In the era of smart homes, robot vacuums have become indispensable tools for keeping our floors clean without lifting a finger. The Roomba i8 and the Shark IQ are two prominent contenders in the world of robotic vacuum cleaners.
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll dissect their features, performance, and overall value to help you decide which one is the better fit for your home. So, let’s dive into the Roomba i8 vs Shark IQ battle and see which robotic vacuum emerges as the winner.
Roomba i8 vs Shark IQ – Quick Comparison
Last update on 2024-10-16 at 19:33 / Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
| Feature | Roomba i8+ (8550) | Shark IQ Robot Vacuum |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Emptying | Yes, up to 60 days | Yes, up to 45 days |
| Design and Dimensions | Medium Silver, 13.34″L x 3.63″W x 13.26″H | Black, 38.9″L x 26.3″W x 49.6″H |
| Cleaning Performance | 10X Power-Lifting Suction, Premium 3-Stage Cleaning System | Deep-cleaning power, Anti-hair wrap |
| Navigation and Mapping | vSLAM Navigation, Smart Maps | Total Home Mapping |
| Voice and App Control | Yes, Alexa compatibility, iRobot Home app | Yes, Alexa compatibility, SharkClean app |
| Included Accessories | Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier, Extra High-Efficiency Filters, Dirt Disposal Bags | Self-empty base, Side brushes, Filter, BotBoundary Strips |
Roomba i8: A Closer Look
Last update on 2024-10-16 at 19:33 / Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The iRobot Roomba i8 is a self-emptying robot vacuum that promises to take the hassle out of vacuuming. Here’s a detailed review of its key features and capabilities:
Self-Emptying Convenience
One of the standout features of the Roomba i8+ is its Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal. This technology allows the vacuum to empty itself for up to 60 days. Say goodbye to constantly emptying the dustbin after each cleaning session; the Roomba i8+ takes care of it for you. This is a significant advantage for those who prefer a hands-free cleaning experience.
Powerful Cleaning Performance
The Roomba i8+ boasts a Premium 3-Stage Cleaning System and 10X the Power-Lifting Suction compared to the Roomba 600 series cleaning system. This means it can tackle stubborn dirt and messes with ease, leaving your floors spotless. Whether it’s crumbs, pet hair, or dust, this vacuum has the power to pick it all up.
Smart Navigation
Equipped with vSLAM navigation, the Roomba i8+ learns the layout of your home and creates personalized Smart Maps. This allows it to efficiently clean your floors in neat, organized rows. It also features a helpful feature that enables it to recharge itself when low on battery and resume cleaning where it left off, ensuring a thorough job every time.
Voice and App Control
Controlling the Roomba i8+ is a breeze thanks to its compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa. You can simply tell it where to clean, and it will obey your commands. Additionally, the iRobot Home app provides a user-friendly interface for scheduling cleanings and monitoring the vacuum’s performance.
What’s in the Box
The Roomba i8+ package includes the robot vacuum itself, the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, a Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier for controlling where it goes, and two Extra High-Efficiency Filters, along with four Dirt Disposal Bags.
Shark IQ: A Closer Look
Last update on 2024-10-16 at 19:33 / Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Shark RV1001AE IQ Robot Vacuum is another strong contender in the world of self-emptying robot vacuums. Let’s delve into its features and capabilities:
Extended Dirt Holding Capacity
Shark’s IQ Robot Vacuum takes convenience to the next level with its bagless, self-emptying base that can hold up to 45 days’ worth of dirt and debris. Unlike some competitors, it doesn’t require the purchase of additional disposal bags, making it a more cost-effective option over time.
Powerful Suction
This Shark robot vacuum offers deep-cleaning power, tackling both large and small debris, as well as pet hair on various floor surfaces, including carpets and hardwood. Its anti-hair wrap technology ensures that it can handle even the hairiest situations.
