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iRobot, the makers of Roomba, has been leading the way ever since the beginning of smart robot vacuums. But these days, there are several players in the space, and they all have their own unique features, designs, and abilities.
Roomba vacuums set the standard by which all others are compared, but that doesn’t mean that there haven’t been some better options out there, especially if you’re looking for more affordable robot vacuums.
Shark ION is one of those other manufacturers that may be worth a look. The similarities and differences will give you a better idea of what each one is about and paint a clearer picture of which brand may be right for you.
Contents (Jump to)
The Main Differences Between Roomba and Shark ION
- Shark ION tends to be more affordable than Roomba
- Roomba features more advanced technology and features than Shark ION
- Shark has been making vacuums of all types for longer than iRobot
- iRobot specializes in robotic technology of all types and is more familiar with how this technology translates to vacuums
Roomba
When it comes to robot vacuums, iRobot was the first to market. They’re probably the name you think of almost immediately when talking about robot vacuums. They don’t make any other types of vacuums. They only manufacture smart vacuums.
While they don’t manufacture all types of vacuums and they haven’t been manufacturing vacuums for as long as some other brands, they are up to date on the latest vacuum technologies, because that’s their specialty.
Brand
iRobot has a feature-rich lineup of Roomba robot vacuums that offer stellar functionality and exceptional quality. They released their first robot vacuum in 2002, but what you may not know is that they were founded in 1990 as a military and research robot company.
They offered military and research robots for more than a decade before they ever introduced the robot vacuum, but with years of technological research under their belt, they were well-equipped to deliver the best.
These days, iRobot also manufactures Braava, the mop counterpart to Roomba. They also make Dirt Dog, a robotic shop vac; Looj, a robotic gutter cleaner; Verro, a robotic pool cleaner; Terra, a robotic lawn mower; and Root, an educational robot for kids.
Design
Roomba robot vacuums are all roughly the same size and shape. They are circular, although the 600 Series and the e Series have bigger bumpers than the 900 Series and the i Series. The s Series is new, and is designed in a D-shape to compete more directly with the Neato Botvac.
Roombas are black and gray. Some are solid black while others feature both colors in a two-tone design. The s Series is the only Roomba series that is black and copper.
Technology
Roomba features some of the most advanced robot vacuum technology you’ll find, so let’s dig in.
Wi-Fi Support
The power of Wi-Fi support in a Roomba gets you so much farther than many other smart vacuum manufacturers. It connects to your Wi-Fi for the basics like controlling with the smartphone app from anywhere or using voice commands with Google or Alexa.
However, Roomba uses Wi-Fi to check for updates to all of the technology onboard. If your Roomba is loaded with vSLAM navigation technology, Imprint Smart Mapping, or any of the various other technological advancements available, it will automatically update those features as iRobot releases the latest software updates.
Your smart vacuum will always adapt and become smarter, meaning you don’t have to upgrade your hardware and it will not be obsolete as quickly as other models. Functionality will continue to improve over time with just a simple Wi-Fi connection.
Smart Assistant Compatibility
Also, yes. Roombas with Wi-Fi are able to connect to your smart home assistants so that you can use your voice to control the vacuum. It also helps to have a more comprehensive view of all of the connected devices in your home.
If your Roomba is equipped with Imprint Smart Mapping, you can use voice controls to do more than just initiate a clean. Because your Roomba knows the difference between the living room and the kitchen, you can be specific with commands like “Alexa, vacuum the kitchen” and she will.
Vacuuming Technology
Roombas are much more than just Wi-Fi. They have advanced technology onboard to improve your clean. Most Roombas have at least five times the suction of the basic Roomba robot vacuums and some have as much as forty times the suctioning power.
Intelligent navigation and mapping systems allow it to learn your home and program the most efficient cleaning path it can, maximizing its power for good. You can use Clean Maps technology to see reports of where your vacuum has been and how efficient it was.
Imprint Smart Mapping allows you to label rooms and then program when to clean each one while Imprint Link Technology coordinates vacuuming with Braava mopping for a more comprehensive clean.
