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Shark Vs. Roomba: Who Makes The Best Robovac For You?
If you're in the market for a robot vacuum, you're probably familiar with one of the category's biggest brands, iRobot's Roomba. But you may be less familiar with its rival, SharkNinja.
iRobot was founded in 1990 by three MIT roboticists and it popularized the robovac category when it launched the first Roomba in 2002. Over the 20-odd years since then, the company has introduced a slew of improvements that allow its robovacs to map out the inside of homes, empty their dustbins autonomously and even mop floors.
While Roomba has consistently led the category, other brands are nipping at its robo heels. That includes SharkNinja, which launched its Shark line of robovacs in 2017.
The best robot vacuum to buyFor those on the market for a robovac and debating between the two brands, CNET's recommendation is simple: Get a Roomba.
In our list of the best robot vacuums of 2025, iRobot blew away the competition, with its iRobot Roomba Combo J7 Plus scoring the title of best robot vacuum overall alongside the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo. The company also took the lead in two other categories: the iRobot Roomba S9 Plus was named the best robot vacuum for pet hair and plush carpets, while the iRobot Roomba J7 Plus (which doesn't include mop functionality) earned the distinctive title of best poop-detecting robot vacuum.
While iRobot is a clear favorite among CNET's testers, there are instances when someone may opt for a Shark robovac. Read on for more dirt on the competition between iRobot and Shark.
iRobotShark vs. Roomba: How to decide between the robovacsWhen deciding between robovacs, there are a few main factors to keep in mind. CNET has come up with an extensive series of tests we use to test robot vacuums. Briefly, these are:
Speaking of value, that's primarily Shark's selling point. For those looking to spend less than $500 on a robovac, Shark offers a few models on the lower end that offer a good mix of features and reliability. These include the Shark AI, a robot vacuum-and-mop combo, that can be bought on sale for $300. There's also the Shark Matrix, another two-in-one that can be found on sale for $500. This model features Matrix Clean, where the bot cleans in a "precision matrix grid" and takes multiple passes over your floors to clean dirt and debris.
If you have a little more money in your budget for a robovac, Shark's PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop may be worth considering. The two higher end models, available on sale for between $600 to $1,000, automatically refill their water tanks and empty debris into the base and use lidar for navigation. The more expensive model even washes the mop pad autonomously. In an email to CNET, a SharkNinja representative said that its "PowerDetect series with NeverTouch dock is the best all around. Both are great for pet hair with the self-cleaning brushroll and the auto-empty dock."
Weight 25 poundsBin Capacity 0.31 litersAnti-Allergy Filter (HEPA) YesVacuum Type Robot
LikeThe Shark PowerDetect is one of Shark's top-end models in robot vacuums. Like many competitors, including the Roomba Combo J7 Plus, it tackles both vacuuming and mopping. It deep-cleans and mops your floors, while the NeverTouch Pro base means you don't have to worry about cleanup or maintenance for weeks at a time. After every cleaning run, the robot will return to the base to empty debris, refill the water tank, and wash and dry the mopping pad so it's always ready for its next cleaning. It comes with NeverStuck Technology, to help lift itself over obstacles and across thresholds to avoid getting stuck.
During testing, the robovac performed well, picking up black rice from hardwood floors and low- and midpile carpet, earning perfect scores for each. The vacuum also picked up about 96% of sand from hardwood floors, but struggled more picking sand up from thicker carpets. Overall performance for carpets is similar to the Combo J7 Plus, though the PowerDetect is significantly heavier.
In CNET's testing of the Shark's PowerDetect, our review team found the robovac performed excellently while picking up black rice from hardwood floors and low- and mid-pile carpet, earning perfect scores (100%) scores for each. The vac also picked up about 96% of sand from hardwood floors. The PowerDetect scored decently when it came to picking up sand from carpet, vacuuming a bit more than half during tests (50% is considered a good benchmark by CNET's review team). It's worth noting PowerDetect's low-pile carpet performance is similar to the highly rated (and similarly priced) Roomba J7 Plus, while Shark claimed victory with midpile carpet.
SharkWhere Roomba robovacs winWhat sets apart iRobot's top-rated Roomba Combo J7 Plus (one of two of CNET's picks for best overall robot vacuum) from the competing Shark PowerDetect is a clever feature that allows the robovac to stow away its mopping pad while cleaning carpets. If it detects carpets, the robovac uses arms to lift out the motorized mopping pad from the bottom of the unit to the top.
