Robot vacuums have revolutionized home cleaning, offering convenience and automation. The Shark IQ Robot and the Roomba s9+ are two prominent contenders in this market, both boasting advanced features like self-emptying capabilities and smart navigation. These models aim to provide a hands-free cleaning experience, but cater to different consumer priorities.
The Shark IQ Robot is generally positioned as a value-driven option, providing many high-end features at a more accessible price point. It’s designed for users who want a reliable and efficient cleaning robot without breaking the bank. The Roomba s9+, on the other hand, is marketed as a premium, top-of-the-line device with superior cleaning power and advanced technology. It targets consumers who demand the best possible performance and are willing to pay a premium for it. This comparison dives into the specifics of each model to help you determine which one best suits your needs and budget.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of Shark IQ Robot
- Short Review of Roomba s9+
- 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?
- Who Should Buy the Roomba s9+?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- Cleaning Performance: Roomba s9+ generally offers superior cleaning performance, particularly on carpets, due to its stronger suction and advanced brush design.
- Price: Shark IQ Robot is the more budget-friendly option, offering excellent value for its features.
- Maintenance: Shark IQ Robot has a bagless self-emptying base, which can save on replacement bag costs, while the Roomba s9+ uses bagged system.
- Smart Features: Both have smart mapping, app control and voice control but Roomba s9+ has more advanced automation features.
- Best for:
- Shark IQ Robot: Best for those seeking a balance between price and performance, especially in homes with mostly hard floors or low-pile carpets.
- Roomba s9+: Ideal for users who prioritize top-tier cleaning performance, especially in homes with carpets and those willing to invest in a premium product.
Short Review of Shark IQ Robot
The Shark IQ Robot is designed to offer a hands-off cleaning experience with its self-emptying base, which can hold up to 30-45 days’ worth of debris. It features intelligent navigation, cleaning in straight lines and mapping your home for efficient cleaning routes. The SharkClean app allows for scheduling and targeted cleaning of specific rooms.
One of the standout features of the Shark IQ Robot is its self-cleaning brushroll, which effectively prevents hair from wrapping around it, reducing maintenance. It offers powerful suction suitable for both carpets and hard floors. The Shark IQ Robot provides a great value, combining essential features with reliable performance.
Short Review of Roomba s9+
The Roomba s9+ stands out as a high-end robot vacuum offering superior cleaning performance and advanced features. Its D-shape design and corner brush ensure effective cleaning along edges and in corners. The Roomba s9+ boasts powerful suction, claiming up to 40 times the suction power of previous models, making it highly effective on carpets and hard floors.
The Roomba s9+ includes smart mapping capabilities, allowing it to learn your home’s layout and clean specific rooms on demand. It also features a self-emptying base that can hold up to 60 days of debris. With its premium design and advanced technology, the Roomba s9+ is designed for those seeking the best possible cleaning experience.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Shape: Roomba s9+ has a unique D-shape designed for better corner cleaning, while the Shark IQ Robot has a traditional round shape.
- Brushroll Design: Shark IQ Robot features a self-cleaning brushroll to prevent hair tangles, whereas the Roomba s9+ uses dual rubber brushes.
- Suction Power: Roomba s9+ generally offers higher suction power compared to the Shark IQ Robot.
- Self-Emptying Base: Shark IQ Robot uses a bagless self-emptying base, while the Roomba s9+ uses a bagged system.
- Price: Shark IQ Robot is significantly more affordable than the Roomba s9+.
- Navigation: Roomba s9+ use v-slam camera to navigate while Shark IQ Robot uses camera for smart navigation.
- Dustbin Capacity: The Roomba i7+ can hold 500ml on-board, while the s9+ can hold 388ml.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark IQ Robot | Roomba s9+ |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.9 x 12.6 x 3.5 inches | 12.3 x 12.3 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 5.87 pounds | 8.2 pounds |
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.17 quarts (on-board), 30-45 days in base | 388 ml (on-board), 60 days in Clean Base |
| Battery Life | Up to 97 minutes | Up to 60 minutes |
| Navigation | IQ Navigation, Home Mapping | vSLAM, Smart Mapping |
| Brushroll | Self-Cleaning Brushroll | Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes |
| Self-Emptying Base | Bagless, up to 45 days | Bagged, up to 60 days |
| App Control | Yes, SharkClean App | Yes, iRobot Home App |
| Voice Control | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri |
| Special Features | Row-by-Row Cleaning, Recharge and Resume | PerfectEdge Technology, Dirt Detect Technology |
| Filter Type | Non-washable filter | HEPA Filter |
Price Comparison
The Shark IQ Robot typically retails for around $400-$600, depending on the model and any current promotions. Its self-emptying base eliminates the need for frequent bag replacements, offering long-term cost savings. The Roomba s9+ is a premium model with a higher price tag, usually ranging from $800 to $1,000. While it offers top-tier performance, the cost of replacement dirt disposal bags adds to the overall expense.
