Shark ION Robot RV750 vs. Roomba 690

Robot vacuums have become a staple in modern homes, offering a convenient way to keep floors clean with minimal effort. Among the numerous options available, the Shark ION Robot RV750 and the iRobot Roomba 690 are two popular models that often find themselves on consumers’ shortlists. Both are designed to provide automated cleaning at a reasonable price point, making them attractive options for those new to the world of robot vacuums or seeking a budget-friendly solution.

These two models cater to a similar demographic: busy individuals or families who want to maintain a clean home without the daily grind of manual vacuuming. They both offer Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, and the ability to schedule cleaning sessions, aligning with the demands of a connected lifestyle. However, they also have key differences in performance, design, and features that can make one a better fit than the other, depending on your specific needs and preferences. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the details of each vacuum to help you determine which one will best keep your floors spotless.

Quick Verdict

• For Bare Floors: The Shark ION Robot RV750 generally performs well on bare floors, effectively clearing small and bulky debris.
• For Pet Owners: Neither vacuum is ideal, but the Shark ION Robot RV750 may struggle more with pet hair, as it can get caught in the brush roll and wheels.
• For Smart Home Integration: Both offer Wi-Fi connectivity and app control, but the Roomba 690 has better smart features and virtual wall technology using infrared sensors to mark limits, making it easier to set up.
• For Budget-Conscious Buyers: Both are budget-friendly options, but consider that the Roomba 690 may incur lower recurring costs.

Short Review of the Shark ION Robot RV750

The Shark ION Robot RV750 is a budget-friendly robot vacuum designed to provide automated cleaning for busy households. It boasts Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to control and schedule cleaning sessions via a smartphone app. The RV750 is known for its quiet operation and decent performance on bare floors, effectively picking up small and large debris. It also comes with physical boundary strips, which can be used to block off areas where you don’t want the vacuum to go.

This robot vacuum excels in ease of use, featuring simple controls both on the device and through the app. It’s particularly good at navigating around obstacles and avoiding cords, making it a convenient option for daily maintenance cleaning. The RV750 also has a decent build quality and a long battery life, ensuring it can cover a significant area on a single charge. Its compact design allows it to get under low furniture, reaching areas that are difficult to clean with traditional vacuums.

Short Review of the iRobot Roomba 690

The iRobot Roomba 690 is a Wi-Fi-connected robot vacuum designed to offer a blend of convenience and effective cleaning. As part of Roomba’s 600 series, it provides modern features like smartphone app control, scheduling, and voice control via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The Roomba 690 is particularly valued for its powerful suction and ability to handle various floor types, including low-pile carpets and hard floors.

This model is equipped with a dirt detection system that allows it to identify and focus on areas with higher concentrations of debris. Its compact design enables it to navigate tight spaces and clean under furniture. The Roomba 690 also has a bumper ring that allows it to navigate around obstacles and change direction without causing damage. While it may not have advanced navigation features like mapping, it effectively cleans by randomly moving around the room until the job is done.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Navigation: The Roomba 690 uses a more accurate iAdapt 1.0 navigation system, while the Shark ION RV750 uses a random cleaning pattern.
• Boundary Marking: The Roomba 690 uses virtual wall technology with infrared sensors, while the Shark ION RV750 uses physical BotBoundary strips.
• Pet Hair Cleaning: The Shark ION RV750 struggles more with pet hair, which can get caught in the brush roll and wheels.
• Charging Speed: The Roomba 690 charges faster than the Shark ION RV750.
• Dustbin Size: The Shark ION RV750 has a slightly larger dustbin than the Roomba 690.
• Surface Type Adjustment: The Roomba 690 has an automatic surface-type adjustment function, while the Shark ION RV750 does not.

Specifications Comparison

Price Comparison

The Shark ION Robot RV750 and the iRobot Roomba 690 are both positioned as budget-friendly robot vacuum options. However, prices can vary depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. Generally, the Roomba 690 tends to be slightly more expensive than the Shark ION RV750.

Value Proposition:

• Shark ION Robot RV750: Offers a good balance of features and performance for its price, making it a solid choice for those on a tight budget.
• iRobot Roomba 690: Provides more advanced features and better overall performance, justifying the slightly higher cost for users who prioritize cleaning effectiveness and smart home integration.

Cost-to-Feature Ratio:

The Shark ION RV750 offers a better cost-to-feature ratio for users who primarily need basic cleaning and don’t require advanced navigation or specialized features. The Roomba 690, while slightly pricier, offers a better value for those who want more efficient cleaning and smart home integration.

Design and Build Quality

Shark ION Robot RV750:

The Shark ION Robot RV750 features a circular design with a diameter of 12.6 inches and a height of 2.6 inches. It weighs approximately 5.5 pounds, making it light enough to move around easily. The build quality is decent, with a bumper on the front to prevent damage when it encounters obstacles. The user-serviceable parts are clearly marked in yellow, making them easy to identify and replace.

iRobot Roomba 690:

The iRobot Roomba 690 also has a circular design, with a diameter of 13 inches and a height of 3.6 inches. It weighs 7.8 pounds, which is heavier than the Shark ION RV750. The build quality feels more robust, and it is designed to withstand bumps and collisions.

