iRobot Roomba 690 vs. Shark ION R85: Cleaning Robot Rumble

Robot vacuums have become increasingly popular, offering a convenient way to keep floors clean with minimal effort. Two popular models in the budget-friendly category are the iRobot Roomba 690 and the Shark ION R85. Both aim to provide automated cleaning at an accessible price point, making them attractive options for busy individuals, pet owners, and anyone looking to simplify their chores.

These robot vacuums cater to a similar demographic: people who want a hands-off approach to floor cleaning but aren’t ready to invest in the more expensive, feature-rich models. The Roomba 690 is a long-standing contender from a well-established brand, known for its reliability and ease of use. The Shark ION R85, on the other hand, brings strong suction and a focus on pet hair removal to the table, making it a compelling alternative. This comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and overall value to help you decide which robot vacuum best suits your needs.

Quick Verdict

• For overall cleaning performance and pet owners: The Shark ION R85 takes the lead with its superior suction power, especially on carpets, and its impressive pet hair pick-up capabilities.
• For ease of use and maneuverability: The iRobot Roomba 690 wins with its simpler operation, more compact design, and better navigation around furniture.
• For budget-conscious buyers: Both offer good value, but the Shark ION R85 often provides more features and better performance for a similar price.

Short Review of iRobot Roomba 690

The iRobot Roomba 690 is an entry-level robot vacuum that offers a balance of affordability and functionality. It’s known for its straightforward operation: a simple “Clean” button starts the cleaning cycle, and the robot autonomously navigates your home, returning to its charging base when finished. The Roomba 690 also boasts Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control it via the iRobot app, set schedules, and even use voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

This Roomba excels in ease of use and maintenance. Its maneuverability allows it to navigate tight spaces and get under low furniture. The iRobot app makes setting up control very simple, and you can turn the Roomba 690 on/off, set a schedule, view past cleanings, and pause/resume a cleaning in progress. It’s a reliable option for those who appreciate a no-fuss cleaning experience and the convenience of smart home integration.

Short Review of Shark ION R85

The Shark ION R85 is a Wi-Fi connected robot vacuum designed to deliver powerful cleaning performance, particularly for homes with pets. It distinguishes itself with 3X more suction in Max Mode compared to its predecessor, the Shark ION R75, and boasts an extra-large dustbin, allowing for longer cleaning cycles. The R85 features a self-cleaning brushroll that actively removes hair wrap, ensuring consistent performance and reducing maintenance.

This Shark robot offers versatile cleaning options with three suction levels and is known for its quiet operation, even in Max Mode. The Shark ION R85 confidently climbs onto high-pile carpets and works its way back and forth across the difficult terrain. The accompanying app allows for scheduling, manual control, and error log viewing. Its powerful suction and specialized brushroll make it a strong contender for tackling pet hair and embedded dirt, while its smart features add convenience to your cleaning routine.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Suction Power: Shark ION R85 has significantly stronger suction, especially in Max Mode.
• Pet Hair Cleaning: Shark ION R85 is generally better at picking up pet hair due to its powerful suction and self-cleaning brushroll.
• Navigation: Roomba 690 has better maneuverability and is less likely to get stuck.
• Noise Level: Shark ION R85 is quieter, especially on its lower power settings.
• Virtual Boundary: Roomba 690 uses a virtual wall barrier, while Shark ION R85 uses BotBoundary strips to block off areas.

Specifications Comparison

Price Comparison

The iRobot Roomba 690 and Shark ION R85 are typically priced in the budget to mid-range category for robot vacuums, though prices can fluctuate based on retailer and promotions. Generally, the Shark ION R85 offers slightly more features and better performance for a similar price point, making it a potentially better value. However, it’s essential to compare current prices and consider any available discounts or bundles before making a decision.

Design and Build Quality

The iRobot Roomba 690 features a classic circular design that is characteristic of Roomba vacuums. It is constructed with durable plastic and has a low profile, allowing it to easily navigate under furniture. The Roomba 690 has a simple interface with a large “Clean” button for easy operation.

The Shark ION R85 also sports a circular design but with a more modern, all-black aesthetic. It features a similar button layout with a large “Clean” button and smaller buttons for “Dock” and “Max” modes. The R85 has a slightly taller profile than some other robot vacuums but is still designed to fit under most furniture. Both vacuums are well-built for their price range, but the Shark ION R85 may have a slight edge in terms of overall sturdiness.

