Shark IQ Robot vs. Roomba 985: Cleaning Showdown

The Shark IQ Robot and Roomba 985 are both contenders in the crowded robot vacuum market, aiming to automate floor cleaning and free up your time. The Roomba 985, from the well-established iRobot brand, represents a more premium option known for its intelligent navigation and powerful cleaning capabilities. Meanwhile, the Shark IQ Robot offers a compelling combination of smart features and affordability, appealing to budget-conscious consumers seeking effective cleaning automation. These robot vacuums are designed for busy individuals, pet owners, and anyone looking to maintain clean floors with minimal effort.

These models cater to slightly different needs. The Roomba 985, often found at Costco, targets users who prioritize advanced features like adaptable floor cleaning and persistent mapping for comprehensive whole-home cleaning. On the other hand, the Shark IQ is perfect for those who want a self-emptying base and good cleaning performance without breaking the bank. This comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and value to help you determine which robot vacuum best suits your lifestyle and cleaning demands.

Quick Verdict

• Cleaning Performance: Tie. Both vacuums offer very good cleaning performance on hard floors and carpets.
• Smart Features & Navigation: Roomba 985. Persistent mapping and adaptable floor cleaning give it a slight edge.
• Value for Money: Shark IQ Robot. It provides a self-emptying base and smart features at a more affordable price point.
• Best for Pet Owners: Tie. Both handle pet hair well, but the self-emptying base of the Shark IQ is a plus.
• Who Should Buy the Shark IQ Robot?: Those who want a self-emptying base and good cleaning performance at a lower cost.
• Who Should Buy the Roomba 985?: Users who prefer a well-established brand with advanced navigation and adaptable cleaning features.

Short Review of Shark IQ Robot

The Shark IQ Robot vacuum is designed to offer a balance of smart features and affordability. It boasts a self-emptying base, which can hold dirt and debris for up to 45 days, reducing the frequency of maintenance. The IQ Navigation system allows the robot to clean in a methodical, row-by-row pattern, ensuring thorough coverage of your floors. It is also Wi-Fi connected, allowing you to control and schedule cleanings via the SharkClean app or voice commands with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

This robot vacuum excels in picking up pet hair, small debris, and large debris on various floor types, making it a versatile option for everyday cleaning. Its self-cleaning brushroll is engineered to minimize hair wrap, further reducing maintenance. While it may lack some of the more advanced obstacle avoidance features found in higher-end models, it delivers impressive suction and smart features at a competitive price, making it an excellent value for budget-conscious consumers.

Short Review of Roomba 985

The Roomba 985 is a high-performance robot vacuum known for its advanced cleaning capabilities and intelligent navigation. It features a powerful 3-Stage Cleaning System with Power Boost, increasing air power up to 10x for effective dirt, dust, and pet hair removal. Equipped with iAdapt 2.0 Navigation, it seamlessly navigates an entire level of your home, keeping track of its location and recharging as needed. Its adaptable cleaning head automatically adjusts to different floor types, ensuring optimal cleaning performance on both carpets and hard floors.

This model utilizes dual multi-surface rubber brushes that effectively grab dirt, hair, and debris without getting tangled. The Roomba 985 also offers advanced app control, allowing you to schedule cleanings, customize preferences, and view cleaning reports. While it may not have a self-emptying base, its powerful suction and intelligent navigation make it a top choice for users seeking a comprehensive and automated cleaning solution from a trusted brand.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Self-Emptying Base: Shark IQ Robot includes a self-emptying base, while Roomba 985 does not.
• Navigation Technology: Roomba 985 uses iAdapt 2.0 with visual localization, while Shark IQ uses IQ Navigation.
• Brushroll Design: Roomba 985 features dual multi-surface rubber brushes, while Shark IQ has a self-cleaning brushroll.
• Price: Shark IQ Robot is typically more affordable than Roomba 985.
• Brand Reputation: Roomba is a more established brand in the robot vacuum market compared to Shark.
• Mapping: The Roomba 985 features persistent mapping.
• Carpet Boost: The Roomba 985 features Carpet Boost.

