Yeedi Vac 2 Pro vs. Roomba J7+

After reviewing the Yeedi Vac.2 Pro, I thought it is appropriate to compare it to iRobot’s obstacle-avoiding robot vacuum, the Roomba J7+.

I’ve tested both robots comprehensively in various aspects like cleaning performance, airflow, navigation, obstacle avoidance (duh!), and much more.

Yeedi has been aggressively marketing its products, and they have requested me to write this article, but this is by no means a subjective comparison since I’ll reveal both the good and bad points of both products.

Quick overview of the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro and Roomba J7+

Introduction to the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro and Roomba J7+

The influx of new brands has made the robot vacuum industry highly competitive.

Brands like iRobot and Neato no longer monopolize this industry, which is excellent news for consumers.

This competition breeds innovation, evident in the past few years as manufacturers try to one-up one another with features that help automate the vacuuming process.

Yeedi is one of the newer brands to hit the market, trying to capture a piece of this growing niche.

One of the primary selling points of Yeedi is its competitive pricing allowing consumers to enjoy high-end features without paying a premium.

It’s one of the first Yeedi products with a front 3D sensor, helping it avoid obstacles, and we’ll find out how it compares to the Roomba J7, one of the best in this category.

Best-in-Class Obstacle Avoidance: Roomba J7+

Pros

• Superb obstacle avoidance capabilities
• Above-average deep cleaning
• “Dirt detect” enables it to be more thorough in dirtier zones
• The redesigned base station has a lower profile and storage for an extra bag
• Saves up to 10 map levels

Cons

• Expensive for its features
• Fast-spinning side brush tends to scatter debris
• It may take several runs to complete the map

The Roomba J7 is iRobot’s foray into the AI robot vacuum space and its first with a front-facing camera.

It’s the only robot I’ve tested with a camera and LED combination that helps illuminate its path.

This camera also doubles as its primary navigation tool to help track its location and the optical sensor underneath.

The J7 excels at obstacle avoidance, and it’s the best I’ve reviewed at avoiding pet feces and wires.

It’s not a surprise that iRobot offers a POOP guarantee to consumers that if it doesn’t avoid dry poop, they’ll replace the robot free of charge.

Watch the full review below.

Another upgrade is the redesigned auto-empty base station with a lower profile design.

iRobot increased the width to about the same size as the robot, so there’s enough space for an extra bag.

Underneath, the J7 retains the same brush layout as the older I6 with rubber extractors and a single side brush.

It won’t wow you with airflow, but it was excellent in the deep cleaning tests, picking up over 85%.

iRobot’s counter-rotating extractors and the dirt detection system are why it did so well.

Overall, the J7’s navigation is enhanced by its obstacle avoidance capability that adds keep-out zones automatically, so you don’t have to do so manually.

This added convenience may or may not be worth the premium depending on what you need, but there’s no question that the J7+ is one of the better iRobot products available to date.

It’s one of the more thorough and intelligent robot vacuums for cleaning hard floors or carpets.

Don’t expect it to be as efficient as a Roborock or any LIDAR-based robot, but it’s decent.

Better Value-for-Money Option: Yeedi Vac 2 Pro

Pros

• Much cheaper than the Roomba J7+
• Excellent at picking up surface debris
• Decent obstacle avoidance system (though not as good as the J7)
• Two-in-one functionality of a robot vacuum and mop
• The vibrating mopping pad adds an agitation element absent in other robot mops in this price bracket
• Compatible with Yeedi’s auto-empty base station
• Efficient navigation

Cons

• Not as good as the J7 at deep cleaning sand on mid-pile carpet
• Obstacle avoidance system won’t avoid pet feces or stretched-out wires

The Vac 2 Pro is one of the newer Yeedi releases, and this variant comes with two enhancements – the 3D obstacle avoidance sensors and the vibrating mopping pad.

Yeedi’s obstacle avoidance system has three laser sensors up front that continually fire signals to detect obstacles.

One advantage of a laser system is its precision and non-reliance on a light source.

It was pretty good in tests on various obstacles and could avoid stuff within the laser’s line of sight.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t as good as the Roomba J7 at evading pet feces and wires.

