Shark Vs Roomba: Finding The Best Buy
I’m pretty sure you’ve heard of Shark and Roomba robots, keep reading this might interest you. The thing is you might not know which one you should go for; so keep reading to find out which is the better robot in Shark Vs Roomba showdown:
Table of Contents
Shark Vs Roomba Best Products
Before I tell you which is better Shark vs Roomba, I first want to introduce you to a few of their products. This will give you a little idea of what the brands have to offer:
| Shark IQ | Shark ION R76 | iRobot Roomba i7+ | iRobot Roomba 891 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (Inches) | 12.9″ x 12.6″ x 3.5″ | 12.8″ x 12.6″ x 3.5″ | 13.34″ x 13.26″ x 3.63″ | 13.9″ x 13.9″ x 3.59″ |
| Battery Type | Lithium ION | Lithium ION | Lithium ION | Lithium ION |
| Run Time | 60-minutes | 60-minutes | 90-minutes | 90-minutes |
| Charge Time | 4-hours | 3-Hours | 3-Hours | 3-Hours |
| Noise Level | 70dB | 70dB | 68dB | 68dB |
| Smart Mapping | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Bin Capacity (L) | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.4 |
| Filter System | HEPA Filter | HEPA Filter | HEPA Filter | AeroVac |
| Warranty | 1-Year | 1-Year | 1-Year | 1-Year |
| Buy | Find Best Price | Find Best Price | Find Best Price | Find Best Price |
Let’s start with the shark models:
#1 – Shark IQ XL
This is one of the most advanced in the Shark robot vacuum range. It features a self-emptying dustbin, which claims to be able to hold the dirt for 30-days.
They use a bagless design, which means the hoover doesn’t come with extra costs after the original purchase.
The Shark IQ vacuum has powerful suction, so it has no issues picking up small or large debris pieces.
For cleaning, it uses a single brush roller, which features a self-cleaning action. They also use HEPA filters, which captures 99% of dust and allergens.
The Shark IQ connects using wi-fi technology, which means you control and schedule the cleaning from anywhere in the world.
Not only that, but it also gives you a chance to connect your robot vacuum to the likes of Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Key Features
- Dimensions: 12.9" x 12.6" x 3.5"
- HEPA filter
- Self-cleaning brush
- Smart mapping
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- 60 minutes run time
- Self-emptying bin
- Powerful suction
 Amazon.com | $412.00 31 new from $380.00 25 used from $223.80 | Buy Now |
 Bestbuy.com | $599.99 | Buy Now |
 Walmart.com | $639.99 out of stock | Buy Now |
 Ebay.com | $599.15 out of stock | Buy Now |
#2 – Shark ION Robot Vacuum R76
This model of Shark ION robot uses three brush types to ensure your floor is left spotless every time.
The tri brush system includes two side brushes, channel brushes, and a multi-surface brush roll. This means the Shark ION robot can handle all floor types.
The Shark ION robot comes with an array of sensors to keep the robot from falling off edges or getting stuck in tight spaces.
You can start the cleaning using the mobile home app and voice controls of your choice. Now you don’t even have to move to get the cleaning started.
Because the Shark ION robot uses wi-fi technology, the cleaning can be started from anywhere in the world with the touch of a button.
If anything breaks on the Shark ION robot, it also comes with spare parts and attachments, which brings a little peace of mind.
Key Features
- Dimensions: 12.8" x 12.6" x 3.5"
- HEPA filter
- Auto charging
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- 60 minutes run time
- Tri-brush system
- Auto sense navigation
- Powerful suction
| Amazon.com | $180.00 4 new from $249.95 1 used from $180.00 | Buy Now |
| Bestbuy.com | $199.99 | Buy Now |
| Ebay.com | $145.35 out of stock | Buy Now |
Final Verdict Shark Vacuums
Shark robot vacuums offer an affordable cleaning range for all budgets, but surprisingly it doesn’t feel like a budget range robotic vacuum. Instead, you get a very reliable and responsive vacuum that’s ready to take on any task you put in front of it.
It’s also great to see that every model is fitted with a HEPA filter, which is only seen in premium Roombas. The downside was the suction power can’t keep up with the premium iRobot Roomba. This downside could be the deciding factor for some people, which is why I felt it was worth bringing up.
