Shark ION Robot 750 vs. Roomba 677: Cleaning Showdown

Robot vacuums have become essential for maintaining clean homes with minimal effort. The Shark ION Robot 750 and the Roomba 677 are popular choices for consumers seeking affordable and convenient cleaning solutions. Both models offer Wi-Fi connectivity, smart features, and the ability to handle various floor types, making them attractive options for busy individuals and families.

These robot vacuums compete in the entry-level to mid-range market, appealing to users who want automated cleaning without breaking the bank. Potential buyers often include pet owners, allergy sufferers, and those who want to reduce the time spent on manual vacuuming. Choosing between the Shark ION Robot 750 and the Roomba 677 requires a detailed comparison of their features, performance, and overall value.

Quick Verdict

• For budget-conscious buyers: The Shark ION Robot 750 generally offers a lower price point while still providing Wi-Fi connectivity and app control.
• For reliable navigation: The Roomba 677 has better maneuverability and is less likely to get stuck.
• For better bare floor cleaning: The Shark ION Robot RV700 series (including the 750) tends to perform better on bare floors.
• For brand reputation and customer support: Roomba is a more established brand with a strong reputation and generally better customer support.
• For smart home integration: Both models offer voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Short Review of Shark ION Robot 750

The Shark ION Robot 750 is designed to provide a convenient and hands-free cleaning experience. It features Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to control the vacuum via a smartphone app or voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The robot uses a tri-brush system, combining side brushes, channel brushes, and a multi-surface brush roll, to effectively pick up debris on various floor types.

This model is known for its quiet operation and ability to navigate around obstacles, making it suitable for homes with furniture and other obstructions. The Shark ION Robot 750 also includes BotBoundary strips to keep it away from specific areas. Its key benefits include ease of use, app control, and a relatively large dustbin, making it a solid choice for those seeking an affordable and connected cleaning solution.

Short Review of Roomba 677

The Roomba 677 is designed as an entry-level robot vacuum that offers a balance of performance and convenience. It connects to Wi-Fi, allowing users to control and schedule cleaning sessions via the iRobot HOME app or voice commands through Alexa and Google Assistant. The Roomba 677 uses a 3-Stage Cleaning System with dual multi-surface brushes and a specially designed edge-sweeping brush to effectively clean carpets and hard floors.

It features Dirt Detect™ Technology, which allows the robot to focus on areas with higher concentrations of dirt. The Roomba 677 is also known for its ability to learn cleaning habits and suggest personalized cleaning schedules. Its main advantages include a user-friendly app, reliable cleaning performance, and a well-established brand reputation, making it an excellent option for those new to robot vacuums.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Navigation: The Roomba 677 has better overall maneuverability and is less likely to get stuck compared to the Shark ION Robot 750.
• Floor Cleaning Performance: The Shark ION Robot 750 series performs slightly better on bare floors and carpets, while Roomba 677 excels at corners cleaning.
• Price: The Shark ION Robot 750 is typically less expensive than the Roomba 677.
• Dustbin Capacity: The Shark ION Robot 750 has a larger dustbin than the Roomba 677.
• Boundary Control: The Shark ION Robot 750 uses physical BotBoundary strips, while the Roomba 677 does not include physical boundary markers but is compatible with virtual wall barriers (sold separately).
• App Experience: The Roomba 677 has a better user experience in the iRobot HOME app compared to the SharkClean app.
• Noise Level: The Shark ION Robot 750 is quieter during operation compared to the Roomba 677.

Specifications Comparison

Price Comparison

The Shark ION Robot 750 typically retails for a lower price than the Roomba 677. The Shark ION Robot 750 can often be found for around $200-$250, while the Roomba 677 generally costs between $250-$300.

Value Proposition:
The Shark ION Robot 750 provides a strong value proposition for budget-conscious consumers who want Wi-Fi connectivity and app control without a high price tag. However, the Roomba 677 justifies its higher cost with a more reliable brand reputation, better maneuverability, and a more user-friendly app.

Cost-to-Feature Ratio:
The Shark ION Robot 750 offers a better cost-to-feature ratio for those primarily concerned with price. The Roomba 677 provides a more balanced approach, combining essential features with better overall performance and reliability.

Design and Build Quality

Aesthetics:
The Shark ION Robot 750 features a sleek black and grey finish with gold trimming, giving it a modern and attractive appearance. The Roomba 677 has a more utilitarian design, focusing on functionality over aesthetics.

Materials:
Both models use durable plastic materials suitable for everyday use. The Roomba 677 feels slightly more robust, reflecting iRobot’s emphasis on build quality.

