The Roomba is a robotic vacuum cleaner marketed by iRobot, with its current model being the 800 series. It has been used as an example of how robotics technology can be applied to everyday tasks such as cleaning and maintaining homes. The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Pro Lift Away Professional Upright Vacuum Cleaner is one of many different brands that falls within the category of cordless upright vacuums
The “shark vs roomba” is a comparison between the two best selling and most popular vacuum cleaners of all time. The “shark vs roomba” article will cover the key differences between the two, including features, pros and cons.
With so much smart home innovation today, it’s easy to overlook one of the earliest items to hit the market. Robot vacuum cleaners have been around since the first Roomba models were released in 2002.
Numerous manufacturers now provide a diverse selection of these small robot assistants. With a wide range of features and prices, everyone may pick the perfect one for their house. Two firms have managed to position themselves as market leaders over time.
Even if you haven’t heard of the iRobot firm, you’ve almost certainly heard of its Roomba robotic vacuums. Their goods are regarded the greatest on the market since they are at the forefront of innovation in this industry.
In comparison, the Shark brand has been producing vacuum cleaners of various types for quite some time. Their robot vacuums are certainly worth considering if you’re trying to stay up with current market trends.
If you’re trying to figure out which is the greatest, keep reading.
Chart of Comparisons
If you want to compare the characteristics of each relevant product side by side, this chart may provide you with a clear picture in great detail. Please keep in mind that the models are listed in order of cost, from most expensive to least costly.
To view the whole table, scroll to the left. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> |
S9+ Roomba by iRobot | i7+ Roomba by iRobot | 980 Roomba by iRobot | RV1001AE Shark IQ | 960 Roomba by iRobot | Roomba 890 by iRobot | RV1001 Shark IQ | E5 Roomba by iRobot | ION R85 Shark | 675 Roomba by iRobot | ION RV871 Shark | 614 Roomba by iRobot | ION R72 Shark | ION R75 Shark | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Battery | 1,800 mAh | 1,800 mAh | 3,300 mAh | 1,800 mAh | 2,600 mAh | 1,800 mAh | 1,800 mAh | 1,800 mAh | 1,800 mAh | 1,800 mAh | 1,800 mAh | 1,800 mAh | 2,600 mAh | 2,600 mAh |
Time to Complete (approx.) | 120 min. | 90 min. | 120 min. | 90 min. | 75 min. | 90 | 90 min. | 90 min. | 90 min. | 90 min. | 90 min. | 90 | 60 min. | 60 min. |
Capacity of Dust Bin | 0.4 lit / 13.52 fl oz | 0.5 lit / 16.91 fl oz | 0.3 lit / 10.14 fl oz | 0.16 lit / 5.41 fl oz | 0.3 lit / 10.14 fl oz | 0.3 lit / 10.14 fl oz | 0.76 lit / 25.7 fl ounce | 0.6 lit / 20.29 fl oz | 0.6 lit / 20.29 fl oz | 0.3 lit / 10.14 fl oz | 0.57 lit / 19.2 fl oz | 0.3 lit / 10.14 fl oz | 0.4 lit / 13.52 fl oz | 0.47 lit / 16 fl oz |
Diameter | 31.75 cm / 12.25 in | 33.78 cm / 13.3 in | 35.31 cm/13.9 in. | 32 cm/12.6 in. | 35.05 cm/13.8 in. | 35.31 cm/13.9 in. | 32 cm/12.6 in. | 33.78 cm / 13.3 in | 32.51 cm/12.8 in. | 34.04 cm / 13.4 in | 32.51 cm/12.8 in. | 35.31 cm/13.9 in. | 32 cm/12.6 in. | 32 cm/12.6 in. |
Height | 8.9 cm / 3.5 in | 9.14 cm / 3.6 in | 9.14 cm / 3.6 in | 8.9 cm / 3.5 in | 9.14 cm / 3.6 in | 9.14 cm / 3.6 in | 8.9 cm / 3.5 in | 9.14 cm / 3.6 in | 9.14 cm / 3.6 in | 9.14 cm / 3.6 in | 8.9 cm / 3.5 in | 9.14 cm / 3.6 in | 8.9 cm / 3.5 in | 8.9 cm / 3.5 in |
Weight | 3.7 kg / 8.15 pounds | 3.4 kg / 7.4 pounds | 3.9 kg / 8.7 pounds | 5.87 pounds / 2.7 kilograms | 3.9 kg / 8.6 pounds | 3.8 kg / 8.4 pounds | 2.6 kg / 5.7 pounds | 3.3 kg / 7.2 pounds | 2.5 kg / 5.5 pounds | 3.5 kg / 7.8 pounds | 2.45 kg / 5.4 pounds | 3.6 kg / 7.9 pounds | 3 kg / 6.6 pounds | 2.4 kg / 5.3 pounds |
Brushes with Spinning Sides | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Brushroll | Rubberized dual rollers | Rubberized dual rollers | Rubberized dual rollers | Rubber, single roller | Rubberized dual rollers | Rubberized dual rollers | Rubberized dual rollers | Rubberized dual rollers | Bristles on a single roller | Bristles, dual rollers, and composite materials | Rubber, single roller | Bristles on a single roller | Bristles on a single roller | Bristles on a single roller |
width of the cleaning path | 10.7 | 7 in. | 7 in. | 5.63 in. | 7 in. | 7 in. | 5.63 in. | 7 in. | 5.9 in. | 7 in. | 5.9 in. | 7 in. | 5.9 in. | 5.9 in. |
