Shark ION Robot Vacuum R75 vs. R85: Which Cleans Supreme?

Robot vacuums offer a convenient way to keep your floors clean with minimal effort. For consumers seeking an entry-level option with smart features, the Shark ION Robot Vacuum series presents a compelling choice. The R75 and R85 are two popular models in this lineup, each offering a balance of affordability and functionality. However, deciding between the two can be tricky.

Both the Shark ION R75 and R85 aim to automate your floor cleaning routine. These Wi-Fi-connected robots navigate your home, picking up dirt, dust, and pet hair. They appeal to busy individuals, pet owners, and those who want to maintain tidy floors without the daily chore of vacuuming. This comparison dives deep into their differences, helping you determine which Shark ION robot vacuum best suits your needs.

Quick Verdict

• Suction Power: The Shark ION R85 wins for those needing more powerful cleaning, particularly on carpets, as it boasts 3x more suction in Max Mode than the R75.
• Battery Life: The Shark ION R75 offers longer runtime, making it suitable for larger homes or more extensive cleaning sessions.
• Price: The Shark ION R75 is the more budget-friendly option, appealing to those seeking an affordable entry into robot vacuuming.
• Overall Cleaning Performance: The Shark ION R85 generally provides better cleaning performance due to its enhanced suction, especially on carpets and for picking up pet hair.
• Smart Features: Both models offer Wi-Fi connectivity and app control, but consider the specific features important to you, such as scheduling and voice control compatibility.

Shark ION Robot Vacuum R75 Review

The Shark ION Robot Vacuum R75 is an entry-level robot vacuum designed for convenient, automated cleaning. It features Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to control the vacuum via the SharkClean app or through voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant. The R75 is equipped with a Tri-Brush System, which combines side brushes, channel brushes, and a multi-surface brushroll to effectively handle debris on various floor types.

This model is particularly appealing to those looking for an affordable and easy-to-use robot vacuum. Its slim profile allows it to easily navigate under furniture, and its smart sensor navigation helps it avoid obstacles and ledges. The R75 offers up to 90 minutes of runtime, making it suitable for cleaning multiple rooms on a single charge. While it may not have the most powerful suction, it is effective for everyday cleaning tasks and maintaining tidy floors. Many users appreciate its quiet operation and ability to pick up pet hair, making it a good value for money.

Shark ION Robot Vacuum R85 Review

The Shark ION Robot Vacuum R85 builds upon the features of the R75, offering enhanced cleaning power and an XL dust bin for extended cleaning sessions. It also features Wi-Fi connectivity for control via the SharkClean app and voice command compatibility with Alexa or Google Assistant. A key upgrade in the R85 is its significantly improved suction power, with Shark claiming it has 3x more suction in Max Mode compared to the R75.

Designed for homes with carpets and/or pets, the R85 excels at picking up embedded dirt and pet hair. Its larger dust bin reduces the frequency of emptying, making it more convenient for larger homes or those with significant debris. The R85 uses Smart Sensor Navigation 2.0 to navigate around obstacles. While it may still follow a somewhat random cleaning pattern, it efficiently covers the cleaning area. The Shark ION R85 is a strong performer with a good battery life and the ability to connect to wifi.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Suction Power: R85 has 3x more suction in Max Mode than the R75.
• Dust Bin Capacity: R85 features an XL dust bin, while the R75 has a smaller capacity.
• Navigation: R85 uses Smart Sensor Navigation 2.0, while the R75 uses an earlier version.
• Battery Life: R75 has a slightly longer battery life (up to 90 minutes) compared to the R85 (around 60 minutes).
• Price: R75 is generally more affordable than the R85.
• Cleaning Performance: R85 offers better overall cleaning performance, especially on carpets and for pet hair.
• Design: The R85 has a similar design to the R75 but typically comes in an all-black finish.

Specifications Comparison

Price Comparison

The Shark ION R75 is typically priced lower than the R85. The R75 can often be found for around $169 – $289, especially refurbished models, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. The R85 generally retails for around $200 – $400, offering a good balance of features and performance for the price.

When considering value, the R75 provides essential robot vacuum features at a lower cost, making it suitable for those new to robot vacuums or with smaller cleaning needs. The R85, while more expensive, offers significantly improved suction and a larger dust bin, justifying the price increase for those with larger homes, carpets, or pets.

