Shark ION Robot RV720 vs. RV750

Robot vacuums have become a staple in modern households, offering a convenient way to keep floors clean with minimal effort. Among the many options available, the Shark ION Robot series has gained popularity for its affordability and decent performance. The Shark ION Robot RV720 and RV750 are two models that often find themselves on consumers’ shortlists. These robots promise to automate your floor cleaning, but choosing between them requires a closer look.

Both the RV720 and RV750 aim to provide a hands-free cleaning experience, targeting busy individuals, pet owners, and anyone looking to reduce the time spent on chores. They navigate your home, picking up dirt, dust, and debris from various floor types. While they share many similarities, a key difference lies in their connectivity: the RV750 offers Wi-Fi and app control, while the RV720 relies on a traditional remote. This comparison will dissect their features, performance, and value to help you determine which Shark ION Robot best suits your needs and lifestyle.

Quick Verdict

• Choose the Shark ION Robot RV750 if: You want smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, and voice assistant compatibility (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant). This provides convenient scheduling and control from anywhere.
• Choose the Shark ION Robot RV720 if: You prefer a simpler, more budget-friendly option. It offers the same cleaning performance as the RV750 but uses a remote control instead of an app. If you don’t need or want smart features, the RV720 is a cost-effective choice.

Short Review of the Shark ION Robot RV720

The Shark ION Robot RV720 is a budget-friendly robot vacuum designed for everyday cleaning. It offers a simple and straightforward approach to automated floor care. This model is particularly appealing to those who prefer a traditional remote control over smartphone app connectivity. The RV720 is known for its quiet operation, making it suitable for use at any time of day without causing significant disruption. It’s effective on hard floors and low-pile carpets.

The RV720 excels in ease of use with its intuitive remote control. The dustbin is easy to access and empty. It is a competent machine that navigates accurately and cleans powerfully. It also boasts a decent battery life. Though lacking smart features like Wi-Fi, its affordability and reliable performance make it a solid choice for users seeking a basic, no-frills robot vacuum.

Short Review of the Shark ION Robot RV750

The Shark ION Robot RV750 is a step up from the RV720. It adds smart features, including Wi-Fi connectivity and app control. The RV750 allows users to schedule cleanings, monitor progress, and control the vacuum remotely via a smartphone app. It is also compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling voice-activated control. The RV750 shares the RV720’s quiet operation and effectiveness on various floor types.

The RV750’s smart features provide added convenience and flexibility, making it a good option for tech-savvy users. Its ability to integrate with smart home ecosystems and offer remote control enhances the overall user experience. Despite being slightly more expensive than the RV720, the RV750 offers a compelling value proposition for those who appreciate the benefits of a connected device.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Connectivity: RV750 has Wi-Fi, app control, and voice assistant compatibility; RV720 uses a remote control.
• Control Method: RV750 is controlled via a smartphone app and voice commands; RV720 is controlled via a remote control.
• Smart Features: RV750 offers scheduling, remote monitoring, and voice control; RV720 has basic scheduling via remote.
• Price: RV750 is typically more expensive due to its smart features; RV720 is more budget-friendly.
• Target Audience: RV750 is ideal for tech-savvy users who want smart home integration; RV720 is for those who prefer simplicity and affordability.

Specifications Comparison

Price Comparison

The Shark ION Robot RV720 is generally priced lower than the RV750. The RV720 typically retails around $200-$300, while the RV750 is often found in the $300-$400 range. Price can fluctuate based on retailer and promotions.

• RV720 Value Proposition: The RV720 offers excellent value for budget-conscious consumers who don’t require smart features. Its lower price point makes it an attractive option for those seeking basic automated cleaning without the extra cost of connectivity.
• RV750 Value Proposition: The RV750 justifies its higher price with its smart features, offering enhanced convenience and control. For users who value app integration, voice control, and remote scheduling, the RV750 provides a worthwhile investment.

Design and Build Quality

Both the Shark ION Robot RV720 and RV750 share an identical design. They feature a low-profile, circular shape that allows them to navigate under furniture and into tight spaces. The dimensions are approximately 12.6 inches in diameter and 2.6 inches in height, making them compact enough to fit under most sofas and beds.

