Shark RV871 vs RV750: Robotic Vacuum Showdown

The Shark RV871 and RV750 are both robotic vacuums designed to automate floor cleaning, but they cater to slightly different user needs and preferences. The RV750, part of the Shark ION Robot 700 series, is a more basic model focused on providing a reliable cleaning experience at a more accessible price point. It’s ideal for those who want a hands-off approach to daily cleaning without needing advanced features. On the other hand, the RV871 offers enhanced connectivity and control features, appealing to tech-savvy users who want to integrate their cleaning appliances into a smart home ecosystem. The RV871 also boasts a larger dustbin.

Both models promise to keep your floors free of dust, debris, and pet hair, but their differences in navigation, control, and capacity make them suitable for different households. The RV750 relies on a more random navigation pattern, suitable for smaller spaces or for those who don’t mind a less systematic cleaning approach. The RV871, while still employing a similar navigation style, offers the convenience of smartphone app control and voice assistant integration. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your budget, the size of your home, and your desire for smart features.

Quick Verdict

• For Budget-Conscious Users: The RV750 offers essential cleaning capabilities at a lower price.
• For Smart Home Integration: The RV871 provides app control and voice assistant compatibility.
• For Larger Homes: The RV871 has larger dustbin, meaning less frequent emptying.
• For Deep Carpet Cleaning: Neither model excels, but both are adequate for surface debris.

Short Review of the Shark RV871

The Shark RV871 is a Wi-Fi-enabled robotic vacuum designed for multi-surface cleaning. It boasts a decent build quality and a runtime of up to 90 minutes. Its key strengths lie in its smart features, allowing users to control the vacuum remotely via the SharkClean app or through voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The RV871 is equipped with proximity sensors to avoid collisions and cliff sensors to prevent falls, making it suitable for homes with stairs.

The RV871 excels at picking up pet hair, with a multi-surface brushroll designed to handle both long and short hair. Its extra-large dustbin reduces the frequency of emptying, making it convenient for busy households. While its navigation is somewhat random, it effectively cleans along edges and under furniture. Overall, the RV871 is a reliable and user-friendly option for those seeking a smart and efficient cleaning solution.

Short Review of the Shark RV750

The Shark RV750 is a robot vacuum designed for both carpets and bare floors, offering adequate cleaning performance on both surfaces. It includes simple controls directly on the unit, such as “Clean,” “Dock,” and “Spot” buttons. It can also be controlled via the Shark ION Robot App. Its compact design allows it to easily navigate under low furniture, such as beds.

The RV750 comes with two side brushes that help direct debris into the path of the main brushroll. The vacuum is equipped with cliff sensors that prevent it from falling off edges, such as stairs. Battery life allows for about one hour of cleaning per charge, and it automatically returns to the dock to recharge when the battery is low.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Connectivity: RV871 has Wi-Fi, app control, and voice assistant integration, while RV750 lacks these features.
• Dustbin Capacity: RV871 has a larger dustbin (0.6 quarts) compared to RV750 (0.45 quarts).
• Navigation: Both use random navigation, but RV871 may have slightly improved edge cleaning.
• Control: RV871 is controlled via the SharkClean app and voice assistants; RV750 has on-device controls.
• Price: RV750 is typically more affordable than RV871.
• Model Series: RV871 is part of the 800 series, while RV750 is part of the 700 series, implying potential performance differences.

Specifications Comparison

Price Comparison

The Shark RV750 is generally priced lower than the RV871. While prices can fluctuate based on retailers and promotions, the RV750 typically offers a more budget-friendly entry point into the world of robotic vacuums. However, it’s important to consider the value proposition. The RV871’s added features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, and a larger dustbin, may justify the higher cost for users who prioritize convenience and smart home integration. For users on a tight budget who simply want a basic cleaning robot, the RV750 provides a good cost-to-feature ratio.

