# Do the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and Roomba j9+ work with Alexa and smart home systems?

> Smart home compatibility comparison

*Published: 2026-03-20 | Updated: 2026-03-20 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/answers/do-roborock-s8-maxv-ultra-and-roomba-j9-work-with-alexa-and-smart-home*

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## Product: Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra
**Brand:** Roborock

Good news: both the [Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSKBXQ68?tag=shopsavvy-20) and [Roomba j9+](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C415NHBM?tag=shopsavvy-20) work with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. You can tell either one to start cleaning, go back to the dock, or clean specific rooms. But there are some differences worth knowing.

## Voice Control: Roomba Wins on Depth

iRobot has invested heavily in voice integration. The [Roomba j9+](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C415NHBM?tag=shopsavvy-20) supposedly understands more voice commands than any other robot vacuum. You can ask detailed questions like "When did you last clean the kitchen?" or give specific tasks like "Clean under the dining table."

The [S8 MaxV Ultra](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSKBXQ68?tag=shopsavvy-20) handles basic voice commands fine, but it's not as conversational. Start, stop, go home, clean this room. The essentials.

## The Offline Trick

The [Roborock](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSKBXQ68?tag=shopsavvy-20) has a built-in voice assistant. Say "Hello Rocky" and the vacuum responds directly, even if your WiFi is down.

Ever had your internet go out and realized you can't control any smart home devices? The S8 MaxV Ultra can still take voice commands. That's a nice backup.

## Matter: The Future-Proofing Play

The [S8 MaxV Ultra](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSKBXQ68?tag=shopsavvy-20) is the first robot vacuum certified for Matter. That's the new smart home standard designed to work across Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung ecosystems.

Does it matter right now? Not really. But in a few years when Matter is everywhere, the Roborock will be ready.

## The Apps Are Where It's At

Both apps are solid. The Roborock app lets you draw custom cleaning zones and manage multi-floor maps. The iRobot app has nice Dirt Detective insights showing which rooms get dirtiest.

## Which Should You Care About?

**Voice control is your main thing?** The [Roomba j9+](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C415NHBM?tag=shopsavvy-20) has more commands and natural interaction.

**Want future-proof smart home stuff?** The [S8 MaxV Ultra's](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSKBXQ68?tag=shopsavvy-20) Matter certification is a bonus.

**Just want it to work?** Both do. You can say "Alexa, start the vacuum" with either one.

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*Where this comes from: This answer is based on ShopSavvy's product database, real-time pricing from thousands of retailers, and analysis of user reviews to give you a well-rounded picture.*