Shark vs. Roomba Robot Vacuums: An In-Depth Comparison

Robot vacuums have come a long way from the rudimentary Roomba released in 2002. Now, brands like Shark and iRobot pack advanced mapping, navigation and cleaning technologies into autonomous vacuuming robots designed to handle all floor types.

But while Shark and Roomba bots share similar core capabilities, differences emerge when you compare high-end models side-by-side.

To help determine if paying over 2X more for an iRobot Roomba s9+ makes sense over Shark‘s latest IQ, I‘ll compare these robotic vacuums across 5 key categories:

• Background on Shark and iRobot
• Cleaning performance and technology
• Navigation, mapping and customization
• Maintenance needs and convenient
• Budget and best usage scenarios

Let‘s kick things off with a bit more history on these pioneering robotic vacuum brands before diving into how the models stack up.

About Shark vs. Roomba Robot Vacuums

Shark entered the electric cleaning space in the late 1990s focus exclusively on upright vacuums featuring bagless technology and swivel steering. After gaining traction in the stick vac arena, Shark expanded into robotic vacuums, integrating its experience making high-performance vacuums into autonomous models.

Shark‘s robot vac line covers various price points but consistently emphasizes strong cleaning performance combined with connectivity and mapping features at reasonable prices compared to competitors.

iRobot pioneered the robotic vacuum industry when it released the first Roomba in 2002. Originally producing military and public safety robots, iRobot shifted consumer products. Unlike Shark, iRobot concentrates exclusively on developing the highest performing autonomous home cleaning robots.

As the first to market and robot vacuum sales leader, iRobot promotes its Roombas as the most technologically advanced for cleaning customization and home automation. But greater innovation comes at premium prices most apparent when contrasting top models against competitors like Shark.

Now that you know a bit about the brands‘ backgrounds, let‘s see how Shark‘s IQ RV1001AE and iRobot‘s s9+ models directly compare.

Shark IQ vs. Roomba s9+: Key Spec Showdown

First, let‘s look at an overview of core specifications:

With around double the investment, the s9+ edges out the Shark IQ in key areas like cleaning efficiency, navigation technology and mapping capabilities. But the Shark still brings serious cleaning functionality in a bagless package priced under $500.

Next, let‘s dig into cleaner performance and technical components to see where these bot vacs align and differ.

Comparing Vacuum Cleaning Performance

When researching robot vacuums, suction power and cleaning effectiveness sit at the top of priorities for good reason. These autonomous vacuums roam unattended around our living space so NEED to thoroughly remove dirt and debris in their wake.

Here‘s how the Shark IQ and iRobot s9+ cleaning technologies shape up:

Cleaning System

The Roomba s9+ uses a specialized 3-Stage Cleaning System consisting of:

• Dual multi-surface rubber brushes to dislodge and extract particles
• Edge-sweeping brush pulls in debris along edges and wall perimeters
• Powerful vacuum suction transports debris to the dustbin

This enables the s9+ to lift debris while agitating carpets to unlock ground-in dirt. Paired with 40X vacuum power vs standard Roombas, near perfect cleaning is achieved.

Shark uses an alternative row-by-row cleaning approach:

• Main brushes combo plastic fins + bristles for pulling in debris
• Side brushes with single-prong design for reaching corners/edges
• Constant contact maintains vacuum suction across all floor types

So while the Shark system allows wide surface passes for consistent dirt pickup, experts give Roomba‘s 3-Stage method the edge for deep carpet and perimeter cleaning.

Test Results

Independent lab testing also shows the s9+ holding a cleaning performance advantage:

So while the IQ does respectably well, the s9+ shows higher overall cleaning rates thanks to superior dirt extraction technology specially developed for carpets.

"The iRobot Roomba s9+ doesn’t miss a speck of debris on any floor type…outclassing even other high-end robot vacuums in cleaning performance testing." – Review Geek

But superior vacuuming capabilities come at a STEEP price – over $1,000 for the flagship s9+. Does the Shark provide enough savings and performance to be the better option for certain consumers? Let‘s explore additional considerations around navigation, mapping and convenience.

How Navigation and Mapping Compare

Navigating floors while simultaneously vacuuming poses immense technological challenges for robots. These vacuums must scan and map room dimensions while avoiding obstacles and remembering optimal cleaning paths.

Here is how the IQ and s9+ compare:

Navigation Systems

The Shark IQ relies on an array of infrared sensors plus onboard cameras to scan room dimensions while mapping floors. This allows methodical row-by-row cleaning in neat lines. To handle thresholds and objects, basic bump detection is used.

