The Shark ION Robot Vacuum 850 aims to bring automated cleaning convenience to the masses. Positioned as a mid-range option within Shark’s robot vacuum lineup, the 850 promises powerful suction, smart navigation, and user-friendly features at a competitive price point. It seeks to balance performance and affordability, making it an attractive option for those new to robot vacuums or looking for a reliable, no-frills cleaning solution.
This review dives deep into the Shark ION Robot Vacuum 850’s design, performance, battery life, and overall user experience to determine if it lives up to its promises. We’ll compare it to its competitors, analyze its strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately help you decide if it’s the right robot vacuum for your home.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
* Offers strong suction power for effective cleaning on hard floors and carpets.
* Smart Sensor Navigation 2.0 ensures comprehensive room coverage with minimal bumping.
* The Shark ION Robot Vacuum 850 has a Self-cleaning brushroll that minimizes hair wrap and maintenance.
* Voice control compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant adds convenience.
* Provides good value for money, balancing performance and features at an affordable price point.
* Verdict: 7.8/10
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | RV850 |
| Dimensions | 12.9″ (Diameter) x 3.5″ (Height) |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Life | Up to 90 minutes |
| Charging Time | Approximately 3 hours |
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.45 quarts |
| Navigation Technology | Smart Sensor Navigation 2.0 |
| Floor Types | Hardwood, Carpet, Tile |
| Brushroll Type | Self-Cleaning Brushroll |
| Voice Control | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Filtration System | Standard Filter |
| Cleaning Modes | Clean, Spot Clean, Max |
Price and Availability
The Shark ION Robot Vacuum 850 is widely available through major online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and the official SharkClean website. Its price typically ranges from $200 to $250, though sales and promotions can often bring it down to a more attractive price point. Bundles that include extra filters or side brushes may also be available. It’s recommended to compare prices across different retailers to find the best deal.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark ION Robot Vacuum 850 sports a sleek, low-profile design that allows it to easily navigate under furniture and into tight spaces. Its circular shape is standard for robot vacuums, and its black and grey color scheme gives it a modern, understated look. The top of the unit features a simple control panel with buttons for power, cleaning mode, and spot cleaning.
The build quality feels solid, with durable plastic materials that can withstand everyday bumps and scrapes. The dustbin is easy to access and empty, and the self-cleaning brushroll is a welcome feature that reduces the hassle of manual cleaning. Compared to some higher-end models, the 850 may not have the premium feel of brushed metal or tempered glass, but its construction is robust and functional.
Performance and Features
The Shark ION Robot Vacuum 850 excels in its core cleaning performance. Its high-suction motor effectively picks up dirt, dust, and debris from both hard floors and carpets. The self-cleaning brushroll is particularly effective at removing hair, minimizing tangles and maintenance.
Cleaning Performance
In testing, the Shark ION Robot Vacuum 850 demonstrated impressive cleaning capabilities on various floor types. On hardwood floors, it efficiently collected dust and crumbs in a single pass. On carpets, it effectively removed embedded dirt and pet hair, though multiple passes were sometimes required for heavily soiled areas. The “Max” mode provides extra suction power for tougher messes, but it does reduce battery life.
Navigation
The Shark ION Robot Vacuum 850 utilizes Smart Sensor Navigation 2.0 to navigate your home. This system combines sensors and algorithms to map out cleaning paths and avoid obstacles. While not as sophisticated as laser-based navigation systems found in higher-end models, it generally performs well, minimizing bumping and ensuring comprehensive room coverage. However, it may struggle with complex layouts or cluttered environments.
Edge Cleaning
The Shark ION Robot Vacuum 850 features edge-cleaning brushes that help to sweep debris from along walls and corners. While it does a decent job of cleaning edges, it may not reach all the way into tight corners. Regular use of the spot cleaning mode can help to address any missed areas.
Voice Control
The Shark ION Robot Vacuum 850 is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to start, stop, or pause cleaning with voice commands. This feature adds a layer of convenience, especially for those who already use voice assistants in their homes. Setting up voice control is relatively straightforward through the SharkClean app.
Battery Life
The Shark ION Robot Vacuum 850 offers up to 90 minutes of battery life on a single charge. This is sufficient for cleaning most apartments or smaller homes. However, larger homes may require multiple charging cycles to complete a full cleaning. The vacuum automatically returns to its dock to recharge when the battery is low.
Charging time is approximately 3 hours, which is relatively standard for robot vacuums in this price range. Using the “Max” cleaning mode will reduce battery life, so it’s best reserved for areas that require extra suction power.
Software and User Experience
The SharkClean app provides a user-friendly interface for controlling and monitoring the Shark ION Robot Vacuum 850. Through the app, you can schedule cleaning sessions, adjust cleaning modes, track cleaning history, and receive notifications. The app also provides helpful tips and troubleshooting information.
While the app is generally well-designed, it lacks some of the advanced features found in higher-end models, such as room mapping and virtual boundaries. However, for basic scheduling and control, the app is more than adequate.
Comparison to Competitors
iRobot Roomba 675
The iRobot Roomba 675 is a popular entry-level robot vacuum that offers similar features to the Shark ION Robot Vacuum 850. Both vacuums provide good cleaning performance on hard floors and carpets, and both are compatible with voice control. However, the Shark ION Robot Vacuum 850 has a slightly longer battery life and a self-cleaning brushroll, which gives it an edge in terms of convenience.
Eufy RoboVac 11S
The Eufy RoboVac 11S is another strong competitor in the budget robot vacuum market. It’s known for its slim design and quiet operation. While the Eufy RoboVac 11S is quieter than the Shark ION Robot Vacuum 850, it doesn’t offer the same level of suction power. The Shark ION Robot Vacuum 850’s self-cleaning brushroll is also a significant advantage over the Eufy RoboVac 11S’s standard brushroll.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Strong suction power
- Self-cleaning brushroll
- Voice control compatibility
- Good battery life
- User-friendly app
- Cons:
- Navigation not as advanced as high-end models
- May struggle with complex layouts
- Lacks room mapping and virtual boundaries
Value for Money
The Shark ION Robot Vacuum 850 offers excellent value for money. It provides strong cleaning performance, convenient features, and a user-friendly experience at an affordable price point. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, it’s a reliable and effective robot vacuum that will keep your floors clean without breaking the bank.
The Shark ION Robot Vacuum 850 is an excellent choice for:
- First-time robot vacuum buyers
- Apartment dwellers
- Pet owners looking for a hair-tangle solution
- Budget-conscious shoppers
Consider other models if:
- You have a large home that requires advanced navigation
- You need room mapping and virtual boundaries
- You want the most powerful suction available
Verdict
The Shark ION Robot Vacuum 850 is a solid choice for anyone seeking an affordable and effective robot vacuum. Its strong suction power, self-cleaning brushroll, and voice control compatibility make it a convenient and user-friendly option for keeping your floors clean. While it may not have the advanced features of higher-end models, it offers excellent value for money and is well-suited for smaller homes or apartments. Overall, the Shark ION Robot Vacuum 850 earns a score of 7.8/10.