The Vac 2 Pro can avoid it, but not completely. There were instances where the brushes touched the fake poop and stretched out wires.

It’s one area where the J7 excels, and its algorithm is programmed not to get too close.

Another feature we’ll look at is the new mopping module with a vibrating element.

Unlike the Roborock S7 MaxV and the S7+, where only a portion vibrates, the WHOLE PAD oscillates in the Vac 2 Pro, giving it better efficiency and coverage.

It’s a feature missing in all Roomba products, not only the J7+, and gives Yeedi the edge in hard floor cleaning.

The Yeedi Vac Station is an excellent, cheaper alternative to the J7+, and variants with the self-emptying base station are available in online stores like Amazon.

It won’t clean embedded dirt as well as its Roomba counterpart, but the performance isn’t far off.

Similarities between the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro and Roomba J7+

This section will examine how the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro and Roomba J7+ are alike.

1. Shape

Both robots have round frames with nearly similar dimensions.

Since these robots rely on a camera, there’s no protruding sensor on top, enabling both to go under low-clearance furniture.

2. Obstacle Avoidance Sensors

Another similarity is the obstacle avoidance sensors, helping each one avoid objects better than other robots without this feature.

One difference is the sensor type. Yeedi uses a 3D sensor, while Roomba utilizes a camera and LED to help it navigate darker areas.

Based on tests, the Roomba sensor and algorithm are better at evading objects, especially pet feces and stretched wires.

3. VSLAM navigation

These robots rely on a camera and optical sensors underneath to determine their location and landmarks around the area.

Each robot uses VSLAM (or Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), similar to the SLAM algorithm in LIDAR-based robots. However, the difference is that it utilizes a camera instead of a laser sensor.

One advantage of VSLAM robots is the lower profile design (most brands at least), and thus will fit under lower clearance furniture better than a LIDAR robot.

4. Crisscross Navigation

Utilizing the multi-pass run unlocks the crisscross navigation, which helps these robots vacuum floors thoroughly.

Differences between the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro and Roomba J7+

Next, we’ll look at the differences between these intelligent robot vacuums starting with iRobot’s self-emptying feature.

1. Self-Empty Base Station [Roomba J7+ only]

Only the Roomba J7 has the self-emptying option if you purchase the “plus” variant with the auto-empty dock.

The Vac 2 Pro does not have this feature out of the box, but you can purchase the Vac Station auto-empty base station since it’s compatible with this model.

2. Mopping [Yeedi Vac 2 Pro only]

The Vac 2 Pro has an upgraded water tank and mopping module with a vibrating element.

It’s one of the least expensive robot vacuums with this feature and is pretty efficient at mopping stains.

3. Combo Brush vs. Extractors

One of the most significant variations with these robots is the brush design.

Yeedi utilizes a more traditional combo brush, while iRobot uses its patented counter-rotating extractors, making its robots one of the better-performing deep cleaning options.

4. Dustbin Placement

The dustbin is located in a different area for these robots. In Yeedi, it’s right in the robot’s middle, accessible through a top door.

In comparison, the J7’s dustbin is at the rear portion enabling easy access even when the robot is docked.

Yeedi’s dustbin is slightly larger at 420 ml versus the Roomba J7’s capacity at 400 ml, but that is offset by its self-emptying base station (2.4-liter).

Consumers can purchase Yeedi’s self-emptying base station since it’s compatible with the Vac 2 Pro to get this functionality.

5. Mapping Run [Roomba J7+ only]

One feature iRobot introduced in the J7+ is the mapping run, where the robot goes into an exploratory mode with the vacuum motor off.

This maximizes battery life, so the robot covers as much ground as possible.

However, it won’t have the same precision as LIDAR-based robots that complete the mapping run in a fraction of the time.

Nothing wrong with it, but it’s the limitation of a camera sensor versus a laser that continually fires signals in a 360-degree pattern.

And despite having the mapping run, the J7 may need more than one run to draw the map.

6. Obstacle Areas

One handy feature of the J7 is the obstacle areas tab. The robot marks objects it “sees” and allows consumers to add a keep-out zone.

