Roomba or Shark - Which Vacuum Brand Is the Best Fit for Your Home?

Which Is the Best Vacuum Cleaner for You Between Roomba & Shark? Read Through an Overview of the Brands, Compare the Features, & Discover Which Vacuum Is the Best at Different Price Points. Keep On Reading to Find Out All You Need to Know…

Roomba vs. Shark Vacuums

Which Is the Best Vacuum Cleaner for You Between Roomba & Shark? Read Through an Overview of the Brands, Compare the Features, & Discover Which Vacuum Is the Best at Different Price Points. Keep On Reading to Find Out All You Need to Know…
This article contains tops tips from our experts, backed by in-depth research.
Last Updated: 18 Apr 2025
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Roomba Vs Shark Vacuums

Are you trying to figure out which vacuum cleaner is the right fit for your home? 

Read our vacuum cleaner comparison on Roomba vs. Shark vacuums and discover which brand is your best buy. 

After extensive research by my ByPurify team, all that you’d need to know about Roomba and Shark vacuums is listed below, so that you can make a well-informed decision about your next cleaning purchase. 

As experts in our field, we discuss the following in this article:

    Let's get into reviewing the specs and features that these 2 brands have to offer…

    Roomba or Shark - Which Vacuum Are You Taking Home? 

    Roomba and Shark vacuum cleans are 2 of the best in the business, as both brands offer impeccable features that revolutionize the way you clean your home. 

    With advanced technology and environmentally friendly traits, having either one in your home will surely take cleaning to the next level. 

    Roomba - An Overview

    Roomba is a product of iRobot and is one of the most well-known robot vacuum cleaners on the market1.

    iRobot specializes in robot vacuum cleaners that put a sophisticated touch on cleaning your home.

    Features to note

    This autonomous vacuum navigates itself around your home while vacuum cleaning, and docks itself back at its charging station once done. 

    From iRobot comes Roomba for dry vacuuming and Braava for wet mopping.

    Roomba has taken the chore out of cleaning and given you an innovative cleaning experience with their vacuum cleaners. 

    Shark - An Overview

    Shark’s a product of SharkNinja Operating LLC, a leading brand in small household appliances2 .

    Shark offers vacuum cleaners ranging from upright vacuums to cordless vacuums and even robot vacuums. 

    They also have a wide range of hairdryers, air purifiers, and even mops. 

    It’s important to note

    Being such a forward-thinking brand, Shark has become one of the leading brands in home care. 

    Its founder Mark Rosenzweig started the brand in Montreal, Canada, and has grown it into a widely recognized brand.

    Comparisons Between Roomba & Shark Vacuums

    In order to do a comparison between Roomba and Shark vacuums, I need to look at the differences and similarities between them.

    Let’s have a detailed look:

    Differences

    Discover the differences between Roomba and Shark vacuum cleaners: 

    • Roomba specializes in robot vacuums, while Shark has a wide range of vacuum cleaners. 
    • Roomba has 7 robot vacuum cleaners, while Shark has 3. 
    • Roomba’s suction power varies through the range, while Shark offers the same level of suction power throughout the range. 
    • There’s a vast price difference between the 2 vacuums for equivalent specs. 

    Similarities 

    Discover the similarities between Roomba and Shark vacuum cleaners:

    • Both Roomba and Shark robot vacuums offer a self-charging feature.
    • Both brands can clean your entire home unassisted. 
    • Both brands can be operated with your smartphone. 
    • Both have a mapping and navigation system.
    • Both offer a self-cleaning base feature. 

    Best Budget Buys

    We’ve found the best budget buys after doing extensive research on the Roomba and Shark vacuum cleaner range so that you can make the best decision that suits your home and your budget. 

    The best budget buys include the Roomba 675 and the Shark Ion 750 (AKA R75). 

    Let’s have a look:

    Roomba 675

    The Roomba 675 is Roomba’s best robot vacuum within the lower-end range, it has a smart navigation system with auto recharge. 

