The robot vacuum wars have moved on. Today’s flagships boast LiDAR navigation, AI-powered obstacle avoidance, self-emptying, self-mopping, and app experiences that feel like controlling a tiny autonomous vehicle. But in the shadows of this high-tech arms race, two older powerhouses still command respect: the Dyson 360 Heurist and the iRobot Roomba s9+.
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Neither is new. Both were top-tier in their time. The Dyson 360 Heurist (RB02), released only in the UK and parts of Asia, was a bold, tank-like robot with unmatched suction and a full-width brush bar. The Roomba s9+, by contrast, was iRobot’s most aggressive play for carpet dominance—featuring a D-shaped design, 40x the suction of older models, and the now-iconic Clean Base that empties itself.
But are they still worth your money—especially when you’re likely buying used? The Heurist never launched in the US; the s9+ has a reputation for reliability issues. Yet, for users who care more about deep cleaning than smart maps or mopping, these two remain tantalizing options.
This isn’t just a spec sheet battle. It’s a clash of philosophies: Dyson’s brute-force engineering versus iRobot’s smart-home integration and self-emptying convenience. We’ll cut through the nostalgia, test the real-world performance, and answer the question: Which one actually leaves your floors cleaner—and which one will leave you cursing at a broken bumper sensor?
Is This the Ultimate Robot Vacuum Showdown—Or a Clash of Outdated Tech?
The Dyson 360 Heurist and Roomba s9+ were both designed to dominate in their era. The Heurist brought Dyson’s obsession with suction and mechanical design to the robot vacuum world, while the s9+ represented iRobot’s push into premium, self-emptying territory with a focus on carpet performance. But today, both are discontinued, and you’re most likely to find them on the secondary market—refurbished, imported, or secondhand.
That means your decision isn’t about choosing between two new flagships. It’s about weighing raw cleaning performance against long-term reliability, self-emptying convenience versus low-maintenance ownership, and smart features that may now feel clunky. The Heurist is often found as a Japanese import (RB02), which may require a voltage converter or adapter. The s9+, meanwhile, is plagued by a well-documented hardware flaw that could turn your dream robot into a paperweight.
So is this a battle of two legends, or two dinosaurs? We’re diving deep into every aspect of the Dyson 360 Heurist vs Roomba s9+ to find out which one still deserves a spot in your home—and which one should stay in the past.
Check the latest price of Dyson 360 Heurist on Amazon [link]
See current deals on Roomba s9+ here [link]
Does the Dyson 360 Heurist Actually Clean Better Than the s9+?
When it comes to pure cleaning performance, both robots are legends in their own right. But they approach the job very differently. The Dyson 360 Heurist relies on a full-width, full-height motorized brush bar that spans the entire front of the robot. This design, powered by Dyson’s V2 digital motor (20% more powerful than the 360 Eye), delivers aggressive agitation and suction right up to the edges—eliminating the need for side brushes. In real-world tests, the Heurist pulled up more than twice the visible debris from carpet on “Quiet” mode than its successor, the Vis Nav, even when the Vis Nav was running on max power. That’s a staggering performance gap and suggests the Heurist’s brush bar design is simply more effective at agitating deep carpet fibers.
The Roomba s9+, on the other hand, uses a 3-stage cleaning system: dual rubber brushes (designed to resist hair tangles), a corner brush, and powerful suction that automatically boosts on carpets. The D-shape helps it get into corners, and the front-mounted PerfectEdge corner brush is meant to sweep debris out of tight spots. It’s widely considered one of the best carpet cleaners ever made—especially for pet hair—and many users still swear by it.
But here’s the key difference: while the s9+ has more suction on paper (40x a 600-series), the Heurist’s full-height bristle brush bar agitates carpet more aggressively than the s9+’s rubber rollers. Rubber brushes are great for avoiding hair wrap, but they don’t penetrate carpet fibers as deeply as stiff bristles. If you have thick, high-pile rugs with embedded dirt, the Heurist may actually lift more debris.
