Shark Vs Roomba — Which Robot Vacuum Is Best For You?

January 14, 2025

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You’ve come to the correct spot if you’re looking for a Shark vs Roomba comparison.

Many households worldwide find that Shark and Roomba vacuums simplify their lives by eliminating a once-difficult task. While you’re at work or engaged in other enjoyable activities, you may program their vacuums to clean your carpets and floors.

Among the most popular vacuum brands are Roomba and Shark Vacuum, both of which have a large product line.

Certain models, such as those in the low-to-mid range mopping category, are attractive due to a few comparative angles: Models that can mop and smart map include the iRobot Roomba Combo i5 and i5+, Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1, and Shark Matrix RV2400W. They range in price from $200 to $300 for a standalone model and from $350 to $500 for a self-emptying version. Based on the model, Shark’s prices may vary based on the store and may only be offered at Walmart.

Additionally, unlike the majority of its rivals, Shark and Roomba do not evaluate suction power in Pascals (Pa). By only contrasting suction power with other vacuums in their own family tree, both insist on maintaining an aura of mystery. Despite this, Shark vacuums have made statements such as “50% better suction than the best-selling iRobot.” In any case, the weakest Roomba is most likely one of its best-selling models.

What Is Better, a Shark or a Roomba?

The size and operation of the Roomba and Shark robotic vacuums are comparable. A robotic vacuum cleaner uses a number of sensors to identify dirt patches, obstacles, and steep floor drops, such as stairs.

Let’s examine the differences between these two businesses and their offerings.

Roomba Robotic Vacuums

In September 2002, Roomba debuted its first vacuum cleaner. The first was the Roomba and then came the others.

With its affordable Matrix range, Shark Vacuum is now a serious competitor to Roomba after years of fighting for relevance in the rapidly expanding robot vacuum market. However, Roomba is also not standing still, and both companies are now providing a number of good options that are superior to at least one of the three features that make a robot vacuum in 2024 (apart from the actual cleaning performance itself): mopping, smart mapping, and self-emptying.

iRobot distributes and sells Roombas, and occasionally they utilize the iRobot brand. All Roomba models may be operated manually by transporting them to the designated room and pushing a button. The majority of Roombas have a diameter of 13.3 to 13.9 inches and a height of 3.4 to 3.7 inches. The brushes are situated in the space between the Roomba’s two wheels.

Depending on the model, the tiny brushes are typically between 5 and 8 inches long. A multi-pronged brush on the Roomba will also shift dirt in the direction of the cleaning head. If the wheels are slipping, if it becomes stuck on an electrical line, or if it becomes imprisoned in any other manner, Roomba’s sensors and software can identify it.

Popular Roomba Models

These are some of the most well-liked vacuums that Roomba offers.

Roomba s9+
Roomba i7 7159
Roomba i3
Roomba 981
Roomba 692

Read Also: Why Is The Red Light On My Roomba

Shark Robotic Vacuums

The Euro-Pro brand, which has been in business for more than a century, gave rise to the Shark brand. It joined the robotic vacuum industry after Roomba and is most recognized for its upright vacuums.

Compared to Roombas, Shark Matrix robot vacuums simplify spot cleaning. Shark allows you to drag and drop a square on your map in the designated spot cleaning tab, bypassing the labeling charade that the iRobot software requires you to establish and name an official cleaning zone, even if it is a one-time event. Although it’s only a first step, there are benefits to simplifying.

One of the primary distinctions between the two businesses is that Shark Vacuum offers a large variety of vacuums with various functions, while Roomba exclusively specializes in robotic vacuums.

Popular Shark Vacuum Models

These are some of the more well-known Shark robotic vacuums that you may come across.

IQ Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base
ION Robot Vacuum
IQ Robot Vacuum R101
ION AV751 Wi-Fi Robot Vacuum
Shark ION R87

Different robotic vacuum cleaners are distinguished by their unique qualities.

For example, they could have brushes that don’t tangle, stronger vacuums, distinct trash bins, and other strategies for avoiding obstructions. Some of them allow you to view performance maps on your smartphone. Some more recent Shark Vacuum versions cover the entire floor methodically using a series of cameras.