What We Liked
- Uses HEPA filters
- Affordable
- Good cleaning performance
- Good suction power
What We Didn’t Like
- Poor navigation
- Short battery life
#3 – iRobot Roomba i7+
The Roomba i7+ is one of the iRobot’s most advanced models of hoover on the market.
The Roomba is a self-emptying hoover that can hold your dirt for 60-days before the Roomba needs emptying.
What makes it better is the allergen lock bags they use traps 99% of dirt and mold.
This iRobot Roomba also features 10x the original model’s suction power, which gives it a powerful pickup performance.
This fact is only enhanced with the three-stage cleaning, auto-adjusting dual rubber heads, and side brushes, which spin in different directions.
It also uses vSlam technology, which helps the i7+ to learn the layout of your home. This lets you do things like asking Alexa to clean under your coffee table. Another great feature is the Roomba working in syndicate with the Braava Jet M6, the iRobots robotic mop.
Key Features
- Dimensions: 13.34 x 13.26 x 3.63
- Holds dirt for 60-days
- Traps 99% of pollen and mold
- Smart mapping
- vSlam technology
- 3-stage cleaning
- Links with robot mops
- Powerful Pickup
| Bestbuy.com | $649.00 | Buy Now |
| Amazon.com | $656.00 18 new from $656.00 17 used from $395.00 | Buy Now |
| Walmart.com | $1,120.00 out of stock | Buy Now |
| Ebay.com | $644.99 out of stock | Buy Now |
#4 – iRobot Roomba 891
Unlike the i7+, this model only has five times the suction power of their original model, which is excellent, but it doesn’t cut up to the higher models or Roomba.
That being said, it still performs brilliantly with cleaning due to the auto-adjusting head, dual rubber brush, and side brush.
The iRobot hoover works flawlessly on both hardwood and carpet flooring, ensuring all large and small pieces of debris gets picked up.
Another great feature is the patterned dirt detection; this feature makes the robot work harder when concentrated areas of dirt are found.
The robotic vacuum can be set to schedules for your cleaning needs; this means the robot vacuum works for you instead of the other way around.
It’s also compatible with the likes of Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa; you just need to choose which one is right for you.
Key Features
- Dimensions: 13.9 x 13.9 x 3.59
- Voice activation
- 5x the power
- 90 minute run time
- vSlam technology
- Dual rubber brushes
- Dirt detector
- Three-stage cleaning brush
| Amazon.com | $330.00 1 used from $330.00 | Buy Now |
| Walmart.com | $399.95 out of stock | Buy Now |
| Ebay.com | $354.99 out of stock | Buy Now |
Final Verdict Roomba Vacuums
Roombas have always been at the top of the pecking order when it comes to the best robot vacuums. But the main problem has always been their substantial price tags. The premium models aren’t very affordable for the average person.
The thing is, they have the best features by far. The suction power is unrivaled by most robot vacuums, and it’s smart mapping, and navigational abilities are second to none. So should you get one? Well, that depends if you’ve got the money to spend on the premium version.
What We Liked
- Great power
- Longer battery life
- Dual brushes
- Great navigation
What We Didn’t Like
- Expensive
Things They Have In Common
Although it might not seem it at first, they actually have quite a few things in common.
Let’s start with the very basics; both have reliable mobile apps, making it super easy to control the robot vacuum.
The apps allow you to schedule your cleaning based on your needs; you can even override the schedules as and when you please.
It’s also nice to see that both brands focus on working with the voice assistants Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
This means you don’t have to worry too much about the vacuum not working with your chosen voice assistant.
And the similarities don’t stop there:
They both use lithium-ion batteries to power the robot vacuums, but more importantly, they automatically return to the charging base when it’s getting low.
Head To Head: Shark Vs Roomba
They may have many things in common, but they also have a lot more differences, and sometimes they can be hard to spot. To help you out, I’ve split this section into rounds; let’s take a look:
Design
Both Shark and iRobot both have a somewhat similar look to them, they are both Black in color and have a circular shape, but I should also mention a few subtle differences.
The first difference is, the Shark ION robot has a more rounded design and tends to be slightly smaller at around 12.6″ x 12.6″ x 3.5″ while the iRobot is 13.34 x 13.26 x 3.63. For this reason, it’s less likely for Shark robot vacuums to get stuck.
The iRobot also has a circular shape but has a flat back, which sometimes helps it get caught in between things.
