I don‘t know about you, but keeping floors clean feels like a never ending battle in my household between kids, pets, spills, and everything else. Robot vacuums have been a total game changer by handling daily maintenance cleaning so I don‘t have to.
Shark makes some of the most popular robot vacuums available today thanks to their proven cleaning technology and product innovation. In this guide, we‘ll dive into the details on Shark‘s top models to help find the right convenient floor cleaning solution for your needs and budget.
Overview of Shark‘s Robotic Vacuums
Let‘s start by taking a closer look at Shark‘s experience in the vacuum space and the different robot vacuum lines they currently offer…
Shark‘s Vacuum Expertise
While Shark is likely best known for their cordless stick vacuums, they produce a wide range of cleaning products including upright vacuums, handhelds, mops, and more.
In fact, Shark has released over 100 different vacuums across several categories since launching in 1998. From lightweight and portable models to deep cleaning machines packed with premium features, Shark sells vacuums suitable for all types of usage occasions and home types.
Their expansive product portfolio is already helping over 11 million households tackle dirt and debris through innovative technology according to Shark. Given their demonstrated vacuum knowledge and resources, it‘s no surprise Shark has also successfully entered the robotic cleaning space as consumer adoption continues rising.
Shark‘s Robotic Vacuum Families
Within Shark‘s selection of robotic vacuums are three product families designed to deliver the right balance of affordability and features:
| Lineup | Description | Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Shark ION Robot | The most affordable Shark robot vacuum lineup with up to 120 minutes of runtime. Reliable for small homes. | $150 – $250 |
| Shark IQ Robot | Mid-tier Shark robots with home mapping and rows cleaning pattern. Great for pet hair. | $300 – $450 |
| Shark AI Ultra | Shark‘s high-end smart robot vacuums utilizing LiDAR navigation and self-emptying for larger homes | $400 – $550 |
Now that we have a better idea of Shark‘s available robotic vacuum options, let‘s get into the specifics on which models rise to the top regarding real-world performance, features, reviews and overall value…
1. Shark AV2511AE AI Ultra – Best Overall
120 minutes runtime + 60-day dustbin is perfect for large homes
Out of all Shark robotic vacuums available today, the Shark AV2511AE AI Ultra stands at the top as the best model available across critical categories making it our Best Overall pick:
- Cleaning Power: Strong suction + carpet/floor adaptable brush roll leave no dirt behind
- Convenience:LuDAR mapping, Selective room cleaning, and a giant 60-day self-emptying capacity for minimal maintenance
- Coverage: 120 mins of battery & precision navigation thoroughly cleans homes up to 1600 sq ft.
- Reviews: Praised by outlets like Reviewed.com and DigitalTrends as Shark‘s best robot vacuum
In other words, the flagship Shark AV2511AE delivers maximum cleaning automation and convenience making home upkeep considerably easier.
Yes, there are cheaper Shark options…but none provide the same level of hassle-free floor care and peace of mind that dirty floors are consistently being tended to thanks to this capable device.
Flagship Features That Beat The Competition
- Matrix Cleanning System – Unique back & forth + side-to-side cleaning pattern leaves no area untouched
- 60-day dustbin capacity – The largest available requiring less emptying
- LiDAR Smart Mapping – Advanced navigation uses laser precision to map rooms and identify objects to avoid smashing into things
- Control From Anywhere – Schedule specific cleanings anywhere with the SharkClean app
- Voice activated – Kickoff whole home or targeted cleanings hands-free using Alexa or Google Home voice commands
And if 120 minutes still isn‘t enough cleaning time to handle your larger home, the AV2511AE AI Ultra conveniently returns to its base to recharge itself then picks up exactly where it left off afterwards!