They can even move independently to their beacons and recharge bases. You may modify and reprogram other models to steer clear of specific regions.

Shark Vs Roomba: Range

Shark and Roomba both provide a large selection of machines. As the device developed into what it is now, Roomba incorporated additional functions while mostly adhering to its core purpose of cleaning floors.

Shark adopts a different strategy and often creates models for specific jobs, such as cleaning floors or removing pet hair.

This strategy is also used by Shark in the designs of its other vacuum cleaners. Shark typically has a larger selection of models, but each one is more specialized in terms of its capabilities and features.

iRobot

Regarding the variety of models, Roomba provides 11 vacuum cleaners across many lines. When compared to other robotic vacuum cleaners, the Roomba S9+, the entry-level model, is nonetheless renowned for its remarkable suction.

The Roomba i3, i7, and J7 are in the middle of the pack. Both conventional and self-emptying variants fall under this group. Robot vacuums that empty themselves fill a disposable bag on the base station with the contents of the dust bin canister.

Voice control is available on some Roomba models. You may also choose certain regions you don’t want to get into. Subsequent Roomba versions, such as the J7, are able to recognize and avoid things on the floor. If you have pets who occasionally have accidents, this is helpful.

Popular IRobot Vacuums:

The most recent Roomba robotic vacuums are the result of six series of development. These are the vacuums and the Roomba series that are included.

S Series: Roomba S9+ and Roomba S9
i Series: Roomba i7+, Roomba i7, Roomba i3+, and Roomba i3
e Series: Roomba e5
900 Series: Roomba 960
800 Series: Roomba 890
600 Series: Roomba 690 and Roomba 675

Shark

The only model series offered in the US are the Shark Ion, IQ, and AI. However, each comes in a number of variants. The entry-level model, the Shark Ion, performs all of its expected functions.

Voice control or a smartphone app can be used to operate it. The Shark IQ is a mid-range model that ensures all of your floors are clean by cleaning each one in turn rather than using haphazard patterns. Additionally, there is a self-emptying Shark IQ model that can store dirt for 15 or 30 days.

Only released in late 2021, Shark AI is the newest model in Shark’s lineup of robot vacuum cleaners. It is regarded as a high-end model and features an item scanner to navigate your house as effectively as possible. This one can even vacuum and clean the floor.

Popular Shark Vacuum:

A list of Shark robot vacuums is as follows:

Shark ION 900 Series: Shark AV970
Shark ION 800 Series: Shark ION RV871 and Shark ION R85
Shark ION 700 Series: Shark ION RV761 (aka: ION R76 or R87), Shark ION RV2001WD (aka ION 75), and Shark ION R72
Shark IQ: Shark IQ RV1001AE, Shark IQ RV100AE, and Shark IQ R101
Shark AI: Robot Self-Empty XL

In terms of variety and range, both Roomba and Shark provide a wide range of options throughout their different model lines.

Although we have covered the fundamental distinctions between models, there are more subcategories inside each of them. One that fulfills your needs precisely and falls within your budget is readily available. It turns out that there are eleven models and variants available from both Shark and Roomba.

Price and Value for Money

Generally speaking, roombas are a little more costly than sharks. Roombas may cost anything from $275 to $1,100. Sharks Vacuums typically cost between $250 and $650. Shark tends to be more affordable than other vacuum cleaners, making it a popular choice for those on a tight budget.

You should budget about $600 if you want a Shark robot vacuum that empties itself. In terms of value for money, Shark often provides more sophisticated features at a lesser cost.

Battery Life and Charging

It’s crucial to choose two models that are nearly identical and fall within the same range when evaluating battery life. The more costly versions often have longer battery lives, which is one way that models differ as prices rise. Both brands are affected by this.

Runtime Comparison

For example, when comparing the Roomba i3 and Shark Ion RV871, the Roomba’s runtime is around 75 minutes, whereas the Shark’s is approximately 90 minutes. The Shark Ion AV 751 and the Roomba 675 both require charging after around 90 minutes of operation. The Shark Vacuums often have a somewhat longer runtime on lower-end versions.

