Shark RV850 vs. Roomba 690: Which Robot Vacuum Is Right For You?

Robot vacuums have become a staple in modern households, offering a convenient way to keep floors clean with minimal effort. Among the numerous options available, the Shark ION Robot RV850 and the iRobot Roomba 690 are two popular choices that cater to budget-conscious consumers seeking automated cleaning solutions. Both models offer Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, and compatibility with voice assistants, making them attractive options for those looking to integrate smart cleaning into their homes.

These two robot vacuums occupy a similar space in the market, targeting users who want a reliable and easy-to-use cleaning device without breaking the bank. The Roomba 690, a long-standing model in iRobot’s lineup, is known for its dependable performance and user-friendly app. On the other hand, the Shark RV850 aims to provide powerful suction and a self-cleaning brushroll, features that could appeal to pet owners and those dealing with heavy debris. In this comparison, we’ll delve into the specifics of each model to help you determine which one best suits your needs.

Quick Verdict

• Cleaning Performance: The Shark RV850 generally offers more powerful suction and performs better on carpets, especially with its “Max Mode.” However, the Roomba 690 is known for its consistent performance on hard floors and its ability to handle various floor types.
• Special Features: The Shark RV850 stands out with its self-cleaning brushroll, which minimizes hair tangles. The Roomba 690 includes a virtual wall barrier for targeted cleaning.
• Smart Features: Both vacuums offer Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, and voice assistant compatibility.
• For Pet Owners: The Shark RV850 is the better choice due to its powerful suction and self-cleaning brushroll, which helps manage pet hair.
• For Basic Cleaning: The Roomba 690 is suitable for users who need a reliable robot vacuum for everyday cleaning on mixed floor types.

Short Review of the Shark ION Robot RV850

The Shark ION Robot RV850 is designed to deliver powerful cleaning performance with the convenience of smart home integration. It boasts strong suction capabilities, particularly in its Max Mode, making it effective at picking up debris from carpets and hard floors. The self-cleaning brushroll is a standout feature, designed to prevent hair from getting tangled, which is a significant advantage for pet owners.

This robot vacuum also offers Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to control it via a smartphone app or voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The app provides options for scheduling cleaning sessions and adjusting suction levels. With its decent battery life, the Shark RV850 can cover a reasonable area in a single cleaning session. It’s a solid option for those seeking a balance between performance, convenience, and value.

Short Review of the iRobot Roomba 690

The iRobot Roomba 690 is a well-rounded robot vacuum known for its reliability and ease of use. As a long-standing model in the Roomba 600 series, it combines essential features with smart connectivity. The Roomba 690 offers Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling control via the iRobot HOME app, where users can schedule cleanings, start or stop the vacuum, and monitor cleaning progress.

This model is designed to effectively clean various floor types, including hardwood, tile, and carpet. It uses iRobot’s patented 3-Stage Cleaning System, which loosens, lifts, and suctions dirt and debris. The Roomba 690 also includes a dual-mode virtual wall barrier, giving users more control over where the robot cleans. Its compact design allows it to navigate under furniture and around obstacles, making it a practical choice for everyday cleaning needs.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Brushroll Design: The Shark RV850 features a self-cleaning brushroll to prevent hair tangles, while the Roomba 690 uses a bristle-style brushroll.
• Suction Power: The Shark RV850 offers higher suction power, especially in Max Mode, compared to the Roomba 690.
• Virtual Wall: The Roomba 690 includes a dual-mode virtual wall barrier for targeted cleaning, while the Shark RV850 uses boundary strips.
• Dustbin Capacity: The Shark RV850 has an XL dust cup.
• Navigation: Both models use random navigation.
• Battery Life: The Shark RV850 has a longer run time.

Specifications Comparison

Price Comparison

The iRobot Roomba 690 is around \$374.99. The Shark ION RV850 is around \$349.99. Pricing can vary based on retailer and promotions.

Value Proposition Analysis: The Shark RV850 offers slightly better value due to its powerful suction and self-cleaning brushroll at a similar price point. However, the Roomba 690’s reliability and included virtual wall can be worth the extra cost for some users.

Design and Build Quality

The Roomba 690 features a circular design with a black and silver finish, measuring 13 inches in diameter and 3.6 inches in height. It weighs 7.8 pounds. The design is functional and allows it to navigate under most furniture. The build quality is decent, providing a robust feel.

The Shark RV850 has a similar circular design with a diameter of 12.8 inches and a height of 3.4 inches, making it slightly shorter than the Roomba. It weighs 6.6 pounds. The Shark RV850 features a self-cleaning brushroll and an XL dust cup. It is lighter than the Roomba 690, and is constructed well.

Performance Face-Off

Cleaning on Hard Floors

• Shark RV850: Performs excellently on hardwood floors, effectively cleaning up to 100% of debris in testing scenarios. The low suction setting prevents debris from scattering.
• Roomba 690: Capable on hard floors. The Roomba 690 may require multiple passes to achieve similar results.

Cleaning on Carpets

• Shark RV850: The Shark RV850 picks up cat hair and litter from carpets. It delivers strong suction on carpets, particularly in its Max Mode.
• Roomba 690: The 690 picked up 62% of embedded sand.

Edge Cleaning

• Shark RV850: Equipped with dual spinning side brushes to pull debris from corners and edges.
• Roomba 690: The Roomba 690 uses a spinning side brush to sweep debris into the path of the 3-Stage Cleaning system.

Special Features Comparison

• Shark RV850: Offers a self-cleaning brushroll, three levels of suction, and is able to clean black carpets.
• Roomba 690: Includes a dual-mode virtual wall barrier for targeted cleaning, and Dirt Detect sensors.

Usability and User Experience

The Roomba 690 provides WiFi connectivity and app control. The central “CLEAN” button allows users to start a cleaning cycle, and the wifi app control allows you to schedule any cleaning up to 7 days in the future.

The Shark RV850 has a user-friendly app.

Maintenance and Longevity

• Shark RV850: The battery pack is easy to remove and fairly cheap to replace.
• Roomba 690: Includes a 1 year battery warranty.

Who Should Buy the Shark RV850?

The Shark ION Robot RV850 is ideal for:

• Pet Owners: The self-cleaning brushroll and powerful suction make it effective at managing pet hair.
• Users with Carpets: Performs well on carpets, especially when using the Max Mode.
• Those Seeking Value: Balances performance and essential features at a reasonable price.

Who Should Buy the Roomba 690?

The iRobot Roomba 690 is ideal for:

• Users Needing Basic Cleaning: Provides reliable everyday cleaning on mixed floor types.
• Those Who Value Targeted Cleaning: The included virtual wall barrier offers more control over cleaning areas.
• Users Wanting a User-Friendly Experience: Simple to use and reliable.

Final Recommendation

Both the Shark RV850 and Roomba 690 are reliable robot vacuum cleaners that offer convenience and smart features at an affordable price. However, the Shark RV850 emerges as the better choice for those prioritizing powerful suction, especially for pet owners and users with carpets. Its self-cleaning brushroll and high airflow make it more effective at handling pet hair and embedded debris.

On the other hand, the Roomba 690 remains a solid option for those who need a reliable robot vacuum for everyday cleaning on mixed floor types and appreciate the targeted cleaning offered by the virtual wall barrier.