Other than that, there aren’t any more differences, they both look great, and they can both fit under tables and sofas.
Winner: Shark
Suction Power
The power can vary between models, so it depends on which robot vacuum you decide to go for. On average, a budget Roomba doesn’t really have the best suction power.
That is until you get into the premium models:
The high-end Roombas like the i7 or S9 comes with suction power unmatched to any other robot hoover. The problem is it gets very pricey.
On the other hand, Shark robots seem to be pretty consistent when it comes to the level of suction they provide. Which if I’m honest, I’m not sure if it’s a good thing or not. It means there isn’t much difference between the basic and premium models.
Winner: Roomba
Run Time
Shark robot vacuums don’t fare very well when it comes to run time. On average, Shark robots will last for around 60 minutes before it needs to make its way back to the charging station.
The Roomba run time is 30 minutes longer before they return have to base. For that reason, there can only be one winner, Roomba!
Winner: Roomba
Dustbin Size
They have very similar dustbin sizes, but Roomba does tend to be slightly bigger due to them being the bigger machine. For example, the Roomba S9 holds around 0.4 liters of dirt before it will return to the base and self-empty and start cleaning again.
The Shark IQ has half that. At only a 0.2 liters capacity, it has a lot to live up to; luckily, it also self-empties, so it’s not all that bad.
Winner: Roomba
Filter
Shark Robots use HEPA filters on every model, which is fantastic if you’re someone with allergies. They claim that their filters will stop 99.97% of allergens, measuring under 0.3 microns.
You don’t really see this with the Roomba ranges unless you go for the premium range. The average Roomba uses an old AeroVac system, which can only filter particles at 10 microns.
When you get to the higher range Roomba models, they also have the HEPA filters, but they add a considerable amount to the cost.
Winner: Shark
Both smart robot vacuums use a vast range of sensors that help the robots navigate and map your home. The lower level models seem to clean very randomly with no clear path.
When you get to the mid-level hoovers, they start to add smart mapping; this feature lets the robot map each individual room. You can also see features like a virtual wall, which stops the robot vacuum entering places it shouldn’t.
On average Roombas work a lot better at navigating and mapping then Shark robots. They get stuck less, and the mapping is far more advanced.
Winner: Roomba
Noise Level
The noise level can be an essential factor when it comes to buying a robot vacuum, especially if you’re planning on running it while you’re sleeping or working.
Sharks are definitely on the louder side when compared to Roombas, but only just. On average, Shark robots are just over 70dB, which is about the same as an office space.
Roombas come in at just under 68dB, which is one reason people tend to sway towards Roombas.
Winner: Roomba
Price Range
If you’re on a budget, one of your deciding factors will probably be the price tag, so let me break it down for you. When you look at base level Roombas compared to Sharks, there isn’t much difference between price.
But at this level, the Shark Robot hoovers are a lot better; the robot offers more power and HEPA filters, which is a lot more than the Roomba offers.
When you hit the top ranges of both brands, the Shark robot vacuum is about $200+ cheaper, but other than being self-emptying doesn’t offer much more.
The high range of Roombas are the best on the market; they offer intelligent long-lasting cleaning.
Winner: Roomba
Brush Types
Roomba and Shark both use two side brushes to help get into the corners and against skirting boards. After that, the system is very different.
Shark hoovers use a single brush system, which gives it a wider cleaning path. They also boast a self-cleaning brush, so you never have to worry about hair getting tangled in the brush.
Roomba opted for a dual brush system, which they claim is 100% tangle-proof. The two brushes shin in opposing directions. This helps the brushes get deep carpets ensuring everything gets picked up, and nothing gets tangled between the rubber brushes.
Winner: Roomba
Which Ones Better The Final Verdict
Overall, Roomba robots tend to be a lot better than Shark vacuums. The robots are more intelligent and have better mapping abilities than any other robot.
The high models have supreme suction that helps it get deep into the carpet. You can also set a virtual wall to keep the robot out of the places it shouldn’t be.
One of the most significant selling factors is hoe lone the ion battery lasts in comparison to sharks, although the run time is significantly reduced if the robot picks up high levels of dirt.
Roomba’s biggest problem is the big price tag that comes with them, especially with the higher grade models.
If you’re on a budget, Shark might be your best option.
If you’re looking for other options, look at my round-up review to see which is the best robot vacuum cleaner!