The Shark IQ Robot offers a better cost-to-feature ratio for budget-conscious consumers, while the Roomba s9+ provides advanced features and superior performance at a premium price.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark IQ Robot has a utilitarian design with an all-black finish. Its round shape allows it to navigate open spaces effectively, but it may struggle to reach tight corners. The Roomba s9+ features a distinctive D-shape design with a copper-like lid, giving it a more premium look. The D-shape is specifically designed to improve corner cleaning and edge performance.
In terms of build quality, both vacuums feel sturdy and well-constructed. The Roomba s9+ has a slightly more solid feel, while the Shark IQ Robot is lighter and easier to maneuver.
Performance Face-Off
Bare Floors
The Shark IQ Robot performs well on bare floors, effectively picking up pet hair and small debris. However, it can struggle with larger debris as the dirt compartment fills up. The Roomba s9+ excels on bare floors, thanks to its powerful suction and edge-cleaning capabilities. Its side brush and optimized design ensure thorough cleaning of edges and corners.
Low-Pile Carpets
The Shark IQ Robot captures a decent amount of debris from low-pile carpets, but its performance is not as strong as on hard floors. It may require multiple passes to remove embedded dirt and pet hair. The Roomba s9+ delivers superior performance on low-pile carpets, effectively removing dirt, dust, and pet hair. Its automatic suction adjustment ensures optimal cleaning power on different carpet types.
High-Pile Carpets
The Shark IQ Robot is adequate for cleaning high-pile carpets, though it may struggle with climbing onto shag carpeting. Its brushroll can sometimes push hair further into the carpet rather than lifting it away. The Roomba s9+ stands out as the best vacuum on carpet, excelling in cleaning high-pile carpets.
Pet Hair
Both vacuums are designed to handle pet hair, but the Roomba s9+ generally outperforms the Shark IQ Robot in this category. The Shark IQ Robot’s self-cleaning brushroll helps prevent hair tangles, but it may not always pick up all pet hair in a single pass. The Roomba s9+ removes more pet hair and prevents the spread of allergens with its HEPA filter.
Special Features Comparison
Shark IQ Robot:
- Self-Cleaning Brushroll: Actively removes hair from the brushroll to prevent tangles.
- Row-by-Row Cleaning: Methodically cleans row by row for complete home coverage.
- Bagless Self-Emptying Base: Holds up to 45 days of dirt and debris without the need for replacement bags.
Roomba s9+:
- PerfectEdge Technology: Uses advanced sensors and a specially designed corner brush to optimize cleaning deep into corners and along edges.
- Dirt Detect Technology: Allows the Roomba s9+ to detect dirtier areas of your home and clean them more thoroughly.
- HEPA Filtration: Traps allergens, making it ideal for allergy sufferers.
Usability and User Experience
Both the Shark IQ Robot and the Roomba s9+ are easy to use, with intuitive app controls and voice command compatibility. The SharkClean app allows for scheduling, targeted cleaning, and real-time monitoring. The iRobot Home App offers similar features, along with advanced customization options and smart home integration.
The Roomba s9+ has a slight edge in usability due to its more advanced mapping and automation features. It can learn your cleaning habits and suggest personalized cleaning schedules, while the Shark IQ Robot offers a more straightforward, user-friendly experience.
Maintenance and Longevity
The Shark IQ Robot requires regular cleaning of its filters and dustbin, but its self-cleaning brushroll reduces the need for manual hair removal. The bagless self-emptying base eliminates the cost of replacement bags, but it may require more frequent emptying and cleaning.
The Roomba s9+ has several parts that require regular maintenance or replacement, including filters, brushes, and dirt disposal bags. While the bagged system is convenient, the cost of replacement bags can add up over time.
Who Should Buy the Shark IQ Robot?
The Shark IQ Robot is the better choice for:
- Budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable and efficient robot vacuum.
- Homes with mostly hard floors or low-pile carpets.
- Users who want a low-maintenance vacuum with a self-cleaning brushroll and bagless self-emptying base.
- Those who value ease of use and straightforward app controls.
Who Should Buy the Roomba s9+?
The Roomba s9+ is the ideal option for:
- Users who prioritize top-tier cleaning performance and are willing to invest in a premium product.
- Homes with a mix of carpets and hard floors, or those with primarily high-pile carpets.
- Pet owners who need a powerful vacuum to remove pet hair and allergens.
- Tech enthusiasts who want advanced features, smart home integration, and a customizable cleaning experience.
Final Recommendation
Both the Shark IQ Robot and the Roomba s9+ are excellent robot vacuums that offer convenience and automation. The Shark IQ Robot provides a great balance of price and performance, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers. The Roomba s9+ delivers superior cleaning power and advanced features, but comes at a premium price. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs, budget, and priorities.
If you’re looking for the best possible cleaning performance and are willing to invest in a top-of-the-line product, the Roomba s9+ is the clear winner. However, if you want a reliable and efficient robot vacuum at a more affordable price, the Shark IQ Robot is an excellent option.