It’s handy because obstacles like the shoe rack or power strips under your table are “permanent” or rarely moved.

So it’s a handy feature to have.

App Features

Next, we’ll look at these robots’ app features, as both brands have smartphone apps that unlock all their features.

Please note that these apps are only compatible with 2.4 GHz connections, not 5 GHz.

1. Live Map [Yeedi Vac 2 Pro only]

Yeedi is the only VSLAM robot with a live map. Other brands like iRobot and Shark don’t have a live map.

This feature shows the robot’s exact location on the map during the cleaning cycle.

iRobot doesn’t have this feature and only shows a robot graphic.

2. Map Saving [Both]

Both robots have map saving, unlocking features like containment, selective room cleaning, and more.

The iRobot app can save up to ten map levels, while the Yeedi app can save up to one, but they’ll soon add a multi-map saving feature in August.

3. Containment

The Yeedi and iRobot app offer containment features that block the robot from going into off-limit areas.

Each brand has its terminology. iRobot calls it “keep out zones.”

Yeedi calls it a “virtual boundary.”

Despite the name difference, their functions are similar – to block the robot from going into a square or rectangular zone.

Unfortunately, neither app has an invisible wall feature for blocking diagonal areas.

4. Clean Zone [Roomba J7+ only]

iRobot has a clean zone feature where consumers can save “clean” areas (or zones).

This feature works in inverse the “keep out” zones where these boxes act as designated cleaning areas.

It’s most helpful in high-traffic areas like the living room or hallway since there’s no need to draw these boxes again because these zones are stored in the app.

Yeedi has a similar “custom area cleaning” feature, but these zones aren’t savable in the Yeedi app.

5. Cleaning Options [Both]

These apps provide consumers with different deployment options through the cleaning options tab.

Again, each brand offers varying terminologies.

But the idea is similar. You can choose how many times the robot goes around, power levels, water levels, etc.

iRobot doesn’t have a power level setting because it only has one, while Yeedi has four power options and three water level options since it has a mopping feature.

6. Scheduling [Both]

Scheduling cleaning runs is also available for both apps. One difference is that the Yeedi app offers more weekday or weekend-only options.

The J7 scheduling options are more limited and don’t have this level of customization.

One improvement from the entry-level 600-series options is that users can schedule multiple daily runs.

Navigation Comparison

The Yeedi Vac 2 Pro and Roomba J7 have similar navigation tendencies but with some nuances.

For Roomba, it starts the run by cleaning the middle portions before doing its edge-cleaning cycle, while Yeedi does the inverse, cleaning the edges before the middle portions.

Both have the crisscross pattern when the two-pass run feature is turned on, but only Roomba has the “dirt detect” feature, which does extra passes on dirty areas.

Efficiency Comparison

I did efficiency tests in my small home office, using each robot’s two-pass run to check how long it took to complete.

This experiment checks how fast the robot will finish the run and how much it’ll pick up.

Please note that the latter isn’t weighed but only an eye test to see how much it picks up.

For the first part, the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro completed the run much faster (a little over 16 minutes) versus the Roomba J7’s 30-minute run.

The results for both in the pick-up part of this experiment are similar. 

Here’s a before and after shot of the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro.

It left this much debris after the two-pass run. No, it didn’t get everything but it got most of the quaker oats scattered.

And here’s a before and after shot of the Roomba J7+

The results after the run were slightly worst than the Vac 2 Pro.

One issue with the J7 is its fast-spinning side brush that scatters debris, which is an issue for large dirt like quaker oats.

Airflow Comparison

Next, we’ll examine how the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro and Roomba J7 compare with airflow.

Robot vacuum manufacturers don’t have a uniform metric for disclosing power. Some brands like Yeedi use Pa (or Pascals), which measures suction at the motor.

Due to the autonomous nature of robot vacuums and the various sensors that fire an error code when lifted, it’s almost impossible to measure suction accurately.

So I used an anemometer to measure airflow on a box contraction for the results.

Here are the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro results in its four settings.