• Aesthetics: Both models have a simple, unobtrusive design with a silver finish.
• Materials: The robots are constructed from durable plastic, designed to withstand regular use and minor bumps.
• Durability: The build quality is decent for the price range.
• Ergonomics: The dustbins are easy to remove and empty, and the overall design is user-friendly.

Performance Face-Off

Both the RV720 and RV750 offer similar cleaning performance due to their identical internal components.

Cleaning on Hard Floors

Both models perform well on hardwood floors, effectively picking up dust, dirt, and small debris. The side brushes help sweep particles into the path of the main brushroll, ensuring thorough cleaning along edges and in corners.

Cleaning on Carpets

On low-pile carpets, both robots provide adequate cleaning. They can pick up surface-level dirt and debris, but may struggle with deeply embedded particles. On high-pile carpets, performance is less effective, as the robots may have difficulty navigating and maintaining consistent contact with the surface.

Pet Hair

Both models struggle with pet hair, particularly on carpets. Pet hair tends to get caught in the brush roll, brush guard, and wheels. While the brush roll is removable for easier cleaning, this can be a frequent maintenance task in households with pets.

Navigation

Both models use a random navigation pattern, which means they clean in a non-systematic way. This can result in some areas being cleaned multiple times while others are missed. However, they are equipped with cliff sensors to prevent them from falling down stairs. The robots are also gentle when bumping into things.

Special Features Comparison

• Shark ION Robot RV720: The primary special feature of the RV720 is its simplicity. It includes a remote control that allows users to start, stop, and schedule cleaning sessions without needing a smartphone or Wi-Fi connection.
• Shark ION Robot RV750: The RV750’s standout features are its Wi-Fi connectivity, smartphone app control, and voice assistant compatibility. The app allows for remote scheduling, cleaning mode selection, and monitoring of cleaning progress. Voice control integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant provides hands-free operation.

Usability and User Experience

• Shark ION Robot RV720: The RV720 is exceptionally easy to use, especially for those who prefer traditional controls. The remote control is straightforward, making it simple to start cleaning or set a schedule.
• Shark ION Robot RV750: The RV750 offers a more modern user experience with its smartphone app. The app is intuitive and provides a range of features, including remote control, scheduling, and cleaning history. However, setting up the Wi-Fi connection and pairing the robot with the app may require some technical know-how.

Maintenance and Longevity

• Maintenance: Both models require regular maintenance, including emptying the dustbin, cleaning the brush roll, and replacing the side brushes and filters.
• Consumable Parts: Replacement parts, such as side brushes and filters, are readily available and relatively inexpensive.
• Warranty: Shark typically offers a one-year limited warranty for its robot vacuums, covering manufacturing defects.
• Longevity: With proper maintenance, both robots can provide several years of reliable service. However, battery life may degrade over time.

Who Should Buy the Shark ION Robot RV720?

The Shark ION Robot RV720 is the ideal choice for:

• Budget-conscious consumers seeking an affordable robot vacuum.
• Users who prefer simple, traditional controls over smartphone apps.
• Individuals who want a basic, no-frills robot vacuum for everyday cleaning.
• Those who do not require smart home integration or voice control.
• People living in smaller spaces or apartments with mostly hard floors.

Who Should Buy the Shark ION Robot RV750?

The Shark ION Robot RV750 is the better choice for:

• Tech-savvy users who want smart features and app control.
• Individuals who want to integrate their robot vacuum with a smart home ecosystem.
• Those who value the convenience of remote scheduling and voice control.
• People with larger homes or multiple rooms who want to monitor cleaning progress remotely.
• Users who don’t mind paying a bit more for added convenience and connectivity.

Final Recommendation

The choice between the Shark ION Robot RV720 and RV750 boils down to your preference for smart features and budget considerations. If you prioritize affordability and simplicity, the RV720 is a solid choice. It offers the same cleaning performance as the RV750 but without the added cost of Wi-Fi and app control.

However, if you value the convenience of smart features, remote control, and voice assistant integration, the RV750 is worth the investment. Its ability to seamlessly integrate with your smart home and provide remote control enhances the overall cleaning experience, making it a worthwhile upgrade for tech-savvy users.