The Roomba i7+ and the Shark AV2501AE represent two compelling options in the increasingly competitive robot vacuum market. Both are designed to offer hands-free cleaning convenience with self-emptying bases, smart navigation, and app-based controls. These robots appeal to busy individuals, pet owners, and anyone seeking to automate their floor cleaning routine. While both promise a similar level of convenience, they differ significantly in their navigation technology, cleaning performance, and overall user experience.
The Roomba i7+ is a well-established player known for its smart mapping capabilities and consistent cleaning performance. It caters to users who value a reliable and user-friendly experience with a focus on thorough cleaning, particularly on carpets and dealing with pet hair. On the other hand, the Shark AV2501AE aims to deliver a high-tech cleaning solution at a more accessible price point, boasting LiDAR navigation and a bagless self-emptying base. It targets tech-savvy consumers seeking advanced features and efficient cleaning, especially on hard floors. This comparison will dive deep into the strengths and weaknesses of each model to help you determine which robot vacuum best suits your needs and preferences.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of Roomba i7+
- Short Review of Shark AV2501AE
- 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 Roomba i7+?
- Who Should Buy Shark AV2501AE?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- Roomba i7+: Best for users who prioritize deep carpet cleaning, have significant pet hair concerns, and value a user-friendly app experience.
- Shark AV2501AE: Best for users who prioritize hard floor cleaning, want LiDAR navigation at a lower price point, and prefer a bagless self-emptying base.
Short Review of Roomba i7+
The Roomba i7+ is a premium robot vacuum designed for a truly hands-free cleaning experience. Its standout feature is the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, which empties the robot’s dustbin into a disposable bag, allowing you to forget about vacuuming for weeks. The i7+ utilizes Imprint Smart Mapping technology to learn and adapt to your home’s layout, enabling targeted room cleaning and the creation of Keep Out Zones. Its powerful suction and dual multi-surface rubber brushes effectively tackle dirt, debris, and pet hair on various floor types.
The Roomba i7+ is particularly well-suited for homes with carpets and pets. Its strong suction and specialized brush design excel at removing embedded dirt and pet hair from carpets, while the high-efficiency filter captures allergens. The smart mapping and navigation ensure comprehensive cleaning coverage, and the app allows for customized cleaning schedules and preferences. While it comes at a higher price point, the Roomba i7+ offers a compelling combination of performance, convenience, and smart features for those seeking a top-tier robot vacuum.
Short Review of Shark AV2501AE
The Shark AV2501AE is a smart robot vacuum that leverages advanced technology to deliver efficient and effective cleaning. Its key feature is LiDAR navigation, which enables precise mapping and systematic cleaning patterns. The AV2501AE also boasts a self-emptying base with a bagless design, simplifying maintenance and eliminating the need to purchase replacement bags. With strong suction and a multi-surface brushroll, it effectively cleans various floor types, including hard floors and carpets.
The Shark AV2501AE is designed for users who desire a technologically advanced robot vacuum without breaking the bank. Its LiDAR navigation ensures comprehensive coverage and efficient cleaning, while the bagless self-emptying base offers added convenience. The AV2501AE’s strong suction and versatile brushroll make it suitable for homes with a mix of hard floors and carpets. While the app experience may not be as polished as some competitors, the Shark AV2501AE provides a compelling combination of features and performance at a competitive price.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Navigation: Roomba i7+ uses vSLAM-based navigation, while Shark AV2501AE uses LiDAR.
- Self-Emptying Base: Roomba i7+ uses a bagged system, while Shark AV2501AE is bagless.
- Suction Power: Shark AV2501AE has a higher suction power compared to Roomba i7+.
- Pet Hair Performance: Roomba i7+ generally performs better on carpets with pet hair.
- Price: Shark AV2501AE is typically more affordable than Roomba i7+.
- App Experience: Roomba i7+ offers a more refined and user-friendly app experience.
- Runtime: Shark AV2501AE offers a longer runtime compared to Roomba i7+.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Roomba i7+ | Shark AV2501AE |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation | vSLAM (visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) | LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) |
| Self-Emptying Base | Bagged | Bagless |
| Suction Power | Not specified (10x the suction of Roomba 600 series) | 2500 Pa |
| Brushroll | Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes | Multi-Surface Brushroll |
| Filter | High-Efficiency Filter | HEPA Filter |
| App Control | iRobot HOME App | SharkClean App |
| Voice Control | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Smart Mapping | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Out Zones | Yes | Yes |
| Recharge and Resume | Yes | Yes |
| Runtime | Up to 90 minutes | Up to 120 minutes |
| Weight | 7.44 lbs | Not specified |
| Dimensions | 13.34″ x 13.34″ x 3.63″ | 13.7 in x 13.7 in |
Price Comparison
The Roomba i7+ typically retails for around $559, although prices may vary depending on promotions and retailers. The cost of ownership also includes the ongoing expense of replacement dirt disposal bags for the Clean Base. On the other hand, the Shark AV2501AE generally sells for a lower price of around $329. As a bagless system, the Shark eliminates the recurring cost of replacement bags, offering a more economical long-term solution.
