Shark AV1010AE vs. iRobot Roomba i4+: Cleaning Showdown

Robot vacuums have revolutionized home cleaning, offering convenience and automation that fits seamlessly into busy lifestyles. The Shark AV1010AE IQ Robot Vacuum and the iRobot Roomba i4+ are two popular models that aim to deliver this hands-free cleaning experience. Both vacuums come with self-emptying bases, smart features, and multi-surface cleaning capabilities, making them attractive options for those looking to offload their vacuuming duties.

These robot vacuums cater to a broad range of consumers, from busy professionals and pet owners to anyone seeking to maintain a cleaner home with minimal effort. While the Roomba is more established, the Shark offers comparable features. This comparison dives deep into the specifications, performance, and unique features of each model to help you determine which robot vacuum best suits your needs and preferences.

Quick Verdict

• Shark AV1010AE: Best for those who prioritize effective bare floor cleaning, a larger initial dustbin capacity (in the robot itself), and a more budget-friendly option with mapping capabilities. It’s a solid all-around performer, especially for homes with mostly hard floors.
• iRobot Roomba i4+: Ideal for users who value superior carpet cleaning, a more established brand reputation, better obstacle maneuverability, and a longer self-emptying interval (up to 60 days). It’s a strong choice for homes with a mix of carpets and hard floors.

Short Review of Shark AV1010AE

The Shark AV1010AE IQ Robot Vacuum stands out with its self-emptying base, which holds up to 45 days’ worth of dirt and debris, reducing the frequency of manual emptying. It offers advanced navigation, mapping your home for targeted cleaning via the SharkClean app or voice control through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The AV1010AE also features a multi-surface brush roll that effectively captures dirt, dust, and pet hair from both carpets and hard floors. Its row-by-row cleaning pattern ensures comprehensive coverage.

The Shark AV1010AE excels in providing a hands-free cleaning experience. Its bagless self-emptying base simplifies maintenance, and the robot’s ability to map your home allows for customized cleaning schedules and targeted cleaning of specific rooms. The SharkClean app offers user-friendly controls, allowing you to start cleaning, schedule cleanings, and monitor the robot’s progress. With its focus on convenience and effective cleaning, the Shark AV1010AE is a solid choice for those seeking an automated cleaning solution.

Short Review of iRobot Roomba i4+

The iRobot Roomba i4+ is a self-emptying robot vacuum designed to provide a hassle-free cleaning experience. It features a premium 3-stage cleaning system with 10X the Power-Lifting Suction, effectively capturing dirt, dust, and pet hair from various floor types. The i4+ also boasts smart navigation, mapping your home using advanced floor tracking sensors to ensure thorough cleaning. Its self-emptying base holds up to 60 days’ worth of debris, minimizing the need for frequent maintenance.

The Roomba i4+ offers seamless integration with the iRobot HOME app, allowing you to control cleaning schedules, target specific rooms, and monitor the robot’s performance. Its reactive sensor technology helps it avoid obstacles, while Dirt Detect technology focuses on cleaning dirtier areas more thoroughly. With its powerful suction, smart features, and self-emptying convenience, the iRobot Roomba i4+ is an excellent choice for maintaining a clean home with minimal effort.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Self-Emptying Capacity: Roomba i4+ boasts up to 60 days vs. Shark AV1010AE’s 45 days.
• Navigation: Both offer smart mapping, but Roomba is known for slightly better obstacle avoidance.
• Dustbin Type: Shark AV1010AE has a bagless self-emptying base, while Roomba i4+ uses bags.
• Carpet Cleaning: Roomba i4+ generally performs better on carpets.
• Bare Floor Cleaning: Shark AV1010AE tends to excel on bare floors.
• Brand Reputation: iRobot Roomba is a more established brand in the robot vacuum market.
• Price: Shark AV1010AE is often more affordable.

Specifications Comparison

Price Comparison

The Shark AV1010AE typically retails for a lower price than the iRobot Roomba i4+. While prices can fluctuate based on retailer and promotions, the Shark model generally offers a more budget-friendly entry point into the world of self-emptying robot vacuums. Considering the features offered, the Shark AV1010AE presents a strong value proposition, especially for those prioritizing cost savings. The Roomba i4+, while more expensive, justifies its price with its established brand reputation, slightly superior carpet cleaning performance, and longer self-emptying interval.

Design and Build Quality

The Shark AV1010AE features a sleek, black design with a low profile that allows it to navigate under furniture easily. Its construction is sturdy, with a durable plastic body and well-designed components. The bagless self-emptying base is convenient and easy to maintain.