Empty by itself | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Self-Charging | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Scheduling | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Indicator of a Full Bin | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Restart & Recharge | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Reports on Cleaning | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Wireless Command and Control | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | None | Control from afar | Wi-Fi |
Boundaries | Digital Markers in the App | Digital Markers + Virtual Obstacle in the App | Virtual Obstacle | Strips de démarcation | Virtual Obstacle | Virtual Obstacle | Strips de démarcation | Virtual Obstacle | Strips de démarcation | None | Strips de démarcation | None | Strips de démarcation | Strips de démarcation |
Amazon’s price | $1,299.00 | $799.00 | $780.00 | $599.99 | $499.99 | $499.00 | $449.00 | $379.99 | $339.99 | $299.99 | $299.00 | $249.99 | $251.15 | $199.98 |
Amazon’s rating | 4.0 | 4.3 | 3.8 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 4.0 |
Google reviews | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 3.4 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 3.7 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 3.6 | 3.6 |
SmartHome Rating | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 3.9 | 4.1 | 3.9 | 4.1 | 4 | 4.1 | 3.9 | 3.7 |
Link to Amazon Product | Product Page on Amazon | Product Page on Amazon | Product Page on Amazon | Product Page on Amazon | Product Page on Amazon | Product Page on Amazon | Product Page on Amazon | Product Page on Amazon | Product Page on Amazon | Product Page on Amazon | Product Page on Amazon | Product Page on Amazon | Product Page on Amazon | Product Page on Amazon |
Winners in each category
The graphic below gives you a brief summary of which models won in each of the three categories.
|
Budget-Friendly |
Mid-Best tier’s |
Exceptional Premium |
Name |
ION R85 Shark |
Roomba 960 |
i7+ Roomba |
a brief summary |
The R85 is the finest affordable robot vacuum since it has all of the essential features that such devices should have. Apart from the strong suction and long battery life, it lacks sophisticated capabilities, which is reasonable at this price point. |
This is by far the most cost-effective robot vacuum available. It’s definitely worth the money, with solid navigation and a slew of sophisticated functions. |
The i7+ is about twice as pricey as the finest mid-tier model, but it comes with a lot of sophisticated capabilities. If you don’t mind the price, this is the robot vacuum to get because of its class-leading navigation and auto-empty function. |
Price |
Amazon has it at $339.99. Amazon has it for £266.76. |
Amazon has it at $499.99. Amazon charges £392.30 for this item. |
Amazon has it at $799.00. Amazon has a price of £626.91. |
NEWS FROM SMARTHOME rating |
3.9 |
4.2 |
4.2 |
Amazon’s rating |
3.8 |
4.4 |
4.3 |
Google’s average rating |
4.0 |
4.1 |
4.4 |
Time to complete the task (approx.) |
Time: Time: 90 minutes |
Time limit: 75 minutes |
90 minutes |
Restart and recharge |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
width of the cleaning path |
5.9 in. |
7 in. |
7 in. |
Rollers that need to be cleaned |
Bristles on a single roller |
Rubber rollers on both sides. |
Rubber rollers on both sides. |
Option to auto-empty |
No |
No |
Yes |
Boundaries |
Strips of land that serve as boundaries |
Virtually impenetrable |
Virtual barrier + in-app digital markers |
Pros |
|
|
|
Cons |
|
|
|
Models and Brands of Roomba
iRobot is an American corporation founded in 1990 with a long and illustrious history. Three former members of the MIT Artificial Intelligence Lab chose to start their own business using their experience. They created robot vacuum cleaners using their expertise building robots for space exploration and military defense.
As a result, the first Roomba model was released in 2002. Today, iRobot is well known for their robotic Roomba vacuum cleaners and Braava floor mopping robots. Of the two, the Roomba range is, without a doubt, the more popular.
Below is a list of some of the most popular Roomba models from iRobot, divided into three pricing groups.
- Premium
- Roomba S9+
- i7+ Roomba
- Roomba 980
- Mid-Tier
- Budget
- Roomba E5
- Roomba 675
- Roomba 614
Roomba also sells them as standalone robot cleaners without the auto-empty feature, in addition to the S9+ and i7+ variants. The S9 and i7 are the names of these two models.
Please see the table below to compare the characteristics and features of the Roomba models listed above.
