Robot vacuums have become essential for maintaining clean homes with minimal effort. The Shark AV1010AE IQ and Roomba i6+ are two popular models offering self-emptying capabilities, appealing to busy individuals and pet owners seeking a hands-free cleaning solution. Both vacuums aim to provide a convenient and effective way to keep floors clean, but they differ in features, performance, and overall value.
The Shark AV1010AE IQ is known for its affordability and bagless self-emptying base, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. It offers smart mapping, Wi-Fi connectivity, and voice control compatibility. On the other hand, the Roomba i6+ is part of iRobot’s well-established Roomba series, recognized for its advanced features, superior cleaning performance, and smart home integration. It boasts Imprint Smart Mapping, allowing for customized cleaning schedules and targeted cleaning of specific areas. Consumers often weigh the Roomba i6+’s premium features against the Shark AV1010AE IQ’s more accessible price point to determine which robot vacuum best fits their needs and budget.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Shark AV1010AE IQ Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base Review
- Roomba i6+ Robot Vacuum Review
- 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 Shark AV1010AE IQ?
- Who Should Buy Roomba i6+?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- Cleaning Performance: Roomba i6+ excels in overall cleaning performance, particularly on carpets and with its Dirt Detect technology.
- Price: Shark AV1010AE IQ offers a more budget-friendly option.
- Smart Features: Roomba i6+ provides more advanced smart mapping and integration with other smart home devices.
- Self-Emptying System: Both offer self-emptying, but the Shark uses a bagless system, while the Roomba uses disposable bags.
- Best for Pet Owners: Both are suitable, but Roomba’s dual rubber brushes are less prone to hair tangles.
Choose Shark AV1010AE IQ if: You want a reliable, self-emptying robot vacuum at a lower price and prefer a bagless system.
Choose Roomba i6+ if: You’re willing to invest more for superior cleaning performance, advanced smart features, and a more established brand.
The Shark AV1010AE IQ Robot Vacuum is designed to provide a convenient cleaning experience with its self-emptying base, which can hold up to 45 days of dirt and debris. Its IQ Navigation system maps your home and cleans in rows, ensuring thorough coverage. The SharkClean app allows users to schedule cleanings, set no-go zones, and target specific rooms. The robot features a multi-surface brushroll and strong suction, making it suitable for both hard floors and carpets.
One of the key benefits of the Shark AV1010AE IQ is its bagless self-emptying base, which eliminates the need to purchase replacement bags, reducing long-term costs. The robot’s ability to map your home and clean in a systematic pattern ensures efficient cleaning. Additionally, the Shark AV1010AE IQ is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, offering voice control for added convenience. Its relatively low price point makes it an attractive option for those seeking an affordable self-emptying robot vacuum.
Roomba i6+ Robot Vacuum Review
The Roomba i6+ is a smart robot vacuum designed to provide a comprehensive and hands-free cleaning experience. It features a self-emptying base that can hold up to 60 days of debris, reducing the frequency of emptying. The Roomba i6+ uses Imprint Smart Mapping technology to learn your home’s layout, allowing for customized cleaning schedules and targeted cleaning of specific rooms or areas. Its premium 3-stage cleaning system and 10X the Power-Lifting Suction ensure effective dirt and debris removal from various floor types.
