Shark AV911S EZ vs AV1002AE

Robot vacuums have become indispensable tools for maintaining clean homes with minimal effort. Shark, a well-known brand in the cleaning appliance industry, offers a range of robotic vacuums designed to tackle various cleaning needs. Two popular models are the Shark AV911S EZ and the Shark AV1002AE. While both promise automated cleaning and self-emptying convenience, understanding their differences is crucial to choosing the right one for your home. This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.

These Shark robot vacuums target homeowners, pet owners, and busy individuals seeking a hands-free cleaning solution. The AV911S EZ and AV1002AE both offer self-emptying bases, reducing the frequency of manual dustbin emptying. However, they differ in navigation technology, cleaning performance, and smart features. Consumers looking for an affordable, entry-level robot vacuum with basic navigation might consider the AV911S EZ, while those prioritizing smarter navigation, potentially better cleaning on carpets, and advanced features may lean towards the AV1002AE. This comparison aims to clarify these differences, enabling you to select the Shark robot vacuum that best aligns with your specific needs and budget.

Quick Verdict

• For Budget-Conscious Buyers: The Shark AV911S EZ is the better choice due to its lower price point while still offering self-emptying convenience and row-by-row cleaning.
• For Smarter Navigation and Home Mapping: The Shark AV1002AE wins with its IQ Navigation and Total Home Mapping, allowing for more efficient cleaning and targeted room selection.
• For a balance of price and features : The Shark AV1002AE is the better choice. It offers slightly better performance and smart navigation.

Short Review of Shark AV911S EZ

The Shark AV911S EZ Robot Vacuum is designed for convenience and ease of use, targeting users who want to automate their basic floor cleaning. Its self-emptying base can hold up to 30 days of dirt and debris, significantly reducing the need for manual maintenance. The AV911S EZ uses row-by-row cleaning to ensure complete coverage, methodically moving from room to room. It is compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for voice-controlled operation, and can also be controlled via the SharkClean app.

This model features a multi-surface brushroll that effectively pulls in dirt and debris from both carpets and hard floors, along with dual spinning side brushes to clean edges and corners. It also includes cliff sensors to prevent falls from stairs and ledges. Although it offers solid cleaning performance, some user reviews indicate that its mapping capabilities and overall navigation are not as advanced as some higher-end models. However, for those seeking a straightforward, self-emptying robot vacuum at an affordable price, the AV911S EZ is a compelling option.

Short Review of Shark AV1002AE

The Shark AV1002AE, part of the Shark IQ Robot series, offers a step up in smart cleaning capabilities compared to the AV911S EZ. It boasts IQ Navigation with Total Home Mapping, which allows it to map your home and clean row by row, room to room, with greater efficiency. This model also self-empties into a bagless base that can hold up to 45 days of dirt and debris, further reducing maintenance.

The AV1002AE excels in its ability to be controlled via the SharkClean app or through voice commands with Alexa and Google Assistant, providing flexibility in scheduling and targeted cleaning. It features a self-cleaning brushroll designed to minimize hair tangles, making it a great option for pet owners. While it may come at a slightly higher price point than the AV911S EZ, the advanced navigation, improved mapping, and self-cleaning brushroll make the AV1002AE a worthwhile investment for those seeking a more intelligent and convenient cleaning solution.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Navigation: The AV1002AE features IQ Navigation with Total Home Mapping for smarter, more efficient cleaning, while the AV911S EZ uses a more basic row-by-row cleaning pattern.
• Self-Empty Base: The AV1002AE’s base holds up to 45 days of debris, compared to the AV911S EZ’s 30-day capacity.
• Brushroll: The AV1002AE has a self-cleaning brushroll designed to minimize hair tangles, a feature not found on the AV911S EZ.
• Mapping: AV1002AE allows users to select specific rooms to clean immediately or schedule whole-home cleaning through the app, a feature not as robust in the AV911S EZ.
• Price: The AV911S EZ is generally more affordable than the AV1002AE.

Specifications Comparison

Price Comparison

The Shark AV911S EZ typically retails for a lower price than the Shark AV1002AE. The AV911S EZ often is seen as an entry-level option, while the AV1002AE is positioned as a mid-range model with more advanced features.

• Shark AV911S EZ: Generally found for around $250-$350.
• Shark AV1002AE: Typically priced between $350-$450.

Considering the price difference, the AV911S EZ offers a strong value proposition for those primarily seeking self-emptying convenience and basic automated cleaning. However, the AV1002AE’s advanced navigation, self-cleaning brushroll, and larger base capacity may justify the higher cost for users who prioritize smarter cleaning and reduced maintenance.

Design and Build Quality

Both the Shark AV911S EZ and AV1002AE share a similar circular design, constructed with durable plastic materials. They are lightweight and have a low profile, enabling them to navigate under furniture with ease. Their build quality is comparable, with both models designed to withstand regular use.