Roomba S9+ by iRobot |
Roomba i7+ by iRobot |
Roomba 980 by iRobot |
Roomba 960 by iRobot |
Roomba 890 by iRobot |
Roomba E5 by iRobot |
Roomba 675 by iRobot |
Roomba 614 by iRobot |
|
Battery |
1,800 mAh |
1,800 mAh |
3,300 mAh |
2,600 mAh |
1,800 mAh |
1,800 mAh |
1,800 mAh |
1,800 mAh |
Time to Complete (approx.) |
120 min. |
90 min. |
120 min. |
75 min. |
90 |
90 min. |
90 min. |
90 |
Capacity of Dust Bin |
0.4 lit / 13.52 fl oz |
0.5 lit / 16.91 fl oz |
0.3 lit / 10.14 fl oz |
0.3 lit / 10.14 fl oz |
0.3 lit / 10.14 fl oz |
0.6 lit / 20.29 fl oz |
0.3 lit / 10.14 fl oz |
0.3 lit / 10.14 fl oz |
Brushes with Spinning Sides |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
Brushroll |
Rubberized dual rollers |
Rubberized dual rollers |
Rubberized dual rollers |
Rubberized dual rollers |
Rubberized dual rollers |
Rubberized dual rollers |
Bristles, dual rollers, and composite materials |
Bristles on a single roller |
width of the cleaning path |
10.7 |
7 in. |
7 in. |
7 in. |
7 in. |
7 in. |
7 in. |
7 in. |
Empty by itself |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Self-Charging |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Scheduling |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Restart & Recharge |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Reports on Cleaning |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Wireless Command and Control |
Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi |
None |
Boundaries |
Digital Markers in the App |
Digital Markers + Virtual Obstacle in the App |
Virtual Obstacle |
Virtual Obstacle |
Virtual Obstacle |
Virtual Obstacle |
None |
None |
Link to Amazon Product |
Product Page on Amazon |
Product Page on Amazon |
Product Page on Amazon |
Product Page on Amazon |
Product Page on Amazon |
Product Page on Amazon |
Product Page on Amazon |
Product Page on Amazon |
Amazon’s rating |
4.0 |
4.3 |
3.8 |
4.4 |
4.2 |
4.4 |
4.3 |
4.4 |
Shark – Models & Brand
Shark Ninja is a brand of Shark Ninja, a corporation established in the United States. Along with its Ninja range of kitchen appliances, the company’s Shark brand offers a variety of vacuum cleaners. They’ve also moved into robotic vacuums to meet up with market demand. They now have a large selection of robot vacuums to choose from, all of which are reasonably priced.
Shark provides two unique series of models. While the IQ series comprises high-end models, the ION series offers more affordable robot vacuums. Some of the most well-known Shark robotic vacuums are listed here.
- IQ (Intelligent Question) Series
- RV1001AE Shark IQ
- RV1001 Shark IQ
- ION (Iononononononononon
- ION RV871 Shark
- ION R85 Shark
- ION R75 Shark
- ION R72 Shark
Check out the chart below to compare some of the fundamental characteristics and features of the Shark robot vacuums:
RV1001AE Shark IQ |
RV1001 Shark IQ |
ION R85 Shark |
ION RV871 Shark |
ION R72 Shark |
ION R75 Shark |
|
Battery |
1,800 mAh |
1,800 mAh |
1,800 mAh |
1,800 mAh |
2,600 mAh |
2,600 mAh |
Time to Complete (approx.) |
90 min. |
90 min. |
90 min. |
90 min. |
60 min. |
60 min. |
Capacity of Dust Bin |
0.16 lit / 5.41 fl oz |
0.76 lit / 25.7 fl ounce |
0.6 lit / 20.29 fl oz |
0.57 lit / 19.2 fl oz |
0.4 lit / 13.52 fl oz |
0.47 lit / 16 fl oz |
Brushes with Spinning Sides |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Brushroll |
Rubber, single roller |
Rubberized dual rollers |
Bristles on a single roller |
Rubber, single roller |
Bristles on a single roller |
Bristles on a single roller |
width of the cleaning path |
5.63 in. |
5.63 in. |
5.9 in. |
5.9 in. |
5.9 in. |
5.9 in. |
Empty by itself |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Self-Charging |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Scheduling |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Restart & Recharge |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Reports on Cleaning |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
Wireless Command and Control |
Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi |
Control from afar |
Wi-Fi |
Boundaries |
Strips de démarcation |
Strips de démarcation |
Strips de démarcation |
Strips de démarcation |
Strips de démarcation |
Strips de démarcation |
Link to Amazon Product |
Product Page on Amazon |
Product Page on Amazon |
Product Page on Amazon |
Product Page on Amazon |
Product Page on Amazon |
Product Page on Amazon |
Amazon’s rating |
4.2 |
4.2 |
3.8 |
4.4 |
4.2 |
4.0 |
Comparing the Models: Roomba vs. Shark
It’s critical to first evaluate your needs before deciding which model is the greatest match for you. There’s a lot to think about when deciding between various models and, more importantly, different brands. People usually make purchasing decisions based on a product’s price, features, and performance.
There is one broad rule of thumb that may serve as a beginning criterion for every equipment you purchase, and that is the price. Of course, the features you may anticipate from a robotic vacuum cleaner will be determined by how much money you’re prepared to pay on one.
To make comparisons simpler, robot vacuums should be divided into three pricing tiers: Tier of the budget, Mid-Tier, and Tier 1: Premium. If you’ve decided on a budget for your purchase ahead of time, you’ll save time examining things that are just out of your price range. This will also enable you to strike the optimal balance between price and features offered by each model.
Budget Tier
Be prepared to spend a significant amount of money when deciding which robotic vacuum cleaner to purchase. Look no farther than the budget tier if you don’t care about all the bells and whistles that more expensive versions feature.