Specifications Comparison

Price Comparison

The Shark IQ Robot typically retails for a lower price compared to the Roomba 985. The inclusion of a self-emptying base in the Shark IQ offers added convenience without a significant price increase. While the Roomba 985 provides advanced features and a trusted brand name, the Shark IQ presents a better cost-to-feature ratio for budget-conscious consumers. Keep an eye on sales and promotions, as prices can fluctuate. For current pricing, check major online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and the manufacturers’ websites.

Design and Build Quality

The Shark IQ Robot features a standard circular design with a primarily plastic construction. While sturdy, it may not feel as premium as the Roomba 985. The self-emptying base is a practical addition, though it adds to the overall footprint. The Roomba 985 boasts a more refined design with higher-quality materials, giving it a more robust and durable feel. Its low profile allows it to navigate under furniture with ease. Both models are designed for ease of use and maintenance, but the Roomba 985 has a slight edge in overall build quality and aesthetics.

Performance Face-Off

Cleaning Performance on Hard Floors

Both the Shark IQ Robot and Roomba 985 perform well on hard floors, effectively picking up dust, dirt, and small debris. The Shark IQ’s self-cleaning brushroll is designed to prevent hair wrap, while the Roomba 985’s dual rubber brushes provide excellent surface contact. The Roomba 985’s Carpet Boost mode may offer a slight advantage in picking up embedded dirt.

Cleaning Performance on Carpets

The Roomba 985’s Power Boost mode and dual rubber brushes give it an edge in deep-cleaning carpets, effectively removing embedded dirt and pet hair. The Shark IQ Robot performs admirably on carpets, but may require multiple passes for heavily soiled areas.

Pet Hair Cleaning

Both models are capable of handling pet hair, but the Shark IQ Robot’s self-emptying base provides added convenience for pet owners. The Roomba 985’s tangle-free brushes minimize hair wrap, reducing maintenance.

Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance

The Roomba 985’s iAdapt 2.0 Navigation with visual localization allows it to efficiently map and navigate your home, avoiding obstacles and cleaning in a systematic pattern. The Shark IQ Robot’s IQ Navigation is also effective, but may not be as precise in complex environments.

Special Features Comparison

• Shark IQ Robot: Self-Emptying Base (up to 45 days of dirt and debris), Self-Cleaning Brushroll
• Roomba 985: Power Boost Mode, iAdapt 2.0 Navigation with Visual Localization, Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes, Carpet Boost, Persistent Mapping

Usability and User Experience

Both robot vacuums are easy to set up and use, with intuitive app controls and voice command compatibility. The Shark IQ Robot’s self-emptying base reduces the frequency of maintenance, making it a convenient option for busy users. The Roomba 985’s advanced navigation and customizable cleaning preferences offer a more tailored cleaning experience.

Maintenance and Longevity

The Shark IQ Robot requires periodic emptying of the self-emptying base and cleaning of the brushroll. The Roomba 985 requires regular emptying of the dustbin and cleaning of the brushes. Both models have replaceable filters and brushes, ensuring long-term performance. Roomba is know for being easy to repair by their users, and parts are commonly available.

Who Should Buy the Shark IQ Robot?

The Shark IQ Robot is an excellent choice for:

• Budget-conscious consumers seeking a robot vacuum with smart features.
• Pet owners who want the convenience of a self-emptying base.
• Users with smaller homes or apartments.

Who Should Buy the Roomba 985?

The Roomba 985 is ideal for:

• Users who prioritize advanced navigation and powerful cleaning performance.
• Those with larger homes or multiple floor types.
• Customers who prefer a well-established brand with a reputation for quality and longevity.

Final Recommendation

Both the Shark IQ Robot and Roomba 985 offer compelling features and performance. If you prioritize affordability and the convenience of a self-emptying base, the Shark IQ Robot is a great choice. However, if you’re willing to invest more for advanced navigation, superior cleaning power, and a trusted brand name, the Roomba 985 is the better option.