The iRobot Roomba i4+ sports a similar circular design, also with a low profile for under-furniture cleaning. It feels well-built and robust, with high-quality materials used throughout. The self-emptying base is functional and integrates seamlessly with the vacuum. While both vacuums are aesthetically pleasing and well-constructed, the Roomba i4+ may have a slight edge in overall build quality.

Performance Face-Off

Cleaning Performance on Hard Floors

The Shark AV1010AE generally outperforms the Roomba i4+ on hard floors. Its multi-surface brush roll effectively sweeps up dirt, dust, and debris, leaving hard floors clean and polished. The Shark’s edge-cleaning capabilities are also commendable, ensuring thorough cleaning along walls and baseboards.

Cleaning Performance on Carpets

The iRobot Roomba i4+ excels in carpet cleaning. Its 10X Power-Lifting Suction and dual multi-surface rubber brushes work together to effectively remove embedded dirt, pet hair, and allergens from carpets and rugs. While the Shark AV1010AE performs adequately on carpets, the Roomba i4+ provides a deeper and more thorough clean.

Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance

Both vacuums utilize smart mapping technology to navigate your home efficiently. The Shark AV1010AE cleans in a row-by-row pattern, ensuring comprehensive coverage. The Roomba i4+ uses advanced floor tracking sensors to navigate and avoid obstacles. While both vacuums are generally good at navigation, the Roomba i4+ is known for slightly better obstacle avoidance, thanks to its reactive sensor technology.

Pet Hair Cleaning

Both the Shark AV1010AE and iRobot Roomba i4+ are capable of handling pet hair. The Shark’s multi-surface brush roll effectively captures pet hair from both carpets and hard floors. The Roomba’s dual multi-surface rubber brushes are designed to prevent tangling with pet hair, making it an excellent choice for pet owners.

Special Features Comparison

• Shark AV1010AE: Bagless self-emptying base, multi-surface brush roll, row-by-row cleaning, and voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant.
• iRobot Roomba i4+: Self-emptying base with bags, 10X Power-Lifting Suction, dual multi-surface rubber brushes, Dirt Detect technology, and compatibility with iRobot Virtual Wall Barriers.

The Roomba i4+’s Dirt Detect technology is a unique feature that allows it to focus on dirtier areas, providing a more thorough clean. The Shark’s bagless self-emptying base offers a convenient alternative to bagged systems.

Usability and User Experience

Both the Shark AV1010AE and iRobot Roomba i4+ are easy to use and offer a user-friendly experience. The SharkClean app and iRobot HOME app are intuitive, allowing you to control cleaning schedules, target specific rooms, and monitor the robot’s progress. The self-emptying bases of both vacuums simplify maintenance, reducing the need for frequent manual emptying. While both vacuums are suitable for novice and experienced users alike, the Roomba i4+ may have a slight edge in terms of app functionality and overall user experience.

Maintenance and Longevity

The Shark AV1010AE requires regular cleaning of its brush roll and emptying of its bagless base. The iRobot Roomba i4+ requires periodic replacement of its self-emptying bags and cleaning of its rubber brushes. Both vacuums come with a limited warranty, protecting against manufacturing defects. The longevity of both models depends on usage and maintenance, but with proper care, both should provide years of reliable service.

Who Should Buy Shark AV1010AE?

The Shark AV1010AE is the better choice for:

• Users who prioritize effective bare floor cleaning.
• Those seeking a more budget-friendly self-emptying robot vacuum.
• Individuals who prefer a bagless self-emptying system.
• Homes with a mix of hard floors and low-pile carpets.

Who Should Buy iRobot Roomba i4+?

The iRobot Roomba i4+ is the better choice for:

• Users who value superior carpet cleaning performance.
• Those who prefer a longer self-emptying interval (up to 60 days).
• Individuals who trust the established iRobot Roomba brand.
• Homes with a significant amount of carpeting.

Final Recommendation

Both the Shark AV1010AE and iRobot Roomba i4+ are excellent self-emptying robot vacuums that offer convenience and automation. The Shark AV1010AE stands out with its effective bare floor cleaning, bagless self-emptying base, and more affordable price point. The iRobot Roomba i4+ excels in carpet cleaning, offers a longer self-emptying interval, and boasts a slightly better overall user experience.

Ultimately, the choice between these two robot vacuums depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize bare floor cleaning and value cost savings, the Shark AV1010AE is a solid choice. If you want superior carpet cleaning and prefer a more established brand, the iRobot Roomba i4+ is an excellent option.