Shark IQ Robot UR100S vs. Roomba i8+: Cleaning Convenience Compared

Robot vacuums have become indispensable tools for maintaining clean homes with minimal effort. The Shark IQ Robot UR100S and the iRobot Roomba i8+ both offer self-emptying capabilities, smart navigation, and app control, making them attractive options for busy individuals and families. These models represent a significant step up from basic robot vacuums, promising to automate floor cleaning for weeks at a time.

Choosing between these two self-emptying robot vacuums can be challenging. The Shark IQ Robot UR100S is often seen as a more budget-friendly option, providing a robust set of features at a competitive price point. Meanwhile, the Roomba i8+ is part of iRobot’s well-established Roomba line, known for its advanced technology and performance. Consumers weighing these options are typically looking for a balance of cost, cleaning effectiveness, smart features, and reliability. This comparison dives deep into the specifics of each model to help you determine which one best fits your needs and budget.

Quick Verdict

• For Budget-Conscious Buyers: The Shark IQ Robot UR100S offers a compelling set of features at a lower price, making it ideal for those seeking an affordable self-emptying solution.
• For Superior Cleaning Performance: The Roomba i8+ generally outperforms the Shark IQ in cleaning effectiveness, especially on carpets and with pet hair, justifying its higher price for users prioritizing thorough cleaning.
• For Smart Home Integration and User Experience: The Roomba i8+ often provides a more polished user experience with a more intuitive app and potentially better smart home integration.
• For Low-Maintenance and Allergy Sufferers: The Roomba i8+ with its enclosed dirt disposal bags is better suited for allergy sufferers.

Short Review of the Shark IQ Robot UR100S

The Shark IQ Robot UR100S is designed to offer a hands-free cleaning experience. It features a self-emptying base that can hold weeks’ worth of dirt and debris, reducing the frequency of manual emptying. The robot uses a methodical row-by-row cleaning pattern to ensure thorough coverage, and its IQ Navigation allows it to map your home and clean specific rooms on demand. The SharkClean app provides control over scheduling, cleaning modes, and real-time monitoring.

One of the key benefits of the Shark IQ Robot UR100S is its ability to handle pet hair effectively, thanks to its self-cleaning brush roll and high-efficiency filter. It’s also designed to navigate under furniture and around obstacles with ease. However, some users have reported issues with its mapping capabilities and occasional difficulty with thicker carpets. Despite these drawbacks, the Shark IQ UR100S remains a popular choice for its affordability and comprehensive feature set.

Short Review of the Roomba i8+

The Roomba i8+ is a premium robot vacuum designed for convenience and performance. Its standout feature is the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, which allows it to empty its dustbin into a disposable bag that holds up to 60 days of debris. The i8+ uses iAdapt 3.0 navigation with vSLAM technology to learn your home’s layout and clean efficiently. It also supports smart home integration with voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant.

The Roomba i8+ excels in cleaning performance, particularly on carpets and hard floors. Its dual multi-surface rubber brushes and Power-Lifting Suction work together to lift dirt, debris, and pet hair effectively. The iRobot HOME app offers advanced features such as Keep Out Zones, Clean Zones, and personalized cleaning suggestions. While it comes at a higher price, the Roomba i8+ is favored for its reliability, cleaning power, and user-friendly experience.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Navigation Technology: The Roomba i8+ uses iAdapt 3.0 with vSLAM, while the Shark IQ Robot UR100S uses IQ Navigation. The Roomba’s system is generally considered more efficient and adaptable.
• Self-Emptying System: The Roomba i8+ utilizes disposable dirtbags in its base, whereas the Shark IQ Robot UR100S has a bagless system. The Roomba’s system is often preferred for its ease of use and reduced allergen exposure.
• Cleaning Performance: The Roomba i8+ typically offers better overall cleaning performance, especially on carpets and with pet hair.
• Price: The Shark IQ Robot UR100S is generally more affordable than the Roomba i8+.
• App Features: While both have app control, the Roomba i8+ app is often praised for its intuitive interface and advanced features like personalized cleaning suggestions.
• Mapping: The Shark IQ has been reported to have issues with mapping.
• Allergies: The Roomba i8+ is the better option for allergy sufferers.

Specifications Comparison

Price Comparison

The Shark IQ Robot UR100S typically retails for around $300-$400, while the Roomba i8+ generally costs between $500-$700. The Shark offers a lower upfront cost, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the Roomba’s advanced features and superior cleaning performance may justify the higher price for those prioritizing effectiveness and convenience. When evaluating the cost-to-feature ratio, consider your specific cleaning needs, the size of your home, and your tolerance for manual maintenance. If you’re primarily concerned with basic floor cleaning and don’t require advanced customization, the Shark IQ Robot UR100S provides excellent value. But if you need a more robust cleaning solution with smart features and better performance on various floor types, the Roomba i8+ is worth the investment.

Design and Build Quality

The Shark IQ Robot UR100S features a low-profile design that allows it to navigate under furniture and tight spaces easily. Its all-black finish and glossy control panel give it a sleek, modern appearance. The Roomba i8+ also has a compact design, but its two-tone gray finish and more refined details give it a more premium look.

