Robot vacuums have become increasingly popular for their convenience in maintaining clean floors with minimal effort. Two prominent contenders in this market are the Shark ION Robot 750 and the iRobot Roomba e5. Both models aim to provide automated cleaning solutions, but they cater to slightly different user needs and preferences. This comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and overall value to help you determine which robot vacuum is the better fit for your home.
The Shark ION Robot 750 is often considered a budget-friendly option that offers a balance of essential features and decent cleaning performance. It’s designed for those who want a simple, app-controlled robot vacuum without a hefty price tag. On the other hand, the Roomba e5 is positioned as an entry-level model in the well-established Roomba lineup, known for its strong cleaning power and durable build. Consumers looking for a reliable and effective cleaning solution from a trusted brand might lean towards the Roomba e5. This review will provide a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of Shark ION Robot 750
- Short Review of Roomba e5
- 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 e5?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- Cleaning Performance: Roomba e5 excels in overall cleaning performance, particularly on carpets and with pet hair, thanks to its rubber brushrolls and strong suction.
- Smart Features: Both have app control and scheduling, but neither stands out with advanced features like mapping or virtual walls.
- Price: Shark ION Robot 750 is generally more affordable, making it a good choice for budget-conscious buyers.
- Build Quality & Maintenance: Roomba e5 is known for its sturdier build and easier maintenance, justifying its higher price point.
- Maneuverability: Roomba e5 is more maneuverable.
- Bare floors: Shark ION Robot 750 has superior performance on bare floors.
Short Review of Shark ION Robot 750
The Shark ION Robot 750 is designed as an accessible entry point into the world of robot vacuums, providing a convenient way to maintain clean floors without breaking the bank. Its key strengths lie in its ease of use and smart features like app control and voice command compatibility. The robot is equipped with a tri-brush system, combining side brushes, channel brushes, and a multi-surface brushroll to handle various types of debris on different surfaces.
While the Shark ION Robot 750 may not offer the same level of deep cleaning as some higher-end models, it is effective at picking up surface debris, dust, and pet hair, making it suitable for daily maintenance cleaning. It also excels at avoiding cords and other obstacles, preventing it from getting stuck. The ability to schedule cleanings via the app adds to its convenience, allowing users to maintain a cleaning routine even when they are not at home.
Short Review of Roomba e5
The Roomba e5 is an entry-level robot vacuum that offers a powerful cleaning performance and smart features, making it a popular choice for those new to robot vacuum technology. Known for its strong suction and durable construction, the Roomba e5 excels at picking up dirt, dust, and pet hair from both hard floors and carpets. Its rubber brushrolls are designed to resist tangling, making it particularly effective for homes with pets.
The Roomba e5 is compatible with the iRobot Home app, allowing users to control the vacuum remotely, schedule cleanings, and receive maintenance alerts. While it lacks advanced features like mapping and virtual walls found in higher-end models, its robust cleaning capabilities and ease of use make it a reliable choice for maintaining a clean home. The washable dustbin and HEPA filter add to its appeal, ensuring that allergens and dust are effectively captured.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Brush System: Shark ION Robot 750 uses a tri-brush system, while the Roomba e5 uses dual rubber brushrolls.
- Suction Power: Roomba e5 generally offers stronger suction, making it more effective on carpets.
- Navigation: Roomba e5 has better maneuverability.
- App Features: Both offer app control and scheduling, but Roomba’s app is generally more user-friendly.
- Price: Shark ION Robot 750 is typically more affordable than the Roomba e5.
- Maintenance: Roomba e5 is easier to maintain.
