Roomba i7 vs Shark IQ: Which Robot Vacuum is Right for You?
When it comes to robotic vacuums, two models that often draw attention due to their advanced features and performance are the Roomba i7 and the Shark IQ. Both brands are known for creating highly efficient cleaning robots that promise to make home cleaning easier and more convenient. While both models have a range of similarities, they also feature important differences that could influence which one is better suited for your needs. In this comparison, we’ll break down the key aspects of the Roomba i7 and Shark IQ to help you make the best decision for your home.
Key Specifications: Roomba i7 vs Shark IQ
Before diving into the details, let’s take a quick look at the core specifications of both robotic vacuums. This will give you a solid foundation to understand the differences between them.
| Feature | Roomba i7 | Shark IQ |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.34 x 3.63 inches | 12.4 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 7.44 lbs | 7.5 lbs |
| Battery Life | 75-90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Suction Power | 1700 Pa | 1700 Pa |
| Brush System | Dual Multi-Surface Brushes | Self-Cleaning Brushroll, Dual Side Brushes |
| Navigation | iAdapt® 3.0 with Visual Localization | Smart Sensor Navigation |
| Mapping | Yes (Imprint™ Smart Mapping) | Yes (Smart Mapping) |
| Dustbin Capacity | 500 ml | 0.7 liters |
| Filter Type | High-Efficiency Filter | High-Efficiency Filter |
| App Control | iRobot Home App | SharkClean™ App |
| Voice Control | Alexa/Google Assistant | Alexa/Google Assistant |
| Automatic Dirt Disposal | No | Yes (Self-Emptying Base) |
| Price Range | Premium | Premium |
Cleaning Performance: Roomba i7 vs Shark IQ
Suction Power and Cleaning System
Both the Roomba i7 and Shark IQ offer strong suction power, each providing 1700 Pa of suction, which is more than sufficient for cleaning low to medium-pile carpets, as well as hardwood floors. This makes both models highly effective at picking up dirt, dust, and debris.
- Roomba i7: Equipped with dual multi-surface brushes, the i7 is designed to handle various floor types, from carpets to hardwood floors. The dual brushes work in tandem to agitate debris and ensure thorough cleaning, while its high-efficiency filter captures fine dust and allergens.
- Shark IQ: The Shark IQ features a self-cleaning brushroll, which is particularly useful for homes with pets. The brushroll prevents hair from tangling, making it easier to maintain over time. Additionally, the Shark IQ has dual side brushes that help clean edges and corners, ensuring it reaches every part of your home.
| Surface Type | Roomba i7 Performance | Shark IQ Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwood Floors | Excellent | Excellent |
| Low-Pile Carpets | Excellent | Excellent |
| Medium-Pile Carpets | Excellent | Excellent |
| High-Pile Carpets | Good | Good |
| Pet Hair | Excellent | Excellent (Self-Cleaning Brush) |
Performance on Various Surfaces
Both vacuums perform exceptionally well on a variety of surfaces, including hardwood floors and low-pile carpets. However, when it comes to deep cleaning thicker carpets, both the Roomba i7 and Shark IQ are effective but not specialized for heavy-duty carpet cleaning. For homes with a mix of floor types and pet hair, the Shark IQ’s self-cleaning brushroll gives it a slight edge, as it ensures the brush stays free of tangled hair.
Navigation and Mapping: Roomba i7 vs Shark IQ
Roomba i7 Navigation
The Roomba i7 uses iAdapt® 3.0 Navigation with Visual Localization, which enables it to map and navigate your home efficiently. It creates a detailed map of your home through its sensors, allowing it to clean in a methodical, grid-like pattern. With Imprint™ Smart Mapping, it learns the layout of your home, which means it can clean specific rooms or areas on demand.
Shark IQ Navigation
The Shark IQ employs Smart Sensor Navigation, which helps the vacuum move around your home and avoid obstacles. It is equipped with mapping capabilities, and similar to the Roomba i7, it can clean specific rooms by selecting them on the app. However, its navigation is less advanced than the i7, as it lacks the Visual Localization and more sophisticated mapping features.