Roomba robot vacuums have a premium three-stage cleaning system with a series of brushes that work to loosen and lift dirt and pet hair you can’t see, giving you a more spotless clean. Dirt Detect sensors give a more complete clean in high traffic areas.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s more technology contained in the most advanced Roomba robot vacuums than any other robot vacuum on the market, meaning you get the best clean possible with the least amount of effort on your part.
The latest navigation technology from Roomba is vSLAM Advanced Navigation, which uses a series of more than 230,000 data points per second to create a detailed map of its surroundings so it knows where it is.
Combined with the Imprint Mapping technology, this sort of navigation enhances Roomba’s ability to learn and adapt to your home. It can create maps of your floor plan and adjust its cleaning cycles based on the placement of furniture.
You can also use these maps to create boundaries for your Roomba if there are rooms you don’t want it to clean or places you don’t want it to go. And again, because it knows the difference between your bedroom and the hallway, you can be specific about which areas you want it to clean.
Filtration
Your pet hair is no match for Roomba filtration, and neither are mold, dust, and other allergens. These high efficiency filters can trap 99% of all allergens so you have a cleaner home. They’re ideal for allergy sufferers, pet owners, and homes with kids.
Some models come with AllergenLock bags that also help eliminate the number of allergens that escape back into the air. Models that don’t feature this technology still have the same three-stage cleaning system that cleans more efficiently to loosen and lift the dirt you can’t see.
Brushes
Roomba’s Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes stay in contact with all flooring types by bending and flexing as needed. The rubber treads will loosen even the smallest dust and won’t get tangled with hair.
Top of the line models include PerfectEdge technology with a specially designed corner brush to optimize cleaning into deep corners and along all edges.
Recharge and Resume
Roomba does feature the ability to recharge and resume, meaning that no matter when or where your unit runs out of battery, it will return to the base to recharge and then pick up cleaning where it left off.
However, not all Roomba models have this technology. The basic models do feature the ability to return to the dock for recharging, but they will not resume their cleaning automatically.
Floor Types
Thanks to the Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes, Roomba can clean all flooring types efficiently. The brushes bend and flex to accommodate anything from bare floors to high pile carpet and everything in between.
It crawls efficiently from one flooring type to the next so you’ll never miss a spot.
Scheduling
Roombas equipped with Wi-Fi can connect to the app for building schedules. Even without mapping technology, you can make a schedule for your Roomba to clean. However, if you have mapping technology, it enhances your ability to customize these schedules.
With a combination of great technologies, you can schedule cleanings based on rooms. If you would like your kitchen cleaned every day, but only need your bedroom cleaned once a week, you can do that.
Boundaries
Once again, Imprint Smart Mapping comes to the rescue with the ability to set up boundaries for your Roomba. You can use the smartphone app to restrict your Roomba to certain areas or tell it exactly where you want it to clean and it will avoid everything else.
However, on Roombas that aren’t quite so advanced, you don’t have the ability to restrict certain areas unless you close doors or place obstacles in the way.
Controls
Every Roomba comes with a series of buttons on the top. The placement of the buttons varies by model, but they all have a large Clean button front and center. Other buttons include the ability to send your unit to the dock and initiate a spot clean.
You can also control your Roomba with voice commands or the smartphone app. In fact, the more technologically advanced your Roomba is, the easier and more customizable these controls are.
Dustbin
Each Roomba has a dustbin that’s easy to remove, empty, and clean. They all come with the ability to rinse clean in the sink so that keeping the dustbin clean is a snap.
However, the most advanced Roombas have self-emptying dustbins. Every time they return to the dock, they empty into a larger receptacle on the base, so that you have to empty it even less frequently.
When this feature was first released, it was unique to Roomba, but now there are others that contain this technology, too.
Battery
Battery life on the Roomba is impressive. With all of the features, it requires a big battery. Runtime varies by model but can be anywhere from two to three hours. Spot cleans will naturally use more battery.
However, runtime is rarely an issue because Roombas can recharge and resume, so even if your battery runs out, it will continue cleaning after it charges itself. You won’t have to worry about incomplete cleaning for long.
Current Models
There are plenty of Roomba models to choose from, so you can find the features you want at a price you can afford. We won’t exhaust all of the models here, but there are some units we want to highlight.
