The Shark EZ Robot RV995 aims to offer a hands-free cleaning experience at a competitive price point. It promises powerful suction, row-by-row cleaning, and smart features like app control and voice assistant compatibility. The RV995 is designed to seamlessly integrate into your smart home and automate a chore many dread. However, some user reviews indicate issues with connectivity, battery life, and overall reliability. It is important to consider all aspects before deciding if this robot vacuum is the right fit for your needs.
This robot vacuum is designed for those seeking a convenient way to maintain clean floors with minimal effort. It’s intended to be a set-it-and-forget-it solution, handling everyday dust and debris. While it boasts intelligent navigation and powerful suction, it’s essential to delve into the specifics to determine if it lives up to the hype and how it stacks up against competitors in the crowded robot vacuum market.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Row-by-Row Cleaning: The RV995 utilizes a systematic cleaning pattern for thorough floor coverage.
- Smart Features: App control, scheduling, and voice assistant compatibility enhance user convenience.
- Multi-Surface Performance: Designed to adapt to various floor types, including hardwood and carpet.
- Bagless Design: A bagless dustbin contributes to ease of maintenance.
- Navigation: AI Laser vision navigation is included for effective and precise movement throughout the home.
Verdict: The Shark EZ Robot RV995 offers a decent set of features for its price, but its inconsistent performance and reliability issues prevent it from earning a higher score. 6.5/10
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | RV995 |
| Type | Robot Vacuum |
| Bagless | Yes |
| Voice Control | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| App Control | Yes (SharkClean app) |
| Cleaning Mode | Row-by-Row |
| Brushroll Type | Multi-Surface |
| Side Brushes | Dual Spinning |
| Navigation | AI Laser Vision |
| Battery Type | Lithium-Ion |
| Charging Time | Varies |
| Runtime | Varies |
| Self-Emptying Base | No |
| Dimensions | Check manufacturer website for specific dimensions |
| Weight | Check manufacturer website for specific weight |
| Filter Type | Generic Filter |
Price and Availability
The Shark EZ Robot RV995 is available at major retailers such as:
- Walmart
- Sam’s Club
- Amazon
Pricing typically ranges from $200 to $300, but keep an eye out for sales and promotions. Package deals may include extra filters or side brushes.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark EZ Robot RV995 features a typical circular design common among robot vacuums. It’s primarily constructed of plastic, which feels reasonably durable but not exceptionally premium. The multi-surface brushroll is designed to handle both hard floors and carpets. Dual spinning side brushes help to sweep debris from edges and corners into the path of the vacuum.
Compared to previous Shark robot vacuum models, the RV995 incorporates a more sophisticated AI Laser Vision navigation system, promising more efficient and methodical cleaning. However, some users have reported that the robot can still get stuck or have difficulty navigating around obstacles.
Performance and Features
The Shark EZ Robot RV995 aims to deliver a comprehensive cleaning experience with its array of features:
Suction Power
The RV995 boasts “incredible suction” to tackle pet hair, dust, and debris on various surfaces. While it performs adequately on hard floors, some reviews suggest it may struggle with embedded dirt and pet hair on carpets, requiring multiple passes to achieve satisfactory results.
Row-by-Row Cleaning
The robot employs a row-by-row cleaning pattern, which is intended to ensure complete coverage of your floors. This systematic approach is more efficient than random cleaning patterns, but its effectiveness depends on the robot’s ability to accurately map and navigate your home.
Smart Navigation
AI Laser Vision navigation allows the RV995 to map your home and avoid obstacles. This technology is supposed to prevent the robot from bumping into furniture or falling down stairs. User experiences, however, indicate that the navigation isn’t always perfect, and the robot may occasionally require manual assistance.
Edge and Corner Cleaning
Dual spinning side brushes are designed to reach edges and corners, ensuring that no area is left untouched. While the side brushes do help to capture debris along walls, they may not be as effective at picking up dirt from deep corners.
App and Voice Control
The SharkClean app allows you to start, stop, and schedule cleanings from your smartphone. The RV995 is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling voice control. These smart features add convenience, but some users have reported difficulties with the app setup and connectivity.
Battery Life
Real-world battery life varies depending on floor type, cleaning mode, and the amount of dirt and debris. The battery may drain more quickly when cleaning carpets or using the “Max” suction mode. Some customers have reported that the battery life diminishes significantly after a few months of use.
Software and User Experience
The SharkClean app is the central hub for controlling and monitoring the RV995. It allows you to view cleaning history, adjust settings, and receive notifications. The app’s usability is generally good, but some users have encountered glitches and connectivity issues. Setting up the app can be difficult for some users [2].
Comparison to Competitors
Shark IQ Robot
The Shark IQ Robot offers similar features to the RV995, including row-by-row cleaning and smart navigation. However, the IQ Robot lacks the AI Laser Vision. The Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL RV1001AE has a self-emptying base [9].
iRobot Roomba i1
The iRobot Roomba i1 is a comparable robot vacuum in terms of price and features. While the Roomba i1 may offer slightly better performance on carpets, it has a smaller debris capacity [6]. The iRobot also has a more intuitive companion app [6].
yeedi Vac Station
The yeedi vac station is better than the Shark EZ Robot Self-Empty. The yeedi feels better built, is less demanding in terms of maintenance, delivers a wider range of automation features, including virtual boundary markers, and is more maneuverable [7].
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Row-by-row cleaning
- App and voice control
- Multi-surface brushroll
Cons:
- Inconsistent performance on carpets
- Navigation issues
- Questionable reliability
- Demanding maintenance
Value for Money
The Shark EZ Robot RV995 presents a mixed bag in terms of value for money. While it offers a range of features typically found in more expensive robot vacuums, its inconsistent performance and reliability issues raise concerns.
Who should buy this:
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for a basic robot vacuum
- Individuals with primarily hard floors
- Those who want app and voice control features
Who should look elsewhere:
- Pet owners with significant shedding
- Those with mostly carpeted homes
- Individuals who prioritize reliability and long-term performance
Verdict
The Shark EZ Robot RV995 offers a decent set of features for its price, but its inconsistent performance and reliability issues prevent it from earning a higher score. If you’re willing to take a chance on a budget-friendly robot vacuum and don’t have high expectations for carpet cleaning, the RV995 may be worth considering. However, those seeking more reliable and powerful cleaning performance should explore alternative options from brands like iRobot or Roborock.