    However, It doesn’t have a routed cleaning pattern and can sometimes miss parts of your home. 

    On the plus side

    It has a dustbin capacity of 0.5 liters and is fitted with a dirt sensor. 

    This vacuum’s great with pet hair and has anti-tangle technology. 

    The 675 will give you about 100 minutes of cleaning time before it needs to be recharged. 

    Shark Ion 750 (AKA R75)

    The Shark Ion 750 (AKA R75) is an affordable and reliable robot vacuum and is one of the best within this range. 

    It doesn’t have an advanced navigation system.

    It does lack a little on the navigation side and may miss parts of the floor on its cleaning cycle. 

    However, it does have

    A good battery life - up to 70 minutes - has voice and app control and has a 0.38-litre dustbin capacity. 

    It’s quiet and is fairly good at cleaning, and is an overall good buy. 

    Mid-Tier Must-Haves

    The mid-tier must-haves offer the best features from Roomba and Shark without breaking the bank. 

    Let’s explore the features of the Roomba 960 and Shark IQ Robot Vacuum (AKA R101). 

    Discover which vacuum speaks to you.

    Roomba 960

    The Roomba 960 has a much easier time learning your home, as it can recharge itself and resume cleaning where it stopped. 

    It has

    Smart navigation with a camera that allows for sensor mapping. 

    It gives you about 75 minutes of clean time before it needs to be recharged.

    Its reliable dual rubber rollers and full dustbin sensor make it easy to maintain. 

    Shark IQ Robot Vacuum (AKA R101)

    The Shark IQ Robot Vacuum (AKA R101) has a strong suction system, while a plastic comb detangles hair as it’s picked up, making maintenance easier. 

    It’s fitted with a top-mounted camera and can navigate independently while allowing you to choose which rooms you want to clean. However, it may take some time to learn your home. 

    In addition

    It has a 60-minute cleaning time before it needs to be recharged. 

    Its reliability and affordability make it one of the best robot vacuum cleaners in its range. 

    Premium Picks

    If you’re looking for the premium picks that Roomba and Shark have to offer, then these 2 picks are the ones for you. 

    Explore the features of the Roomba J7+ and the Shark IQ Robot Vacuum with Self-Empty (AKA R101ae). 

    Find the best fit for your home.

    Roomba J7+

    The Roomba J7+ is known to be the most well-rounded robot vacuum by iRobot. 

    It incorporates advanced cleaning technologies, obstacle detection software, and a modern design that will be an ideal addition to your home.

    It has a 75-minute clean time before it needs to be recharged, and it comes with HEPA filters for a more environmentally friendly clean. 

    Its features include 

    Self-cleaning, 2 dirt disposal bags, an extra corner brush, and obstacle detection. 

    The J7+ also offers a smart home feature with iRobot apps, advanced mapping technology, and iRobot genius home intelligence which allows the vacuum to learn your habits and clean according to your schedule. 

    Shark IQ Robot Vacuum With Self-Empty (AKA R101ae)

    The Shark IQ Robot Vacuum With Self-Empty (AKA R101ae) is one of the best robot vacuums that Shark has to offer. 

    Being significantly cheaper than its counterpart, the Roomba J7+, it still has amazing features that your home would benefit from. 

    Its self-empty feature makes for easy cleaning and maintenance of this vacuum. 

    It offers 

    Impeccable suction, scheduled cleaning, an advanced navigation system, and home mapping technology. 

    Its price is one of its best selling points, being significantly cheaper than its competition. 

    The con of this vacuum is that it can get a little loud. 

    Overall

    The Shark IQ Robot Vacuum With Self-Empty (AKA R101ae) makes for an impressive cleaning system for your home. 

    Roomba & Shark Feature Comparison 

    Roomba and Shark vacuums come with some show-stopping features that will spark your interest, including mapping, price, and battery life.

