Shark and Roomba are two of the biggest names in the robot vacuum market, offering a range of models designed to simplify your cleaning routine. The Roomba i7 and various Shark robot vacuum models represent a significant step up in terms of features and performance. Both brands offer compelling options, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. Consumers often find themselves torn between these two brands when looking for a high-performing and reliable robot vacuum. Which one offers better cleaning power, smarter navigation, and a more user-friendly experience? This comparison dives deep into the specifics to help you decide which robot vacuum is the best fit for your home.
This comparison will examine the Shark robot vacuums and the Roomba i7 across several critical factors, including cleaning performance, navigation technology, smart features, design, and price. We will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each, providing data-driven insights to assist you in making an informed decision. Whether you prioritize advanced navigation, superior cleaning power, or budget-friendly options, this detailed comparison will highlight which robot vacuum aligns best with your needs and preferences.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of Shark Robot Vacuums
- Short Review of Roomba i7
- 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 Robot Vacuum?
- Who Should Buy Roomba i7?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- Cleaning Performance: The Shark generally offers powerful suction and effective brush rolls, making it great for homes with a mix of carpet and hard floors. If you need the best possible deep cleaning, especially on carpets, Shark is often the better choice.
- Navigation: The Roomba i7 has advanced navigation, particularly with features like smart mapping and targeted cleaning zones. For complex layouts, homes with multiple levels, or those who want precise control over cleaning areas, the i7 is superior.
- Smart Features: The Roomba i7 integrates seamlessly with smart home ecosystems. If you heavily rely on voice commands and app-based customization, the Roomba i7 offers a more polished experience.
- Price: Shark robot vacuums typically offer more value for the money. If budget is a primary concern and you want strong cleaning performance without the premium price tag, Shark is the better option.
Short Review of Shark Robot Vacuums
Shark robot vacuums are known for their powerful suction and innovative designs, often incorporating features like self-cleaning brush rolls and advanced filtration systems. These vacuums are designed to tackle pet hair, dust, and debris effectively on both carpets and hard floors. Shark offers a range of models, from basic units to those with advanced navigation and smart features, catering to a variety of budgets and needs. One of the standout features of Shark vacuums is their focus on practical cleaning performance and ease of maintenance.
Shark robot vacuums provide robust cleaning capabilities, often at a more accessible price point than their competitors. Many models include features such as multi-surface cleaning, allowing them to transition seamlessly between different floor types. Shark’s emphasis on strong suction power and effective brush designs ensures thorough dirt and debris removal. The self-cleaning brush roll is a particularly valuable feature, reducing the hassle of manual maintenance. For users who prioritize powerful cleaning and ease of use without breaking the bank, Shark robot vacuums are a solid choice.
Short Review of Roomba i7
The Roomba i7 is a high-end robot vacuum designed for users who want advanced navigation, smart features, and a seamless cleaning experience. It boasts features like smart mapping, which allows the vacuum to learn and adapt to your home’s layout, and targeted cleaning zones, enabling you to specify areas for focused cleaning. The Roomba i7 also offers excellent integration with smart home ecosystems, allowing for voice control and customized cleaning schedules. This model is designed to provide a hands-free cleaning experience with minimal user intervention.
The Roomba i7 stands out for its sophisticated navigation and intelligent features. Its ability to create detailed maps of your home enables precise cleaning control, allowing you to direct the vacuum to specific rooms or areas. The integration with smart home devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant adds convenience to your cleaning routine. The Roomba i7 is an ideal choice for those who value advanced technology, smart home integration, and a high level of customization in their cleaning experience.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Shark Robot Vacuums | Roomba i7 |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation | Some models use basic sensors; advanced models use more sophisticated navigation but generally not as precise as Roomba. | Advanced smart mapping; learns and adapts to your home’s layout; targeted cleaning zones. |
| Cleaning Power | Strong suction and effective brush rolls; excellent for pet hair and debris on various floor types. | Good suction power; excels at routine cleaning; designed for efficient dirt removal. |
| Smart Features | Voice control integration with digital assistants, but sometimes less comprehensive than Roomba. | Seamless integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant; highly customizable cleaning schedules; smart home connectivity. |
| Self-Emptying | Available on some models. | Available with Clean Base, which automatically empties the dustbin. |
| Price | Generally more affordable. | More expensive, especially with additional features like the Clean Base. |
| Maintenance | Self-cleaning brush roll on some models. | Requires regular maintenance; brush rolls and filters need periodic cleaning or replacement. |
| Floor Types | Effective on both carpet and hard floors. | Optimized for various floor types, with intelligent adjustments for seamless transitions. |
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark Robot Vacuums | Roomba i7 |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation Technology | Varies by model; some use basic sensors, others use advanced LiDAR | Smart Mapping; Imprintâ„¢ Smart Mapping Technology |
| Suction Power | Up to 2500 Pa (depending on model) | Not officially disclosed, but generally strong |
| Battery Life | Up to 120 minutes (depending on model) | Up to 75 minutes |
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.45-0.6 quarts (depending on model) | 0.4 quarts |
| Filter Type | HEPA (on some models) | High-Efficiency Filter |
| App Control | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Self-Emptying Option | Yes (on some models) | Yes (with Clean Base) |
| Cliff Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Recharge | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | Varies by model; typically around 12-13 inches diameter | 13.34 inches diameter, 3.63 inches height |
| Weight | Varies by model; typically around 7-8 lbs | 7.44 lbs |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
| Cleaning Modes | Varies by model; includes spot cleaning, max mode | Automatic, Spot Clean |
| Scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Recharge and Resume | Yes (on some models) | Yes |
Price Comparison
Shark robot vacuums typically range from $200 to $600, depending on the model and its features. The more advanced models with self-emptying capabilities and sophisticated navigation command a higher price. Shark often provides a strong value proposition, offering many high-end features at a more affordable price point compared to its competitors.