• Aesthetics: Both models feature a sleek, modern design that blends well with most home decors. The AV911S EZ typically comes in a gray finish, while the AV1002AE often sports a black or dark gray color scheme.
• Materials: Both are made from high-quality plastics that ensure longevity.
• Durability: User reviews suggest that both models are durable and reliable for daily cleaning tasks.
• Ergonomics: The self-emptying base design in both models is a significant ergonomic advantage, reducing the need for frequent manual dustbin emptying.

Performance Face-Off

Cleaning Performance on Hard Floors

Both the AV911S EZ and AV1002AE perform well on hard floors, effectively picking up dust, dirt, and small debris. The dual spinning side brushes on both models help to sweep debris from edges and corners into the path of the brushroll.

• AV911S EZ: Provides thorough cleaning with its multi-surface brushroll, ensuring most surface debris is captured.
• AV1002AE: The self-cleaning brushroll aids in maintaining consistent cleaning performance by preventing hair tangles, which can reduce suction power over time.

Cleaning Performance on Carpets

The AV1002AE has a slight edge in carpet cleaning due to its more advanced navigation and self-cleaning brushroll.

• AV911S EZ: Effectively cleans low-pile carpets but may struggle with deeply embedded dirt in high-pile carpets.
• AV1002AE: The self-cleaning brushroll maintains better contact with the carpet surface, providing more consistent suction and debris removal, particularly for pet hair.

Pet Hair

Both vacuums are marketed as being suitable for pet owners, but the AV1002AE’s self-cleaning brushroll offers a distinct advantage.

• AV911S EZ: Can pick up pet hair, but the brushroll may require more frequent manual cleaning to remove tangled hair.
• AV1002AE: The self-cleaning brushroll is designed to handle pet hair more efficiently, reducing the need for manual maintenance and ensuring consistent performance.

Navigation and Coverage

The primary difference in performance lies in their navigation capabilities.

• AV911S EZ: Uses a basic row-by-row cleaning pattern, which may sometimes result in missed spots or less efficient cleaning paths.
• AV1002AE: With IQ Navigation and Total Home Mapping, it intelligently maps your home, allowing for more thorough coverage and targeted cleaning of specific rooms or areas.

Special Features Comparison

• Shark AV911S EZ:
  • Self-Empty Base: Holds up to 30 days of dirt and debris.
  • Row-by-Row Cleaning: Ensures complete coverage.
  • App/Voice Control: Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.
• Shark AV1002AE:
  • Self-Empty Base: Holds up to 45 days of dirt and debris.
  • IQ Navigation with Total Home Mapping: Intelligent mapping for efficient cleaning.
  • Self-Cleaning Brushroll: Minimizes hair tangles.
  • App/Voice Control: Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, offering advanced scheduling and room selection.

The AV1002AE’s IQ Navigation and self-cleaning brushroll are significant advantages, providing a more intelligent and low-maintenance cleaning experience.

Usability and User Experience

Both robot vacuums are designed for ease of use, but the AV1002AE offers a more streamlined user experience due to its smart features.

• Shark AV911S EZ: Simple to set up and operate, making it suitable for users who prefer a straightforward, no-frills cleaning solution.
• Shark AV1002AE: The Total Home Mapping feature allows for easy customization of cleaning schedules and targeted room cleaning, providing greater control over the cleaning process.

The AV1002AE is better suited for users who want advanced control and customization, while the AV911S EZ is ideal for those seeking a basic, automated cleaning solution.

Maintenance and Longevity

Both models require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.

• Shark AV911S EZ: Requires periodic cleaning of the brushroll and emptying of the self-empty base.
• Shark AV1002AE: The self-cleaning brushroll reduces the frequency of manual brushroll cleaning. The larger capacity of the self-empty base also means less frequent emptying.

Both models have similar maintenance requirements, but the AV1002AE’s self-cleaning brushroll offers a slight edge in reducing maintenance effort. The lifespan of both models depends on usage and maintenance, but both are generally reliable.

Who Should Buy [Product A]?

The Shark AV911S EZ is best for:

• Budget-conscious buyers: Those looking for an affordable robot vacuum with self-emptying capabilities.
• Small homes or apartments: Where advanced navigation is not essential.
• Users who prefer simplicity: Those who want a straightforward, easy-to-use robot vacuum without complex features.

Who Should Buy [Product B]?

The Shark AV1002AE is best for:

• Users with larger homes: Where efficient navigation and targeted cleaning are important.
• Pet owners: The self-cleaning brushroll is ideal for managing pet hair.
• Tech-savvy users: Those who want advanced control and customization through the app and voice control.
• Those willing to spend more: For a more intelligent and low-maintenance cleaning solution.

Final Recommendation

The choice between the Shark AV911S EZ and AV1002AE depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for an affordable, no-frills robot vacuum with self-emptying convenience, the AV911S EZ is a solid option. However, if you’re willing to invest more for advanced navigation, a self-cleaning brushroll, and a more streamlined user experience, the Shark AV1002AE is the better choice. It offers a more intelligent and efficient cleaning solution, particularly for larger homes and pet owners.