On hard floors, both perform well. The s9+ has a slight edge in corner cleaning thanks to its dedicated corner brush, but the Heurist’s full-width bar still gets impressively close to walls—often within a few millimeters.
Verdict: For deep carpet cleaning, the Dyson 360 Heurist has the edge thanks to its superior brush bar design and raw agitation power. The s9+ is still excellent, but it’s more about consistency and smart features than brute force.
🏆 Section Winner: Dyson 360 Heurist – Its full-width brush bar delivers deeper carpet cleaning than the s9+’s rubber rollers.
Check the latest price of Dyson 360 Heurist on Amazon [link]
See current deals on Roomba s9+ here [link]
Tall and Mighty vs D-Shaped Precision: Which Design Works in Real Homes?
The physical design of these robots couldn’t be more different—and that difference has real consequences in your home.
The Dyson 360 Heurist stands 4.7 inches (12 cm) tall, making it one of the tallest robot vacuums ever made. This means it won’t fit under most sofas, beds, or low cabinets unless you have at least 5 inches of clearance. That’s a dealbreaker for many homes. But Dyson didn’t make it tall for no reason: it uses tank-style rubber tracks instead of wheels. These tracks give it incredible traction, allowing it to climb over thresholds, power through thick rugs, and even handle slight inclines that would stop most wheeled robots.
The tracks also distribute weight more evenly, reducing slippage on slippery or uneven floors. In homes with a mix of flooring types—especially those with thick rugs or transitions—the Heurist’s tank-like mobility is a serious advantage.
The Roomba s9+, at just 3.8 inches (9.7 cm) tall, fits under most furniture. Its D-shape is designed to pivot into corners, and the front-mounted corner brush is meant to sweep debris out of tight spots. In practice, it does clean corners better than round robots—but not perfectly. Some users report missed spots in L-shaped corners, especially if the robot doesn’t orient correctly.
The s9+ uses standard wheels, which are quieter and more energy-efficient than tracks, but they can struggle on thick rugs or thresholds. It’s not uncommon for the s9+ to get stuck on high-pile carpets or lose traction on smooth floors.
Biggest design trade-off:
– Heurist: Better obstacle traversal, but can’t clean under furniture.
– s9+: Fits under most things, but can get stuck on thick rugs.
If your home has high-pile rugs, thresholds, or uneven floors, the Heurist’s tracks give it a real advantage. But if low-clearance furniture is the norm, the s9+ wins by default.
🏆 Section Winner: Roomba s9+ – For most homes, the ability to fit under furniture is more important than superior traction.
Check the latest price of Dyson 360 Heurist on Amazon [link]
See current deals on Roomba s9+ here [link]
Camera vs Camera: Why Both Robots Struggle in the Dark
Both the Dyson 360 Heurist and the Roomba s9+ use camera-based navigation (vSLAM)—not LiDAR. That means they rely on visual cues to map your home, which makes them light-dependent.
The Heurist uses a 360-degree panoramic camera on top, surrounded by an LED ring that lights up in low light. This gives it a major advantage in dim rooms. It’s slow to map—taking multiple runs to build a full, accurate map—but once mapped, the Dyson Link app lets you set no-go zones, no-brush zones, no-climb zones, and room-specific cleaning modes. The maps are editable and precise.
The s9+ uses a forward-facing camera for vSLAM. It’s even slower to map than the Heurist, often requiring 3–4 full runs to generate a usable map. Users report it gets confused by mirrors, reflective floors, or low-light rooms. It can lose its position, spin in circles, or get “lost” in large open spaces.
In pitch-black rooms (like a bedroom at night), the Heurist can still navigate thanks to its LED ring. The s9+ has no such feature, so it may fail entirely in dark environments.
Mapping speed and accuracy: The s9+ is widely criticized for its frustratingly slow and inaccurate mapping. The Heurist is better, but still no match for modern LiDAR robots like Roborock or Ecovacs.
🏆 Section Winner: Dyson 360 Heurist – Its 360 camera and LED ring make it more reliable in low light and less prone to getting lost.
