Robot vacuums have revolutionized home cleaning, offering convenience and automation for busy individuals and families. Among the various brands and models, the Shark ION Robot series stands out as a popular choice, known for its affordability and effectiveness. The Shark ION Robot R85 and R87 are two models that often get compared, as they share many similarities but also have some key differences. Understanding these differences is crucial for consumers to make an informed decision based on their specific needs and preferences.
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The Shark ION Robot R85 and R87 are designed to provide a hands-free cleaning experience, tackling everyday dirt, dust, and pet hair. These robots are particularly appealing to those who want to maintain a clean home without the daily hassle of manual vacuuming. They are also suitable for individuals with mobility issues or those who simply want to free up their time for other activities. Both models offer Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to control and schedule cleaning sessions via a smartphone app or voice commands. This comparison aims to provide a detailed analysis of their features, performance, and value proposition, helping you determine which model best fits your lifestyle and cleaning requirements.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of Shark ION Robot R85
- Short Review of Shark ION Robot R87
- 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 R85?
- Who Should Buy the Shark ION Robot R87?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- R85: Best for users who prioritize powerful suction and don’t mind a more basic design. It’s a great value for those seeking effective cleaning on a budget.
- R87: Ideal for users who appreciate a slightly more refined design and potentially better availability, as it’s a newer model.
Short Review of Shark ION Robot R85
The Shark ION Robot R85 is a well-regarded robot vacuum known for its powerful suction and effective cleaning capabilities. It’s designed to tackle various floor types, including hardwood and carpet, making it a versatile option for many homes. The R85 excels at picking up dirt, dust, and pet hair, providing a thorough clean with minimal effort. Its Wi-Fi connectivity allows for convenient control via a smartphone app, enabling users to schedule cleanings and monitor the robot’s activity remotely.
One of the standout features of the R85 is its strong suction power, which is particularly effective on carpets. It also boasts an XL dust bin, reducing the frequency of emptying. The R85’s design includes a multi-surface brushroll and dual edge brushes, ensuring it can effectively clean along edges and in corners. While it may lack some of the advanced navigation features found in higher-end models, the R85 offers a reliable and efficient cleaning experience at an affordable price point.
Short Review of Shark ION Robot R87
The Shark ION Robot R87 is an enhanced version of the R85, offering similar cleaning performance with a few design tweaks. Like the R85, it features strong suction, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a multi-surface brushroll, making it suitable for various floor types. The R87 is designed to seamlessly transition from hard floors to carpets, providing consistent cleaning throughout your home. Its compatibility with smart home devices like Alexa and Google Assistant adds to its user-friendly appeal.
The R87 includes an XL dust bin, which means less frequent emptying, and dual edge brushes to ensure thorough cleaning along walls and in corners. The main differences between the R87 and R85 are subtle design changes. While both models offer excellent cleaning performance, the R87 may be easier to find as it is a slightly newer model. Overall, the Shark ION Robot R87 is a reliable and efficient robot vacuum that provides a convenient cleaning solution for modern homes.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Design: The R87 features some design tweaks compared to the R85.
- Availability: The R87, being a newer model, might be easier to find in stock.
- Features: Both models have similar features
- Suction Power: Both models have similar suction power.
- Smart Home Integration: Both models offer Wi-Fi connectivity and smart home integration.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark ION Robot R85 | Shark ION Robot R87 |
|---|---|---|
| Model Number | RV850 | RV871 |
| Dustbin Capacity | XL (0.6 quarts) | XL (0.6 quarts) |
| Battery Life | Up to 90 minutes | Up to 90 minutes |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| App Control | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Brushroll Type | Multi-Surface | Multi-Surface |
| Edge Cleaning | Dual Edge Brushes | Dual Edge Brushes |
| Navigation | Random | Random |
| Dimensions | 12.4 x 12.6 x 3.54 inches | 12.4 x 12.6 x 3.54 inches |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs | 6.6 lbs |
Price Comparison
The Shark ION Robot R85 and R87 are typically priced in the affordable robot vacuum range. The R85 is generally slightly cheaper due to being an older model. However, prices may vary depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. Considering their features and performance, both models offer a strong value proposition. The cost-to-feature ratio is excellent, especially for users looking for a reliable robot vacuum without breaking the bank.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Shark ION Robot R85 and R87 share a similar design, featuring a classic disc shape and a combination of dark gray and black colors. They are made of durable plastic, which ensures longevity and resistance to everyday wear and tear. The build quality is solid, providing a robust feel that can withstand regular use.
