The Shark ION robot vacuum series offers convenient, hands-free cleaning at a competitive price point. The RV750 and RV850 are two popular models that share a similar design and core functionality but differ in some key areas. Choosing between these two can be tricky, as the best option depends on your specific cleaning needs, budget, and home environment. Both vacuums aim to provide a hassle-free cleaning experience, keeping your floors tidy with minimal effort on your part.
These robot vacuums are particularly appealing to busy individuals, pet owners looking for help with shedding, and those who simply dislike manual vacuuming. The Shark ION series is designed to be user-friendly, with Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, and voice assistant compatibility. If you’re considering adding a robot vacuum to your cleaning arsenal, understanding the nuances between the RV750 and RV850 is crucial to making an informed decision. This comparison will delve into the specifics of each model, helping you determine which one best suits your lifestyle.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of Shark ION RV750
- Short Review of Shark ION RV850
- Key Differences at a Glance
- Specifications Comparison
- Price Comparison
- Design and Build Quality
- Performance Face-Off
- Special Features Comparison
- Usability and User Experience
- Maintenance and Longevity
- Who Should Buy the Shark ION RV750?
- Who Should Buy the Shark ION RV850?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- For Budget-Conscious Buyers: The Shark ION RV750 is the more affordable option, offering a good balance of features and performance for the price.
- For Homes with More Carpet or Pet Hair: The Shark ION RV850 boasts 3x more suction in Max Mode than the RV750, making it better equipped to handle carpets and pet hair.
- For Smart Home Enthusiasts: Both models offer Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control, but the RV850’s increased suction power provides a more robust smart cleaning experience.
Short Review of Shark ION RV750
The Shark ION RV750 is a budget-friendly robot vacuum designed for everyday cleaning on both hard floors and carpets. It offers Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to control the vacuum through a smartphone app or voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant. This model features a simple and user-friendly design, making it easy to set up and operate. The RV750 is equipped with a self-cleaning brushroll, which helps to minimize hair tangles and maintain consistent cleaning performance.
While the RV750 provides adequate cleaning performance for light debris and surface dirt, it may struggle with heavier messes or deep-pile carpets. Its random navigation pattern can sometimes result in inefficient coverage, with the vacuum going over the same areas multiple times while missing others. However, for users seeking an affordable and convenient way to maintain tidy floors with minimal effort, the RV750 offers a solid value proposition. It excels in picking up surface debris on bare floors and low-pile carpets.
Short Review of Shark ION RV850
The Shark ION RV850 is a step up from the RV750, offering enhanced suction power and an XL dust bin for extended cleaning sessions. Like the RV750, it features Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, and voice assistant compatibility. The RV850 distinguishes itself with three levels of suction, including a Max Mode that provides 3x more suction than the RV750. This makes it more effective at cleaning carpets, pet hair, and larger debris. The RV850 also boasts a larger dust bin, allowing it to clean for longer periods before needing to be emptied.
The RV850’s improved suction power and larger dust bin make it a better choice for homes with more carpeted areas or pets. While it shares the RV750’s random navigation pattern, its increased power ensures that it can effectively pick up dirt and debris, even on thicker carpets. The Shark ION RV850 provides a more robust cleaning performance and greater convenience, making it a worthwhile upgrade for users seeking a more powerful and efficient robot vacuum. It also features a brushroll that combines spiral bristles and rubberized blades.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Suction Power: RV850 has 3x more suction in Max Mode compared to RV750.
- Dust Bin Capacity: RV850 features an XL dust bin for longer cleaning sessions.
- Suction Levels: RV850 offers three levels of suction, while RV750 has fewer options.
- Cleaning Performance on Carpet: RV850 performs better on carpets due to its higher suction power.
- Price: RV750 is generally more affordable than RV850.
- Brushroll Design: The RV850 has a brushroll that combines spiral bristles and rubberized blades.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark ION RV750 | Shark ION RV850 |
|---|---|---|
| Model Number | RV750 | RV850 |
| Navigation | Random | Random |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| App Control | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control | Yes (Alexa, Google Assistant) | Yes (Alexa, Google Assistant) |
| Suction Power | Standard | 3x more suction in Max Mode than RV750 |
| Dust Bin Capacity | Standard | XL |
| Brushroll | Self-Cleaning | Hybrid (Spiral Bristles and Rubberized Blades) |
| Battery Life | Up to 90 minutes | Up to 60-90 minutes (depending on suction mode) |
| Charging Time | Approximately 3 hours | Approximately 3 hours |
| Cliff Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Boundary Strips | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | Approximately 12.6″ diameter, 2.6″ height | Approximately 12.5″ diameter, 3.4″ height |
| Weight | Approximately 5.5 lbs | Approximately 7.94 lbs |
| Special Features | 3 Suction Levels, Designed for Pet Hair |
Price Comparison
The Shark ION RV750 is typically priced between $200 and $300, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Its value proposition lies in providing basic robot vacuum functionality at an accessible price point.