They usually level off and become almost equal as you go in the models. You may wish to be aware that the majority of vacuums from both brands will recharge and start up again on their own. You must manually restart older versions by taking them to the charger because they don’t do this.

Smart Recharging Capabilities

One characteristic of the more recent versions is that the vacuum will automatically return to the base to recharge when the battery starts to run low. It will remember where it left off and start vacuuming again when it has fully recharged.

Shark Vacuums utilizes a Li-ion 2,550 mAh battery, whereas Roomba uses a 1,800 mAh NiMH battery. In many instances, the runtimes are comparable, albeit Shark utilizes a somewhat bigger battery.

Some Shark vacuum cleaners are better suited for larger houses and have a runtime of up to 120 minutes. Li-ion batteries typically have longer lifetime lives, but how well you take care of your battery might have an impact on how long it lasts.

For example, it may be affected by the temperature at which you keep it. The amount of use also impacts battery life because batteries are rated for a specific number of charge/recharge cycles.

Dust Bin and Maintenance

The Roomba and Shark’s dust container has to be emptied each time it is used, much like traditional vacuums. Additionally, you need to regularly clean the rollers of hair and other dirt. Compared to upright vacuums, robotic vacuums often require these tasks to be carried out more regularly.

Cleaning a Roomba usually just takes a few minutes, despite the fact that it has to be done more often than Shark models.

Dust Bin Capacity: Shark vs Roomba

Roomba dust containers come with self-emptying options and hold about 0.5 liters. The majority of Roomba dust containers are around the same size, with minimal variance. Shark dust bins are available in a range of sizes, from 0.16 liters to their standard 0.43 litre capacity. Furthermore, extra-large dust baskets with a capacity of 0.66 liters are included with some Shark models.

Maintenance Frequency and Ease

The size of the dustbin is important and depends on your home’s size and whether you have pets. It might be inconvenient to have to clear the dust bin more regularly if your model does not empty itself. Although the procedure is simple, having a bigger trashcan is considerably more beneficial.

The size of the dust bin is less significant with self-emptying versions, as the device will only go back to its base to empty the bin before continuing where it left off. This holds true for both Shark and Roomba machines.

Shark VS Roomba: Filtration System

HEPA filters, which can eliminate 99.97% of germs and other tiny particles, are included with Shark’s equipment. HEPA detectors are available on some of the more expensive versions, and Roomba employs a separate technology that it refers to as the AeroVac system.

While HEPA filtration is typical on Shark vacuums, it is not a feature of all Roombas. Other than what the business says, no independent data on the effectiveness of Roomba’s technology in eliminating mildew, allergies, and pet dander from the air could be located. Shark employs filtration and proven technologies to eliminate airborne allergies.

The requirement to replace the filters when they clog is one of the disadvantages of HEPA filtration.

Warranty

A one-year limited warranty is typical for both Shark and Roomba. The fact that Shark Vacuums additionally provides the opportunity to purchase a two- or three-year extended warranty is one of the reasons it leads this category.

Normal wear is not covered by the warranty for either manufacturer; it only covers manufactured faults. Additionally, they don’t address any problems involving owner abuse or neglect.

Shark Vs Roomba Features

In terms of features, Roomba and Shark both provide an extensive range of accessories. Naturally, those with lower prices only provide the most basic features; you may anticipate that those with higher prices would provide more.

One distinction is that Shark often sells more expensive technology at a cheaper cost than Roomba. Additionally, Shark has several functions that Roomba does not yet have. Some of the features, including the ability to operate the unit from your smartphone and self-emptying, have already been covered.

Even the less expensive vacuums like Shark and Roomba now include self-emptying capabilities. The most significant feature differences are in models that fall within the higher price bracket.

It’s important to remember that Shark has a number of models made especially to remove pet dander and hair. For this, they provide more suction power. A self-cleaning brush roll is another feature of these types. There isn’t a model available from Roomba for this use.

Advanced mapping features are available on both manufacturers’ top models, including the Shark IQ, Roomba S9 plus, and Roomba i7. They’ll make a map that you can view with an app on your phone.