Durability:
The Roomba 677 is generally considered more durable due to its sturdier construction and better track record. However, both models are designed to withstand regular use and minor impacts.

Ergonomics:
Both vacuums are easy to handle and maintain. The Shark ION Robot 750 has an easily removable dustbin, while the Roomba 677 offers straightforward access to its components for cleaning and maintenance.

Overall Construction:
The Roomba 677 exhibits superior construction quality, with tighter seams and a more solid feel. The Shark ION Robot 750 is well-built for its price point but lacks the premium feel of the Roomba.

Performance Face-Off

Cleaning Performance on Hard Floors

The Shark ION Robot 750 series generally performs better on hard floors due to its brush system and effective suction. It efficiently picks up dust, dirt, and debris from bare surfaces. The Roomba 677 also performs well on hard floors but may require multiple passes to achieve the same level of cleanliness.

Cleaning Performance on Carpets

On carpets, the Shark ION Robot 750 provides adequate cleaning, effectively removing surface-level dirt and pet hair. However, it may struggle with deeper cleaning on high-pile carpets. The Roomba 677 also performs well on carpets, using its dual multi-surface brushes to lift and suction dirt.

Edge Cleaning

The Roomba 677 has an edge-sweeping brush designed to clean along walls and in corners. While it performs adequately, some users find that it doesn’t always reach tight spaces effectively. The Shark ION Robot 750 also has side brushes that help with edge cleaning, but its performance is similar to the Roomba 677.

Pet Hair

Both models are capable of picking up pet hair. The Roomba 677 with pet hair technology has better features for pet owners, it has good performance at dealing with pet hair, but its brushes may require more frequent cleaning to remove tangled hair. The Shark ION Robot 750 also handles pet hair well, thanks to its brush roll design.

Special Features Comparison

Shark ION Robot 750:

• BotBoundary Strips: Allows users to create no-go zones without needing to purchase additional accessories.
• Tri-Brush System: Combines side brushes, channel brushes, and a multi-surface brush roll for effective cleaning on various surfaces.
• Quiet Operation: Operates at a lower noise level compared to the Roomba 677.

Roomba 677:

• Dirt Detect™ Technology: Focuses cleaning efforts on areas with higher concentrations of dirt.
• iAdapt Navigation: Intelligently navigates under and around objects.
• 3-Stage Cleaning System: Loosens, lifts, and suctions dirt, dust, and hair from floors.

Usability and User Experience

The Shark ION Robot 750 is known for its simple and clean interface, featuring easy-to-use controls on the robot itself and a straightforward app. However, the SharkClean app is not as intuitive or stable as the iRobot HOME app, which can be frustrating for some users. The Roomba 677 offers a seamless setup process and a user-friendly app that provides scheduling and monitoring options. The iRobot HOME app is generally more reliable and offers better performance notifications compared to the SharkClean app.

The Roomba 677 is better suited for novice users due to its simple operation and user-friendly app. Experienced users may appreciate the additional control offered by the Roomba, along with its ability to learn cleaning habits and suggest personalized schedules.

Maintenance and Longevity

The Shark ION Robot 750 requires regular cleaning of its brushes and filter. The BotBoundary strips may need occasional adjustments to ensure they remain effective. The Roomba 677 also requires regular maintenance, including emptying the dustbin, cleaning the brushes, and replacing the filter. The Roomba 677 generally has lower recurring costs due to the availability of affordable replacement parts and accessories.

Who Should Buy the Shark ION Robot 750?

The Shark ION Robot 750 is ideal for:

• Budget-conscious shoppers: Those looking for an affordable robot vacuum with Wi-Fi connectivity and app control.
• Apartment dwellers: Its quiet operation makes it suitable for smaller living spaces.
• Users with mostly hard floors: The Shark ION Robot 750 excels at cleaning bare surfaces.

Who Should Buy the Roomba 677?

The Roomba 677 is ideal for:

• First-time robot vacuum buyers: Its user-friendly app and reliable performance make it a great entry-level option.
• Those with a mix of carpet and hard floors: The Roomba 677 effectively cleans various floor types.
• Users who value brand reputation and customer support: Roomba is a well-established brand with a strong track record.

Final Recommendation

Both the Shark ION Robot 750 and the Roomba 677 offer convenient and automated cleaning solutions. The Shark ION Robot 750 stands out for its affordability, quiet operation, and larger dustbin. However, the Roomba 677 justifies its higher price with better maneuverability, a more user-friendly app, and a stronger brand reputation.

For budget-conscious buyers who prioritize Wi-Fi connectivity and basic cleaning, the Shark ION Robot 750 is a solid choice. However, for those seeking a more reliable and user-friendly experience with better overall performance, the Roomba 677 represents the better overall value.