Design and Build Quality

Both the Shark RV871 and RV750 share a similar circular design with a low profile, enabling them to navigate under furniture with ease. They are constructed with durable plastic materials that can withstand daily use. The RV871 has a sleek, black finish. Both models include a bumper system to protect furniture and walls from damage during cleaning.

The build quality of both models is decent, though neither feels exceptionally premium. The key design difference lies in the control interface. The RV871 features a minimalist design with fewer on-device buttons, relying more on app control, while the RV750 has more prominent on-device controls for basic functions. The dustbin removal and brushroll access are straightforward on both models, making maintenance relatively simple.

Performance Face-Off

Bare Floor Cleaning

Both the RV871 and RV750 perform well on bare floors, effectively picking up small and large debris. However, the RV871’s slightly enhanced suction and potentially improved brushroll design may give it a slight edge in capturing fine dust and particles.

Low-Pile Carpet Cleaning

Neither model is exceptional on low-pile carpets, but both can handle surface-level dirt and debris. The RV871’s more powerful suction may provide a marginal improvement in pet hair pickup, but neither is ideal for homes with heavy shedding.

High-Pile Carpet Cleaning

Both vacuums struggle with high-pile carpets. The RV750 may have difficulty moving over high-pile carpet. Neither vacuum has the deep-cleaning power necessary to effectively remove embedded dirt and debris from thicker carpets.

Edge Cleaning

Both models are designed with edge-cleaning capabilities, using side brushes to sweep debris from along walls and corners into the vacuum’s path. The RV871’s slightly refined design might offer a small advantage in this area.

Pet Hair

Both can pick up pet hair but may require multiple passes. Pet hair may also get tangled in the brushrolls, requiring regular cleaning.

Special Features Comparison

• Shark RV871: The standout feature is its Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling control via the SharkClean app. This allows users to start, stop, schedule cleanings, and monitor the vacuum’s status remotely. Voice control integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant further enhances convenience.
• Shark RV750: The RV750 lacks smart features, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. Its main advantage is its affordability.

Usability and User Experience

The Shark RV871 offers a more streamlined user experience for those comfortable with smartphone apps. Scheduling cleanings, adjusting settings, and receiving notifications are all easily managed through the SharkClean app. Voice control adds another layer of convenience, allowing users to start cleaning with a simple command.

The Shark RV750 is straightforward to use, with intuitive on-device controls. It’s a good option for users who prefer a simple, no-frills approach and don’t want to rely on a smartphone app. The lack of advanced features also means a shorter learning curve.

Maintenance and Longevity

Both the RV871 and RV750 require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. This includes emptying the dustbin after each cleaning session, cleaning the brushroll to remove tangled hair and debris, and wiping down the sensors to maintain accurate navigation.

The lithium-ion batteries in both models are replaceable, extending the lifespan of the vacuums. Shark offers a one-year limited warranty for both the RV871 and RV750, protecting against manufacturing defects.

Who Should Buy the Shark RV871?

• Tech-savvy users who want to integrate their cleaning appliances into a smart home ecosystem.
• Users who want remote control and scheduling capabilities via a smartphone app.
• Homeowners with larger spaces who will benefit from the larger dustbin capacity.
• Those who value voice control integration with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Who Should Buy the Shark RV750?

• Budget-conscious shoppers looking for an affordable robotic vacuum.
• Users who prefer a simple, no-frills approach to cleaning.
• Those who don’t need or want smart features like app control and voice integration.
• Owners of smaller homes or apartments where the smaller dustbin capacity is sufficient.

Final Recommendation

Both the Shark RV871 and RV750 are capable robotic vacuums that offer a hands-free approach to floor cleaning. The Shark RV871 is the better choice for users who want smart features, remote control, and a larger dustbin, making it suitable for larger homes and tech-integrated lifestyles. The Shark RV750 remains a solid option for those seeking affordability and simplicity, providing essential cleaning capabilities without the added bells and whistles.