    Let’s explore and compare some of the most talked about features that Roomba and Shark have to offer.

    Mapping 

    Here are the details regarding mapping for Roomba and Shark:

    Roomba

    The Roomba models range from the E5, which doesn’t have mapping, to the I3, which has simple mapping and doesn’t store maps between cleans. 

    While the higher-end range, like the S9+ and J7+ have advanced digital mapping that can be accessed with your smartphone. 

    Shark

    Because Shark doesn’t only offer robot vacuums, not all vacuum cleaners have mapping systems. 

    From the Shark robot vacuums, only the ION Robot Vacuum offers random bounce navigation, while the rest have advanced mapping systems. 

    Price

    Let’s look at the price ranges that Roomba and Shark vacuums offer:

    Roomba

    Roomba tends to be slightly more expensive than Shark vacuums, starting at around $275, with the higher-end products priced at around $1 100.

    Shark

    Sharks' starting price is around $250 and ranges to about $650. 

    Shark tends to appeal to the budget-minded consumer.

    Battery Life

    Battery life is one of the most researched features for Roomba and Shark vacuums. 

    Discover which vacuum gives you the best battery life: 

    Roomba

    The budget end of the Roomba range batteries tends to last about 75 minutes (I3). While the higher-end J7+ battery lasts about 80-90 minutes before it needs to be recharged. 

    Shark

    The budget end of Shark tends to give a better battery life of 90 minutes from the Shark Ion RV871. 

    The higher-end cleaners tend to offer up to 120 minutes of cleaning time before it needs to be recharged.

    Sharks are often fitted with Li-on battery which usually lasts longer. 

    Dustbin Capacity

    Dustbin capacity is a feature that you should consider before you make a purchase. 

    Have a look to see how the 2 brands compare: 

    Roomba

    Roomba vacuums offer a self-cleaning feature with their dustbins having a capacity of 0.5liters. 

    Shark

    Shark dustbins have a capacity range of 0.16 liters to about 0.43 liters which is their standard range. Some models also offer extra-large dustbins of about 0.66 liters.

    Filtration

    Here are the filtration details that Roomba and Shark have to offer: 

    Roomba

    Roomba uses a technology called the AeroVac system, and you can also get HEPA filters on some of the higher-end models. 

    Shark

    Shark vacuums come standard with HEPA filters that are proven to remove about 99.97% of bacteria, and other fine particles and allergens from the air.

    The HEPA filters do need to be changed once it becomes clogged.

    Noise Level

    Let’s measure the noise levels that Roomba and Shark vacuums have: 

    Roomba

    Roombas' noise levels measure 65 to 70 decibels on hard floors. 

    On carpet, they are a bit quieter, measuring about 60db.

    Although these are quiet compared to normal vacuum cleaner standards, they aren’t quiet enough for you to sleep while they clean.

    Shark

    The Shark robot vacuums’ noise level measures about 50 to 60 decibels. 

    The handheld vacuums measure about 60 and 70 dB.

    The stick vacuums measure about 65 and 75 dB. 

    The upright vacuums measure about 70 and 80 dB. 

    Pet Hair

    Pet hair clean-up is a vacuum cleaner feature that is a must-have. 

    Discover how the 2 brands compare:

    Roomba

    With this brand, the best vacuum for pet hair is the Roomba S9. 

    This is one of the high-end robot vacuums that Roomba has to offer, and it does really well with pet hair on both low and high-pile carpets, and even on bare surfaces. It also has HEPA filters to help pick up fine allergens.

    Shark

    The Shark vacuums come with a range of accessories, among these are pet-hair tools. The vacuums are also all fitted with HEPA filters to help pick up fine allergens.

    These tools are designed to clean up pet hair. The attachments have thick fibers that pull pet hair in, powered rotating brushes that collect hair from the floor, and upholstery tools that lift pet hair off of furniture.