In terms of value proposition, the Roomba i7+ justifies its higher price with its established brand reputation, user-friendly app, and strong performance on carpets and pet hair. The Shark AV2501AE provides excellent value with its LiDAR navigation, bagless self-emptying base, and competitive cleaning performance at a more affordable price point. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget and specific cleaning needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Roomba i7+ features a sleek, minimalist design with a black finish. Its construction feels solid and durable, reflecting iRobot’s reputation for quality. The Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal is a substantial unit, but its design is functional and unobtrusive. The dual multi-surface rubber brushes are designed to resist tangling and effectively agitate dirt and debris.
The Shark AV2501AE sports a modern design with a black finish. While the build quality may not feel as premium as the Roomba, it still appears well-constructed and durable. The bagless self-emptying base is relatively compact and easy to empty. The multi-surface brushroll is designed to effectively clean both hard floors and carpets. While both vacuums are well-designed, the Roomba i7+ has a slight edge in terms of overall fit and finish.
Performance Face-Off
Cleaning Performance on Hard Floors
The Shark AV2501AE generally performs better on hard floors due to its strong suction and effective brushroll design. It excels at picking up dirt, dust, and debris from hard surfaces, leaving them clean and polished. The Roomba i7+ also performs well on hard floors, but may require multiple passes to achieve the same level of cleanliness as the Shark.
Cleaning Performance on Carpets
The Roomba i7+ demonstrates superior cleaning performance on carpets, particularly in removing embedded dirt and pet hair. Its powerful suction and dual multi-surface rubber brushes effectively agitate carpet fibers, lifting away debris and allergens. The Shark AV2501AE performs adequately on carpets, but may struggle with deeply embedded dirt or heavy pet hair.
Pet Hair Removal
The Roomba i7+ is the clear winner in pet hair removal, especially on carpets. Its specialized brush design and strong suction effectively capture and contain pet hair, preventing tangling and minimizing the need for manual cleaning. The Shark AV2501AE performs reasonably well on pet hair removal from hard floors, but its performance on carpets is less impressive.
Navigation and Coverage
The Shark AV2501AE’s LiDAR navigation provides more precise and efficient mapping compared to the Roomba i7+’s vSLAM system. The LiDAR technology allows the Shark to navigate systematically in straight lines, ensuring comprehensive coverage and minimizing missed spots. The Roomba i7+ also offers smart mapping capabilities, but its navigation can be less precise, particularly in complex or cluttered environments.
Edge Cleaning
Both the Roomba i7+ and Shark AV2501AE are equipped with edge-sweeping brushes to clean along walls and edges. However, the Shark AV2501AE’s LiDAR navigation and more robust edge-sweeping brush design give it a slight advantage in edge cleaning performance. It effectively captures dirt and debris from edges and corners, leaving a more thorough clean.
Special Features Comparison
- Roomba i7+: Imprint™ Link Technology allows the i7+ to coordinate with the Braava jet® m6 robot mop for a comprehensive cleaning solution.
- Shark AV2501AE: UltraClean Mode targets specific rooms or high-traffic areas for multi-directional deep cleaning.
Usability and User Experience
The Roomba i7+ is renowned for its user-friendly app and seamless integration with smart home devices. The iRobot HOME App allows for easy scheduling, customized cleaning preferences, and detailed cleaning reports. The SharkClean App offers similar functionalities, but its interface may not be as intuitive or polished as the iRobot app. Both robots support voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for hands-free operation.
The Roomba i7+ is generally better suited for novice users due to its straightforward setup and intuitive app interface. The Shark AV2501AE may appeal to more experienced users who appreciate its advanced features and are willing to navigate a less refined app experience.
Maintenance and Longevity
The Roomba i7+ requires periodic replacement of the dirt disposal bags in the Clean Base, which adds to the overall cost of ownership. The dual multi-surface rubber brushes are designed to resist tangling and are easy to clean. The Shark AV2501AE’s bagless self-emptying base eliminates the need for replacement bags, but the dustbin may require more frequent cleaning. Both robots offer replaceable filters and brushrolls to maintain optimal performance.
Who Should Buy Roomba i7+?
- Homeowners with predominantly carpeted floors
- Pet owners seeking superior pet hair removal capabilities
- Users who prioritize a user-friendly app and seamless smart home integration
- Those willing to invest in a premium robot vacuum for top-tier performance
Who Should Buy Shark AV2501AE?
- Homeowners with mostly hard floors
- Tech-savvy users who value LiDAR navigation and advanced features
- Budget-conscious consumers seeking a self-emptying robot vacuum
- Individuals who prefer a bagless self-emptying base for convenience
Final Recommendation
Both the Roomba i7+ and Shark AV2501AE are excellent robot vacuums that offer hands-free cleaning convenience. The Roomba i7+ stands out for its superior carpet cleaning and pet hair removal capabilities, as well as its user-friendly app experience. The Shark AV2501AE shines with its LiDAR navigation, bagless self-emptying base, and competitive price point.
If you prioritize deep carpet cleaning and have significant pet hair concerns, the Roomba i7+ is the better choice. If you primarily have hard floors and want a technologically advanced robot vacuum at a more affordable price, the Shark AV2501AE is a compelling option.
