Buying guide for best robot vacuums from Shark
Vacuuming is one of those household cleaning tasks that simply must be done if you want a tidy, dust-free home. But it’s a tedious task, and many people dread it. With a robotic vacuum, you can keep your floors free of messes without physically doing the work yourself. Shark makes high-quality robotic vacuums and is one of the most trusted brands in the appliance industry.
A Shark robotic vacuum is a disc-shaped vacuum that moves around your home on its own, sucking up the dirt, dust, and debris in its path. All you have to do is program it. Shark robotic vacuums are compact with sensors that help them maneuver around and under obstacles in your home. What’s more, the vacuum returns to the charging dock at the end of a cleaning cycle, so you can be sure it’s put away when not in use and rejuvenating itself for its next cleaning session.
Key considerations in your search for the best Shark robot vacuums
Battery life
Battery life is a key feature to consider when choosing a Shark robotic vacuum, particularly if you have a large home. After all, you don’t want your robotic vacuum to run out of power in the middle of a cleaning cycle. Another potential complication: Suction power may decrease as the runtime nears its end.
For the most efficient cleaning, a person with an average-size home should opt for a Shark robotic vacuum with at least one hour of battery life per charge. If you have a larger home, you may prefer a model with an even longer runtime. Look for one that offers up to two hours of battery life per charge.
Dustbin capacity
The size of the dustbin in a Shark robotic vacuum matters, especially if you have a large home or pets with lots of dander. If you were to choose a model with a smaller dustbin, you’d need to empty it more often to keep the suction power at maximum efficiency. With a larger dustbin, however, you don’t have to worry about this as much.
The standard dustbin on a Shark robotic vacuum has a capacity of approximately .45 quarts. However, some Shark robotic vacuums have an extra-large dustbin with a capacity of .7 quarts. For a larger home, the larger dustbin size is ideal.
Pet features
Some Shark robotic vacuums are designed specifically for pet owners. These models are better able to handle pet hair, dander, and similar allergens because they offer up to three times the suction power of a standard Shark robotic vacuum. Most feature a self-cleaning brush roll to eradicate the pet hair before it becomes a problem that overwhelms the machine.
Some, but not all, Shark robot vacuums can also perform wet mopping. When perusing the specs of a product, check to see whether the machine can do both.
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Smart sensor navigation
Shark robotic vacuums have a feature called Smart Sensor Navigation that allows them to sense the presence of furniture, objects, and other obstacles. The vacuum avoids obstacles in its path so your cleaning job isn’t interrupted. Notably, some Shark robotic vacuums are more sensitive than others. You’ll pay more for a model with higher-quality sensors, but a vacuum of this caliber will also clean more quickly and efficiently.
WiFi and voice control
Some of the best robot vacuums are WiFi-enabled, so they can connect to Shark’s smartphone app. Through the app, you can turn on the vacuum or set a cleaning schedule, even when you’re away from home. If you have an Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, you can also use voice controls to turn the vacuum on and set its schedule.
Did you know?
The lithium-ion batteries in a robotic vacuum don’t do well in extreme temperatures, so store your vacuum in a spot that doesn’t get too hot or too cold.
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Remote control
Shark robotic vacuums that aren’t WiFi-enabled feature a remote control that allows you to set a cleaning schedule for the vacuum. Simply turn on the vacuum to clean at a given time, or create a recurring cleaning schedule for certain days of the week.
Convertibility
Some Shark robotic vacuum cleaners include a detachable hand vac you can use to clean up messes. The hand vac is lightweight with a high-efficiency motor that picks up dirt and debris with strong suction. It also contains a multi-surface pet hair tool you can use to remove hair and dander from furniture and a crevice tool for cleaning between sofa cushions and other tight spaces.
Some Shark robotic vacuums will provide enhanced features to allow for easy cleanup of pet fur and other debris. We investigate how well each option works for a variety of materials.
While most Shark robotic vacuums will charge themselves on their own, it is important to find options with great battery life. We assess how long each one will clean before needing to return to its base.
A Shark robotic vacuum provides a hands-off approach to cleaning, that is until the dustbin gets full. We do a deep dive into the capacity of each option's dustbin and how long it can go before you have to empty it.
The cornerstone of every good Shark robotic vacuum is how well it will navigate your home. We vet each option to see how well it handles challenges in a home setting.
The height of a Shark robotic vacuum can affect how well it will successfully navigate the compact areas of your home, which is something we consider during our investigation.
Certain Shark robotic vacuum models will be WiFi-enabled so that you can program them to tackle any cleaning challenge. We always look into these options for our list.
Many options provide smart control via Alexa and Google home devices. We look for options that add versatility to the ways that you can utilize a Shark robot vacuum.
Some Shark robotic vacuums will come with additional supplies such as a hand vacuum to allow you to help clean. We consider the extras of each product we evaluate and how well they work given the additional cost.
Depending on the Shark robotic vacuum model, it may come with additional sensors that enable it to learn new obstacles in your home without reprogramming. We vet these claims to see how well these products work in different circumstances.
Shark robotic vacuums can range in price from $200 to $450 depending on how many features are included. We weigh the pros and cons of each model versus the price point it sits at.