The R85 and R87 are designed to be low-profile, allowing them to easily navigate under furniture. At 3.4 inches high, they can fit under most couches and chairs, ensuring thorough cleaning in hard-to-reach areas. The top of each robot features physical buttons for Clean, Dock, and Max modes, along with LED indicators for error, charge level, and Wi-Fi connectivity. While the aesthetic differences between the two models are minor, the R87 may have a slightly more refined finish due to being a newer model.
Performance Face-Off
Both the Shark ION Robot R85 and R87 offer impressive cleaning performance, making them suitable for a variety of floor types and cleaning needs.
Cleaning Performance on Hard Floors
Both models excel at picking up dirt and debris on hard floors. Their strong suction and dual edge brushes ensure that they effectively clean along edges and in corners, leaving floors spotless. In tests, both robots demonstrated excellent pickup of rice and sand on hardwood floors, with minimal scattering of debris.
Cleaning Performance on Carpets
The R85 and R87 are also effective on carpets, thanks to their multi-surface brushrolls and powerful suction. They can easily tackle pet hair, dust, and larger debris, providing a thorough clean. The R85 has been noted for its particularly strong performance on carpets, effectively removing embedded dirt and pet hair.
Edge Cleaning
Both models are equipped with dual edge brushes that help to pull dirt and debris from hard-to-reach areas along walls and in corners. This feature ensures that no area is left untouched, providing a comprehensive cleaning experience.
Navigation
The R85 and R87 use a random navigation pattern, which means they bounce around the room until they have covered the entire area. While this method may not be as efficient as smart mapping, it is still effective at cleaning most homes. Both models are equipped with sensors that prevent them from falling down stairs and ledges, ensuring safe operation.
Special Features Comparison
Both the Shark ION Robot R85 and R87 come with a few key features that enhance their cleaning performance and user experience.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Allows users to control and schedule cleaning sessions via the Shark Clean app.
- Voice Control: Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling voice-activated control.
- XL Dust Bin: Reduces the frequency of emptying, allowing for longer cleaning sessions.
- Multi-Surface Brushroll: Effectively cleans both hard floors and carpets.
- Dual Edge Brushes: Ensures thorough cleaning along edges and in corners.
Usability and User Experience
The Shark ION Robot R85 and R87 are designed to be user-friendly, making them suitable for both novice and experienced users. Setting up either robot is straightforward, and the Shark Clean app is intuitive and easy to navigate.
The app allows users to schedule cleaning sessions, start or stop the robot remotely, and monitor its battery level. Voice control integration with Alexa and Google Assistant further enhances the user experience, allowing for hands-free operation.
While both models use a random navigation pattern, their sensors and obstacle avoidance capabilities ensure they can effectively clean most homes without getting stuck too often. However, some users may find that they require occasional assistance to navigate complex layouts or avoid certain obstacles.
Maintenance and Longevity
Maintaining the Shark ION Robot R85 and R87 is relatively simple. Regular maintenance tasks include emptying the dustbin, cleaning the brushroll, and wiping down the sensors. The dustbin is easy to remove and empty, and the brushroll can be easily detached for cleaning.
The battery pack is also easily accessible and inexpensive to replace, which is a significant advantage for extending the lifespan of the robot. With proper care and maintenance, both models can provide years of reliable cleaning performance.
Who Should Buy the Shark ION Robot R85?
The Shark ION Robot R85 is the better choice for:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those looking for an affordable robot vacuum that offers excellent cleaning performance.
- Users with mixed flooring: Homes with a combination of hard floors and carpets will benefit from its multi-surface cleaning capabilities.
- Pet owners: The R85’s strong suction and brushroll design make it effective at picking up pet hair.
Who Should Buy the Shark ION Robot R87?
The Shark ION Robot R87 is the better choice for:
- Users who want a slightly newer model: Those who prefer the latest version with potential design enhancements.
- Buyers seeking easy availability: The R87 may be easier to find in stock compared to the older R85.
- Smart home enthusiasts: The R87’s Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control integration make it a great addition to any smart home.
Final Recommendation
Both the Shark ION Robot R85 and R87 offer excellent cleaning performance and value for money. The R85 is a slightly older model that provides powerful suction and effective cleaning at an affordable price. The R87, being a newer model, may offer some design tweaks and better availability, while maintaining the same level of cleaning performance.
Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences and priorities. If budget is a primary concern, the R85 is an excellent choice. If you prefer a slightly newer model with potential design enhancements and easier availability, the R87 is a solid option. Both robots are reliable and efficient, providing a convenient cleaning solution for modern homes.
