

Roomba j9+ Combo: Adds wet mopping functionality with a retractable mop pad — but still not great for heavy grime.
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra: VibraRise 2.0 sonic mopping with automated pad washing and drying. This is the most complete mopping system available today.
Dyson: No mopping function — strictly vacuum.

🧼 Verdict: Roborock is leagues ahead for anyone who wants full vacuum + mop automation. Roomba is a decent hybrid. Dyson doesn’t mop, period.

App Control & Smart Features

Roomba: Intuitive app with room mapping, cleaning schedules, integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, and even Siri Shortcuts.
Roborock: Highly customizable app, supports multi-level mapping, virtual no-go zones, voice control, and smart suggestions based on past cleaning behavior.
Dyson: App includes mapping and scheduling, but fewer smart-home integrations. No virtual walls or Alexa/Google Home support at the same level.

📱 Smart Home Tip: Roborock gives the most flexibility and smart features. Roomba is easier for casual users. Dyson feels more isolated from the smart home ecosystem.

Maintenance & Docking

Roomba j9+ Combo Dock: Automatically empties bin, refills mopping solution, and charges. Maintenance is easy and well-supported.
Roborock RockDock Ultra: Fully automated: empties dust, washes and dries mops, and cleans itself after cleaning your floors. Best-in-class for automation.
Dyson: Basic docking with manual bin emptying. Less autonomous, more high-end manual.

🧼 Maintenance Verdict: Roborock saves the most effort long-term. Roomba is also convenient. Dyson is more hands-on.

🏁 So, Which One Should You Use?

Choose Roborock S8 Pro Ultra if you want the most complete hands-free cleaning system, with the best combo of vacuuming, mopping, and automation. Ideal for busy families, larger homes, or pet owners.
Choose Roomba j9+ if you want a trusted name with great pet-hair pickup, self-emptying convenience, and smart object avoidance. Excellent for mixed flooring homes.
Choose Dyson 360 Heurist if you value raw suction power, edge cleaning, and a unique approach, and don’t mind skipping mopping or smart-home integration.