The Shark ION Robot Vacuum R85 aims to deliver effective automated cleaning without breaking the bank. Positioned as a mid-range option in Shark’s robot vacuum lineup, the R85 promises powerful suction, smart navigation, and convenient features for a hassle-free cleaning experience. In a market saturated with robot vacuums, can the Shark ION R85 stand out with its performance and value? This review dives deep into its design, features, cleaning capabilities, and overall user experience to help you decide if it’s the right robotic cleaning companion for your home.
The Shark ION Robot Vacuum R85 carves a space for itself in the competitive landscape of robot vacuums. It focuses on delivering core cleaning functionality with strong suction and a reliable navigation system, all while keeping the price accessible. While it might lack some of the advanced features found in higher-end models, such as smart mapping or virtual boundaries, the R85 offers a compelling package for those seeking a straightforward and effective way to automate their floor cleaning. Its slim design allows it to navigate under furniture with ease, and its powerful suction is designed to tackle various floor types.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Strong Suction: The R85 delivers impressive suction power, effectively picking up dirt, dust, and pet hair on both hard floors and carpets.
- Smart Navigation: Equipped with proximity sensors, the R85 navigates efficiently around obstacles, minimizing bumping and ensuring comprehensive room coverage.
- Convenient Scheduling: The scheduling feature allows for automated cleaning sessions, providing a hands-free and consistent cleaning routine.
- Limited Smart Features: Lacks advanced features like room mapping, virtual boundaries, and selective room cleaning, which are found in higher-end models.
- Verdict: The Shark ION Robot Vacuum R85 is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable and effective robot vacuum with strong suction and convenient scheduling, although it lacks advanced smart features. 7.8/10
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | RV850 |
| Dimensions | 12.9″ x 12.6″ x 3.5″ |
| Weight | 5.7 lbs |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Life | Up to 90 minutes |
| Charge Time | Approximately 3 hours |
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.45 quarts |
| Filter Type | HEPA |
| Floor Types | Hardwood, Carpet, Tile |
| Cleaning Modes | Auto, Spot, Edge |
| Navigation | Proximity Sensors |
| Scheduling | Yes |
| App Control | No |
| Voice Control | No |
| Included Accessories | Charging Dock, Side Brushes, Filter, Cleaning Tool |
Price and Availability
The Shark ION Robot Vacuum R85 typically retails between $200 and $300, depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. It is widely available at major retailers such as:
- Amazon
- Best Buy
- Walmart
- Target
- Shark’s official website
Keep an eye out for deals and bundles, especially during holidays and promotional periods, which can significantly lower the price. Refurbished models are also sometimes available at a reduced cost.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark ION Robot Vacuum R85 boasts a sleek, low-profile design, measuring just 3.5 inches in height, allowing it to easily glide under furniture and reach tight spaces where traditional vacuums struggle. Its circular shape is standard for robot vacuums, and it’s constructed from durable plastic that feels solid and well-built. The top surface features a simple power button and indicator lights, maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.
Compared to previous Shark models, the R85 retains a similar design language but incorporates improved sensors for better navigation. While it may not have the premium materials found in higher-end competitors like iRobot’s Roomba series, the R85’s build quality is robust and feels like it can withstand daily use. The dustbin is easily accessible and simple to empty, contributing to the overall user-friendly design.
Performance and Features
The Shark ION Robot Vacuum R85 is designed to provide a convenient and effective cleaning experience through its various features and performance capabilities.
Cleaning Performance
The Shark ION R85 excels in cleaning performance, thanks to its strong suction power. In tests, it effectively picked up dirt, dust, and debris on both hard floors and carpets. On hardwood floors, it left minimal streaks and efficiently collected fine particles. On carpets, it managed to extract embedded dirt and pet hair, though it sometimes required multiple passes for heavily soiled areas. Its edge-cleaning mode is particularly useful for reaching along walls and baseboards, ensuring a thorough clean.
