Robot vacuums have revolutionized home cleaning, offering convenience and automation that frees up valuable time. The Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL (RV1001AE) and the iRobot Roomba i7+ are two popular models that promise to take the chore out of floor cleaning. Both vacuums feature self-emptying bases, smart navigation, and app control, making them attractive options for busy individuals and families looking to maintain clean floors with minimal effort.
Choosing the right robot vacuum can be challenging, as each model offers a unique set of features and capabilities. The Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL aims to provide a comprehensive cleaning solution at a more affordable price point. Meanwhile, the iRobot Roomba i7+ focuses on advanced navigation, powerful cleaning performance, and a user-friendly experience. This detailed comparison dives into the specifics of each robot vacuum, examining their strengths and weaknesses to help you determine which one best suits your needs and budget.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL (RV1001AE)
- Short Review of iRobot Roomba i7+
- 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 IQ Robot Self-Empty XL?
- Who Should Buy the iRobot Roomba i7+?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- Cleaning Performance: iRobot Roomba i7+ excels in overall cleaning performance, particularly on carpets and with fine debris.
- Price and Value: Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL offers a more budget-friendly option with many similar features.
- Navigation: Both offer smart mapping, but Roomba i7+ navigates more efficiently and avoids obstacles better.
- Self-Emptying: Both have self-emptying bases, but Shark’s is bagless, while Roomba’s uses bags.
- For Pet Owners: Both are suitable, but Roomba i7+ has slightly better pet hair pick-up performance.
Who should buy the Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL? Users who want a more affordable robot vacuum with self-emptying capabilities and are less concerned about top-tier cleaning performance.
Who should buy the iRobot Roomba i7+? Users who prioritize superior cleaning performance, especially on carpets, and are willing to invest more for a premium, user-friendly experience.
Short Review of Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL (RV1001AE)
The Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL (RV1001AE) is designed to offer a hands-free cleaning experience with its self-emptying base, which can hold up to 30 days’ worth of dirt and debris. This feature significantly reduces the frequency of maintenance, making it ideal for busy households. The robot uses intelligent home mapping to navigate and clean your floors efficiently, ensuring thorough coverage.
One of the standout features of the Shark IQ is its self-cleaning brushroll, which prevents hair from getting tangled, making it a great option for pet owners. The SharkClean app allows you to schedule cleanings, target specific rooms, and create no-go zones. While it may not have the same level of cleaning power as some higher-end models, its combination of smart features and affordability makes it a compelling choice for many users.
Short Review of iRobot Roomba i7+
The iRobot Roomba i7+ is a high-end robot vacuum that offers a premium cleaning experience with advanced features and superior performance. Its standout feature is the Clean Base, which automatically empties the robot’s dustbin, allowing you to forget about vacuuming for weeks at a time. The Roomba i7+ uses Imprint Smart Mapping to learn, adapt, and map your home, enabling targeted cleaning of specific rooms or areas.
Equipped with powerful suction and dual multi-surface rubber brushes, the Roomba i7+ excels at cleaning all floor types, including carpets and hard floors. The iRobot HOME app provides extensive control over cleaning schedules, preferences, and custom cleaning routines. While it comes with a higher price tag, the Roomba i7+ delivers exceptional cleaning performance, smart navigation, and a user-friendly experience, making it a top choice for those seeking the best in robot vacuum technology.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Price: Shark IQ is significantly more affordable than Roomba i7+.
- Dustbin Emptying: Shark IQ has a bagless self-emptying base, while Roomba i7+ uses disposable bags.
- Mapping Technology: Both map homes, but Roomba i7+ is known for more efficient navigation.
- Cleaning Performance: Roomba i7+ generally outperforms Shark IQ, especially on carpets.
- Brushroll: Shark IQ features a self-cleaning brushroll to prevent hair tangles.
- App Features: Both have app control, but Roomba’s app is more feature-rich and user-friendly.
