Shark ION Robot 750 vs. Roomba 850

Robot vacuums have become increasingly popular for their convenience in maintaining clean floors with minimal effort. Two models that have garnered attention in this space are the Shark ION Robot 750 and the Roomba 850. Both aim to automate the chore of vacuuming, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. The Shark ION Robot 750 is known for its affordability and user-friendly app control, making it an attractive option for those new to robot vacuums or seeking a budget-friendly solution. On the other hand, the Roomba 850, while an older model, carries the Roomba legacy of reliability and effective cleaning performance, appealing to consumers who prioritize a trusted brand and proven technology.

These robot vacuums are designed for busy individuals, pet owners, and anyone looking to offload the task of daily floor cleaning. The Shark ION Robot 750 is particularly suited for smaller homes or apartments with mostly hard floors and low-pile carpets, where its maneuverability and obstacle avoidance shine. Meanwhile, the Roomba 850’s robust cleaning system and efficient dirt extraction make it a solid choice for homes with a mix of flooring types and moderate pet hair concerns. This comparison will dive deep into the features, performance, and value of each model to help you determine which robot vacuum is the best fit for your home and lifestyle.

Quick Verdict

• Cleaning Performance: The Roomba 850 may have the edge due to its AeroForce cleaning system, which is known for effective dirt extraction.
• Smart Features and Convenience: The Shark ION Robot 750 wins with its Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, and voice assistant compatibility.
• Price and Value: The Shark ION Robot 750 typically offers a better value proposition due to its lower price point and comparable cleaning capabilities.
• Best for:
  • Shark ION Robot 750: Tech-savvy users on a budget who want smart features and decent cleaning performance.
  • Roomba 850: Users who prioritize a reliable cleaning performance from a trusted brand, even without advanced smart features.

Short Review of the Shark ION Robot 750

The Shark ION Robot 750 is a Wi-Fi-connected robot vacuum designed to provide convenient, automated cleaning. It features a tri-brush system, including side brushes, channel brushes, and a multi-surface brush roll, making it suitable for various floor types. Its key strengths lie in its ease of use, smart features, and obstacle avoidance capabilities. The SharkClean app allows users to start and stop cleaning, schedule cleanings, and monitor the robot’s progress from anywhere. The robot also integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.

The Shark ION Robot 750 excels at navigating homes with its Auto-Sense Navigation, which helps it avoid obstacles, ledges, and stairs. Its slim profile allows it to clean under furniture, reaching areas that are difficult to access with traditional vacuums. While it may not have the most advanced navigation system, it effectively cleans open areas and edges. However, it might require some intervention in cluttered spaces or homes with complex layouts.

Short Review of the Roomba 850

The Roomba 850 is a robotic vacuum cleaner designed for automated floor cleaning. It features iAdapt sensors, which enable it to navigate under and around furniture while avoiding obstacles, curtains, and stairs. The Roomba 850 utilizes a three-stage AeroForce cleaning system with AeroForce extractors, which are designed to provide powerful suction and efficient dirt extraction. This model is particularly effective at picking up pet hair and debris from various floor types.

The Roomba 850 offers a reliable cleaning performance with its tangle-free multi-surface brushes and power-lifting suction. It automatically adjusts to different floor types, ensuring optimal cleaning on both hard floors and carpets. The Roomba 850 can be scheduled to clean up to seven times per week, providing a consistent cleaning routine. While it may lack some of the advanced smart features found in newer models, its robust cleaning capabilities and ease of use make it a popular choice for many households.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Smart Features: Shark ION Robot 750 has Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, and voice assistant integration, while Roomba 850 lacks these features.
• Navigation: Shark ION Robot 750 uses Auto-Sense Navigation, while Roomba 850 uses iAdapt sensors for navigation.
• Brush System: Shark ION Robot 750 features a tri-brush system, while Roomba 850 uses tangle-free multi-surface brushes.
• Dustbin Capacity: The Shark ION Robot 750 has a slightly larger dustbin compared to the Roomba 850.
• Price: Shark ION Robot 750 is generally more affordable than Roomba 850.
• Cleaning Technology: Roomba 850 utilizes the AeroForce 3-Stage Cleaning System, which is known for its powerful suction and dirt extraction.

