Robot vacuums have become a staple in modern homes, offering a convenient way to maintain clean floors with minimal effort. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly segment are the Roomba 692 and the Shark AV752 (also known as the Shark ION Robot Vacuum R75). Both promise to deliver effective cleaning at an accessible price point, making them attractive options for first-time robot vacuum buyers and those looking for a secondary cleaning solution. But which one truly offers the best bang for your buck?
The Roomba 692, from the renowned iRobot, aims to bring the brand’s trusted cleaning performance to a more affordable level. It’s designed for everyday cleaning, tackling dust, dirt, and pet hair on both hard floors and carpets. The Shark AV752, on the other hand, presents a compelling alternative, boasting a self-cleaning brushroll and smart features that aim to simplify the cleaning process. This comparison delves into the specifics of each model, helping you determine which robot vacuum best fits your needs and budget.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of Roomba 692
- Short Review of Shark AV752
- 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 Roomba 692?
- Who Should Buy Shark AV752?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- For simple, reliable cleaning: The Roomba 692 is a good choice. It’s known for its straightforward operation and effective dirt extraction on various floor types.
- For pet owners concerned about hair tangles: The Shark AV752 is preferable due to its self-cleaning brushroll, which minimizes hair wrap and reduces maintenance.
- For smart home integration enthusiasts: Both offer basic smart features, but the Roomba 692 has slightly better app integration and voice control compatibility.
Short Review of Roomba 692
The Roomba 692 is designed as an entry-level robot vacuum offering a balance of affordability and performance. It is equipped with iRobot’s patented 3-Stage Cleaning System, which includes dual multi-surface brushes, a specially designed edge-sweeping brush, and vacuum suction to loosen, lift, and suction dirt from various floor types. The Roomba 692 is particularly effective at navigating under furniture and along edges, ensuring thorough cleaning coverage.
One of the key benefits of the Roomba 692 is its ease of use and reliability. It can be controlled via the iRobot HOME App, allowing users to schedule cleaning sessions, monitor cleaning performance, and receive maintenance alerts. The Roomba 692 also features adaptive navigation, which enables it to navigate efficiently around obstacles and avoid falling down stairs. Its low profile design allows it to clean under furniture, reaching areas that are difficult to access with a traditional vacuum cleaner.
Short Review of Shark AV752
The Shark AV752, also known as the Shark ION Robot Vacuum R75, is designed to offer a hassle-free cleaning experience with its innovative features and smart design. One of its standout features is the self-cleaning brushroll, which actively removes hair wrap as it cleans, reducing the need for manual maintenance. The AV752 is equipped with a multi-surface brushroll and strong suction, making it effective at picking up dirt, dust, and debris from both hard floors and carpets.
The Shark AV752 includes smart features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to control the vacuum via the SharkClean app. The app enables users to schedule cleaning sessions, start or stop the vacuum remotely, and track cleaning progress. Additionally, the AV752 is compatible with voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, providing hands-free operation. Its smart sensor navigation helps the vacuum navigate around obstacles and avoid falling down stairs, ensuring comprehensive cleaning coverage throughout the home.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Roomba 692 | Shark AV752 (R75) |
|---|---|---|
| Brushroll Design | Standard, requires manual hair removal | Self-cleaning brushroll |
| Navigation | Adaptive Navigation | Smart Sensor Navigation |
| App Control | iRobot HOME App | SharkClean App |
| Voice Control | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Floor Type Detection | No automatic floor type detection | No automatic floor type detection |
| Low Profile Design | Yes, cleans under furniture | Yes, cleans under furniture |
| Scheduling | Yes, via app | Yes, via app |
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Roomba 692 | Shark AV752 (R75) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 90 minutes | Up to 90 minutes |
| Charge Time | Approximately 3 hours | Approximately 3 hours |
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.6 Liters | 0.45 Liters |
| Dimensions | 13.4 inches diameter, 3.5 inches height | 12.6 inches diameter, 3.5 inches height |
| Weight | 6.77 lbs | 5.5 lbs |
| Filter Type | Standard Filter | Standard Filter |
| Edge Cleaning | Yes, with edge-sweeping brush | Yes, with edge-sweeping brush |
| Cliff Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
Price Comparison
- Roomba 692: Typically retails between $200-$300.
- Shark AV752: Typically retails between $180-$280.
Value Proposition Analysis: Both vacuums are positioned as budget-friendly options. The Shark AV752 often offers a slightly lower price point, while the Roomba 692 benefits from the established reputation of the iRobot brand. The self-cleaning brushroll of the Shark AV752 adds value for pet owners, potentially offsetting the price difference.
