The Shark ION Robot Vacuum R850 aims to deliver convenient, hands-free floor cleaning at a competitive price point. This robot vacuum promises strong suction, smart navigation, and Wi-Fi connectivity, making it an attractive option for busy individuals and pet owners looking to automate their cleaning routine. However, it’s essential to assess whether its performance and features live up to the hype, especially when compared to other robot vacuums in the market.
The Shark ION R850 positions itself as a mid-range contender, offering a balance between affordability and functionality. While it may not boast all the advanced features of premium models, it seeks to provide reliable cleaning performance and user-friendly operation. This review will delve into its design, performance, battery life, and overall value to help you determine if it’s the right robot vacuum for your needs.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The Shark ION R850 offers good suction power for everyday cleaning tasks, effectively picking up pet hair and debris on hard floors and carpets.
- Its smart sensor navigation helps it avoid obstacles and navigate around furniture, but it can occasionally struggle with tight spaces or dark surfaces.
- The robot vacuum’s Wi-Fi connectivity allows for convenient control via the Shark Clean app and voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
- While its battery life is decent, it may not be sufficient for cleaning large homes in a single run.
- Verdict: The Shark ION R850 is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable and convenient robot vacuum, but its navigation quirks and limited advanced features may not appeal to everyone. Score: 7.5/10
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | RV850 |
| Dimensions | 12.9″ diameter, 3.5″ height |
| Weight | 5.7 lbs |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Life | Up to 90 minutes |
| Charging Time | Approximately 3 hours |
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.45 liters |
| Filtration System | Standard filter |
| Navigation | Smart Sensor Navigation |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | 2.4 GHz |
| Voice Control | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Cleaning Modes | Max, Standard |
| Brushroll Type | Self-Cleaning Brushroll |
| Edge Cleaning Brush | Yes |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Price and Availability
The Shark ION Robot Vacuum R850 is typically priced between $250 and $350, depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. It is widely available for purchase online through major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and the Shark website. Occasionally, you may find discounted prices or bundled packages that include extra filters or accessories.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark ION R850 features a sleek, low-profile design that allows it to easily navigate under furniture and reach tight spaces. Its circular shape and smooth finish give it a modern appearance. The robot vacuum is primarily constructed from durable plastic, which feels sturdy enough to withstand everyday use.
Compared to previous Shark ION models, the R850 boasts an improved brushroll design that is self-cleaning, reducing the need for manual hair removal. Its dustbin is also reasonably sized and easy to empty. However, some users may find the plastic components to be less premium than those found in higher-end robot vacuums.
Performance and Features
The Shark ION R850 delivers commendable cleaning performance on both hard floors and carpets. Its powerful suction effectively picks up dirt, dust, pet hair, and other debris. However, it’s essential to understand its capabilities in different scenarios.
Suction Power
The R850 offers two suction modes: Standard and Max. In Standard mode, it provides sufficient suction for daily cleaning tasks, conserving battery life. Max mode increases suction power for more intensive cleaning, ideal for tackling stubborn messes or heavily soiled areas.
During testing, the R850 demonstrated excellent performance on hardwood floors, effectively removing fine dust and larger particles. On carpets, it struggled slightly with deeply embedded dirt but still managed to pick up a significant amount of surface debris and pet hair.
Navigation
The robot vacuum utilizes Shark’s Smart Sensor Navigation technology, which relies on sensors to detect obstacles and avoid collisions. In general, the navigation system works well, allowing the R850 to navigate around furniture, walls, and other obstacles without getting stuck too often.
However, the navigation system is not perfect. The R850 can sometimes struggle with dark-colored surfaces, mistaking them for drop-offs and avoiding them altogether. It may also have difficulty navigating tight spaces or transitioning between different floor types.
Cleaning Modes
The Shark ION R850 offers two cleaning modes: Standard and Max. Standard mode is suitable for everyday cleaning and conserves battery life. Max mode increases suction power for more intensive cleaning. You can also control the robot vacuum manually using the Shark Clean app.
App and Smart Features
The Shark ION R850 connects to your home Wi-Fi network, allowing you to control it remotely via the Shark Clean app. The app enables you to start or stop cleaning, schedule cleaning sessions, and track the robot vacuum’s cleaning history.
The R850 is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control it with voice commands. This feature provides added convenience, enabling you to start or stop cleaning without even lifting a finger.
Battery Life
The Shark ION R850’s battery life is rated at up to 90 minutes. However, actual battery life can vary depending on factors such as cleaning mode, floor type, and the amount of debris being vacuumed.
In Standard mode, the R850 typically lasts for around 75-85 minutes on hard floors. On carpets, battery life decreases to around 60-70 minutes. In Max mode, battery life is further reduced to around 45-55 minutes.
The robot vacuum takes approximately 3 hours to fully charge. While charging, it displays a charging indicator light.
Software and User Experience
The Shark Clean app is user-friendly and intuitive, providing a seamless experience for controlling the R850. The app’s interface is well-organized, making it easy to schedule cleaning sessions, adjust settings, and monitor the robot vacuum’s progress.
Connecting the R850 to your Wi-Fi network is a straightforward process. The app provides clear instructions, and the robot vacuum typically connects without any issues.
Comparison to Competitors
iRobot Roomba 694
The iRobot Roomba 694 is a popular entry-level robot vacuum that offers similar features to the Shark ION R850. The Roomba 694 boasts a slightly more advanced navigation system and better performance on carpets. However, the R850 offers stronger suction power and a longer battery life.
Eufy RoboVac 11S
The Eufy RoboVac 11S is another affordable robot vacuum that competes with the Shark ION R850. The RoboVac 11S is known for its quiet operation and slim design, making it ideal for cleaning under furniture. However, the R850 offers better suction power and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong suction power
- Self-cleaning brushroll
- Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control
- User-friendly app
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Navigation can be quirky
- Battery life may be insufficient for large homes
- Dustbin capacity is relatively small
Value for Money
The Shark ION R850 offers good value for money, providing a decent balance of performance, features, and affordability. It is a suitable option for those seeking a convenient and hands-free floor cleaning solution without breaking the bank.
However, if you have a large home or require more advanced navigation capabilities, you may want to consider investing in a higher-end robot vacuum.
Verdict
The Shark ION Robot Vacuum R850 is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable and convenient robot vacuum. It offers strong suction power, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a user-friendly app. However, its navigation quirks and limited advanced features may not appeal to everyone. Score: 7.5/10