Self-Emptying Feature: Roomba i7 vs Shark IQ
One major difference between these two models is that the Shark IQ comes with a self-emptying base. After completing a cleaning session, the Shark IQ automatically empties its dustbin into the base, so you don’t have to worry about emptying it manually for weeks at a time. This feature is particularly convenient for those who want a truly hands-off cleaning experience.
The Roomba i7, on the other hand, does not come with this feature, meaning you will need to empty the dustbin manually after each cleaning session. However, the i7 does offer a large dustbin (500 ml), which can handle multiple cleaning cycles before needing to be emptied.
Smart Features: Roomba i7 vs Shark IQ
Roomba i7 Smart Features
- App Control: The Roomba i7 can be controlled via the iRobot Home App, which allows you to schedule cleanings, monitor cleaning history, and customize cleaning preferences. You can also map specific rooms for the robot to clean.
- Voice Control: The Roomba i7 is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling you to start, stop, or schedule cleanings using voice commands.
Shark IQ Smart Features
- App Control: The Shark IQ can be controlled through the SharkClean™ app, where you can schedule cleanings, view cleaning maps, and monitor cleaning status.
- Voice Control: Like the Roomba i7, the Shark IQ also supports voice control with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, offering similar convenience.
While both models offer robust app control and voice assistant compatibility, the Roomba i7 offers more advanced smart features with its ability to create specific room maps and select rooms for targeted cleaning. The Shark IQ, on the other hand, excels in its self-cleaning brushroll and self-emptying base, making it a more hands-off option.
Battery Life and Runtime: Roomba i7 vs Shark IQ
Both vacuums are equipped with strong battery life, although the Shark IQ holds a slight advantage in this category.
- Roomba i7: Offers up to 90 minutes of runtime on a single charge, which is adequate for cleaning most homes, but larger homes may require the vacuum to recharge before completing the job.
- Shark IQ: The Shark IQ provides 90 minutes of runtime as well, and thanks to its efficient navigation, it can cover large areas more quickly. In larger homes, it may also return to its base to recharge and continue cleaning.
Price and Value: Roomba i7 vs Shark IQ
Both the Roomba i7 and Shark IQ are premium robotic vacuums that come with advanced features, and they are priced accordingly. However, the value proposition differs depending on your needs.
- Roomba i7: The Roomba i7’s price is justified by its advanced navigation, ability to map rooms, and overall efficiency in cleaning. It is an ideal choice for users looking for a smart, customizable cleaning experience.
- Shark IQ: The Shark IQ is priced similarly but offers more value in terms of the self-emptying feature and pet-specific cleaning capabilities. If you prioritize convenience and a more hands-off cleaning process, the Shark IQ may offer better value.
| Feature | Roomba i7 | Shark IQ |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Premium | Premium |
| Value for Money | Excellent for smart navigation | Excellent for self-emptying base |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the Roomba i7 if:
- You want the most advanced navigation and mapping capabilities.
- You need a customizable cleaning schedule and room-specific cleaning.
- You are willing to manually empty the dustbin but prefer a more efficient cleaning process.
Choose the Shark IQ if:
- You want a vacuum that can self-empty and require less manual intervention.
- You have pets and want a self-cleaning brushroll to prevent hair tangles.
- You are looking for a more affordable option with similar suction power but with added convenience.
Final Verdict
Both the Roomba i7 and Shark IQ offer exceptional cleaning performance, making either a great choice for most households. The Roomba i7 excels in smart navigation, room-specific cleaning, and advanced mapping features, while the Shark IQ stands out with its self-cleaning brushroll and self-emptying base, making it ideal for those who want a low-maintenance cleaning experience.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs: If you want more intelligent mapping and customized cleaning, the Roomba i7 is your best bet. If you prefer a more automated, hands-off approach with self-emptying capabilities, the Shark IQ may be the better fit.