What Reviewers Are Saying:
The Shark AV2511AE checks all the right boxes regarding what robot vacuum shoppers desire – making it a clear choice occupying the top spot in best lists of experts:
"The Shark AI Ultra combines strong suctioning with intelligent mapping and self-emptying to make an compelling cleaner for large homes." – CNET Smart Home
"There’s a lot to love about the Shark AV2511AE AI Robot Vacuum…It has some of the best navigation features we’ve seen, excellent cleaning performance on floors and carpets, and a self-empty base." – Digital Trends
As Shark‘s latest and most advanced robot vacuum representing the cutting edge of home cleaning automation – there‘s no denying the Shark AV2511AE AI Ultra is fully deserving of our Best Overall designation.
Sure cheaper alternatives exist, but none currently match the cleaning performance and day-after-day convenience offered by this impressive machine.
Now if shelling out $500+ isn‘t in the cards, Shark does offer several alternative robotic vacuums packing similar features for less…
2. Shark AV2501S AI Ultra – Top Mid-Range Alternative
Excellent cleaning and conveniences without the premium costs
The Shark AV2501S represents an outstanding middle ground between functionality and affordability sitting under the flagship Shark AV2511AE as the second place finisher:
Offering nearly identical cleaning competency and navigation smarts such as:
- Matrix cleaning system
- LiDAR home mapping
- Alexa/Google voice activation
- HEPA filtration
But at around $100+ cheaper – the AV2501 AI Ultra hits a sweet spot for budget focused buyers still desiring advanced automation and minimal effort upkeep.
You do compromise on dustbin capacity receiving 30 vs 60 days between empties. However the rest of the cleaning and navigation capabilities mirror our top choice very closely.
So while the Shark AV2511AE AI Ultra takes first place regarding best-in-class performance – the Shark AV2501S deserves runner up honors thanks to delivering 80% of the experience for notably less cash.
What Customers Are Saying:
Actual owners of the Shark AV2501S are very satisfied with both cleaning effectiveness and mapping accuracy:
"I have had the AV2501s for over 2 months now and it‘s fantastic! It skillfully maneuvers around furniture legs, chair legs, etc. It traverses different floor types seamlessly. The suction is great!"
"This little robot is saving my sanity! We have 3 kids and a dog that bring in dirt and mud daily from outside. This robot vacuum picks up an unbelievable amount of dirt in a single cleaning."
For large homes desiring a robotic cleaning assistant without breaking the bank – the Shark AV2501S AI Ultra vacuum neatly answers the call.
Now let‘s shift gears to options best suited for smaller spaces or shoppers on tighter budgets…
3. Shark ION AV751 – Best Budget Robot Vacuum
Impressive cleaning essentials less than $200
The Shark ION AV751 Robot Vacuum demonstrates you don‘t need to spend a fortune to enjoy cleaner floors thanks to automatic maintenance.
For under $200, the AV751 packs tremendous value with features such as:
- 120 minute runtime
- WiFi + App/Voice Control
- Multi-surface brushroll
- Side brushes
Yes it lacks the mapping brains of pricier Shark‘s – relying instead on proximity sensors to navigate and clean randomly.
But for small apartments or single room cleaning – the Shark ION AV751 competently tackles daily dirt buildup admirably while costing hundreds less than fancier models. No it‘s not the smartest or most thorough cleaner out there, but represents a solid basic option for budget buyers.
Key Strengths:
- Great for apartments/small homes – 120 minutes provides ample cleaning time for 1-2 bedroom spaces under 1000 sq ft.
- WiFi connectivity for app/voice access – Despite no mapping, you can still direct cleaning and schedule remotely
- Excellent ratings – Over 6,000 Amazon reviews resulting in 4.4 out of 5 stars. Proving you don‘t need to overspend to get decent automated cleaning
For frugal consumers wanting a competent robotic vacuum minus expensive bells and whistles – the Shark ION AV751 Shark offers tremendous value just shy of $200.
And last but not least, how about a robot capable of mopping too? Let‘s take a look…
4. Shark AV2001WD AI Robot Vacuum & Mop – Best 2-in-1 Combo
Vacuum & mop simultaneously for cleaned floors with less effort
While dry vacuuming represents most shopper‘s primary cleaning need, the Shark AV2001WD AI 2-in-1 Vacuum and Mop stands out as Shark‘s top option for tackling stuck on messes and maintaining hard surface flooring:
In addition to standard vacuuming competencies, the Shark AV2001WD adds a microfiber mopping pad perfect for grabbing kitchen spills and grimy buildup that brooms and mops struggle lifting.