"It's just a better, more high-end approach to automated mopping and one you won't need to think about quite as much," our review team wrote. The J7 Plus also boasts of PrecisionVision Navigation, which iRobot says helps it avoid objects such as cords, pet waste, socks and shoes, so you don't have to tidy up before it cleans.
Weight 7.5Bin Capacity 0.3 litersAnti-Allergy Filter (HEPA) YesVacuum Type Robot
LikeThe Roomba Combo J7 Plus isn't just a vacuum. Like the Shark PowerDetect, it integrates mopping into its repertoire. Instead of simply attaching a mopping pad underneath, iRobot designed a motorized mopping system with arms that lift the pad from the bottom of the device and move it to the top when it detects carpeted surfaces.
This ensures the Roomba never drags a wet, dirty mopping pad across freshly vacuumed carpets. To evaluate this feature, CNET experts tested the Roomba Combo J7 Plus in a home setting with both carpets and hardwood floors. During its initial mapping run, it accurately identified carpeted areas and consistently lifted the mop before moving onto those sections. This thoughtful design makes for a superior, more sophisticated automated mopping experience that requires minimal oversight.
The Roomba Combo J7 Plus also excels as a vacuum cleaner, ranking among the top five on all three flooring types we tested -- a feat matched only by the Neato D10. It particularly shines on hardwood floors, topping our list of the best robot vacuums for this surface.
While its navigation isn't quite as precise as lidar-based models from brands like Dreametech, Neato and Roborock, and it would be convenient if it had a water tank in the dock to avoid refilling the reservoir before each mopping session, these are minor drawbacks. Overall, this motorized mopping machine meets all the criteria CNET experts expect from a high-quality combo cleaner for any home.
Weight 8.2 poundsBin Capacity 0.38 litersAnti-Allergy Filter (HEPA) YesVacuum Type Robot
LikeOur testing procedures have changed over the years, but the S9 Plus continues to be a standout, with excellent performance on thick, plush carpets. It also handled one of the biggest challenges, picking up sand in our midpile carpet tests. In our previous test setup, the Roomba S9 Plus sucked up 71%, which was significantly better than any other cleaner we had ever tested.
The S9 Plus also aced our pet hair pickup tests, where we scatter clumps of actual pet hair donated from a friendly local groomer across all of our test floors. The Roomba S9 Plus didn't miss a single clump. It isn't as good a performer on hardwood floors, and it doesn't include a mop at all, but if your home is filled with plush carpets and your pets are having a field day shedding fur across them, the self-emptying Roomba S9 Plus is a perfect pick for your home.
Other units in iRobot's robot vacuum product line also scored highly with CNET's reviews team. The Roomba S9 Plus is no longer available from iRobot, but good deals can be found for it. Best Buy has it on clearance for $420 packaged with iRobot's Braava Jet M6, a robomop. In CNET's list of the best robot vacuums of 2025, the review team wrote: "If your home is filled with plush carpets and your pets are having a field day shedding fur across them, the self-emptying Roomba S9 Plus is a perfect pick for your home."
The new Roomba Combo j7 Plus can easily move from mopping your hardwood floor to vacuuming your carpet. Alison DeNisco Rayome/CNETShark vs. Roomba: Which one should you choose?If you don't have a strict budget in mind for your robovac purchase, the choice between Shark and Roomba is clear: Go with one of CNET's choices for the best overall robovac, the Roomba Combo J7 Plus. If you're looking to save some money and don't mind waiting, you're likely to find a good deal on a Shark unit at or below $300.
Are Shark robovacs better value than Roomba?
It depends what you're looking for in a robot vacuum. Roomba is a popular robovac brand among CNET's review team, scoring three top picks in our list of the best robot vacuums of 2025. That said, Shark's lower priced devices, around the $300 mark, are said to pack a lot of value in that price range.
Do robovacs work for a house with multiple floors?
Certain models of robovacs, such as Shark's AI series and the Roomba Combo i5, come equipped with zone mapping that helps the bot navigate your rooms and furniture. However, most robovacs are not equipped to navigate stairs, meaning you'll have to carry your robovac to each floor for it to clean. If you have the budget, you could get a robovac for each floor of your home.