• Quiet: 7.56 CFM
• Standard: 10.87 CFM
• Max: 13.39 CFM
• Max+: 20.52 CFM

The Roomba J7+ only has one power setting with a 7.27 CFM result from the test – similar to other iRobot products like the I3 and I6.

Cleaning Comparison

High airflow robots tend to do better in cleaning tests, and we’ll look at the results for the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro and Roomba J7+.

Despite having lower airflow, the Roomba J7+ had higher overall averages, but there’s a caveat.

It performed better on carpet, especially in the deep cleaning tests, which picked up nearly 10% more sand.

Yeedi’s higher airflow is seen on its hard floor performance, where it picked up more on the surface experiments.

Which is better on hard floors?

One metric I use to determine a robot vacuum’s performance on hard floors is sand, and the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro is better on this surface.

It got an average of 99.26% versus the J7’s 98.46%; not a huge difference, but it’s still a better score.

Again, the J7’s fast-spinning side brush is the culprit why it picked up less.

Regardless, both options are decent for cleaning heavy debris. The J7’s primary advantage is the “dirt detect” sensor focuses on dirtier areas.

Edge Cleaning

There isn’t much difference between the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro and Roomba J7 at the cleaning edges. 

The J7+ does have a slight advantage, picking up more based on this test.

The Yeedi Vac 2 Pro is also decent but left more debris after the two-pass run.

Hair Wrap Comparison

For this experiment, I use around one gram (sometimes more) of five and seven-inch hair strands to see how much the robot vacuum picks up, and here are the results of the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro and Roomba J7+.

Another proof of Yeedi’s higher airflow is the hair wrap test, where it picked up more in the five and seven-inch experiments.

You could see that most of the hair went inside the dustbin.

However, it struggled with seven-inch strands with hair wrapping on the brush roll.

The Roomba J7+ did worst in both experiments, picking up less than 50%.

One positive for the bristle-less rollers is that most of the hair is wrapped on the axles, so it’s easier to clean than strands wrapping on the roller.

Which is better on carpet?

The Roomba J7’s “dirt detect” acoustic gives it the edge over the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro, at least with cleaning embedded sand on this surface.

It got higher averages in the deep cleaning test (85.75% vs. 75.83%) – nearly a 10% variance.

However, the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro picked up more surface debris, proving it has higher airflow.

Mopping Comparison

Only the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro has the mopping function. Roomba products don’t have this functionality, and consumers must purchase the Braava to mop floors.

An underrated feature of the Vac 2 Pro is its oscillating mopping pad. It’s one of the least expensive robot vacuum options with an agitating element.

It was decent in my two mopping experiments, with red wine and grape juice stains.

The latter is a tough ask for a standard robot vacuum and mop hybrid because of the sticky residue.

Most robots will stall after a few back-and-forths pass over it.

But the Vac 2 Pro did have any issues with removing the grape juice stain, getting the most out after the first pass.

It only drags a wet pad on the surface, leaving a sticky residue.

A floor-washing robot is the best product for cleaning these messes.

Run Time Comparison

It’s another win for the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro. Its larger 5200 mAh lithium-ion battery will run for up to 220 minutes in the lowest setting versus the Roomba J7’s 90-minute run time.

And while both have recharge and resume, Yeedi’s lengthier run time helps it clean larger homes more efficiently since it runs further.

Another plus with Yeedi’s longer run time is it’s better suited for creating maps in larger homes with less risk of the battery running out mid-cycle.

Noise Comparison

The Yeedi Vac 2 Pro is the noisier option ranging between 61 and 73 decibels in its four power settings, while the Roomba J7 only produced 63 decibels in its single power setting.

Maintenance

The Yeedi Vac 2 Pro and the Roomba J7+ need some TLC to function at their peak for years. I’ll enumerate the critical components that need cleaning or replacing and the suggested intervals.

I’ve written a comprehensive guide on cleaning a Roomba and its components. It’s a must-read for any Roomba owner or if you plan to purchase one.