Roomba 614
This is the most affordable Roomba on the market with simple features like the three-stage cleaning system and Dual Multi-Surface Brushes. Onboard sensors can navigate your home effectively while a low profile and Edge-Sweeping Brush can get under furniture and in corners.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Great suction
- Effective cleaning
- 90 minute run time
Cons:
- No mapping
- No Wi-Fi
- No recharge and resume
Roomba e5
This model has five times more suction than the 614 with a high-efficiency filter that makes it great for pets and kids. It has the same great brush technology and low profile.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Great suction
- Effective cleaning
- High-efficiency filter
Cons:
- No mapping
- No Wi-Fi
- No recharge and resume
Roomba 890
The 890 has five times the suction, the same patented three-stage cleaning system, effective rubber brushes, and Wi-Fi. This is a great middle of the road option for those on a budget who want the bells and whistles.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Five times suction
- Dual Multi-Surface Brushes
- Wi-Fi
- Smartphone app
- Dirt Detect sensors
Cons:
- No recharge and resume
- No mapping
- No cleaning reports
Roomba 980
Here we experience a bit of an upgrade with iAdapt Navigation technology that allows the unit to recharge and resume cleaning. This model features the AeroForce Cleaning System and Power Boost, so it can automatically increase power on flooring types that need it, like carpet.
Pros:
- Edge-Sweeping Brush
- Smartphone app
- Cliff Detect sensors
- Dirt Detect
- 120 minute runtime
- Wi-Fi
- Cleaning reports
- Smart home compatibility
- Scheduled cleanings
Cons:
- Pricey
Roomba i7+
This is where things get serious. This model features most of the bells and whistles like a self-emptying dustbin, recharge and resume, Wi-Fi, AllergenLock, vSLAM, and iAdapt 3.0 technology.
Pros:
- High-efficiency filter
- Self-emptying dustbin
- Navigation and mapping
- Scheduled cleanings
- Edge-Sweeping brush
- Auto-Adjust cleaning head
- Dirt Detect
- Imprint Link
Cons:
- Expensive
Roomba s9+
This is the granddaddy of all robot vacuums. It has every bit of Roomba technology included with forty times the suction of the basic Roomba 614. It goes beyond just knowing about your home. It learns.
Pros:
- Features all the best Roomba technology
Cons:
- Comes with a huge price tag
Shark ION
The Shark ION lineup is comprised of five robot vacuums with one more coming soon. They range in price and capability, but all are built by a quality manufacturer who has been building vacuums of all types for a long time.
Let’s take a deeper look into Shark and their ION series of robot vacuums from a couple of different perspectives.
Brand
Shark has a history of building quality vacuum cleaners of all kinds including uprights, canisters, sticks, and handhelds. They have been making vacuum cleaners since 1998, so they’re intimately familiar with vacuums, suction, and everything that goes along with it.
It’s a Canadian company that prides itself on being a manufacturer of household appliances and cleaning solutions for busy people. Marketing themselves as an innovator, catering to the lifestyles of those who don’t have a lot of spare time has helped build trust with the Shark name.
Design
Shark ION robot vacuum design is consistent across the board. Each model is shaped like a circle and the dimensions vary little. Two of the models, the R72 and the R75, measure 12.4 inches long by 12.6 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall. The R85 and the S87 measure 12.8 inches long by 12.5 inches wide by 3.4 inches tall.
The 750 is ultra low profile, measuring 12.6 inches long by 12.6 inches wide, by 2.6 inches tall, while the R87, (coming soon!) will match the measurements of the R72 and the R75.
They are sleek and black, with three buttons on the top to initiate a cleaning cycle, send the robot back to the dock, and initiate Max cleaning mode. While the design is the same, the functionality is much different.
Technology
When it comes to technology, there’s a lot of it. Each vacuum in the Shark ION lineup has its own set of features, which significantly impacts the price point and functionality in some cases.
Wi-Fi Support
Most Shark ION robot vacuums do support Wi-Fi. The only one that doesn’t come with Wi-Fi is the R72, meaning that you can’t connect it to your home network, control it from the app, or check its progress while you’re away from home.
