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Shark ION Robot vs. Roomba: Difference & Similarities

 

Shark ION Robot vs Roomba

 

In this article, I am going to discuss Shark Ion vs. Roomba in greater details.

Roomba is popular for making robot vacuums, Shark has vacuum history of manufacturing uprights, stick, canister, and handheld models.

Both brands offer quality vacuum cleaner, which one is better? Let’s figure out.

Shark ION robot vs. Roomba

To be fair, Roomba is a well-known robot vacuum manufacturer vs. Shark. Whereas, robot vacuums by Shark ION series are more basic compared to Roomba, but comparable with Roomba 690 and 675.

Similarly, Roomba is far more established in making high-end robot vacuums like Roomba 980, 960, i7+ which comes with premium features and higher price tags.

Shark ION Robot Vacuums

As mentioned earlier, Shark manufactures a range of vacuum types including upright, stick, portable handhelds and tag-along canister. Despite having a wide collection of the vacuum cleaner, they also jumped into the robot vacuum industry to keep up with the ever-changing vacuum market.

The robot vacuums by Shark that we are going to discuss today are from Shark Ion Series, the 720 and 750 model.

Roomba Robot Vacuums

Roomba is a series of autonomous robotic vacuum cleaners by company iRobot. iRobot is a robotics company that also jumped into making robot vacuums and now they offer three models for residential use: Roomba (dry vacuuming), Braava (wet mopping), and Mirra (for submerged pool cleaning).

Shark ION vs. Roomba Comparison Chart

The comparison chart below shows the high-level features of the most popular Roomba models vs. the most popular Shark ION robot models.

 

 

Shark ION 750

  • Dimensions: 12.6″ diameter x. 2.6″ H
  • Run Time: ~60 minutes
  • Maintenance: ~$115 / year
  • Weight: 5.5 pounds

The Shark ION 750 Robot vacuum is a robot that comes with a unique feature of the self-cleaning brush roll.

But that’s not all…

This robot vacuum also brings some advanced features like Wifi-connectivity to completely control the vacuum and self-charging which allows the robot to recharge itself when running low on battery.

Furthermore, you can pair the robot with Amazon Alexa to control the bot using your voice. Shark ION 750 and 720 both come with the same battery that gives a run time of 60 minutes.

Pros
  • Premium features and lower price tag
  • Lightweight body
  • The 60-minute run time is sufficient to clean most areas
Cons
  • The “BotBoundary” strips are not user-friendly
  • The annual maintenance cost is higher compared to Roomba

Shark ION 720 Robot Vacuum

  • Dimensions: 12.6″ diameter x 2.6″ H
  • Run Time: ~60 minutes
  • Maintenance: ~$115 / year
  • Weight: 5.5 pounds

Shark ION 720 is the younger sibling to the 750 robots. The 720 has many features similar to the 750 like self-charging, scheduled cleanings, and includes a HEPA filter. Similarly, the 720 uses a single central brush roll and two spinning side brushes for cleaning.

The major difference between both models is that the 720 lacks wifi-connectivity and brings a wireless remote control for controlling the robot rather than a smartphone.

Pros
  • Run time is equal to 750 but price tag is much lower
  • Comes with a wireless remote control to start, stop or schedule
  • Low profile and lightweight design
Cons
  • Lacks wifi-connectivity or voice control feature
  • The annual maintenance costs are higher

 

Roomba 980

  • Dimensions: 13.9″ diameter x 3.6 H
  • Run Time: ~120 minutes
  • Maintenance: $37 / year
  • Weight: 8.7 pounds

The Roomba 980 without any doubt is the most advanced robot vacuum to date, that not only gives incredible cleaning performance but also a long 120-minute run time which is longest and twice compared to any models in this Shark ION vs. Roomba comparison.

Furthermore, the Roomba 980 offers Wifi-connectivity, HEPA filtration, and brings two virtual wall barriers.

Compared to “Botboundaries” by Shark ION, the virtual wall barriers by Roomba is much batter and can protect up to 10′ linear path plus a 4′ diameter for a sensitive area like electronics or pet food area.

Pros
  • Longer run time of 120 minutes
  • Wifi-connectivity and voice controlling feature
  • Amazing cleaning performance across all floor types
Cons
  • Expensive price tag
  • Makes noise while cleaning on hardwood floor and low carpet

 

Roomba 960

  • Dimensions: 13.8″ diameter x 3.6″ H
  • Run Time: ~120 minutes
  • Maintenance: ~$35 / year
  • Weight: 8.6 pounds

The Roomba 960 is similar to Roomba 980 that offers advanced brush roll to avoid tangles problem of pet hairs, and shares many other features of 980 like wifi-connectivity, scheduled cleanings, HEPA filtration.

But that’s not all…

The Roomba 960 is capable to generate wireless cleaning reports, using your smartphone app. The only difference between the Roomba 960 vs the 980 is the power boost bonus which 960 doesn’t have. The addition in the 980 helps to perform better in cleaning especially on thick carpets.