The Roomba i6+ offers excellent cleaning performance, driven by its powerful suction and dual multi-surface rubber brushes that prevent pet hair tangles. The iRobot HOME app provides a user-friendly interface for scheduling cleanings, setting keep-out zones, and accessing personalized cleaning suggestions. The Roomba i6+ also integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling voice control. Additionally, its ability to team up with the Braava jet m6 robot mop via Imprint Link Technology provides a comprehensive floor cleaning solution.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Shark AV1010AE IQ | Roomba i6+ |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Emptying | Bagless, holds up to 45 days of debris | Bagged, holds up to 60 days of debris |
| Navigation | IQ Navigation, row-by-row cleaning | Imprint Smart Mapping, learns and adapts to home layout |
| Brushroll | Multi-Surface Brushroll | Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes |
| Smart Features | App control, scheduling, no-go zones, voice control (Alexa, Google Assistant) | App control, scheduling, keep-out zones, targeted cleaning, voice control (Alexa, Google Assistant) |
| Allergen Filter | High-Efficiency Filter | High-Efficiency Filter |
| Price | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Dustbin Capacity | 1.8L | 0.4L (in robot, self-empties to base) |
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark AV1010AE IQ | Roomba i6+ |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 14.69″ L x 10.24″ W x 19.37″ H | 13.34” x 13.26” x 3.63” (Robot) |
| Weight | 18 lbs | 7.44 lbs (Robot) |
| Battery Type | Lithium-Ion | Lithium-Ion |
| Runtime | Not Specified | ~90 minutes |
| Recharge Time | ~300 minutes | ~180 minutes |
| Dirt Disposal Type | Bagless | Bagged |
| Dirt Disposal Capacity | XL Self-Empty Base (45 days) | Clean Base (60 days) |
| Navigation Technology | IQ Navigation with Total Home Mapping | vSLAM Visual Navigation |
| App Connectivity | SharkClean App | iRobot HOME App |
| Voice Control | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Filter Type | High-Efficiency Filter | High-Efficiency Filter |
| Brush Type | Multi-Surface Brushroll | Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes |
| Warranty | Not Specified | 1-Year Limited Warranty |
Price Comparison
The Shark AV1010AE IQ typically retails for a lower price than the Roomba i6+. The Shark AV1010AE IQ can often be found on sale for around $300, while the Roomba i6+ generally costs between $500 and $600.
Shark AV1010AE IQ Value Proposition: The Shark AV1010AE IQ offers a strong value proposition for budget-conscious consumers who want the convenience of a self-emptying robot vacuum without the high price tag. Its bagless design reduces long-term costs, and its smart features provide a good balance of performance and convenience.
Roomba i6+ Value Proposition: The Roomba i6+ provides a premium cleaning experience with its advanced features, superior cleaning performance, and smart home integration. While it comes at a higher upfront cost, its long-lasting performance and advanced capabilities may justify the investment for those who prioritize cleaning effectiveness and convenience.
Design and Build Quality
Shark AV1010AE IQ: The Shark AV1010AE IQ features a sleek, low-profile design that allows it to easily navigate under furniture. It has a durable build quality, capable of withstanding everyday use. The bagless self-emptying base is compact and easy to maintain.
Roomba i6+: The Roomba i6+ sports a classic round design with a silver and black finish. Its build quality is robust, ensuring longevity. The Clean Base is larger than the Shark’s base due to its bagged system. The Roomba i6+ includes simple controls on top of the vacuum and additional controls via the Roomba app.
Design and Build Quality Winner: Both vacuums offer solid build quality and functional designs. The choice depends on aesthetic preference and space considerations for the base.
Performance Face-Off
Cleaning Performance on Hard Floors
The Shark AV1010AE IQ performs well on hard floors, effectively picking up dust, dirt, and small debris. Its edge-cleaning capabilities are enhanced by dual side brushes that pull in debris from edges and corners. However, some tests indicate it may scatter some debris.
The Roomba i6+ also delivers excellent cleaning performance on hard floors, efficiently removing dirt and dust. Its dual multi-surface rubber brushes adjust and flex to stay in constant contact with hard floors. User reviews and tests reveal it picks up around 98% of the debris.
Hard Floor Cleaning Winner: Both are effective, but Roomba i6+ may have a slight edge due to its consistent contact with the floor.
Cleaning Performance on Carpets
The Shark AV1010AE IQ’s multi-surface brushroll and powerful suction make it effective at cleaning carpets, removing pet hair and embedded dirt. However, some reviews note it may struggle with heavier debris.
The Roomba i6+ excels on carpets, using its premium 3-stage cleaning system and 10X the Power-Lifting Suction to pull in stubborn dirt and messes. Its Dirt Detect technology focuses on dirtier areas, ensuring a thorough clean.
