Robot vacuums have become essential for maintaining clean homes with minimal effort. The Shark ION Robot R75 and iRobot Roomba 670 are two popular choices in the budget-friendly segment. Both promise to automate your floor cleaning, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comparison delves into their features, performance, and value to help you decide which one is the better fit for your lifestyle.
The Shark ION R75 appeals to users who prioritize smart features and flexible cleaning options at an affordable price. With Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control compatibility, it seamlessly integrates into smart homes. The iRobot Roomba 670, on the other hand, attracts those seeking a reliable and straightforward cleaning solution from a well-established brand. It focuses on effective cleaning performance and ease of use, making it a dependable choice for everyday maintenance.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of Shark ION Robot R75
- Short Review of iRobot Roomba 670
- 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 Robot R75?
- Who Should Buy the iRobot Roomba 670?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- For Smart Home Integration: The Shark ION Robot R75 wins with its Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, and voice assistant compatibility (Alexa and Google Assistant).
- For Basic, Reliable Cleaning: The iRobot Roomba 670 is the better choice due to its proven track record, consistent cleaning performance, and iAdapt Navigation.
- For Pet Owners: Both vacuums are decent at picking up pet hair, but the Roomba 670 might have a slight edge due to its dual multi-surface brushes.
- For Budget-Conscious Buyers: The Shark ION Robot R75 typically offers more features for a similar or slightly lower price.
Short Review of Shark ION Robot R75
The Shark ION Robot R75 (also sometimes referred to as RV750) is a Wi-Fi connected robot vacuum designed for multi-surface cleaning. It boasts a tri-brush system that combines side brushes, channel brushes, and a multi-surface brush roll, effectively handling debris on various floor types, corners, and edges. Users can control the R75 via the SharkClean app or voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing for remote start, stop, and scheduling.
The Shark ION R75 offers a compelling blend of smart features and cleaning performance at an accessible price point. Its Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control integration provide added convenience, allowing users to manage cleaning schedules and monitor progress from anywhere. The robot’s multi-surface cleaning capabilities make it suitable for homes with both hard floors and carpets. Its ability to navigate under furniture and around obstacles ensures thorough coverage of the cleaning area.
Short Review of iRobot Roomba 670
The iRobot Roomba 670 is a Wi-Fi connected robot vacuum designed for everyday cleaning. It features a patented 3-Stage Cleaning System with dual multi-surface brushes, an edge-sweeping brush, and vacuum suction to effectively remove dirt, dust, hair, and debris from carpets and hard floors. Equipped with iAdapt Navigation, the Roomba 670 uses a suite of sensors to navigate under and around furniture, while Dirt Detect sensors focus extra cleaning effort on high-traffic areas.
The iRobot Roomba 670 delivers reliable and consistent cleaning performance with its 3-Stage Cleaning System and iAdapt Navigation. The robot’s ability to automatically adjust its cleaning head to different floor surfaces ensures effective cleaning on both carpets and hard floors. Users can control and schedule cleanings via the iRobot Home App, adding convenience to their cleaning routine. The Roomba 670’s self-charging capability allows it to automatically return to its dock when the battery is low, ensuring it’s always ready for the next cleaning session.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Smart Features: Shark ION R75 has greater smart home integration with Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, and voice assistant compatibility, while the Roomba 670 also has Wi-Fi and app control but fewer advanced smart features.
- Navigation: The Roomba 670 utilizes iAdapt Navigation with a comprehensive set of sensors for methodical cleaning, whereas the Shark ION R75 relies on Auto-Sense Navigation, which may result in more random movements.
- Brush System: The Shark ION R75 features a Tri-Brush System that combines side brushes, channel brushes, and a multi-surface brush roll, while the Roomba 670 uses a 3-Stage Cleaning System with dual multi-surface brushes and an edge-sweeping brush.
- Virtual Barriers: The Roomba 670 uses virtual wall barriers to keep the robot out of certain areas, while the Shark ION R75 uses physical boundary strips.
- Runtime: The Roomba 670 generally offers a longer runtime than the Shark ION R75, allowing it to clean larger areas on a single charge (though sources vary on the exact runtime).
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark ION Robot R75 | iRobot Roomba 670 |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning System | Tri-Brush System | 3-Stage Cleaning |
| Navigation | Auto-Sense | iAdapt |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| App Control | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Runtime | ~60 minutes | ~90 minutes |
| Charge Time | ~3 hours | ~3 hours |
| Virtual Barriers | Boundary Strips | Virtual Wall |
| Dirt Detect Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Low Profile Design | Yes | Yes |
Price Comparison
The iRobot Roomba 670 typically retails for around $330, but can often be found on sale for closer to $200. The Shark ION Robot R75 generally sells for around $350 but is also frequently discounted.
Value Proposition: The Shark ION Robot R75 often provides more features for the price, including voice control integration and a tri-brush system. The Roomba 670, while sometimes pricier, offers the reliability and brand recognition of iRobot, along with a slightly longer runtime.
Cost-to-Feature Ratio: The Shark ION Robot R75 typically offers a better cost-to-feature ratio, providing a wider array of smart capabilities and cleaning features at a comparable price to the Roomba 670.
Design and Build Quality
Shark ION Robot R75: The Shark ION Robot R75 features a sleek, low-profile design that enables it to navigate under furniture and reach tight spaces. Constructed from durable plastic materials, the R75 is designed to withstand everyday use. The robot’s compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to move between rooms.
iRobot Roomba 670: The iRobot Roomba 670 sports a classic circular design with a low profile for under-furniture cleaning. The Roomba 670 is constructed from robust materials, ensuring longevity and resilience. Its straightforward and practical design emphasizes functionality and ease of use.