Check the latest price of Dyson 360 Heurist on Amazon [link]
See current deals on Roomba s9+ here [link]
Self-Emptying vs No Dock: Can the s9+’s Clean Base Save It?
Here’s where the Roomba s9+ pulls ahead in convenience: the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal.
The Clean Base is a game-changer. After every clean, the s9+ docks itself and empties its 0.6L bin into a sealed bag inside the base. That bag lasts up to 60 days, meaning you can go two months without touching dust. For busy households or pet owners, this is a massive quality-of-life upgrade.
The Dyson 360 Heurist has no self-emptying dock. It comes with a standard charging dock, and you must manually empty the 0.33L bin after every clean. That’s half the capacity of the s9+, and a chore if you’re used to hands-off cleaning.
But here’s the catch: the s9+’s Clean Base only works with the s9+ model. If you buy a used s9 (non-plus), you don’t get it. And replacement bags cost money—around $30 for a 3-pack.
The Heurist’s smaller bin also means more frequent emptying, especially in dirty homes. But Dyson’s washable filters and easy-to-clean brush bar (released with a coin) make maintenance straightforward.
Bottom line: If hands-off cleaning is a priority, the s9+ wins. But if you don’t mind emptying the bin, the Heurist’s lower long-term cost (no bags, no base repairs) might appeal.
🏆 Section Winner: Roomba s9+ – The Clean Base is a major convenience feature the Heurist simply can’t match.
Check the latest price of Dyson 360 Heurist on Amazon [link]
See current deals on Roomba s9+ here [link]
What’s in the Box—and What You’ll Need to Buy Separately
Dyson 360 Heurist (RB02):
– Robot vacuum
– Charging dock
– Power adapter
– Cleaning tool (for brush bar)
– No self-emptying, no mopping, no extra filters
You’ll likely need to buy:
– Replacement filters (though washable, they degrade over time)
– A second battery for large homes (not officially sold, but available third-party)
– Note: Units from Japan may require a voltage converter or different plug.
Roomba s9+ (9550):
– Robot vacuum
– Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal
– Power adapter
– 3 Clean Base replacement bags (last ~60 days total)
– Extra rubber brush roll
– Side brush
– Cleaning tool
You’ll need to buy:
– Replacement bags (~$10 each or $30 for 3)
– HEPA filters (third-party packs are cheap, ~$2 per filter)
– Battery (~$100 after 2–3 years)
Winner: The s9+ wins on included value—the Clean Base and extra brush roll are major perks. But ongoing costs (bags) add up.
🏆 Section Winner: Roomba s9+ – It comes with more accessories and a much more complete package.
Check the latest price of Dyson 360 Heurist on Amazon [link]
See current deals on Roomba s9+ here [link]
Living With the Heurist vs the s9+: Which Feels Smarter Day to Day?
Both robots require their apps: Dyson Link for the Heurist, iRobot Home for the s9+.
The Dyson Link app is clean and functional. You can:
– View detailed maps
– Set no-go, no-brush, and no-climb zones
– Schedule room-specific cleans
– Adjust suction by zone
But it’s Wi-Fi dependent—no scheduling without internet. And the interface, while polished, feels a bit dated.
The iRobot Home app is more feature-rich but also more buggy. You can:
– Create Keep Out Zones and Clean Zones
– Use voice control with Alexa/Google
– Integrate with smart home routines
– Get cleaning history and maintenance alerts
However, users report lag, crashes, and syncing issues. And if your s9+ gets Error 9, the app won’t help fix it.
Daily usability:
– The Heurist feels more like a precision tool—great for targeted cleaning, but less “smart home” integrated.
– The s9+ feels more connected, but its navigation flaws and error messages can ruin the experience.
Neither is as smooth as modern Roborock or Dreame apps. But if you want customization, the Heurist wins. If you want integration, the s9+ has the edge.
🏆 Section Winner: Roomba s9+ – Despite its flaws, it offers better smart home integration and voice control reliability.