Cost-to-Feature Ratio: Both models provide a reasonable set of features for their price range. The Shark AV752 stands out slightly due to its self-cleaning brushroll, which is a significant convenience feature for homes with pets.
Design and Build Quality
- Roomba 692: Features a classic, minimalist design. It’s constructed from durable plastic, and the overall build quality feels solid. The low-profile design allows it to navigate under furniture with ease.
- Shark AV752: Has a sleek, modern aesthetic. The build quality is comparable to the Roomba 692, with a similar use of durable plastics. Its low-profile design also enables it to clean under furniture effectively.
Aesthetics: Both vacuums have a similar circular design, but the Shark AV752 has a slightly more modern look.
Materials: Both are made of durable plastics, suitable for everyday use.
Durability: Both are reasonably durable for their price point.
Ergonomics: As robot vacuums, neither requires significant user interaction beyond setup and maintenance.
Performance Face-Off
Cleaning Performance on Hard Floors
- Roomba 692: Performs well on hard floors, effectively picking up dust, crumbs, and other debris. Its edge-sweeping brush helps to clean along walls and in corners.
- Shark AV752: Also delivers solid cleaning performance on hard floors. The self-cleaning brushroll effectively captures debris, and the edge-sweeping brush ensures thorough cleaning along edges.
Cleaning Performance on Carpets
- Roomba 692: Provides decent cleaning performance on carpets, though it may struggle with thicker carpets or larger debris.
- Shark AV752: Offers comparable carpet cleaning performance. Its brushroll and suction power are sufficient for removing dirt and debris from most carpets.
Pet Hair Cleaning
- Roomba 692: Can handle pet hair, but the brushroll may require frequent manual cleaning to remove tangled hair.
- Shark AV752: Excels at pet hair cleaning due to its self-cleaning brushroll, which actively removes hair wrap. This feature significantly reduces maintenance and ensures consistent cleaning performance.
Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance
- Roomba 692: Uses adaptive navigation to navigate around obstacles and avoid falling down stairs. It may occasionally bump into furniture.
- Shark AV752: Employs smart sensor navigation to navigate around obstacles and avoid falls. It generally navigates efficiently, but may sometimes have difficulty with cluttered areas.
Special Features Comparison
- Roomba 692:
- iRobot HOME App: Offers scheduling, cleaning history, and maintenance alerts.
- Adaptive Navigation: Helps the vacuum navigate efficiently around obstacles.
- Shark AV752:
- Self-Cleaning Brushroll: Actively removes hair wrap, reducing maintenance.
- SharkClean App: Provides scheduling and remote control capabilities.
Real-World Advantages: The self-cleaning brushroll of the Shark AV752 is a standout feature that provides a tangible benefit for pet owners.
Usability and User Experience
- Roomba 692: Is easy to set up and use. The iRobot HOME App is user-friendly, and the vacuum operates with minimal intervention.
- Shark AV752: Is also straightforward to set up and operate. The SharkClean app is intuitive, and the self-cleaning brushroll simplifies maintenance.
Novice vs. Experienced Users: Both vacuums are suitable for both novice and experienced users due to their ease of use and straightforward operation.
Maintenance and Longevity
- Roomba 692: Requires regular emptying of the dustbin and occasional cleaning of the brushroll. Replacement parts are readily available.
- Shark AV752: Benefits from the self-cleaning brushroll, which reduces maintenance. Regular emptying of the dustbin is still required.
Warranty Coverage: Both vacuums typically come with a one-year limited warranty.
Expected Lifespan: With proper maintenance, both vacuums should provide several years of reliable service.
Who Should Buy Roomba 692?
- Users who prioritize brand reputation and reliability.
- Those who prefer a straightforward, no-frills cleaning experience.
- Individuals who want a well-established app ecosystem for scheduling and control.
Who Should Buy Shark AV752?
- Pet owners concerned about hair tangles.
- Those who value the convenience of a self-cleaning brushroll.
- Users looking for a slightly more affordable option with comparable performance.
Final Recommendation
Both the Roomba 692 and the Shark AV752 are solid choices for budget-friendly robot vacuums. The Shark AV752 edges out the Roomba 692 slightly due to its self-cleaning brushroll, which is a significant advantage for pet owners. However, if brand reputation and a well-established app ecosystem are top priorities, the Roomba 692 remains a reliable option. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences.
