The Shark ION Robot R87 aims to offer a convenient and affordable entry point into the world of robotic vacuum cleaners. Positioned as a mid-range option within Shark’s ION robot lineup, it promises to automate your floor cleaning with smart features and decent suction power. However, in a market saturated with increasingly sophisticated competitors, does the R87 offer enough to stand out? This review will delve into its design, performance, features, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right robotic vacuum for your needs.
The R87 enters a crowded market, vying for attention against models from iRobot, Eufy, and even Shark’s own newer offerings. While it boasts app connectivity and voice control compatibility, it lacks some of the advanced navigation and customization options found in higher-end models. It is, therefore, geared towards users who prioritize ease of use and basic cleaning functionality over advanced features and precision cleaning.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Good Suction Power: The Shark ION Robot R87 offers adequate suction for picking up everyday dirt, dust, and pet hair on hard floors and low-pile carpets.
- Simple Navigation: While it lacks advanced mapping capabilities, the R87 uses a basic navigation system that effectively covers most areas.
- User-Friendly App: The Shark ION Robot app provides simple controls for scheduling cleaning sessions, starting and stopping the robot, and checking battery status.
- Voice Control Integration: Compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant allows for convenient voice-controlled operation.
- Verdict: A decent entry-level robot vacuum for those seeking basic cleaning automation, but lacks advanced features found in higher-end models. 6.8/10
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | RV871 |
| Dimensions | 12.6″ diameter, 3.5″ height |
| Weight | 5.7 lbs |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | 2500 mAh |
| Runtime | Up to 90 minutes |
| Charging Time | Approximately 3 hours |
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.45 liters |
| Filter Type | Standard Filter |
| Navigation | Bumper-based with edge detection |
| Cleaning Modes | Auto, Spot, Edge |
| App Connectivity | Yes (Shark ION Robot app) |
| Voice Control | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Brushroll Type | Self-cleaning brushroll |
| Cliff Sensors | Yes |
| Obstacle Avoidance | Bumper-based |
Price and Availability
The Shark ION Robot R87 is widely available through major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and the SharkClean website. Typical pricing ranges from $200 to $250, but keep an eye out for sales and promotions, especially during holiday seasons. Bundles including extra filters or side brushes may also be available.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark ION Robot R87 sports a typical circular design common among robot vacuums. It is primarily constructed of plastic, which feels reasonably durable but not particularly premium. The matte finish helps to hide fingerprints and dust. At 3.5 inches tall, it’s slim enough to fit under some furniture, but may struggle with lower clearances.
Compared to older Shark ION models, the R87 features a slightly refined aesthetic with a more streamlined button layout on top. However, it lacks the more sophisticated design elements found in premium robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i7 or the Neato Botvac D7. The dustbin is located at the rear and is easy to remove and empty. The self-cleaning brushroll is a welcome addition, helping to prevent hair tangles.
Performance and Features
The Shark ION Robot R87 offers adequate performance for basic floor cleaning tasks. Its suction power is sufficient for picking up everyday dirt, dust, and pet hair on hard floors and low-pile carpets. However, it may struggle with thicker carpets or larger debris.
Cleaning Performance
In testing on hard floors, the R87 effectively picked up the majority of debris in a single pass. On low-pile carpets, it required multiple passes to achieve similar results. Edge cleaning was decent, thanks to the side brushes, but some debris remained along walls and in corners.
Navigation
The R87 uses a bumper-based navigation system, which means it essentially bumps around until it covers most of the area. This is less efficient than the more advanced mapping systems found in higher-end models, and it can result in missed spots or repeated coverage of the same areas. However, it does a reasonable job of navigating most rooms. The cliff sensors prevent it from falling down stairs.
App and Voice Control
The Shark ION Robot app is simple and intuitive. It allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, start and stop the robot, and check battery status. The app also provides notifications when the dustbin is full or if the robot encounters an error. Voice control integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant is a convenient feature, allowing you to start and stop cleaning with simple voice commands.
Battery Life
The Shark ION Robot R87 is advertised to have a runtime of up to 90 minutes. In testing, it achieved approximately 75-85 minutes on hard floors and 60-70 minutes on carpets. Charging time is approximately 3 hours. The robot will automatically return to its charging dock when the battery is low.
Software and User Experience
The Shark ION Robot app is straightforward and easy to use. Setting up the robot and connecting it to Wi-Fi is a simple process. The app provides basic controls and scheduling options. However, it lacks advanced features such as room mapping, virtual boundaries, or spot cleaning customization. The app is stable and reliable, but it could benefit from additional features and customization options.
Comparison to Competitors
Shark ION Robot R87 vs. iRobot Roomba 675
The iRobot Roomba 675 is a similar entry-level robot vacuum. While the Roomba 675 has slightly better suction power and a more advanced cleaning head, the Shark ION Robot R87 offers app connectivity and voice control, which the Roomba 675 lacks.
Shark ION Robot R87 vs. Eufy RoboVac 11S
The Eufy RoboVac 11S is another popular budget-friendly option. It is quieter than the Shark ION Robot R87 and offers a longer runtime. However, it lacks app connectivity and voice control. The Shark ION Robot R87 has better suction and a self cleaning brushroll, that could make it a good choice.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Decent suction power
- App connectivity
- Voice control integration
- Self-cleaning brushroll
Cons:
- Basic navigation system
- Limited app features
- Plastic build quality
- Smaller dustbin
Value for Money
The Shark ION Robot R87 offers reasonable value for money, especially for those seeking an affordable entry point into the world of robot vacuums. It provides basic cleaning automation with decent suction power and convenient app and voice control features. However, if you’re looking for advanced navigation, more powerful suction, or a more premium design, you may want to consider a higher-end model.
Verdict
The Shark ION Robot R87 is a decent entry-level robot vacuum that offers convenient cleaning automation at an affordable price. While it lacks the advanced features and performance of higher-end models, it’s a good option for those seeking a basic and easy-to-use robot vacuum for everyday cleaning tasks. 6.8/10