Total Home Mapping
With the SharkClean app, you can not only schedule whole-home cleanings but also choose specific rooms or areas to clean right away. The IQ Robot Vacuum maps your home, providing you with the flexibility to customize your cleaning routine.
Methodical Cleaning
The Shark IQ employs a row-by-row cleaning method, ensuring that no area is left untouched. It systematically navigates your home, moving from one room to another to provide comprehensive coverage.
Perfect for Pet Owners
Designed with pet owners in mind, this automatic vacuum includes a self-empty base, a self-cleaning brushroll, and a high-efficiency filter to capture dust, dander, and pet allergens, making it a great choice for households with furry companions.
What’s in the Box
The Shark IQ Robot Vacuum package includes the robot itself, the self-empty base, two side brushes, one filter, and one set of BotBoundary Strips for customizing its cleaning boundaries.
Roomba i8 vs Shark IQ: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Now that we’ve explored the key features and capabilities of both the Roomba i8+ and the Shark IQ, it’s time to put them side by side and see how they stack up in various aspects.
Design and Dimensions
When it comes to design, the Roomba i8+ features a sleek and modern look with a medium silver finish. Its compact dimensions (13.34″L x 3.63″W x 13.26″H) make it easy to navigate tight spaces.
On the other hand, the Shark IQ sports a more robust and substantial appearance with a black finish, measuring 38.9″L x 26.3″W x 49.6″H. While the Shark IQ offers a larger dustbin capacity, it’s worth considering whether its bulkier design fits your living space.
Self-Emptying Capabilities
Both the Roomba i8+ and the Shark IQ excel in self-emptying capabilities, offering the convenience of hands-free dirt disposal. However, the Roomba i8+ takes the lead with its impressive 60-day self-emptying capacity, surpassing the Shark IQ’s 45-day capacity.
Cleaning Performance
In terms of cleaning performance, both robots offer powerful suction and advanced brushroll technology. The Roomba i8+ boasts 10X the Power-Lifting Suction compared to the Roomba 600 series, while the Shark IQ features anti-hair wrap technology. Both are well-equipped to handle pet hair and various debris on multiple floor types.
Navigation and Mapping
Navigation is a crucial aspect of any robot vacuum’s performance. The Roomba i8+ employs vSLAM navigation to create personalized Smart Maps of your home, allowing for efficient and systematic cleaning. On the other hand, the Shark IQ uses Total Home Mapping, offering a similar level of customization. Both robots navigate in rows, ensuring thorough coverage.
Voice and App Control
Both the Roomba i8+ and the Shark IQ offer voice control through popular voice assistants like Alexa. Additionally, they come with companion apps that allow you to schedule cleanings, customize cleaning zones, and monitor their progress remotely. It’s a tie in this category.
Special Features
When it comes to catering to pet owners, the Shark IQ has the edge with its self-cleaning brushroll and high-efficiency filter designed to capture pet allergens. The Roomba i8+, while still effective for pet hair, doesn’t offer specialized features targeting pet owners.
The Verdict
In the battle of the self-emptying robot vacuums, both the Roomba i8+ and the Shark IQ have their strengths and unique features. The choice between these two robots ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you prioritize an extended self-emptying capacity and prefer a more compact design, the Roomba i8+ might be the better choice for you. Its 60-day self-emptying capability and advanced mapping technology make it a top contender for those seeking a truly hands-free cleaning experience.
On the other hand, if you have pets at home and require specialized features to combat pet hair and allergens, the Shark IQ is a strong candidate. Its anti-hair wrap technology and high-efficiency filter are tailored to meet the needs of pet owners.
In conclusion, the Roomba i8 vs Shark IQ battle ends in a draw, with each robot vacuum offering compelling features. Consider your specific requirements and priorities to determine which one will be the ideal addition to your smart home cleaning arsenal. Regardless of your choice, both of these self-emptying robot vacuums are bound to make your life easier and your floors cleaner.