Performance Face-Off

Cleaning Performance on Hard Floors

• Roomba 690: The Roomba 690 performs adequately on hard floors, effectively picking up loose dirt and debris. However, it can sometimes struggle with finer particles, and its edge cleaning performance is not the best, leaving some debris along walls and in corners.
• Shark ION R85: The Shark ION R85 excels on hard floors, thanks to its powerful suction and multi-surface brushroll. It effectively captures both large and small debris and boasts better edge cleaning capabilities than the Roomba 690.

Cleaning Performance on Carpets

• Roomba 690: The Roomba 690 is decent at cleaning low-pile carpets but struggles with high-pile carpets. It may have difficulty climbing onto thicker carpets and lacks the suction power needed for deep cleaning.
• Shark ION R85: The Shark ION R85 shines on carpets, especially with its “Max” mode. Its strong suction and self-cleaning brushroll effectively remove dirt, debris, and pet hair from both low and high-pile carpets.

Pet Hair Removal

• Roomba 690: The Roomba 690 can pick up some pet hair, but it is not its strong suit. It may struggle with larger clumps of hair and can sometimes leave strands behind.
• Shark ION R85: The Shark ION R85 is a pet hair cleaning powerhouse. Its powerful suction and self-cleaning brushroll efficiently remove pet hair from all floor types, making it an excellent choice for pet owners.

Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance

• Roomba 690: The Roomba 690 uses a random navigation pattern, which can sometimes result in missed spots or inefficient cleaning paths. However, it is generally good at maneuvering around furniture and obstacles.
• Shark ION R85: The Shark ION R85 also uses random navigation but is equipped with sensors that help it avoid obstacles and navigate around furniture. It may bump into objects more forcefully than the Roomba 690.

Special Features Comparison

• Roomba 690:
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Allows for app control, scheduling, and voice control via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
  • Virtual Wall Barrier: Creates an invisible barrier to keep the Roomba from entering specific areas.
• Shark ION R85:
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Similar to the Roomba, it enables app control, scheduling, and voice control.
  • Self-Cleaning Brushroll: Actively removes hair wrap, ensuring consistent performance and reducing maintenance.
  • BotBoundary Strips: Physical strips that can be placed on the floor to block off areas.
  • 3X Suction in Max Mode: Provides extra power for tackling stubborn dirt and pet hair.

Usability and User Experience

The iRobot Roomba 690 is known for its simple and intuitive user experience. Its one-button operation makes it easy to start a cleaning cycle, and the iRobot app is user-friendly and straightforward. The Roomba 690 is a great choice for novice users who want a hassle-free cleaning experience.

The Shark ION R85 also offers a good user experience, but it may require a bit more setup and customization. The Shark app is comprehensive and provides a range of control options, but it may be slightly less intuitive than the iRobot app. The R85’s BotBoundary strips are effective for blocking off areas but require manual placement, which may be less convenient than the Roomba’s virtual wall barrier.

Maintenance and Longevity

Both the iRobot Roomba 690 and Shark ION R85 require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. This includes emptying the dustbin, cleaning the brushroll, and replacing filters as needed. The Roomba 690 has fewer parts that need regular cleaning, which may make it slightly easier to maintain. However, the Shark ION R85’s self-cleaning brushroll reduces the frequency of manual brushroll cleaning.

Who Should Buy the iRobot Roomba 690?

The iRobot Roomba 690 is a good choice for:

• First-time robot vacuum owners who want a simple and easy-to-use device.
• Users who prioritize maneuverability and the ability to navigate tight spaces.
• Those who prefer a virtual wall barrier over physical boundary strips.
• Individuals with mostly hard floors or low-pile carpets and minimal pet hair.

Who Should Buy the 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 powerful suction for deep cleaning carpets.
• Those who prioritize quiet operation.
• Individuals who don’t mind using physical boundary strips to block off areas.

Final Recommendation

The Shark ION R85 emerges as the stronger contender in this comparison. While both robot vacuums offer Wi-Fi connectivity and app control, the Shark ION R85 delivers superior cleaning performance, especially on carpets and for pet hair removal. Its powerful suction, self-cleaning brushroll, and quiet operation make it a compelling choice for a wide range of users. The Roomba 690 remains a decent option for those who prioritize ease of use and maneuverability, but the Shark ION R85 offers more bang for your buck in terms of cleaning power and features.