    Most Commonly Compared Roomba & Shark Vacuums

    We’ve done extensive research about the most commonly compared Roomba and Shark vacuums to find out which is superior.  

    Roomba I3+ vs. Shark IQ Robot RV1001 

    Let’s shed some light on Roomba I3+ vs. Shark IQ Robot RV1001 vacuum cleaners. 

    Here’s how they compare:

    • The Shark IQ is fitted with a top-mounted camera, while the Roomba I3 isn’t. 
    • The IQ is 12.8″ while the I3+ is 13.34″ in width.
    • Both have 400mm rear-mounted dustbins. Though the IQ’s dustbin is easier to remove as it has a wider opening. 
    • Both have a self-cleaning feature. 
    • Both have a recharge and resume feature. This feature allows the vacuum to recharge. and then resume its cleaning where it left off if it had not finished its cleaning cycle. 
    • The IQ’s navigation system is much more advanced than the I3+.
    • The IQ has a 60-minute run-time while the I3+ has 75 minutes.
    • Both have a scheduling feature. So you can automate your cleaning cycle and rely on the auto-empty feature.
    • The IQ is seen to be a better vacuum for hardwood floors.

    Roomba I6+ vs. Shark IQ Robot RV1001

    The next contenders are Roomba I6+ vs. Shark IQ Robot RV1001 vacuum cleaners.

    See details of their differences below: 

    • The IQ is 12.8″ while the I6+ is 13.34″ in width.
    • Both contain Li-ion batteries.
    • While the IQ takes 300 minutes to recharge and only gives 60 minutes of clean time, the I6+ takes 180 minutes to recharge and gives 90 minutes of clean time. 
    • Both are suitable cleaners for pet hair.
    • Both have a self-cleaning feature.
    • Both have a self-emptying feature.
    • The I6+ has a voice control feature, while the IQ doesn’t. 
    • Neither have a remote control or Bluetooth feature. 

    Roomba I7+ vs. Shark IQ Robot RV1001

    Roomba I7+ vs. Shark IQ Robot RV1001 are 2 of the most commonly compared vacuum cleaners. 

    Take a look at their comparison:

    • The I7+ gives 120 minutes of clean time per charge, while the IQ only gives 60 minutes of clean time per charge. 
    • The IQ is more budget-friendly than the I7+.
    • Both have a self-emptying feature.
    • The I7+ has a 0.4-litre dustbin capacity while the IQ has 0.75 liters.
    • The IQ has twin side brushes, while the I7+ doesn’t.

    ​​Roomba I7+ vs. Shark AI Robot

    Both the Roomba I7+ and the Shark AI Robot vacuum cleaners are considered to be one of the best in their brands.

    Let’s explore how they do against each other:

    • The I7+ takes about 90 minutes to recharge and gives about 75 minutes of clean time, while the AI takes about 230 minutes to recharge and gives about 200 minutes of clean time.
    • Both have a self-emptying feature.
    • Both have advanced navigation technology. 
    • Both have automatic recharging capabilities. 

    Common Questions

    Which Is Better, Roomba or Shark Vacuum Cleaners?

    How Does Roomba & Shark Vacuum Do With Any Floor Type?

    Which Vacuum Tends to Bang Against Walls?

    Is Shark or Roomba Better for a Larger House?

    Are Roomba or Shark Vacuums Better for the Environment?

    In Conclusion

    Roomba vs Shark vacuum cleaners; both are known to be some of the best and most innovative cleaners on the market today. 

    While Shark has more options for vacuum cleaners, both Shark and Roomba robot vacuums have proven to have impressive features and qualities that make cleaning your home a breeze. 

    Even though both Roomba and Shark offer advanced cleaning technology, it’s seen that Roomba tends to be far superior in terms of the features it has to offer. 

    If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, Shark robot vacuums are a close second. 

    I hope you have a better understanding of what sets Roomba and Shark apart, and I wish you all the best with your purchase! 

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