Robot vacuums have revolutionized home cleaning, offering a convenient way to maintain tidy floors with minimal effort. Among the various models available, the Shark ION Robot 750 and the Roomba 635 are often considered by consumers seeking affordable and reliable solutions. Both target the budget-conscious market, promising to automate the chore of vacuuming without breaking the bank.
These robot vacuums appeal to a broad range of users, including busy professionals, pet owners, and individuals with mobility issues. The Shark ION Robot 750 attracts customers with its app connectivity and boundary strips, while the Roomba 635 is known for its simplicity and dependable cleaning performance. This comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and overall value to help you determine which robot vacuum best fits your needs.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Shark ION Robot 750 Short Review
- Roomba 635 Short Review
- 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 the Shark ION Robot 750?
- Who Should Buy the Roomba 635?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- For Tech-Savvy Users: The Shark ION Robot 750, with its app control and scheduling features, is a better choice.
- For Simplicity and Reliability: The Roomba 635, known for its straightforward operation and consistent cleaning, is preferable.
- For Bare Floors: Both perform well, but the Shark ION Robot 750 has a slight edge due to its edge-sweeping brushes.
- For Pet Owners: Neither is ideal, but the Roomba 635 may handle pet hair slightly better due to its more robust brush system.
The Shark ION Robot 750 is designed to provide a balance of affordability and modern features. It boasts Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to control and schedule cleaning sessions via a smartphone app. This robot vacuum includes boundary strips to keep it away from specific areas, offering a degree of customization. Its lightweight design and slim profile enable it to navigate under furniture, reaching areas that are often missed by traditional vacuums.
The Shark ION Robot 750 excels on bare floors, effectively picking up dirt and debris. It also performs reasonably well on low-pile carpets. The inclusion of edge-sweeping brushes helps to clean along walls and edges, ensuring thorough coverage. While it may not replace a full-sized vacuum for deep cleaning, the Shark ION Robot 750 is a convenient option for maintaining everyday cleanliness.
Roomba 635 Short Review
The Roomba 635 is a no-frills, dependable robot vacuum focused on delivering consistent cleaning performance. It lacks the advanced features of more expensive models, such as app connectivity or smart navigation, but it compensates with its ease of use and reliable operation. The Roomba 635 features a three-stage cleaning system designed to loosen, lift, and suction dirt and debris from various floor types.
This model is particularly effective at handling pet hair and larger debris, making it a suitable choice for households with pets. Its iAdapt navigation technology allows it to efficiently clean rooms, adjusting to different floor surfaces and avoiding obstacles. The Roomba 635 is ideal for users who prioritize simplicity and reliability over advanced features, offering a straightforward cleaning solution without a steep learning curve.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Connectivity: The Shark ION Robot 750 offers Wi-Fi connectivity and app control, while the Roomba 635 does not.
- Navigation: The Roomba 635 uses iAdapt navigation, whereas the Shark ION Robot 750 uses a more basic, random pattern.
- Boundary Markers: The Shark ION Robot 750 includes physical boundary strips, while the Roomba 635 requires separate purchase of virtual wall barriers.
- Dustbin Capacity: The Shark ION Robot 750 has a slightly larger dustbin compared to the Roomba 635.
- Price: The Shark ION Robot 750 is generally more affordable than the Roomba 635.
- Battery Life: The Shark ION Robot 750 typically offers a longer battery life than the Roomba 635.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark ION Robot 750 | Roomba 635 |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation | Random Pathing | iAdapt |
| App Connectivity | Yes | No |
| Boundary Markers | Boundary Strips | Virtual Wall (Sold Separately) |
| Battery Life | ~60 minutes | ~60 minutes |
| Dustbin Capacity | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| Cleaning System | Brushroll & Edge Brushes | 3-Stage Cleaning |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs | 7.8 lbs |
| Dimensions | 12.6″ x 2.6″ | 13.4″ x 3.62″ |
| Filter Type | Standard | AeroVac |
| Voice Control | Yes (via Alexa/Google Assistant) | No |
Price Comparison
The Shark ION Robot 750 is typically priced lower than the Roomba 635. The Shark ION Robot 750 can often be found for around $200-$250, while the Roomba 635 generally retails for $250-$300. This price difference makes the Shark ION Robot 750 a more budget-friendly option for consumers looking to save money.
Value Proposition:
* Shark ION Robot 750: Offers more features (app control, boundary strips) for a lower price.