Among many other features, you may see the history and arrange room cleaning. When tested independently, Shark’s mapping abilities typically outperform Roomba’s. Major debris regions were occasionally overlooked by Roomba, which saw them as something to be avoided.

One thing to remember is that Shark vs Roomba have different cleaning cycles. Additionally, it varies across identical brand models. Shark outperforms Roomba in terms of the quantity of functions it offers. This is particularly true with regard to mapping technologies and pet hair detection. Alexa, the Shark app, and Wi-Fi can also be used to control a lot of Shark models.

You should avoid letting your Shark run over the wet carpet or spill on the floor unless you have a model specifically designed for mopping. These functionalities are not available with Roomba.

How Well They Work

Ultimately, their effectiveness is what matters most. It all boils down to whether you will have to spend time walking over the floor again when the unit is built, regardless of the features and pricing. Let’s see how the Shark and Roomba experience goes.

Types of Flooring

On a variety of flooring surfaces, including tile, laminate, and low-pile carpet, Roomba often performs better. It should be noted that deep-pile carpets are not suitable for Roombas. They can also become trapped on electrical lines or carpets with fringe and tassels. To avoid these objects, more recent Roomba machines have the ability to reverse their brushes.

All things considered, the Roomba is more effective than the Shark in cleaning a wide variety of floor types, with the exception of thick pile carpet. It performs admirably on bare wood floors or carpets with shorter piles.

Shark’s triple brush cleaning technique appears to be more effective in thoroughly cleaning pile carpets and hardwood surfaces. The sort of flooring that will be utilized the most will determine which one you select.

Getting Stuck and Object Avoidance

Roomba is unique in a few important ways, such as its capacity to disconnect electrical cables. Shark is more adept at avoiding them, but it will be less likely than Roomba to fix the issue on its own if it does become stuck.

The majority of Roombas are low enough to fit beneath most pieces of furniture. Because they are slightly higher, certain sharks may have trouble on lower surfaces. It should be noted that the Roomba can clean in nooks and crannies more efficiently than the Shark because of its flat front body design.

The Shark will still require some further cleaning in the room’s nooks and crannies. This is usually handled better by Roomba. The tendency of Roomba to lag somewhat in software is one of its disadvantages.

Roombas have a tendency to become snagged on items and in corners that the shark will avoid. Shark appears to be more adept at spotting ledges and steps.

Brush System

When it comes to vacuuming up heavier waste, like cereal, Roomba appears to do better than Shark. Using a proprietary three-stage cleaning technology is one feature that sets Roomba apart. After lifting and loosening the dirt, the system suctions the debris and dirt into the dust bin. The majority of surfaces are very well cleaned by this approach.

Sharks only use a conventional brush method. Because of this technology, Roomba performs somewhat better than Shark. With the exception of the Shark’s pet hair variant, Roombas also have a tendency to have a greater suction than Sharks.

Mapping

Shark becomes victorious in the mapping category. You must mark off the cleaning regions of your house with strips while using a Roomba. Shark uses mapping technology, so your floors don’t need to have any kind of barrier installed. Using your smartphone and other tools, you can manage your shark in many ways.

Final Thoughts

Now you see why two of the leading robotic vacuum brands are Shark and Roomba. Both of them have benefits and drawbacks, and they both do a fantastic job cleaning your floors. Let’s see how they compare in the end.

Range: Tie
Price: Shark
Battery life: Shark
Dust bin: Shark
Warranty: Shark
Features: Shark
Overall performance: Roomba
Mapping software: Shark
Obstacle avoidance: Shark
Ease of maintenance: Shark
Avoids getting stuck in corners: Shark
Overall suction power: Roomba
Brushes: Roomba

Shark provides the best value overall, while Roomba is the clear victor in a number of categories. Even though Roomba has better brushes and greater suction technology overall, Shark has more functions at a lesser cost.

Choosing something from either of these brands won’t let you down.

The sort of flooring you have, if you have pets, and the number of obstacles you must avoid will all determine which one is best for you. Although they are nearly equal, sharks would be our choice if we had to pick only one.