However, on models that are equipped with Wi-Fi, you can enjoy everything that comes with a Wi-Fi connection. You can enjoy programming and controlling your robot vacuum from the smartphone app.
Smart Assistant Compatibility
One more thing you can enjoy with a Wi-Fi connection is the ability to use voice controls with your Shark ION robot vacuum. Just connect your robot vacuum to Google or Alexa and tell your vacuum when to start, stop, or initiate one of many other commands.
Vacuuming Technology
When it comes to vacuuming technologies like suction, eco mode, turbo mode, or patented technologies specific to Shark ION, you may be slightly disappointed. There’s powerful suction, but nothing too spectacular in terms of vacuuming options.
All Shark IONs have what they call a Max mode, which provides more suction for big spills when needed, but your maintenance cleans will use regular suction unless you clean on Max mode all the time, which uses more battery.
However, powerful suction in conjunction with dual side brushes ensures complete cleaning even in areas that are hard to reach like under cabinets, in edges, and around corners. In addition, the self-cleaning brushroll means less maintenance and more relaxing for you.
The two most advanced models in the Shark ION lineup come with what Shark calls Navigation 2.0. This reimagined navigation features advanced sensitivity to help the robot move around obstacles easier than before.
All other vacuums in the lineup have the original Smart Sensor Navigation, allowing it to assess surroundings on all flooring types, move around obstacles, and avoid hard bumps and damage to the unit or your furniture.
Unfortunately, true navigation with mapping and learning technology is lacking in the Shark ION lineup. When compared with other robot vacuum systems, the Shark ION navigation isn’t really navigation at all. It’s simply the way these robot vacuums adapt their cleaning path when then encounter objects in the way.
Filtration
Filtration on the Shark ION vacuums is fairly basic. They come with reusable filters and there’s an extra in the box, just in case. However, these filters aren’t HEPA or ULPA filters. They don’t provide advanced filtration that allergy sufferers may need.
Replacement filters are inexpensive, so if you do find that you go through filters more quickly than you anticipated, the extra parts and accessories are available to you and easy to find.
Brushes
Shark ION is like most other robot vacuums when it comes to the brush technology. It has a self-cleaning primary brush roll that reduces maintenance on your part. It also has dual side brushes that can scoop extra dirt and debris out of tight spots.
The circular shape of the vacuum works together with the brushes to navigate seamlessly around corners, against edges, and under low profile objects to ensure a more thorough clean in every nook and cranny.
Recharge and Resume
Because of a lack of mapping technology, the Shark ION lineup doesn’t have the ability to recharge and then resume its clean. When the battery gets low, it will find its dock and recharge, but it doesn’t have the capability to pick up where it left off, because without navigation, it has no idea where it left off.
While lack of a feature like this can hinder a smart vacuum’s ability to clean as efficiently as possible, it reduces the price point quite a bit and is not as big of a deal in smaller homes or apartments as it would be in a large home with a lot of floors to clean.
Floor Types
Shark ION robot vacuums can clean all flooring types, and with the Max cleaning mode and three times the suction, it works well on deep pile carpets or tough spills. It’s built to transition from bare floors to carpet and back again without any issues.
Scheduling
As long as you choose a Shark ION model with Wi-Fi capability, you’ll be able to enjoy scheduling your cleans via the smartphone app. This allows you to build cleaning schedules that work with your busy lifestyle. You can also control the unit remotely and clean outside of your regularly scheduled cleaning times if you find that you need to.
Boundaries
You can’t program boundaries into the app like some other robot vacuums, but the Shark ION does come with boundary strips, allowing you to restrict cleaning in certain areas. Place them wherever you don’t want the robot vacuum to clean, and it will not cross over the strip.
Once nice thing about the boundary strips is that they can be hidden under the carpet so they’re not an eyesore, and the vacuum will still detect its presence and turn around. However, this is a permanent solution that’s harder to change than placing them directly onto the carpet or floor.
Controls
Every Shark ION robot vacuum comes with three buttons on the top allowing you to start a clean, send it to the dock, or initiate Max cleaning mode. For models with Wi-Fi connections, you can also control your robot vacuum using your voice or the smartphone app.