* Roomba 635: Provides reliable cleaning performance and ease of use at a slightly higher cost.
Design and Build Quality
Shark ION Robot 750:
The Shark ION Robot 750 features a sleek, low-profile design with a black and gray finish accented by gold trim. Its lightweight construction allows it to easily maneuver around furniture. The build quality is decent, though it may not feel as robust as some higher-end models. The top of the unit includes simple controls: Clean, Dock, and Spot cleaning buttons.
Roomba 635:
The Roomba 635 has a more traditional, utilitarian design. Its sturdy build quality gives it a durable feel, capable of withstanding regular use. The Roomba 635 features a simple “Clean” button on top, making it easy to start a cleaning cycle. Its slightly larger size and weight may make it less agile than the Shark ION Robot 750 in tight spaces.
Performance Face-Off
Cleaning Performance on Hard Floors
- Shark ION Robot 750: Performs well, effectively picking up dust, crumbs, and other small debris. Its edge-sweeping brushes help to clean along edges and in corners.
- Roomba 635: Also performs well on hard floors, using its three-stage cleaning system to loosen, lift, and suction dirt.
Cleaning Performance on Carpets
- Shark ION Robot 750: Less effective on carpets, particularly high-pile ones. It may struggle with pet hair and embedded dirt.
- Roomba 635: More effective on carpets due to its stronger suction and brush design. It can handle pet hair and larger debris more efficiently.
Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance
- Shark ION Robot 750: Employs a random pathing system, which can be less efficient and may result in missed spots. It’s good at avoiding cords and obstacles.
- Roomba 635: Uses iAdapt navigation to systematically clean rooms, adapting to different floor surfaces and avoiding obstacles.
Battery Life and Coverage
- Shark ION Robot 750: Offers a slightly longer battery life, allowing it to cover a larger area on a single charge.
- Roomba 635: Provides adequate battery life for most homes, but may require recharging for larger areas.
Special Features Comparison
Shark ION Robot 750:
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Allows users to control and schedule cleaning via a smartphone app.
- Voice Control: Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice-activated control.
- Boundary Strips: Physical strips to prevent the robot from entering specific areas.
Roomba 635:
- iAdapt Navigation: Advanced navigation system for efficient cleaning and obstacle avoidance.
- AeroVac Filter: Captures fine dust and allergens for cleaner air.
Usability and User Experience
Shark ION Robot 750:
The Shark ION Robot 750 is user-friendly, especially for those familiar with smartphone apps. Setting up the app and scheduling cleaning sessions is straightforward. However, its random navigation may require occasional intervention to ensure thorough cleaning.
Roomba 635:
The Roomba 635 is incredibly easy to use, requiring no app or complicated setup. Simply press the “Clean” button, and the robot gets to work. Its reliable navigation and consistent performance make it a hassle-free option for users who prefer simplicity.
Maintenance and Longevity
Shark ION Robot 750:
Maintenance includes regularly emptying the dustbin, cleaning the brushroll, and replacing the filter. The brushroll is easily removable for cleaning tangled hair. The overall lifespan is decent, but it may not be as durable as some higher-end models.
Roomba 635:
Maintenance involves emptying the dustbin, cleaning the brushroll, and replacing the filter. The Roomba 635 is known for its durability and long-lasting performance.
Who Should Buy the Shark ION Robot 750?
The Shark ION Robot 750 is ideal for:
- Tech-savvy users who want app control and voice command capabilities.
- Individuals living in smaller homes or apartments with mostly hard floors.
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for an affordable robot vacuum with modern features.
Who Should Buy the Roomba 635?
The Roomba 635 is ideal for:
- Users who prefer simplicity and reliability over advanced features.
- Households with pets, thanks to its effective pet hair cleaning capabilities.
- Individuals who want a durable and long-lasting robot vacuum.
Final Recommendation
Both the Shark ION Robot 750 and the Roomba 635 offer valuable solutions for automated floor cleaning. The Shark ION Robot 750 stands out with its modern features like app control and voice command, making it a great choice for tech enthusiasts on a budget. On the other hand, the Roomba 635 excels in simplicity and reliability, providing consistent cleaning performance without the need for advanced settings or smartphone integration.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize convenience and connectivity, the Shark ION Robot 750 is the better option. If you value dependable cleaning performance and ease of use, the Roomba 635 is the way to go.
