The Ecovacs Deebot N79S and the Shark ION R85 are two popular robotic vacuums aimed at budget-conscious consumers looking for an entry-level cleaning solution. Both offer smartphone app control, multiple cleaning modes, and self-charging capabilities, making them attractive alternatives to manual vacuuming. However, they differ in design, suction power, navigation, and feature sets, making it important to understand their strengths and weaknesses before making a purchase. Consumers considering these models are typically first-time robot vacuum buyers, apartment dwellers, or those seeking a convenient way to maintain floor cleanliness between more thorough cleanings.
The Deebot N79S has long been a favorite in the affordable robot vacuum market due to its ease of use and reliable performance. It offers a good balance of features and price, making it a solid choice for those new to the world of robot vacuums. The Shark ION R85, on the other hand, aims to provide enhanced suction power and improved brushroll design for better pet hair pickup. Deciding between these two involves weighing factors like cleaning performance on different floor types, smart features, noise levels, and overall value for money. This detailed comparison will help you determine which robot vacuum is the best fit for your specific needs and home environment.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of Ecovacs Deebot N79S
- Short Review of Shark ION R85
- 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 Ecovacs Deebot N79S?
- Who Should Buy Shark ION R85?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- For budget-conscious buyers: The Ecovacs Deebot N79S offers a solid cleaning performance at a lower price point, making it a great entry-level option.
- For pet owners: The Shark ION R85 excels at picking up pet hair and offers a self-cleaning brushroll, which can be a significant advantage.
- For smart home integration: Both offer app control, but the Shark ION R85 has better integration with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.
Short Review of Ecovacs Deebot N79S
The Ecovacs Deebot N79S is a well-regarded entry-level robot vacuum known for its affordability and user-friendly operation. It features a simple design with a single main brush and dual side brushes, providing adequate cleaning performance on hard floors and low-pile carpets. Its navigation is primarily random, but it covers most areas effectively over time. The N79S also offers multiple cleaning modes, including auto, spot, and edge cleaning, allowing users to customize the cleaning process.
One of the key benefits of the Deebot N79S is its smartphone app control, which enables users to schedule cleaning sessions, monitor progress, and manually control the vacuum. It also has a decent battery life, offering up to 100 minutes of cleaning time on hard floors. While it may not have the advanced features of higher-end models, the Deebot N79S delivers a reliable and convenient cleaning experience at a reasonable price, making it an excellent choice for those new to robot vacuums or looking for a budget-friendly option.
Short Review of Shark ION R85
The Shark ION R85 is designed to provide robust cleaning performance with a focus on pet hair removal and smart home integration. It features a high-suction motor and a self-cleaning brushroll that effectively tackles pet hair and debris on various floor types. The R85’s design includes larger wheels for better maneuverability over carpets and thresholds, along with a multi-surface brushroll that adapts to different floor types.
The Shark ION R85 stands out with its enhanced smart features, including voice control compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows users to start and stop cleaning sessions with simple voice commands. The ION R85 also offers a longer runtime compared to some competitors, providing up to 120 minutes of cleaning on hard floors. Its combination of powerful suction, smart features, and pet-friendly design makes the Shark ION R85 a strong contender in the mid-range robot vacuum market.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Suction Power: Shark ION R85 has higher suction power compared to Ecovacs Deebot N79S, making it better for carpets and pet hair.
- Brushroll Design: Shark ION R85 features a self-cleaning brushroll, which reduces hair tangles and maintenance.
- Smart Features: Shark ION R85 has better integration with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Battery Life: Shark ION R85 offers a longer runtime of up to 120 minutes, compared to 100 minutes for the Ecovacs Deebot N79S.
- Price: Ecovacs Deebot N79S is generally more affordable than the Shark ION R85.
- Navigation: Both use random navigation, but the Shark ION R85 has slightly improved obstacle avoidance.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Ecovacs Deebot N79S | Shark ION R85 |
|---|---|---|
| Suction Power | Not Specified | High |
| Battery Life | Up to 100 minutes | Up to 120 minutes |
| Brushroll Type | Standard | Self-Cleaning |
| Navigation | Random | Random |
| App Control | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control | No | Yes (Alexa, Google Assistant) |
| Cleaning Modes | Auto, Spot, Edge | Auto, Max |
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.3 L | 0.66 L |
| Charging Time | 4-5 hours | 3 hours |
| Dimensions | 13 x 13 x 3.1 inches | 12.9 x 12.9 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 6.7 lbs | 6.8 lbs |
Price Comparison
The Ecovacs Deebot N79S typically retails for around $150-$200, making it one of the more affordable robot vacuums on the market. Its value proposition lies in offering basic cleaning functionality and app control at a budget-friendly price. Considering its features, the cost-to-feature ratio is quite favorable for those seeking an entry-level option.