Specifications Comparison

Price Comparison

The Shark ION Robot 750 typically retails for a lower price than the Roomba 850. The Shark ION Robot 750 can be found for around $200-$300, while the Roomba 850, depending on the retailer and any available discounts, hovers in the $300-$400 range. The Shark ION Robot 750 provides a strong value proposition with its smart features and adequate cleaning performance at a more accessible price point. However, the Roomba 850 justifies its higher cost with its established reputation for reliability and effective cleaning, making it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize performance over smart features.

Design and Build Quality

The Shark ION Robot 750 features a sleek, low-profile design that allows it to easily navigate under furniture. It is lightweight and has a soft-touch bumper to minimize damage to furniture and walls. The Roomba 850 also has a low-profile design and is built with durable materials. While both robots are designed to withstand everyday use, the Roomba 850 feels more robust due to its sturdier construction.

Performance Face-Off

Cleaning Performance on Hard Floors

Both robots perform well on hard floors, effectively picking up dust, dirt, and debris. The Shark ION Robot 750’s tri-brush system excels at sweeping debris into the suction path, while the Roomba 850’s AeroForce cleaning system provides strong suction to lift dirt from hard surfaces.

Cleaning Performance on Carpets

The Roomba 850 has an advantage on carpets due to its AeroForce cleaning system, which provides powerful suction and agitators to loosen and lift dirt from carpet fibers. The Shark ION Robot 750 can clean low-pile carpets effectively, but it may struggle with thicker or high-pile carpets.

Edge Cleaning

Both robots are equipped with side brushes to clean along edges and corners. The Shark ION Robot 750’s dual side brushes provide thorough edge cleaning, while the Roomba 850’s single side brush effectively sweeps debris from edges and corners.

Obstacle Avoidance

The Shark ION Robot 750 uses Auto-Sense Navigation to avoid obstacles, while the Roomba 850 uses iAdapt sensors. Both robots can navigate around furniture and avoid stairs, but the Shark ION Robot 750’s smart navigation may be more effective in complex or cluttered environments.

Special Features Comparison

• Shark ION Robot 750:
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Allows users to control the robot from anywhere using the SharkClean app.
  • Voice Control: Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands.
  • Scheduling: Users can schedule cleanings for specific times and days.
• Roomba 850:
  • AeroForce Cleaning System: Provides powerful suction and efficient dirt extraction.
  • Tangle-Free Brushes: Designed to prevent hair and debris from getting tangled in the brushes.
  • iAdapt Navigation: Enables the robot to navigate under and around furniture while avoiding obstacles.

Usability and User Experience

The Shark ION Robot 750 is easy to set up and use, thanks to its intuitive app and voice control capabilities. The Roomba 850 is also user-friendly, with simple controls and a straightforward design. However, the Shark ION Robot 750’s smart features provide a more convenient and customizable cleaning experience.

Maintenance and Longevity

Both robots require regular maintenance, including emptying the dustbin, cleaning the brushes, and replacing filters. The Shark ION Robot 750 has a shorter lifespan compared to the Roomba 850, which is known for its durability and longevity.

Who Should Buy the Shark ION Robot 750?

The Shark ION Robot 750 is a good choice for:

• Budget-conscious buyers looking for an affordable robot vacuum.
• Tech-savvy users who want smart features like app control and voice assistant integration.
• Owners of small homes or apartments with mostly hard floors and low-pile carpets.
• Users who want a lightweight and maneuverable robot vacuum.

Who Should Buy the Roomba 850?

The Roomba 850 is a good choice for:

• Users who prioritize cleaning performance and reliability over smart features.
• Owners of homes with a mix of flooring types, including carpets and hard floors.
• Pet owners who need a robot vacuum that can effectively pick up pet hair.
• Users who prefer a durable and long-lasting robot vacuum.

Final Recommendation

In conclusion, the Shark ION Robot 750 and Roomba 850 cater to different needs and preferences. The Shark ION Robot 750 stands out with its smart features and affordable price, making it an excellent option for tech-savvy users on a budget. On the other hand, the Roomba 850 offers reliable cleaning performance and durability, making it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize performance and longevity.