Check the latest price of Dyson 360 Heurist on Amazon [link]
See current deals on Roomba s9+ here [link]
Will It Last? Maintenance, Reliability, and the Risk of Buying Used
This is the biggest question when buying used.
The Dyson 360 Heurist is built like a tank. The rubber tracks, metal-reinforced brush bar, and sealed motor suggest long-term durability. Common maintenance:
– Empty bin after every clean
– Wash filters monthly
– Clean tracks and brush bar weekly
– Replace filter every 6–12 months (~$20)
No major known failure points. Users report units lasting 3+ years with basic care.
The Roomba s9+, however, has a notorious flaw: Error 9 (stuck bumper). It’s caused by a misaligned magnet in the bumper assembly, making the robot think it’s constantly hitting a wall. This error is so common that users have created DIY repair guides involving T5 screwdrivers and magnet realignment.
Many report their s9+ failing after 1–3 years, even with light use. iRobot’s customer service often offers credits toward new models instead of repairs, frustrating loyal users.
Long-term ownership:
– Heurist: Low risk, easy maintenance, no known design flaws.
– s9+: High risk of failure, expensive repairs, poor out-of-warranty support.
If you’re buying used, the Heurist is the safer bet—unless you’re prepared to fix the s9+ yourself.
🏆 Section Winner: Dyson 360 Heurist – It’s more reliable and easier to maintain long-term.
Check the latest price of Dyson 360 Heurist on Amazon [link]
See current deals on Roomba s9+ here [link]
Side-by-Side Specifications
| Feature | Dyson 360 Heurist | Roomba s9+ |
|---|---|---|
| Model | RB02 | 9550 |
| Release Status | Discontinued (UK/Asia only) | Discontinued |
| Price (Original) | £799.99 | $1,399 (s9+) |
| Current Market | Used (eBay, Japan imports) | Used, refurbished |
| Suction Power | Dyson V2 motor (20% > 360 Eye) | 40x 600-series |
| Bin Capacity | 0.33L | 0.6L |
| Self-Emptying | No | Yes (Clean Base) |
| Battery Life | ~75 mins | ~120 mins |
| Charging Time | ~2.75 hours | ~3 hours |
| Height | 4.7 in (12 cm) | 3.8 in (9.7 cm) |
| Navigation | 360° camera (vSLAM) | Forward camera (vSLAM) |
| App Control | Dyson Link | iRobot Home |
| Voice Control | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Mopping | No | No |
| Warranty | None (used) | None (used) |
| Known Issues | None major | Error 9 (stuck bumper), mapping failures |
So, Which One Should You Actually Buy?
The Verdict: It Depends on What You Value Most
The Dyson 360 Heurist wins if you:
– Prioritize deep carpet cleaning and edge performance
– Want a durable, low-maintenance robot
– Don’t need self-emptying
– Have high furniture clearance (5+ inches)
– Want a cost-effective used premium robot
It’s a cleaning powerhouse with a few quirks—height and noise—but no major flaws. If you find one in good condition, it’s a steal.
The Roomba s9+ wins if you:
– Want hands-off cleaning with the Clean Base
– Have low furniture clearance
– Value smart home integration
– Are okay with higher risk of failure and potential DIY repairs
– Are willing to replace bags and filters regularly
It’s still the king of carpet cleaning in many users’ eyes—but its reliability issues and poor customer support are serious red flags.
Final Recommendation
For most buyers, the Dyson 360 Heurist is the smarter used purchase. It’s more reliable, easier to maintain, and cleans just as well—if not better—on carpet. The lack of self-emptying is a downside, but not a dealbreaker.
The Roomba s9+ is only worth it if you already own it, get it cheap, or are prepared to fix it yourself. As a new investment, it’s hard to recommend over modern alternatives like Roborock S8 Pro Ultra or Dreame L20 Ultra, which offer better navigation, mopping, and reliability.
But if you’re chasing raw cleaning power and don’t mind old-school tech, the Heurist vs s9+ battle still has fire. Just know what you’re getting into—especially when the lights go out.
View Dyson 360 Heurist on Amazon [link]
View Roomba s9+ on Amazon [link]