Choosing a less expensive alternative does not always imply that you will get a subpar device. Quite the opposite is true. Aside from the standard capabilities, some of the models in this category will wow you with what they can achieve. Naturally, while looking at the inexpensive versions, keep in mind that these devices are designed for smaller homes. They may, however, be an excellent choice for one-bedroom flats or certain areas of a bigger home.
Roomba E5 vs. ION R85 Shark
The ION R85 Shark and the Roomba E5 are obvious competitors in this category. Both versions provide the essential characteristics that every robot vacuum should have. As previously said, you cannot anticipate some of the complex features seen in higher-priced devices at this pricing point.
CATEGORY OF THE BUDGET |
Roomba E5 by iRobot |
Shark ION R85 |
Battery |
1,800 mAh |
1,800 mAh |
Time to Complete (approx.) |
90 min. |
90 min. |
Capacity of Dust Bin |
0.6 lit / 20.29 fl oz |
0.6 lit / 20.29 fl oz |
Brushes with Spinning Sides |
1 |
2 |
Brushroll |
Rubberized dual rollers |
Bristles on a single roller |
width of the cleaning path |
7 in. |
5.9 in. |
Empty by itself |
No |
No |
Self-Charging |
Yes |
Yes |
Scheduling |
Yes |
Yes |
Restart & Recharge |
No |
No |
Reports on Cleaning |
No |
No |
Wireless Command and Control |
Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi |
Boundaries |
Virtual Barrier |
Strips de démarcation |
Link to Amazon Product |
Product Page on Amazon |
Product Page on Amazon |
Amazon’s rating |
4.4 |
3.8 |
Shark ION R85
The R85 is the follow-up to the R75 robot vacuum cleaner from Shark’s ION line. Along with a 50 percent boost in battery life over the previous generation, the R85 now offers a lot greater suction force.
Despite being somewhat bigger and having a lower battery capacity (2600 mAh for R75 and 1800 mAh for R85), the R85 now has a run duration of 90 minutes between two charging cycles. In comparison, after just 60 minutes of operation, the R75 would have to cease cleaning and return to the charging station. If you live in anything bigger than a one-bedroom apartment, that 30-minute improvement makes a big impact.
Aside from these two pleasant enhancements, the current model does not provide any other substantial advancements. The R85 still lacks navigation, which would allow for a more guided and logical cleaning route. Instead, it will clean at random, adjusting the course if it collides with furniture or walls. Fortunately, these collisions are minor since Shark has touch sensors that activate instantly when the robot collides, signaling the robot to alter direction.
You’ll need to affix Shark’s boundary strips on the floor to keep the R85 from roaming into specific areas. When your robot gets close enough to the strip, it will identify it as a no-go zone, enabling you to close it off. You could, for example, wish to keep the R85 from hitting your pet’s water dish so that it doesn’t spill all over the floor. Floor vases are the same way. Despite the fact that this approach is archaic by today’s standards, it still works.
Another feature worth mentioning is that the R85’s primary rollers have a brush with bristles. Long hair will ultimately get trapped as a result of this. True, the roller brush has a self-cleaning technology, but you’ll still have to manually remove lengthy hair. If you have pets in your house, the task becomes much more difficult.
Even without the additional capabilities seen in more costly versions, the Shark ION R85 can clean well and quietly. Given the price, this is very reasonable.
Pros:
- A robot vacuum cleaner that is reasonably priced
- Battery life is adequate.
- Brushes on each sides
- Suction that cleans well
- Dust container that is rather huge.
- You may use an app or voice commands to operate it.
Cons:
- Randomly navigates
- Doesn’t make good use of the battery life.
- Boundary strips are a clumsy way of separating sections around your house.
- In its rollers, it uses a bristled brush, which need manual cleaning on a regular basis.
Roomba E5 by iRobot
The Roomba E5 from iRobot has an 1800 mAh battery that lasts for 90 minutes of continuous cleaning. It will also cover more territory in one cleaning cycle because to the seven-inch cleaning path width, which is standard on all Roomba models. You won’t have to worry about long or pet hair with the strong suction and dual brushless rollers. It will go directly to the dust container, without becoming stuck along the way.
Unfortunately, the Roomba E5 lacks any type of intelligent navigation. Instead, it will travel at random, perceiving and avoiding obstacles without any discernible pattern. To compensate, the E5 features a seven-inch cleaning path width, which allows it to clean more terrain in a single cycle. You can be certain that the E5 will not collide with your walls or furniture thanks to the built-in obstacle sensors.
You may block the Roomba E5 from accessing particular sections of your house using Virtual Wall Barrier, an advanced infrared technology. This independent gadget enables you to control the access to your robot vacuum cleaner from anywhere. You can simply move it about your house since it isn’t attached to the floor. You may completely personalize the cleaning area for your Roomba E5 by using numerous Virtual Wall Barriers. Because these gadgets aren’t included in the package, you’ll have to buy them separately.
On the other hand, the Roomba E5 isn’t exactly inexpensive. This is particularly true given that it has a feature set that is comparable to those of more cheap devices on the market.
Pros:
- Has two brushless rollers that prevent hair from becoming trapped.
- Consistent results
- Excellent client service
- Virtual Wall Barriers are used to divide regions of your house.
Cons:
- Randomly navigates
- A vacuum robot without a navigation system is much too costly.
- Virtual Wall Barriers are available for purchase individually.