Mopping features include:
- Dual vacuuming + mopping – Scrubs floors while trapping dry debris simultaneously
- High speed sonic vibrations – Help break down stuck on messes
- 90 minute water tank capacity – Ample time for several average size rooms
- Selectable vacuuming or mopping only modes – Customize to your needs
So for homes with pets and kids causing chaos, the unique mopping capabilities of the Shark AV2001WD provide a handy assistant tackling post chaos cleanup. Surfaces get scrubbed automatically while you focus on other priorities.
Key Advantages Over Competition
- Most affordable Shark robot with mopping at under $300
- LIDAR Smart mapping allows systematic cleaning room to room
- 4 different cleaning modes (Vacuum, Mop, Vacuum + Mop, Ultra Clean)
While lacking the large dustbins and battery runtimes of more expensive Sharks, the value is hard to beat for a robotic vacuum adding mopping remove stuck on messes for just $269.
It may not fully replace your main vacuum, but makes keeping floors continuously presentable much more manageable.
How To Pick the Right Shark Robot Vacuum
Now that we‘ve covered Shark‘s standout robotic vacuums, deciding which model best aligns with your home size, floors, and must-have features becomes much easier.
Here are key buying considerations I recommend reflecting on:
Home/Floor Type
Do you need your robot vacuum to handle mostly carpets? Hard floors? Or a mix? Certain brush rolls, filters, and mopping abilities cater towards specific surface cleaning needs
Smart Mapping
Shark‘s more advanced LiDAR robot vacuums create full home maps identifying rooms, objects, and no-go zones. This allows systematically cleaning room-by-room. Budget Shark options rely on less precise sensor navigation instead. Choose mapping precision based on home size and cleaning needs.
Convenience Features
Shark‘s pricier robots empty their own dustbins and can hold 30-60 days of debris. Goal is to require less interaction from you. Look at all convenience elements (self-emptying, runtime, smart features, etc) and decide what‘s most important for low maintenance. More conveniences = less effort required.
Affordability
With Shark robot costs starting around $150 up to $550+ – set a firm budget based on what cleaning capabilities are must-haves vs nice-to-haves. Getting 80% of flagship benefits can save hundreds opting for mid-range alternatives like the Shark AV2501S
Using the above considerations to narrow down your exact cleaning needs, it becomes much faster identifying the ideal Shark robot vacuum fitting your personal circumstances.
Final Thoughts On Choosing A Shark Robot Vacuum
Shark has come a long way in robotic vacuums in just a few years. Their continued investments towards automating home cleaning matches what owners desire – powerful suction, methodical navigation, hands-off convenience through features like self-emptying bins and voice controls.
While fewer model options exist compared to market heavyweights like iRobot Roomba or Roborock – Shark‘s available robots showcase how far mid-market brands have come matching and even exceeding premium competitors in areas like mapping accuracy.
Yes you‘ll still want to hold onto your main stick or upright vacuum for deep cleaning jobs. But for daily maintenance – Shark‘s robotic vacuums hugely lift the automation burden off homeowners.
Their commitments towards constant improvement also bodes well for the future as sweeping advances like AI object recognition start making their way into robots at more affordable price points.
So if you‘re overwhelmed trying to stay on top of everyday messes, Shark robots fill the gap conveniently without huge upfront investments. Any of the models mentioned in this guide will mileage may vary slightly between users and home layouts. But choices like Cleaning power, mapping abilities, warranty protection, and affordability come down to personal factors only you can weigh.
Hopefully the detailed product breakdowns, feature comparisons, and recommendations provided lead you towards confidently choosing the right Shark robotic vacuum befitting your unique needs!
Let me know if any other questions come up during your shopping process.
