The Shark ION Robot Vacuum 720 aims to deliver convenient, automated cleaning at a competitive price point. Positioned as an entry-level robotic vacuum, it promises to tackle everyday dirt and debris on both hard floors and carpets. While it lacks some of the advanced features found in higher-end models, the ION 720 focuses on providing reliable cleaning performance and ease of use for those new to the world of robotic vacuums. It represents a practical solution for busy individuals and families seeking to maintain cleaner floors with minimal effort, integrating seamlessly into daily routines.
With its focus on simplicity and affordability, the Shark ION 720 stands as a viable option for individuals seeking a straightforward robotic vacuuming experience. It doesn’t boast advanced mapping or app-controlled functionalities, but instead concentrates on dependable cleaning capabilities. This approach positions the ION 720 as a strong contender in the budget-friendly segment of the robotic vacuum market, delivering essential features without overwhelming users with unnecessary complexity. This review dives into the specifics of the Shark ION 720, evaluating its design, performance, battery life, and overall value to help you determine if it’s the right cleaning companion for your home.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Reliable Cleaning Performance: Consistently picks up dirt and debris on both hard floors and carpets.
- Simple Operation: Easy to set up and use, even for those new to robotic vacuums.
- Good Battery Life: Offers a respectable run time for cleaning most homes on a single charge.
- Low Profile Design: Navigates under furniture with ease, reaching difficult-to-access areas.
- Value for Money: Provides a solid balance of performance and features at an affordable price point.
Verdict: 7.8/10
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | RV720 |
| Dimensions | 12.6″ x 12.6″ x 3.5″ |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | 2500 mAh |
| Run Time | Up to 90 minutes |
| Charge Time | 3 hours |
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.45 liters |
| Filter Type | Standard Filter |
| Floor Types | Hard floor, Carpet |
| Cleaning Modes | Auto, Spot, Edge |
| Navigation | Random |
| App Control | No |
| Voice Control | No |
| Cliff Sensors | Yes |
| Obstacle Detection | Bumper |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Price and Availability
The Shark ION Robot Vacuum 720 typically retails for around $229.99 but can often be found on sale for closer to $179.99. It’s widely available at major retailers such as:
- Amazon: Often offers the most competitive pricing and free shipping for Prime members.
- Walmart: Frequently has the ION 720 in stock both online and in-store.
- Target: Carries the ION 720 and may offer discounts or promotions through its Target Circle program.
- SharkClean.com: Direct from the manufacturer, sometimes with exclusive bundles or offers.
Keep an eye out for seasonal sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, where the ION 720 is often heavily discounted. Refurbished models are also sometimes available at lower prices, but be sure to check the seller’s warranty and return policy before purchasing.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark ION 720 sports a classic round robotic vacuum design, measuring 12.6 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches in height. Its low-profile allows it to easily navigate under sofas, beds, and other furniture where traditional vacuums struggle to reach. The body is constructed primarily of durable plastic, with a matte finish on top that helps to resist scratches and fingerprints. The overall build quality feels solid, although not quite as premium as some of the higher-end competitors.
On the top of the unit, you’ll find a simple control panel with buttons for power, cleaning mode selection, and docking. A dustbin release button is also conveniently located on top for easy emptying. The underside features two spinning side brushes that sweep debris into the path of the main brushroll. Cliff sensors are strategically placed around the perimeter to prevent the robot from falling down stairs.
Compared to previous Shark robot vacuum models, the ION 720 features a slightly refined design with smoother lines and a more modern aesthetic. However, it lacks the advanced features like virtual boundaries or zone cleaning found in higher-end models like the Shark IQ Robot. Compared to competitors like the Roomba 675, the ION 720 offers a similar level of build quality and a slightly more compact design.
Performance and Features
The Shark ION 720 focuses on delivering consistent and reliable cleaning performance without overwhelming users with advanced features. Its core strength lies in its ability to effectively pick up dirt, dust, and debris on a variety of floor types.
Cleaning Performance
In testing, the ION 720 demonstrated strong cleaning capabilities on both hard floors and carpets. On hard floors, it effectively captured loose debris, crumbs, and pet hair with minimal scattering. The spinning side brushes did a good job of sweeping dirt from edges and corners into the path of the main brushroll. On carpets, the ION 720 was able to remove embedded dirt and pet hair, although it may require multiple passes for heavily soiled areas.