The Shark ION RV850 generally retails between $300 and $400. While it comes at a higher cost, the increased suction power, larger dust bin, and enhanced features offer a better cost-to-feature ratio for users with specific cleaning needs.
Considering the features and performance, the RV850 offers a superior value for those who require more robust cleaning capabilities, especially in homes with carpets or pets. However, for users with mainly hard floors and lighter cleaning needs, the RV750 provides a cost-effective solution.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Shark ION RV750 and RV850 feature a similar circular design, typical of most robot vacuums. They are constructed with durable plastic materials that can withstand everyday use. The RV750 has a lower profile, which may allow it to navigate under furniture with less clearance.
The RV850, while slightly taller, boasts a more robust build quality and a larger dust bin. Its hybrid brushroll, combining spiral bristles and rubberized blades, is designed for improved cleaning performance on various floor types. Both models have user-serviceable parts marked in bright yellow for easy replacement.
The overall aesthetics are sleek and modern, with a simple interface on top featuring buttons for cleaning, docking, and spot cleaning. While both models are well-built, the RV850’s enhanced features and sturdier construction give it a slight edge in terms of design and build quality.
Performance Face-Off
Hard Floor Cleaning
Both the RV750 and RV850 perform well on hard floors, effectively picking up surface debris and dust. However, the RV850’s higher suction power allows it to capture more embedded dirt and fine particles.
Carpet Cleaning
The RV850’s increased suction power makes a significant difference in carpet cleaning performance. It can effectively remove dirt, pet hair, and debris from low-pile and medium-pile carpets, while the RV750 may struggle with heavier messes.
Pet Hair
The RV850 is better suited for homes with pets due to its enhanced suction and brushroll design. It can effectively pick up pet hair from both hard floors and carpets, while the RV750 may require more frequent cleaning and maintenance to prevent hair tangles.
Edge Cleaning
Both models have side brushes that help to sweep debris from edges and corners into the vacuum’s path. However, their random navigation pattern can sometimes result in inconsistent edge cleaning performance.
Navigation
Both the RV750 and RV850 utilize a random navigation system, which can be less efficient than more advanced mapping technologies. They may go over the same areas multiple times while missing others. However, they are equipped with cliff sensors to prevent them from falling down stairs.
Special Features Comparison
- Shark ION RV750:
- Self-Cleaning Brushroll: Minimizes hair tangles.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Allows control via smartphone app or voice assistants.
- Boundary Strips: Helps to keep the vacuum within specific areas.
- Shark ION RV850:
- 3x More Suction in Max Mode: Provides enhanced cleaning power.
- XL Dust Bin: Allows for longer cleaning sessions without emptying.
- Three Suction Levels: Adapts to different floor types and cleaning needs.
- Hybrid Brushroll: Combines spiral bristles and rubberized blades for improved performance.
Usability and User Experience
Both the Shark ION RV750 and RV850 are designed for ease of use, with simple controls and a user-friendly app. The app allows users to schedule cleaning sessions, start or stop the vacuum remotely, and monitor its battery life. Voice control compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant adds an extra layer of convenience.
The RV850’s larger dust bin and multiple suction levels provide a more customizable cleaning experience. The self-cleaning brushroll on both models minimizes maintenance requirements, making them suitable for both novice and experienced users.
Maintenance and Longevity
Both the RV750 and RV850 require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. This includes emptying the dust bin, cleaning the brushroll and side brushes, and replacing the filter as needed. Shark offers a limited warranty on both models, covering manufacturing defects.
The RV850’s more robust build quality and enhanced features may contribute to a longer lifespan compared to the RV750. However, both models are designed to be durable and reliable with proper care and maintenance.
Who Should Buy the Shark ION RV750?
The Shark ION RV750 is an ideal choice for:
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for an affordable robot vacuum.
- Users with mainly hard floors and low-pile carpets.
- Individuals seeking a simple and easy-to-use robot vacuum with basic features.
- Small apartments or homes with limited cleaning needs.
Who Should Buy the Shark ION RV850?
The Shark ION RV850 is a better fit for:
- Users with more carpeted areas or pets.
- Individuals seeking a more powerful and efficient robot vacuum.
- Those who value enhanced features like multiple suction levels and a larger dust bin.
- Homes with larger areas that require longer cleaning sessions.
Final Recommendation
The Shark ION RV850 offers a better overall value for users seeking a more powerful and versatile robot vacuum. Its increased suction power, larger dust bin, and enhanced features make it a worthwhile investment for homes with carpets or pets.
However, the Shark ION RV750 remains a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers with mainly hard floors and lighter cleaning needs. It provides a convenient and affordable way to maintain tidy floors with minimal effort.