Roomba uses vSLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) technology paired with a high-precision sensor suite for superior navigation. It continually senses environments to track location while building personalized Smart Maps. Instead of grid patterns, it moves in efficient spirals analyzing areas that need extra passes. And thanks to downward facing 3D sensors, the s9+ avoids bumping into objects or ledges.

So Roomba definitely shows more advanced tech for keeping track of position, accurately mapping, and intelligently handling obstacles.

Mapping and Customization

In terms of mapping floors and customizing cleans, both robots provide mobile app connectivity and basic capabilities:

• The Shark IQ maps your home in a single smart map saved on the app for reference. You can designate areas to clean or not clean.
• Roomba creates personalized Smart Maps identifying rooms, furniture and obstacles. It stores up to 10 specialized maps that accurately display on the iRobot app.

For zoning off areas, Shark uses BotBoundary strips while Roomba offers Keep Out Zones you simply draw on Smart Maps.

Scheduling also favors Roomba:

• Shark IQ: Schedule just 1 clean per day (morning, afternoon or evening)
• Roomba s9+: Set unlimited customized cleans based on room, day/time preferences

So if you prioritize whole-home mapping with ultra precise no-go lines and maximum scheduling flexibility, iRobot better fits the bill. But Shark still allows solid app controls and automation for the price.

Next, let‘s explore the self-emptying dust systems on the IQ and s9+ for maintenance comparisons.

Self-Emptying Showdown: Maintenance Factors

Having to frequently removing debris holds no allure, making self-emptying bases that hold 30+ days of dirt a cleanspace revolution. But differences between bagless and bagged approaches impact long term costs and convenience.

Here is how the Shark IQ and Roomba s9+ auto-empty systems compare:

While the larger Roomba bin allows longer intervals between emptying, needing to continually purchase replacement bags adds up. With Shark‘s bagless model, you avoid this additional cost.

However, Roomba touts its filter bags trap nearly 100% of pollen and mold particles. So if you battle allergies, this provides noticeable air quality improvement.

My take? Roomba‘s bags make the auto-base maintenance a bit simpler not directly handling dirt. But over 2+ years, the filter bag expense adds up, making Shark‘s bagless approach cheaper long run.

Roomba vs Shark: Which Should You Buy?

With the background on both companies and how the robotic vacuums compare across critical categories, let‘s summarize the major pros and cons of the Shark IQ RV1001AE and iRobot‘s top-tier s9+ model:

The Case for Shark IQ

Pros

• Markedly cheaper for budget buyers
• Solid 91% cleaning performance
• Bagless auto-empty for lower maintenance costs
• Gets job done wihtout super advanced features

Cons

• Lacks precision navigation and mapping
• Max one scheduled clean per day
• Shorter 60 minute run time

The Case for iRobot s9+

Pros

• Cutting-edge cleaning, navigation and sensors
• Custom keep out zones and smart maps
• Convenient object avoidance
• Unmatched deep shag rug cleaning

Cons

• Very expensive for most buyers
• Replacing filter bags = added costs
• Heavier unit compared to Shark

And for easy reference, here is a head-to-head comparison chart:

	Shark IQ RV1001AE	Roomba s9+
Best For	Smaller spaces, mainly hard floors	Larger homes, deep carpet cleaning
Price	$$	$$$
Performance	Good	Excellent
Convenience	★★★☆☆	★★★★★

Still Debating Shark vs Roomba? Consider This:

When evaluating robotic vacuums, buyers feel pulled between affordable options like the Shark IQ that cover floor care basics compared to investing in premium bots like the Roomba s9+ bursting with cutting-edge features.

Here is guidance for navigating this decision based on home size and flooring:

• For smaller apartments and houses with principally hard flooring, the Shark IQ nicely balances intelligent mapping and cleaning at an affordable price. Unless you HAVE to have best-in-class deep shag rug cleaning, save money opting for this budget bot.

• In larger homes with wall-to-wall carpeting, the s9+ earns its hefty price tag. Between flawless navigation of multiple rooms and furniture to near perfect particle extraction even from dense carpet piles, this Roomba stands miles ahead of any robot in its class.

Yes, the s9+ costs over 2X the Shark IQ. But owners praise its 3+ years of near hands-free floor cleaning across every surface worth stretching the wallet. Plus, buying Shark‘s single-use cleaning pads adds up fast making the s9+ cost equation not drastically far apart long run.

So weigh size of home and flooring type along with convenience expectations. For smaller living spaces on budgets, Shark satisfies without breaking the bank. But carpet lovers managing larger square footage invest in the undisputed cleaning bot boss – the Roomba s9+.

I hope mapping out Shark vs. iRobot across these 5 categories assisted finding your perfect robotic vacuum match! Let me know if any other questions pop up. Now…let the floor cleaning commence!