While the ION 720 uses a random navigation pattern, it covers most areas of a room effectively over time. However, it may occasionally miss spots or get stuck in tight spaces. The lack of advanced mapping features means it doesn’t clean in a systematic pattern, which can result in slightly longer cleaning times compared to robots with more sophisticated navigation.
Cleaning Modes
The ION 720 offers three cleaning modes:
- Auto: The default mode, where the robot cleans in a random pattern until the battery is low.
- Spot: Focuses on cleaning a specific area by spiraling outward from a starting point.
- Edge: Concentrates on cleaning along walls and edges of the room.
The spot cleaning mode is useful for quickly cleaning up spills or messes in a localized area. The edge mode helps to ensure that dirt and debris along walls and baseboards are thoroughly cleaned.
Obstacle Avoidance
The ION 720 uses a bumper system for obstacle detection. When it encounters an object, it gently bumps into it and then changes direction. While this system works reasonably well, it’s not as sophisticated as the object recognition technology found in some higher-end robots. The ION 720 may occasionally get stuck under furniture or struggle to navigate around complex obstacles.
Battery Life
The Shark ION 720 is equipped with a lithium-ion battery that provides up to 90 minutes of run time on a single charge. In testing, the actual run time varied depending on the floor type and cleaning mode. On hard floors, the ION 720 consistently achieved run times of around 80-90 minutes. On carpets, the run time decreased to around 60-70 minutes due to the increased power required to clean carpets.
The ION 720 takes approximately 3 hours to fully charge. It automatically returns to its charging dock when the battery is low.
Software and User Experience
The Shark ION 720 is designed for simplicity and ease of use. It does not have app control or voice control capabilities. All functions are controlled via the buttons on the robot itself.
Setting up the ION 720 is straightforward. Simply attach the side brushes, place the charging dock against a wall, and let the robot charge fully before its first use. Scheduling cleaning sessions is not possible, as the ION 720 lacks a scheduling feature.
Emptying the dustbin is a simple process. The dustbin is easily accessible via the release button on top of the robot. The filter can be removed and cleaned periodically to maintain optimal performance.
Comparison to Competitors
Shark ION 720 vs. iRobot Roomba 675
The iRobot Roomba 675 is a direct competitor to the Shark ION 720, offering a similar set of features and performance at a comparable price point. The Roomba 675 features iAdapt navigation, which is slightly more efficient than the ION 720’s random navigation. However, the ION 720 offers a slightly longer run time and a lower profile design.
Shark ION 720 vs. Eufy RoboVac 11S
The Eufy RoboVac 11S is another popular budget-friendly robotic vacuum. It boasts a slim design and quiet operation. While the RoboVac 11S offers excellent value for money, the ION 720 provides slightly better cleaning performance on carpets.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Reliable cleaning performance
- Long battery life
- Low profile design
- Simple to use
Cons:
- Random navigation
- No app or voice control
- Basic obstacle avoidance
- No scheduling feature
Value for Money
The Shark ION 720 offers excellent value for money. It delivers reliable cleaning performance and a long battery life at an affordable price point. While it lacks some of the advanced features found in higher-end models, it provides a solid cleaning experience for those new to robotic vacuums.
Who should buy this product:
- Individuals or families looking for an affordable and easy-to-use robotic vacuum.
- Those with mostly hard floors or low-pile carpets.
- People who want a simple cleaning solution without the need for advanced features like app control or mapping.
Who should look elsewhere:
- Those who want advanced features like app control, mapping, or virtual boundaries.
- People with large homes or complex floor plans that require more efficient navigation.
- Those who need a robotic vacuum with strong suction for high-pile carpets or pet hair.
Verdict
The Shark ION Robot Vacuum 720 is a solid choice for anyone seeking an affordable and reliable robotic vacuum. Its strong cleaning performance, long battery life, and simple operation make it an excellent value for money. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of higher-end models, it delivers on its core promise of convenient, automated cleaning. For those new to the world of robotic vacuums or those simply looking for a budget-friendly option, the ION 720 is definitely worth considering.
Final Score: 7.8/10
