Shark IQ vs. Roomba 670: Cleaning Robot Rivals

Robot vacuums have become essential for maintaining clean homes with minimal effort. The Shark IQ and Roomba 670 are popular choices for those seeking an affordable and convenient way to automate floor cleaning. These models offer distinct features and cater to different user needs, making a direct comparison crucial for informed decision-making.

The Shark IQ is known for its self-emptying base and smart navigation, promising a hands-off cleaning experience. It appeals to users who prioritize convenience and want to minimize maintenance. The Roomba 670, on the other hand, is a more basic model that focuses on core cleaning performance and ease of use. It’s a suitable option for those who want a reliable robot vacuum without advanced features or a high price tag. Ultimately, determining which one will work for you depends on a variety of factors.

Quick Verdict

• For Hands-Off Convenience: The Shark IQ is the better choice due to its self-emptying base, which allows for weeks of cleaning without needing to empty the dustbin.
• For Budget-Conscious Buyers: The Roomba 670 is generally more affordable, offering good cleaning performance at a lower price point.
• For Mixed Flooring: The Shark IQ is better equipped to handle different floor types.
• For Smart Home Integration: Both have smart features, but the Shark IQ edges out with its more advanced navigation.

Short Review of Shark IQ Robot Vacuum

The Shark IQ Robot Vacuum is designed for those who desire a truly hands-off cleaning experience. Its standout feature is the self-emptying base, which can hold weeks’ worth of dirt and debris, reducing the frequency of maintenance. The Shark IQ also boasts smart navigation, allowing it to efficiently map and clean your home, avoiding obstacles and ensuring thorough coverage.

This robot vacuum excels at picking up pet hair and debris on various floor types, making it a versatile option for households with carpets and hard floors. Its strong suction power and self-cleaning brushroll further enhance its cleaning capabilities, preventing hair from getting tangled and maintaining optimal performance. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, the Shark IQ offers an excellent balance of convenience, performance, and value for the money.

Short Review of Roomba 670 Robot Vacuum

The Roomba 670 is a reliable and user-friendly robot vacuum designed for straightforward cleaning. It features iRobot’s patented three-stage cleaning system, which effectively loosens, lifts, and suctions dirt and debris from carpets and hard floors. Its Dirt Detect technology allows it to focus on high-traffic areas, ensuring a more thorough clean where it’s needed most.

This model is known for its ease of use, with simple controls and a durable design. It seamlessly navigates around furniture and other obstacles, providing consistent cleaning performance. While it lacks some of the advanced features found in more expensive models, the Roomba 670 offers a dependable and affordable solution for automating your floor cleaning routine. It’s a great choice for those who want a no-frills robot vacuum that gets the job done without a lot of fuss.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Self-Emptying Base: Shark IQ has a self-emptying base; Roomba 670 does not.
• Navigation: Shark IQ uses smart, methodical navigation; Roomba 670 uses random navigation.
• Floor Mapping: Shark IQ has floor mapping capabilities; Roomba 670 does not.
• Price: Roomba 670 is typically more affordable than the Shark IQ.
• Brushroll: Shark IQ has a self-cleaning brushroll; Roomba 670 has a standard brushroll.
• Smart Features: Shark IQ has more advanced smart features and app control compared to Roomba 670.

Specifications Comparison

Price Comparison

The Roomba 670 is generally priced lower than the Shark IQ. The Shark IQ’s self-emptying base contributes to its higher cost, but it also offers added convenience.

• Roomba 670: Often found for around $200-$300, depending on sales and retailer.
• Shark IQ: Typically retails for $300-$500, but prices can vary.

Value Proposition Analysis:

• If budget is a primary concern and you don’t mind emptying the dustbin regularly, the Roomba 670 offers a strong value.
• If convenience and minimal maintenance are priorities, the Shark IQ’s self-emptying feature justifies the higher price.

Design and Build Quality

• Shark IQ: Features a modern design with a sleek, low-profile robot and a compact self-emptying base. The build quality is sturdy, and the self-emptying mechanism is well-engineered.
• Roomba 670: Has a classic Roomba design with a simple, functional aesthetic. The build quality is durable, and it’s designed to withstand everyday wear and tear.