The Roomba i7 generally costs between $400 and $700, with the price increasing when bundled with the Clean Base self-emptying dock. While it offers advanced features like smart mapping and seamless smart home integration, it comes at a premium price.
Value Proposition Analysis:
- Shark: Offers excellent cleaning performance and useful features at a more budget-friendly price. Ideal for users who want strong cleaning power without the high cost of premium features.
- Roomba i7: Justifies its higher price with advanced navigation, smart home integration, and the convenience of the Clean Base. Best suited for users who prioritize advanced technology and a hands-free cleaning experience.
Cost-to-Feature Ratio: Shark generally provides a better cost-to-feature ratio, offering competitive cleaning performance and useful features at a lower price. The Roomba i7 delivers cutting-edge technology and convenience, but at a higher investment.
Design and Build Quality
Shark: Shark robot vacuums feature a functional design with a focus on practicality and durability. The materials used are generally robust, ensuring the vacuum can withstand regular use. The design often includes features like the self-cleaning brush roll, which minimizes hair tangles and reduces maintenance. Aesthetics vary by model, but they generally have a modern, streamlined appearance.
Roomba i7: The Roomba i7 has a sleek and sophisticated design, reflecting its premium status. It is constructed with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity. The Clean Base, available with some models, adds to the aesthetic appeal and provides a convenient self-emptying solution. The Roomba i7’s design emphasizes ease of use and integration into modern homes.
Comparison:
- Aesthetics: The Roomba i7 has a more premium and refined aesthetic.
- Materials: Both brands use durable materials, but the Roomba i7 often feels more robust.
- Ergonomics: Both are designed for ease of use, with intuitive controls and app interfaces.
- Overall Construction: The Roomba i7 has a slight edge in overall construction quality, reflecting its higher price point.
Performance Face-Off
Cleaning Performance on Hard Floors
Shark: Shark robot vacuums excel at cleaning hard floors, thanks to their powerful suction and effective brush designs. They efficiently pick up dust, crumbs, and other debris, leaving hard floors clean and polished. Many models feature multi-surface cleaning capabilities, allowing them to transition seamlessly from hard floors to carpets without losing suction power.
Roomba i7: The Roomba i7 performs well on hard floors, providing consistent and thorough cleaning. Its intelligent navigation ensures comprehensive coverage, and its edge-cleaning technology helps to capture dirt and debris along walls and baseboards. The Roomba i7 is designed to adapt to different floor types, optimizing its cleaning performance for hard floors.
Comparison: Shark vacuums generally offer more robust suction power, making them slightly more effective at picking up larger debris on hard floors. The Roomba i7 provides consistent and reliable cleaning, with a focus on thorough coverage and edge cleaning.
Cleaning Performance on Carpets
Shark: Shark robot vacuums are known for their exceptional cleaning performance on carpets. The powerful suction and specially designed brush rolls effectively remove embedded dirt, pet hair, and allergens from carpets. The self-cleaning brush roll is particularly useful for preventing hair tangles, ensuring continuous cleaning performance.
Roomba i7: The Roomba i7 performs well on carpets, providing thorough and efficient cleaning. Its automatic height adjustment allows it to adapt to different carpet types, ensuring optimal suction and brush contact. The Roomba i7 is designed to lift dirt and debris from carpet fibers, leaving carpets clean and refreshed.
Comparison: Shark vacuums often have an edge in raw suction power, making them particularly effective at deep cleaning carpets and removing stubborn dirt. The Roomba i7 provides reliable and consistent cleaning, with intelligent adjustments for optimal performance on various carpet types.
Pet Hair Cleaning
Shark: Shark robot vacuums are highly effective at cleaning pet hair, thanks to their powerful suction and self-cleaning brush rolls. These vacuums can handle large amounts of pet hair without clogging, making them ideal for homes with pets. The advanced filtration systems on some models also help to capture allergens and dander, improving air quality.
Roomba i7: The Roomba i7 is also capable of handling pet hair, providing efficient and thorough cleaning. Its high-efficiency filter captures allergens, dander, dust, and other particles. However, the brush rolls may require more frequent cleaning to remove tangled hair compared to Shark’s self-cleaning brush roll.