- Design: Roomba i7+ has a more premium design.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL (RV1001AE) | iRobot Roomba i7+ |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $400 – $600 | $600 – $800 |
| Self-Emptying | Yes, Bagless | Yes, with Bag |
| Navigation | Smart Mapping | Imprint Smart Mapping |
| App Control | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Floor Types | All | All |
| Brushroll Type | Self-Cleaning | Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes |
| Runtime | Up to 90 minutes | Up to 75 minutes |
| Dustbin Capacity | 30 days | 30 days |
| Dimensions | 12.9 x 12.6 x 3.5 inches | 13.3 x 13.3 x 3.6 inches |
| Weight | 5.87 pounds | 7.4 pounds |
Price Comparison
The Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL typically retails between $400 and $600, while the iRobot Roomba i7+ generally costs between $600 and $800. The Shark IQ offers a more accessible entry point for users seeking a self-emptying robot vacuum. While the Roomba i7+ commands a higher price, it delivers advanced features and superior cleaning performance that may justify the investment for some users. The cost-to-feature ratio suggests that the Shark IQ provides excellent value for budget-conscious buyers, while the Roomba i7+ caters to those willing to pay more for top-tier performance and convenience.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL features a round design with a black finish. Its construction is sturdy, but it may not feel as premium as the Roomba i7+. The self-emptying base is bagless, which some users may find more convenient, although it can release a puff of dust when emptied. The Roomba i7+ also sports a round design, but it generally looks more refined. Its build quality is robust, reflecting its higher price point. The Clean Base uses disposable bags to contain the dust and debris, providing a cleaner emptying process, but requiring bag replacements.
Performance Face-Off
Cleaning on Hardwood Floors
The Roomba i7+ generally excels at picking up fine dust and debris on hardwood floors due to its powerful suction and multi-surface brushes. The Shark IQ also performs well, though it may require multiple passes to achieve the same level of cleanliness.
Cleaning on Carpets
On carpets, the Roomba i7+ demonstrates superior performance, effectively removing embedded dirt and pet hair with its dual rubber brushes and strong suction. The Shark IQ is capable on carpets but may struggle with larger debris and require more effort to achieve a thorough clean.
Edge Cleaning
Both robot vacuums feature edge-cleaning capabilities, but the Roomba i7+ tends to perform slightly better due to its precision navigation and edge-sweeping brush. The Shark IQ can sometimes miss debris along edges and in corners.
Pet Hair
Both are suitable for pet owners, but the Roomba i7+ often has slightly better pet hair pick-up performance in testing scenarios.
Special Features Comparison
- Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL:
- Self-Cleaning Brushroll: Prevents hair from wrapping around the brushroll.
- Bagless Self-Emptying Base: Holds up to 30 days of debris without needing bag replacements.
- iRobot Roomba i7+:
- Imprint Smart Mapping: Learns and adapts to your home layout for targeted cleaning.
- Clean Base with AllergenLock Bags: Traps 99% of pollen and mold, ideal for allergy sufferers.
Usability and User Experience
The Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL is easy to set up and use, with a straightforward app interface and intuitive controls. However, some users may find the mapping process less refined than the Roomba. The iRobot Roomba i7+ offers a seamless user experience, thanks to its advanced mapping capabilities and user-friendly app. The ability to create custom cleaning zones and schedules makes it easy to tailor the cleaning to your specific needs.
Maintenance and Longevity
The Shark IQ requires regular emptying of the self-emptying base, as well as occasional cleaning of the brushroll and filters. Its bagless design can simplify the emptying process, but it may also release dust into the air. The Roomba i7+ requires periodic replacement of the AllergenLock bags in the Clean Base, as well as cleaning of the brushes and sensors. Both robot vacuums are designed for long-term use, but the Roomba’s higher build quality may contribute to greater durability.
Who Should Buy the Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL?
The Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL is an excellent choice for:
- Budget-conscious shoppers seeking a self-emptying robot vacuum.
- Users with mostly hard floors and minimal carpeting.
- Pet owners who want a self-cleaning brushroll to prevent hair tangles.
- Those who prefer a bagless self-emptying base for convenience.
Who Should Buy the iRobot Roomba i7+?
The iRobot Roomba i7+ is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize superior cleaning performance on all floor types.
- Individuals with allergies who benefit from the AllergenLock bags in the Clean Base.
- Those who want advanced mapping capabilities and a user-friendly app experience.
- Customers willing to invest more for a premium robot vacuum with long-term durability.
Final Recommendation
Both the Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL and the iRobot Roomba i7+ offer compelling features and benefits. The Shark IQ stands out as a budget-friendly option with a self-cleaning brushroll and bagless self-emptying base, making it a great value for many users. However, the iRobot Roomba i7+ delivers superior cleaning performance, advanced mapping capabilities, and a user-friendly experience that justifies its higher price tag.
In summary, if you’re looking for an affordable and convenient robot vacuum, the Shark IQ is a solid choice. But if you prioritize top-tier cleaning performance and advanced features, the Roomba i7+ is the better investment.