Pros
  • Run-time of 75 minutes
  • Recharge and resume feature
  • Annual maintenance cost is much lower compared to Shark robots.
Cons
  • Expensive price tag compared to Shark robots
  • Lacks “Power Boost” for high-pile carpet cleaning

 

Roomba 890

  • Dimensions: 13.9″ diameter x 3.6 H
  • Run Time: ~60 minutes
  • Maintenance: ~$34 / year
  • Weight: 8.4 pounds

The Roomba 890 robot vacuum belongs to the 800 series and this vacuum gives the same run time of Shark ION 750 model. The front side contains a “Clean” button, a handle and a dust bin release latch. The bottom side of the robot has a spinning brush for cleaning corners and tight spots, dual rubberized brush rolls for capturing dust and debris, without the tangles.

Furthermore, the Roomba 890 offers wifi-connectivity and voice controlling using Amazon Alexa, and a virtual barrier to cordon off specific areas.

Pros
  • Low price tag than 900 series
  • Wifi-connectivity and voice control feature
  • Dual brush rolls eliminate tangles problem
Cons
  • Expensive than Shark Ion Robots
  • Slightly struggles on high pile carpets

Here are some more comparisons of this robot:

Roomba 690

  • Dimensions: 13″ diameter x 3.6 H
  • Run Time: ~60 minutes
  • Maintenance: ~$3 / year
  • Weight: 7.8 pounds

The Roomba 690 robot vacuum belongs to the Roomba 600 series and is just below the Shark Ion 750 in price but similar in the range of feature.

This model offers many advanced features like wifi connectivity, dirt detection technology for navigation, but lacks memory mapping like advanced 900 Series robots.

Furthermore, the Roomba 690 lacks a HEPA filter, but have a fine-particulate filter. For cleaning this robot uses bristle-style brush roll that is more prone to tangles and similar to Shark Ion series.

Pros
  • Affordable price
  • Wifi connectivity and voice control feature
  • 60-minute long run
Cons
  • No HEPA filter
  • Bristle-style brush results in a tangle

Roomba 614

  • Dimensions: 13.4″ diameter x 3.7 H
  • Run Time: ~60 minutes
  • Maintenance: ~$30 / year
  • Weight: 7.5 pounds

The Roomba 614 also belong to the 600 series and the most basic model by iRobot Roomba. The price tag is much affordable, has simple user-friendly design and gives a battery time of 60 minutes which is similar to the 690 and 890.

But, this robot lacks HEPA filter, wifi-connectivity. That being said, for an inexpensive Roomba that cleans where it is put, this robot is a nice option.

Pros
  • Lower price tag
  • Wifi connectivity and voice control feature
  • Long 60-minute run time
Cons
  • No HEPA filter
  • Old bristle-style brush

 

Shark ION 750 vs. Roomba 690

We discussed several vacuums above but the best match for moderately priced vacuums is Shark Ion 750 vs Roomba 690. Both of these robots are wifi-enabled, can be controlled by app developed from each brand, and can run for 60-minutes.

Let’s see some differences

Shark Ion 750

Shark Ion 750

vs Roomba 690

Roomba 690

2,600 mAh Battery 1,800 mAh
~60 minutes Run time ~60 minutes
Unknown Dust bin capacity 0.3L
12.6″ dia. x 2.6″ Dimensions 13″ dia. x 3.6″
5.5 lbs. Weight 7.8 lbs.
$115 / year Maintenance $32 / year
Wifi-Enabled Wireless Control Wifi-Enabled
Boundary Strips (9′) Boundaries Virtual Barrier (1)
Single, bristle Brushroll Single, bristle
Yes Self-Charging Yes
Yes Scheduling Yes
Yes HEPA Filter No
Check Price Price Check Price

 

Shark ION 750 vs. Roomba 690 Differences

HEPA Filtration

The Shark Ion 750 comes with a HEPA filter to capture finer particulate. Whereas, the Roomba 690 comes with an AeroVac filter which is slightly less efficient than 750.

Maintenance cost

Prices for both of these robots are almost same but maintenance costs are:

Roomba 690 costs $32 a year for maintenance, while the Shark Ion 750 costs $115 a year.

Boundaries

The Shark Ion robots offer physical boundary strips known as “BotBoundaries” to restrict robots in specific areas. Similarly, the 750 model has a 9′ strip and two connectors allowing you to assemble it in different ways.

The Roomba 690 comes with an infrared virtual barrier, that uses light rays which are invisible for the human eye, but visible for the robot. This barrier allows you to cordon off 10′ area and can be turned on/off without having to move the barrier.

Fun part? Roomba 690 barrier can also be used in “Halo” mode to create a 4′ diameter zone for sensitive areas like the pet feeding area.