According to iRobot, the battery in its robovacs should last for about two to three years before it needs to be replaced. The company provides a limited warranty for its products that lasts one year from the date of delivery. Some individuals on a Reddit discussion, however, have said they've seen units last for nearly a decade.
The IRobot Roomba Vacuum And Mop Is Down To Just $199, A Price Never Seen Before On Amazon
Keeping your home clean doesn't have to be a daily chore, thanks to modern robotic cleaning solutions. Whether you're a busy professional, a pet owner dealing with constant fur, or someone who simply prefers to spend time on more enjoyable activities, a reliable robot vacuum and mop combo can be a game-changer. And right now, you can save big on a model that can help you get the job done in record time.
See at Amazon
Right now, the iRobot Roomba i5 Robot Vacuum and Mop is currently available at Amazon for just $199, marked down from its original price of $350. This impressive 43% discount saves you $151, and plenty of time, too. That's why you should go ahead and grab one if you've been thinking about doing so.
A combo vacuum and mop that gets the job doneThis 2-in-1 vacuum and mop combo features a sophisticated 4-Stage Cleaning System equipped with Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes. These brushes are designed to adapt to different floor types, whether you're dealing with plush carpets or hard surfaces. Pet owners will also appreciate how the brushes resist tangling with pet hair. That's.A common frustration with many robot vacuums.
This model can easily swap between vacuuming and mopping functions with a simple bin switch. This dual functionality eliminates the need for separate devices, saving both money and storage space. The smart mapping technology learns your home's layout, allowing you to direct cleaning to specific rooms either on a schedule or on-demand through voice commands or the user-friendly iRobot Home app.
Battery life is another strong point, with the lithium-ion battery providing up to 180 minutes of continuous cleaning time. This extended runtime ensures the device can handle larger homes or thorough cleaning sessions without frequent charging interruptions. The smart navigation system means it cleans efficiently, making the most of its battery life while ensuring comprehensive coverage of your living space. And best of all, you won't have to "teach" your robot vacuum how to behave, it can more than handle itself when mapping images of your home.
At $199, this deal is a can't-miss, especially if you spend more time than is necessary each week on tidying up. For anyone looking to automate their cleaning routine or upgrade from a basic robot vacuum, this significant discount makes it an attractive time to make the purchase. The combination of versatile cleaning capabilities and smart features makes this a great option for just about anyone.
See at Amazon
Save Over $400 On The Roomba J7+ And Finally Retire Your Old Vacuum
SAVE $440: As of Jan. 28, iRobot Roomba j7+ robot vacuum is available at Best Buy for $359, a massive $440 discount off its regular $799 price tag.
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Credit: iRobot
No one loves vacuuming, and with the iRobot Roomba j7+, you'll never have to think about it again. Right now, it's down to $359 in Best Buy's 48-hour flash sale, saving you a jaw-dropping $440. This is a game-changing deal for a robot vacuum that not only cleans but empties itself.
The Roomba j7+ takes cleaning to the next level with 10x the power-lifting suction compared to the Roomba 600 series, making it perfect for tackling stubborn messes. Got pets? It's a lifesaver. IRobot guarantees its P.O.O.P. (Pet Owner Official Promise, fantastic), meaning the j7+ can identify and avoid pet waste. If it fails, they'll replace it for free.
Say goodbye to pre-cleaning rituals. With PrecisionVision Navigation, this vacuum can dodge obstacles like cables, shoes, and even socks. Set it loose, and it'll navigate your home like a pro. With Imprint Smart Mapping, you can customize its cleaning schedule by room and time, store multiple floor plans, and create "Keep Out Zones" for areas you'd rather skip.
One of the best features is the self-emptying base. The Roomba j7+ empties itself into an enclosed dirt disposal bag, meaning you don't have to deal with the dust for months. It even knows when to clean without bothering you, starting its rounds when you leave the house and wrapping up before you return.
Mashable Deals
From rugs to hardwood, the Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes adjust automatically to different floor types, so every surface gets the attention it deserves. It's also equipped with Cliff Detect, which prevents it from falling down the stairs, and advanced sensors that glide under furniture with ease.
At $359, this deal is a no-brainer for anyone tired of dragging out the old vacuum. With features like voice control through Alexa or Google Assistant and personalized cleaning suggestions, the Roomba j7+ doesn't just clean your home — it changes how you think about cleaning altogether. But hurry — this deal disappears after today, and so should your old vacuum.
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