Carpet Cleaning Winner: Roomba i6+ provides superior carpet cleaning performance.
Pet Hair Cleaning
Both vacuums are suitable for pet owners. The Shark AV1010AE IQ’s high-efficiency filter traps dust, dander, and allergens, making it a good choice for homes with pets.
The Roomba i6+ features unique dual multi-surface rubber brushes that don’t get tangled with pet hair, and its high-efficiency filter traps 99% of cat and dog dander allergens.
Pet Hair Cleaning Winner: Roomba i6+ is slightly better due to its tangle-free brush design and high-efficiency filtration.
Navigation and Mapping
The Shark AV1010AE IQ uses IQ Navigation to map your home and clean in rows. It allows users to set no-go zones in the app to avoid certain areas.
The Roomba i6+ employs Imprint Smart Mapping to learn your home’s layout, enabling customized cleaning schedules and targeted cleaning of specific rooms. It also features keep-out zones to avoid sensitive areas.
Navigation and Mapping Winner: Roomba i6+ offers more advanced mapping and customization options.
Special Features Comparison
Shark AV1010AE IQ:
- Bagless Self-Emptying: Reduces long-term costs by eliminating the need for replacement bags.
- Faster Mapping: Faster mapping speed for a quicker total home map.
Roomba i6+:
- Imprint Link Technology: Allows the Roomba i6+ to team up with the Braava jet m6 robot mop for a comprehensive cleaning solution.
- Dirt Detect Technology: Focuses on dirtier areas, ensuring a thorough clean.
- Smart Recharge and Resume: The robot recharges and resumes cleaning where it left off.
Special Features Winner: Roomba i6+ has the edge with its integration capabilities and targeted cleaning technology.
Usability and User Experience
Shark AV1010AE IQ: The Shark AV1010AE IQ is easy to set up and use, with a straightforward app interface. Scheduling cleanings, setting no-go zones, and controlling the robot via voice commands are simple and intuitive.
Roomba i6+: The Roomba i6+ also offers a user-friendly experience, with a robust app that provides access to advanced features such as customized cleaning schedules, targeted cleaning, and keep-out zones. The app is well-designed and easy to navigate.
Usability and User Experience Winner: Both are user-friendly, but Roomba’s app offers more advanced customization.
Maintenance and Longevity
Shark AV1010AE IQ: The Shark AV1010AE IQ requires regular emptying of the bagless base and cleaning of the brushroll and filters. Recurring costs are relatively low due to the bagless design.
Roomba i6+: The Roomba i6+ requires replacement of the dirt disposal bags in the Clean Base, as well as regular cleaning of the brushrolls and filters. Replacement parts and accessories are widely available.
Maintenance and Longevity Winner: Shark AV1010AE IQ has lower maintenance costs due to its bagless design.
Who Should Buy Shark AV1010AE IQ?
The Shark AV1010AE IQ is the better choice for:
- Budget-conscious consumers seeking a self-emptying robot vacuum.
- Those who prefer a bagless dirt disposal system.
- Users who want a reliable robot vacuum with smart mapping and voice control.
- Smaller homes.
Who Should Buy Roomba i6+?
The Roomba i6+ is the better choice for:
- Users who prioritize superior cleaning performance and advanced features.
- Those who want a seamless integration with other smart home devices.
- Pet owners who need a robot vacuum that can handle pet hair effectively.
- Larger homes.
Final Recommendation
Both the Shark AV1010AE IQ and the Roomba i6+ are excellent self-emptying robot vacuums that offer a convenient way to keep your floors clean. The Shark AV1010AE IQ stands out for its affordability and bagless design, making it a great value for budget-conscious consumers. However, the Roomba i6+ provides superior cleaning performance, advanced smart features, and a more comprehensive cleaning solution, justifying its higher price point for those who prioritize top-tier performance.
In summary, if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable self-emptying robot vacuum, the Shark AV1010AE IQ is a solid choice. If you’re willing to invest more for a premium cleaning experience and advanced features, the Roomba i6+ is the better option.