- More obnoxious than the competitors
Roomba E5 vs. Shark ION R85
Please modify the proportion to 82.
Please modify the proportion to 75.
Shark ION RV85 is the winner.
The first thing you notice when comparing the Shark ION R85 to the iRobot Roomba E5 is the pricing difference. When it comes to buying a gadget on a tight budget, every penny matters. In this regard, Shark’s robot vacuum is unquestionably superior.
Both versions use an 1800 mAh battery that provides 90 minutes of cleaning time. The Roomba E5, on the other hand, will make greater use of this time owing to a stronger sensor system and a broader cleaning route. However, when it comes to suction power, the Shark comes out on top.
Both types can prevent lengthy hair from tangling by using brushless rollers. With almost comparable dust bin capacities, none has an advantage in this category.
When features and prices are considered, the R85 provides about the same level of performance at a substantially lesser cost than the Roomba E5. As a result, the Shark ION R85 is a budget-friendly winner.
Mid-Tier
The main advantage of the mid-tier over the budget tier is that these more expensive gadgets do not behave randomly. They can completely optimize each cleaning run thanks to their capacity to memorize the layout of your house. As a result, they can run longer on a single charge than gadgets that don’t have this capability.
When it comes to machines in this price bracket, they all have almost the same set of fundamental features. That’s why it all boils down to how effectively each robot vacuum can traverse your house.
RV1001 Shark IQ vs. Roomba 960 by iRobot
The Roomba 960 and the RV1001 Shark IQ are two of the Shark and Roomba models in the mid-tier category that give a solid balance at a reasonable price. Looking at the specifications in the table below, it seems like Shark’s model has the upper hand in this contest. The only way to determine which one is the finest is to inquire more about how effectively they do cleaning tasks in your house.
CATEGORY OF THE MIDDLE CLASSIFICATION |
Roomba 960 by iRobot |
Shark IQ RV1001 |
---|---|---|
Battery |
2,600 mAh |
1,800 mAh |
Time to Complete (approx.) |
75 min. |
90 min. |
Capacity of Dust Bin |
0.3 lit / 10.14 fl oz |
0.76 lit / 25.7 fl ounce |
Brushes with Spinning Sides |
1 |
2 |
Brushroll |
Rubberized dual rollers |
Rubberized dual rollers |
width of the cleaning path |
7 in. |
5.63 in. |
Empty by itself |
No |
No |
Self-Charging |
Yes |
Yes |
Scheduling |
Yes |
Yes |
Restart & Recharge |
Yes |
Yes |
Reports on Cleaning |
Yes |
Yes |
Wireless Command and Control |
Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi |
Boundaries |
Virtual Barrier |
Strips de démarcation |
Link to Amazon Product |
Product Page on Amazon |
Product Page on Amazon |
Amazon’s rating |
4.4 |
4.2 |
iRobot Roomba 960
The Roomba 960 features a 2600 mAh battery that provides roughly 75 minutes of autonomy between two recharge cycles. Although some lesser versions have longer cleaning times but lower battery capacity, you won’t have to worry about that with the Roomba 960. This robot vacuum will restart its cleaning routine after it has been recharged, thanks to the “recharge and resume” mechanism. Of course, once the battery is fully charged, it will automatically continue where it left off.
You may be certain that no long hair or pet hair will get stuck in the twin rubberized cleaning rollers, requiring you to disentangle them. The Roomba 960’s seven-inch cleaning path helps it to cover more territory with fewer runs, maximizing battery life.
This category, unlike budget tier models, delivers sophisticated automation to your house when it comes to navigation. The Roomba 960 swiftly adapts its course to provide an ideal cleaning path thanks to the algorithm that learns the architecture of your house. It analyzes your property with numerous cameras to get as straight cleaning lines as possible.
The Roomba 960, like its lesser sister, the Roomba E5, employs infrared Virtual Wall Barriers to enable you to separate regions of your house. Despite the fact that they are sold separately, iRobot offers up to two complimentary barrier devices, depending on the promotion.
Pros:
- Maps out your home’s layout to find the best cleaning route.
- Its recharge and resume capabilities enable it to keep cleaning till the work is completed.
- It also comes with a free Virtual Wall Barrier.
- Rubberized cleaning rollers with no tangles minimize hair collection.
Cons:
- In this price bracket, it is more costly than the competitors.
- It may have a longer battery life so it can clean more in a single run.
Shark IQ RV1001
The Shark IQ RV1001 can take up dirt considerably quicker thanks to its tremendous suction. It will keep your home clean with ease because to its 1800 mAh battery and 90-minute cleaning run duration. And whatever it can’t clean in one run, it’ll come back to complete as soon as it’s recharged.
The RV1001 employs two rubberized rollers to take up dust and grime, much like other robot vacuum cleaners in this price range. You may relax knowing that no long hair will get stuck in the rollers if you don’t use brushes with bristles. This is especially great for pet owners who are familiar with how inconvenient it is to vacuum with traditional vacuum cleaners.
The RV1001 employs clever navigation to conduct its cleaning trips, unlike more cheap versions. You may also choose which rooms RV1001 will clean using Shark’s mobile app. It can, of course, understand your home’s layout, but not as accurately as Roomba models. In truth, the navigation is sometimes faulty. Hopefully, Shark will be able to fix this in future versions.