- Bare floors: Shark ION Robot 750 has superior performance on bare floors.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark ION Robot 750 | Roomba e5 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | ~60 minutes | ~90 minutes |
| Dustbin Capacity | Not specified | 0.5 Liters |
| Filter Type | HEPA | HEPA |
| Brush Type | Tri-Brush System | Dual Rubber Brushrolls |
| Navigation | Smart Sensor Navigation | iAdapt Navigation |
| App Control | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Cliff Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Charging Time | Not specified | ~3 hours |
| Dimensions | 12.6″ x 12.6″ x 2.6″ | 13.4″ x 13.4″ x 3.6″ |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs | 7.2 lbs |
Price Comparison
The Shark ION Robot 750 typically retails for around $250-$350, while the Roomba e5 is priced in the $300-$400 range. However, prices can vary based on retailer and promotions. The Shark ION Robot 750 offers a good value proposition for budget-conscious consumers, providing essential features at a lower cost. The Roomba e5, while more expensive, justifies its price with its stronger cleaning performance and more durable build. Considering the cost-to-feature ratio, the Roomba e5 is better than the Shark ION Robot 750.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark ION Robot 750 has a sleek, low-profile design that allows it to easily navigate under furniture. It is lightweight, making it easy to move around if needed. However, the build quality feels somewhat less robust compared to the Roomba e5. The Roomba e5 has a sturdier, more durable construction that inspires confidence in its longevity. Its design is slightly taller, which may limit its ability to clean under very low furniture, but its rugged build can withstand more bumps and collisions.
Performance Face-Off
Cleaning on Hard Floors
The Shark ION Robot 750 performs adequately on hard floors, picking up surface debris and dust effectively. Its tri-brush system helps sweep debris into the suction path. The Roomba e5 also performs well on hard floors, using its dual rubber brushrolls to agitate and lift dirt.
Cleaning on Carpets
The Roomba e5 has better performance than the Shark ION Robot 750 on carpets, thanks to its stronger suction and specially designed rubber brushrolls that dig deeper into carpet fibers. It is particularly effective at removing pet hair and embedded dirt.
Edge Cleaning
The Shark ION Robot 750, with its side brushes, does a decent job of cleaning along edges and corners. The Roomba e5 also has edge-sweeping brushes that effectively capture debris along walls, though some reviews suggest it can sometimes struggle with heavier debris in corners.
Pet Hair
The Roomba e5 is better than the Shark ION Robot 750 at tackling pet hair, as its rubber brushrolls prevent hair from tangling and maintain consistent suction.
Special Features Comparison
- Shark ION Robot 750: The Shark ION Robot 750 includes BotBoundary strips to keep the vacuum away from certain areas.
- Roomba e5: The Roomba e5 features Dirt Detect technology, which allows it to focus on areas with higher concentrations of dirt.
Usability and User Experience
Both the Shark ION Robot 750 and the Roomba e5 are designed to be user-friendly. The Shark ION Robot 750’s app is simple and straightforward, allowing users to easily schedule cleanings and control the vacuum remotely. The Roomba e5 also has a user-friendly app, but is generally more reliable and offers better connectivity. Both are easy to set up and operate, making them suitable for both novice and experienced users.
Maintenance and Longevity
The Roomba e5 is easier to maintain, with a washable dustbin and easily replaceable parts. Its durable construction suggests a longer lifespan compared to the Shark ION Robot 750. The Shark ION Robot 750 requires regular cleaning of its brushes and filter, but its parts may not be as readily available or as durable as those of the Roomba e5.
Who Should Buy the Shark ION Robot 750?
The Shark ION Robot 750 is the better choice for:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those looking for an affordable robot vacuum with essential features.
- Small apartments: Users with smaller living spaces where deep cleaning is not a primary concern.
- Tech-savvy users: Those who appreciate app control and voice command integration.
Who Should Buy the Roomba e5?
The Roomba e5 is the better choice for:
- Pet owners: Those needing a robot vacuum that effectively removes pet hair and resists tangling.
- Allergy sufferers: Individuals who benefit from a HEPA filter and a washable dustbin.
- Users with carpets: Those with homes that have a lot of carpeted areas needing more suction power.
- Durability seekers: Those who want a robust and reliable robot vacuum from a trusted brand.
Final Recommendation
While both robot vacuums offer convenience and automated cleaning, the Roomba e5 emerges as the better overall value due to its stronger cleaning performance, more durable build, and user-friendly features. It is particularly well-suited for homes with pets and carpets, where its powerful suction and specialized brushrolls excel. However, for those on a tight budget who primarily need a robot vacuum for light maintenance cleaning on hard floors, the Shark ION Robot 750 remains a viable option.