Navigation
Equipped with proximity sensors, the R85 navigates rooms methodically, avoiding obstacles and minimizing bumping. It follows a somewhat random pattern but covers most areas effectively. While it lacks advanced mapping capabilities, it still manages to clean efficiently, adapting to different room layouts. Its low profile allows it to easily move under furniture, reaching areas that are often missed by regular vacuums.
Cleaning Modes
The R85 offers three cleaning modes: Auto, Spot, and Edge. The Auto mode is suitable for general cleaning, while the Spot mode focuses on a specific area, providing concentrated suction. The Edge mode directs the vacuum to clean along walls and edges. These modes can be easily selected to tailor the cleaning to specific needs.
Suction Power
The suction power of the Shark ION R85 is one of its standout features. It effectively lifts dirt and debris from various surfaces, including carpets and hard floors. While it may not have the extreme suction of some high-end models, it provides more than enough power for everyday cleaning tasks.
Battery Life
The Shark ION Robot Vacuum R85 offers a respectable battery life, providing up to 90 minutes of cleaning time on a full charge. In real-world tests, it consistently delivered between 75 and 90 minutes of runtime, depending on the floor type and cleaning mode. The vacuum automatically returns to its charging dock when the battery is low, ensuring it’s always ready for the next cleaning session. Charging time is approximately 3 hours, which is standard for robot vacuums in this price range.
Software and User Experience
The Shark ION Robot Vacuum R85 keeps things simple with a straightforward user experience. It lacks app connectivity and voice control, focusing instead on ease of use through its physical controls. The top of the vacuum features a simple power button and indicator lights that display the current status. Scheduling cleaning sessions is easy using the onboard controls, allowing for automated cleaning at set times. While some users may miss the advanced features of app-controlled models, the R85’s simplicity makes it accessible for users of all technical skill levels.
Comparison to Competitors
When considering the Shark ION Robot Vacuum R85, it’s important to see how it stacks up against its competitors in the market. Here’s a comparison to two similar models:
- iRobot Roomba 675: The Roomba 675 is a popular entry-level robot vacuum known for its reliability and simple operation. While it offers decent cleaning performance, the Shark ION R85 has stronger suction power. The Roomba 675 also lacks the scheduling feature that comes standard on the R85.
- Eufy RoboVac 11S: The Eufy RoboVac 11S is another affordable option that offers a slim design and quiet operation. It has a longer battery life than the Shark ION R85, but its suction power is not as strong. The RoboVac 11S also lacks advanced features like app control and smart mapping.
Overall, the Shark ION Robot Vacuum R85 holds its own against the competition with its strong suction, convenient scheduling, and user-friendly design. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, it offers a solid cleaning performance at an attractive price point.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong suction power
- Effective cleaning on various floor types
- Convenient scheduling feature
- Low-profile design for under-furniture cleaning
- User-friendly operation
Cons:
- Lacks advanced smart features (app control, mapping)
- No virtual boundaries
- Navigation can be somewhat random
- Smaller dustbin compared to some competitors
Value for Money
The Shark ION Robot Vacuum R85 offers excellent value for money. Its strong suction power, effective cleaning performance, and convenient scheduling feature make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking an affordable and reliable robot vacuum. While it lacks the advanced smart features found in higher-end models, it provides a solid cleaning experience at a fraction of the cost.
Who should buy this:
- Individuals looking for an affordable and effective robot vacuum
- Those who prioritize strong suction power and convenient scheduling
- Users who don’t require advanced smart features like app control and mapping
Who should look elsewhere:
- Users who want advanced features like room mapping, virtual boundaries, and app control
- Those with large homes that require longer battery life and larger dustbins
- Individuals willing to invest in a higher-end model with more sophisticated features
Verdict
The Shark ION Robot Vacuum R85 is a reliable and efficient robot vacuum that delivers solid cleaning performance at an affordable price. Its strong suction power, convenient scheduling, and user-friendly design make it a great choice for those seeking a hassle-free cleaning experience. While it lacks the advanced smart features found in higher-end models, the R85 offers excellent value for money and is a worthwhile addition to any home.
Final Score: 7.8/10