Despite being a higher-end model than the RV871, the RV1001 still comes with the old barrier strips. Even though you receive an eight-foot-long strip in the package, it may not be enough for a medium-sized house plan.
Pros:
- More cost-effective than the comparable Roomba model
- On a single charge, the battery lasts a long period.
- The function of recharging and restarting works as expected.
- Rubber rollers reduce tangles in long and pet hair.
Cons:
- At times, navigation might be faulty.
- Boundary strips are used to divide regions of your property.
Shark IQ RV1001 vs. iRobot Roomba 960
Please update the proportion to 84.
Please modify the proportion to 78.
Roomba 960 is the winner.
When you compare the specifications of the Shark IQ RV1001 with the Roomba 960, they seem to be quite comparable. Of course, the Shark is far less expensive than the Roomba.
They both come with tangle-free rubber rollers, can recharge and continue cleaning, and are strong enough to clean any sort of surface.
Despite having a lesser battery capacity, the Shark IQ RV1001 has a cleaning range of 90 minutes. Even though the Roomba 960 has 800 mAh more than the Shark, this is 15 minutes longer. Because of its enormous size and weight, this is most likely the case.
Regrettably, the RV1001’s faulty navigation tends to obscure this reality, enabling the Roomba 960 to dominate the navigation arena. The Roomba’s bigger seven-inch cleaning path also lets it to perform fewer cleaning passes, which saves even more power. You can improve the Roomba’s cleaning runs by using the mobile app to regulate every element of its operation.
Despite the fact that the Shark IQ RV1001 is the less expensive of the two, the greater price tag in this duel delivers tangible advantages. The Roomba 960 is the one to select in the mid-tier pricing group, thanks to their unrivaled customer service, as well as the quality of overall performance and dependability.
Premium Tier
Finally, the premium tier receives all of the attention. This is only fair, since the machines in this category provide the complete range of functionality found in today’s robotic vacuums. The ability to auto-empty is one of the most important things you receive when you buy anything in this price range.
This function enables your robot cleaner to dump its dust bin into the charging station without stopping. Of course, an integrated collecting box with a rather big capacity makes this feasible. You won’t have to open the vacuum and throw away the trash as often as you would if it didn’t have this function.
RV1001AE Shark IQ vs. Roomba i7+
In the premium segment, two flagship models go head-to-head. For Roomba, it’s the i7+, a model that sits just below the S9+ in the company’s portfolio. For Shark, the IQ RV1001AE protects its maker’s honor.
Both robot vacuums include a ground-breaking auto-empty function as well as a slew of other innovative capabilities. Of course, there are some minor distinctions that are noticeable at first sight. And, once again, the only way to choose a winner is to examine every aspect of their performance.
CATEGORY PREMIUM |
Roomba i7+ by iRobot |
RV1001AE Shark IQ |
Battery |
1,800 mAh |
1,800 mAh |
Time to Complete (approx.) |
90 min. |
90 min. |
Capacity of Dust Bin |
0.5 lit / 16.91 fl oz |
0.16 lit / 5.41 fl oz |
Brushes with Spinning Sides |
1 |
2 |
Brushroll |
Rubberized dual rollers |
Rubber, single roller |
width of the cleaning path |
7 in. |
5.63 in. |
Empty by itself |
Yes |
Yes |
Self-Charging |
Yes |
Yes |
Scheduling |
Yes |
Yes |
Restart & Recharge |
Yes |
Yes |
Reports on Cleaning |
Yes |
Yes |
Wireless Command and Control |
Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi |
Boundaries |
Digital Markers + Virtual Barrier in the App |
Strips de démarcation |
Link to Amazon Product |
Product Page on Amazon |
Product Page on Amazon |
Rating on Amazon |
4.3 |
4.2 |
Roomba i7+
Although it isn’t the most expensive model in the iRobot Roomba collection, the i7+ strikes a good price-to-feature ratio. The Roomba i9+ is a somewhat better product in comparison, but it’s just too pricey at over a thousand dollars.
When comparing the i7+ to the Roomba 960, the former just outperforms the latter in almost every aspect. It comes with a stronger suction, enhanced navigation, and an auto-empty function. This enables it to dump its dust bin into the huge container positioned on the charging base, as previously indicated. It will now deposit its trash into the container every time it needs to recharge.
The main drawback to the Roomba’s auto empty function is that it collects garbage in the charging base using bags. Although this is handy, it will raise the cost of maintenance significantly since you will need to replace the dust bags on a regular basis.
In terms of battery life, the i7+ offers the industry-standard 90 minutes of autonomy. This is adequate even for bigger houses when using intelligent mapping and optimizing cleaning patterns. With the recharge and resume feature, you can be certain that no cleaning task will go unfinished.
Returning to the issue of navigation, there have been significant advances in this area as well. You may choose which rooms your Roomba should clean and create virtual barriers using the mobile app. This way, you won’t have to worry about putting infrared barrier devices all around your house. Simply draw a line around the locations you don’t want the robot to go, and that’s all.
The Roomba i7+, of course, has tangle-free rubber rollers, fall and barrier sensors, and the Roomba’s signature seven-inch cleaning path width.
Pros:
- Feature of auto-emptying
- Navigation that is best in class
- Through the use of a smartphone app, virtual boundaries may be overcome.