Design and Build Quality

Both the Shark ION R75 and R85 share a similar round design and compact build, allowing them to navigate under furniture with ease. The R75 typically comes in a smoke/ash or gray color, while the R85 is usually available in black.

The build quality of both models is adequate for their price point. The materials used are primarily plastic, but they feel reasonably durable. The R85 features a self-cleaning brushroll, which is a notable design improvement over the R75’s standard brushroll. Both vacuums are lightweight and easy to handle when performing maintenance or moving them between rooms.

Performance Face-Off

Cleaning Performance on Hard Floors

Both the R75 and R85 perform well on hard floors, effectively picking up dust, dirt, and small debris. The R85’s variable airflow and suction help prevent debris from being scattered around, especially larger particles.

Cleaning Performance on Carpets

The R85’s increased suction power gives it a significant advantage on carpets. It is better at extracting embedded dirt, pet hair, and debris from medium-pile carpets compared to the R75. The R75 is more suitable for low-pile carpets or short rugs.

Pet Hair Cleaning

Both vacuums are capable of picking up pet hair, but the R85’s enhanced suction and self-cleaning brushroll make it more effective at handling pet hair, especially in homes with multiple pets or heavy shedding.

Edge Cleaning

Both models feature dual side brushes that help to capture debris from edges and corners. They perform similarly in this aspect, providing adequate edge cleaning.

Navigation

Both models use smart sensor navigation to avoid obstacles and ledges. However, the R85 utilizes Smart Sensor Navigation 2.0, which offers improved navigation capabilities compared to the R75’s earlier version.

Special Features Comparison

• R75:
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Allows control via the SharkClean app and voice commands.
  • Tri-Brush System: Combines side brushes, channel brushes, and a multi-surface brushroll for effective cleaning on all surfaces.
• R85:
  • 3x More Suction in Max Mode: Provides enhanced cleaning power, especially on carpets.
  • XL Dust Bin: Reduces the frequency of emptying, making it more convenient for larger homes.
  • Self-Cleaning Brushroll: Prevents hair and debris clogs, reducing maintenance.

Usability and User Experience

Both the Shark ION R75 and R85 are designed for ease of use. The SharkClean app allows users to start and stop cleaning, schedule cleaning sessions, and monitor the vacuum’s status from anywhere. Voice control compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant adds further convenience.

The R75 is straightforward to set up and operate, making it suitable for novice users. The R85 offers additional features like the self-cleaning brushroll and larger dust bin, which enhance the user experience by reducing maintenance requirements.

Maintenance and Longevity

Both models require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. This includes emptying the dust bin, cleaning the brushroll and side brushes, and replacing the filter every few months.

The R85’s self-cleaning brushroll reduces the need for manual cleaning of the brushroll, which is a significant advantage. Both vacuums come with a 1-year limited warranty, providing some protection against defects. With proper care and maintenance, both models can provide several years of reliable service.

Who Should Buy the Shark ION Robot Vacuum R75?

The Shark ION Robot Vacuum R75 is the better choice for:

• Budget-conscious consumers seeking an affordable robot vacuum.
• Individuals living in smaller homes or apartments with primarily hard floors.
• Those with minimal pet hair or light shedding pets.
• Users who want a simple and easy-to-use robot vacuum with basic smart features.
• People who don’t need extremely powerful suction for carpets.

Who Should Buy the Shark ION Robot Vacuum R85?

The Shark ION Robot Vacuum R85 is the better choice for:

• Homes with carpets, especially medium-pile carpets.
• Pet owners dealing with significant pet hair.
• Individuals who want a more powerful and efficient cleaning performance.
• Those who prefer a larger dust bin for less frequent emptying.
• Users who appreciate the convenience of a self-cleaning brushroll.

Final Recommendation

The Shark ION Robot Vacuum R85 generally represents the better overall value, especially for homes with carpets and/or pets. Its increased suction power, XL dust bin, and self-cleaning brushroll provide a superior cleaning experience compared to the R75. However, if you are on a tight budget and have primarily hard floors, the R75 can still be a decent option for basic automated cleaning.