The Shark RV700 ION Robot Vacuum is designed as an affordable entry point into the world of automated cleaning. It promises to keep your floors tidy with minimal effort, offering features like a self-cleaning brushroll and smart sensor navigation. While it presents a convenient solution for everyday upkeep, it’s essential to understand its limitations, especially when compared to higher-end models with more advanced technology. This review will delve into the RV700’s design, performance, battery life, and overall value to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your home.
The RV700 aims to simplify your cleaning routine by autonomously navigating your floors and picking up dirt, dust, and debris. It’s positioned as a practical option for those seeking a basic robot vacuum without the premium price tag. However, its random pathing and limited features mean it may not be the most efficient or thorough cleaner on the market. For users with specific needs, such as extensive pet hair or multi-story homes, more advanced models might be necessary. Let’s break down what the Shark RV700 ION brings to the table and where it falls short.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Pros: Long battery life, physical boundary strips included, decent build quality, performs well on bare floors.
- Cons: Struggles with pet hair, inefficient navigation, mediocre performance on carpets, high recurring costs due to maintenance.
- Verdict: A basic robot vacuum best suited for homes with mostly bare floors and light cleaning needs. Score: 6.8/10
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | RV700 (various sub-models like RV750, RV761) |
| Dimensions | 12.4″ x 12.6″ x 3.54″ |
| Weight | 5.51 lbs |
| Battery Runtime | Up to 3 hours in Eco mode, around 2 hours in Max mode |
| Charge Time | Approximately 2 hours |
| Dustbin Capacity | 1.5 L |
| Filter | HEPA |
| Navigation | Random pathing with smart sensor navigation |
| Floor Types | Bare floors, low-pile carpets, high-pile carpets |
| Special Features | Boundary strips, self-cleaning brushroll, Wi-Fi connectivity (select models) |
| Cord Type | Cordless |
| Smart Home Protocol | Wi-Fi |
| Voltage | 12 V |
Price and Availability
The Shark RV700 ION Robot Vacuum is often found at a budget-friendly price point, typically ranging from $139.99 for new models without a remote to around $65 for pre-owned units. It is available through major online retailers such as:
- eBay
- Walmart
- Amazon
Prices and availability may vary, so it’s advisable to check multiple sources for the best deals.
Design and Build Quality
![Shark ION Robot RV700 Series [RV750, RV761] Review - RTINGS.com](https://i.rtings.com/assets/products/rbPwvGtZ/shark-ion-robot-rv700-series-rv750-rv761/design-medium.jpg?format=auto)
The Shark RV700 ION Robot Vacuum sports a typical disc-shaped design common among robot vacuums. Its all-black exterior gives it a relatively refined look. Measuring approximately 12.4 inches in length, 12.6 inches in width, and 3.54 inches in height, it’s designed to fit under furniture, though its height might limit its ability to reach under very low-clearance items.
The build quality is decent for its price range. It feels reasonably sturdy, but it doesn’t match the premium feel of higher-end models like the iRobot Roomba j7. The RV700 includes two small side brushes that sweep along edges and a self-cleaning brushroll designed to minimize hair tangles. The dustbin is easy to access and empty, though its relatively small capacity (1.5L) means you’ll likely need to empty it after each cleaning session.
Compared to previous Shark models, the RV700 represents a step into the robot vacuum market, focusing on simplicity and affordability. However, it lacks the advanced features and robust build of newer Shark models like the IQ Robot or AI Robot series.
Performance and Features
The Shark RV700 ION Robot Vacuum is designed for multi-surface cleaning, but its performance varies depending on the floor type. It is equipped with a HEPA filter, which helps to trap allergens and dust particles.
Bare Floors
The RV700 performs adequately on bare floors, effectively picking up small and bulky debris. However, it struggles with pet hair, which tends to get caught in the brushroll, brush guard, and wheels rather than being sucked into the dustbin. Its maneuverability is also mediocre, making it difficult to navigate around obstructions like electrical cords.
Carpets
On low-pile carpets, the RV700’s performance is inadequate. It has difficulty cleaning pet hair and struggles with both fine and large debris. The vacuum also tends to drag around or get stuck on obstacles like rugs or power cables. For high-pile carpets, the RV700 fares slightly better with larger debris but still struggles with fine debris and pet hair. Some material may also get stuck at the back of its brush guard.
Navigation
The RV700 uses a random pathing navigation system, which means it cleans somewhat inefficiently. It bounces off surfaces and obstacles, sometimes missing spots or repeatedly going over the same areas. The smart sensors help it slow down before reaching larger objects, but it can still get stuck under furniture or in tight spaces. The included boundary strips can be used to keep the robot out of certain areas.
Cleaning Modes
The Shark RV700 ION has a few cleaning modes: Clean, Dock, and Spot. The Clean mode starts a normal cleaning cycle, while the Dock mode sends the robot back to its charging station. The Spot mode is designed for concentrated cleaning in a specific area.
Battery Life
The Shark RV700 ION boasts a long battery life, which is one of its standout features.
- Eco Mode: In its energy-efficient “Eco” mode, it can run for approximately 3 hours.
- Max Mode: In “Max” suction power mode, the runtime is around 2 hours.
The vacuum has three battery indicator lights on top, providing an estimate of the remaining charge. The battery takes about 2 hours to fully recharge.
Software and User Experience
Some models of the Shark RV700 ION Robot Vacuum come with Wi-Fi connectivity and can be controlled via the SharkClean app. The app allows you to start and stop cleaning, schedule cleaning sessions, and monitor the robot’s progress. However, some users have reported issues with Wi-Fi connectivity.
The RV700 can also be controlled via voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing for hands-free operation. The user experience is generally straightforward, but the lack of advanced features like smart home mapping may disappoint some users.
Comparison to Competitors
When compared to other robot vacuums in the same price range, the Shark RV700 ION has its strengths and weaknesses.
- iRobot Roomba 675: The Roomba 675 feels better built, has less demanding maintenance requirements, and maneuvers itself more effectively. However, the Shark has a longer battery life, a larger dustbin, and comes with boundary strips.
- iRobot Roomba j7: The Roomba j7 is significantly more expensive but offers advanced features like smart mapping, virtual boundary lines, and a self-emptying base station (j7+ model). The Shark, however, incurs lower recurring costs and is easier to store.
Overall, the Shark RV700 ION is a decent option for those seeking an affordable robot vacuum, but it lacks the advanced features and performance of higher-end models.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Includes physical boundary strips
- Decent build quality
- Good performance on bare floors
Cons:
- Struggles with pet hair
- Inefficient navigation
- Mediocre performance on carpets
- High recurring costs and demanding maintenance
Value for Money
The Shark RV700 ION Robot Vacuum offers good value for money for those seeking a basic, no-frills robot vacuum. Its long battery life and decent performance on bare floors make it suitable for homes with minimal carpeting and light cleaning needs. However, its struggles with pet hair and carpets mean it may not be the best option for pet owners or those with heavily carpeted homes.
Verdict
The Shark RV700 ION Robot Vacuum is a budget-friendly option that provides adequate cleaning for bare floors and light messes. Its long battery life and included boundary strips are definite advantages. However, its struggles with carpets, pet hair, and inefficient navigation limit its overall effectiveness. If you’re looking for a simple, affordable robot vacuum for basic cleaning tasks, the RV700 is worth considering. However, if you have more demanding cleaning needs, you may want to invest in a higher-end model with more advanced features.