 

Shark ION 720 vs. Roomba 614

If you can sacrifice the wifi feature then the Shark ION 720 vs. Roomba 614 is another great comparison and less expensive than Ion 720 and Roomba 690.

Both vacuums navigate using infrared and have a central “Clean” button that allows easy start/stop cleaning cycles.

Let’s have a look at the differences of these both robots:

Shark Ion 720

Shark Ion 720

vs Roomba 614

Roomba 614

2,600 mAh Battery 1,800 mAh
~60 minutes Run time ~60 minutes
Unknown Dust bin capacity 0.3L
12.6″ dia. x 2.6″ Dimensions 13″ dia. x 3.6″
5.5 lbs. Weight 7.8 lbs.
$115 / year Maintenance $32 / year
Remote Control Wireless Control None
Boundary Strips (9′) Boundaries None
Single, bristle Brushroll Single, bristle
Yes Self-Charging Yes
Yes Scheduling No
Yes HEPA Filter No
Check Price Price Check Price

Shark ION 720 vs. Roomba 614 Differences

Boundaries

As mentioned earlier, the “BotBoundary” by Ion 750 uses strips to block the robot entering into certain areas. But the Roomba 614 is not compatible with virtual wall barriers.

Maintenance Costs

Again, the annual maintenance costs for Shark is much higher whereas, the Roomba 614 costs only $30 a year compared to Shark Ion 750 with $100 a year.

Scheduled Cleanings

As Ion 750 comes with wireless remote control, so you can perform scheduled cleanings, While the Roomba 614 lacks scheduled cleaning.

 

Shark ION 750 vs. Roomba 980

Honestly, this Shark vs Roomba article won’t be completed without Shark Ion 750 vs. Roomba 980 comparison.

Both of these robot vacuums boasts the best features each manufacturer currently offers, providing a fair assessment. Let’s see a quick comparison chart of both of these robots.

Shark Ion 750

Shark Ion 750

Roomba 980

Roomba 980

2,600 mAh Battery 3,300 mAh
~60 minutes Run time ~120 minutes
Unknown Dust bin capacity 0.3L
12.6″ dia. x 2.6″ Dimensions 13.9″ dia. x 3.6″
5.5 lbs. Weight 8.7 lbs.
$115 / year Maintenance $37 / year
Wifi-Enabled Wireless Control Wifi-Enabled
Boundary Strips (9′) Boundaries Virtual Barrier (2)
Single, bristle Brushroll Dual, rubber
Yes Self-Charging Yes
Yes Scheduling Yes
Yes HEPA Filter Yes
No Recharge & Resume Yes
No Cleaning Reports Yes
No Increased Suction for Carpet Yes
Check Price Price Check Price

Shark ION 750 vs. Roomba 980 Differences

To be fair, both vacuums have a huge price difference, which doesn’t make the fight fair. But if you have deep pockets, Roomba should be your best companion compared to the Shark Ion 750.

Self-Sufficiency

The Shark ION 750 is self-sufficient in a sense that it has resume and recharge function, also you can perform scheduled cleanings but compare to the Roomba 980, this model still needs a little babysitting.

On the other hand, the Roomba 980 not only comes with Recharge & Resume plus scheduled cleanings but also Digital Cleaning Reports and Memory mapping.

These features combine makes the Roomba self-sufficient enough that you might forget about the vacuum due to fewer interactions.

You can use your smartphone for scheduled cleanings, Memory mapping helps the robot to remember the layout of your entire home and the Digital Cleaning Reports show you exactly where the Roomba was cleaning.

Run Time

The Roomba 980 offers 120-minutes of run time which is way longer and twice of Ion 750 which is only 60-minutes.

Price

Obviously, bells and whistles come at a price. With the added features, improved navigation and sheer power, the Roomba 980 is an expensive robot vacuum. So or superb performance, go Roomba 980. But for better value Ion 750 is ideal.

What to Buy? Shark ION Robot or Roomba?

It all boils down to do this decision, that which vacuum should you get?

Despite the wider selection of robot vacuums by Roomba, Shark Ion cannot be ignored.

Both of these brands manufacture quality robot vacuums but choosing the right one for yourself really depends on what you need.

So, to choose between Shark vs. Roomba, you need to answer these questions to yourself.

What is your budget?

For a moderate budget, these are the vacuums you should choose:

If you’re looking for less expensive robot machines, these are the models you should go for:

If you have deep pockets, these advanced robots are for you:

What features you want?

If you are looking forward to a robot that can be controlled using a smartphone or voice, You should be looking for the following models:

If you want the best value but with simplicity, these are the robots you should go after:

If you are looking for smartest robot vacuums with advanced features like Recharge & Resume, Digital Cleaning Reports, Memory Mapping, then you should go for:

We explained Shark ION Robot vs. Roomba in greater details. We discussed all the best robots by Roomba and Shark to help you find the difference in both of these models.