Comparison: Shark vacuums have a slight advantage in pet hair cleaning due to their self-cleaning brush rolls, which reduce the need for manual maintenance. The Roomba i7 performs well but may require more frequent brush roll cleaning in homes with heavy pet hair.
Navigation and Mapping
Shark: Shark robot vacuums use various navigation technologies, ranging from basic sensors to more advanced LiDAR systems. While some models may have limitations in complex layouts, the more advanced models offer effective navigation and obstacle avoidance.
Roomba i7: The Roomba i7 excels in navigation and mapping, thanks to its Imprintâ„¢ Smart Mapping technology. It learns and adapts to your home’s layout, allowing for targeted cleaning zones and customized cleaning schedules. The Roomba i7 can also remember multiple floor plans, making it suitable for multi-level homes.
Comparison: The Roomba i7 offers superior navigation and mapping capabilities, providing more precise control over cleaning areas and efficient coverage of your home. Shark vacuums offer decent navigation, but generally not as advanced as the Roomba i7.
Special Features Comparison
Shark:
- Self-Cleaning Brush Roll: Prevents hair tangles and reduces maintenance.
- Powerful Suction: Provides excellent cleaning performance on various floor types.
- Multi-Surface Cleaning: Seamlessly transitions between hard floors and carpets.
- HEPA Filtration: Captures allergens and improves air quality (on some models).
Roomba i7:
- Smart Mapping: Learns and adapts to your home’s layout for targeted cleaning.
- Clean Base: Automatically empties the dustbin for hands-free operation.
- Imprint™ Link Technology: Coordinates cleaning with Braava jet® m6 robot mop.
- Smart Home Integration: Seamless integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Real-World Advantages:
- Shark: The self-cleaning brush roll is a significant advantage for pet owners, reducing the hassle of manual maintenance.
- Roomba i7: Smart mapping and Clean Base provide a truly hands-free cleaning experience, ideal for busy users who want minimal intervention.
Usability and User Experience
Shark: Shark robot vacuums are designed for ease of use, with intuitive controls and a user-friendly app interface. Scheduling and customization options are straightforward, making it easy to set up a cleaning routine.
Roomba i7: The Roomba i7 offers a highly refined user experience, with seamless smart home integration and advanced customization options. The app is intuitive and feature-rich, allowing for precise control over cleaning areas and schedules.
Comparison:
- Ease of Use: Both are easy to use, but the Roomba i7 offers a more polished and feature-rich experience.
- Learning Curve: Both have a minimal learning curve, but the Roomba i7’s advanced features may take some time to fully explore.
- Everyday Operation: Both are designed for convenient everyday operation, but the Roomba i7’s smart home integration adds an extra layer of convenience.
Novice vs. Experienced Users:
- Shark: Better for novice users who want a straightforward and reliable cleaning experience without advanced features.
- Roomba i7: Better for experienced users who want advanced technology, smart home integration, and a high level of customization.
Maintenance and Longevity
Shark: Shark robot vacuums require regular maintenance, including emptying the dustbin and cleaning the brush rolls. The self-cleaning brush roll on some models reduces the frequency of manual cleaning. Warranty coverage is typically a 1-year limited warranty.
Roomba i7: The Roomba i7 also requires regular maintenance, including emptying the dustbin (or the Clean Base, if equipped) and cleaning the brush rolls and filters. Warranty coverage is also typically a 1-year limited warranty.
Comparison:
- Maintenance Requirements: Both require regular maintenance, but Shark’s self-cleaning brush roll can reduce the frequency of manual cleaning.
- Consumable Parts: Both require periodic replacement of filters and brush rolls.
- Warranty Coverage: Both offer a 1-year limited warranty.
- Expected Lifespan: Both are designed for long-term use, but the Roomba i7’s higher build quality may contribute to a slightly longer lifespan.
Who Should Buy Shark Robot Vacuum?
Shark robot vacuums are the better choice for:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Offers excellent cleaning performance at a more affordable price.
- Pet owners: The self-cleaning brush roll is a significant advantage for managing pet hair.
- Users who prioritize strong suction power: Excels at deep cleaning carpets and hard floors.
- Those who want a straightforward and reliable cleaning experience: Easy to use with intuitive controls.
Who Should Buy Roomba i7?
The Roomba i7 is the better choice for:
- Tech enthusiasts: Offers advanced navigation, smart mapping, and seamless smart home integration.
- Users who want a hands-free cleaning experience: The Clean Base automatically empties the dustbin.
- Those who want precise control over cleaning areas: Smart mapping allows for targeted cleaning zones.
- Owners of multi-level homes: Can remember multiple floor plans.
Final Recommendation
For users seeking a balance of powerful cleaning performance and affordability, Shark robot vacuums are an excellent choice. They offer strong suction, effective brush rolls, and innovative features like the self-cleaning brush roll, making them ideal for homes with pets and varied floor types.
If you prioritize advanced technology, smart home integration, and a hands-free cleaning experience, the Roomba i7 is the better option. Its smart mapping, Clean Base, and seamless integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant provide a truly automated cleaning solution. The Roomba i7 is best suited for those who are willing to invest in premium features for maximum convenience.
