iRobot Roomba Combo j10+ Review (2026): Privacy & Dry Carpets Test

iRobot Roomba Combo j10+ Review

Privacy First & 100% Dry Carpets

In a market dominated by spec-heavy competitors, the iRobot Roomba Combo j10+ plays a different game. It doesn't have the highest suction number on paper, but it offers two things no one else can match: Guaranteed Privacy and the Retractable Mop Arm.

If you are worried about a camera-equipped robot mapping your home and sending data overseas, the j10+ is the only choice TUV certified for data security. But how well does it actually clean?

⚙️ Quick Specs

• Brushes: Dual Multi-Surface Rubber
• Mop: Fully Retractable Arm
• Privacy: TUV SÜD Certified
• Navigation: Camera (VSLAM)
• Pet Guarantee: P.O.O.P Promise
• Base: Auto-Empty & Refill

1. The Retractable Mop: A Carpet Saver

Most "hybrid" robots simply lift their mop pad a few millimeters when they hit carpet. This is fine for low-pile rugs, but high-pile carpets still get damp and dirty.

The iRobot Solution: When the j10+ detects carpet, a mechanical metal arm physically swings the entire wet mop pad to the top of the robot. It looks like a convertible car roof.

Test Result: We ran the j10+ over a white shag rug immediately after mopping the kitchen. The rug remained 100% dry. No other robot in 2026 passed this test perfectly.

2. Dual Rubber Brushes: The Hair King

iRobot holds the patent for "Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes." Instead of one brush bar, there are two that spin in opposite directions.

This design actively pulls carpet fibers apart to release trapped dust. In our pet hair tests (Golden Retriever), the j10+ experienced zero tangles on the main rollers, whereas the Roborock and Dreame required some manual cleaning.

3. Privacy & Data Security

In 2026, home privacy is a major concern. iRobot processes images on the device and encrypts map data. They explicitly promise never to sell your floor plan data.

For users who work in sensitive jobs or simply value privacy, this peace of mind is often worth the trade-off in navigation speed.

✔ The Pros

• Keeps carpets 100% dry (Retractable Arm).
• Best-in-class privacy standards.
• Dual brushes handle hair better than anyone.
• Repairability (parts are easy to find).

✖ The Cons

• Navigation is slower (Camera vs LiDAR).
• Bumps into furniture more gently but more often.
• No hot water washing in the base.

The Smart Home Tips Verdict

The iRobot Roomba Combo j10+ is the safest choice for privacy and carpets in 2026.

It may not have the fancy lasers of Roborock, but it cleans carpets deeper and respects your data privacy more than any other brand.

FAQ: iRobot Roomba j10+

Does it work in the dark?

Yes, the j10+ has a built-in LED headlight that turns on automatically to help its camera see obstacles in dark rooms.

What is the P.O.O.P Promise?

"Pet Owner Official Promise." If the j10+ runs over solid pet waste within the first year, iRobot will replace the robot for free.

Is privacy your top priority? While iRobot wins on security, see how its cleaning speed compares to the LiDAR-powered Roborock and Dreame models:

Read our full comparison: iRobot vs Roborock vs Dreame (2026) →