The Shark ION R85 is generally priced between $250-$350, positioning it in the mid-range segment. The higher price reflects its enhanced suction power, self-cleaning brushroll, and smart home integration capabilities. While it costs more than the Deebot N79S, the R85 offers a better value for users who prioritize pet hair removal and seamless smart home connectivity.
Design and Build Quality
The Ecovacs Deebot N79S has a simple, circular design with a black finish. It’s made of durable plastic and feels reasonably sturdy for its price point. Its low profile allows it to navigate under furniture with ease. However, its aesthetic is fairly basic compared to more premium models.
The Shark ION R85 also features a circular design but with a sleeker, more modern look. It incorporates a combination of matte and glossy finishes, giving it a more premium appearance. The R85’s larger wheels and robust construction contribute to its overall durability. While both are well-built for their respective price ranges, the Shark ION R85 has a slight edge in terms of aesthetics and perceived build quality.
Performance Face-Off
Cleaning Performance on Hard Floors
The Ecovacs Deebot N79S performs adequately on hard floors, effectively picking up dust, crumbs, and loose debris. Its side brushes help sweep dirt into the path of the main brush, ensuring thorough cleaning along edges and in corners.
The Shark ION R85 also excels on hard floors, thanks to its high suction power and multi-surface brushroll. It efficiently removes dirt and debris, leaving floors clean and polished.
Cleaning Performance on Carpets
The Ecovacs Deebot N79S struggles slightly on medium to high-pile carpets. While it can pick up some surface dirt, its suction power is not strong enough to deeply clean carpets or remove embedded debris.
The Shark ION R85 performs significantly better on carpets due to its enhanced suction power and brushroll design. It effectively removes pet hair, dirt, and debris from carpets, providing a more thorough cleaning experience.
Pet Hair Removal
The Ecovacs Deebot N79S can handle small amounts of pet hair, but it may struggle with larger quantities. The brushroll can also get tangled with long hair, requiring frequent cleaning.
The Shark ION R85 is specifically designed for pet owners, featuring a self-cleaning brushroll that resists hair tangles. Its high suction power ensures effective removal of pet hair from both hard floors and carpets.
Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance
Both the Ecovacs Deebot N79S and the Shark ION R85 use random navigation, meaning they clean in a non-systematic pattern. While they eventually cover most areas, they may miss spots or repeatedly clean the same areas.
The Shark ION R85 has slightly improved obstacle avoidance capabilities compared to the Deebot N79S. Its sensors help it navigate around furniture and other obstacles with greater efficiency, reducing the likelihood of getting stuck.
Special Features Comparison
The Ecovacs Deebot N79S offers app control, allowing users to schedule cleaning sessions, monitor progress, and manually control the vacuum. It also has multiple cleaning modes, including auto, spot, and edge cleaning.
The Shark ION R85 stands out with its self-cleaning brushroll, which reduces hair tangles and maintenance. It also features voice control compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling users to start and stop cleaning sessions with voice commands.
Usability and User Experience
The Ecovacs Deebot N79S is very easy to set up and use, making it suitable for novice users. Its app is intuitive and straightforward, providing easy access to all the essential functions.
The Shark ION R85 is also user-friendly, with a simple setup process and intuitive controls. Its voice control integration adds an extra layer of convenience, allowing users to control the vacuum hands-free.
Maintenance and Longevity
The Ecovacs Deebot N79S requires regular maintenance, including emptying the dustbin, cleaning the brushroll, and replacing the filters. Its warranty coverage is limited to one year.
The Shark ION R85 also requires regular maintenance, but its self-cleaning brushroll reduces the frequency of hair tangle removal. Its warranty coverage is similar to the Deebot N79S, typically one year.
Who Should Buy Ecovacs Deebot N79S?
The Ecovacs Deebot N79S is an excellent choice for:
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for an affordable robot vacuum.
- First-time robot vacuum users who want a simple and easy-to-use device.
- Apartment dwellers or those with mostly hard floors and low-pile carpets.
Who Should Buy Shark ION R85?
The Shark ION R85 is a better fit for:
- Pet owners who need a robot vacuum that can effectively remove pet hair.
- Users who want seamless smart home integration with voice control.
- Those with a mix of hard floors and carpets who need a more powerful cleaning solution.
Final Recommendation
The Ecovacs Deebot N79S and the Shark ION R85 both offer compelling features for their respective price points. The Deebot N79S provides a solid cleaning performance and app control at a budget-friendly price, making it a great entry-level option. The Shark ION R85, on the other hand, excels at pet hair removal and offers enhanced smart features, making it a better choice for those who prioritize these capabilities.
Ultimately, the best robot vacuum for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use option for basic cleaning, the Ecovacs Deebot N79S is a great choice. If you’re willing to spend a bit more for better pet hair removal and smart home integration, the Shark ION R85 is the better investment.