- Each cleaning session’s detailed map
- Functions to recharge and resume
Cons:
- Expensive
- In the long term, using the dust bag system in the charging base for the auto empty function means additional expenditure.
Shark IQ RV1001AE
The AE in the name of this type means for Auto Empty. As previously indicated, this capability is reserved for high-end devices and comes at a significant cost. Fortunately, Shark provides its superior model at a reasonable price. In addition, Shark, unlike Roomba, chose a bagless auto-empty technology. Although it is not as beautiful as removing the bag and tossing it in the garbage, not having a bag will save you money on upkeep.
When compared to less expensive Shark versions, the RV1001AE has somewhat superior navigation. Unfortunately, it isn’t enough to ensure the optimal optimization when determining which cleaning approach to adopt. You may pick which rooms to clean for the next run using the mobile app, but that’s about it.
Of course, the RV1001AE, like the models in the lower grades, employs rubberized rollers to keep lengthy hair from tangling. It features a 5.63-inch cleaning path width, which is common for Shark robot vacuums, and a 90-minute operating period between charging cycles.
Pros:
- For an auto-emptying robot vacuum, the pricing is reasonable.
- Feature of automatic emptying
- Suction power is strong.
- Design without a bag that automatically empties
Cons:
- Navigation and house mapping are insufficiently exact.
- It takes a long time to get familiar with your home’s layout.
- Barrier strips are used to divide regions of your house.
Shark IQ RV1001AE vs. Roomba i7+
Please modify the proportion to 88.
Please modify the proportion to 82.
Roomba i7+ is the winner.
Despite the large price gap, pitting the Roomba i7+ against the Shark IQ RV1001AE in the premium category proved to be surprisingly competitive. Aside from the standard capabilities seen in other robot vacuums, both can clean continuously for 90 minutes, then recharge and resume cleaning.
The auto empty function is also included in the i7+ and RV1001AE, which is a popular feature in the luxury sector. The only difference is how they go about it.
The Roomba i7+ uses a dust bag in its charging station to gather dust and debris in an appealing manner. As a result, there’s no need to be concerned about becoming filthy when cleaning the enormous trash. This is particularly beneficial for those who are allergic to dust, pollen, or animal hair.
The Shark IQ RV1001AE, on the other hand, has a bagless design. Instead of a bag that has to be replaced on a regular basis, Shark allows you to simply dump the bin into a garbage can and return it to the charging unit. Although this may have negative consequences for allergy sufferers, it will save you money in the long term.
Both gadgets can learn the layout of your house and utilize it to improve cleaning routes when it comes to navigation. Unfortunately, Shark’s navigation isn’t even close to Roomba’s market-leading technology in terms of quality and accuracy. The Roomba i7+ will immediately acquire its bearings and pick the most effective way to clean your house by scanning the surrounding environment.
With the greatest mobile app on the market and unmatched customer service, the Roomba i7+ emerges victorious in this battle. And if you’re concerned about the cost, be assured that it’s reasonable.
Your Household’s Ideal Robot Vacuum
This guide should have assisted you in selecting the finest robot vacuum cleaner for your house. There are several models to pick from depending on the size of the area you want to maintain clean as well as your budget. You should have no problem finding the correct fit because to the wide range of Shark and iRobot Roomba models.
As you can see, Roomba has a higher starting price, which instantly turns off budget-conscious clients. However, after you hear about all of the functions that these robot vacuums provide, you’ll undoubtedly be drawn to them. Of course, Shark is a worthy adversary for any Roomba. They also attempt to entice you by enabling you to leave a few hard-earned dollars in your wallet.
When you look at each product in further depth, though, you’ll see that there’s a careful balance between the features and the price. Shark’s ION R85 is the option for you if you’re dead focused on purchasing the cheapest model that works properly. You will not be disappointed.
The Roomba 960 is a great option if you want to spend a bit more on a robotic vacuum cleaner and are concerned about reliability. There won’t be any cleaning duties left to wait with an amazing combination of accurate navigation, long battery life, and recharge and resume functions.
Finally, the premium versions will work great if you have a vast floor space and don’t want to continually take care of your small robot. It will take roughly 30 cleaning sessions to empty the huge dust bin located atop the charging station, thanks to their auto empty function. Of course, this comes at a cost, but it’s a well-deserved one in the case of the Roomba i7+.
FAQ
What is the maximum amount of power that a robot vacuum can use?
According to some estimations, a basic robotic vacuum consumes just $4-$5 in power each year. Isn’t it not a small amount? This computation is based on a once-every-two-day use rate. The battery will keep recharging during non-operational hours since it continually loses power. Of course, this is known as trickle-charging, which means it needs very little power to keep your battery charged to 100%.
The difference isn’t considerable when compared to a 1400W conventional or upright vacuum cleaner. If you operate this sort of vacuum for four hours per month, it will cost you about $6-$7 per year in energy.
Of course, these estimates should only be used as a guideline and not as concrete facts. The price varies greatly based on the cost of energy in your location and how often you use your robot vacuum.
When I purchase a robotic vacuum cleaner, can I get rid of my old one?