Comparison:

• Aesthetics: Both have a standard robot vacuum design.
• Materials: Both use durable plastics for the body.
• Durability: The Roomba 690 feels slightly more durable.
• Ergonomics: Both are easy to handle and maintain.
• Construction Quality: The Roomba 690 has a slightly better construction quality.

Performance Face-Off

Cleaning Performance on Hard Floors

Shark ION Robot RV750:

The Shark ION Robot RV750 performs impressively well on bare floors, effectively clearing small and bulky debris. However, it may require multiple passes to fully clean pet hair.

iRobot Roomba 690:

The Roomba 690 is also capable on hard floors, picking up most debris with its powerful suction. It may struggle slightly with fine debris due to its low airflow but generally provides a thorough clean.

Verdict: Both vacuums perform adequately on hard floors, but the Shark ION RV750 may have a slight edge in picking up larger debris, while the Roomba 690 may require fewer passes overall.

Cleaning Performance on Carpets

Shark ION Robot RV750:

The Shark ION Robot RV750 struggles with cleaning pet hair on low-pile carpet, and it has a hard time dealing with fine and large debris. It also tends to drag around or get stuck on obstacles like rugs or power cables.

iRobot Roomba 690:

The Roomba 690 handles low-pile carpets relatively well, effectively cleaning up rice, dry cereal, and kitty litter. However, it may struggle with fine particles like sugar.

Verdict: The Roomba 690 generally outperforms the Shark ION RV750 on carpets, providing better overall cleaning performance.

Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance

Shark ION Robot RV750:

The Shark ION Robot RV750 navigates around obstacles fairly well and is effective at edge cleaning. However, its coverage isn’t efficient, and it may go over the same area multiple times while leaving some areas untouched.

iRobot Roomba 690:

The Roomba 690 maneuvers well around furniture but may sometimes miss areas. It has a cautious approach and may avoid certain obstacles, which can lead to incomplete cleaning.

Verdict: The Roomba 690 has a more accurate navigation system (iAdapt 1.0), which generally provides better coverage compared to the Shark ION RV750’s random pathing.

Special Features Comparison

Shark ION Robot RV750:

• BotBoundary Strips: Physical boundary strips to block off areas.

iRobot Roomba 690:

• Dirt Detect Technology: Focuses on areas with higher concentrations of dirt and debris.
• Virtual Wall: Uses infrared sensors to create boundaries.

Analysis:

The Roomba 690’s Dirt Detect technology gives it an edge in targeted cleaning, while the Shark ION RV750’s physical boundary strips can be useful for quickly blocking off specific areas. However, the virtual wall technology of Roomba 690 is easier to set up than physical strips.

Usability and User Experience

Shark ION Robot RV750:

The Shark ION Robot RV750 is easy to use with simple controls and a user-friendly app. It is suitable for both novice and experienced users.

iRobot Roomba 690:

The Roomba 690 is also easy to use, with a straightforward app and simple controls. Its advanced features may appeal more to experienced users who want more control over their cleaning.

Comparison:

Both vacuums are user-friendly, but the Roomba 690 offers a slightly more refined user experience due to its more advanced features and navigation.

Maintenance and Longevity

Shark ION Robot RV750:

The Shark ION Robot RV750 requires regular cleaning of the brush roll, brush guard, and wheels. Many parts need regular cleaning or replacing.

iRobot Roomba 690:

The Roomba 690 has fewer parts that need regular cleaning and incurs lower recurring costs.

Comparison:

The Roomba 690 is easier to maintain and has lower recurring costs, making it a more convenient option in the long run.

Who Should Buy the Shark ION Robot RV750?

The Shark ION Robot RV750 is a better choice for:

• Budget-conscious buyers: Those looking for an affordable robot vacuum with basic cleaning capabilities.
• Users with mostly bare floors: It performs well on hard floors, making it suitable for homes with minimal carpeting.
• Those who need physical boundaries: The included BotBoundary strips are useful for quickly blocking off specific areas.

Who Should Buy the iRobot Roomba 690?

The iRobot Roomba 690 is a better choice for:

• Users with a mix of hard floors and carpets: It handles various floor types effectively.
• Those who value smart home integration: Its Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control capabilities offer added convenience.
• Users who prefer virtual boundaries: The virtual wall technology is easy to set up and manage.

Final Recommendation

In the comparison between the Shark ION Robot RV750 and the iRobot Roomba 690, the iRobot Roomba 690 emerges as the better overall value. While both offer Wi-Fi connectivity and app control, the Roomba 690 provides more advanced features, better navigation, and superior cleaning performance on carpets. It also has fewer maintenance requirements and lower recurring costs, making it a more convenient option in the long run.

• Choose the Shark ION Robot RV750 if you are on a tight budget and primarily need a robot vacuum for bare floors.
• Opt for the iRobot Roomba 690 if you are willing to spend a bit more for better cleaning performance, smart home integration, and easier maintenance.