Aesthetics:

• The Shark IQ has a more contemporary look, while the Roomba 670 has a more traditional design.

Materials and Durability:

• Both robots are made from durable plastics designed to withstand regular use.

Ergonomics:

• The Shark IQ’s self-emptying base is ergonomically designed for easy disposal of collected dirt and debris.
• The Roomba 670 is lightweight and easy to handle when emptying the dustbin manually.

Performance Face-Off

Cleaning Performance on Hard Floors

• Shark IQ: Excels at cleaning hard floors, effectively picking up dirt, dust, and debris.
• Roomba 670: Also performs well on hard floors, providing consistent cleaning performance.

Cleaning Performance on Carpets

• Shark IQ: Does a decent job on carpets, though it may struggle with larger debris.
• Roomba 670: Can handle low-pile carpets but may not be as effective on thicker carpets.

Pet Hair Cleaning

• Shark IQ: Equipped with a self-cleaning brushroll that helps prevent hair tangles, making it a good choice for pet owners.
• Roomba 670: Can pick up pet hair, but the brushroll may require more frequent cleaning to remove tangled hair.

Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance

• Shark IQ: Uses smart, methodical navigation to efficiently clean your home, avoiding obstacles and ensuring thorough coverage.
• Roomba 670: Employs a more random navigation pattern, which can sometimes result in missed spots or bumping into obstacles.

Special Features Comparison

• Shark IQ:
  • Self-Emptying Base: Empties the robot’s dustbin automatically, allowing for weeks of cleaning without maintenance.
  • Smart Navigation: Maps your home and cleans in a methodical pattern, avoiding obstacles and ensuring complete coverage.
  • Self-Cleaning Brushroll: Prevents hair tangles, reducing maintenance.
• Roomba 670:
  • Dirt Detect: Focuses on high-traffic areas, providing a more thorough clean where it’s needed most.
  • Edge-Sweeping Brush: Cleans along edges and corners.

Usability and User Experience

• Shark IQ:
  • Ease of Use: The self-emptying base and smart navigation make it incredibly easy to use and maintain.
  • Learning Curve: The app is user-friendly and provides helpful features like scheduling and floor mapping.
• Roomba 670:
  • Ease of Use: Simple controls and straightforward operation make it easy to use for all users.
  • Learning Curve: Minimal learning curve, as it’s designed for basic cleaning functions.

Maintenance and Longevity

• Shark IQ:
  • Maintenance: Requires occasional cleaning of the self-emptying base and brushroll.
  • Longevity: With proper care, it should provide years of reliable service.
  • Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
• Roomba 670:
  • Maintenance: Requires regular emptying of the dustbin and cleaning of the brushroll.
  • Longevity: Known for its durability and long lifespan.
  • Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

Who Should Buy Shark IQ?

• Users who want a hands-off cleaning experience with minimal maintenance.
• Pet owners who need a robot vacuum that can effectively handle pet hair.
• Those who appreciate smart features and app control.
• Individuals with mixed flooring types who need a versatile cleaning solution.

Who Should Buy Roomba 670?

• Budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable robot vacuum at an affordable price.
• Users who prefer a simple, no-frills cleaning solution.
• Those who don’t mind emptying the dustbin regularly.
• Individuals with primarily hard floors or low-pile carpets.

Final Recommendation

Both the Shark IQ and Roomba 670 are solid choices for robot vacuums, but they cater to different needs and preferences. The Shark IQ stands out with its self-emptying base, smart navigation, and self-cleaning brushroll, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize convenience and minimal maintenance. However, the Roomba 670 offers a more affordable option for those who want a reliable and easy-to-use robot vacuum without advanced features.

• Choose the Shark IQ if: You’re willing to spend more for a truly hands-off cleaning experience and advanced features.
• Choose the Roomba 670 if: You’re on a budget and want a dependable robot vacuum that gets the job done without a lot of fuss.