1. Brush roll: The roller (or, iRobot’s case, the extractor) is a robot vacuum’s most abused component. Remove the brush roll and clean any hair or dust accumulation on it, especially the axles.
2. Side brush: Another abused component that needs cleaning. Clean it once a week to remove any hair buildup on the base.
3. Dustbin: Empty the dustbin after every cleaning run (for variants without the auto-empty base station), and clean the filter once a month by tapping it on the trashbin to dislodge debris accumulating on the folds.
4. Drop sensors: Use a clean microfiber towel or cotton buds to wipe the drop sensors underneath the robot once a month to prevent an error code from firing.
5. Wheels: Wipe the wheels (side and caster) using a clean microfiber towel monthly to prevent buildup.
6. Bag: If you’ve purchased any of these robots with a clean base station, empty the bag once it’s full.
7. Auto-empty station port: Ensure that the auto-empty base station’s port (or ports) are free from any debris buildup.

Product Specifications

Model	Yeedi Vac 2 Pro	Roomba J7+
Width	13.77"	13.34 "
Height	3..03"	3.63"
Filter	High-Efficiency	High-Efficiency
Navigation	VSLAM	VSLAM
Run time	220 mins.	85 mins.
Recharge and Resume	Yes	Yes
Map Saving	Yes	Yes
Number of Maps	1	10
Dustbin capacity	420 ml	400 ml
Auto empty capacity	2.4-liters	2.4-liters
Airflow	20.52 CFM	7.27 CFM
Warranty	1-year limited	1-year limited
Price	Check Price	Check Price

Where can I buy these robot vacuums?

The Yeedi Vac 2 Pro and Roomba J7+ are available in online stores like Amazon. Check the links below for the latest pricing information.

• Yeedi Vac 2 on Amazon [standard water tank]
• Yeedi Vac 2 Pro on Amazon [oscillating pad]
• Yeedi Vac 2 Pro + self-emptying base station on Amazon
• Roomba J7+ on Amazon (with clean base station)
• Roomba J7 on Amazon (no clean base station)

Disclaimer: I will earn a commission if you purchase through any of the links above, but at no extra cost, so it’s a win-win for us!

Which is the better option, the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro or the Roomba J7+?

The answer will depend on your preference and budget. Are you willing to spend close to premium-level money for a self-emptying robot vacuum with top-notched obstacle avoidance?

Or do you prefer a cheaper alternative with more versatility thanks to its mopping capability?

Answering these questions will help you decide the best option for your needs.

I’ve enumerated reasons to help further choose between these two alternatives.

4 Reasons to Choose the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro

1. Cheaper option: The Yeedi Vac 2 Pro is the cheaper option that’s better than the J7 for cleaning surface debris.
2. More efficient navigation: It finished the efficiency test in around 16 minutes (more than ten minutes faster).
3. Mopping functionality: Aside from its vacuuming function, the Vac 2 Pro can also mop floors efficiently with its oscillating pad.
4. Better at cleaning hard floors: The high airflow and mopping function make the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro the better option for hard floors.

4 Reasons to Choose the Roomba J7+

1. Best-in-Class obstacle avoidance: The Roomba J7’s camera and LED combo plus algorithm helps it avoid objects better than any robot vacuum I’ve tested.
2. More thorough navigation: Its “dirt detect” acoustic sensor gives the J7 the edge with thoroughness, which is beneficial in vacuuming carpets.
3. Better at deep cleaning carpet: The Roomba J7 picked up more sand on mid-pile carpet (85% vs. 75%) than the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro.
4. Aftermarket parts availability: iRobot is a popular brand with a bevy of aftermarket components, which bodes well for its long-term viability.

The Verdict: Choosing One Will Depend on Your Preference and Budget

While the Roomba J7’s obstacle avoidance system is top-notched, its cleaning performance is not for its cost.

I’d still recommend it for homes with carpet, but the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro is the better option on hard floors.

Its superior airflow plus the mopping function helps it clean this surface better.

The bottom line is that the Roomba J7+ is a  better option if obstacle avoidance or carpet vacuuming is a priority.

Otherwise, the Yeedi Vac 2 Pro will offer better value with its lower price tag and more versatile toolset.