For voice controls, connect your Shark ION to either Google or Alexa and then use a variety of commands to start or stop a cleaning cycle, send the vacuum to its dock, or initiate Max cleaning mode.
With the smartphone app, you can control your vacuum from anywhere, even if you’re not at home. You can perform all the same functions as with your voice, but you can also check on the status of your robot vacuum or program a cleaning schedule.
Dustbin
Shark ION vacuums have easy-empty dustbins. Access is on the side and it easily detaches so you can simply slide it out and empty it without making a huge mess. Several of the models even have extra large dustbins for increased capacity and longer stretches of cleaning in between empties.
Battery
Every Shark ION robot vacuum comes with a lithium-ion battery for longer run times. Keep in mind that in special cleaning modes, the battery will run down more quickly than during a normal cleaning cycle.
Your Shark ION battery will typically last about an hour before it needs to be charged. Other robot vacuums feature much longer runtimes, which means these vacuums are better suited for small houses or apartments.
The battery needs three hours to fully recharge, meaning that for a mere hour of runtime, it seems a bit extreme. However, if you have a small space to clean and don’t need to clean more than once a day, it won’t be a problem.
Current Models
There are currently five models in the Shark ION robot vacuum lineup and another one coming soon.
Shark ION R72
The R72 is the most basic model. It doesn’t have Wi-Fi, but it does come with a remote control, which means you can control it with a handheld device without having to get up. Also included in this Shark ION robot vacuum is a spot clean mode, which is only included in one other model.
Pros:
- Spot clean mode
- Remote control
Cons:
- No Wi-Fi
- Pricey for the limited functionality
- No mapping
- No recharge and resume
- Short battery life
Shark ION R75
The R75 comes with Wi-Fi so you can schedule cleanings and control the vacuum through the smartphone app or you can connect it to your smart home assistant for voice controls. It’s actually cheaper than the R72, so it’s a better value in terms of the technology included.
Pros:
- Wi-Fi
- Smartphone app
- Voice controls with smart home assistant compatibility
- Better value
Cons:
- Basic navigation
- No mapping
- No recharge and resume
- Short battery life
Shark ION R85
The R85 is virtually identical to the R72 in features and price, but the R85 comes with Navigation 2.0, which means it’s an even better value than the previous two models. It still has Wi-Fi for ease of use, even when you’re not home.
Pros:
- Wi-Fi
- Smartphone app
- Voice controls with smart home assistant compatibility
- Navigation 2.0
- Best value
Cons:
- No mapping
- No recharge and resume
- Short battery life
Shark ION 750
This is the cheapest of the Shark ION robot vacuums, which is interesting considering the functionality. You’ll enjoy Wi-Fi, spot clean mode, smart home compatibility, and a smartphone app.
Pros:
- Wi-Fi
- Smartphone app
- Voice controls with smart home assistant compatibility
- Spot clean mode
Cons:
- Basic navigation
- No mapping
- No recharge and resume
- Short battery life
How does the Roomba 750 compare to other models?
Shark ION S87
This is by far the Shark ION with the highest price point. The cool thing about this one is that it includes all of the functionality that the other Shark IONs have, but it also comes with a built-ion hand vacuum.
For advanced cleaning above the floor, you can use the handheld piece for upholstery, curtains, pet beds, stairs, and more.
Pros:
- Wi-Fi
- Smartphone app
- Voice controls with smart home assistant compatibility
- Navigation 2.0
- Built-in hand vacuum
Cons:
- Expensive
- No mapping
- No recharge and resume
- Short battery life
Final Verdict
The verdict is still out on this model because it hasn’t been released yet, but it will fall somewhere in the middle of the current lineup in terms of both price and functionality. It has Wi-Fi, so you’ll enjoy the app and smart home connections, but it doesn’t have Navigation 2.0.
As you can see, there’s quite a difference between Roomba and Shark ION when it comes to features and technology. However, that’s not a bad thing. It all depends on what you are looking for and how much you’re willing to spend. Both are quality robot vacuums for the busy home.
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