Please do not do so. Although robot vacuums perform an excellent job of cleaning your home of dirt, dust, and debris, you’ll still need to use your standard vacuum cleaner on occasion. There will be certain locations in your house where a robot vacuum will be unable to reach. For example, if your residence has carpeted the stairs, these machines will not be able to clean it. Here’s when your old vacuum cleaner comes in handy.
You may also purposefully close off some areas of your house. This will, for example, prevent the robot from spilling your pet’s water dish. You could have an antique vase in the corner of your living room that you enjoy. You don’t want it to get knocked over, do you? As a result, you’ll have to clean these regions on your own with your old vacuum.
When a vacuum robot reaches the brink of the stairwell, will it tumble down?
That shouldn’t be the case. Most, if not all, robot vacuums feature downward-pointing sensors that are devoted to identifying any differences in height or kind of surface they come across. The primary purpose for this is to keep children from falling down the stairwell. After all, they aren’t the cheapest appliances you have in your house.
Is it true that robot vacuums can’t clean dark-colored floors?
Robot vacuums, as described in the preceding question, employ sensors to detect changes in the surface in front of them. This is mostly to keep them from falling down any stairwells or ledges you may have. That’s why they see the black surface color as a danger and refuse to go any farther.
Pick up your small robot and set it on the darkest area on your floor or carpet as a solution to this dilemma. Whichever issue your robot is having. The cleaning procedure will then begin, and it should be able to detect that your floor is not a hazard. If your robot has good mapping skills, it should remember that place as a no-threat zone in the future and clean it without any problems.
If this doesn’t work, you might try tape over the downward sensors that prevent it from sliding down a cliff. It goes without saying that this isn’t a good idea, particularly if you’re cleaning your home’s top level. It will undoubtedly tumble down the steps without the sensors, shattering into pieces as it does so.
Are there certain sorts of floors or carpets that robot vacuums can’t clean?
Robot vacuums that are more sophisticated can clean any kind of floor or carpet. Simply check the instructions to see whether it is rated for all sorts of floors. If that’s the case, it should be able to clean whatever you throw at it.
However, most manufacturers lump all carpet kinds under a single “carpet” category. Although some robot vacuums are unconcerned by the kind of carpet you have, others may have difficulty with particular carpet varieties.
Even medium pile carpets may be difficult for robot vacuums with limited clearance. Not to mention the ones that have a lot of pile. As soon as your robot treads on one of these surfaces, it may give an error. If you’re having trouble with your vacuum, be sure you return it and replace it with a more competent one. Otherwise, you’ll have to vacuum the carpet manually using a regular vacuum cleaner.
What happens if my robot vacuum runs into the carpet’s long fringe?
Some robot vacuums may struggle with long carpet fringe. They shouldn’t, however, be able to tear them out. When your robot comes across the long fringe, it will suck it in, trapping it in the cleaning rollers. When this occurs, the robot will come to a halt and display an error code. After that, you must take it up and remove the fringe from the rollers.
However, with certain Roomba models, this will not be an issue. It will reverse the rollers and untangle itself if it sucks in any of that long fringe and becomes trapped. It should then label it as an impediment and navigate around it. Of course, it may likely encounter lengthier fringe along the road, but don’t worry; it will eventually complete its cleaning cycle.
Is it reasonable to anticipate a robot cleaner to slam into walls and furniture?
Both yes and no. This is mostly determined on the model you purchase. Photo sensors are used by Roomba robot vacuums to identify obstructions in front of and surrounding them. This helps them to effortlessly maneuver around obstacles without colliding with them.
Shark robot vacuums, on the other hand, employ a different detection method. They must first strike a barrier in order to know when they are approaching it. This isn’t as ridiculous as it may seem. Sharks have pressure sensors all around their perimeter. They’ll realize they’ve encountered an impediment after they’ve hit it and will modify their trajectory to avoid it.
Although this isn’t the most advanced means of identifying obstructions, it shouldn’t have any effect on your walls or furniture. Of course, no pun meant. The robot’s movement is sluggish, and the sensors are sensitive enough that a light touch is enough to bring it to a halt.
Is it feasible to manually program robot vacuums?
Without a specialized mobile app, you won’t be able to conduct any programming or scheduling in most circumstances. However, for some versions of robot vacuums, some rudimentary programming may be available. Of course, this is contingent on the degree of features they provide.
The ability to click a button on your robot vacuum to start the cleaning cycle comes within the basic programming area. If you click the button again while the machine is cleaning, it will stop and, in most circumstances, return to its charging station. Of course, if it doesn’t offer a self-charging option, you’ll have to carry it yourself.
Another situation where manual programming could be useful is if your Wi-Fi network loses its internet connection. If this takes too long, you may use your computer to build a private network that allows your phone and robot vacuum to interact without using the Internet. It goes without saying that you’ll have to use your phone’s mobile network to Google the instructions first.
The “roomba comparison” is a blog post that compares the features of the Roomba and Shark. The article explains the key differences between these two products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What robot vacuums have mapping?
A: At present, there are no robot vacuum cleaners with mapping capabilities. The closest you can get is the Roomba 690 which has Lidar navigation technology built in for indoor use.
What is the difference between shark robot vacuums?
Are Robovacs worth it?
A: Most robovacs are worth the money. Some are cheaper than others, but they all do their jobs well. It would be wise to purchase a high-quality robot vacuum cleaner if you want it to last.
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