Comparison: Both robot vacuums have a similar low-profile design, allowing them to clean under furniture with ease. While both are made of durable plastic, the Roomba 670 may have a slight edge in terms of long-term durability due to iRobot’s reputation for quality construction.
Performance Face-Off
Cleaning Performance
The iRobot Roomba 670 uses a 3-Stage Cleaning System that includes dual multi-surface brushes, an edge-sweeping brush, and vacuum suction. This system effectively loosens, lifts, and suctions dirt, dust, and debris from various floor types. The Roomba 670’s Dirt Detect sensors enable it to focus extra cleaning effort on high-traffic areas.
The Shark ION Robot R75 uses a Tri-Brush System that combines side brushes, channel brushes, and a multi-surface brush roll. This system is designed to handle debris on all surfaces, corners, and edges. The Shark ION Robot R75 is suitable for homes with a combination of hard floors and carpets.
Real-World Usage: In real-world scenarios, both robot vacuums perform well on hard floors, effectively removing dust and debris. On carpets, both vacuums provide satisfactory cleaning, though the Roomba 670’s dual multi-surface brushes may offer a slight advantage in agitating and lifting embedded dirt.
Navigation
The iRobot Roomba 670 is equipped with iAdapt Navigation, which uses a full suite of intelligent sensors to guide the robot under and around furniture. This navigation system allows the Roomba 670 to efficiently clean floors while avoiding obstacles.
The Shark ION Robot R75 relies on Auto-Sense Navigation to navigate around obstacles and ledges. The robot uses sensors to detect and avoid stairs, furniture, and other obstructions.
Comparison: The Roomba 670’s iAdapt Navigation provides more methodical and efficient cleaning patterns compared to the Shark ION Robot R75’s Auto-Sense Navigation, which may result in more random movements.
Battery Life and Coverage
The iRobot Roomba 670 offers a runtime of approximately 90 minutes on a single charge. When the battery is low, the Roomba 670 automatically returns to its charging dock to recharge.
The Shark ION Robot R75 provides a runtime of about 60 minutes on a single charge. The R75 is self-charging and returns to its dock when the battery is low.
Comparison: The Roomba 670 offers a longer runtime, enabling it to clean larger areas on a single charge compared to the Shark ION Robot R75.
Special Features Comparison
Shark ION Robot R75: The Shark ION Robot R75 stands out with its Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to control the robot vacuum via the SharkClean app or voice commands through Alexa or Google Assistant. This feature provides added convenience and flexibility, enabling users to start, stop, and schedule cleaning sessions from anywhere.
iRobot Roomba 670: The iRobot Roomba 670 features Dirt Detect sensors that alert the robot to work harder on concentrated areas of dirt, such as high-traffic zones of your home. This feature ensures that the Roomba 670 provides thorough cleaning in areas that need it most.
Real-World Advantages: The Shark ION Robot R75’s Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control integration offer a seamless and modern cleaning experience. The Roomba 670’s Dirt Detect sensors provide targeted cleaning, ensuring that the robot focuses on areas with the most dirt and debris.
Usability and User Experience
Shark ION Robot R75: The Shark ION Robot R75 is easy to set up and use, with a straightforward app interface and intuitive controls. The robot’s Wi-Fi connectivity allows for remote control and scheduling, adding convenience to the cleaning process.
iRobot Roomba 670: The iRobot Roomba 670 is designed for ease of use, with simple controls and a user-friendly app. The robot’s self-charging capability and automatic cleaning schedules make it a convenient option for everyday cleaning.
Novice vs. Experienced Users: The Shark ION Robot R75’s advanced smart features may appeal to experienced users who want greater control and customization. The Roomba 670’s straightforward design and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for novice users who prefer simplicity and ease of use.
Maintenance and Longevity
Shark ION Robot R75: Maintenance for the Shark ION Robot R75 involves regular cleaning of the brush roll, emptying the dustbin, and replacing the side brushes as needed. The robot’s warranty coverage provides peace of mind in case of any manufacturing defects.
iRobot Roomba 670: Maintenance for the iRobot Roomba 670 includes emptying the dustbin, cleaning the multi-surface brushes, and replacing the filter as needed. The Roomba 670’s warranty coverage ensures protection against potential issues.
Comparison: Both robot vacuums require similar maintenance routines, including regular cleaning and replacement of consumable parts. The Roomba 670 may have a slight advantage in terms of longevity due to iRobot’s reputation for producing durable and long-lasting products.
Who Should Buy the Shark ION Robot R75?
The Shark ION Robot R75 is an excellent choice for:
- Smart home enthusiasts: Users who want to integrate their robot vacuum with their smart home ecosystem.
- Tech-savvy individuals: Those who appreciate the convenience of app control and voice commands.
- Budget-conscious buyers: Shoppers seeking a feature-rich robot vacuum at an affordable price.
Who Should Buy the iRobot Roomba 670?
The iRobot Roomba 670 is a great option for:
- Users seeking simplicity: Those who prefer a straightforward and easy-to-use robot vacuum.
- Individuals prioritizing reliability: Shoppers looking for a dependable robot vacuum from a reputable brand.
- Pet owners: The dual multi-surface brushes are effective at picking up pet hair (though both vacuums are decent in this area).
Final Recommendation
Both the Shark ION Robot R75 and iRobot Roomba 670 are capable robot vacuums that offer convenient cleaning solutions. The Shark ION Robot R75 stands out with its smart features, flexible cleaning options, and competitive price point. The iRobot Roomba 670 offers reliable performance, ease of use, and the backing of a well-established brand.
Overall Value: For most users, the Shark ION Robot R75 represents the better overall value, providing a wider array of features and smart capabilities at a comparable price. However, if reliability and simplicity are your top priorities, the iRobot Roomba 670 remains a solid choice.