In terms of build quality, the Roomba i8+ generally feels more robust and durable than the Shark IQ Robot UR100S [14]. The Roomba’s components, such as its rubber brushes and wheels, are made from higher-quality materials that can withstand long-term use. The Shark, while still well-built, may show signs of wear and tear sooner, especially with frequent use. Both robots are designed for easy maintenance, with removable parts that can be cleaned or replaced as needed. However, the Roomba’s self-emptying base with disposable dirtbags is generally easier to maintain than the Shark’s bagless system, which requires manual emptying and cleaning of the dustbin.

Performance Face-Off

Cleaning on Hard Floors

Both the Shark IQ Robot UR100S and the Roomba i8+ perform well on hard floors, effectively picking up dirt, dust, and small debris. However, the Roomba i8+ tends to excel at edge cleaning and getting into corners, thanks to its specialized edge-sweeping brush.

Cleaning on Carpets

The Roomba i8+ generally outperforms the Shark IQ Robot UR100S on carpets, particularly thicker pile carpets. The Roomba’s Power-Lifting Suction and dual rubber brushes provide more agitation and suction power, resulting in a deeper clean. The Shark IQ Robot UR100S can still clean carpets effectively, but it may require multiple passes to achieve the same level of cleanliness as the Roomba.

Pet Hair Removal

Both robots are designed to handle pet hair, but the Roomba i8+ has a slight edge in this category. Its dual rubber brushes are less likely to get tangled with pet hair, and its high-efficiency filter captures more allergens and dander. The Shark IQ Robot UR100S also features a self-cleaning brush roll to prevent hair tangles, but it may not be as effective as the Roomba’s system.

Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance

The Roomba i8+ uses iAdapt 3.0 navigation with vSLAM technology, which allows it to learn your home’s layout and clean efficiently. It can also detect and avoid obstacles such as furniture and pet bowls. The Shark IQ Robot UR100S uses IQ Navigation, which employs a row-by-row cleaning pattern. Some users have reported that the Shark IQ Robot UR100S can sometimes struggle with complex layouts or dark rooms, whereas the Roomba’s navigation is more reliable in various conditions [4, 14].

Special Features Comparison

The Roomba i8+ offers several unique features, including Keep Out Zones, which allow you to create virtual boundaries to prevent the robot from entering certain areas. It also has Clean Zones, which let you designate specific areas for targeted cleaning. The Imprint Link technology allows the Roomba i8+ to coordinate with other iRobot devices, such as the Braava jet m6 mopping robot, for a comprehensive cleaning solution.

The Shark IQ Robot UR100S features a self-cleaning brush roll that prevents hair tangles and a high-efficiency filter that captures dust and allergens. Its row-by-row cleaning pattern ensures thorough coverage, and its room selection feature allows you to clean specific rooms on demand. While it lacks some of the advanced features of the Roomba, the Shark IQ Robot UR100S provides a solid set of capabilities for automated floor cleaning.

Usability and User Experience

Both the Shark IQ Robot UR100S and the Roomba i8+ are designed for ease of use, but the Roomba often has a more seamless user experience. The iRobot HOME app is intuitive and easy to navigate, with clear instructions and helpful tips. The SharkClean app is also functional, but some users have reported occasional connectivity issues and a less polished interface.

The Roomba i8+ is particularly well-suited for novice users, thanks to its simple setup process and straightforward controls. The Shark IQ Robot UR100S may require a bit more initial setup and configuration, but it’s still relatively easy to use. Both robots offer voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to start, stop, or schedule cleaning sessions with voice commands.

Maintenance and Longevity

The Roomba i8+ requires minimal maintenance, thanks to its self-emptying base with disposable dirtbags. Simply replace the bag every 60 days or so, and clean the brushes and filters as needed. The Shark IQ Robot UR100S requires more frequent manual emptying and cleaning of the dustbin, as well as regular cleaning of the brush roll and filters.

In terms of longevity, the Roomba i8+ generally has a longer lifespan than the Shark IQ Robot UR100S, due to its higher-quality components and more robust construction. However, both robots can last for several years with proper maintenance and care. Be aware that both brands have reports of units failing after a year or so [9].

Who Should Buy the Shark IQ Robot UR100S?

The Shark IQ Robot UR100S is an excellent choice for:

• Budget-conscious buyers looking for a self-emptying robot vacuum at an affordable price.
• Users with smaller homes or apartments where advanced navigation isn’t as critical.
• Individuals who prioritize basic floor cleaning and don’t require advanced features or customization.
• Those willing to perform more frequent manual maintenance to save on upfront costs.

Who Should Buy the Roomba i8+?

The Roomba i8+ is the better choice for:

• Users who prioritize superior cleaning performance, especially on carpets and with pet hair.
• Individuals who want a more hands-free cleaning experience with minimal maintenance.
• Those who value advanced features and smart home integration.
• Allergy sufferers who will benefit from the enclosed dirt disposal bags.
• Homeowners with larger homes or complex layouts that require advanced navigation.

Final Recommendation

In summary, the Roomba i8+ represents a better overall value for users who prioritize cleaning performance, advanced features, and ease of use. Its superior navigation, powerful suction, and user-friendly app make it a top contender in the self-emptying robot vacuum market. However, the Shark IQ Robot UR100S remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers who want a basic self-emptying robot vacuum at an affordable price. If you’re willing to sacrifice some performance and features to save money, the Shark IQ Robot UR100S is a solid choice.