Shark robotic vacuum prices
Inexpensive
Here’s some good news. The best robot vacuum cleaners are no longer extravagant purchases. Most homeowners can acquire one if that’s the type of vacuum cleaner they desire. The most affordable Shark robotic vacuums aren’t WiFi-enabled; instead, they work via remote control. These products have a standard-size dustbin and basic Smart Sensor Navigation and usually range from $200 to $359.
Mid-range
Shark robotic vacuums that are WiFi-enabled and can be controlled using Shark’s app are slightly more expensive, ranging from $230 and $375. Most feature a standard-size dustbin and basic Smart Sensor Navigation.
Expensive
The priciest Shark robotic vacuums are WiFi-enabled and have advanced Smart Sensor Navigation and an extra-large dustbin. Some are able to convert to a hand vac for added versatility. These products usually cost between $300 and $450.
Unlike a brand like iRobot, Shark did not break into the industry with robot vacuums. Instead, the company began its tenure with upright vacuums, stick vacuums, and canister vacuum cleaners. Shark is now a direct competitor with the iRobot Roomba line, including the top-selling iRobot Roomba i3, Roomba i7, Roomba j7, and Roomba s9.
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Tips
- Your Shark robotic vacuum could potentially get stuck in cables and wires from appliances that are lying on the floor. Consider using wire clips to hold cables and wires above your flooring to eliminate this problem.
- In addition to its hands-off nature, one of the best features of a Shark robot vacuum is that they are programmable. You can set it to clean zones of your home that see the most traffic, and you can set it to avoid certain zones as well.
- If you find that there are certain areas of a room that your Shark robotic vacuum doesn’t usually get to, try moving small items around the space to alter its cleaning pattern. For example, set a pair of shoes out to divert the vacuum from one spot to another.
- If you have pets, running your Shark robotic vacuum every day is the best way to keep pet hair, dander, and allergens at bay. If you have skittish pets who are afraid of your robotic vacuum, give them a place to seek refuge before running your robot vac. It can help to establish a safe, quiet, accessible room in the home for a dog or cat who dislikes the robot vacuum.
FAQ
Q. What do I need to do to prepare my home for cleaning with a Shark robotic vacuum?
A. Remove any obstacles that might impede its movements, such as clothing, loose cables, shoes, or children’s toys. If there are areas of your home you don’t want the vacuum to enter, use Shark’s boundary strips to block off the space.
Q. How long does a Shark cleaning cycle last?
A. It differs from model to model based on the battery life, but most Shark robotic vacuums have a cleaning cycle that lasts approximately one hour.
Q. What maintenance do I need to perform on a Shark robotic vacuum?
A. After every cleaning cycle, empty the dustbin. Once a week, check the main brush roll and side brushes for hair and debris and remove them as necessary. Remove the dustbin filter and tap it gently, or use a soft brush to remove any dirt that’s stuck in the pleats. Every two months, replace the filter for optimum performance.
Q. What is Shark AI laser navigation technology, and how does it compare or relate to Shark IQ technology?
A. Shark AI is a line of robots made by Shark with laser technology. Shark AI tech enables the vacuum to maneuver with fewer mistakes courtesy of its sensing lasers. The Shark IQ line also operates using sensors. Consumers have deliberated over whether they prefer Shark AI tech or Shark IQ tech. At this time, Shark IQ tech tends to have more followers simply because Shark IQ models have earned more positive reviews.
Q. I dislike dust and am looking for a bagless vacuum. Do robotic vacs require bags?
A. Usually not. Most robotic vacs are bagless. The debris is picked up and kept in a dustbin until it is ready to be emptied, either manually or automatically.
Q. I know I want a Shark vacuum, but I just can’t decide what the best vacuum would be for me. Advice?
A. “Best vacuum” is a bit of a subjective term. If you live in a home with medium to large-size rooms, you will probably want an upright vacuum, a canister vacuum, or a robotic vacuum to take on the bulk of your cleanup. Some people in this situation like to purchase a stick vacuum cleaner for supplemental work in between deep cleanings. This is assuming that you have standard floor types: bare floors in your kitchen area and pile carpet in other specific rooms. (If you have a high-pile carpet or even a medium-pile carpet, an upright should be one of your top considerations.)
If you live in a smaller apartment or home, you may be able to get by with a stick vacuum cleaner. A robovac would work in a smaller home as well. Stick vacs tend to work on all floor types, but read the product specs to be sure.
If mobility is an issue, we encourage you to consider either a robovac or a stick model because they are lighter and easier to maneuver, and they are designed to work well on various floor types.
Shark also makes handheld vacuum cleaners. These are great for small cleanups, but a handheld vac from any brand is unlikely to have the powerful suction and coverage needed to clean an entire home.
Q. I want to save money on my new robovac without sacrificing quality. Should I get an iRobot Roomba or a Shark robotic vacuum?
A. Your answer depends on which model you choose. The Roomba s9 and Roomba i7 are both approximately two times more expensive than, say, the Shark IQ. If you get a lower-grade iRobot Roomba, however, you may find the prices to be more comparable between a Shark IQ and an iRobot model. Your best bet is to align the product specs with your needs and budget.
Other fine makers of robotic vacuums include Samsung and eufy. You can check our eufy robot reviews here.
